Predictivity and sensitivity of animal models of arthritis.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease. Arthritis refers to a group of rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Arthritis is more heterogeneous and this is an important starting point when discussing animal models for arthritis. Animal models are instrumental in understanding the etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis. Several new mouse models have either been produced. Various methods have been applied to induce in animals experimental models of arthritis which would provide important insights into the aetiopathogenetic mechanisms of human RA.