Pediatric Rheumatology Research IDEA Lab
Biomarkers in Multisystem Inflammation
Towards Improved Understanding of Inflammation Markers in Childhood Rheumatic Diseases
Innovation
Childhood rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation in joints, muscles, bones, and other organs and tissues. There have been astonishing advances in understanding inflammation pathways in the body and how they are altered in certain diseases. These discoveries have helped diagnose and treat children with rheumatic diseases and have inspired entirely new forms of drug treatments. The IDEA Lab is interested in learning more about mediators of inflammation that occur early (upstream) in the inflammation signalling pathways. Knowing more about these upstream mediators will help discover what causative factors incite these upstream biomarkers to initiate the inflammation cascade.
Discovery
The laboratory continues to explore a variety of upstream biomarkers that mediate inflammation including high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor (sLRP1), and others. The laboratory also has discovered patterns of biomarkers that can help classify and predict outcomes of childhood arthritis.
Engagement
The IDEA Lab is grateful for the patients and families who have participated in studies that have contributed to the success of these studies. This work has been supported by: Arthritis Society Canada, The Kehrig Family Fund, and The Wiebe Family Fund. We are grateful to local, national, and international collaborators who have facilitated this research.
Action
Our results are beginning to generate new knowledge that should provide patients, families, and care providers with an improved understanding of the mechanisms and possible causes of certain childhood rheumatic diseases.