Arthritis and the Jewish Population

Dr. Michael Wald (Board Certified Nutritionist), The Blood Detective

914-242-8844  / www.intmedny.com  /www.blooddetective.com

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of febrile peritonitis, pleuritis and synovitis. Arthritis is a common and important feature of FMF. Since FMF can be diagnosed by a simple DNA mutation analysis, all Jewish people with arthritis should be tested for FMF in order to prevent the complications (amyloidosis and protracted arthritis).

Mediterranean Fever (aka MEFV), and particularly the E148Q mutation that create the genetic susceptibility for MEFV, is an independent modifier of the clinical manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This means that a Jewish person with this gene mutation (E148Q) is more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (aka AS), a form of autoimmune arthritis, involves genes known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), that includes HLA-B27. The presence of this gene in the Jewish population increases the chances of the individual to developing AS.

 

 

 

 

 

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*DISCLAIMER: Dr. Michael Wald is a doctor of chiropractic with a masters degree in nutrition. He is also a Certified Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Nutritional Specialist and Sports Nutritionist. Dr. Wald is certified to provide acupuncture in several states, but not New York. Dr. Wald has two board certifications in nutrition. Dr. Michael Wald earned his MD diploma, but did not complete a residency and is thus not licensed to practice medicine. The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not to substitute for sound medical or health advice. Information contained within this website may change at any time without prior notice. The information on this website is under copyright, 2021.