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Discussion on New Article on IRAP Therapy for Horses
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 - 9:20 am:
The first step to understanding what IRAP therapy is and it's role in the treatment of degenerative joint disease type of arthritis is to understand the acronym "IRAP". Let's explain the letters one at a time.
The "I" stands for Interleukin-1 (abbreviated IL-1) which is a cytokine, one of the first ever described. Cytokines are produced by cells and and then diffuse to another cell and alters the behavior of that cell. This means cytokines are a type of locally acting hormone. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is believed to be a major mediator of joint disease by communicating with cells in the joint and inducing the release of inflammatory products. In order to exert it's effects IL-1 must communicate with cells by means of a receptor on the target cell it effects. This cell receptor to IL-1 is abbreviated as IL-1R and is the "R" in the acronym. If you can block the IL-1R you are antagonizing the receptor's activation, so "A"ntagonizing is the "A" in IRAP. A protein has been identified that antagonizes the IL-1R is referred to as a IL-1Ra Protein which become the P in IRAP. To put it all together without the abbreviations could look like this: Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonizing Protein.
Inflammation can be a good thing but in degenerative joint disease the inflammation is excessive leading to further degeneration of the joint. IRAP therapy involves decreasing the effects of IL-1 with a protein. This article discusses IL-1 and it's role in DJD, the therapeutic options currently in use, and results of studies using this therapy in horses.
To access article click here
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 - 8:39 am:
Great article, and very clearly explained - many thanks for your time and trouble DrO!
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New Member:
cheryle
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Posted on Friday, Jan 2, 2009 - 5:37 am:
Dr. O
How do we find Vets who are familiar and use this type of treatment. I think kaseyn would benefit from IRAP but would need better education and advice. I am in wisconsin so if you have any ideas, please let me know.
cheryle
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jan 2, 2009 - 9:02 am:
Cheryle, did you back up one page to the complete article and read it? The several paragraphs above are just an excerpt. The article contains much more information and can be accessed from the navigation link at the top of this page. To find the closest place doing IRAP I would contact my local veterinarian or veterinary school.
DrO
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