What role does the body have in rheumatoid arthritis?

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body plays a significant role through the immune system, which becomes dysregulated and leads to the production of rheumatoid factor. Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that targets the body's own tissues and is commonly found in the blood of individuals with RA. The presence of this factor can be an indicator of the disease and reflects the autoimmune nature of rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system erroneously attacks joint tissues.

The production of rheumatoid factor contributes to the inflammation and subsequent damage to the synovial membrane, which lines the joints. This inflammation leads to further complications such as pain, swelling, and, over time, joint destruction. Understanding the role of rheumatoid factor is crucial in diagnosing and managing rheumatoid arthritis, as it helps in differentiating RA from other types of arthritis.

In contrast, the absence of rheumatoid factor would imply that the autoimmune process characteristic of RA is not active in that individual, while the release of joint fluid is a symptom of the disease rather than a role in disease progression or diagnosis. Preventing joint damage is a goal of treatment but not a function of the body's response in the context of rheumatoid arthritis.