University of Manchester

Academic Institute

OFHS240210

Rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, are major causes of disability, but their causes and their impact on health are not always well understood. For example, traditional research methods can struggle to untangle whether a factor causes disease or if their connection is merely coincidental. Our research aims to address these uncertainties by combing traditional research methods with genetic information in three areas: 1. To study the causes of rheumatic diseases, such as lifestyle factors that could be altered to prevent disease, or proteins in the blood that could lead to new treatments. 2. To study the effect of rheumatic diseases on health, like heart disease or cancer. 3. To improve how accurately researchers define rheumatic diseases by using information from people’s genes. This research is made possible by the many volunteers in Our Future Health, who have provided both health and genetic information. By better understanding the causes of rheumatic diseases and their complications, we aim to help prevent and treat rheumatic diseases. We will work closely with an established group of people with lived experience of rheumatic diseases to ensure our research addresses real needs and that our findings are clear and understandable to the public. Rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases can cause significant pain, disability, and time off work. These diseases can also shorten life by increasing the risk of other health problems, like heart disease and cancer. Finding ways to prevent or treat rheumatic diseases and their complications is a top priority for research. To improve care, we need to understand why these diseases happen and who is most at risk. Research in this area faces two key challenges. The first is determining whether links between rheumatic diseases and other factors, such as obesity or cancer, are direct causes or simply coincidences. Sometimes hidden causes—known as “confounding factors”—might explain these connections. The second is how rheumatic diseases are defined in research, which often relies on medical records or people’s memory. These methods can be inaccurate, leading to less reliable results. Our research aims to overcome these challenges by combining traditional research methods with genetic information. This innovative approach will help identify factors that could be changed to prevent disease, discover potential new treatment, and improve understanding of how rheumatic diseases contribute to other health problems. This research will support scientists, healthcare-providers, and policymakers in reducing the impact of rheumatic diseases on individuals and society.

Rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases are expected to become more common as global populations grow older and heavier. The impact of these diseases on quality and duration of life is substantial and will likely increase. For example, osteoarthritis alone affects 40% of individuals over the age of 70 and costs the UK economy £15 billion per year, yet there are currently no medications that can slow its progression. Addressing this growing challenge through robust research to prevent, predict, and manage rheumatic diseases is a public health priority. There are several unmet needs in this area that, if addressed, could greatly benefit the public. For example, understanding the role that blood proteins play in these diseases could lead to new treatments. Finding ways to diagnose and treat these diseases earlier could prevent long-term damage and disability. Furthermore, understanding how rheumatic diseases contribute to other health problems could inform new strategies to protect health. This research aims to improve health, reduce disability, and help healthcare systems to meet the growing burden of rheumatic diseases. Working closely with people who have lived experience, we will ensure our research stays focused on public benefit and that our findings are shared in clear, accessible ways.

Public Health Research

30/04/2025

30/04/2025

TRE