Short summary of works of Professor Lars Alfredsson on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sustainable Health through the EIRA study

Lars Alfredsson, a renowned professor of epidemiology at the Institute of Environmental Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, and alongside Prof. Lars Klareskog, they manage the Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA) project, aiming to understand the role of genetic and environmental factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development.

1. Purpose of the Project: The EIRA project seeks to lay the foundation for evidence-based counseling on lifestyle choices for RA patients to improve their well-being. By investigating lifestyle factors such as smoking, body composition and mass index (BMI), diet, and exercise, the project aims to identify preventive measures against RA.
2. Project Progress: Initiated in 1995, the EIRA study collects extensive data on RA development and progression. Data from the Swedish Rheumatology's Quality Register (SRQ) aids in studying disease progression and the impact of lifestyle changes on RA course.
3. Importance of Investigation: Understanding how environmental factors interact with treatment, such as the effects of smoking on medication, is crucial for sustainable disease management. Exploring areas like diet and BMI's relationship with RA progression provides insights for evidence-based counseling and promotes sustainable health practices.

The impact of similar study in other parts of the world also underscores the importance of collaborative research efforts, early detection, and personalized treatment strategies in addressing rheumatoid arthritis and promoting sustainable health outcomes.

Using the knowledge gathered over the years, now extends to a collaboration in RA Research through an international postdoctoral study proposal between Sweden and South Africa. This collaborative research aims to understand Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) factors and environmental influences, particularly in South Africa where RA incidence is rising. Utilizing innovative methods like genetic analysis, smartphone apps, and ultrasound imaging, the study will integrate data from South Africa with existing studies from Sweden and Malaysia.

Goals:
1. Understand RA risk factors, including genetics and prevalent infections like Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa. Analyze disease variations by gender and serology subsets.
2. Utilize advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasound, for non-invasive disease assessment and precision medicine.

Aims:
• Enhance prevention strategies through lifestyle modifications.
• Improve precision medicine approaches for RA management.
• Advance understanding of RA etiology globally.

It is hoped that this collaborative effort promises significant advancements in rheumatoid arthritis research, benefitting patients in South Africa and contributing to disease burden management in a sustainable and effective way, internationally.