Four phases in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
| Phase | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Preinduction | Intestinal colonisation by arthritogenic bacteria |
| Induction | Degradation products of arthritogenic bacteria enter joint tissue |
| Inflammation | Antigen presentation. Production of metalloproteinases, proteases and prostaglandins |
| Destruction | Pannus formation. Osteoclast activation |