Muscle wasting in rheumatoid arthritis: The role of oxidative stress

Figure 1 Hypothesis: Inflammation reduces anti-oxidant capacity which increases reactive oxygen species concentration, further activating pro-inflammatory pathways, entering the body into a vicious circle. Control of inflammation via medication might increase anti-inflammatory capacity of the body while exercise and supplementation may lead to increased anti-oxidant capacity both resulting in reduced oxidative stress and preserve muscle mass. ROS: Reactive oxygen species. AP: Activator protein; NFκB: Nuclear factor kappa β.