Funk, J. L., & Timmermann, B. N. (2006). Translational investigation of turmeric for arthritis treatment: a review of lessons learned.. Natural Product Communication, 1, 1061-1066.
Funk, J. L. (2018). Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis associated with turmeric dietary supplement use. BMJ Case Reports.
Funk, J. L. (2018). Natural Product Dietary Supplement Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review.. Arth Care and Res.
Funk, J. L., Shoback, D. M., & Genant, H. K. (1995). Transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy: natural history of changes in bone mineral density. Clinical endocrinology, 43(3), 373-82.
A 31-year-old white female developed severe bilateral hip pain during the third trimester of pregnancy that persisted after parturition. Laboratory abnormalities (elevated alkaline phosphatase and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and radiographic changes (faint demineralization of the femur in the more symptomatic hip on plain films with evidence of bone marrow oedema and small joint effusions bilaterally on MRI) in the absence of other causes of focal osteoporosis were consistent with the diagnosis of transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy. Although loss of bone mineral density (BMD) characterizes this syndrome, serial BMD measurements in symptomatic transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy have not previously been reported. In the case reported here, serial bone density measurements were obtained over a 4-year period following the onset of symptoms. BMD in both femoral necks, which initially was approximately 20% lower than the average for age matched controls, increased markedly during the first year, plateaued during the following year, and then rapidly increased again following cessation of lactation. Unexpectedly, BMD in the lumbar spine, an asymptomatic site, was also markedly decreased at the time of presentation (31% lower than the mean of age-matched controls). Recovery of spinal density did not occur during the first year. However, spinal BMD did begin to increase during the second year and continued to rise after the cessation of lactation. In contrast to the marked reduction in bone density at these site of trabecular bone, cortical bone density in the forearm was normal. Possible aetiologies of pregnancy associated osteoporosis are discussed.
Funk, J. L. (2001). A role for parathyroid hormone-related protein in the pathogenesis of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. International immunopharmacology, 1(6), 1101-21.
Our increased understanding of the critical role of cytokines in chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases has led to the recent development of effective anti-cytokine treatments. In particular, agents blocking the function of TNF-alpha, a cytokine first identified as an endotoxin-inducible mediator of tumor cell necrosis, are now licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease. However, TNF-alpha is but one member of a cytokine network that is responsible for mediating these inflammatory disorders. Therefore, as our understanding of the pathophysiologic role of other members of this inflammatory network increases, other cytokines may similarly be identified as effective targets for treatment. In this article, we will review evidence which suggests that parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a peptide which, like TNF-alpha, was first identified because of its effects in the setting of malignancy, may in fact serve an important non-neoplastic, physiologic function by mediating the inflammatory/autoimmune host response. Data identifying PTHrP as a member of the cytokine network induced in multi-organ inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis will be summarized, initial evidence comparing the therapeutic efficacy of PTHrP- vs. TNF-alpha-blockade in the treatment of endotoxemia will be reviewed, and potential future areas of research, including assessment of the effects of PTHrP blockade in the treatment of RA, will be discussed.