Mood and Joint Immunopsychiatry (MOJO) study: A study of inflammation and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Sjögren’s syndrome.

​

What is the purpose of the study?

The MOJO study investigates the role of inflammation in mental health and well-being. Inflammation is the normal response of the immune system to illness and injury, which is particularly the case for chronic illnesses such as arthritis. This inflammation has been linked to depression, but how inflammation causes depressive symptoms are unknown. Our first aim is to assess mood and other mental health symptoms across chronic illnesses associated with inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and primary Sjögren’s syndrome). This may help us identify the components of the immune system that are related to mental wellbeing.

​

Our second goal is to collect blood samples to measure the proteins transported in blood. This can detail the amount of inflammation an individual has and the pathways involved in the condition. By comparing across a single patient group, how these proteins affect mood can be investigated, potentially identifying pathways that inflammation can lead to depression.

​

​

For more information please contact Joel Parkinson, jp820@medschl.cam.ac.uk or tel 01223 747193.