Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the synovial lining.  Several reports have suggested that this inflammation may be due to endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria, based on the observation that individuals with greater bacterial exposure show higher rates of RA.  Recently, using an in vitro model system, a group from Germany has demonstrated that endotoxin interacts with procollagen and causes cartilage inflammation and degeneration:

Scientists at BioDtech, Inc. have successfully removed trace amounts of endotoxin bound to proteins.  In addition they have measured previously undetectable levels of endotoxin which could cause activation of the immune system.  BioDtech products are designed to more accurately detect endotoxin and remove it from proteins and DNA.