DNMT1 and rheumatoid arthritis: It causes the degradation of DNMT1 and demethylation of genes such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 3.[32] On another note, the DNA methyltransferase activator budesonide has shown promise in increasing DNA methylation levels and improving tender and swollen joint counts in RA patients.[33]Turning to the aspect of pathogenesis, recent research has uncovered several potential triggers for rheumatoid arthritis.