Open Access Rheumatology-Research and Reviews最新文献

Purpose: MicroRNAs (miR) have emerged as key regulatory molecules in immune response and inflammation. This study investigated the association between the plasma expression levels of miR-146a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical activity measured by standard tools such as the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI).

Patients and methods: Forty-eight RA patients fulfilling the EULAR/ACR 2010 criteria and 39 clinical apparently healthy subjects (HS) were included. Patients were categorized based on disease clinical activity using standard scores. Expression levels of miR were determined by RT-qPCR to be analyzed in the context of disease clinical activity, serum inflammation markers and autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP). Bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess gene interactions and signaling pathways.

Results: The expression of miR-146a-5p showed higher expression in patients with low or moderate clinical disease activity. In addition, miR-145-5p was negatively correlated with both RF and anti-CCP antibodies. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the miRs could simultaneously regulate myosin VI (MYO6) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) genes.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the plasma levels of the analyzed miR are associated with key serological markers and low to moderate disease clinical activity in RA patients according to SDAI score. The bioinformatics data supports the potential for these miRs to regulate genes involved in RA pathology.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, although extra-articular involvement, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), is also seen. Usual interstitial pneumonia and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are the most common ILD in RA, which may be associated with the development of fibrotic changes in the lungs and a poorer prognosis for patients. However, the precise mechanism of ILD in RA remains unclear. A combination of environmental triggers, genetic predisposition, and enhanced immune system activity contributes to the formation of a chronic inflammatory process in the lungs, leading to uncontrolled fibroblast activity, which is ultimately associated with progressive fibrosis. Although currently available treatments for RA are effective for joint involvement, the efficacy of these anti-inflammatory treatments in progressive pulmonary fibrosis has not been encouraging. In recent years, the use of antifibrotic agents, which have been well-tested in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has been tested in the treatment of fibrotic and interstitial lung involvement in other diseases. In this study, we compared the pulmonary fibrotic developmental process of RA with IPF. Given the similarities in the pathogenesis and inflammatory pathways of these two entities, the use of antifibrotic drugs may offer a suitable and potentially promising strategy for treating fibrotic changes in RA. Currently, we face the challenge of a lack of sufficient studies with an appropriate sample size in this area. Therefore, the design and implementation of appropriate trials in the future should be considered a policy.

Purpose: To seek recommendations from a panel of experts in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on the current management challenges, local practices, and role of interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using evidence from phase III trials as background.

Methods: Nine rheumatologists who treat PsA in the UAE completed a structured survey and attended a meeting to discuss topics/issues identified in the survey. A literature search was performed to identify phase III randomized trials of IL-17 inhibitors available in the UAE for PsA.

Results: There was general agreement among the panel on the most common PsA domains presenting in patients (most commonly psoriasis [75-95% of patients], peripheral arthritis [50-90%], and enthesitis [40-90%]). In general, IL-17 inhibitors were among the preferred treatment options for managing PsA, particularly for patients with axial-, enthesitis-, or psoriasis-related symptoms. Current unmet needs and challenges included a lack of disease awareness among the general population and other healthcare professionals; the lack of a single medication to cover all domains/comorbidities; and lack of universal insurance coverage. The panel had experienced success with the IL-17 inhibitors ixekizumab and secukinumab, with many citing no preference for either agent. The literature search identified publications relating to 10 key phase III clinical trials of IL-17 inhibitors.

Conclusion: The panel advocates for the use of the domain-based Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis treatment recommendations and generally considers IL-17 inhibitors (ixekizumab or secukinumab) as the preferred treatment options for managing PsA.

Background: Several studies have emerged to understand the relationship between insomnia and mental health issues like depression and anxiety from a causative perspective. Lebanon is a small country tormented by war, social insecurities and economic challenges, making it the fertile ground to understand the interaction between these variables in this population, especially with chronic pain. This study aims to better understand the relationship between insomnia, depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients in the Lebanese context.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2024 and involved participants from all over Lebanon. The questionnaire included sociodemographic questions and scales including the Widespread pain index (WPI), Symptom severity scale (SSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Results: The analysis showed that Insomnia mediated the association between fibromyalgia and depression; higher fibromyalgia was significantly associated with higher insomnia severity, whereas higher insomnia severity was associated with higher depression. Also, Insomnia mediated the association between fibromyalgia and anxiety; higher fibromyalgia was significantly associated with higher insomnia severity, whereas higher insomnia severity was associated with higher anxiety. However, depression and anxiety did not mediate the association between fibromyalgia and insomnia severity.

Conclusion: This study focused on the mediating role of insomnia between fibromyalgia and development of depression and anxiety on a sample of 641 Lebanese individual. With the use of specific scales and guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology, we were able to clearly elucidate the relationship between the selected variables. These findings underscore the importance of addressing issues such as insomnia in chronic pain as well as the associated comorbidities which have been proven to play an important role in the course of the disease. Future research should further explore targeted interventions that could enhance overall wellbeing in individuals with FM, considering the multiple factors influencing one's condition.

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with Acthar Gel, medication utilization, and physicians' assessments of the effects of Acthar Gel on patients' health status.

Patients and methods: A prospectively designed, cross-sectional, medical chart review study with a predefined protocol and analysis plan was conducted in November 2024, with data abstracted from patient records between April 2022 and November 2024. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years, had AS or PsA, and had received Acthar Gel within ≤24 months.

Results: On average, patients with AS were 44 years, and those with PsA were 51 years; patients were primarily Caucasian/non-Hispanic. Most patients with AS were male (67%, 42/63), whereas PsA had a similar gender distribution (49% [38/77] each). Common comorbidities included arthritis/osteoarthritis, chronic joint disease, and hypertension. Before receiving Acthar Gel, physicians reported 41% (26/63) of patients with AS and 44% (34/77) with PsA had fair-to-poor health status. Frequent symptoms in AS were back pain, lower back/hip stiffness, and fatigue, and in PsA were joint swelling and pain, reduced range of motion, and fatigue. Based on physician assessment, 95% (60/63) with AS and 88% (68/77) with PsA had improved health after Acthar Gel treatment. Improvements included reduction in overall symptoms (AS: 70% [42/60]; PsA: 63% [43/68]), decreased pain (AS: 68% [41/60]; PsA: 62% [42/68]), improved physical function (AS: 53% [32/60]; PsA: 54% [37/68], improved fatigue (AS: 35% [21/60]; PsA: 32% [22/68]), and reduced corticosteroid use (AS: 30% [18/60]; PsA: 31% [21/68]).

Conclusion: Based on chart review, Acthar Gel may represent a potential treatment option for appropriate patients with AS or PsA. In this study, among patients with AS or PsA treated with Acthar Gel, physicians documented a reduction in overall symptoms, decreased pain, improved physical function, reduced corticosteroid use, improved strength, and improved fatigue using prespecified assessments.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib in combination therapy for managing refractory, rapidly progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) with severe cardiac conduction defects and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods: A 48-year-old male patient with SSc complicated by significant cardiac enlargement, third-degree atrioventricular block, heart failure, progressive ILD, and partial intestinal obstruction was included in the study. Prior treatments with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus, and cyclophosphamide (CTX) had shown limited efficacy. The patient subsequently received a combination regimen of glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins, CTX, and baricitinib (4 mg daily).

Results: The patient exhibited significant clinical improvements, including a reduction in cardiac size, restoration of sinus rhythm, and resolution of heart failure symptoms. ILD and skin sclerosis showed substantial regression. Pulmonary function tests indicated significant recovery in lung capacity and diffusion capacity. Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating were completely resolved.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of baricitinib as an adjunctive therapy for refractory SSc with multiorgan involvement. The observed improvements in cardiac conduction defects, ILD, and skin fibrosis suggest that JAK inhibitors may offer a promising therapeutic avenue for severe SSc cases resistant to conventional treatments.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a complex multisystem disorder traditionally classified into primary forms and those associated with autoimmune diseases. However, infection-induced APS is gaining attention as a distinct subset due to the increasing recognition of thrombotic complications occurring in the context of viral or bacterial infections. Despite its clinical relevance, this phenomenon remains poorly characterized. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges of infection-induced APS. A literature search was conducted in the Medline and PubMed databases for English-language articles published between 2014 and May 2025. Of the identified publications, 35 were selected for detailed analysis. Evidence supports a multifaceted relationship between infections and APS, with proposed mechanisms including molecular mimicry, Toll-like receptor activation, generation of non-pathogenic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), impaired immune complex clearance, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, direct endothelial damage, and the "second hit" hypothesis. Clinical presentations are diverse, ranging from mild, transient symptoms to severe thrombotic events, and often complicate the distinction between true APS and transient aPL positivity secondary to infection. Diagnostic difficulties are compounded by the fluctuating presence of aPL and the overlap of infection-related symptoms with APS criteria. Currently, there are no standardised criteria for infection-induced APS, underscoring the need for definitions that reflect its temporal dynamics and immunological heterogeneity.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder associated with glycolysis. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify glycolysis-associated biomarkers and elucidate how glycolysis-related genes interact with the synovial immune microenvironment in OA progression.

Methods: Normal and OA synovial gene expression profile microarrays were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using limma package. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to explore biological functions. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify OA-associated genes, which were intersected with glycolysis genes from The Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and DEGs to obtain key genes. Lasso regression and random forest models were employed to establish a risk model, and its predictive performance was evaluated using nomogram, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Cibersort analysis were conducted to explore pathways and immune infiltration correlations.

Results: A total of 239 OA-associated genes were identified through WGCNA. Six hub genes were obtained by intersecting with glycolysis genes and DEGs. Four key glycolytic genes were selected by Lasso regression and random forest models. The nomogram showed that three genes (DDIT4, SLC16A7, SLC2A3) could predict OA risk accurately. The ROC analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85, indicating good predictive performance. Distinct immune cell distribution patterns were observed in OA groups. Interaction networks were constructed for the key genes with related miRNAs, transcription factors (TFs), and small molecule drugs.

Conclusion: This study identified three key glycolysis-related genes (DDIT4, SLC16A7, SLC2A3) in OA, revealing their potential roles in disease progression and immune infiltration. These findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for OA, based on the identified genes and their interactions with the immune microenvironment.

VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) is a recently described adult autoinflammatory disease associated with somatic mutations in the gene encoding ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Loss of function mutation of UBA1 results in a broad range of inflammatory and hematological conditions. To date, there are no established targeted therapies for VEXAS syndrome, especially in patients who are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatments. We report the case of a 75-year-old Hispanic gentleman with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with a 2-year history of intermittent fever, weight loss, recurrent sore throat, recurrent soft tissue swelling (mimicking cellulitis), oligoarthritis, erythema nodosum, and venous thrombosis. Laboratory workup showed elevated inflammatory markers, macrocytic anemia, and leukopenia. Patient received several rounds of antibiotics and corticosteroids for presumed cellulitis and throat infections, with limited improvement. He subsequently underwent bone marrow biopsy, which showed characteristic vacuolization of myeloid precursors. Genetic testing revealed a missense mutation in UBA1, Exon 3 c.121A>G, pMet41Val. He was diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome. He was started on corticosteroids and Tocilizumab (anti-IL-6 receptor antibody). He had severe leukopenia with Tocilizumab and was switched to Ruxolitinib (Jak inhibitor). He had a significant clinical response to Ruxolitinib and was able to be tapered off prednisone. Our case report and review of the literature report Jak inhibition as a possible target for the management of inflammatory symptoms of VEXAS.

Background: Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that predominantly impacts the exocrine glands. It is characterized by a diverse clinical manifestation and the existence of various autoantibodies. There is a lack of studies assessing the primary pSS phenome driven by anti-Sjögren syndrome autoantibodies in Africa, particularly in Egypt.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical implications of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-Ro/anti-La autoantibodies in an Egyptian national cohort of pSS patients.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pSS patients, comparing clinical manifestations and disease severity based on serological profiles.

Results: A total of 301 pSS patients (mean age: 45.6±10.2 years; F:M ratio 7.4:1) were included. Patients with positive ANA (59.5%) had a higher prevalence of anti-Ro (p=0.001) and anti-La (p=0.0001) antibodies, along with lower rates of dry eyes (p=0.04) and enlarged parotid glands (p=0.001). Corticosteroid and azathioprine use was more frequent in ANA-positive patients (p=0.017, p=0.003). Double-positive anti-Ro/anti-La patients exhibited higher rates of dry mouth (p=0.045), articular manifestations (p<0.0001), fibromyalgia (p=0.001), RF positivity (p<0.001), and C4 consumption (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with pSS exhibit distinct clinical and laboratory profiles based on their autoantibody status, emphasizing the importance of immunological assessment for disease management.