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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
20046746 Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Kaempferia rotunda Linn. 2008 May The plant Kaempferia rotunda Linn. has been explored for its anti oxidant potential in the present study. The antioxidant property was assessed by lipid peroxidation markers such as malonaldehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyl-2-nonenal (4-HNE). The lipid peroxidation byproducts are highly toxic and responsible for various diseases like myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, hepatic injury, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The chemical constituents of the plant were critically and qualitatively analyzed to confirm the presence of flavonoids and phenolic derivatives. Hence our objective has been designed to evaluate the antioxidant effect of Kaempferia rotunda linn. and its contribution to control the lipid peroxidation.
18698178 Ultrasonography in osteoarthritis: recent advances and prospects for the future. 2008 Sep PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a background about the role of ultrasound in osteoarthritis, and to introduce recent technological advances in musculoskeletal ultrasound and their implications in osteoarthritis research. RECENT FINDINGS: The focus of recent developments in musculoskeletal ultrasound concentrates on increasing the detection of synovitis. This has important implications in osteoarthritis, as the mechanisms of inflammation are still being elucidated in this disease. New modalities that have been studied in rheumatoid arthritis are recently being explored in osteoarthritis. However, standards for interpretation and technique of these modalities are still required. SUMMARY: Ultrasound is being increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in osteoarthritis. New modalities may aid in our ability to diagnose, assess disease activity, and understand pathophysiology in osteoarthritis. However, we await further studies to help establish universal guidelines on the use of ultrasound modalities in rheumatic diseases.
17983145 Assays of T-cell contact dependent monocyte-macrophage functions. 2007 The production of cytokines and other inflammatory products in chronic/sterile inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis might be induced in monocytes/macrophages by direct cellular contact with stimulated T-cells. Studies of cell-cell interactions are usually complicated by the simultaneous presence of at least two viable cell types. To obviate this problem, we developed strategies allowing only interactions between stimulated T-cell surface molecules and the monocytes/macrophages, and any products secreted into the medium or mRNA are necessarily of monocytic origin. This chapter aims at reviewing and describing the latter methods and strategies.
17160656 [Report on the 34th meeting of the German Clinical Immunology Workgroup, Frankfurt, 03.-04 2007 Feb The annual meeting of the Clinical Immunology Workgroup focused on autoimmune vasculitides. The role of innate immunity, T- and B-cells, and innovative therapies for autoimmune vasculitides was discussed. Further topics of the meeting were the role of endothelial microparticles, ghrelin and leptin, regulatory and effector-memory T-cells in ANCA-associated vasculitides, as well as the lethal midline granuloma, intracytoplasmic cytokine-profile in Behcet's disease, autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa with cranial manifestation, ILT6 as genetic marker in multiple sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome, alpha-fodrin autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis, interferon-g autoantibodies in a patient with atypical mycobacteriosis, and autoreactive T-cells in murine lupus.
16580735 The immunological synapse: kinases in T cell signalling as potential drug targets. 2006 May 15 This international workshop on key signalling molecules in lymphocyte activation and immune regulation was held in Grossziethen, Germany from November 02-04, 2005 and brought together molecular, cellular, and clinical immunologists whose common goal is to develop ways of manipulating the immune response in order to avert T cell effector functions that are of significant relevance for pathogenesis in different diseases, including dermatological (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact allergy) and other indications (e.g. asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and transplant rejection).
18500247 Bone-protective effects of nonviral gene therapy with folate-chitosan DNA nanoparticle con 2008 Jul Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), is a natural blocker of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1. Using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we examined the protective effects of IL-1Ra in bone metabolism in vivo after folate-mediated nonviral gene delivery. We detected secreted human IL-1Ra protein in serum and cultured primary osteoblasts of rats that were treated with chitosan-IL-1Ra and folate-IL-1Ra-chitosan nanoparticles, respectively. In vivo, IL-1Ra gene delivery significantly reverted alterations in bone turnover observed in arthritic animals by modulating the level of osteocalcin (OC) as well as the activities of alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The protective effects of these nanoparticles were evident from the decrease in the expression levels of interleukine-1beta and prostaglandin E(2) as well as osteoclast number and other histopathological findings. Compared to naked DNA and chitosan-DNA, folate-chitosan-DNA nanoparticles were less cytotoxic and enhanced IL-1Ra protein synthesis in vitro and offered a better protection against inflammation and abnormal bone metabolism in vivo. Nonviral gene therapy with folate-chitosan-DNA nanoparticles containing the IL-1 Ra gene seemed to protect against bone damage and inflammation in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
16973887 Prostacyclin antagonism reduces pain and inflammation in rodent models of hyperalgesia and 2006 Dec The inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis is at the center of current anti-inflammatory therapies. Because cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the formation of multiple PGs, there is currently a strong focus on characterizing the role of the different PGs in the inflammation process and development of arthritis. Evidence to date suggests that both PGE(2) and PGI(2) act as mediators of pain and inflammation. Most of the data indicating a role for PGI(2) in this context have been generated in animal models of acute pain. Herein, we describe the role of PGI(2) in models of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis using a highly selective PGI(2) receptor (IP, Ptgir) antagonist and IP receptor-deficient mice. In the rat OA model using monoiodoacetate injection into the knee joint, the IP antagonist reduced pain with an efficacy approaching that of the NSAID diclofenac. In a chronic model of inflammatory arthritis, collagen-antibody induced arthritis model in mice, IP receptor-deficient mice displayed a 91% reduction in arthritis score. Interestingly, pretreatment with the IP [N-[4-(imidazolidin-2-ylideneamino)-benzyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide] antagonist in this model also caused a significant reduction of the symptoms, whereas administration of the compound after the initiation of arthritis had no detectable effect. Our data indicate that, in addition to its role in acute inflammation, PGI(2) is involved in the development of chronic inflammation. The results also suggest that the inhibition of PGI(2) synthesis by NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, in addition to that of PGE(2), contributes to their efficacy in treating the signs of arthritis.
16597712 A selective p38 alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor reverses cartilage and bo 2006 Jul Destruction of cartilage and bone is a poorly managed hallmark of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) has been shown to regulate key proinflammatory pathways in RA, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as the process of osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, we evaluated whether a p38alpha MAPK inhibitor, indole-5-carboxamide (SD-282), could modulate cartilage and bone destruction in a mouse model of RA induced with bovine type II collagen [collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)]. In mice with early disease, SD-282 treatment significantly improved clinical severity scores, reduced bone and cartilage loss, and reduced mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes in paw tissue, including IL-1beta, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2. Notably, SD-282 treatment of mice with advanced disease resulted in significant improvement in clinical severity scoring and paw swelling, a reversal in bone and cartilage destruction as assessed by histology, bone volume fraction and thickness, and three-dimensional image analysis. These changes were accompanied by reduced osteoclast number and lowered levels of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, a marker of cartilage breakdown. Thus, in a model of experimental arthritis associated with significant osteolysis, p38alpha MAPK inhibition not only attenuates disease progression but also reverses cartilage and bone destruction in mice with advanced CIA disease.
16868982 Distinct synovial immunopathologic characteristics of juvenile-onset spondylarthritis and 2006 Aug OBJECTIVE: To characterize the synovial immunopathologic features of juvenile-onset spondylarthritis (SpA) in relation to adult SpA and other forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Synovial biopsy samples were obtained from 10 patients with juvenile-onset SpA, 23 with adult SpA, 19 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 8 with juvenile polyarthritis, and 12 with juvenile oligoarthritis. Synovial immunopathologic features were studied by extensive histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Synovitis in juvenile SpA was characterized by marked lining layer hyperplasia, clear hypervascularity, and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration with lymphocytes and macrophages, independent of disease duration or time of sampling. The immunopathologic features of juvenile SpA resembled those of adult SpA in terms of hypervascularity and absence of RA-specific intracellular citrullinated proteins and HLA-DR4/human cartilage glycoprotein 39(263-275) complexes, but differed markedly by a stronger lining layer hyperplasia and lower numbers of CD163+ macrophages. Accordingly, class prediction analysis failed to classify juvenile SpA synovitis in the SpA group. Comparison of juvenile SpA with other JIA subtypes showed a broad overlap, with the exception of slightly lower vascularity in juvenile polyarthritis and higher inflammatory cell infiltration in juvenile oligoarthritis. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified a subgroup of samples characterized by high plasma cell infiltration, which corresponded with active, longstanding JIA, mostly of the oligoarthritis subtype. CONCLUSION: Despite some similarities with adult SpA, the findings with regard to lining layer hyperplasia and CD163+ macrophage infiltration are indicative of important differences in the synovial immunopathologic features of juvenile-onset SpA. The partial overlap with other JIA subtypes emphasizes the need for further biologic characterization of JIA in order to define pathophysiologic, rather than phenotypic, subgroups.
19308585 Pediatric cervical spine instability. 2008 Mar Cervical spine instability in children is rare but not exceptional and may be due to many factors. Although it mostly occurs at the upper cervical spine, all vertebrae from the occiput to T1 may be involved. It may be acute or chronic, occurring secondary to trauma or due to congenital anomaly, skeletal or metabolic dystrophy or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be isolated or associated with other musculoskeletal or visceral anomalies. A thorough knowledge of embryology, anatomy, physiology and physiopathology of the cervical spine in children is essential to avoid pitfalls, recognize normal variants and identify children at risk of developing cervical spine instability and undertake the appropriate treatment.
18843521 Mycobacterium chelonae infection following silicone arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangea 2009 Jun We present a case of infection caused by an uncommon pathogen, Mycobacterium chelonae, in a patient that underwent Swanson silicone arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints for rheumatoid arthritis. This is the first report of an infection caused by nontuberculous Mycobacteria in flexible silicone implants in the hand. The patient was successfully treated with implant removal, debridement, and antimicrobials tailored to the results of in vitro susceptibility testing.
19707435 The PRECiSE 2 trial of certolizumab pegol, a new PEGylated anti-TNF agent, in the treatmen 2008 Mar Certolizumab pegol (CDP 870) is a new anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy currently in development for the treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Certolizumab pegol is the first PEGylated biologic anti-TNF agent and has a high binding affinity for TNF. Dr. Schwartz was an investigator of the PRECiSE (PEGylated Antibody Fragment Evaluation in Crohn's Disease Safety and Efficacy) 2 trial of certolizumab pegol in patients with Crohn's disease.
16510058 Does psychiatric treatment help patients with intractable chronic pain? 2006 Mar Tricyclic antidepressants and intensive multidisciplinary programs are moderately effective for reducing chronic back pain; tricyclics are also effective for diabetic neuropathy and irritable bowel syndrome (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, meta-analyses and multiple small randomized controlled trials). Cognitive therapies are modestly effective for reducing pain in the following: chronic back pain, other chronic musculoskeletal disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (SOR: B, multiple meta-analyses with significant heterogeneity), and for chronic cancer pain (SOR: B, 1 meta-analysis of various quality studies).
18793988 Subcutaneous sweet syndrome. 2008 Oct Neutrophilic panniculitis encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases histopathologically characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate in the subcutaneous fat mainly composed of mature neutrophils. This group of panniculitides includes alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency, infectious panniculitis, factitious panniculitis, subcutaneous Sweet syndrome, neutrophilic/pustular panniculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, erythema nodosum-like lesions of Behçet disease, bowel bypass panniculitis, and iatrogenic panniculitis. This article reviews subcutaneous Sweet syndrome, which is a rare idiopathic panniculitis characterized by a dense neutrophilic infiltrate in the subcutis and is often related to hematologic malignancies. The relationship of subcutaneous Sweet syndrome and erythema nodosum is discussed as well as the differential diagnosis with other neutrophilic panniculitis.
18478312 Asymmetric scleroderma in a CVA patient. 2008 Oct We describe a systemic sclerosis and cerebral vascular accident case in which the cutaneous manifestation and the distal acroosteolysis occurred in an asymmetrical way in the non-paretic limb. The subsequent sclerodermic alterations and the acroosteolysis acquired an asymmetric pattern, sparing the patient's hemiparetic side. Although a number of definitions of this protective effect may be found in other rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, we found in the literature only one previous case describing the protective effect of the hemiplegia in scleroderma.
17803173 [Quinines--past and present]. 2007 Jul Quinines are known to mankind and have been in medical use against malaria for over 350 years. The revelation of quinines' activity against malaria in the 17th century brought a revolution to the medical world and had dramatic implications on the political arena of Europe at that time. The source of these materials is the bark of the Cinchona trees indigenous to remote mountain areas of Latin America. Great efforts were made in the search for the trees, and in growing them in other areas of the world. Today quinines are produced both synthetically and from the tree bark. Beside malaria, they are pivotal in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
17541496 Unusual manifestation of histoplasmosis in connective tissue diseases. 2007 Oct This report describes the coexistence of three patients with rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatomyositis) and infections because of Histoplasma capsulatum. Connective tissue diseases and histoplasmosis share several clinical findings. Therefore, histoplasmosis could be misdiagnosed as connective tissue disease or a flare of these diseases. Such cases highlight the importance of awareness of histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those originating from endemic areas.
17361879 [Elbow arthroscopy: intra-articular pathologies]. 2006 Nov Elbow arthroscopy has become to be the most useful tool for the treatment of many intra-articular affections of the elbow. Radiological statement is necessary including plain radiographs and CT or MR arthrography before performing arthroscopy. Loose bodies are the more frequent indication, they are often related with an other intra-articular pathology. The others indications for an elbow arthroscopy can be, osteochondritis dissecans, synovial fringe, synovitis especially rheumatoid arthritis and arthritic elbow. The treatment of this different pathologies is discribe keeping in mind the potential risks especially neurological.
17121484 Pharmacogenetics in the rheumatic diseases. 2006 Designing a therapeutic plan that involves the least risk of toxicity and the greatest chance of success is the goal of the modern physician. To better achieve this goal an understanding of the genetic basis for drug efficacy and toxicity is essential. Here we review the available information on the pharmacogenetics of drugs commonly used to treat rheumatic diseases in the hope that the application of this information to the patient will contribute to more effective and safer therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other inflammatory diseases.
17477479 Outcome measures in psoriatic arthritis. 2007 May Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis usually seronegative for rheumatoid factor, has emerged as a more common and severe disease than previously appreciated. The disease is multifaceted. Thus the assessment of PsA requires attention to peripheral joint involvement, axial disease, dactylitis, and enthesitis, as well as the skin manifestations. In addition, the assessment of patient reported features such as patient assessment of disease activity, pain, fatigue, quality of life, and the new concept of participation are important. The assessment of damage and the assessment of tissue histology are also important outcome measures. This article summarizes these features of PsA as well as current knowledge on the instruments available for the assessment of these domains.