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Search for: rheumatoid arthritis    methotrexate    autoimmune disease    biomarker    gene expression    GWAS    HLA genes    non-HLA genes   

ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
17207391 Molecular mechanisms in normal pregnancy and rheumatic diseases. 2006 Nov Pregnancy is a phenomenon that is not totally understood, based on the complex molecular interactions between the mother and the embrio. Once the fecundation is completed the fetus starts to fight for survival. The first challenge is the implantation process and the second one is the interaction with the maternal immune system. This review discusses how the fetus avoids the immune system rejection, and the mechanisms that the maternal immune system adapts in order to be fit for a successful pregnancy. Also, we focus in this paper on the effects of pregnancy in rheumatic diseases, because the myriad clinical outcomes of the disease itself and the obstetric complications dependent of the disease implicated, as for example in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), spondyloarthropaties and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
17091377 Hyaluronic acid: a natural biopolymer with a broad range of biomedical and industrial appl 2007 Jan Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan, HA) is a linear polysaccharide formed from disaccharide units containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and glucuronic acid. It has a high molecular mass, usually in the order of millions of Daltons, and interesting viscoelastic properties influenced by its polymeric and polyelectrolyte characteristics. HA is present in almost all biological fluids and tissues. In clinical medicine, it is used as a diagnostic marker for many diseases including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and liver pathologies, as well as for supplementation of impaired synovial fluid in arthritic patients by means of intra-articular injections. It is also used in certain ophthalmological and otological surgeries and cosmetic regeneration and reconstruction of soft tissue. Herein we present an overview of the occurrence and physiological properties of HA, as well as of the recent advances in production biotechnology and preparation of the HA-based materials for medical application.
16932709 Prospects for disease modification in osteoarthritis. 2006 Jun Osteoarthritis (OA) can be a progressive, disabling disease, leading to diminished quality of life, and, for over 500,000 individuals annually in the US, total joint replacement. The etiology of OA will vary among individuals, with potential roles for systemic factors (such as genetics and obesity) as well as for local biomechanical factors (such as muscle weakness, joint laxity and traumatic injury). Joint deterioration occurs over extended periods of time, and the diverse molecular mechanisms that mediate pathogenic events of early, mid and late disease are not yet fully understood. The success of biologic therapies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has demonstrated that the blockade of a single dominant cytokine or regulatory molecule can prevent cartilage destruction in a complex disease, and has raised expectations that mechanism-based treatments could also be developed for patients with OA. In this review, we will address the biological mechanisms that mediate structural damage in OA and examine current targets that are candidates for disease modification. The challenges to drug development and the obstacles to disease modification strategies will also be addressed.
16920579 The human genome and gene expression profiling. 2006 The mapping and sequencing of the human genome has generated a large resource for answering questions about human disease. This achievement is akin in scientific importance to developing the periodic table of elements. Plastic surgery has always been at the frontier medical research. This resource will help us to improve our understanding on the many unknown physiological and pathogical conditions we deal with daily, such as wound healing keloid scar formation, Dupuytren's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular malformation and carcinogenesis. We are primed in obtaining both disease and normal tissues to use this resource and applying it to clinical use. This review is about the human genome, the basis of gene expression profiling and how it will affect our clinical and research practices in the future and for those embarking on the use of this new technology as a research tool, we provide a brief insight on its limitations and pitfalls.
16827231 [Method for determining leukocytic lipid-releasing capacity in the diagnosis of mechanisms 2006 May The authors have studied the mechanism responsible for neutrophilic accumulation and release of protein-lipid complexes in patients with atherosclerosis and the clinical value of this reaction. They present the results of experimental studies and clinical observations in the groups of patients with ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Whether the process of neutrophilic and release of protein-lipid can be in vitro modulated in a 3-day culture has been demonstrated. The high diagnostic value of the method for determining the lipid-releasing capacity of leukocytes is shown. Some proteins involving in the formation of pathogenic protein-lipid complexes are identified. There is evidence for the use of new differential criteria for visceral diseases originating from atherosclerosis.
21783692 Subacute toxicity of celecoxib on thyroid and testis of rats: Hormonal and histopathologic 2006 Jul Celecoxib is an effective agent in the treatment of signs and symptoms of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of two different doses of celecoxib on some hormones and endocrine glands of male rats. In this study, the doses of 10 and 50mg/kg/day of celecoxib were given to male rats orally for 28 days. At the end of the study, serum total triiodothyronine (T(3)), total thyroxine (T(4)), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of rats were analyzed by radioimmunoassay technique using RIA kits. Thyroid and testis tissues of male rats were examined histopathologically. While there was no a change in serum T(3), T(4) and LH levels of celecoxib-treated rats, there were differences in serum TSH and testosterone levels of rats treated with 50mg/kg/day celecoxib for 28 days compared with those of control rats. In histopathological examinations, celecoxib-related changes were found in thyroid glands of the rats.
16434856 Histology of two rice bodies isolated from the stifle of an adult draught horse stallion. 2006 Mar In the human and equine species, different kinds of free floating intra-articular particles are related to certain disorders. Osteochondral fragments formed during osteochondrosis dissecans are the most common finding in the equine species, whereas in humans rice bodies due to rheumatoid arthritis are more frequent. Herein we report a third type of floating body inside the stifle of an adult draught horse stallion, in macroscopic appearance similar to articular rice bodies known in humans. As revealed by histologic examination, the two particles consist of polypoid degenerated structures derived from synovial villi. Their formation was probably induced by ischemia.
18947015 Macrophage activation syndrome as initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. 2008 Apr Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is known to be a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of rheumatic disorder, especially systemic juvenille rheumatoid arthritis. It is very rare for MAS to be an initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report a 14-year-old girl in whom MAS developed as an initial presentation of SLE. With early diagnosis and administration of cyclosporine A, she had a fair outcome. Further testing showed positive anti-dsDNA about 8 months later.
16700833 A mutilating arthropathy, "rhupus hands" associated with multiple synovial cysts in a pati 2006 Jun "Rhupus hands" is a phrase coined to describe one of the deforming arthropathies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), because the clinical features are indistinguishable from those of rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, we report a case of rhupus hands with multiple synovial cysts arising in a 60-year-old woman with SLE.
18804394 Malignant lymphoma of the tonsil in a patient with Behçet's disease. 2008 Oct Several connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis are associated with cancer. In contrast, cancer is rarely reported in patients with Behçet disease. We report a case of lymphoma during the course of Behçet disease. Etiopathogenic factors are discussed. A 46-year-old man with a 14-year history of Behçet disease was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma of the right tonsil. He met international criteria for Behçet disease, which manifested as refractory oral ulcers requiring dapsone treatment. He achieved a complete remission of the lymphoma after three chemotherapy courses and local radiation therapy (45 Gy). At last follow-up 4 years later, he was still in complete remission.
18648641 Radon treatment controversy. 2006 Aug 19 In spite of long traditions, treatments utilizing radon-rich air or water have not been unequivocally embraced by modern medicine. The objective of this work is to examine factors that contribute to this continuing controversy. While the exact mechanism of radon's effect on human body is not completely understood, recent advances in radiobiology offer new insights into biochemical processes occurring at low-level exposures to ionizing radiation. Medical evidence and patients' testimonials regarding effectiveness of radon spa treatments of various ailments, most notably rheumatoid arthritis are accumulating worldwide. They challenge the premise of the Linear-No-Threshold (LNT) theory that the dose-effect response is the same per unit dose regardless of the total dose. Historically, such inference overshadowed scientific inquiries into the low-dose region and lead to a popular belief that no amount of radiation can be good. Fortunately, the LNT theory, which lacks any scientific basis, did not remain unchallenged. As the reviewed literature suggests, a paradigm shift, reflected in the consideration of hormetic effects at low-doses, is gaining momentum in the scientific community worldwide. The impetus comes from significant evidence of adaptive and stimulatory effects of low-levels of radiation on human immune system.
18646768 pH-dependent, stereoselective dimerization of sinomenine. 2008 Sep 4 In a continuing study on discovery of more potent derivatives of sinomenine (1), a clinically available alkaloid for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, oxidation of sinomenine provided two unique stereoisomers, disinomenines 2 and 3. The structure of 3 was determined by MS, NMR, and X-ray analysis. The formation of 2 and 3 via oxidation of sinomenine by potassium permanganate (KMnO4) exhibited a pH-dependent stereoselectivity. The bioassay results using human synovial sarcoma cells (SW982) showed that 2 inhibited, while 3 stimulated, IL-6 production.
18516581 [Isolated manifestation of necrotizing vasculitis of the bladder: a case report]. 2008 Oct Isolated vasculitis involving the bladder is rare. We describe a case of irritative voiding and hematuria with slightly elevated inflammatory parameters. In order to exclude a neoplastic process we performed cystoscopy and computed tomography. Secondary systemic causes such as lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. Cytopathological examination of the biopsies showed necrotizing vasculitis of the small bladder vessels, which responded to treatment with steroids and cyclophosphamide.
18486921 Rheumatic disorders as paraneoplastic syndromes. 2008 May The long-established observation that some rheumatologic disorders (RDs) are associated with--or precede--the clinical manifestations of a variety of solid and hematological tumors represents an important clue for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of the cancers. Inflammatory myopathies, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and some atypical vasculitides are the most frequently reported paraneoplastic RDs, although paraneoplastic scleroderma- and lupus-like syndromes, erythema nodosum, and Raynaud's syndrome have also been observed. Generally, the clinical course of a paraneoplastic RD parallels that of the cancer, and surgical removal of the tumor or its medical treatment usually results in a marked regression of the clinical manifestations of the RD. Most paraneoplastic RDs are difficultly distinguishable from idiopathic RDs. Even so, some atypical features of the clinical presentation raise the suspicion of an underlying tumor. This review summarizes current hypotheses for the pathogenesis that leads a tumor to present as an RD and discusses the clinical features that help distinguish paraneoplastic from idiopathic RDs.
18390482 Treatment of periprosthetic humerus fractures associated with shoulder arthroplasty. 2008 Apr The incidence of periprosthetic humerus fracture associated with shoulder arthroplasty is approximately 0.6% to 3%. Fractures of the humerus occur most often intraoperatively and are more common during total shoulder arthroplasty than hemiarthroplasty because of difficulties in gaining access to the glenoid. Osteopenia, advanced age, female sex, and rheumatoid arthritis are medical comorbid factors that may contribute to humerus fractures and associated delayed healing and poorer function. When the humeral prosthetic component is loose or the fracture line overlaps the majority of the length of the prosthesis, revision with a long-stem implant should be considered. When the fracture overlaps the tip of the prosthesis and extends distally, open reduction and internal fixation is recommended. When the fracture is completely distal to the prosthesis and satisfactory alignment at the fracture site can be maintained with a fracture brace, then a trial of nonsurgical treatment is recommended. The primary goals of treatment are fracture union and pain relief. Loss of glenohumeral motion has limited the successful treatment of this challenging problem.
17958025 [Clinical utility of serum diagnostic tests for rheumatic diseases]. 2007 Sep Establishing a diagnosis of systemic rheumatic disease requires an integration of a patient's symptoms, radiological findings, and the result of biological tests. Clinicians often try to rely heavily on objective measures such as the presence of an autoantibody. Few tests are highly sensitive, though the antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in polymyalgia rheumatica. Some tests are highly specific: anti-PR3 and anti-MPO among patients with Wegener granulomatosis (and related vasculitides), anti-ds DNA among patients with SLE and anti-CCP in rheumatoid arthritis. Medical literature may overestimate the diagnostic utility of many commonly ordered tests for rheumatic diseases. Serum rheumatologic tests are generally most usefull for confirming a clinically suspected diagnosis.
17918673 Subcutaneous granuloma annulare of the scalp in childhood: a case report and review of the 2007 Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory skin lesion of unknown etiology that is usually seen in adults and children and subtypes of it includes localized granuloma annulare, generalized granuloma annulare, subcutaneous granuloma annulare and arcuate dermal erythema. Etiology and pathogenesis of granuloma annulare are obscure, although there is much evidence for an immunologic mechanism. Precipitating factors are insect bites, sunburn, photochemotherapy, drugs, physical trauma, acute phlebitis and sepsis after surgery. Some investigators were suggested a relationship of granuloma annulare to a latent or clinically manifest diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, an association of subcutaneous granuloma annulare with these diseases in childhood has not been reported in the literature. Subcutaneous granuloma annulare of the scalp is rare lesion in childhood and nodules on the scalp are usually non-, or slightly mobile, whereas lesions on the extremities are freely mobile. For definitive diagnosis, a biopsy should be performed but wide surgical intervention or medical treatment is not indicated. In case of recurrence, no additional diagnostic studies are necessary.
17492416 [Angiogenesis. Possibilities for therapeutic intervention in rheumatic diseases]. 2007 Jul In contrast to vasculogenesis, angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new vessels from preexisting ones. Physiologically, this multistep process occurs in adults during the reproductive cycle and during pregnancy, pathophysiologically it can be found in wound healing, inflammation and carcinogenesis. The underlying mechanisms are vasodilatation and increasing permeability, destabilization of vessel walls and degradation of extracellular matrix, followed by the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. Migrated endothelial cells form vascular tubes at sites of ischemia and these tubes are finally stabilized by pericytes and smooth muscle cells. This process is controlled by a complex interaction of angiogenic and angiostatic factors. In contrast to carcinogenesis, the role of angiogenesis for the pathogenesis and therapy of rheumatic diseases is less understood. Two examples for pathologically disturbed angiogenesis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis, are discussed in this review with respect to therapeutic options.
17050376 MT1-MMP: a key regulator of cell migration in tissue. 2006 Oct Controlled cell migration is a fundamental and critical event in many physiological processes. However once control is lost, cell migration facilitates disease progression such as seen in cancer metastasis, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. One of the critical proteinases involved in cell migration is membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP-14). MT1-MMP degrades extracellular matrix to make a path for cells to migrate, sheds cell surface molecules to give migratory signals, and activates ERK (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase) enhancing cell migration. For MT1-MMP to promote cell migration, it needs to act in co-ordination with other cell migration machinery. Understanding such regulatory links may provide insights into the development of novel disease therapies.
16735009 Current concepts in gene therapy of the musculoskeletal system. 2006 Apr The purpose of this article is to review the remarkable progress in the field of musculoskeletal system gene therapy. Since the introduction of this concept 15 years much of the preclinical and clinical data have emerged. The original target, rheumatoid arthritis, has been subjected to clinical phase II efficacy protocol, and osteoarthritis gene therapy efficacy is being thoroughly investigated in various animal models. The most promising area of research in this field however, is the tissue repair, because it doesn't require prolonged period of gene expression, local delivery is reasonably simple and it avoids substantial risk associated with systemic delivery, and levels of gene expression don't need to be so finely regulated. Gene transfer is successfully being used to aid the repair and regeneration of bone, cartilage, ligament tendon, meniscus and intervertebral disc. Other potential applications of gene therapy in musculoskeletal system include osteoporosis, aseptic loosening, genetic diseases and tumors. Highly encouraging data gained from these studies have confirmed that gene therapy is a promising therapeutic solution to treat various musculoskeletal system disorders.