Search for: rheumatoid arthritis methotrexate autoimmune disease biomarker gene expression GWAS HLA genes non-HLA genes
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32506315 | Patient-provider communication about medication cost in rheumatoid arthritis. | 2021 Jan | OBJECTIVE: To examine the perceived importance and frequency with which out-of-pocket medication costs are discussed between rheumatologists and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Canada. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to patients with RA and rheumatologists; both were asked to rate their perceived importance of discussing medication costs, and how often these discussions occurred. Predictors of (1) patients discussing costs with their rheumatologist and (2) the perceived importance of discussing medication cost for patients were explored. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients and 64 rheumatologists completed the survey; 68% patients and 75% of physicians rated the perceived importance of discussing medication costs as "quite" or "very important"; 22% of patients reported never talking about medication cost, but no physicians reported never discussing costs with patients. The only predictor of talking about cost among patients (at 10% level) was whether they perceived it as highly important (p = 0.058). Higher perceived importance of discussing out-of-pocket costs was associated with a more positive attitude to shared decision-making (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Discussions about cost do not always happen, even with diseases with potentially high medication costs like RA. Cost was more likely to be discussed by patients who perceived it as "very important," suggesting the onus might be on patients to initiate these conversations. Without any significant predictors regarding what may make physicians more likely to think it was important to discuss medication costs, there is a need to reinforce recommendations that all physicians seek to discuss costs with all of their patients when suggesting medications. Key Points • There is a need for patients and physicians to discuss costs in the treatment decision-making process. Our findings suggest this does not always happen. • Among patients, medication cost was more likely to be discussed by those who perceived it as "very important" and higher perceived importance of discussing out-of-pocket costs was associated with a more positive attitude to shared decision-making. • Our results did not reveal any significant predictors regarding what may make physicians more likely to think it was important to discuss medication costs, suggesting that there is a need to reinforce recommendations that all physicians seek to discuss medication costs with all of their patients when suggesting medications. | |
33148884 | Pathogenic, glycolytic PD-1+ B cells accumulate in the hypoxic RA joint. | 2020 Nov 5 | While autoantibodies are used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the function of B cells in the inflamed joint remains elusive. Extensive flow cytometric characterization and SPICE algorithm analyses of single-cell synovial tissue from patients with RA revealed the accumulation of switched and double-negative memory programmed death-1 receptor-expressing (PD-1-expressing) B cells at the site of inflammation. Accumulation of memory B cells was mediated by CXCR3, evident by the observed increase in CXCR3-expressing synovial B cells compared with the periphery, differential regulation by key synovial cytokines, and restricted B cell invasion demonstrated in response to CXCR3 blockade. Notably, under 3% O2 hypoxic conditions that mimic the joint microenvironment, RA B cells maintained marked expression of MMP-9, TNF, and IL-6, with PD-1+ B cells demonstrating higher expression of CXCR3, CD80, CD86, IL-1β, and GM-CSF than their PD-1- counterparts. Finally, following functional analysis and flow cell sorting of RA PD-1+ versus PD-1- B cells, we demonstrate, using RNA-Seq and emerging fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of cellular NAD, a significant shift in metabolism of RA PD-1+ B cells toward glycolysis, associated with an increased transcriptional signature of key cytokines and chemokines that are strongly implicated in RA pathogenesis. Our data support the targeting of pathogenic PD-1+ B cells in RA as a focused, novel therapeutic option. | |
32292018 | Translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Italian of the self-administered FLARE-RA q | 2020 Apr 10 | The aim was to provide a translation into Italian with cross-cultural adaptation of the French FLARE-Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) questionnaire, and to test its acceptability, feasibility, reliability and construct validity in a single-centre cohort study. The French version of the FLARE-RA questionnaire was cross-culturally adapted and translated into Italian following an established forward-backward translation procedure, with independent translations and backtranslations. To validate the Italian version we tested the internal validity with Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient, agreement between assessments with Bland-Altman plots and construct validity with Spearman's correlation coefficients. The questionnaire was tested on 283 consecutive RA outpatients (mean age 56.1±13.9 years, 226/283 females, median disease duration 12.6 years ranging from 0.2 to 70.6). For the global score (11 items) the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.94. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96). The correlation of FLARE-RA global score was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.50-0.66) with the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.55-0.71) with the Simplified Disease Activity Index, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.83) with the RA Impact of Disease and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.59-0.73) with the Health Assessment Questionnaire. The Italian version of the FLARE-RA is feasible, brief and easy to administer. The translated and cross-cultural adapted showed accordingly to be valid and reliable. This questionnaire has some practical advantages, such as clarity, comprehensiveness, simplicity, and a minimum filling time. The development of cross-cultural adapted questionnaires in different languages is of pivotal importance to obtain standardized and comparable data across countries. | |
32011179 | Association of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and antibodies to periodontal bacteri | 2020 Feb | Objective: We investigated lipid concentrations, particle sizes and antibodies binding to periodontal bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modified low-density lipoprotein in immunoglobulin (Ig) class A, G and M among patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a population-based cohort.Methods: Concentrations and sizes of lipoprotein particles analysed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and antibody levels to MAA modified low-density lipoprotein were studied at baseline and after one-year of follow-up. Serum Ig A and G class antibodies to periodontal bacteria were determined at baseline.Results: Sixty-three patients were divided into tertiles according to disease activity by disease activity score with 28 joint count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (<3.9, 3.9-4.7, >4.7). Small low-density lipoprotein concentration was lowest in the tertile with the highest disease activity. In high-density lipoprotein, the concentrations of total, medium and small particles decreased with disease activity. The particle size in low-density lipoprotein associated with disease activity and the presence of antibodies to P. gingivalis. Ig G and M antibodies to MAA modified low-density lipoprotein correlated with disease activity. Inflammation associated changes faded by one year.Conclusions: Drug naive RA patients had proatherogenic changes in lipid profiles, but they were reversible, when inflammation diminished.Key messagesPatients with drug naive rheumatoid arthritis showed proatherogenic lipid profiles.Reversible changes in lipid profiles can be achieved as response to inflammation suppression.Active therapy aimed at remission is essential in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis. | |
32490534 | The MAP-Hand: Psychometric properties and differences in activity performance between pati | 2020 Jun 12 | OBJECTIVE: To assess construct validity (Rasch analyses) of the Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand (MAP-Hand) in people with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC1 OA), and to explore differences in activity performance between people with CMC1 OA and those with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 180 people with CMC1 OA referred for surgical consultation were recruited from rheumatology clinics in Norway, and 340 people with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics in the UK. METHODS: The MAP-Hand consists of 18 predefined items scored on a 4-point scale from 1 (no difficulty) to 4 (unable to do), from which a mean score is calculated. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analyses. Differences between the 2 groups were assessed using an independent sample t-test at the group level and differential item functioning (condition as grouping variable) at the item level. RESULTS: Some mis-targeting of data and clusters of dependency were found, but the MAP-Hand scores showed an overall fit to the model. No between-group difference in total mean MAP-Hand score was found, but there were significant differences between the 2 groups on item levels. CONCLUSION: The MAP-Hand showed satisfactory construct validity and could differentiate between people with CMC1 OA and those with rheumatoid arthritis on item levels. | |
33338001 | Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in 446 patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a real-life | 2021 Jul | OBJECTIVES: Baricitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1-2 inhibitor, is currently used along biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) after the failure of methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in real life. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 446 RA patients treated with baricitinib from 11 Italian centres. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. They were arrayed based on previous treatments as bDMARD-naïve and bDMARD-insufficient responders (IR) after the failure or intolerance to bDMARDs. A sub-analysis differentiated the effects of methotrexate (MTX) and the use of oral glucocorticoids (OGC). RESULTS: Our cohort included 150 (34%) bDMARD-naïve and 296 (66%) bDMARD-IR patients, with 217 (49%) using baricitinib as monotherapy. Considering DAS-28-CRP as the primary outcome, at 3 and 6 months, 114/314 (36%) and 149/289 (51.6%) patients achieved remission, while those in low disease activity (LDA) were 62/314 (20%) and 46/289 (15.9%), respectively; finally at 12 months 81/126 (64%) were in remission and 21/126 (17%) in LDA. At all-timepoints up to 12 months, bDMARDs-naïve patients demonstrated a better clinical response, independently of MTX. A significant reduction in the OGC dose was observed at 3 and 12 months in all groups. The serum positivity for both rheumatoid factors (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) conferred a lower risk of stopping baricitinib due to inefficacy. Fifty-eight (13%) patients discontinued baricitinib due to adverse events, including thrombotic events and herpes zoster reactivation. CONCLUSIONS: Real-life data confirm the efficacy and safety profiles of baricitinib in patients with RA and provide evidence that drug survival is higher in bDMARDs-naïve and seropositive patients. | |
32557255 | Non-anti-TNF biologic agents are associated with slower worsening of interstitial lung dis | 2021 Jan | OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on the outcome of interstitial lung disease secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with RA-ILD receiving DMARDs between 2015 and 2017. The patients were assessed using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests at baseline and at 24 months. The radiological assessment was centralized. The main outcome measure at 24 months was changed in lung function (improvement, stabilization, worsening, or death). We recorded the 28-joint Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and adverse events. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with worsening of ILD. RESULTS: After 24 months, lung disease was stabilized in 40 patients (57.1%), improved in 8 (11.4%), and worse in 21 (30.0%). One patient (1.4%) died. The factors associated with worsening of ILD in the multivariate analysis were treatment with abatacept, tocilizumab, or rituximab (OR, 0.102 [95%CI, 0.015-0.686]), DAS28 (OR, 1.969 [95%CI, 1.005-3.857]), and smoking (OR, 6.937 [95%CI, 1.378-4.900]). During follow-up, 30 patients (42.9%) experienced an adverse event, which was severe in 12 cases (17.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Lung function is stable and inflammatory activity well controlled in most patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with DMARDs. Non-anti-TNF DMARDs reduce the risk of worsening of lung disease in 90% of patients. The inflammatory activity of RA and smoking, on the other hand, are associated with worsening. Key Points • We have performed prospectively evaluated lung and joint function in patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with various DMARDs. • In our study, the lung function is stable and inflammatory activity well controlled in most patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with DMARDs. • Neither csDMARDs nor anti-TNF agents were associated with a significant risk of worsening of lung disease, whereas non-anti-TNF bDMARDs could reduce the risk of worsening of lung disease. • Smoking and poor control of joint involvement were the main factors associated with worsening of lung disease. | |
32969462 | A rapid response near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe for the real-time tracking of | 2020 Oct 21 | Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a potent bio-oxidant involved in many physiological and pathological processes; however, most of the pathological effects associated with ONOO-in vivo are still ambiguous. Herein, we designed and synthesized two near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probes, Ratio-A and Ratio-B, for the detection and biological evaluation of ONOO-. The recognition unit diene in the probes could be specifically cleaved by ONOO- with a 94-fold enhancement in the ratiometric fluorescence signal. By imaging ONOO- in immune stimulated cells and acute inflammation mice model using Ratio-A, we investigated the fluctuations of ONOO- levels in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model of mice. Ratio-A could be applied for the effective imaging of RA and could rapidly evaluate the response of the RA treatment with methotrexate (MTX). Thus, Ratio-A can be considered as a promising tool for pathological diagnosis and the therapeutic assessment of a wide range of diseases including RA. | |
32866781 | Nanoparticle-facilitated delivery of BAFF-R siRNA for B cell intervention and rheumatoid a | 2020 Nov | The present study was designed to explore the effects of B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) siRNA encapsulated nanoparticles on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). BAFF-R siRNA encapsulated nanoparticles (NP-(si)(BAFF-R)) were constructed using a double emulsion method and was characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was determined using flow cytometry. The CIA mouse model was established and the mice were intravenously injected with nanoparticles. NP-(si)(BAFF-R) effectively decreased the expression of BAFF-R in B cells and facilitated the delivery of siRNA into B cells. Treatment of NP(si)(BAFF-R) ameliorated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms in the CIA mouse model via decreasing the arthritis score, mean ankle diameter, the levels of anti-collagen IgG in serum and increasing the expression of collagen type II and osteocalcin in dissected joint tissues. Additionally, treatment of NP(si)(BAFF-R) decreased the percentage and number of B cells and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RA mice. These results demonstrate that NP-(si)(BAFF-R) may provide an effective strategy for RA treatment. | |
33273485 | Assessment of a dried blood spot C-reactive protein method to identify disease flares in r | 2020 Dec 3 | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by painful, stiff and swollen joints. RA features sporadic 'flares' or inflammatory episodes-mostly occurring outside clinics-where symptoms worsen and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) becomes elevated. Poor control of inflammation results in higher rates of irreversible joint damage, increased disability, and poorer quality of life. Flares need to be accurately identified and managed. A method comparison study was designed to assess agreement between CRP values obtained by dried blood spot (DBS) versus conventional venepuncture sampling. The ability of a weekly DBS sampling and CRP test regime to detect flare outside the clinic was also assessed. Matched venepuncture and finger lancet DBS samples were collected from n = 100 RA patients with active disease at baseline and 6 weeks (NCT02809547). A subset of n = 30 RA patients submitted weekly DBS samples over the study period. Patient demographics, including self-reported flares were recorded. DBS sample CRP measurements were made by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and venepuncture samples by a reference immunoturbometric assay. Data was compared between sample types by Bland-Altman and weighted Deming regression analyses. Flare detection sensitivity and specificity were compared between 'minimal' baseline and 6 week sample CRP data and the 'continuous' weekly CRP data. Baseline DBS ELISA assay CRP measures yielded a mean positive bias of 2.693 ± 8.640 (95% limits of agreement - 14.24 to 19.63%), when compared to reference assay data. Deming regression revealed good agreement between the DBS ELISA method and reference assay data, with baseline data slope of 0.978 and intercept -0.153. The specificity of 'continuous' area under the curve (AUC) CRP data (72.7%) to identify flares, was greater than 'minimal' AUC CRP data (54.5%). This study indicates reasonable agreement between DBS and the reference method, especially at low to mid-range CRP values. Importantly, longitudinal CRP measurement in RA patients helps to clearly identify flare and thus could assist in remote monitoring strategies and may facilitate timely therapeutic intervention.Trial registration: The Remote Arthritis Disease Activity MonitoR (RADAR) study was registered on 22/06/2016 at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02809547. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02809547 . | |
32539800 | Influence of age on the occurrence of adverse events in rheumatic patients at the onset of | 2020 Jun 15 | OBJECTIVES: To assess whether age, at the beginning of biologic treatment, is associated with the time a first adverse event (AE) appears in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: All patients in the BIOBADASER registry diagnosed with RA, AS, and PsA, and classified as young (< 25 years old), adult (25-64 years old), elderly (65-75 years old) or very elderly (> 75 years old) at start of biological treatment were included. Factors associated with the appearance of a first AE using adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) (Poisson regression) were analyzed. Survival to first AE was studied by Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazard ratios (HR) by Cox regression. RESULTS: 2483 patients were included: 1126 RA, 680 PsA, and 677 AS. Age group stratification was as follows: 63 young, 2127 adults, 237 elderly, and 56 very elderly. Regression model revealed an increased probability of suffering a first AE at age 65 years or older [IRR elderly: 1.42 (CI95% 1.13-1.77)]. Other characteristics associated with AE were female gender, the use of DMARDs, including methotrexate, the presence of comorbidities, and the time of disease duration. Factors that had the greatest impact on survival over a first AE were age > 75 years [HR 1.50 (1.01-2.24)] and female gender [HR 1.42 (1.22-1.64)]. CONCLUSION: Age at the start of treatment and female gender are key factors associated with the appearance of a first AE with biologics. Other factors related to patient status and treatment were also associated with a first AE in rheumatic patients treated with biologics. | |
32475196 | Assessment of discordance of treatment satisfaction between patients with rheumatoid arthr | 2021 Mar | OBJECTIVES: To assess discordance in overall treatment satisfaction between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their physicians. METHODS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of patients with RA (in low disease activity or remission) and their board-certified treating physicians in Japan; 202 patient-physician pairs were analyzed. Treatment satisfaction and perceptions were assessed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Using a two-level ('satisfied' or 'unsatisfied') assessment of satisfaction, 195 patients (96.5%) and 190 physicians (94.1%) answered 'satisfied' with a high level of concordance (184 pairs, 91.1%). Using a four-level assessment, the ratio of 'satisfied' to 'somewhat satisfied' was higher in patients (66.3%/30.2%) than physicians (43.6%/50.5%). Satisfaction with treatment outcomes (e.g. joint conditions, subjective symptoms) was generally high in patients and physicians; relatively less satisfaction was reported for medication cost, especially among patients. Shared treatment decision-making was reported in ≥96% of patient-physician pairs. The most common 'most important' treatment target differed between patients ('Have a social life without worrying about RA') and physicians ('Prevent joint damage, deformity, and joint swelling'). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment satisfaction and concordance were high between patients in low activity/remission and physicians. Some differences between patients and physicians were reported in satisfaction for specific treatment outcomes and important treatment targets. | |
31483954 | MiR-22 restrains proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis by targeting IL6R and may be concer | 2020 Jan | It has demonstrated that miR-22 overexpression can suppress the inflammation process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in synoviocytes. But, the underlying mechanism of miR-22 expression in regulating RA is still not well illustrated. In this study, we investigated the functional role and underlying mechanism of miR-22 in regulating RA. Human RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell line MH7A cells was transfected by miR-22 mimic and its control. CCK8 was utilized to detect cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. MH7A cells stimulating with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were transfected with miR-22 mimic. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were utilized to detect mRNA and protein expression. miR-22 targets were predicted and validated by Targetscan and luciferase reporter assay. We revealed that miR-22 showed downregulated expression in MH7A after stimulation with IL-1β. Additionally, miR-22 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and facilitated apoptosis in MH7A cells. IL6R was a target of miR-22. Besides, miR-22 overexpression inhibited the expression of IL6R and also suppressed inflammatory pathway NF-κB. These results indicated that miR-22 overexpression could restrain the activity of inflammation cells in RA by targeting IL6R and might be concerned with the inhibition of NF-κB pathway. | |
33135514 | Recent advances in the opioid mu receptor based pharmacotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. | 2020 Dec | INTRODUCTION: Opioids are used for severe forms of acute and cancer pain. Over the last years, their potential use in patients with noncancer pain such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been postulated. A recent population-based comparative study showed that chronic opioid use was 12% vs. 4% among RA and non-RA patients, respectively. Another study showed an increase from 7.4% to 16.9% (2002 to 2015). In general, there has been an increasing tendency to use opioids in recent years. AREAS COVERED: The authors have performed an extensive literature search using PubMed for articles including noncancer pain and the use of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists in patients with RA. EXPERT OPINION: Data is not sufficient to support opioid use for the treatment of chronic pain in patients with RA. Data is scarce and inconclusive. Rheumatologists should think and ponder the question: Why is this patient in pain? Differential diagnosis should include a disease flare, degenerative changes of the musculoskeletal system, and fibromyalgia. And while there are new strategies for opioid administration currently being researched, unfortunately, they are far from being applied to human subjects in the everyday clinical setting, and are still being evaluated at an experimental level. CNS: Central nervous system; DORs: delta opioid receptor agonists; GI: Gastrointestinal; GPCRs: G protein-coupled receptors; IL: Interleukin; JAK: Janus kinase; KORs: kappa opioid receptor agonists; MCPs: Metacarpophalangeal joints; MORs: Mu opioid receptor agonists; MTPs: Metatarsophalangeal joints; NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsOA: Osteoarthritis; ORs: Opioid receptors; PD: Pharmacodynamic; PIPs: Proximal interphalangeal joints; PK: Pharmacokinetic; PNS: Peripheral nervous system; RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; RGS: Regulator of G protein signaling; SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor. | |
32162074 | Polystichum braunii extracts inhibit Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis via upre | 2020 Dec | Polystichum braunii (Spenn.) Fée is a traditional remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of polygenetic origin. The current project was intended to demonstrate the role of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in the anti-arthritic activity of the P. braunii extracts. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant roots were prepared by triple maceration. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant extracts was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plant extracts at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day and piroxicam (10 mg/kg/day) were orally administered to Wistar rats for 21 days that were previously immunized with Complete Freund's adjuvant (150 µl on right hind paw) except normal and arthritic control rats. Both plant extracts mitigated the paw oedema, restored the immune organ and body weights, and ameliorated the level of blood parameters such as haemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-reactive proteins, and rheumatoid factor. The evaluation of gene expression using quantitative-real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed the substantial downregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and I-κB in polyarthritic rats treated with the plant extracts. Methanolic plant extract exhibited the maximum effect on upregulation of IL-4 (79 ± 3%), IL-10 (62.66 ± 4.93%), and I-κB (73.66 ± 3.05%) at 600 mg/kg/day. Treatment with the plant extracts also reduced the level of prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α in the serum of arthritic rats' dose dependently. It was also found that the plant extracts and piroxicam increased (p < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver tissue while reduced the level of malondialdehyde in arthritic rats. Histological examination of ankle joints revealed that the plant extracts decreased the pannus formation, inflammation, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic animals. HPLC analysis depicted that the plant extracts had contained kaempferol, quercetin, gallic acid, and other phenolic acids. It can be elucidated from the results that the extracts of P. braunii roots exhibited anti-arthritic activity in Wistar rats through modulation of inflammatory cytokines and boosting the antioxidant defense mechanism. | |
33124499 | Pharmacogenetics of TNF inhibitor response in rheumatoid arthritis utilizing the two-comp | 2020 Nov | Aim: TNF inhibitor drugs are a treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis, but response is not universal. Response is typically measured using the composite 4-component (4C) disease activity score 28 (DAS28) which contains more subjective measures. This study used a validated 2-component (2C) DAS28 score to determine whether SNPs associated with response were replicated in the UK population. Materials & methods: A literature review identified TNF inhibitor response SNPs. Linear regression was conducted to replicate associations with 4C or 2C-DAS28 response. Results: Eighteen independent SNPs were analyzed in 1828 patients. One and four associations with 4C and 2C-DAS28 response respectively were identified (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Further genetic associations were replicated using the 2C-DAS28 which may reflect the objective nature of 2C-AS28. | |
33183071 | Preclinical discovery and development of adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthri | 2021 Mar | Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by progressive joint disorders with significant pain and stiffness. In the past, RA was a difficult -to-treat ailment, but nowadays with the advent of biologics and better treatment strategies, disease remission is an achievable goal. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors were the first category of biologics to emerge with adalimumab being the first fully human TNFα.Areas covered: the authors provide an overview of the historical events that led to the discovery of TNFα inhibitors and more specifically the drug adalimumab. Several key trials are presented regarding the safety of the drug as well as its successful journey, but there is also a narrative description of the drug's future after patent expiration.Expert opinion: Adalimumab is a fully human TNFα inhibitor with a fairly rapid onset of action. It has a generally good safety and efficacy profile. Clinicians must be aware of the possible side effects and treat them in a timely manner or discontinue the drug where appropriate. Due to the success of the bio-originator adalimumab, a multitude of biosimilars have emerged but not, thus far, for all of the indications of the bio-originator. | |
32494054 | Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention in rheumatoid arthritis. | 2020 Jul | Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CVD. RA is an inflammatory joint disease and, compared with the general population, patients with RA have approximately double the risk of atherosclerotic CVD, stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Although this high risk of CVD has been known for decades, patients with RA receive poorer primary and secondary CVD preventive care than other high-risk patients, and an unmet need exists for improved CVD preventive measures for patients with RA. This Review summarizes the evidence for atherosclerotic CVD in patients with RA and provides a contemporary analysis of what is known and what needs to be further clarified about recommendations for CVD prevention in patients with RA compared with the general population. The management of traditional CVD risk factors, including blood pressure, lipids, diabetes mellitus and lifestyle-related risk factors, as well as the effects of inflammation and the use of antirheumatic medication on CVD risk and risk management in patients with RA are discussed. The main aim is to provide a roadmap of atherosclerotic CVD risk management and prevention for patients with RA. | |
32635742 | Esomeprazole During Pregnancy and Lactation: Esomeprazole Levels in Maternal Serum, Cord B | 2020 Sep | Background: Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole and is used to treat stomach acid-related diseases. Most data regarding the safety of esomeprazole during pregnancy are derived from studies on omeprazole, and the data characterizing esomeprazole transfer across the placenta and excretion into breast milk are limited. In this report, we discuss the safety of esomeprazole with reference to drug concentrations in maternal and neonatal blood and breast milk. Materials and Methods: After the patient provided informed consent, esomeprazole concentrations in maternal serum, breast milk, cord blood, and infant's serum were measured after 10 mg of maternal oral esomeprazole administration. Case Report: A 34-year-old female diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis received esomeprazole before and during pregnancy and lactation. The esomeprazole concentration in cord blood was 40% of the level in maternal serum. At 12 hours after delivery (23.2 hours after dose), omeprazole was not detected in the infant's serum. In breast milk, esomeprazole concentrations at 0.7, 4.0, and 8.2 hours after the last dose were 10.5, 19.6, and 3.0 ng/mL, respectively, and esomeprazole was not detected at 10 hours after maternal administration. The calculated daily infant dose of esomeprazole through breast milk was 0.003 mg/[kg·day]. The infant demonstrated normal developmental progress and no detectable drug-related adverse effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Exposure to esomeprazole through placenta and breast milk was not clinically relevant in the infant. Further studies are needed to evaluate any harmful effects after exposure to esomeprazole in utero or during breastfeeding after esomeprazole treatment. | |
32170486 | The road to rheumatoid arthritis prevention: challenges and opportunities. | 2020 May | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent cause of chronic arthritis worldwide and contributes substantial health burden and socioeconomic costs, issues that are magnified by the aging population. Despite significantly improved outcomes in the management of RA with earlier diagnosis and advances in treatment, there is still no cure and disease prevention remains an area of intense interest. Studies examining different treatment regimens in varied subsets of patients with pre-clinical RA have been able to delay but not prevent onset of frank RA. In this timely issue of Clinical Rheumatology, Alpziar-Rodriguez D. and Finckh A. highlight the available literature on pre-clinical RA including modifiable risk factors, results of key intervention trials, and discuss whether prevention of RA is on the horizon. We offer additional thoughts on current areas of uncertainty in RA prevention studies, lessons to be learned from prevention trials in other disease states, and future directions to consider. |