Search for: rheumatoid arthritis methotrexate autoimmune disease biomarker gene expression GWAS HLA genes non-HLA genes
| ID | PMID | Title | PublicationDate | abstract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35491233 | Real-world evidence of tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Spain. | 2022 May 17 | The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the real-world data on the use of tofacitinib in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Spain. Sixteen retrospective studies carried out in Spain between 2019 and 2021 have been analyzed, considering patients' characteristics, and treatment patterns, effectiveness, and safety. In those studies, approximately 511 patients received tofacitinib during the study period. They were predominantly women (mean age: 48-61 years). The percentage of patients receiving tofacitinib as monotherapy ranged between 20.0% and 67.9%. Only five studies reported the combined use of corticosteroids (42.0-84.5% of patients), with a mean dose varying from 1.8 to 7.2 mg. A wide range of patients (36.0-85.7%) had failed a previous biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. The most frequent reason for treatment discontinuation was the lack of efficacy, and the most common adverse event described was herpes zoster infection. Real-world studies complement clinical trials by adding efficacy and safety data in real-world settings to the benefit/risk profile of the drug. The profile of RA patients receiving tofacitinib in Spain has similarities with other real-world studies conducted in other countries. | |
| 35051027 | Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the Aetiological Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis: W | 2022 Jan 11 | Leukotoxin A (LtxA) is the major virulence factor of an oral bacterium known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). LtxA is associated with elevated levels of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. LtxA targets leukocytes and triggers an influx of extracellular calcium into cytosol. The current proposed model of LtxA-mediated hypercitrullination involves the dysregulated activation of peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes to citrullinate proteins, the release of hypercitrullinated proteins through cell death, and the production of autoantigens recognized by ACPA. Although model-based evidence is yet to be established, its interaction with the host's immune system sparked interest in the role of LtxA in RA. The first part of this review summarizes the current knowledge of Aa and LtxA. The next part highlights the findings of previous studies on the association of Aa or LtxA with RA aetiology. Finally, we discuss the unresolved aspects of the proposed link between LtxA of Aa and RA. | |
| 35563643 | MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Cardiovascular Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): What Is N | 2022 May 8 | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent and impactful rheumatologic chronic autoimmune diseases (AIDs) worldwide. Within a framework that recognizes both immunological activation and inflammatory pathways, the exact cause of RA remains unclear. It seems however, that RA is initiated by a combination between genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers, which result in an auto-perpetuating process. The subsequently, systemic inflammation associated with RA is linked with a variety of extra-articular comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. Hitherto, vast evidence demonstrated the key role of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in RA, and in RA-CVD related complications. In this descriptive review, we aim to highlight the specific role of miRNAs in autoimmune processes, explicitly on their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of RA, and its CV consequences, their main role as novel biomarkers, and their possible role as therapeutic targets. | |
| 34396605 | The effect of nurse-led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systemati | 2022 Apr | AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of nurse-led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BACKGROUND: Evaluating the effect of nurse-led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis will be useful in planning appropriate nursing interventions to increase the functional status and quality of life of patients. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost/CINAHL Complete, Springer Link, ProQuest, Science Direct and Ovid databases. The selected articles were examined by two independent ratters with the PICOS criteria, and the methodological quality of the studies included in the study was evaluated with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software was used in the analysis of the data. The study was conducted using the checklist for PRISMA. RESULTS: This meta-analysis study included six of 1,445 randomised controlled trials. These six studies consisted of a total of 994 patients and provided education and psychosocial support through 30-minute to 2-hour consultations, visits and briefings. No significant publication bias was found in the main outcomes. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis decreased significantly in nurse-led care groups compared with control groups (Hedge's g = -0.18; 95% CI = -0.3 to -0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that nurse-led care played an important role in reducing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse-led care is an effective and appropriate method in reducing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The awareness of all health professionals about the importance of nurse-led care will increase. We recommend the implementation of nurse-led education and psychosocial support interventions to reduce the fatigue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. | |
| 35436466 | Peptidylarginine deiminase-4: Medico-formulative strategy towards management of rheumatoid | 2022 Jun | Peptidylarginine deiminase-4 (PAD4) is a calcium-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arginine into citrulline of macromolecules in the body. It governs several processes including apoptosis, innate immunity (Netosis), and pluripotency. Dysregulated PAD4 plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, PAD4 is considered a promising target for diagnosing and treating RA. Over the last few years research has been carried out on PAD4 inhibitors. When administered it circulates to the entire body and inhibits PAD4 causing immunosuppression which may lead to infection. A growing number of studies have demonstrated infiltration and differentiation of monocytes and macrophages into the inflamed synovium, inducing overexpression of PAD4 levels in the inflamed joints. To overcome the above-mentioned critical issues, the targeted drug delivery systems inhibit PAD4 at the inflamed site. This review provides an update on the PAD4 inhibitors and emerging advanced drug delivery systems for the treatment of RA. Finally, we concluded that active targeting of PAD4 inhibitors to inflamed joints via hybrid nanocarriers provided an improved therapeutic efficacy, minimized extra synovial toxicity, and prevent the occurrence of inflammation in RA. | |
| 34787800 | AGE/Non-AGE Glycation: An Important Event in Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathophysiology. | 2022 Apr | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease that gradually affects the synovial membrane and joints. Many intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors are crucial in making RA pathology challenging throughout the disease. Substantial enzymatic or non-enzymatic modification of proteins driving inflammation has gained a lot of interest in recent years. Endogenously modified glycated protein influences disease development linked with AGEs/non-AGEs and is reported as a disease marker. In this review, we summarized current knowledge of the differential abundance of glycated proteins by compiling and analyzing a variety of AGE and non-AGE ligands that bind with RAGE to activate multi-faceted inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways that are pathobiologically associated with RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS). It is critical to comprehend the connection between oxidative stress and inflammation generation, mediated by glycated protein, which may bind to the receptor RAGE, activate downstream pathways, and impart immunogenicity in RA. It is worth noting that AGEs and non-AGEs ligands play a variety of functions, and their functionality is likely to be more reliant on pathogenic states and severity that may serve as biomarkers for RA. Screening and monitoring of these differentially glycated proteins, as well as their stability in circulation, in combination with established pre-clinical characteristics, may aid or predict the onset of RA. | |
| 35159262 | miRNAs as Biomarkers and Possible Therapeutic Strategies in Rheumatoid Arthritis. | 2022 Jan 28 | Within the past years, more and more attention has been devoted to the epigenetic dysregulation that provides an additional window for understanding the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous disease where a specific immunologic and genetic/epigenetic background is responsible for disease manifestations and course. In this field, microRNAs (miRNA; miR) are being identified as key regulators of immune cell development and function. The identification of disease-associated miRNAs will introduce us to the post-genomic era, providing the real probability of manipulating the genetic impact of autoimmune diseases. Thereby, different miRNAs may be good candidates for biomarkers in disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and other clinical applications. Here, we outline not only the role of miRNAs in immune and inflammatory responses in RA, but also present miRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers. Research into miRNAs is still in its infancy; however, investigation into these novel biomarkers could progress the use of personalized medicine in RA treatment. Finally, we discussed the possibility of miRNA-based therapy in RA patients, which holds promise, given major advances in the therapy of patients with inflammatory arthritis. | |
| 35156814 | Macrophage-Targeted Hydroxychloroquine Nanotherapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy. | 2022 Feb 23 | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with unclear pathogenesis. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), despite its moderate anti-RA efficacy, is among the few clinical drugs used for RA therapy. Macrophages reportedly play a vital role in RA. Here, we designed and explored macrophage-targeted HCQ nanotherapeutics based on mannose-functionalized polymersomes (MP-HCQ) for RA therapy. Notably, MP-HCQ exhibited favorable properties of less than 50 nm size, glutathione-accelerated HCQ release, and M1 phenotype macrophage (M1M) targetability, leading to repolarization of macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype (M2M), reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6), and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). The therapeutic studies in the zymosan-induced RA (ZIA) mouse model showed marked accumulation of MP-HCQ in the inflammation sites, ameliorated symptoms of RA joints, significantly reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and increased IL-10 and TGF-β compared with free HCQ. The analyses of RA joints disclosed greatly amplified M2M and declined mature DCs, CD4(+) T cells, and CD8(+) T cells. In accordance, MP-HCQ significantly reduced the damage of RA joints, cartilages, and bones compared to free HCQ and non-targeted controls. Macrophage-targeted HCQ nanotherapeutics therefore appears as a highly potent treatment for RA. | |
| 34782087 | Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthrit | 2022 Feb | Systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are just 2 of several autoimmune connective tissue diseases that are primarily chronic in nature but can present to the emergency department by virtue of an acute exacerbation of disease. Beyond an acute exacerbation of disease, their predilection for invading multiple organ systems lends itself to the potential for patients presenting to the emergency department with either a single or isolated symptom or a myriad of signs and/or symptoms indicative of a degree of disease complexity and severity that warrant timely recognition and resuscitation. | |
| 35102697 | The burden of illness of rheumatoid arthritis in Latin America-A systematic literature rev | 2022 Apr | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which, when left untreated, may result in the destruction of multiple joints and damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of disease burden for RA in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for publications in English, Spanish, or Portuguese from 2008 through June 2018. A total of 1700 records were retrieved and 36 articles were included. The estimated prevalence of RA for these countries ranged from 0.15% (Colombia) to 2.8% (Mexico). The Global Burden of Disease initiative 2019 estimated that RA accounted for 0.13% of world disability-adjusted life-years. For Latin America, these figures were higher: Argentina 0.16%, Brazil 0.16%, Colombia 0.21%, Mexico 0.30%, and Venezuela 0.24%. RA has a negative impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being as shown by substantially lower scores on measures of quality of life (SF-36) compared with the general population. The annual direct cost in Mexico was estimated at US$3599 per person. For patients with severe RA in Brazil these costs were approximately US$10Â 000. Data from other studied countries were similar. Though evidence of the full cost and impact of RA in Latin American countries is scarce and additional studies are needed, the burden of RA in these regions is significant and comparable to other parts the world. | |
| 34128786 | Prevention and management of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psori | 2022 Jan | The risk of herpes zoster (HZ) and HZ-related complications is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) relative to the general population; therefore, HZ vaccination is recommended in these patient groups. In this literature-based review, we summarise the available evidence on the use of HZ vaccines in patients with RA and PsA, and discuss strategies for managing breakthrough infection. Currently available data show suboptimal rates of HZ vaccination among these patients and highlight a need for strategies to improve HZ vaccination programmes in clinical practice. Further clinical studies are also required to optimise the use of HZ vaccines in patients with RA and PsA, particularly with regard to determining the impact of different immunosuppressive therapy regimens on vaccine immunogenicity and, ultimately, efficacy, as well as the impact of vaccination on disease activity and safety. | |
| 35283302 | 8-Shogaol inhibits rheumatoid arthritis through targeting TAK1. | 2022 Apr | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder, mainly characterized by synovial inflammation and joint damage. If insufficiently treated, RA can lead to irreversible joint destruction and decreased life expectancy. While better understanding of the pathologies and the development of new antirheumatic drugs have improved the outcome of individuals with RA, many patients still cannot achieve remission and experience progressive disability. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) have gained attention due to its pivotal role in RA pathogenesis and thus targeting FLS has been suggested as an attractive therapeutic strategy. To identify candidate molecules with strong inhibitory activity against FLS inflammation, we tested the effect of 315 natural extracts against IL-17-mediated IL-6 production. Zingiber officinale was found as the top hit and further analysis on the active compound responsible led to the discovery of 8-shogaol as a potent molecule against synovitis. 8-Shogaol displayed significant inhibitory effects against TNF-α-, IL-1β-, and IL-17-mediated inflammation and migration in RA patient-derived FLS (RA-FLS) and 3D synovial culture system. 8-Shogaol selectively and directly inhibited TAK1 activity and subsequently suppressed IKK, Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, treatment with 8-shogaol reduced paw thickness and improved walking performance in the adjuvant-induced arthritic (AIA) rat model. 8-Shogaol also reversed pathologies of joint structure in AIA rats and decreased inflammatory biomarkers in the joints. Collectively, we report a novel natural compound that inhibits RA through reversing pathologies of the inflamed synovium via targeting TAK1. | |
| 35400376 | Pregnancy and Management in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, | 2022 May | Management of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) during pregnancy presents unique clinical challenges. Women with both RA and SLE can have disease flares during pregnancy, leading to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, small-for-gestational-age infants, and preterm delivery. Disease should be under control prior to conception. Women with obstetric APS need to be anticoagulated during pregnancy. Many but not all antirheumatic medications can be used during pregnancy and lactation. | |
| 35144834 | Tissue microenvironment dictates inflammation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis | 2022 Jun | The recent advance in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has significantly improved the prognosis of RA patients. However, these novel therapies do not work well for all RA patients. The unmet need suggests that the current understanding about how inflammatory response arises and progresses in RA is limited. Recent accumulating evidence reveals an important role for the tissue microenvironment in the pathogenesis of RA. The synovium, the main tissue where the RA activity occurs, is composed by a unique extracellular matrix (ECM) and residing cells. The ECM molecules provide environmental signals that determine programmed site-specific cell behavior. Improved understanding of the tissue microenvironment, especially how the synovial architecture, ECM molecules, and site-specific cell behavior promote chronic inflammation and tissue destruction, will enhance deciphering the pathogenesis of RA. Moreover, in-depth analysis of tissue microenvironment will allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets. Research is now undertaken to explore potential candidates, both cellular and ECM molecules, to develop novel therapies. This article reviews recent advances in knowledge about how changes in cellular and ECM factors within the tissue microenvironment result in propagation of chronic inflammation in RA. | |
| 34802085 | Natural and iatrogenic ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. | 2022 Feb | PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the ocular features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and of the ophthalmic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may be associated with the administration of antirheumatic drugs. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. In addition, a cohort of 489 RA patients who attended the Authors' departments were examined. RESULTS: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis, scleritis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), and anterior uveitis were diagnosed in 29%, 6%, 5%, 2%, and 10%, respectively, of the mentioned cohort. Ocular ADRs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are rarely reported and include subconjunctival hemorrhages and hemorrhagic retinopathy. In patients taking indomethacin, whorl-like corneal deposits and pigmentary retinopathy have been observed. Glucocorticoids are frequently responsible for posterior subcapsular cataracts and open-angle glaucoma. Methotrexate, the prototype of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), has been associated with the onset of ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal cotton-wool spots, and orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Mild cystoid macular edema and punctate keratitis in patients treated with leflunomide have been occasionally reported. The most frequently occurring ADR of hydroxychloroquine is vortex keratopathy, which may progress to "bull's eye" maculopathy. Patients taking tofacitinib, a synthetic DMARD, more frequently suffer herpes zoster virus (HZV) reactivation, including ophthalmic HZ. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have been associated with the paradoxical onset or recurrence of uveitis or sarcoidosis, as well as optic neuritis, demyelinating optic neuropathy, chiasmopathy, and oculomotor palsy. Recurrent episodes of PUK, multiple cotton-wool spots, and retinal hemorrhages have occasionally been reported in patients given tocilizumab, that may also be associated with HZV reactivation, possibly involving the eye. Finally, rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has rarely been associated with necrotizing scleritis, macular edema, and visual impairment. CONCLUSION: The level of evidence for most of the drug reactions described herein is restricted to the "likely" or "possible" rather than to the "certain" category. However, the lack of biomarkers indicative of the potential risk of ocular ADRs hinders their prevention and emphasizes the need for an accurate risk vs. benefit assessment of these therapies for each patient. | |
| 35268002 | The Relationship between Fatty Acids and the Development, Course and Treatment of Rheumato | 2022 Feb 28 | For this systematic review, a search of the relevant literature was conducted in the EMBASE and PubMed databases. We used the following terms: 'rheumatoid arthritis' in conjunction with 'fatty acid'. The following inclusion criteria had to be satisfied for the studies to be included in the analysis: an RCT/observational/cohort study published in English. A total of seventy-one studies were analysed. The presented systematic review of the available data indicates that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) may have a beneficial effect on human health by decreasing pain and disease activity in patients with RA. The beneficial effect of unsaturated FA on the clinical parameters of RA was demonstrated in all 71 studies analysed. The content of omega-3 FAs in the diet and the consumption of fish, which are their main source, may contribute to a reduced incidence of RA. FAs are an essential component in the synthesis of eicosanoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the documented positive influence of unsaturated FAs on treatment outcomes, the use of a diet rich in long-chain unsaturated FAs should be the standard of care, along with pharmacotherapy, in the treatment of RA patients. An important element in the control of the treatment process should be the routine assessment of the quality of life of RA patients. | |
| 35063347 | Prediction of treatment response: Personalized medicine in the management of rheumatoid ar | 2022 Mar | Highly efficacious drugs are widely available for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, accurately selecting a likely effective drug for individual RA patients has been challenging. Biomarkers are required since clinical phenotypes are not reliable to guide the choice of drugs. Previously identified genetic variants for predicting treatment response have failed in replication in independent cohorts of RA patients. Recent studies aimed at the discovery of biomarkers to predict treatment response have focused on integrative omics analysis, expanded to the microbiome, and further finer definition of synovial pathotypes. Treatment responders and non-responders of RA patients can be distinguished by distinct signatures at baseline in their gut microbiota compositions, peripheral blood transcriptome profiling or histomorphological and molecular pathotypes of synovitis. These distinct biological signatures are promising for developing clinically applicable tools for decision in the selection of drugs for RA, albeit further validations in independent cohorts are required. | |
| 35324458 | Estrogen-mediated differential protein regulation and signal transduction in rheumatoid ar | 2022 May 9 | Exploration of the dual and opposing facets of estrogen necessitates a clear understanding to diminish the controversy of estrogen regulation in averting the systemic, autoimmune, joint degrading disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Experimental evidences consider estrogen as a pivotal enzyme to modulate the disease progression via managing several cellular mechanisms targeting inflammatory markers such as TNF, ILs, nuclear factor kappa B, and other regulatory proteins like matrix metalloproteinases impeding joint erosion and cartilage degradation. Estrogen modulates cellular signaling associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, related cardiovascular risk, and miRNA regulation during RA progression. Studies determining estrogen regulation in RA complicate the resemblance of the outcome as they represent both hyper and hypo level of estrogen is linked to the disease. Although some reports deliver estrogen as malign, there is now increasing evidence of rendering protection dose dependently. Variation in estrogen level causes differential expression of certain proteins and their related signaling which is directly or indirectly linked to RA pathogenesis. This review summarizes the variations in protein expression levels by focusing on the in vitro, in vivo,and clinical studies of estrogen deficiency and treatment. Construction of protein-protein interaction network, GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed proteins assist in hypothesizing a potential molecular mechanism of estrogen in RA via in silico studies. Targeting these differential proteins can emerge a new path for developing advanced therapeutic strategies. | |
| 35240467 | Moxibustion regulates the polarization of macrophages through the IL-4/STAT6 pathway in rh | 2022 Apr | OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion on "Shenshu" and "Zusanli" on macrophage polarization and IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further explore the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA. METHODS: The rats' right hind paws were injected with freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) to establish the model of RA. Seven days after the injection of FCA, moxibustion therapy was performed on the acupoints of Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36) once a day for three weeks. The researchers measured the thickness of the foot pad. ELISA and Histological Analysis were performed to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion. Then researchers detected the expression of macrophage phenotype and the expression of IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway related molecules. RESULTS: It was observed that after the injection of FCA, the rats' feet showed obvious symptoms of redness and swelling. But the symptoms were significantly improved when moxibustion was employed. The study found lower IL-23 and higher IL-4 level in the serum of FCA-injected rats after moxibustion treatment. HE staining showed that the synovium of the RA group was hyperemia and edema, with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration and vascular dilatation. In the moxibustion group, the degree of synovial hyperemia and edema was improved, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and vascular dilation were reduced. The study also found that there wer differences among the expressions of macrophage phenotypes in RA, and this was shown by the high expression of CD86 and low expression of CD206. However, the polarization of macrophages in the moxibustion group changed, and that was manifested by enhanced M2-polarized Mφs and inhibited M1-polarized Mφs. Meanwhile, moxibustion suppressed the activation of JAK1, JAK3 and STAT6 in the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway, which contributed to the polarization of M2 . CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that moxibustion not only suppresses the polarization of M1, but also promotes the polarization of M1. The anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion may be related to the regulation of macrophage polarization through IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway. | |
| 33949930 | Mechanism of Action of Strychni Semen for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis and Methods for At | 2022 | BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which affects the joints and causes significant pain, impairing patient's quality of life. Strychni semen showed promising results to treat RA. However, there are increasing safety concerns in using strychni semen due to its severe toxicity. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to provide insight into using Strychni semen as an alternative medicine to treat RA, as well as to offer a method for the safe application of Strychni semen through processing and compatibility studies. METHODS: Publications were retrieved and surveyed from CNKI and PubMed relevant to Strychni semen for a literature review. RESULTS: This article summarized the mechanism of function of strychni semen in treating RA with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effect. Commonly used methods to attenuate the toxicity of Strychni semen were also discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: Strychni semen has a good therapeutic effect on RA, mainly by the modulation of immunity with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Also, the reported toxicity of strychni semen can be effectively reduced by processing and compatibility methods. Hence, as an alternative medicine for RA treatment, strychni semen has a broad prospect. |