Article
Rheumatology
Xinzhe Feng, Chen Wang, Boyao Ji, Junjie Qiao, Yihong Xu, Shanbang Zhu, Zhou Ji, Bole Zhou, Wenwen Tong, Weidong Xu
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the dynamics of cell subpopulations, gene expression, and intercellular interactions during the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis, providing new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sahar Gelfman, Arden Moscati, Santiago Mendez Huergo, Rujin Wang, Veera Rajagopal, Neelroop Parikshak, Vijay Kumar Pounraja, Esteban Chen, Michelle Leblanc, Ralph Hazlewood, Jan Freudenberg, Blerta Cooper, Ann J. Ligocki, Charles G. Miller, Tave Van Zyl, Jonathan Weyne, Carmelo Romano, Botir Sagdullaev, Olle Melander, Aris Baras, Eli A. Stahl, Giovanni Coppola
Summary: In this study, the authors performed genome-wide association analysis and whole-exome analysis to uncover the underlying genetics of HLA-B*27 positive and negative forms of anterior uveitis (AU).
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Zhihua Yin, Hui-Ying Low, Brian Shiian Chen, Kuo-Shu Huang, Yue Zhang, Yu-Hsun Wang, Zhizhong Ye, James Cheng-Chung Wei
Summary: This study found a higher risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in patients with endometriosis, suggesting clinicians should be aware of the occurrence of AS in patients with endometriosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Fataneh Tavasolian, Starlee Lively, Chiara Pastrello, Michael Tang, Melissa Lim, Addison Pacheco, Zoya Qaiyum, Enoch Yau, Zeynep Baskurt, Igor Jurisica, Mohit Kapoor, Robert D. Inman
Summary: Advances in genomics and proteomics have provided new insights into the biology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), offering opportunities for improved diagnosis and management. Altered gene, microRNA, and protein expression have been implicated in immune dysregulation and inflammation in AS. This study demonstrates that exosomes from AS patients inhibit the proliferation of regulatory T cells, potentially contributing to the chronically activated T cells seen in this disease.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Monica Schwartzman, Joerg Ermann, Kristine A. Kuhn, Sergio Schwartzman, Michael H. Weisman
Summary: This systematic literature review critically appraises study designs evaluating spondyloarthritis (SpA) phenotypes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The review finds that the characterization of SpA phenotypes in IBD patients remains incomplete and suggests the need for standardization of variables and definitions in order to advance clinical and research purposes.
Article
Rheumatology
Siwen Chen, Zihao Li, Dongying Chen, Haowen Cui, Jianru Wang, Zemin Li, Xiang Li, Zhaomin Zheng, Zhongping Zhan, Hui Liu
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the role of Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in entheseal pathological new bone formation and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. It was found that Piezo1 was aberrantly upregulated in ligaments and entheseal tissues from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and animal models. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Piezo1 attenuated while its activation promoted pathological new bone formation. Mechanistically, activation of CaMKII signalling was found essential for Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction. Additionally, Piezo1 was upregulated by AS-associated inflammatory cytokines.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Bora Nam, Sungsin Jo, So-Young Bang, Youngho Park, Ji Hui Shin, Ye-Soo Park, Seunghun Lee, Kyung Bin Joo, Tae-Hwan Kim
Summary: This study identified clinical and genetic factors associated with severe radiographic damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The results showed that baseline mSASSS, peripheral joint arthritis, uveitis, and smoking were significant clinical factors associated with radiographic damage. The RYR3 gene and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were also found to be associated with severe radiographic damage.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chia-Jung Tsai, Yu-Chih Lin, Chung-Yu Chen, Chih-Hsing Hung, Yi-Ching Lin
Summary: This retrospective study analyzed the impact of biologics and non-biologics treatment on the development of hematologic malignancies in patients with AS, psoriasis, and PsA. The results showed that biologics significantly increased the risk of hematologic malignancies, specifically non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Different treatment patterns, types of biologics, cumulative defined daily doses, comorbidities, and comedications did not have a significant effect on hematologic malignancy development.
Article
Rheumatology
Timothy S. H. Kwok, Mitchell Sutton, Daniel Pereira, Richard J. Cook, Vinod Chandran, Nigil Haroon, Robert D. Inman, Dafna D. Gladman
Summary: Isolated axial PsA and AS with psoriasis are relatively uncommon. HLA-B*27 positivity is associated with isolated axial PsA and may predict the development of peripheral disease. Isolated axial PsA is associated with better functional status. Isolated axial PsA appears clinically distinct from isolated axial AS with psoriasis.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Wenjuan Li, Jia Guo, Lei Wang, Tinghua Zhang, Tian Li
Summary: Spinal cord infarction secondary to ankylosing spondylitis is a rare but serious disorder that requires vigilance and timely diagnosis and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mahmud Omar, Niv Ben-Shabat, Avishai M. Tsur, Arnon D. Cohen, Abdulla Watad, Howard Amital, Kassem Sharif
Summary: A large retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study shows that patients with AS have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, and a lower prevalence of schizophrenia. Disease modifying drugs used for the management of AS are not predictors of psychiatric disorders in AS patients.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Hao-Guang Li, Dan-Min Wang, Feng-Cai Shen, Shu-Xin Huang, Zhi-Duo Hou, Ling Lin, Zheng-Yu Xiao
Summary: Peripheral involvement is common in juvenile-onset non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and risk factors associated with progression to juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis include inflammatory back pain, buttock pain, enthesitis, elevated baseline CRP levels, and sacroiliac joint-MRI positivity.
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Juergen Braun, Robert B. M. Landewe
Summary: Three monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin-23 have been approved for psoriasis treatment, with two also approved for psoriatic arthritis. However, they have shown to be ineffective in axial spondyloarthritis and may be due to generic effects rather than specific inflammation.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Xenofon Baraliakos, Atul Deodhar, Desiree van der Heijde, Marina Magrey, Walter P. Maksymowych, Tetsuya Tomita, Huji Xu, Ute Massow, Carmen Fleurinck, Alicia M. Ellis, Thomas Vaux, Julie Shepherd-Smith, Alexander Marten, Lianne S. Gensler
Summary: Bimekizumab (BKZ), a monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-17F and IL-17A, demonstrated sustained efficacy in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) at Week 52. The dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F resulted in significant improvements compared to placebo and the safety profile was consistent with previous findings.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jeonghyeon Moon, Seon-Yeong Lee, Hyun Sik Na, A. Ram Lee, Keun-Hyung Cho, Jeong Won Choi, Sung-Hwan Park, Mi-La Cho
Summary: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its risk. Current treatments focus on symptom relief and disease progression suppression. Research indicates that ezetimibe can effectively inhibit Th17 cell function, slowing the progression of AS.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Lauren K. Ridley, Mark C. Hwang, John D. Reveille, Lianne S. Gensler, Mariko L. Ishimori, Matthew A. Brown, Mohammad H. Rahbar, Amirali Tahanan, Michael M. Ward, Michael H. Weisman, Thomas J. Learch
Summary: This study investigated a subgroup of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who had long-standing disease and fused sacroiliac (SI) joints and found that females and males with early symptom onset had less radiographic damage in the SI joints. All 23 patients without syndesmophytes were HLA-B27 positive.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Kevin L. Winthrop, John D. Isaacs, Philip J. Mease, Dimitrios T. Boumpas, Xenofon Baraliakos, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Stefan Siebert, Marta Mosca, Neil Basu, Dana Orange, R. Lories, Daniel Aletaha, Iain B. McInnes, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Reinhard E. Voll, Ellen M. Gravallese, Ferry C. Breedveld, Josef S. Smolen
Summary: This article summarizes the unmet clinical and scientific needs in the field of rheumatology. It highlights the importance of clinical trial design innovation and the need to better understand the natural history of rheumatic diseases. The article also identifies the specific unmet needs in different rheumatological disease-specific groups and emphasizes the importance of developing therapies and therapeutic strategies for treatment-refractory disease.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
S. A. Elahi, R. Castro-Vinuelas, P. Tanska, R. K. Korhonen, R. Lories, N. Famaey, I. Jonkers
Summary: In silico approach was used to study the main mechanisms of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis. Collagen degradation drives degenerative changes in intact and degenerated cartilage, while mechanical loading initially causes proteoglycans depletion in the presence of a focal cartilage defect.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
J. Quintiens, A. De Roover, F. M. F. Cornelis, A. Escribano-Nun, A. Sermon, S. Pazmino, S. Monteagudo, R. J. Lories
Summary: This study identified the hypoxia and Wnt signaling pathways as regulators of ANP32A expression. Hypoxia increased ANP32A levels, while Wnt hyper-activation decreased ANP32A levels. The modulation of the ATM gene by hypoxia and Wnt was also observed. Maintaining hypoxia and limiting Wnt activation are important for protecting against osteoarthritis.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Daniele Mauro, Archita Srinath, Giuliana Guggino, Vicky Nicolaidou, Stefania Raimondo, Jonathan J. Ellis, Jessica Whyte, Maria Maddalena Nicoletti, Marco Romano, Tony John Kenna, Juan D. Canete, Riccardo Alessandro, Aroldo Rizzo, Matthew Arthur Brown, Nicole J. Horwood, Nigil Haroon, Francesco Ciccia
Summary: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that leads to spine ankylosis. The mechanisms of new bone formation in AS are not fully understood, but Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTGER4 gene have been associated with AS. This study found that the PGE2-EP4 axis, which is involved in inflammation and bone metabolism, may contribute to radiographic progression in AS. Baseline serum PGE2 levels and the PTGER4 SNP rs6896969 were found to predict progression in AS patients. Increased expression of EP4/PTGER4 was observed in immune cells, synovial tissue, and bone marrow of AS patients. The PGE2/EP4 axis also induced bone formation when monocytes were cocultured with mesenchymal stem cells.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Stijn Arnaert, Paul Byttebier, Sam Van Rossom, Evie Vereecke, Ilse Jonkers, Edwin Oei, Sita M. A. Bierma-Zeinstra, Rik Lories, Marienke van Middelkoop, Stefan Clockaerts
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of the anterior tibiotalar fat pad (ATFP) in the ankle joint after one year of an ankle sprain and its correlation with systemic factors and local articular pathology. The results suggest that age, body mass index (BMI), and sex are significantly associated with the T1 intensity of ATFP. Age, diffuse cartilage loss in the lateral talus, and Kellgren and Lawrence score in the tibiotalar joint are negatively associated with the area of ATFP. BMI is positively associated with the ATFP area.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco Salvatore Iaquinta, Daniele Mauro, Ilenia Pantano, Saverio Naty, Daniela Iacono, Emanuela Gaggiano, Luca Riccio, Francesco Ciccia, Rosa Daniela Grembiale, Rocco Spagnuolo
Summary: Patients with chronic Inflammatory Arthritis (IA), such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA), experience higher psychosocial and gastrointestinal impairment. This study aimed to assess these symptoms in an IA population and identify potential associations. The findings suggest the need for a holistic approach to address reported symptoms and improve the overall quality of life in rheumatologic patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Margherita Zen, Mariele Gatto, Roberto Depascale, Francesca Regola, Micaela Fredi, Laura Andreoli, Franco Franceschini, Maria Letizia Urban, Giacomo Emmi, Fulvia Ceccarelli, Fabrizio Conti, Alessandra Bortoluzzi, Marcello Govoni, Chiara Tani, Marta Mosca, Tania Ubiali, Maria Gerosa, Enrica P. Bozzolo, Valentina Canti, Paolo Cardinaletti, Armando Gabrielli, Giacomo Tanti, Elisa Gremese, Ginevra De Marchi, Salvatore De Vita, Serena Fasano, Francesco Ciccia, Giulia Pazzola, Carlo Salvarani, Simone Negrini, Andrea Di Matteo, Rossella De Angelis, Giovanni Orsolini, Maurizio Rossini, Paola Faggioli, Antonella Laria, Matteo Piga, Alberto Cauli, Salvatore Scarpato, Francesca Wanda Rossi, Amato De Paulis, Enrico Brunetta, Angela Ceribelli, Carlo Selmi, Marcella Prete, Vito Racanelli, Angelo Vacca, Elena Bartoloni, Roberto Gerli, Elisabetta Zanatta, Maddalena Larosa, Francesca Saccon, Andrea Doria, Luca Iaccarino
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of belimumab in treating joint and skin manifestations in a nationwide cohort of SLE patients. The results showed that belimumab significantly improved joint and skin symptoms and reduced the use of glucocorticoids. A significant proportion of patients who did not achieve complete remission initially achieved remission during follow-up.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Manouk de Hooge, Alla Ishchenko, Ann-Sophie De Craemer, Serge Steinfeld, Adrien Nzeusseu, Dirk Elewaut, Rik Lories, Kurt de Vlam, Filip van den Bosch
Summary: This study aimed to examine radiographic axial damage of the sacroiliac joints and spine in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in private and academic Belgian practices. The data comparison between the two patient groups found that patients with SpA tend to have more severe spinal damage compared to those with PsA. In patients with PsA, the cervical spine is more often affected, while in patients with SpA, the location of syndesmophytes is more evenly distributed.
Article
Rheumatology
Ilenia Di Cola, Daniela Iacono, Ilenia Pantano, Daniele Mauro, Antonio Vitale, Francesco Caso, Ludovico De Stefano, Marcella Prete, Luca Navarini, Jacopo Ciaffi, Francesco Ursini, Luisa Costa, Federico Perosa, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Luca Cantarini, Bruno Frediani, Francesco Ciccia, Roberto Giacomelli, Paola Cipriani, Piero Ruscitti
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of obesity on patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and assessed their clinical characteristics and disease outcomes. The results showed that obese patients had a lower prevalence of sore throat, serositis, higher levels of CRP and ferritin, higher rate of bDMARD failure, and a higher rate of comorbidity. Obesity was also found to be a predictive factor for a chronic disease course and bDMARD failure in AOSD patients.
Article
Immunology
Mariia Dzhus, Lisa Ehlers, Marjon Wouters, Katrien Jansen, Rik Schrijvers, Lien De Somer, Steven Vanderschueren, Marco Baggio, Leen Moens, Benjamin Verhaaren, Rik Lories, Giorgia Bucciol, Isabelle Meyts
Summary: Deficiency of human adenosine deaminase type 2 (DADA2) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by vasculopathy, immune dysregulation, and hematologic abnormalities. Neurological manifestations, particularly strokes, are a significant feature of DADA2, with brain stem and deep gray matter being commonly affected. Other neurological involvements include neuropathies, focal deficits, ophthalmological findings, convulsions, and headaches. Recognizing the diverse neurological manifestations of DADA2 is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Daniele Mauro, Saviana Gandolfo, Enrico Tirri, Georg Schett, Walter P. P. Maksymowych, Francesco Ciccia
Summary: This perspective discusses the evidence that supports a bone marrow origin for spondyloarthritis, rather than an entheseal origin. Focusing on immune cells and dysfunction in the bone marrow niche could alter the therapeutic approach to spondyloarthritis.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Ennio Lubrano, Silvia Scriffignano, Kurt de Vlam, Mario Ronga, Fabio Massimo Perrotta, Rik Lories
Summary: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex and chronic inflammatory disease that combines arthritis and psoriasis with other conditions and comorbidities. Non-pharmacological approaches such as diet modifications, improved sleep quality, and physical activity have been shown to improve the quality of life for PsA patients.
Review
Rheumatology
L. De Stefano, B. D'Onofrio, S. Gandolfo, E. Bozzalla Cassione, D. Mauro, A. Manzo, F. Ciccia, S. Bugatti
Summary: In the past 20 years, earlier diagnosis and more intensive management have significantly improved the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in seropositive patients. However, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis remains surrounded by uncertainties, including its correct diagnosis, clinical phenotype, optimal treatment strategies, and relevant outcomes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Antonio Vitale, Valeria Caggiano, Giuseppe Lopalco, Henrique A. Mayrink Giardini, Francesco Ciccia, Ibrahim A. Almaghlouth, Piero Ruscitti, Petros P. Sfikakis, Abdurrahman Tufan, Lorenzo Dagna, Roberto Giacomelli, Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola, Gafaar Ragab, Haner Direskeneli, Lampros Fotis, Jurgen Sota, Florenzo Iannone, Maria Morrone, Isabele Parente de Brito Antonelli, Marilia Ambiel Dagostin, Daniela Iacono, Martina Patrone, Kazi Asfina, Fehaid Alanazi, Ilenia Di Cola, Carla Gaggiano, Maria G. Tektonidou, Riza Can Kardas, Hamit Kucuk, Corrado Campochiaro, Alessandro Tomelleri, Luca Navarini, Onorina Berardicurti, Eduardo Martin-Nares, Jiram Torres-Ruiz, Ayman Abdel-Monem Ahmed Mahmoud, Fatma Alibaz-Oner, Katerina Kourtesi, Maria Tarsia, Paolo Sfriso, Joanna Makowska, Marcello Govoni, Francesco La Torre, Maria Cristina Maggio, Sara Monti, Emanuela Del Giudice, Giacomo Emmi, Elena Bartoloni, Jose Hernandez-Rodriguez, Veronica Gomez-Caverzaschi, Armin Maier, Gabriele Simonini, Annamaria Iagnocco, Giovanni Conti, Alma Nunzia Olivieri, Amato De Paulis, Alberto Lo Gullo, Ombretta Viapiana, Ewa Wiesik-Szewczyk, Sukran Erten, Benson Ogunjimi, Francesco Carubbi, Samar Tharwat, Katerina Laskari, Stefania Costi, Paola Triggianese, Anastasios Karamanakos, Alessandro Conforti, Micol Frassi, Gian Domenico Sebastiani, Antonio Gidaro, Angela Mauro, Alberto Balistreri, Claudia Fabiani, Bruno Frediani, Luca Cantarini
Summary: Although there are some minor differences between age groups, overall, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment aspects of Still's disease were similarly observed in patients at all ages.