Review
Immunology
Ilaria Mormile, Francesca Mosella, Piergiorgio Turco, Filomena Napolitano, Amato de Paulis, Francesca Wanda Rossi
Summary: Calcinosis is a severe complication of autoimmune disorders, including types like calcinosis cutis and calciphylaxis. Calcification of damaged tissues in the presence of normal calcium and phosphate levels is commonly associated with autoimmune diseases. Calciphylaxis, characterized by vascular calcifications and thrombosis, is also related to autoimmune conditions. It is important for physicians to be aware of the clinical presentation and management of calcinosis in order to choose appropriate treatment and prevent long-term complications.
Review
Immunology
Maurizio Cutolo, Stefano Soldano, Alberto Sulli, Vanessa Smith, Emanuele Gotelli
Summary: Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, has complex influences on the immune system and may affect various clinical conditions. Its serum concentrations fluctuate seasonally due to UV-B exposure, and low levels of 25OHD are implicated in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Massimo Patane, Luca Carmisciano, Elvis Hysa, Emanuele Gotelli, Alberto Sulli, Sabrina Paolino, Vanessa Smith, Maurizio Cutolo
Summary: The Hand Test System (HTS) is an engineered-sensorized glove used to evaluate finger movement speed, which shows significant correlations with clinical disease activity, hand strength, and perceived hand disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Article
Rheumatology
Susan Bridgewater, Mwidimi Ndosi, Jill Dawson, Pamela Richards, Christine Silverthorne, Emma Dures, Susan M. Goodman, Catherine Hill, Sarah L. Mackie, Joanna C. Robson
Summary: The Steroid PRO is a 15-item scale that has been found to be valid and reliable for measuring the impact of glucocorticoid therapy in people with rheumatic diseases. The study included participants from the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand, with a total of 946 responses. The scale structure was determined through Rasch measurement model and exploratory factor analysis, confirming its construct validity and reliability.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Felix Rothe, Joern Berger, Pia Welker, Richard Fiebelkorn, Stefan Kupper, Denise Kiesel, Egbert Gedat, Sarah Ohrndorf
Summary: Fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) can help diagnose different rheumatic diseases by identifying specific image features. By analyzing FOI images of patients' hands, researchers were able to accurately diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and connective tissue diseases (CTD) and determine the most important image features for each disease.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Stamatis-Nick C. Liossis, Constantina A. Bounia
Summary: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases can affect vital organs, with lung involvement being severe and difficult to treat. Rituximab is an off-label treatment for CTD-ILD, but studies have shown that it can effectively improve pulmonary function and reduce ILD symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dan-in Jang, A-Hyeon Lee, Hye-Yoon Shin, Hyo-Ryeong Song, Jong-Hwi Park, Tae-Bong Kang, Sang-Ryong Lee, Seung-Hoon Yang
Summary: TNF-α was originally identified as a factor causing tumor necrosis but has also been recognized as a pathological component of autoimmune diseases. Its signaling pathways play important roles in cellular responses, and inappropriate activation can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. TNF-α inhibitors have been developed as effective therapeutic tools for various autoimmune diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Jiaqi Ren, Lin Sun, Xing Sun, Zhenzhen Ma, Xinyu Wang, Zhuo An, Jinxia Zhao
Summary: The prevalence of serum CTGF was significantly higher in RA patients compared to other rheumatic diseases and healthy controls, indicating its potential value as a diagnostic biomarker for RA. CTGF-positive patients had higher levels of anti-CCP antibody, RF, IgG, and IgM, while the presence of ILD in RA patients was associated with a higher positivity rate of serum CTGF. Further studies are needed to fully understand the diagnostic performance of CTGF in RA.
CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Balazs Odler, Regina Riedl, Philipp Gauckler, Jae Il Shin, Johannes Leierer, Peter A. Merkel, William St Clair, Fernando Fervenza, Duvuru Geetha, Paul Monach, David Jayne, Rona M. Smith, Alexander Rosenkranz, Ulrich Specks, John H. Stone, Andreas Kronbichler
Summary: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with severe infections in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). The use of low-dose TMP/SMX was found to be associated with a reduced risk of severe infections in patients treated with either rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide (CYC)/azathioprine (AZA). Reduced B cell subpopulations at the start of treatment may be a useful indicator of reduced immunocompetence.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Beatriz Frade-Sosa, Ana Belen Azuaga, Virginia Ruiz-Esquide, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta, Raimon Sanmarti
Summary: This study reported a case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had pulmonary rheumatoid nodules diagnosed while receiving etanercept and experienced complete resolution of the nodules after 5 years of rituximab treatment.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Liana Barenbrug, Maarten te Groen, Frank Hoentjen, Joris van Drongelen, Juul M. P. A. van den Reek, Irma Joosten, Elke M. G. J. de Jong, Renate G. van der Molen
Summary: The use of anti-TNF alpha agents during pregnancy in women with immune mediated inflammatory diseases, such as IBD, RA, and PS, is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and infections in newborns, particularly for women with IBD. However, there was no increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with RA and PS. Vaccination in children exposed to anti-TNF alpha seems to be safe and important in reducing the risk of infections.
JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Leonie Maria Frommert, Amanthi Nadira Arumahandi de Silva, Jan Zernicke, Veronika Scholz, Tanja Braun, Lara Maria Jeworowski, Tatjana Schwarz, Pinkus Tober-Lau, Alexander ten Hagen, Elisa Habermann, Florian Kurth, Leif Erik Sander, Victor Max Corman, Gerd-Ruediger Burmester, Robert Biesen, Fredrik N. Albach, Jens Klotsche
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors leading to a diminished humoral vaccination response in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) after COVID-19 vaccination. The study found that certain immunosuppressive therapies, vaccine type, age, and vaccination interval can affect the antibody response in these patients.
Article
Rheumatology
Konstantinos Thomas, Argyro Lazarini, Evripidis Kaltsonoudis, Paraskevi V. Voulgari, Alexandros A. Drosos, Argyro Repa, Ainour Molla Ismail Sali, Prodromos Sidiropoulos, Panagiota Tsatsani, Sousana Gazi, Argyriou Evangelia, Kyriaki A. Boki, Pelagia Katsimbri, Dimitrios Boumpas, Kalliopi Fragkiadaki, Maria G. Tektonidou, Petros P. Sfikakis, Konstantina Karagianni, Lazaros Sakkas, Eleftheria P. Grika, Panagiotis G. Vlachoyiannopoulos, Gerasimos Evangelatos, Alexios Iliopoulos, Theodoros Dimitroulas, Alexandros Garyfallos, Konstantinos Melissaropoulos, Panagiotis Georgiou, Maria Areti, Constantinos Georganas, Periklis Vounotrypidis, Georgios Georgiopoulos, George D. Kitas, Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
Summary: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, longer disease duration, history of previous serious infections, comorbidities, and high glucocorticoid dose are independently associated with serious infections. The RA Observation of Biologic Therapy (RABBIT) risk score accurately predicted the incidence of serious infections in this study cohort.
Article
Rheumatology
Alexandre Dumusc, Fahad Alromaih, Matthieu Perreau, Thomas Huegle, Pascal Zufferey, Diana Dan
Summary: This study investigated the use of RTX in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in a real-life Swiss setting and compared its safety and efficacy in patients with RA, CTD, and AAV. The results showed that RTX retention rates were similar in patients with RA and CTD, but lower in patients with AAV. Patients with AAV had a higher incidence of serious adverse events and infectious adverse events. Additionally, patients with AAV were more likely to use glucocorticoids and develop hypogammaglobulinemia.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James I. Robinson, Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof, Vinny Davies, Dawn Wild, Michael Morgan, John C. Taylor, Yasser El-Sherbiny, David L. Morris, Lu Liu, Andy C. Rawstron, Maya H. Buch, Darren Plant, Heather J. Cordell, John D. Isaacs, Ian N. Bruce, Paul Emery, Anne Barton, Timothy J. Vyse, Jennifer H. Barrett, Edward M. Vital, Ann W. Morgan, MATURA Consortia, MASTERPLANS Consortia
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of FCGR variants on clinical response and immune cell function in rituximab therapy. The study found that FCGR3A-158V variant and increased copy numbers were associated with better clinical response in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In systemic lupus erythematosus patients, FCGR3A-158V variant and FCGR2C-ORF copy numbers were associated with better clinical response. Furthermore, NK cell Fc gamma RIIIa expression and ADCC were associated with clinical response and B-cell depletion.
Letter
Rheumatology
Pedro M. Machado, Martin Schaefer, Anja Strangfeld, Laure Gossec, Milena Gianfrancesco, Saskia Lawson-Tovey, Elsa F. Mateus, Loreto Carmona, Kimme L. Hyrich, Philip C. Robinson, Jinoos Yazdany
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Martin Schaefer, Anja Strangfeld, Kimme L. Hyrich, Loreto Carmona, Milena Gianfrancesco, Saskia Lawson-Tovey, Elsa F. Mateus, Laure Gossec, Philip C. Robinson, Jinoos Yazdany, Pedro M. Machado
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Kimme L. Hyrich, Martin Schaefer, Anja Strangfeld, Loreto Carmona, Laure Gossec, Elsa F. Mateus, Saskia Lawson-Tovey, Milena Gianfrancesco, Philip C. Robinson, Jinoos Yazdany, Pedro M. Machado
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Jose B. Nergon, Maria A. Lopez-Olivo, Loreto Carmona, Robin Christensen, Francesca Ingegnoli, Natalia Zamora, Jorge I. Gamez-Nava, Laura Gonzalez-Lopez, Vibeke Strand, Niti Goel, Tiffany Westrich-Robertson, Maria E. Suarez-Almazor
Summary: This study aimed to identify patient-centered domains with long-term relevance to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Semi-structured individual cognitive interviews were conducted with RA patients from five different countries. Six main themes were identified, including living with symptoms and functional limitations, lack of participation, partner and family issues, risk of damage to vital organs, coping strategies, and healthcare concerns. These domains are seldom measured in longitudinal registries and should be considered in patient-centered longitudinal studies.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Goncalo Boleto, Alvise Berti, Peter A. Merkel, Sibel Zehra Aydin, Haner Direskeneli, Christian Dejaco, Leslie C. Hassett, Loreto Carmona, Sofia Ramiro, O. M. E. R. A. C. T. Vasculitis Working Grp OMERACT Vasculitis Working Grp
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the measurement properties of outcome instruments used in large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). Out of the 3534 articles identified, 13 met the criteria, addressing 12 instruments. The Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS) and the Disease Extent Index-Takayasu (DEI-Tak) showed the most adequate measurement properties for disease activity/damage in TA, while specific instruments for GCA and validated patient-reported outcomes for both GCA and TA were lacking.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catarina Goncalves, Jose A. Parraca, Jorge Bravo, Ana Abreu, Joao Pais, Armando Raimundo, Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of different exercise trainings on physiological parameters in cardiac patients. The results showed that cardiac patients had significantly higher central nervous system fatigue in moderate-intensity continuous training compared to healthy participants, but similar central nervous system fatigue in high-intensity interval training. The high-intensity interval training protocol showed better physiological responses during exercise in cardiac patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Laura Redondo-Florez, Pablo Ruisoto, Eduardo Navarro-Jimenez, Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Recent research suggests a strong link between the functioning of mitochondria and the development of cancer. Healthy mitochondria play a vital role in maintaining metabolic processes and controlling cell death, but inflammation can harm their function and lead to tissue damage. Engaging in both endurance and resistance exercises, in addition to maintaining an active lifestyle, can help improve mitochondrial functioning and reduce the risk of cancer.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common feature of various diseases, and mitochondrial transfer has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for restoring mitochondrial function. This review summarizes the current understanding of mitochondrial transfer, its mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and impact on cell death pathways. The future directions and challenges in using mitochondrial transfer as a novel therapeutic approach in disease diagnosis and treatment are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Maria Isabel Ramirez-Goerke, Laura Redondo-Florez, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo, Eduardo Navarro-Jimenez, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an individual's preoccupation with weight and body structure while denying the severity of low body weight. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional, physical activity, psychological, psychosocial, and physical therapy interventions, can be used to ameliorate or reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Laura Redondo-Florez, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: The Western diet, characterized by high consumption of pre-packaged foods, red meat, sugary drinks, and fried foods, has significant effects on metabolism, inflammation, antioxidant status, gut microbiota, mitochondrial fitness, cardiovascular health, mental health, and cancer. A critical review was conducted using primary and secondary sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of this dietary pattern's impact on individuals' health and national healthcare systems. Practical applications based on the findings were also suggested.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Alvaro Bustamante-Sanchez, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, Ismael Martinez-Guardado, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in sports performance and training adaptations is investigated. The review discusses the production of ROS during physical activity, the effects of ROS on sports performance, the relationship between ROS and training adaptations, inflammation, and microbiota, the influence of antioxidants on recovery and sports performance, and strategies for using antioxidant supplements. Practical applications derived from this information are also discussed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Laura Redondo-Florez, Clara Lopez-Mora, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Endocrine homeostasis and metabolic diseases have been extensively researched, leading to a deeper understanding of their mechanisms and new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the rise of metabolic diseases, their genetic, psychological, and behavioral basis, the role of nutrition and physical activity, as well as advanced techniques and therapies in addressing these diseases. Practical applications derived from this information are also highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Laura Redondo-Florez, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: This comprehensive narrative review explores the concept of neuro-vulnerability in energy metabolism regulation and its implications for metabolic disorders. The review highlights the complex interactions among the neural, hormonal, and metabolic pathways involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. It investigates the association between neuro-vulnerability and metabolic disorders, considering genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that influence neuro-vulnerability and subsequent metabolic dysregulation. The review also evaluates the use of neuroimaging techniques in studying neuro-vulnerability and their potential applications in clinical settings.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Laura Redondo-Florez, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo, Pedro Belinchon-deMiguel, Ismael Martinez-Guardado, Athanasios A. Dalamitros, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between mitochondria and brain diseases. It discusses the underlying pathological mechanisms and explores potential therapeutic opportunities. The review covers key topics such as mitochondrial DNA mutations, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium dysregulation, and reactive oxygen species generation in the context of brain disease. Additionally, it discusses emerging strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial protective agents, metabolic modulators, and gene therapy approaches. By critically analyzing the existing literature and recent advancements, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the multifaceted role of mitochondria in brain diseases and shed light on novel therapeutic interventions.
Article
Rheumatology
Teresa Oton, Loreto Carmona, Jose Luis Andreu
Summary: This study assessed the experience and needs of patients receiving MTX treatment through an online survey. The results showed that patients were not satisfied with the quality of information provided by clinics and had a demand for more and better-quality written or web-based information.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)