Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
F. Robin, S. Cadiou, J-D Albert, G. Bart, G. Coiffier, P. Guggenbuhl
Summary: Methotrexate (MTX)-related osteopathy, characterized by pain, osteoporosis, and atypical fractures, is a rare condition that has been reported in patients treated with low doses of MTX for inflammatory diseases. Pathophysiological studies suggest a possible dose-dependent residual effect of MTX on osteo-forming bone cells.
OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Andreas Kerschbaumer, Zaida Iasha Rivai, Josef S. Smolen, Daniel Aletaha
Summary: This study analyzed the response differences in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving placebo treatment, comparing those who continued background therapy with methotrexate (MTX) and those without any disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The results showed that placebo responses were higher in patients who continued MTX background therapy, suggesting a more consequent intake of background therapy during the trial period.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Claire Daien, Marek Krogulec, Paul Gineste, Jean-Marc Steens, Laurence Desroys du Roure, Sophie Biguenet, Didier Scherrer, Julien Santo, Hartmut Ehrlich, Patrick Durez
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ABX464 in patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that ABX464 at a 50 mg dose was safe, well tolerated, and showed promising efficacy. The 100 mg dose had a high dropout rate due to gastrointestinal adverse events.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Dzenan Masic, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen, Brian Bridal Logstrup, Kim Horslev-Petersen, Merete Lund Hetland, Peter Junker, Mikkel ostergaard, Christian Ammitzboll, Soren Moller, Robin Christensen, Torkell Ellingsen
Summary: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, there were no significant differences in lipid level changes between those treated with adalimumab plus methotrexate and those treated with placebo plus methotrexate over a 1-year period. The study suggests that both treatment strategies have similar effects on lipid levels in early and treatment-naive RA patients.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Paul Studenic, Daniel Aletaha, Maarten de Wit, Tanja A. Stamm, Farideh Alasti, Diane Lacaille, Josef S. Smolen, David T. Felson
Summary: This study aimed to externally validate a revised Boolean remission criteria using a higher patient global assessment (PtGA) threshold and validate the provisionally endorsed index-based criteria. The results showed that using the higher PtGA threshold increased the proportion of patients classified as achieving remission under the "Boolean2.0" criteria, improved agreement with index-based criteria, and did not compromise predictive value for radiographic or functional outcomes. The study findings were endorsed by ACR and EULAR.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Veerle Stouten, Rene Westhovens, Sofia Pazmino, Diederik De Cock, Kristien van der Elst, Johan Joly, Delphine Bertrand, Patrick Verschueren
Summary: The study found that intensive treatments with glucocorticoid bridging showed excellent 5-year outcomes in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. For high-risk patients, initiating COBRA-Slim was equally effective as more complex treatments, while for low-risk patients with limited need for biologics and chronic glucocorticoid use, initial MTX monotherapy was less effective compared to using COBRA-Slim.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Fatima Heinicke, Xiangfu Zhong, Siri T. Flam, Johannes Breidenbach, Magnus Leithaug, Marthe T. Maehlen, Siri Lillegraven, Anna-Birgitte Aga, Ellen S. Norli, Maria D. Mjaavatten, Espen A. Haavardsholm, Manuela Zucknick, Simon Rayner, Benedicte A. Lie
Summary: The study revealed significant miRNA expression differences in CD19+ B cells of RA patients, with some of the dysregulated miRNAs known to be involved in RA pathogenesis. The findings suggest important regulatory functions of miRNAs in blood-derived CD19+ B cells of RA patients and highlight the potential predictive power of miRNAs for RA treatment response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mahmoud S. Abdallah, Sumaiah J. Alarfaj, Dalia S. Saif, Mostafa E. El-Naggar, Mohamed A. Elsokary, Hozaifa K. Elsawah, Shimaa Abdelsattar Zaki, Engy A. Wahsh, Hend E. Abo Mansour, Esraa M. Mosalam
Summary: Metformin (MET) can enhance the anti-rheumatic effect of MTX through its anti-inflammatory actions, making it a beneficial adjunctive treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Renske C. F. Hebing, Marry Lin, Maja Bulatovic Calasan, Ittai B. Muller, Sohaila Mahmoud, Sandra Heil, Eduard A. Struys, Bart J. F. van den Bemt, Jos W. R. Twisk, Willem Lems, Michael T. Nurmohamed, Gerrit Jansen, Robert de Jonge
Summary: This study investigates the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate polyglutamate (MTX-PG) accumulation in red blood cells (RBCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after oral and subcutaneous MTX treatment. The results show that there are disparate pharmacokinetic profiles between PBMCs and RBCs, with higher accumulation of MTX-PG in PBMCs. The distribution profile of MTX-PG in PBMCs remains constant over 6 months, while in RBCs, the main PG-moiety changes from MTX-PG(1) to MTX-PG(3).
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Delila Singh, Nina Hesse, Alla Skapenko, Hendrik Schulze-Koops
Summary: Methotrexate is associated with rare bone lesions that are often misdiagnosed as osteoporotic fractures. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment and prevention of further osteopathology. This case highlights the importance of raising awareness and taking appropriate therapeutic measures, including discontinuing methotrexate.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Junqing He, Junyan Wang, Min Zhang, Guoyue Shi
Summary: As a folate antagonist, methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used in clinics for treating various tumors and inflammatory diseases. However, the dosage and clearance of MTX vary between individuals, and it may cause life-threatening side effects at high doses. Therefore, a convenient and simple method for MTX sensing is highly demanded.
Article
Rheumatology
Melek Guler-Yuksel, Martijn Kuijper, Reinhard Bos, Esmeralda Molenaar, Jasper Emmering, Sylvia Eshuis, Adams Human, Floor Reimann, Maarten Boers, Marc R. Kok
Summary: This study investigated the effect of 2 years of add-on prednisolone on body weight and composition in older patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that patients treated with prednisolone gained about 1 kg in weight, mostly lean mass, compared to minimal weight loss in the placebo group. There was no significant increase in total fat mass or redistribution of fat.
Article
Rheumatology
Clement Triaille, Gaelle Tilman, Tatiana Sokolova, Axelle Loriot, Joelle Marchandise, Stephanie De Montjoye, Adrien Nzeusseu-Toukap, Laurent Meric de Bellefon, Caroline Bouzin, Christine Galant, Patrick Durez, Bernard R. Lauwerys, Nisha Limaye
Summary: This study used transcriptomic profiling to explore clinically relevant subgroups in early, untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The synovial transcriptome closely mirrored clinical disease activity, and the ratio of M2:M1 macrophages was inversely correlated with inflammation and disease activity, suggesting a protective role for tissue resident macrophages in RA.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Susan J. Keam
Summary: Ozoralizumab (Nanozora (R)), a trivalent anti-TNF alpha NANOBODY (R) compound, has gained approval in Japan for the treatment of inadequately managed rheumatoid arthritis. This article provides an overview of the development milestones leading to this approval, including its development by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
Article
Rheumatology
Siddharth Jain, Varun Dhir, Amita Aggarwal, Ranjan Gupta, Bidyalaxmi Leishangthem, Shankar Naidu, Aastha Khullar, Supriya Maurya, Veena Dhawan, Shefali Khanna Sharma, Aman Sharma, Sanjay Jain
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and safety of different dose escalation strategies of oral MTX in RA patients over a period of 16-24 weeks. The results showed that a faster escalation strategy was not more effective than the usual strategy, but was associated with higher gastrointestinal adverse events in the initial phase.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Marc P. Maurits, Fenne Wouters, Ellis Niemantsverdriet, Thomas W. J. Huizinga, Erik B. van den Akker, Saskia Le Cessie, Annette H. M. van Der Helm-van Mil, Rachel Knevel
Summary: This study investigates the differentiation of established genetic predictors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in healthy controls, patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), and RA patients. The study finds that genetic predisposition increases across pre-RA participant groups and that HLA shared epitope (HLA-SE) is more prevalent in RA patients. Genetics seem to play different etiological roles in arthritis patients.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Lotte van Ouwerkerk, Maarten Boers, Paul Emery, Pascal H. P. de Jong, Robert B. M. Landewe, Willem Lems, Josef S. Smolen, Patrick Verschueren, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Cornelia F. Allaart, Sytske Anne Bergstra
Summary: This study investigated whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can discontinue glucocorticoids (GC) after GC 'bridging' in the initial treatment step and identified factors that may affect this. The probability of using GC decreased over time after bridging therapy ended, while the probability of continuous GC use increased. In oral GC bridging studies, the probabilities of later and continuous GC use and the cumulative GC doses were higher compared to studies that included parenteral GC bridging.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(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)
Review
Immunology
Bernardo D'Onofrio, Annette van der Helm-van Mil, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Elise van Mulligen
Summary: Drug-free remission is the desired outcome for RA patients, linked to symptom resolution and restoration of normal functioning. Early initiation of DMARD, strict monitoring, and drug adjustments are crucial for achieving DFR, and ACPA-negative patients are more likely to maintain remission.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mikhail Volkov, Maximilian Brinkhaus, Karin A. van Schie, Albert Bondt, Theresa Kissel, Elvera J. van der Kooi, Arthur E. H. Bentlage, Carolien A. M. Koeleman, Steven W. de Taeye, Ninotska I. Derksen, Radboud J. E. M. Dolhain, Ute Braig-Scherer, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Manfred Wuhrer, Rene E. M. Toes, Gestur Vidarsson, Diane van der Woude
Summary: Glycosylation in the Fc and Fab regions of antibodies can affect their function and binding. Fab glycans negatively impact the interaction between IgG and hFcRn and reduce the transport of IgG across the placenta. Fab-glycosylated antibodies are frequently associated with autoimmune and malignant disorders and may have potential harmful effects.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Theresa Kissel, Rene E. M. Toes, Thomas W. J. Huizinga, Manfred Wuhrer
Summary: Glycosylation is a common modification that affects protein stability and interactions. It plays a significant role in rheumatic diseases, influencing inflammatory processes and disease progression. Understanding the impact of glycosylation on plasma proteins, cells, and tissues opens up potential interventions for the treatment of these diseases.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Sophie I. E. Liem, Sam Neppelenbroek, Cynthia M. Fehres, Corrie Wortel, Rene E. M. Toes, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Hans U. Scherer, Jeska K. de Vries-Bouwstra
Summary: A hallmark of disease pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the presence of autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear proteins. Autoantibodies serve as diagnostic biomarkers in SSc and can help identify clinical phenotypes of the disease. Understanding the contribution of antinuclear autoantibodies and their underlying B cell response is crucial in the management and treatment of SSc.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Sophie I. E. Liem, Sam Neppelenbroek, Cynthia M. Fehres, Brigitte A. Wevers, Rene E. M. Toes, Cornelia F. Allaart, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Hans Ulrich Scherer, Jeska K. De Vries-Bouwstra
Summary: Early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is important. The most frequent SSc-specific autoantibodies are anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies (ATA). ATA is associated with severe disease course. More detailed characterisation of the ATA-response in SSc might improve prognostication.
Article
Rheumatology
Sascha L. Heckert, Sytske Anne Bergstra, Yvonne P. M. Goekoop-Ruiterman, Melek Gueler-Yueksel, Willem F. Lems, Xanthe M. E. Matthijssen, Maikel van Oosterhout, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Cornelia F. Allaart
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the frequency of local joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with radiographic joint damage progression in that joint. Data from 473 RA patients were analyzed, and it was found that long-term cumulative local joint swelling is associated with radiographic joint damage progression in the same joint.
Article
Rheumatology
Rory C. Monahan, Liesbeth J. J. van de Voorde, Rolf Fronczek, Jeroen de Bresser, Jeroen Eikenboom, Margreet Kloppenburg, Huub A. M. Middelkoop, Gisela M. Terwindt, Nic J. A. van der Wee, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Gerda M. Steup-Beekman
Summary: This study investigated the short-term and long-term outcomes of inflammatory NPSLE with immunosuppressive treatment. The results showed that approximately 70% of cases had improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms after treatment.
LUPUS SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Sarah J. H. Khidir, Maaike Boonstra, Sytske Anne Bergstra, Gerry W. M. Boerrigter, Elles M. Voog-van der Harst, Maarten K. Ninaber, Nina Ajmone Marsan, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Annette H. M. van der Helm-van Mil, Jeska K. de Vries-Bouwstra
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the course of maximal mouth opening in systemic sclerosis patients and determine the factors associated with smaller maximal mouth opening over time. The results showed that a majority of patients had stable maximal mouth opening, but those with more severe organ involvement had a smaller maximal mouth opening over time. Smaller maximal mouth opening was also associated with more mouth handicap.
JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Letter
Rheumatology
Jacopo Ciaffi, Sophie I. E. Liem, Nina M. van Leeuwen, Cornelia F. Allaart, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Jeska K. de Vries-Bouwstra
Letter
Rheumatology
Tineke J. van Wesemael, Sanne Reijm, Atsushi Kawakami, Annemarie L. Dorjee, Gerrie Stoeken, Takahiro Maeda, Shin-ya Kawashiri, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Mami Tamai, Rene E. M. Toes, Diane van der Woude
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Lotte van Ouwerkerk, Patrick Verschueren, Maarten Boers, Paul Emery, Pascal Hendrik Pieter de Jong, Robert B. M. Landewe, Willem Lems, Josef S. Smolen, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Cornelia F. Allaart, Sytske Anne Bergstra
Summary: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the use of glucocorticoids (GC) as bridging therapy resulted in a more rapid clinical improvement and fewer changes in medication, but similar long-term GC use compared with patients who did not receive bridging therapy.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Emma C. de Moel, Leendert A. Trouw, Chikashi Terao, Nimmisha Govind, Mohammed Tikly, Hani El-Gabalawy, Irene Smolik, Holger Bang, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Rene E. M. Toes, Diane van der Woude
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs in different ethnic populations worldwide. This study revealed that anti-modified protein antibodies (AMPA) can be detected in RA patients across different continents and ethnicities, suggesting a common pathway involved in AMPA development. However, differences in AMPA levels and associated factors were observed among the different populations.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)