Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Daniel Aletaha
Summary: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) is a disease redefined based on the 2010 RA classification criteria. It is not only about the absence of RA, but also about selecting the appropriate patients for DMARD treatment before diagnosis and protecting those with self-limiting disease from potential drug toxicity.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Parastou Rahimizadeh, Zahra Rezaieyazdi, Faezeh Behzadi, Abbas Hajizade, Sung In Lim
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with a prevalence of around 5 per 1000 people, and nanotechnology has emerged as a significant player in efficacious disease management, with applications in joint replacement, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Nikolet K. den Hollander, Marloes Verstappen, Navkiran Sidhu, Elise van Mulligen, Monique Reijnierse, Annette H. M. Van der Helm-van Mil
Summary: This large cohort study demonstrates that a negative MRI is most valuable in ACPA-negative UA patients with oligoarthritis, as it can help prevent overtreatment.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Cuervo, Raquel Celis, Antonio Julia, Alicia Usategui, Regina Fare, Julio Ramirez, Ana Belen Azuaga, Andres Lorenzo, Raimon Sanmarti, Jose L. Pablos, Juan D. Canete
Summary: The study found that the cellular composition of synovium in undifferentiated arthritis (UA) patients differs from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with higher cellular infiltrate density in the UA group. Initial expression of the interferon inducible gene MxA may serve as a biomarker for progression to RA, while higher mast cell and fibroblastic density may be associated with PsA progression.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sara Fuentelsaz-Romero, Andrea Cuervo, Lizbeth Estrada-Capetillo, Raquel Celis, Raquel Garcia-Campos, Julio Ramirez, Sergi Sastre, Rafael Samaniego, Amaya Puig-Kroger, Juan D. Canete
Summary: GM-CSF plays a key role in macrophage polarization in different types of arthritis, with CD163(+) macrophages expressing pro-inflammatory markers in all groups. Macrophage density is higher in the early stages of RA and PsA compared to persistent UA.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Nicki Verweij, Gerben Zwezerijnen, Marieke ter Wee, Jerney de Jongh, Maqsood Yaqub, Dirkjan van Schaardenburg, Adriaan Lammertsma, Alexandre Voskuyl, Willem Lems, Maarten Boers, Conny van der Laken
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the application of macrophage positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that macrophage PET assessment after 2 weeks of COBRA light treatment correlated with clinical response after 3 months of treatment.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Novella-Navarro, Chamaida Plasencia-Rodriguez, Laura Nuno, Alejandro Balsa
Summary: The research focuses on early identification and treatment of patients at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to prevent irreversible damage and optimize long-term outcomes. Factors such as autoantibodies, systemic inflammation, serological markers, and clinical features are crucial in predicting and managing the progression of the disease. Socio-demographic and environmental factors also play a role in strategies for prevention and early treatment of RA.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jing Xu, Jiarui Ou, Chen Li, Zheng Zhu, Jian Li, Hailun Zhang, Junchen Chen, Bin Yi, Wu Zhu, Weiru Zhang, Guanxiong Zhang, Qian Gao, Yehong Kuang, Jiangning Song, Xiang Chen, Hong Liu
Summary: A machine learning model was developed to diagnose Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and analyze its progression risk using 3961 patients' clinical records. General additive models (GAMs) and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied to analyze the efficacy of various drugs on psoriasis treatment and inhibiting PsA progression. The results showed accurate prediction of PsA and its progression and analysis of drug efficacy.
NPJ DIGITAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Ulf Lindstrom, Daniela di Giuseppe, Sofia Exarchou, Gerd-Marie Alenius, Tor Olofsson, Eva Klingberg, Lennart Jacobsson, Johan Askling, Johan K. Wallman
Summary: This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy. The results showed that PsA patients were less likely to continue the use of MTX compared to RA patients, and the effectiveness of MTX was also lower in PsA.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carlos M. Garcia-Gonzalez, Joshua Baker
Summary: Methotrexate has been the standard therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis for decades and has been proven effective and safe. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies, providing effective control of the disease, and has additional benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Emilie Sapart, Tatiana Sokolova, Stephanie de Montjoye, Stephanie Dierckx, Adrien Nzeusseu, Aleksandra Avramovska, Patrick Durez
Summary: The study evaluated the use of glucocorticoids in patients with early RA and found that glucocorticoids were more prescribed in seronegative RA patients with higher inflammation levels. However, a 5-year follow-up showed that initiating glucocorticoid treatment did not provide additional benefits for disease control in the short and long term.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michael J. Diaz, Nicole Natarelli, Aria Wei, Michaela Rechdan, Elizabeth Botto, Jasmine T. Tran, Mahtab Forouzandeh, Jose A. Plaza, Benjamin H. Kaffenberger
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that not only affects the joints but also causes various skin issues. Treatment involves medication and personalized approaches.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
D. Abdelhafiz, T. Baker, D. A. Glascow, Ah Abdelhafiz
Summary: This study systematically explored the role of multiple biomarkers in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that these biomarkers are helpful tools in clinical practice for RA diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis prediction. However, further research is needed to investigate novel biomarkers that may be related to patient responsiveness.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tsvetelina Batsalova, Balik Dzhambazov
Summary: Collagen type II (COL2) is significantly affected by autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of COL2 have been implicated in RA autoimmunity. The discovery of anti-citrullinated protein response in RA has led to improved diagnostic assays and classification criteria for the disease. Immunological tolerance induced by modified COL2 peptides is considered as a potential strategy for RA therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Byung-Wook Song, A-Ran Kim, Yun-Kyung Kim, Geun-Tae Kim, Eun-Young Ahn, Min-Wook So, Seung-Geun Lee
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic performance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in subjects with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UIA). The results showed that MLR may be used as a complementary diagnostic indicator for RA diagnosis in patients with UIA.
Letter
Rheumatology
Serena Bugatti, Ludovico De Stefano, Ennio Giulio Favalli, Roberto Caporali, Carlomaurizio Montecucco
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
Ludovico De Stefano, Silvia Rossi, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Serena Bugatti
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Anna Zanetti, Garifallia Sakellariou, Antonella Zambon, Greta Carrara, Lisa Argnani, Lorenzo G. Mantovani, Paolo A. Cortesi, Serena Bugatti, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Carlo A. Scire
Summary: Early diagnosis and tight control improve outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis. This study compared the effectiveness and costs of an early arthritis clinic (EAC) with the current standard of care. The results showed that despite higher costs, the EAC reduced the number and length of hospitalizations and had higher adherence to quality-of-care guidelines.
ARTHRITIS CARE & RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Bernardo D'Onofrio, Michele di Lernia, Ludovico De Stefano, Serena Bugatti, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Laura Bogliolo
Summary: Despite adequate control of the disease, reduction of bone mineral density and fragility fractures remain major sources of morbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Autoantibodies, particularly anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, play a significant role in causing bone loss. Combining anti-RANKL therapy with conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may be beneficial in preventing fractures and structural damage in patients at risk of radiographic progression.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Emanuele Bozzalla-Cassione, Silvia Grignaschi, Blerina Xoxi, Terenzj Luvaro, Maria Immacolata Greco, Iolanda Mazzucchelli, Serena Bugatti, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Antonio Manzo
Summary: Identifying pathological changes in chronic immune-inflammatory diseases is crucial for effective treatment strategies. However, the concept of flare, particularly in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, is complex and lacks a comprehensive definition due to incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This review explores the pathophysiological processes of disease recrudescence in rheumatoid arthritis and the various definitions used to capture flare in clinical practice. Overall, the understanding of flare remains challenging and requires further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Rheumatology
I. Di Cola, C. Di Muzio, A. Conforti, D. Iacono, I. Pantano, G. Rozza, S. Rossi, L. De Stefano, A. Vitale, F. Caso, L. Costa, M. Prete, L. Navarini, F. Sensini, A. Iagnocco, F. Atzeni, G. Guggino, F. Perosa, L. Cantarini, B. Frediani, S. Bugatti, C. Montecucco, F. Ciccia, R. Giacomelli, P. Cipriani, P. Ruscitti
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Rheumatology
E. Bozzalla Cassione, S. Grignaschi, B. Xoxi, M. I. Greco, T. Luvaro, I. Mazzucchelli, S. Bugatti, C. Montecucco, A. Manzo
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
L. De Stefano, M. Guerini, J. Pelizza, G. Ferracane, V Piccin, C. Montecucco, S. Bugatti
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fabio Cacciapaglia, Francesca Romana Spinelli, Elena Bartoloni, Serena Bugatti, Gian Luca Erre, Marco Fornaro, Andreina Manfredi, Matteo Piga, Garifallia Sakellariou, Ombretta Viapiana, Fabiola Atzeni, Elisa Gremese
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are both influenced by inflammation and have a connection in their development and progression. This study compared the characteristics of RA patients with and without DM, and found that DM patients were older and more commonly male, with higher BMI and weight. They were also less likely to use glucocorticoids and had higher HAQ scores. The study also highlighted the association between DM and RA, suggesting systemic inflammation as an underlying condition for both diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giacomo M. Bruno, Maria Chiara Valentino, Alessandra Brunetti, Sergio Di Matteo, Ivan Begovic, Edoardo Croce, Garifallia Sakellariou, Serena Bugatti, Pietro Perotti, Silvia Vecchio, Simona Migliazza, Roberto Langella, Giorgio L. Colombo
Summary: The study aims to analyze the differences in health resource consumption between biological off-patent originator drugs and biosimilars in real clinical practice, specifically in the rheumatology area. By utilizing assisted databases, the study evaluates the differences in terms of resource consumption related to the drugs under analysis. The findings indicate an underuse of biosimilar drugs in the sample population.
PRAGMATIC AND OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ludovico De Stefano, Francesca Bobbio Pallavicini, Eleonora Mauric, Veronica Piccin, Enrico Maria Vismara, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Serena Bugatti
Summary: Biotechnological monoclonal antibodies and receptor antagonists have emerged as an alternative therapy for treating systemic inflammatory diseases. However, immunotherapies may lead to the development of immune-mediated disorders. Understanding the phenomenon of the 'compensatory immunological switch' can help manage these disorders and interpret the heterogeneity of certain chronic inflammatory conditions.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Teresa Carbone, Vito Pafundi, Vito Ciardo, Maria Infantino, Antonella Muscella, Salvatore D'Angelo
Summary: This study developed an automated system that uses a conversion table to correlate fluorescence signal intensity values (FI) with end-point titers for antinuclear antibody (ANA) analysis. The system was validated in a real-life laboratory setting, and showed high agreement between visual readings and the conversion table for samples with single staining patterns. This method reduces hands-on time and improves result harmonization in routine laboratory work.
IMMUNOLOGIC RESEARCH
(2023)
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
L. De Stefano, S. Balduzzi, L. Bogliolo, B. D'Onofrio, M. di Lernia, E. Mauric, A. Milanesi, F. Brandolino, C. Rocca, S. Chiricolo, A. Manzo, C. Montecucco, S. Bugatti
Summary: This study evaluated the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in rheumatic patients treated with biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The results showed that the frequency and severity of systemic events after vaccination were similar to the general population, and no specific safety concerns emerged. Flares of the disease were reported by some patients, but most flares did not require treatment escalation or change.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Anna Zanetti, Antonella Zambon, Carlo A. Scire, Serena Bugatti, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Garifallia Sakellariou
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adherence to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the achievement of clinical remission in patients with new-onset inflammatory arthritis. The results showed that patients with higher adherence to csDMARDs were more likely to achieve clinical remission.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE
(2023)
