Article
Rheumatology
Carla Forgiarini Saldanha, Gabriela Kniphoff da Silva, Nadine Glesse, Joao Carlos Tavares Brenol, Ricardo Machado Xavier, Jose Artur Bogo Chies, Odirlei Andre Monticielo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the potential association between MBL2 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes and the number and duration of hospitalizations for infection among Brazilian SLE patients. The study found that the HY haplotype was associated with fewer hospitalizations for infection treatment, and older age at SLE diagnosis was related to fewer admissions for infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristian Juul-Madsen, Anne Troldborg, Thomas R. Wittenborn, Mads G. Axelsen, Huaying Zhao, Lasse H. Klausen, Stefanie Luecke, Soren R. Paludan, Kristian Stengaard-Pedersen, Mingdong Dong, Holger J. Moller, Steffen Thiel, Henrik Jensen, Peter Schuck, Duncan S. Sutherland, Soren E. Degn, Thomas Vorup-Jensen
Summary: Nanotechnology allows for the study of single biomacromolecules, and research has shown that the superoligomeric structure of MBL forms nanoparticles with DNA in human plasma. These oligomers are correlated with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and their size is connected to endothelial inflammation. Insights from an animal model of lupus suggest that DNA-stabilized superoligomers play a role in the pathobiology of autoimmune diseases.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Zhi-Chao Yuan, Wang-Dong Xu, You-Yu Lan, Jia-Min Wang, Qian Wu, Jie Zhou, An-Fang Huang
Summary: This study suggests that the A\B and A\O polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene are associated with SLE susceptibility, and the allele H may act as a protective factor for SLE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Domenico Mercurio, Arianna Piotti, Alessia Valente, Marco Oggioni, Yolanda Ponstein, Edwin Van Amersfoort, Marco Gobbi, Stefano Fumagalli, Maria-Grazia De Simoni
Summary: The study demonstrates that rhC1INH shows stronger neuroprotective effects after experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the brain, reducing behavioral deficits and neuronal loss, decreasing MBL deposition in the brain, and reducing the formation of complement C4b active fragments. In contrast, pdC1INH, despite having a longer plasma residence time, does not exhibit these neuroprotective effects. Therefore, rhC1INH may be a promising drug for stroke as it effectively inhibits MBL.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masahiro Ayano, Takahiko Horiuchi
Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease where complement is crucial in its pathogenesis. Complement levels in blood and histological tests are used for SLE management, and the evaluation of complement status is useful for diagnosis, disease activity assessment, treatment response prediction, and prognosis. Novel complement biomarkers are more sensitive than traditional markers and have wider application. This review summarizes the utility of complement testing in SLE management over the last decade.
Review
Immunology
Jiaxuan Chen, Shuzhen Liao, Wanxian Pang, Fengbiao Guo, Lawei Yang, Hua-feng Liu, Qingjun Pan
Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease that primarily affects women. This review explores the mechanisms of SLE pathogenesis, focusing on the impact of lifestyle factors. Studies have found associations between diet, cigarette smoking, ultraviolet radiation exposure, alcohol and caffeine-rich beverage consumption, and SLE susceptibility. The review summarizes these relationships and outlines directions for future research.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yuki Fukami, Haruki Koike, Masahiro Iijima, Naohiro Mouri, Ryoji Nishi, Masahisa Katsuno
Summary: This study investigated the local activation of the complement system in vasculitic neuropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that complement components were deposited in the blood vessel walls of patients with SLE and RA. The deposition of C1q, a component of the classical pathway, was more commonly observed in the SLE group, while the deposition of ficolin-3, a component of the lectin pathway, was higher in the SLE group. On the other hand, the level of mannose-binding lectin, another component of the lectin pathway, was higher in the RA group.
Article
Immunology
Jessica S. Kleer, Pascal A. Rabatscher, Jessica Weiss, Joel Leonardi, Severin B. Vogt, Andrea Kieninger-Grafitsch, Carlo Chizzolini, Uyen Huynh-Do, Camillo Ribi, Marten Trendelenburg
Summary: The study found that epitope-specific anti-C1q in SLE patients is associated with specific disease manifestations, providing more diagnostic value than conventional anti-C1q.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Feng Chen, Ying Zheng, Xinying Chen, Zhanfa Wen, Youjia Xu, Jinghua Yang, Kaisi Xu
Summary: Belimumab is an important medication for the treatment of cSLE. However, there is a lack of sufficient research on its efficacy and safety, and further studies are needed to validate its clinical value.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mads Lamm Larsen, Anne Troldborg, Erik J. M. Toonen, Lisa Hurler, Zoltan Prohaszka, Laszlo Cervenak, Annette Gudmann Hansen, Steffen Thiel
Summary: This study aims to differentiate between classical or lectin pathway-mediated complement activation in SLE patients by quantifying pathway-specific protein complexes. The classical pathway is activated in active SLE disease, whereas activation of the lectin pathway might be more specific to disease manifestations like lupus nephritis.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
A. B. H. I. G. Y. A. N. Satyam, R. Y. O. Hisada, R. H. E. A. Bhargava, Maria g. Tsokos, George c. Tsokos
Summary: The complement system plays a role in autoimmunity and systemic lupus erythematosus, including lupus nephritis. The classical pathway is commonly accepted as the main pathway of complement activation in systemic lupus erythematosus, but recent studies suggest the involvement of the alternative pathway. The role of the lectin pathway in lupus nephritis is still uncertain. Complement is being explored for disease biomarkers and therapeutic targeting in this field.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fulvia Ceccarelli, Giulio Olivieri, Carmelo Pirone, Cinzia Ciccacci, Licia Picciariello, Francesco Natalucci, Carlo Perricone, Francesca Romana Spinelli, Cristiano Alessandri, Paola Borgiani, Fabrizio Conti
Summary: This study aimed to determine the distribution of organ damage in a cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and evaluate the roles of clinical and genetic factors in the development of chronic damage. The results showed that musculoskeletal, neuropsychiatric, and ocular domains were most frequently involved. The presence of damage was associated with age, disease duration, neuropsychiatric manifestations, anti-phospholipid syndrome, and anti-dsDNA positivity. Therapies such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticoids were also associated with the development of damage. Genetic analysis revealed associations between specific genes (TNFSF4 and MIR1279) and renal and neuropsychiatric damage, respectively.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mario Sestan, Nastasia Kifer, Todor Arsov, Matthew Cook, Julia Ellyard, Carola G. Vinuesa, Marija Jelusic
Summary: The pathogenesis of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) involves genetic risk factors, epigenetic mechanisms, and environmental triggers. While cSLE is typically considered a polygenic disease, rare cases with a single gene mutation provide valuable insights into the disease mechanism and aid in targeted treatment strategies. This review aims to provide an overview of monogenic and polygenic SLE, emphasizing the implications of specific genes in disease pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic factors involved in SLE may improve our understanding of disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and guide appropriate therapies.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Zongxin Ling, Yiwen Cheng, Jie Gao, Wenhui Lei, Xiumei Yan, Xiaogang Hu, Li Shao, Xia Liu, Runfang Kang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the fecal and vaginal microbiomes are disrupted in SLE patients and whether they are correlated, as well as their associations with immunological features. The results showed that although both the intestinal and vaginal microbiomes of SLE patients were altered, the changes in the vaginal microbiome were more pronounced and were associated with the patients' immunological features.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Moein Moghimi, Hajira B. Haroon, Anan Yaghmur, Dmitri Simberg, Panagiotis N. Trohopoulos
Summary: The contribution of the complement system to host defence and homeostasis is well recognized. The mechanisms underlying complement activation by particulate systems are still not fully understood. Activation of the complement cascade can promote inflammatory reactions. Controlled antibody binding and sensing of particles by complement pattern-recognition molecules can trigger complement activation. Particle curvature and spacing arrangement of surface functional groups are important parameters modulating complement responses through engagement with antibodies and complement pattern-recognition molecules. Better understanding of these parameters could enable the engineering of drug carriers and biomedical platforms with tunable complement responses.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Review
Rheumatology
Rafaela Cavalheiro do Espirito Santo, Joshua F. Baker, Leonardo Peterson dos Santos, Mariana Marchezan Menezes da Silva, Ricardo Machado Xavier
Summary: This review summarizes the evidence on the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatic diseases. It concludes that sarcopenia is common among these patients, and its impact is often underestimated. The implementation of treatment strategies for sarcopenia in this population is still limited.
JCR-JOURNAL OF CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Joana S. Carvalho, Edgard T. dos Reis Neto, Adriana M. Kakehasi, Sandra L. E. Ribeiro, Samia A. S. Studart, Francielle P. Martins, Rafaela Cavalheiro do Espirito Santo, Aline Ranzolin, Diana C. Fernandino, Valquiria G. Dinis, Emilia Sato, Gustavo G. Resende, Adriana Marinho, Henrique A. Mariz, Nathalia C. Sacilotto, Francinne M. Ribeiro, Samuel K. Shinjo, Laiza H. Dias, Michel A. Yazbek, Felipe Omura, Thiago Hs Rached, Ana Paula M. Gomides, Claudia D. L. Marques, Gecilmara C. S. Pillegi, Licia M. H. Mota, Marcelo M. Pinheiro, Odirlei A. Monticielo, Ricardo M. Xavier, Gilda A. Ferreira
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with COVID-19 severity outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients with COVID-19 showed a lower frequency of social isolation and a higher chance of hospitalization with hypertension and cyclophosphamide. Telemedicine support was found to be beneficial for SLE patients with COVID-19.
Review
Virology
Joel Henrique Ellwanger, Bruna Kulmann-Leal, Marina Ziliotto, Jose Artur Bogo Chies
Summary: Genome integrity is crucial for cell functioning, and chromosome instability from factors like replication stress, pollution, and viral infections can lead to age-related diseases. Limited information exists on how viral infections affect micronucleus formation and other chromosomal aberrations. HIV infection can directly cause chromosome instability through interactions with host DNA and indirectly through chronic inflammation or ART use. This article reviews studies on genomic instability in HIV infection, discussing its connections with immunosenescence and age-related diseases. Monitoring HIV-infected individuals should consider the increased risk of chromosome instability, and interventions like reducing genotoxin exposure and antioxidant-rich diets should be considered. Therapies targeting chronic inflammation in HIV infection are needed.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joel Henrique Ellwanger, Carlos Afonso Nobre, Jose Artur Bogo Chies
Summary: Brazil is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but its biodiversity potential remains untapped. To change this, Brazil needs to recognize and harness the power of its biodiversity, focusing on industry, science and technology, biological conservation, ecosystem maintenance, ecotourism, and sustainable development of local populations. Joint action from the Brazilian population and scientific community is crucial, along with the election of politicians committed to sustainable development and increased research and technology based on Brazilian biodiversity. The article also highlights other reasons for preserving Brazilian biodiversity, such as intrinsic, cultural, and ethical values. Finally, it argues for Brazil to reclaim its global leadership in the environmental agenda and leverage its biological diversity as a source of Soft Power and sustainable bio-based economy.
Article
Rheumatology
Camilla Ribeiro Lima Machado, Adriana Maria Kakehasi, Felipe Ferraz Dias, Gustavo Gomes Resende, Patricia Gnieslaw de Oliveira, Ricardo Machado Xavier, Marcus Vinicius Melo de Andrade
Summary: This study analyzed the ultrastructural characteristics, IL-6 and MMP-3 production, and intracellular pathway activation in FLS cultures from rheumatoid arthritis patients and mice with collagen-induced arthritis. The results showed similarities in ultrastructural morphology and cytokine production between the two sources, but a lower response to IL-1 beta was observed in CIA-FLS compared to RA-FLS.
ADVANCES IN RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Emerson Pena, Leonardo Peterson dos Santos, Rafaela Cavalheiro do Espirito Santo, Silvia Guaresi, Vania Naomi Hirakata, Thais Evelyn Karnopp, Ricardo Machado Xavier, Odirlei Andre Monticielo
Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function in patients with SLE compared to healthy individuals and patients with RA. The review included 19 studies and the meta-analysis included 11 studies. SLE patients had lower muscle strength than healthy controls and similar muscle mass compared to RA patients and healthy controls. SLE patients with deforming arthropathy had lower muscle strength compared to those without deforming arthropathies.
CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Yoshiya Tanaka, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Derek Haaland, Stephen Hall, Nevsun Inanc, Zhanguo Li, Ricardo M. M. Xavier, Carlos Cara, Nicola Tilt, Peter C. C. Taylor
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of Certolizumab pegol (CZP) in patients with early and established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and found that it was effective in reducing symptoms in patients with different rheumatoid factors (RF) levels. CZP may be considered as a treatment option for RA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valeria de Lima Kaminski, Rafael Tomoya Michita, Joel Henrique Ellwanger, Tiago Degani Veit, Jaqueline Bohrer Schuch, Rudimar dos Santos Riesgo, Tatiana Roman, Jose Artur Bogo Chies
Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects behavioral and social skills, with a dramatic increase in incidence worldwide. Genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors, including maternal immune activation (MIA) and alterations in extracellular vesicles (EVs), are believed to be involved in ASD development. This article discusses the potential roles of EVs in MIA, along with various other factors, in the etiology of ASD.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Julio Daimar Oliveira Correa, Francis Maria Bao Zambra, Rafael Tomoya Michita, Mario Reis Alvares-da-Silva, Daniel Simon, Jose Artur Bogo Chies
Summary: HCV infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Variations in the HLA-G gene may affect susceptibility to HCV infection and the development of related liver diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Peter C. Taylor, Ernest Choy, Xenofon Baraliakos, Zoltan Szekanecz, Ricardo M. Xavier, John D. Isaacs, Sander Strengholt, Julie M. Parmentier, Ralph Lippe, Yoshiya Tanaka
Summary: Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of cytosolic tyrosine kinases that regulate cytokine signal transduction. Several small-molecule JAK inhibitors (JAKis) are now approved for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Each JAKi has a unique chemical structure, resulting in a distinctive mode of binding and pharmacological characteristics. Differences also exist in selectivity, off-target effects, and various other factors. This review discusses the pharmacological profiles of specific JAKis.
Review
Rheumatology
Alisson Pugliesi, Amanda Borges de Oliveira, Ana Beatrice Oliveira, Ricardo Xavier, Licia Maria Henrique da Mota, Manoel Barros Bertolo, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Gay, Gustavo Citera, Luiz Sergio Fernandes de Carvalho
Summary: The efficacy of rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept was compared in individuals with refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Abatacept was found to increase the chance of achieving ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab.
ADVANCES IN RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Juliana da Silveira Schauren, Amanda Henrique de Oliveira, Camila Rosat Consiglio, Odirlei Andre Monticielo, Ricardo Machado Xavier, Natalia Schneider Nunes, Joel Henrique Ellwanger, Jose Artur Bogo Chies
Summary: This study investigated the impact of CCR5 promoter region polymorphisms on the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and found that CCR5 Delta 32 polymorphism confers protection against the disease in European-derived patients and susceptibility to class IV nephritis in African-derived patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliano Andre Boquett, Fernanda S. L. Vianna, Nelson J. R. Fagundes, Lucas Schroeder, Marcia Barbian, Marcelo Zagonel-Oliveira, Tiago F. Andreis, Luis Cristovao M. S. Porto, Jose Artur B. Chies, Lavinia Schuler-Faccini, Patricia Ashton-Prolla, Clevia Rosset
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between HLA haplotypes and regional distribution of COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil. The results showed a positive association between the HLA-A*01-B*08-DRB1*03 haplotype and COVID-19 mortality rates, suggesting it as an additional risk factor for COVID-19 deaths. The findings highlight the impact of HLA genes on COVID-19 outcomes in different populations.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)
