Pathogenetic insights from the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive articular damage, functional loss, and comorbidity. The development of effective biologics and small-molecule kinase inhibitors in the past two decades has substantially improved clinical outcomes. Just as understanding of pathogenesis has led in large part to the development of drugs, so have mode-of-action studies of these specific immune-targeted agents revealed which immune pathways drive articular inflammation and related comorbidities. Cytokine inhibitors have definitively proven a critical role for tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in disease pathogenesis and possibly also for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. More recently, clinical trials with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have shown that cytokine receptors that signal through the JAK/STAT signalling pathway are important for disease, informing the pathogenetic function of additional cytokines (such as the interferons). Finally, successful use of costimulatory blockade and B-cell depletion in the clinic has revealed that the adaptive immune response and the downstream events initiated by these cells participate directly in synovial inflammation. Taken together, it becomes apparent that understanding the effects of specific immune interventions can elucidate definitive molecular or cellular nodes that are essential to maintain complex inflammatory networks that subserve diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Differential impact of obesity on the pathogenesis of RA or preclinical models is contingent on the disease status

OBJECTIVE

Studies were performed to uncover the significance of obesity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and preclinical models.

METHODS

Preclinical arthritis models were used to examine the impact of obesity on disease onset and remission. Conditioned media from RA adipose tissues were used to investigate the mechanism contributing to joint neutrophil influx and M1 macrophage differentiation observed in early and remission phases of arthritis.

RESULTS

We report that mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) have an earlier onset of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) compared with mice on regular diet. However, the differences in CIA joint swelling between the two diet groups are lost once disease is established. We found that early arthritis triggered by obesity is due to elevated joint MIP2/interleukin-8 levels detected in CIA as well as in the RA and mouse adipose tissues and the effect of this chemokine on neutrophil recruitment. Although active disease progression is similarly affected in both diet groups, arthritis resolution is accelerated in lean mice while joint inflammation is sustained in obese mice. We document that HFD can prolong toll-like receptor (TLR)4-induced arthritis by increasing joint monocyte migration and further remodelling the recruited cells into M1 macrophages. Consistently, we show that adipose condition media can transform RA and wild-type naïve myeloid cells into M1 macrophages; however, this function is impaired by TLR4 blockade or deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that despite established disease being unaffected by obesity, the early and the resolution phases of RA are impacted by obesity through different mechanisms.

A randomised phase IIb study of mavrilimumab, a novel GM–CSF receptor alpha monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives

Despite the therapeutic value of current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments, agents with alternative modes of action are required. Mavrilimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor-α, was evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe RA.

Methods

In a phase IIb study (NCT01706926), patients with inadequate response to ≥1 synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug(s), Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)−C reactive protein (CRP)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥3.2, ≥4 swollen joints despite methotrexate (MTX) were randomised 1:1:1:1 to subcutaneous mavrilimumab (150, 100, 30 mg), or placebo every other week (eow), plus MTX for 24 weeks. Coprimary outcomes were DAS28−CRP change from baseline to week 12 and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response rate (week 24).

Results

326 patients were randomised (150 mg, n=79; 100 mg, n=85; 30 mg, n=81; placebo, n=81); 305 completed the study (September 2012–June 2013). Mavrilimumab treatment significantly reduced DAS28−CRP scores from baseline compared with placebo (change from baseline (SE); 150 mg: −1.90 (0.14), 100 mg: −1.64 (0.13), 30 mg: −1.37 (0.14), placebo: −0.68 (0.14); p<0.001; all dosages compared with placebo).

Significantly more mavrilimumab-treated patients achieved ACR20 compared with placebo (week 24: 73.4%, 61.2%, 50.6% vs 24.7%, respectively (p<0.001)). Adverse events were reported in 43 (54.4%), 36 (42.4%), 41 (50.6%) and 38 (46.9%) patients in the mavrilimumab 150, 100, 30 mg eow and placebo groups, respectively. No treatment-related safety signals were identified.

Conclusions

Mavrilimumab significantly decreased RA disease activity, with clinically meaningful responses observed 1 week after treatment initiation, representing a novel mechanism of action with persuasive therapeutic potential.

Trial registration number

NCT01706926; results.

A Cytomegalovirus Peptide-Specific Antibody Alters Natural Killer Cell Homeostasis and Is Shared in Several Autoimmune Diseases

Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV), a ubiquitous beta-herpesvirus, has been associated with several autoimmune diseases. However, the direct role of hCMV in inducing autoimmune disorders remains unclear. Here we report the identification of an autoantibody that recognizes a group of peptides with a conserved motif matching the Pp150 protein of hCMV (anti-Pp150) and is shared among patients with various autoimmune diseases. Anti-Pp150 also recognizes the single-pass membrane protein CIP2A and induces the death of CD56(bright) NK cells, a natural killer cell subset whose expansion is correlated with autoimmune disease. Consistent with this finding, the percentage of circulating CD56(bright) NK cells is reduced in patients with several autoimmune diseases and negatively correlates with anti-Pp150 concentration. CD56(bright) NK cell death occurs via both antibody- and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Our findings reveal that a shared hCMV-induced autoantibody is involved in the decrease of CD56(bright) NK cells and may thus contribute to the onset of autoimmune disorders.

Decrease in articular hypoxia and synovial blood flow at early time points following infliximab and etanercept treatment in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

An important feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is hypoxia-driven synovial angiogenesis, but the relationship between change in vascularity, as measured by power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS), and oxygen tensions is unaddressed.

METHODS

Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint PDUS was assessed in 23 patients with RA, alongside arthroscopic synovitis and oxygen tension measurements, at baseline and 4 weeks after anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

RESULTS

Anti-TNF reduced PDUS scores, which were negatively correlated with rise in oxygen tensions. The latter was related to good EULAR response at week 52.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF results in rapid reduction in synovial blood flow, with a corresponding rise in oxygen tension most marked in EULAR good responders.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which can cause cartilage and bone damage as well as disability. Early diagnosis is key to optimal therapeutic success, particularly in patients with well-characterised risk factors for poor outcomes such as high disease activity, presence of autoantibodies, and early joint damage. Treatment algorithms involve measuring disease activity with composite indices, applying a treatment-to-target strategy, and use of conventional, biological, and newz non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. After the treatment target of stringent remission (or at least low disease activity) is maintained, dose reduction should be attempted. Although the prospects for most patients are now favourable, many still do not respond to current therapies. Accordingly, new therapies are urgently required. In this Seminar, we describe current insights into genetics and aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, assessment, therapeutic agents, and treatment strategies together with unmet needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ustekinumab Treatment and Improvement of Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective

To examine the effects of ustekinumab on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in PSUMMIT 1 and PSUMMIT 2 patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were methotrexate (MTX) naive, MTX experienced, or anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) experienced.

Methods

Patients in the phase 3, PSUMMIT 1 (n = 615) and PSUMMIT 2 (n = 312) studies randomly (1:1:1) received placebo, ustekinumab 45‐mg, or ustekinumab 90‐mg subcutaneous injections at weeks 0, 4, 16, 28, 40, and 52. The PROs (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] disability index [DI], Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], 36‐Item Short Form [SF‐36] health survey physical (PCS) and mental component summary scores, patient assessments of pain and disease activity, and impact of disease on productivity) were assessed at weeks 0, 24, and 52. In these post hoc analyses, outcomes were compared between the ustekinumab and placebo groups for 3 mutually exclusive antecedent‐exposure populations from the combined studies: MTX/anti‐TNF naive (placebo, n = 56; 45 mg, n = 58; and 90 mg, n = 66), MTX experienced, biologic agent naive (placebo, n = 192; 45 mg, n = 190; and 90 mg, n = 185), and anti‐TNF experienced with or without MTX (placebo, n = 62; 45 mg, n = 60; and 90 mg, n = 58).

Results

At week 24, mean improvements from baseline in HAQ DI, DLQI, and SF‐36 PCS scores were significantly greater in both ustekinumab groups versus placebo across antecedent‐exposure groups. Greater proportions of ustekinumab‐treated than placebo‐treated patients (all P < 0.05) had clinically meaningful improvements in HAQ DI (≥0.3), DLQI (≥5), and SF‐36 (≥5) scores at week 24, irrespective of drug exposure. Improvements in pain, disease activity, and impact of disease on productivity were similar, and benefits were maintained through week 52.

Conclusion

Significant improvements in PROs with ustekinumab versus placebo were observed in 3 antecedent‐exposure populations of PsA patients, including those with prior MTX and anti‐TNF use.

The role of microRNA-155/liver X receptor pathway in experimental and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is progressive and rapidly fatal. Improved understanding of pathogenesis is required to prosper novel therapeutics. Epigenetic changes contribute to IPF; therefore, microRNAs may reveal novel pathogenic pathways.

Objectives

We sought to determine the regulatory role of microRNA (miR)-155 in the profibrotic function of murine lung macrophages and fibroblasts, IPF lung fibroblasts, and its contribution to experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in wild-type and miR-155^−/− mice was analyzed by histology, collagen, and profibrotic gene expression. Mechanisms were identified by in silico and molecular approaches and validated in mouse lung fibroblasts and macrophages, and in IPF lung fibroblasts, using loss-and-gain of function assays, and in vivo using specific inhibitors.

Results

miR-155^−/− mice developed exacerbated lung fibrosis, increased collagen deposition, collagen 1 and 3 mRNA expression, TGF-β production, and activation of alternatively activated macrophages, contributed by deregulation of the miR-155 target gene the liver X receptor (LXR)α in lung fibroblasts and macrophages. Inhibition of LXRα in experimental lung fibrosis and in IPF lung fibroblasts reduced the exacerbated fibrotic response. Similarly, enforced expression of miR-155 reduced the profibrotic phenotype of IPF and miR-155^−/− fibroblasts.

Conclusions

We describe herein a molecular pathway comprising miR-155 and its epigenetic LXRα target that when deregulated enables pathogenic pulmonary fibrosis. Manipulation of the miR-155/LXR pathway may have therapeutic potential for IPF.

Effect of IL-6 receptor blockade on high-sensitivity troponin T and NT-proBNP in rheumatoid arthritis

Background and aims

Observational associations between inflammation and cardiovascular disease are interesting, but randomised experimental data are lacking. We investigated the effect of the IL-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab on N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A post-hoc study was performed in a subset of patients with moderate to severe RA participating in a randomised controlled trial. The effect of tocilizumab on cardiac biomarkers was determined using stored serum (baseline and 24 weeks) in recipients of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg every 4 weeks plus DMARDs; n = 225) or placebo (every 4 weeks plus DMARDs; n = 132).

Results

Median NT-proBNP and hsTnT concentrations at baseline were 100 pg/ml and 5.7 pg/ml, respectively. NT-proBNP decreased in both study arms (median at 24 weeks 77 pg/ml in the placebo arm, 79 pg/ml in the tocilizumab arm; p<0.001 for the decrease in both arms), and decreased to a similar extent comparing study arms (tocilizumab effect: −5.5%, p=0.55). hsTnT also decreased in both study arms (median at 24 weeks 3.1 pg/ml in the placebo arm, 4.4 pg/ml in the tocilizumab arm; p<0.001 for the decrease in both arms). The extent of the reduction in hsTnT was greater in the placebo group (tocilizumab effect: +23.3%, p=0.002). Change in NT-proBNP, but not hsTnT, correlated modestly with change in CRP (r = 0.17, p=0.013).

Conclusions

These data argue against a rapid preferential benefit of IL-6 blockade on these specific surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk, but may be consistent with a general cardiovascular benefit of improved RA treatment.

Clinical trials.gov identifier

NCT00106574.

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Tocilizumab treatment was associated with a decrease in NT-proBNP, similar in magnitude to the decrease in the placebo arm.

•

Troponin T also decreased in both study arms, but decreased slightly more in the placebo arm.

•

These data do not support a rapid preferential benefit of tocilizumab treatment on cardiac biomarkers.

•

These data may be consistent with the view that improved treatment of rheumatoid arthritis might reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

A specific anti-citrullinated protein antibody profile identifies a group of rheumatoid arthritis patients with a toll-like receptor 4-mediated disease

BACKGROUND

Increased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its endogenous ligands, is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis. In this study, we evaluated how these TLR4 ligands may drive pathogenic processes and whether the fine profiling of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) based on their target specificity might provide a simple means to predict therapeutic benefit when neutralizing TLR4 in this disease.

METHODS

The capacity of RA synovial fluids (RASF) to stimulate cytokine production in monocytes from patients with RA was analyzed by ELISA. The presence of TLR4 activators in RASF was determined by measuring the levels of ACPA, ACPA subtypes with reactivity to specific citrullinated peptides and other TLR4 ligands. Neutralization of TLR4 signaling was investigated using NI-0101, a therapeutic antibody that targets TLR4.

RESULTS

RASF exhibited a heterogeneous capacity to induce production of proinflammatory cytokines by monocytes isolated from patients with RA. Such cytokine responses were significantly modified by TLR4 blockade achieved using NI-0101. The analysis of the content of RASF and matched sera demonstrated that ACPA fine specificities in patient samples predict cellular response to anti-TLR4 exposure in vitro.

CONCLUSION

TLR4 represents a possible therapeutic target in RA. Our study demonstrates that TLR4 inhibition in an ex vivo model of RA pathogenesis can significantly modulate cytokine release and does so in specific subgroups of RA patient-derived samples. It also suggests that ACPA fine profiling has the potential to identify RA patients with a predominantly TLR4-driven pathotype that could be used to predict preferential response to TLR4 antagonism.

EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory joint disorders (IJD) have increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared with the general population. In 2009, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) taskforce recommended screening, identification of CVD risk factors and CVD risk management largely based on expert opinion. In view of substantial new evidence, an update was conducted with the aim of producing CVD risk management recommendations for patients with IJD that now incorporates an increasing evidence base. A multidisciplinary steering committee (representing 13 European countries) comprised 26 members including patient representatives, rheumatologists, cardiologists, internists, epidemiologists, a health professional and fellows. Systematic literature searches were performed and evidence was categorised according to standard guidelines. The evidence was discussed and summarised by the experts in the course of a consensus finding and voting process. Three overarching principles were defined. First, there is a higher risk for CVD in patients with RA, and this may also apply to ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Second, the rheumatologist is responsible for CVD risk management in patients with IJD. Third, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids should be in accordance with treatment-specific recommendations from EULAR and Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society. Ten recommendations were defined, of which one is new and six were changed compared with the 2009 recommendations. Each designated an appropriate evidence support level. The present update extends on the evidence that CVD risk in the whole spectrum of IJD is increased. This underscores the need for CVD risk management in these patients. These recommendations are defined to provide assistance in CVD risk management in IJD, based on expert opinion and scientific evidence.

MicroRNA-155 influences B-cell function through PU.1 in rheumatoid arthritis

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is an important regulator of B cells in mice. B cells have a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we show that miR-155 is highly expressed in peripheral blood B cells from RA patients compared with healthy individuals, particularly in the IgD^-CD27^- memory B-cell population in ACPA⁺ RA. MiR-155 is highly expressed in RA B cells from patients with synovial tissue containing ectopic germinal centres compared with diffuse synovial tissue. MiR-155 expression is associated reciprocally with lower expression of PU.1 at B-cell level in the synovial compartment. Stimulation of healthy donor B cells with CD40L, anti-IgM, IL-21, CpG, IFN-α, IL-6 or BAFF induces miR-155 and decreases PU.1 expression. Finally, inhibition of endogenous miR-155 in B cells of RA patients restores PU.1 and reduces production of antibodies. Our data suggest that miR-155 is an important regulator of B-cell activation in RA.

MiR-155 is thought to inhibit PU.1 and thereby drive antigen-induced B-cell maturation. Here the authors show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have high B-cell miR-155 expression and that an antagomir can rescue PU.1 expression, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Analysis of the cell populations composing the mononuclear cell infiltrates in the labial minor salivary glands from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and sicca syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Sicca symptoms occur in around 30% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Herein, we examined the characteristics of RA patients bearing sicca symptomatology (RA-sicca) with a special focus on the immunohistopathological features of their labial minor salivary gland (LMSG) biopsies.

METHODS

Our cohort included 100 consecutive RA patients which were interrogated using a sicca symptoms questionnaire. Positive responders were evaluated for ocular and oral dryness and underwent an LMSG biopsy. All samples were immunohistochemically evaluated for the presence and distribution of specific leukocyte subsets using appropriate markers and for the expression of certain immunoregulatory molecules by salivary gland epithelial cells. Positively stained and total mononuclear cells (MNC) were counted in the entire section. Counts were expressed as cell frequency (percentage of cell type number/total infiltrating MNC number).

RESULTS

In the majority (86.1%) of the 44 RA-sicca cases, periductal infiltrates were observed in LMSG biopsies. The frequencies of infiltrating cell subtypes and their correlation with lesion severity were different from that previously described in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Moreover, DCs and ΜΦs frequencies were increased in RA-sicca patients who had a biopsy focus score <1 and absence of anti-Ro/anti-La autoantibodies, in contrast to what was observed for B cells. In about half of the biopsies, salivary gland epithelial cells expressed CD80/B7.1 molecules, most commonly in patients with a positive biopsy or anti-Ro/anti-La autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

LMSG infiltrates composition in RA-sicca patients is distinct from that described in pSS. These differences, further attest to diverse pathophysiologic processes operating in these two entities.

Tumour necrosis factor inhibition versus rituximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who require biological treatment (ORBIT): an open-label, randomised controlled, non-inferiority, trial

BACKGROUND

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibition and B-cell depletion are highly effective treatments for active rheumatoid arthritis, but so far no randomised controlled trials have directly compared their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. This study was done to test the hypothesis that using rituximab would be clinically non-inferior and cheaper compared with TNF inhibitor treatment in biological-treatment naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

This open-label, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial enrolled patients with active, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) from 35 rheumatology departments in the UK. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the rituximab or TNF inhibitor groups with minimisation to account for methotrexate intolerance using a web-based randomisation system. Patients were given intravenous rituximab 1 g on days 1 and 15, and after 26 weeks if they responded to treatment but had persistent disease activity (28 joint count disease activity score [DAS28-ESR] >3.2; rituximab group) or a TNF inhibitor-adalimumab (40 mg subcutaneously every other week) or etanercept (50 mg per week subcutaneously) according to the patient's and rheumatologist's choice (TNF inhibitor group). Patients could switch treatment in the case of drug-related toxic effects or absence or loss of response. The primary outcome measure was the change in DAS28-ESR between 0 and 12 months in the per-protocol population of patients who were assigned to treatment and remained in follow-up to 1 year. We assessed safety in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. We also assessed the cost-effectiveness of each strategy. The non-inferiority margin was specified as 0.6 DAS28-ESR units. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01021735.

FINDINGS

Between April 6, 2009, and Nov 11, 2013, 295 patients were randomly assigned and given either rituximab (n=144) or TNF inhibitor (n=151) treatment. After 12 months, the change in DAS28-ESR for patients assigned to rituximab was -2.6 (SD 1.4) and TNF inhibitor was -2.4 (SD 1.5), with a difference within the prespecified non-inferiority margin of -0.19 (95% CI -0.51 to 0.13; p=0.24). The health-related costs associated with the rituximab strategy were lower than the TNF inhibitor strategy (£9,405 vs £11,523 per patient, p<0.0001). 137 (95%) of 144 patients in the rituximab group and 143 (95%) of 151 patients in the TNF inhibitor group had adverse events. 37 serious adverse events occurred in patients receiving rituximab compared with 26 in patients receiving TNF inhibitors, of which 27 were deemed to be possibly, probably, or definitely related to the treatment (15 vs 12, p=0.5462). One patient in each group died during the study.

INTERPRETATION

Initial treatment with rituximab is non-inferior to initial TNF inhibitor treatment in patients seropositive for rheumatoid arthritis and naive to treatment with biologicals, and is cost saving over 12 months.

FUNDING

Arthritis Research UK, Roche.

MicroRNA-155 regulates monocyte chemokine and chemokine receptor expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective. To test the hypothesis that miR-155 regulates monocyte migratory potential via modulation of chemokine and chemokine receptor expression in RA, and thereby is associated with disease activity.

Methods. The miR-155 copy-numbers in monocytes from peripheral blood (PB) of healthy (n = 22), RA (n = 24) and RA SF (n = 11) were assessed by real time-PCR using synthetic miR-155 as a quantitative standard. To evaluate the functional impact of miR-155, human monocytes were transfected with control or miR-155 mimic, and the effect on transcript levels, and production of chemokines was evaluated by Taqman low-density arrays and multiplex assays. A comparative study evaluated constitutive chemokine receptor expression in miR-155^−/− and wild-type murine (CD115 ⁺ Ly6C ⁺ Ly6G⁻) monocytes.

Results. Compared with healthy monocytes, the miR-155 copy-number was higher in RA, peripheral blood (PB) and SF monocytes (PB P < 0.01, and SF P < 0.0001). The miR-155 copy-number in RA PB monocytes was higher in ACPA-positive compared with ACPA-negative patients (P = 0.033) and correlated (95% CI) with DAS28 (ESR), R = 0.728 (0.460, 0.874), and with tender, R = 0.631 (0.306, 0.824) and swollen, R = 0.503 (0.125, 0.753) joint counts. Enforced-expression of miR-155 in RA monocytes stimulated the production of CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CCL8; upregulated CCR7 expression; and downregulated CCR2. Conversely, miR155^−/− monocytes showed downregulated CCR7 and upregulated CCR2 expression.

Conclusion. Given the observed correlations with disease activity, these data provide strong evidence that miR-155 can contribute to RA pathogenesis by regulating chemokine production and pro-inflammatory chemokine receptor expression, thereby promoting inflammatory cell recruitment and retention in the RA synovium.

High remission and low relapse with prolonged intensive DMARD therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (PRINT): A multicenter randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether prolonged intensive disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment (PRINT) leads to high remission and low relapse rates in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized and parallel treatment trial, 346 patients with active RA (disease activity score (28 joints) [DAS28] (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) > 5.1) were enrolled from 9 centers. In phase 1, patients received intensive treatment with methotrexate, leflunomide, and hydroxychloroquine, up to 36 weeks, until remission (DAS28 ≤ 2.6) or a low disease activity (2.6 < DAS28 ≤ 3.2) was achieved. In phase 2, patients achieving remission or low disease activity were followed up with randomization to 1 of 2 step-down protocols: leflunomide plus hydroxychloroquine combination or leflunomide monotherapy. The primary endpoints were good European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response (DAS28 (ESR) < 3.2 and a decrease of DAS28 by at least 1.2) during the intensive treatment and the disease state retention rate during step-down maintenance treatment. Predictors of a good EULAR response in the intensive treatment period and disease flare in the maintenance period were sought.

RESULTS

A good EULAR response was achieved in 18.7%, 36.9%, and 54.1% of patients at 12, 24, and 36 weeks, respectively. By 36 weeks, 75.4% of patients achieved good and moderate EULAR responses. Compared with those achieving low disease activity and a high health assessment questionnaire (HAQ > 0.5), patients achieving remission (DAS28 ≤ 2.6) and low HAQ (≤ 0.5) had a significantly higher retention rate when tapering the DMARDs treatment (P = 0.046 and P = 0.01, respectively). There was no advantage on tapering to combination rather than monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Remission was achieved in a proportion of patients with RA receiving prolonged intensive DMARD therapy. Low disease activity at the start of disease taper leads to less subsequent flares. Leflunomide is a good maintenance treatment as single treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis: embracing pathogenetic and clinical heterogeneity?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a clinically heterogeneous condition of skin, joint, enthesis and bone that provides considerable unmet therapeutic need. Recent treatment advances have offered new opportunities to improve quality of life and long term well being for afflicted patients. It is timely therefore, to consider the underlying heterogeneity inherent in the disease from a pathologic aspect so as to best optimise the choice and order of therapeutic application over time. Herein I will discuss the various contributions made by immune pathways to discrete tissue compartments that in turn might allow a more targeted approach to the management of PsA in which different tissues express variable severity of involvement.

Efficacy of Subcutaneous Secukinumab in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis Stratified by Prior Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Use: Results from the Randomized Placebo-controlled FUTURE 2 Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of prior tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy on secukinumab efficacy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Patients were randomized to secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg, 75 mg, or placebo.

RESULTS

American College of Rheumatology 20 responses at Week 24 with secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg, 75 mg, and placebo were 58.2%, 63.5%, 36.9%, and 15.9% in TNFi-naive (n = 258), and 45.5%, 29.7%, 14.7%, and 14.3% in TNFi-exposed patients (n = 139), respectively. Week 52 responses with secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg, and 75 mg were 68.7%, 79.4%, and 58.5% in TNFi-naive, and 54.5%, 37.8%, and 35.3% in TNFi-exposed patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Secukinumab was efficacious in TNFi-naive and TNFi-exposed patients with PsA, with greatest improvements in TNFi-naive patients.