Polymorphisms of CSF1 and TM7SF4 genes in a case of mild juvenile Paget's disease found using next-generation sequencing

Juvenile Paget’s disease (JPD) is a rare autosomal-recessive condition. It is diagnosed in young children and characterized by a generalized increase in bone turnover, bone pain, and skeletal deformity. Our patient was diagnosed after a pathological fracture when she was 11 years old. When we first examined her at the age of 30 she had bone pain and deformity in both the femur and tibia. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, radiology, bone scintigraphy, and densitometry were monitored. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology, namely semiconductor sequencing, was used to determine the genetic background of JPD. Seven target genes and regions were selected and analyzed after literature review (TM7SF4, SQSTM1, TNFRSF11A, TNFRSF11B, OPTN, CSF1, VCP). No clear pathogenic mutation was found, but we detected missense polymorphisms in CSF1 and TM7SF4 genes. After treatment with zoledronic acid, infusion bone pain and ALP level decreased. We can conclude that intravenous zoledronic acid therapy is effective and safe for suppressing bone turnover and improving symptoms in JPD, but the long-term effects on clinical outcomes are unclear. Our findings also suggest that NGS may help explore the pathogenesis and aid the diagnosis of JPD.

Tissue-Specific Glucocorticoid Signaling May Determine The Resistance Against Glucocorticoids In Autoimmune Diseases

Endogenous glucocorticoids exert a diverse array of physiological processes including immune-modulatory or anti-inflammatory responses and play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Regulation of inflammatory processes by glucocorticoids is controlled in a cytokine-hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis feedback circuit and on the local, cell-type and context-specific local regulatory system. At the tissue level the sensitivity and response to glucocorticoids are determined by multiple factors: including the local availability to glucocorticoids transported by blood, the locally-formed bioactive glucocorticoids (synthesized and metabolized 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes), the number and function of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the GR affinity to its ligands. Numerous molecular factors are known to influence the sensitivity of glucocorticoid response through the GR. Cytokines are one of the major components that can inhibit GR function and can potentiate the resistance against glucocorticoids. GR isoforms, generated by alternative splicing, alternative translation and post-translation modification are further mechanisms which modulate glucocorticoid signaling. Genetic variants within the GR encoding gene are other potential factors that may influence the susceptibility and severity of autoimmune disorders and may play a key role in individual response to medication. In this review our aim was to summarize our knowledge about the connections between the cell type-specific glucocorticoid signaling and the local immune system. Prediction of individual sensitivity to steroids and identification of key players in development of glucocorticoid resistance are essential in individualized therapies. The local, tissue-specific glucocorticoid signaling and its influence by cytokines may be important in determining the magnitude of inflammatory reactions, and may also be related to the success of glucocorticoid-containing therapeutic strategies.

Comparative statistical analysis of osteoporosis treatment based on Hungarian claims data and interpretation of the results in respect to cost-effectiveness

The efficacy of interventions used in real life for the treatment of osteoporosis has not been evaluated on a national basis. We analysed the database of the single Hungarian health care provider between 2004 and 2010. A marked reduction in fracture incidence and hospitalization was seen, which also proved to be cost-effective.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis and its consequences place a significant burden on the health care systems of developed countries. Present therapeutic modalities are effective in reducing the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis. However, we do not know whether the interventions introduced in the past 15 years have significantly reduced the number of osteoporotic fractures in real life, and if yes, how cost-effectively.

METHODS

The database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration in Hungary was analysed for the period between 2004 and 2010. Two specific patient groups were identified within the population. Patients, who were under osteoporosis treatment in more than 80% of the potential treatment days in three consecutive years (patients with high compliance), were compared with patients where this ratio was under 20% (patients with low compliance). Several statistical comparative models were implemented in order to capture a complete picture on the differences. Because of natural data heterogeneity of administration databases, propensity matching was applied as well.

RESULTS

Comparing treated vs. control subjects, patients with high compliance showed a significant decrease in fracture risk and hospitalization, which was more robust after propensity adjustment. On the basis of the observed statistically significant differences, cost-effectiveness analysis was implemented. Utility loss due the observed fractures was compared with the total cost differences of the two arms based on modelling. Our calculations proved the cost-effectiveness of the long-term high compliance in real world settings.

CONCLUSION

Our findings infer that the standardized and uniform health care of osteoporotic patients in a country may reduce general fracture incidence and hospitalization in a cost-effective way.

Biological therapy in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: issues in Central and Eastern European countries

Biological drugs revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Access to treatment presents substantial variability across Europe. The economic level of a particular country as well as administrative restrictions have been proved as determining factors of biological drug uptake. The objective of this paper was to provide an overview of biological treatment in six selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, namely in the Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The literature is summarized with regard to the epidemiology, disease burden and use of biological agents in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Moreover, an estimate is provided on the prevalence and number of patients with biological treatment based on international and local sources. In view of the limited availability of information and uncertainty in data, there is an urgent need for development of systematic and comprehensive data collection in inflammatory rheumatic diseases in CEE countries.

Recognition of new citrulline-containing peptide epitopes by autoantibodies produced in vivo and in vitro by B cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients

Anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPAs) are highly sensitive and specific markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Identification of peptide epitopes that may detect different subgroups of RA patients might have diagnostic and prognostic significance. We have investigated citrulline- and arginine-containing peptide pairs derived from filaggrin, collagen or vimentin, and compared this citrulline-peptide panel with the serological assays conventionally used to detect ACPAs. Furthermore, we studied if the same citrulline-peptides identify antibody-secreting cells in in vitro cultures of RA B cells. Recognition of citrulline- and arginine-containing filaggrin, vimentin and collagen peptide epitopes were tested by Multipin ELISA system, by indirect ELISA and by a peptide-specific microarray. B cells were purified from blood by negative selection; antibody-producing cells were enumerated by ELISPOT assay. The panel composed of citrulline-peptide epitopes of filaggrin, collagen and vimentin was recognized by RA sera with a sensitivity and specificity comparable with the currently used tests. Moreover, the combined citrulline-peptide panel including the new short epitope peptide of filaggrin, fil311-315, also identified nearly one-third of RA cases that were negative for antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides, mutated citrullinated vimentin or for rheumatoid factor. The results with the peptide-specific microarray have shown that although most ACPAs recognizing the four citrulline peptides are IgG, some of them specifically recognizing citrulline-containing filaggrin peptides (fil311-315 and fil306-326) are IgM, and so may be produced either by newly formed activated B cells or by unswitched B memory cells. Furthermore, the citrulline-peptides of filaggrin and vimentin detect ACPA-producing cells, and so could also be applied to study the B cells of RA patients.

[The stiff-person syndrome: a brief review and report of two cases]

The stiff-person syndrome is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease which appears to have an immunpathological basis. It is characterised by painful muscle spasms and stiffness in the proximal muscles, especially those attached to the axial skeleton. The precise pathophysiology is still unknown, but several antibodies have been shown to be present in patients and these antibodies are directed against proteins which play a role in the inhibitor synapse linked to gamma-amino-butyrate. In the first part of the article the authors present two cases. In the second part they present a comprehensive review of our current knowledge about this rare disease. Orv.Hetil., 154(50), 1984-1990.

Behcet’s disease: a hardly diagnosed orphan disorder

Behcet’s disease is a multisystem autoimmune disease with variable clinial manifestations. The diagnosis may pose a difficult challenge for the clinician, who has to be familiar with the wide spectrum and combination of the symptoms of Behcet’s disease. It is considered a rare disease in Hungary, and there are only few reports on Behcet’s disease in the Hungarian literature. However, the past history of Hungary, the worldwide growing incidence of the disease, and the authors’ experience raise the possibility that the occurrence of the disease is higher than previously thought. In this review the authors present and discuss literature data on the pathogenesis and pathomechanism, as well as their own experience concerning the symptomatology of Behcet’s disease in order to promote diagnosis and offer adequate therapy for the patients. The authors presume that the importance of the disease is underestimated in Hungary due to a considerable number of unrecognized cases and they propose to establish a national registry for Behcets disease. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 93–101.

2012 Provisional classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica: a European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology collaborative initiative

The objective of this study was to develop European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Candidate criteria were evaluated in a 6-month prospective cohort study of 125 patients with new-onset PMR and 169 non-PMR comparison subjects with conditions mimicking PMR. A scoring algorithm was developed based on morning stiffness >45 minutes (2 points), hip pain/limited range of motion (1 point), absence of rheumatoid factor and/or anti-citrullinated protein antibody (2 points), and absence of peripheral joint pain (1 point). A score ≥4 had 68% sensitivity and 78% specificity for discriminating all comparison subjects from PMR. The specificity was higher (88%) for discriminating shoulder conditions from PMR and lower (65%) for discriminating RA from PMR. Adding ultrasound, a score ≥5 had increased sensitivity to 66% and specificity to 81%. According to these provisional classification criteria, patients ≥50 years old presenting with bilateral shoulder pain, not better explained by an alternative pathology, can be classified as having PMR in the presence of morning stiffness >45 minutes, elevated C-reactive protein and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and new hip pain. These criteria are not meant for diagnostic purposes.

Complement receptor type 1 (CR1, CD35) is a potent inhibitor of B-cell functions in rheumatoid arthritis patients

The involvement of B cells, complement activation and subsequent immune complex deposition has all been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the reduced expression of complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) and 2 (CR2, CD21) on the B cells of RA patients has been known for a long time, their exact role in B-cell tolerance and autoimmunity is not yet fully understood. To get a deeper insight into the possible mechanisms, we studied the expression and function of CR1 and CR2 on various subsets of B cells of healthy donors and RA patients at various stages of the disease by FACS analysis, (3)H-thymidine incorporation and ELISA. We found that CD19(+)CD27(-) naive B cells up-regulate the expression of the inhibitory CR1 during differentiation to CD19(+)CD27(+) memory B cells both in healthy donors and in RA patients, whereas the expression of the activatory CR2 is down-regulated. This clearly demonstrates that the expression of these two antagonistic complement receptors is regulated differentially during the development of human B cells, a phenomenon which may influence the maintenance of peripheral B-cell tolerance. Our functional studies show that after clustering CR1 both by its natural ligand and To5 mAb, the inhibitory function of CD35 is maintained in RA patients, despite its significantly reduced expression compared with healthy individuals. Besides blocking B-cell receptor-induced proliferation, CR1 inhibits the differentiation of B cells to plasmablasts and their immunoglobulin production. Since the reduced expression of CR1 in RA patients does not affect its inhibitory function, this receptor might serve as a new target for therapeutical interventions.

2012 provisional classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica: a European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology collaborative initiative

The objective of this study was to develop EULAR/ACR classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Candidate criteria were evaluated in a 6-month prospective cohort study of 125 patients with new onset PMR and 169 non-PMR comparison subjects with conditions mimicking PMR. A scoring algorithm was developed based on morning stiffness >45 minutes (2 points), hip pain/limited range of motion (1 point), absence of RF and/or ACPA (2 points), and absence of peripheral joint pain (1 point). A score ≥4 had 68% sensitivity and 78% specificity for discriminating all comparison subjects from PMR. The specificity was higher (88%) for discriminating shoulder conditions from PMR and lower (65%) for discriminating RA from PMR. Adding ultrasound, a score ≥5 had increased sensitivity to 66% and specificity to 81%. According to these provisional classification criteria, patients ≥50 years old presenting with bilateral shoulder pain, not better explained by an alternative pathology, can be classified as having PMR in the presence of morning stiffness>45 minutes, elevated CRP and/or ESR and new hip pain. These criteria are not meant for diagnostic purposes.

Patient-reported outcomes in polymyalgia rheumatica

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the disease course and the performance of clinical, patient-reported outcome (PRO) and musculoskeletal ultrasound measures in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

METHODS

The study population included 85 patients with new-onset PMR who were initially treated with prednisone equivalent dose of 15 mg daily tapered gradually, and followed for 26 weeks. Data collection included physical examination findings, laboratory measures of acute-phase reactants, and PRO measures. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at baseline and Week 26 to assess for features previously reported to be associated with PMR. Response to corticosteroid treatment was defined as 70% improvement in PMR on visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

At baseline, 77% had hip pain in addition to shoulder pain and 100% had abnormal C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On ultrasound, 84% had shoulder findings and 32% had both shoulder and hip findings. Response to corticosteroid treatment occurred in 73% of patients by Week 4 and was highly correlated with percentage improvement in other VAS measures. Presence of ultrasound findings at baseline predicted response to corticosteroids at 4 weeks. Factor analysis revealed 6 domains that sufficiently represented all the outcome measures: PMR-related pain and physical function, an elevated inflammatory marker, hip pain, global pain, mental function, and morning stiffness.

CONCLUSION

PRO measures and inflammatory markers performed well in assessing disease activity in patients with PMR. A minimum set of outcome measures consisting of PRO measures of pain and function and an inflammatory marker should be used in practice and in clinical trials in PMR.

[Systemic autoimmune disorders and pregnancy]

The coincidence of systemic autoimmune diseases and pregnancy may modify the outcome of the disease and the pregnancy due to the background immunologic and hormonal processes. The great majority of patients with autoimmune diseases are young females in their reproductive years, willing to have babies. Consequently, we have to prepare for this special situation. Our concept on childbearing in autoimmune women has changed within the last 30 years. Earlier, systemic lupus erythematosus flared in about 50% of patients during pregnancy, but the flare rate has significantly decreased recently. This improvement can be attributed to increased attention to low diseases activity at the time of conception, which might reduce to the half of the risk for flare. Tight control of patients and appropriate use of corticosteroids also contribute to the better results. The adequate use of anti-thrombotic agents resulted in a significant amelioration of pregnancy outcome in antiphospholipid syndrome. The earlier use of methotrexate and the introduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have changed the natural characteristics of the disease. The increase in remission rate indirectly has beneficial effect on the number of planned and carried out pregnancies. Authors review the connection between systemic autoimmune disorders and pregnancy as well as the possibilities of medical treatment of such diseases during pregnancy.

[Diabetes and bone metabolism]

In the past decade several novel findings point to the critical role of the skeleton in several homeostatic processes, including energy balance. The connection begins in the bone marrow with lineage allocation of mesenchymal stem cells to adipocytes or osteoblasts. Osteoblasts and adipocytes produce factors affecting insulin homeostasis. The hormonally active adipose tissue can regulate bone metabolism. In this review authors discuss targets taking critical part in the bone-fat network: leptin, osteocalcin, PPAR γ2 and the Wnt/beta catenin pathway. Leptin regulates energy metabolism through controlling appetite. Mutation of the leptin gene resulting leptin resistance leads to high leptin levels, enormous appetite and pathologic obesity. Leptin also can influence the bone mass. The main effects of the thiazolidinedions - PPARγ agonists - are mediated through receptors located in adipocytes. However, beside their positive effects, they also suppress osteoblastogenesis and increase the risk for pathologic fractures. Osteocalcin, a known marker of bone formation, produced by osteoblasts decreases fat mass, promotes adiponectin production and insulin sensitivity, increases the number of pancreatic β-cells and increases insulin secretion. Thus, the skeletal system can regulate glucose metabolism and this substantially changed our view on this issue. Novel molecules can now be tested as targets in order to enhance bone formation and possibly prevent fractures.

Paget’s disease: clinical update

Paget’s disease is a chronic disorder of bone remodeling, characterized by an abnormal increase of osteoclast and, hence, osteoblast activity. The imbalance of bone turnover results in the formation of unhealthy and fragile bone. It also leads to impairment of adjacent joints and to a risk of various complications. Current research focuses on the elucidation of the etiologic role viral infection and predisposing genetic factors. Paget’s disease is commonly discovered by chance; its suspicion is raised either by high level of alkaline phosphatase or by the X-ray of the pathological bone. Bisphosphonates have proven to be effective in controlling disease activity because they inhibit osteoclast function. Their use is recommended when bone-derived serum alkaline phosphatase is high and/or when disease localizations are highly suspected for the development of complications. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1337–1346.

[Biotechnological advances in monoclonal antibody therapy: the RANK ligand inhibitor antibody]

Biological drugs have been used since the middle of the last century in medicine. Nowadays we are witnesses of the intensive development and wider administration of these drugs in clinical practice. Around 250 biological drugs are available and more than 350 million patients have been treated since their marketed authorization. Among the biologics there are protein based macromolecules, which mass production can be performed with the help of biotechnology. This term referring to the use of living organisms for production of molecules, was introduced by the Hungarian engineer, Károly Ereky. The present review focuses on the research, production and development of monoclonal antibodies manufactured by biotechnology. Some steps of this development have changed our immunological knowledge and the outcome of several diseases. The development of antibodies was highly recognized by two Nobel prizes. Authors detail the structure and functions of immunoglobulins, and their development, including fully human monoclonal antibodies. The RANKL inhibitor denosumab, a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody belongs to this latter group and it is available for treatment of osteoporosis. Authors also summarize the basic process of bone metabolism and the benefits of RANK ligand inhibition.

Devic's syndrome and SLE: challenges in diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities based on two overlapping cases

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO, Devic's disease), an uncommon demyelinating neuro-immunological disease, can be associated with autoimmune diseases. In SLE associated forms anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positivity can help differentiating between SLE nerve system manifestation and NMO. In the literature rituximab, or immunoablative dose cyclophosphamide (CYC) was effective for the therapy resistant forms. Authors present 2 SLE overlapping NMO cases, one of them with SLE associated interstitial lung disease (ILD). In both cases neurological manifestations anticipated other SLE symptoms. Patients previously were treated with high dose corticosteroid therapy, plasmapheresis, and one of them with azathioprine, and the other one with oral CYC (which could not prevent flares). 0.5 g/m² body-surface monthly parenteral inductive CYC therapy was administered, in one patient followed by quarterly maintenance therapy. This patient completed her 18 month maintenance treatment and has been in neurological remission, but required steroid pulse and plasmapheresis for lung symptoms. The second patient had urogenital infection after the induction phase, followed by an exacerbation, requiring plasmapheresis and high dose parenteral corticosteroid treatment. After it he refused CYC therapy and has been taking azathioprine. He has no new symptoms, only residual ones. In our two patients conventional dose CYC therapy proved to be effective for NMO/SLE overlap, required only transient supportive therapy.

Overlapping juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

Hereby, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl developing oligoarthritis and progressing into a polyarticular form. Rheumatoid factor was positive, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was diagnosed. After a poor response to DMARDs, an anti-TNF agent (infliximab) was initiated, but to be discontinued due to an allergic reaction. The same complication was observed with the fully human derivative, adalimumab. At the age of 22, the patient presented septicemia with severe anemia and subsequent development of leukopenia, myocarditis with heart failure, and ANA, aSm, aSS-A, aCL positives, and nephrotic syndrome. These new clinical manifestations fulfilled the classification criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Due to the poor therapeutic responses for both diseases, alternative medical options have to be considered, such as targeted therapy with anti-CD20 or interleukin-6 receptor antagonist monoclonal antibodies. This patient may also be a candidate for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.

[Novel therapeutic possibilities in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder involving different organs and organ systems with consequent characteristic clinical and serologic symptoms. Despite of the improvement in lupus survival, approximately 10-20% of patients do not respond to traditional immune suppressive therapies. Relapses are more frequent; e.g. after cyclophosphamide therapy diffuse proliferative nephritis flares in 1/3 of patients. Different immune competent cells and inflammatory mediators participate in the pathogenesis of SLE involving both the adaptive and innate immunity. Several pathogenic elements and mechanisms may serve as therapeutic targets, consequently. Authors summarize novel therapeutic possibilities and their mechanisms regarding the pathogenesis of SLE. Immune modulation of B and T cells, co-stimulatory pathways, cytokine network, soluble mediators and autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation are discussed.

Genetic and immunological processes in the pathomechanism of gluten-sensitive enteropathy and associated metabolic bone disorders

A coeliakia, lisztérzékenység a vékonybél leggyakoribb malabszorpcióhoz vezető immunmediált bélbetegsége, amelyet a gabonafélék gluténfrakciója indít el genetikailag arra hajlamos egyénekben. A gluténexpozíciót követően T-sejt-mediált immunológiai folyamatok indulnak el, amelyek jellemző intestinalis és extraintestinalis tünetekhez vezetnek. Diagnosztikája jelenleg is a jejunalis biopsziára, endomysium és szöveti transzglutaminázellenes antitestek meglétére épül. Genetikai szempontból HLA DQ2/DQ8 asszociáció ismert a bélbetegség hátterében. Gluténmentes étrend szigorú betartása mellett, a klinikai tünetek terén, szövettanilag és szerológiailag is javulás következik be, kedvezően változik a társuló betegségek lefolyása. Az alapbetegség etiopatogenezisében, a genetikai és immunológiai tényezők tekintetében számos új információ vált ismertté az elmúlt években. A társbetegségek körében a mozgásszervi megnyilvánulások közül a csontmetabolikus eltérésekről több, a gyulladásos kórformákkal kapcsolatban kevesebb közlemény jelent meg. Az összefoglaló tanulmány fő célja a genetikai és immunológiai szempontból közös háttér áttekintése az elmúlt évek irodalmi adatainak segítségével.