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Khokhar M, Dey S, Tomo S, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Pandey RK. Unveiling Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1664-1693. [PMID: 38898941 PMCID: PMC11184612 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease, that causes joint damage, deformities, and decreased functionality. In addition, RA can also impact organs like the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. This autoimmune condition arises when the immune system erroneously targets the joint synovial membrane, resulting in synovitis, pannus formation, and cartilage damage. RA treatment is often holistic, integrating medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Its main objective is to achieve remission or low disease activity by utilizing a "treat-to-target" approach that optimizes drug usage and dose adjustments based on clinical response and disease activity markers. The primary RA treatment uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that help to interrupt the inflammatory process. When there is an inadequate response, a combination of biologicals and DMARDs is recommended. Biological therapies target inflammatory pathways and have shown promising results in managing RA symptoms. Close monitoring for adverse effects and disease progression is critical to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. A deeper understanding of the pathways and mechanisms will allow new treatment strategies that minimize adverse effects and maintain quality of life. This review discusses the potential targets that can be used for designing and implementing precision medicine in RA treatment, spotlighting the latest breakthroughs in biologics, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 receptor antagonists, TNF blockers, and disease-modifying noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Khokhar
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Sangita Dey
- CSO
Department, Cellworks Research India Pvt
Ltd, Bengaluru, 560066 Karnataka, India
| | - Sojit Tomo
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health
Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological
and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core
Laboratories, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
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Luan J, Ji X, Liu L. PPARγ in Atherosclerotic Endothelial Dysfunction: Regulatory Compounds and PTMs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14494. [PMID: 37833942 PMCID: PMC10572723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is one of the main sources of cardiovascular disease. In addition to known risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, endothelial dysfunction has been shown to play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), a transcription factor belonging to the steroid superfamily, is expressed in the aorta and plays a critical role in protecting endothelial function. It thereby serves as a target for treating both diabetes and atherosclerosis. Although many studies have examined endothelial cell disorders in atherosclerosis, the role of PPARγ in endothelial dysfunction is still not well understood. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanisms of action behind PPARγ regulatory compounds and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PPARγ in the control of endothelial function. We also explore the potential use of endothelial PPARγ-targeted agents in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Longhua Liu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200082, China
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An update on novel therapeutic intervention in Rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Huang J, Fu X, Chen X, Li Z, Huang Y, Liang C. Promising Therapeutic Targets for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686155. [PMID: 34305919 PMCID: PMC8299711 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic poly-articular chronic autoimmune joint disease that mainly damages the hands and feet, which affects 0.5% to 1.0% of the population worldwide. With the sustained development of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), significant success has been achieved for preventing and relieving disease activity in RA patients. Unfortunately, some patients still show limited response to DMARDs, which puts forward new requirements for special targets and novel therapies. Understanding the pathogenetic roles of the various molecules in RA could facilitate discovery of potential therapeutic targets and approaches. In this review, both existing and emerging targets, including the proteins, small molecular metabolites, and epigenetic regulators related to RA, are discussed, with a focus on the mechanisms that result in inflammation and the development of new drugs for blocking the various modulators in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuekun Fu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Cheng Q, Wu H, Du Y. The roles of small-molecule inflammatory mediators in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Immunol 2020; 93:e12982. [PMID: 33025632 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Although great progress has been made in the treatment of RA with antagonists of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1, the disease remains refractory in some patients. Previous studies have found that small-molecule inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, lipoxins and platelet-activating factor, play a significant role in the development of RA. Such compounds help to induce, maintain or reduce inflammation and could therefore be potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the roles of various classes of small-molecule inflammatory mediators in RA and discuss the effects of some drugs that modulate their activity. Many drugs targeting these mediators have demonstrated good efficacy in mouse models of RA but not in patients. However, it is clear that many small-molecule inflammatory mediators play key roles in the pathogenesis of RA, and a better understanding of the underlying molecular pathways may assist in the development of targeted therapies that are efficacious in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinic Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Dimitroulas T, Sandoo A, Kitas GD. Asymmetric dimethylarginine as a surrogate marker of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2012. [PMID: 23202900 PMCID: PMC3497274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms131012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed an increased life expectancy of patients suffering with systemic rheumatic diseases, mainly due to improved management, advanced therapies and preventative measures. However, autoimmune disorders are associated with significantly enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality not fully explained by traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. It has been suggested that interactions between high-grade systemic inflammation and the vasculature lead to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which may account for the excess risk for CVD events in this population. Diminished nitric oxide synthesis—due to down regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase—appears to play a prominent role in the imbalance between vasoactive factors, the consequent impairment of the endothelial hemostasis and the early development of atherosclerosis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is one of the most potent endogenous inhibitors of the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase and it is a newly discovered risk factor in the setting of diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular events. In the context of systemic inflammatory disorders there is increasing evidence that ADMA contributes to the vascular changes and to endothelial cell abnormalities, as several studies have revealed derangement of nitric oxide/ADMA pathway in different disease subsets. In this article we discuss the role of endothelial dysfunction in patients with rheumatic diseases, with a specific focus on the nitric oxide/ADMA system and we provide an overview on the literature pertaining to ADMA as a surrogate marker of subclinical vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 2HQ, UK; E-Mails: (A.S.); (G.D.K.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: or ; Tel.: +44-1384-244842; Fax: +44-1283-244272
| | - Aamer Sandoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 2HQ, UK; E-Mails: (A.S.); (G.D.K.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 2HQ, UK; E-Mails: (A.S.); (G.D.K.)
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester M15 6SZ, UK
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Choi CM, Schmaier AH, Snell MR, Lazarus HM. Thrombotic microangiopathy in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: diagnosis and treatment. Drugs 2009; 69:183-98. [PMID: 19228075 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-200969020-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Each year in the US, more than 10 000 patients benefit from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a modality that offers an excellent chance of eradicating malignancy but confers a higher risk of treatment-related mortality. An uncommon but devastating consequence of HSCT is transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA). The incidence of TA-TMA ranges from 0.5% to 76%, with a mortality rate of 60-90% despite treatment. Although there appears to be a consistent treatment approach to idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) using plasma exchange, corticosteroids and rituximab, the treatment strategies for TA-TMA are perplexing, in part, because the literature regarding this complex condition does not provide true consensus for incidence, aetiology, diagnostic criteria, classification and optimal therapy. The classic definition of idiopathic TTP includes schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear, thrombocytopenia and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase. Classic idiopathic TTP has been attributed to deficient activity of the metalloproteinase responsible for cleaving ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers. This protease is a member of the 'a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif' family and is subsequently named ADAMTS-13. Severely deficient ADAMTS-13 activity (<5% of normal) is associated with idiopathic TTP in 33-100% of patients. In constrast to the pathophysiology of idiopathic TTP, patients with TA-TMA have >5% ADAMTS-13 serum activity. These data may explain why plasma exchange, a standard treatment modality for idiopathic TTP that restores ADAMTS-13 activity, is not effective in TA-TMA. TA-TMA has a multifactorial aetiology of endothelial damage induced by intensive conditioning therapy, irradiation, immunosuppressants, infection and graft-versus-host disease. Treatment consists of substituting calcineurin inhibitors with an alternative immunosuppressive agent that possesses another mode of action. One candidate may be daclizumab, especially in those with mild to moderate TMA. Rituximab therapy or the addition of defibrotide may also be beneficial. In general, plasma exchange is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia M Choi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Batts ED, Lazarus HM. Diagnosis and treatment of transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: real progress or are we still waiting? Bone Marrow Transplant 2007; 40:709-19. [PMID: 17603513 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is an infrequent but devastating syndrome that occurs in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and is associated with a variety of transplantation-related factors, including conditioning regimens, immunosuppressive agents, GVHD and opportunistic infections. Progress in managing this condition has been hampered by lack of a consensus definition and poor understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder. Two different groups recently have proposed consensus definitions, yet they fail to distinguish the primary syndrome from the secondary causes, such as a variety of infections, medication exposure or other conditions. Increasing evidence suggests that TA-TMA is a multifactorial disorder that is distinct from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and likely represents the final common pathway of a number of endothelial cell insults. TA-TMA responds poorly to conventional treatment for TTP, including plasma exchange, but newer agents, including daclizumab and defibrotide show promise. In addition, other agents known to modify endothelial responses to injury, including statins, prostacyclin analogues, endothelin-receptor antagonists and free radical scavengers, may lead to improved outcomes for patients affected by this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Batts
- Department of Medicine, Case Medical Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Idzko M, Hammad H, van Nimwegen M, Kool M, Vos N, Hoogsteden HC, Lambrecht BN. Inhaled iloprost suppresses the cardinal features of asthma via inhibition of airway dendritic cell function. J Clin Invest 2007; 117:464-72. [PMID: 17273558 PMCID: PMC1783814 DOI: 10.1172/jci28949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2006] [Accepted: 12/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalation of iloprost, a stable prostacyclin (PGI(2)) analog, is a well-accepted and safe treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although iloprost mainly acts as a vasodilator by binding to the I prostanoid (IP) receptor, recent evidence suggests that signaling via this receptor also has antiinflammatory effects through unclear mechanisms. Here we show in a murine model of asthma that iloprost inhalation suppressed the cardinal features of asthma when given during the priming or challenge phase. As a mechanism of action, iloprost interfered with the function of lung myeloid DCs, critical antigen-presenting cells of the airways. Iloprost treatment inhibited the maturation and migration of lung DCs to the mediastinal LNs, thereby abolishing the induction of an allergen-specific Th2 response in these nodes. The effect of iloprost was DC autonomous, as iloprost-treated DCs no longer induced Th2 differentiation from naive T cells or boosted effector cytokine production in primed Th2 cells. These data should pave the way for a clinical effectiveness study using inhaled iloprost for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Idzko
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hamida Hammad
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Menno van Nimwegen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Kool
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nanda Vos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henk C. Hoogsteden
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Pneumology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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