1
|
Abstract
Historically, rheumatic diseases have not received much attention in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, possibly owing to a focus on the overwhelming incidence of infectious diseases and the decreased life span of the general population in this region. Global attention and support, together with better health policies and planning, have improved outcomes for many infectious diseases; thus, increasing attention is being turned to chronic non-communicable diseases. Rheumatic diseases were previously considered to be rare among Africans but there is now a growing interest in these conditions, particularly as the number of rheumatologists on the continent increases. This interest has resulted in a growing number of publications from Africa on the more commonly encountered rheumatic diseases, as well as case reports of rare diseases. Despite the limited amount of available data, some aspects of the epidemiology, genetics and clinical and laboratory features of rheumatic diseases in African populations are known, as is some detail on the use of therapeutics. Similarities and differences in these conditions can be seen across the multi-ethnic and genetically diverse African continent, and it is hoped that increased awareness of rheumatic diseases in Africa will lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for patients. The prevalence of rheumatic diseases is increasing in African countries, leading to an increased need for specialist rheumatologists and disease-modifying drugs. In this Review, the authors outline what is currently known about the state of rheumatic diseases in Africa. In the past, there has been an emphasis on communicable diseases in Africa, but attention has now shifted towards non-communicable diseases such as rheumatic diseases. Common rheumatic diseases are seen in Africa and are both comparable and different from presentations seen outside of Africa. Diverse genetic and environmental factors affect the presentation of common rheumatic diseases among different African nations. A shortage of appropriately trained staff, laboratory testing capacity and effective medications exists across the whole continent. Advocacy and research are needed to increase awareness of the risk factors, presentations and management of rheumatic diseases in Africa. Specialized treatment guidelines are needed for resource-poor countries in Africa.
Collapse
|
2
|
Solomon A, Stanwix AE, Castañeda S, Llorca J, Gonzalez-Juanatey C, Hodkinson B, Romela B, Ally MMTM, Maharaj AB, Van Duuren EM, Ziki JJ, Seboka M, Mohapi M, Jansen Van Rensburg BJ, Tarr GS, Makan K, Balton C, Gogakis A, González-Gay MA, Dessein PH. Points to consider in cardiovascular disease risk management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis living in South Africa, an unequal middle income country. BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:42. [PMID: 32550295 PMCID: PMC7296622 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-020-00139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is plausible that optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management differs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from low or middle income compared to high income populations. This study aimed at producing evidence-based points to consider for CVD prevention in South African RA patients. Methods Five rheumatologists, one cardiologist and one epidemiologist with experience in CVD risk management in RA patients, as well as two patient representatives, two health professionals and one radiologist, one rheumatology fellow and 11 rheumatologists that treat RA patients regularly contributed. Systematic literature searches were performed and the level of evidence was determined according to standard guidelines. Results Eighteen points to consider were formulated. These were grouped into 6 categories that comprised overall CVD risk assessment and management (n = 4), and specific interventions aimed at reducing CVD risk including RA control with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 3), lipid lowering agents (n = 8), antihypertensive drugs (n = 1), low dose aspirin (n = 1) and lifestyle modification (n = 1). Each point to consider differs partially or completely from recommendations previously reported for CVD risk management in RA patients from high income populations. Currently recommended CVD risk calculators do not reliably identify South African black RA patients with very high-risk atherosclerosis as represented by carotid artery plaque presence on ultrasound. Conclusions Our findings indicate that optimal cardiovascular risk management likely differs substantially in RA patients from low or middle income compared to high income populations. There is an urgent need for future multicentre longitudinal studies on CVD risk in black African patients with RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Solomon
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | - Anne E Stanwix
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | - Santos Castañeda
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de la Princesa, IIS-Princesa, Cátedra UAM-ROCHE, EPID-Future, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Llorca
- Universidad de Cantabria - IDIVAL, CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Santander, Spain
| | | | - Bridget Hodkinson
- Rheumatology Department, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benitha Romela
- Rheumatology Unit, Wilgeheuwel Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mahmood M T M Ally
- Rheumatology Department, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ajesh B Maharaj
- Rheumatology Unit, Westville Hospital and University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elsa M Van Duuren
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Joyce J Ziki
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | - Mpoti Seboka
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | - Makgotso Mohapi
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | | | - Gareth S Tarr
- Rheumatology Department, Tygerberg Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiological Sciences Department, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape South Africa
| | - Kavita Makan
- Rheumatology Department, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charlene Balton
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa
| | - Aphrodite Gogakis
- Radiology Unit, Rivonia Road Medical Centre, Morningside, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Miguel A González-Gay
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology, Genetics and Atherosclerosis Research Group on Systemic Inflammatory Diseases, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Spain; University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Patrick H Dessein
- Rheumatology Department, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, 80 Scholtz Road, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2190 South Africa.,School of Physiology and School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Free University and University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Steel HC, Venter WDF, Theron AJ, Anderson R, Feldman C, Kwofie L, Cronjé T, Arullapan N, Rossouw TM. Effects of Tobacco Usage and Antiretroviral Therapy on Biomarkers of Systemic Immune Activation in HIV-Infected Participants. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:8357109. [PMID: 30622435 PMCID: PMC6304812 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8357109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Like HIV infection, smoking, which is common among HIV-infected persons, is associated with chronic, systemic inflammation. However, the possible augmentative effects of HIV infection and smoking and other types of tobacco usage on indices of systemic inflammation and the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) thereon remain largely unexplored and represent the focus of the current study. Of the total number of HIV-infected persons recruited to the study (n = 199), 100 were categorised as pre-cART and 99 as virally suppressed (HIV viral load < 40 copies/mL). According to serum cotinine levels, 144 and 55 participants were categorised as nonusers and users of tobacco, respectively. In addition to cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and chemokines (IP-10, MIG, IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES), other biomarkers of systemic inflammation included C-reactive protein (CRP), β2-microglobulin, and those of neutrophil activation [ICAM-1, L-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)], microbial translocation (soluble CD14, LPS-binding protein), and oxidative stress (cyclophilin A, surfactant D). These were measured using multiplex bead array, ELISA, and immunonephelometric procedures. Viral suppression was associated with significant decreases in the levels of most of the biomarkers tested (P < 0.0037-0.0008), with the exceptions of CRP, cyclophilin A, and MMP-9. With respect to tobacco usage, irrespective of cART status, circulating levels of β2-microglobulin, cyclophilin A, and RANTES were significantly elevated (P < 0.042-0.012) in users vs nonusers. Additional analysis of the groups of tobacco users and nonusers according to cART status revealed high levels of RANTES in pre-cART/tobacco users relative to the three other subgroups (P < 0.004-0.0001), while more modest increases in cyclophilin A and MMP-9 (P < 0.019-0.027) were observed in comparison with the cART/tobacco user subgroup. Notwithstanding the efficacy of cART in attenuating HIV-associated, chronic systemic inflammation, the current study has identified RANTES as being significantly and seemingly selectively increased in those with active HIV infection who use tobacco, a mechanism which may underpin augmentative proinflammatory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen C. Steel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - W. D. Francois Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | | | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charles Feldman
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Luyanda Kwofie
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tanita Cronjé
- Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Natasha Arullapan
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Theresa M. Rossouw
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anderson R, Rapoport BL. Immune Dysregulation in Cancer Patients Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment and Potential Predictive Strategies for Future Clinical Practice. Front Oncol 2018; 8:80. [PMID: 29623257 PMCID: PMC5874299 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Realization of the full potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor-targeted onco-immunotherapy is largely dependent on overcoming the obstacles presented by the resistance of some cancers, as well as on reducing the high frequency of immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) associated with this type of immunotherapy. With the exception of combining therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, which target different types of immune checkpoint inhibitory molecules, progress in respect of improving therapeutic efficacy has been somewhat limited to date. Likewise, the identification of strategies to predict and monitor the development of IRAEs has also met with limited success due, at least in part, to lack of insight into mechanisms of immunopathogenesis. Accordingly, considerable effort is currently being devoted to the identification and evaluation of strategies which address both of these concerns and it is these issues which represent the major focus of the current review, particularly those which may be predictive of development of IRAEs. Following an introductory section, this review briefly covers those immune checkpoint inhibitors currently approved for clinical application, as well as more recently identified immune checkpoint inhibitory molecules, which may serve as future therapeutic targets. The remaining and more extensive sections represent overviews of: (i) putative strategies which may improve the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors; (ii) recent insights into the immunopathogenesis of IRAEs, most prominently enterocolitis; and (iii) strategies, mostly unexplored, which may be predictive of development of IRAEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bernardo L. Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|