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Immune dysregulation and pathogenic pathways mediated by common infections in rheumatoid arthritis. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:325-335. [PMID: 36680729 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the world's most prevalent inflammatory autoimmune diseases, affecting between 0.4 and 1.3% of the population. The susceptibility to RA appears to be influenced by a complex interaction between a favorable genetic background and the existence of a specific immune reaction against a wide range of environmental variables. Among the known environmental variables, infections are believed to have a significant role in promoting the formation of autoimmune disorders, which are frequently caused by specific microorganisms. Infections have been linked to RA in recent medical studies. In this study, we selected the most prevalent infections associated with RA from the literature and described the data confirming their pathogenic role in RA. Our investigation included Mycobacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Proteus mirabilis, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus, and Prevotella copri.
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Zheng Q, Wang D, Lin R, Lv Q, Wang W. IFI44 is an immune evasion biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus infection in patients with RA. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1013322. [PMID: 36189314 PMCID: PMC9520788 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in humans, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent autoimmune conditions. RA is a significant risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections, although the mechanism of RA and SARS-CoV-2 infection in conjunction with S. aureus infection has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomarkers and disease targets between RA and SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections using bioinformatics analysis, to search for the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus immune escape and potential drug targets in the RA population, and to provide new directions for further analysis and targeted development of clinical treatments. Methods The RA dataset (GSE93272) and the S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) dataset (GSE33341) were used to obtain differentially expressed gene sets, respectively, and the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined through the intersection. Functional enrichment analysis utilizing GO, KEGG, and ClueGO methods. The PPI network was created utilizing the STRING database, and the top 10 hub genes were identified and further examined for functional enrichment using Metascape and GeneMANIA. The top 10 hub genes were intersected with the SARS-CoV-2 gene pool to identify five hub genes shared by RA, COVID-19, and SAB, and functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Metascape and GeneMANIA. Using the NetworkAnalyst platform, TF-hub gene and miRNA-hub gene networks were built for these five hub genes. The hub gene was verified utilizing GSE17755, GSE55235, and GSE13670, and its effectiveness was assessed utilizing ROC curves. CIBERSORT was applied to examine immune cell infiltration and the link between the hub gene and immune cells. Results A total of 199 DEGs were extracted from the GSE93272 and GSE33341 datasets. KEGG analysis of enrichment pathways were NLR signaling pathway, cell membrane DNA sensing pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and viral infection. Positive/negative regulation of the immune system, regulation of the interferon-I (IFN-I; IFN-α/β) pathway, and associated pathways of the immunological response to viruses were enriched in GO and ClueGO analyses. PPI network and Cytoscape platform identified the top 10 hub genes: RSAD2, IFIT3, GBP1, RTP4, IFI44, OAS1, IFI44L, ISG15, HERC5, and IFIT5. The pathways are mainly enriched in response to viral and bacterial infection, IFN signaling, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. IFI44, OAS1, IFI44L, ISG15, and HERC5 are the five hub genes shared by RA, COVID-19, and SAB. The pathways are primarily enriched for response to viral and bacterial infections. The TF-hub gene network and miRNA-hub gene network identified YY1 as a key TF and hsa-mir-1-3p and hsa-mir-146a-5p as two important miRNAs related to IFI44. IFI44 was identified as a hub gene by validating GSE17755, GSE55235, and GSE13670. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed a strong positive correlation between activated dendritic cells and IFI44 expression. Conclusions IFI144 was discovered as a shared biomarker and disease target for RA, COVID-19, and SAB by this study. IFI44 negatively regulates the IFN signaling pathway to promote viral replication and bacterial proliferation and is an important molecular target for SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus immune escape in RA. Dendritic cells play an important role in this process. 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D3 may be an important therapeutic agent in treating RA with SARS-CoV-2 and S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcong Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Du Wang
- Arthritis Clinical and Research Center, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rongjie Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wanming Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, China
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Zhang L, Chu CQ. Gut Microbiota-Medication Interaction in Rheumatic Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:796865. [PMID: 34925383 PMCID: PMC8678121 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.796865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides its contribution to the development of rheumatic diseases, the gut microbiota interact with anti-rheumatic drugs. The intestinal microbiota can directly metabolize many drugs and indirectly change drug metabolism through a complex multi-dimensional interaction with the host, thus affecting individual response to drug therapy and adverse effects. The focus of the current review is to address recent advances and important progress in our understanding of how the gut microbiota interact with anti-rheumatic drugs and provide perspectives on promoting precision treatment, drug discovery, and better therapy for rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingshu Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Cong-Qiu Chu
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Section of Rheumatology, Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
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Yamaguchi R, Tanaka E, Nakajima A, Inoue E, Abe M, Sugano E, Sugitani N, Saka K, Ochiai M, Higuchi Y, Sugimoto N, Ikari K, Yamanaka H, Harigai M. Risk of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the biologics era from 2011 to 2015 and its association with methotrexate, biologics, and corticosteroids. Mod Rheumatol 2021; 32:522-527. [PMID: 34897494 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To elucidate the incidence and risk factors of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the biologics era. METHODS We determined the rate of HZ occurrence among the RA patients that participated in the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis surveys from 2011 to 2015, by assessing medical records. The standardised incidence rate per 1000 patient-years with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, and risk factors for HZ were analysed using a time-dependent Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Among 7815 patients (female, 84.7%) contributing to 25,863 patient-years of observation, 340 HZ events in 309 patients were confirmed. The standardised incidence rate (95% CI) per 1000 patient-years was 8.5 (6.9-10.5) in total, 6.0 (3.7-9.2) in men, and 11.0 (8.7-13.7) in women. Risk factors for HZ were age per 10 years (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.26, p < .05), Japanese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ) score of 0.5-1.5 (versus J-HAQ = 0; 1.51, 1.09-2.10, p < .05), methotrexate use (1.58, 1.06-2.36, p < .05), and biologic use (1.88, 1.44-2.47, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS In the era when biologics were frequently used and corticosteroid use and doses were decreasing, methotrexate and biologics increased the risk for HZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Yamaguchi
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tanaka
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Nakajima
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Rheumatic Disease, Mie University Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Eisuke Inoue
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Administration Center, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Abe
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Sugano
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Sugitani
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Saka
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moeko Ochiai
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Higuchi
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Ikari
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Multidisciplinary Management of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Yamanaka
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Rheumatology, Sanno Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Harigai
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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The Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Noninflammatory Complaints in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Remission. J Clin Rheumatol 2019; 26:255-259. [PMID: 31136414 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the noninflammatory complaints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on remission and the relationship between these complaints and disease characteristics. METHODS This is a medical records review study of 103 RA patients who sustained a remission period for at least 6 months. Clinical features and demographic characteristics of patients, such as laboratory parameters, current number of sensitive and swollen joints, pain level and Patient Global Assessment, previously used medications, and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, were carefully recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of noninflammatory complaints as patients with or without noninflammatory complaints (group 1, n = 56; group 2, n = 47, respectively). RESULTS The most common complaints with a decreasing frequency were as follows: low back pain (n = 13 [23.2%]), degenerative knee pain (n = 11 [19.6%]), and widespread body pain due to fibromyalgia (n = 7 [12.5%]). The mean age and age at diagnosis were higher in group 1 than in those in group 2 (p = 0.039, and p = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Noninflammatory complaints can be observed in about 50% of RA patients on remission. These complaints were more common in elderly patients with old-age disease onset. Therefore, while evaluating and treating this patient population, noninflammatory complaints and disease-specific parameters should be considered carefully in order to fully improve the clinical outcomes.
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Urological comorbidities in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients: Risk factors and relation to disease activity and functional status. THE EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGIST 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Cameron AP, Campeau L, Brucker BM, Clemens JQ, Bales GT, Albo ME, Kennelly MJ. Best practice policy statement on urodynamic antibiotic prophylaxis in the non-index patient. Neurourol Urodyn 2017; 36:915-926. [PMID: 28345769 DOI: 10.1002/nau.23253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Antibiotic prophylaxis before urodynamic testing (UDS) is widely utilized to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) with only limited guidance. The Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) convened a Best Practice Policy Panel to formulate recommendations on the urodynamic antibiotic prophylaxis in the non-index patient. METHODS Recommendations are based on a literature review and the Panel's expert opinion, with all recommendations graded using the Oxford grading system. RESULTS All patients should be screened for symptoms of UTI and undergo dipstick urinalysis. If the clinician suspects a UTI, the UDS should be postponed until it has been treated. The first choice for prophylaxis is a single oral dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole before UDS, with alternative antibiotics chosen in case of allergy or intolerance. Individuals who do NOT require routine antibiotic prophylaxis include those without known relevant genitourinary anomalies, diabetics, those with prior genitourinary surgery, a history of recurrent UTI, post-menopausal women, recently hospitalized patients, patients with cardiac valvular disease, nutritional deficiencies or obesity. Identified risk factors that increase the potential for UTI following UDS and for which the panel recommends peri-procedure antibiotics include: known relevant neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, elevated PVR, asymptomatic bacteriuria, immunosuppression, age over 70, and patients with any indwelling catheter, external urinary collection device, or performing intermittent catheterization. Patients with orthopedic implants have a separate risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS These recommendations can assist urodynamic providers in the appropriate use of antibiotics for UDS testing. Clinical judgment of the provider must always be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P Cameron
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Benjamin M Brucker
- New York Langone Medical Center, NYU Urology Associates, New York, New York
| | | | - Gregory T Bales
- Section of Urology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael E Albo
- Division of Urology, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, California
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NMR-based metabolomic approach to study urine samples of chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease patients. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:1405-1413. [PMID: 27900420 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-0074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic approach was used as analytical methodology to study the urine samples of chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) patients. The urine samples of CIRD patients were compared to the ones of both healthy subjects and patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), another immuno-mediated disease. Urine samples collected from 39 CIRD patients, 25 healthy subjects, and 26 MS patients were analyzed using 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the NMR spectra were examined using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). PLS-DA models were validated by a double cross-validation procedure and randomization tests. Clear discriminations between CIRD patients and healthy controls (average diagnostic accuracy 83.5 ± 1.9%) as well as between CIRD patients and MS patients (diagnostic accuracy 81.1 ± 1.9%) were obtained. Leucine, alanine, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, hippuric acid, citric acid, 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid, and creatinine contributed to the discrimination; all of them being in a lower concentration in CIRD patients as compared to controls or to MS patients. The application of NMR metabolomics to study these still poorly understood diseases can be useful to better clarify the pathologic mechanisms; moreover, as a holistic approach, it allowed the detection of, by means of anomalous metabolic traits, the presence of other pathologies or pharmaceutical treatments not directly connected to CIRDs, giving comprehensive information on the general health state of individuals. Graphical abstract NMR-based metabolomic approach as a tool to study urine samples in CIRD patients with respect to MS patients and healthy controls.
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Uno S, Hase R, Toguchi A, Otsuka Y, Hosokawa N. Pyelonephritis with bacteremia caused by Listeria monocytogenes: A case report. J Infect Chemother 2016; 23:111-113. [PMID: 27600175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a well-known cause of meningitis, colitis, and bacteremia; however, obstructive pyelonephritis caused by L. monocytogenes has never been reported. We herein report on a 90-year-old Japanese woman with obstructive pyelonephritis and bacteremia due to uterus carcinoma invading the ureter. She was admitted to our hospital complaining of fever and chills, and her physical examination revealed left costovertebral angle tenderness. Computed tomography showed hydronephrosis and complete ureteral obstruction due to tumor invasion. Blood and urine cultures upon nephrostomy revealed the growth of L. monocytogenes. We treated the patient with two weeks of intravenous ampicillin and an additional one-week treatment of oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. This case shows the importance to recognize L. monocytogenes as a potential causative agent of urinary tract infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Uno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Ryota Hase
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akihiro Toguchi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Otsuka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoto Hosokawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
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Forero E, Chalem M, Vásquez G, Jauregui E, Medina LF, Pinto Peñaranda LF, Medina J, Medina Y, Jaimes D, Arbelaez AM, Domínguez AM, Fernández A, Felipe-Díaz OJ, Chalem P, Caballero Uribe CV, Jannaut MJ, García I, Bautista W, Ramírez Figueroa J, Cortés J, Quintero J, Rodríguez N. Gestión de riesgo para la prescripción de terapias biológicas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rcreu.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Georgiadou SP, Gamaletsou MN, Mpanaka I, Vlachou A, Goules AV, Ziogas DC, Syriou V, Tektonidou MG, Kaltsas G, Manoussakis MN, Sipsas NV. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Women With Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Significance. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 60:868-74. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting 1–2% of general worldwide population. The etiopathogenesis of RA involves the interplay of multiple genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. Microbial infections are believed to play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of RA. Recent clinical studies have shown the association of microbial infections with RA. Accumulated studies using animal models have also found that microbial infections can induce and/or exaggerate the symptoms of experimental arthritis. In this review, we have identified the most common microbial infections associated with RA in the literature and summarized the current evidence supporting their pathogenic role in RA. We also discussed the potential mechanisms whereby infection may promote the development of RA, such as generation of neo-autoantigens, induction of loss of tolerance by molecular mimicry, and bystander activation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Li
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yangsheng Yu
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yinshi Yue
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Zhixin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA ; The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kaihong Su
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA ; The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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