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Caso F, Saviano A, Tasso M, Raucci F, Marigliano N, Passavanti S, Frallonardo P, Ramonda R, Brancaleone V, Bucci M, Scarpa R, Costa L, Maione F. Analysis of rheumatoid- vs psoriatic arthritis synovial fluid reveals differential macrophage (CCR2) and T helper subsets (STAT3/4 and FOXP3) activation. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103207. [PMID: 36191778 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103207] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory responses are characterized by increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules secreted by various immune cells. The main objectives of our study were: i) to measure levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cyto-chemokines and soluble factors expressed in both PsA and RA SF; ii) to characterize the phenotype of infiltrated leuko-lymphocytes and; iii) to identify specific synovial biomarkers for both diseases. Notably, Synovial Fluid (SF) samples obtained from PsA and RA populations were compared with SF samples collected from clinically active osteoarthritis (OA) joints. METHODS SF samples were collected from clinically active knee arthritis of PsA, RA and OA patients and assayed for cyto-chemokines profile and macrophage and T helper subsets markers and transcriptional factors by Elisa Spot and western blot. RESULTS our study revealed that modulation of CCL-2, G-CSF, IL-1β and TNF-α is peculiar and specific to RA synovial fluid, whereas we detected more significant levels of ICAM-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, C5a and CXCL-9/12 in PsA compared to RA patients. We also found that CCR2 expression appeared to be significantly upmodulated in PsA and, even more, in RA group, as well as the expression of specific Th and Treg transcriptional factors as STAT3/4 and FOXP3. CONCLUSION Even though this study has several limitations, we identified a heterogenous scenario of peculiar molecular pathway and soluble mediators' production that characterize PsA and RA SF that may be useful in understanding the complex pattern of macrophages and lymphocytes infiltration in both pathologies and, potentially, pave the way for personalized precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Caso
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anella Saviano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Tasso
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Marigliano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Saverio Passavanti
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Frallonardo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Geriatric Medicine Unit, Policlinico San Marco Venezia Mestre, Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | | | | | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luisa Costa
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Draghi F, Ferrozzi G, Ballerini D, Bortolotto C. Psoriatic arthritis: Ultrasound peculiarities with particular emphasis on enthesitis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2022; 50:556-560. [PMID: 35238049 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis has a marked variability with ethnic and geographic variations. Inflammatory changes associated with psoriatic arthritis include bone erosion, tenosynovitis, and synovial hypertrophy, but enthesitis is considered the hallmark. Both X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usefull in the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, but ultrasonography is the best imaging modality to assess entheses. Ultrasound findings of enthesitis include a loss of the regular fibrillar architecture, hypoechoic thickening, hypervascularization of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules at their bony attachment, bony changes (including irregularities and erosions). Ultrasound has also proved the ability to detect inflammatory subclinical findings and to be useful in the follow-up of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Draghi
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, IRCCS Maugeri Montescano, Montescano (PV), Italy
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Centro Medico Clastmed, Codevilla, Italy
| | - Guia Ferrozzi
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Centro Medico Inacqua, Piacenza, Italy
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Centro Medico Riabilitativo Rocca, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Ballerini
- Radiology Institute, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Radiology Institute, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Evaluation of Liposome-Loaded Microbubbles as a Theranostic Tool in a Murine Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model. Sci Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe inflammation of the synovial tissue. Here, we assess the feasibility of liposome-loaded microbubbles as theranostic agents in a murine arthritis model. First, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was used to quantify neovascularization in this model since CEUS is well-established for RA diagnosis in humans. Next, the potential of liposome-loaded microbubbles and ultrasound (US) to selectively enhance liposome delivery to the synovium was evaluated with in vivo fluorescence imaging. This procedure is made very challenging by the presence of hard joints and by the limited lifetime of the microbubbles. The inflamed knee joints were exposed to therapeutic US after intravenous injection of liposome-loaded microbubbles. Loaded microbubbles were found to be quickly captured by the liver. This resulted in fast clearance of attached liposomes while free and long-circulating liposomes were able to accumulate over time in the inflamed joints. Our observations show that murine arthritis models are not well-suited for evaluating the potential of microbubble-mediated drug delivery in joints given: (i) restricted microbubble passage in murine synovial vasculature and (ii) limited control over the exact ultrasound conditions in situ given the much shorter length scale of the murine joints as compared to the therapeutic wavelength.
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4
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Najm A, McInnes IB. IL-23 orchestrating immune cell activation in arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:iv4-iv15. [PMID: 34668017 PMCID: PMC8527242 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-23 is a cytokine member of the IL-12 superfamily. These heterodimeric cytokines offer broad immune regulatory activity with potential effector function in inflammatory arthritis. IL-23 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by dendritic cells and macrophages. It plays a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity. By promoting and maintaining T cell differentiation into Th17 T cells, IL-23 is a key player in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. Data from pre-clinical IL-23 knockout models show the major importance of IL-23 in development of arthritis. The induction and maintenance of type 17 cells, which secrete IL-17A and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributes to local synovial inflammation and skin inflammation in PsA, and perhaps in RA. Commensurate with this, therapeutic strategies targeting IL-23 have proven efficient in PsA in several studies, albeit not yet in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Najm
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Iain B McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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5
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Shi Z, Garcia-Melchor E, Wu X, Getschman AE, Nguyen M, Rowland DJ, Wilson M, Sunzini F, Akbar M, Huynh M, Law T, Kundu-Raychaudhuri SK, Raychaudhuri SP, Volkman BF, Millar NL, Hwang ST. Targeting the CCR6/CCL20 axis in entheseal and cutaneous inflammation. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:2271-2281. [PMID: 34081845 DOI: 10.1002/art.41882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the involvement of the CCR6/CCL20 axis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. METHODS First, we quantified CCL20 levels in peripheral blood and synovial fluid of PsA patients and the presence of CCR6+ cells in synovial and tendon tissue. Utilizing an IL-23 minicircle DNA (MC) mouse model exhibiting key features of both PsO and PsA, we investigated CCR6 and CCL20 expression and the preventive and therapeutical effect of CCL20 blockade. Healthy tendon stromal cells were stimulated in vitro with IL-1β to assess the production of CCL20 by qPCR and ELISA. The effect of conditioned media from stimulated tenocytes in inducing T cell migration was interrogated with a transwell system. RESULTS We observed an upregulation of both CCR6 and CCL20 in the enthesis of IL-23 MC-treated mice, which was confirmed in human biopsies. Specific targeting of the CCR6/CCL20 axis with a CCL20 locked dimer (CCL20LD) blocked entheseal inflammation, leading to profound reductions in clinical and proinflammatory markers in the joints and skin of IL-23 MC-treated mice. The stromal compartment in the tendon was the main source of CCL20 in this model and accordingly, in vitro activated human tendon cells were able to produce this chemokine and to induce CCR6+ T cell migration, the latter of which could be blocked by CCL20LD. CONCLUSIONS Our studies highlight the pathogenic role of CCR6-CCL20 axis in enthesitis and raise the prospect of a novel therapeutic approach for treating patients with PsO and PsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrui Shi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Emma Garcia-Melchor
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Xuesong Wu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Mimi Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Douglas J Rowland
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Machelle Wilson
- Division of Biostatistics, Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Flavia Sunzini
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Moeed Akbar
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mindy Huynh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Law
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Smriti K Kundu-Raychaudhuri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, CA, USA
| | - Siba P Raychaudhuri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brian F Volkman
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI, USA
| | - Neal L Millar
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Sam T Hwang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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6
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Fassio A, Matzneller P, Idolazzi L. Recent Advances in Imaging for Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Prognosis of Psoriatic Arthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:551684. [PMID: 33195301 PMCID: PMC7658536 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.551684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition characterized by a strong heterogeneity and multifaceted behavior. PsA manifests in two types—axial and peripheral—which may be present at the same time. Peripheral manifestations can be further divided into the articular (arthritis) and extra-articular (i.e., enthesitis and dactylitis) subgroups. In such a complex disease, imaging is often required to characterize the type of involvement and to evaluate the radiological damage and progression of PsA. In addition, imaging plays a pivotal role in clinical practice; that is, for axial involvement. Conventional radiology has been the main standard of reference for many years. However, in recent years, there has been growing interest in different imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All these techniques play a role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PsA and cover all the types of the disease. US and MRI have good sensitivities and specificities for detecting synovitis, and this may be helpful for differential diagnosis with other musculoskeletal diseases and useful in the early or preclinical phases of the disease. However, US is not useful in the diagnosis of axial PsA. In addition, other modalities have been investigated in the field of PsA imaging. Computed tomography (CT), in particular, dual energy-CT and high-resolution peripheral CT (HRpQ-CT) might play an important role in the assessment of bone damage, erosions, and new bone formation. Regarding advanced functional imaging, FDG PET/CT is another interesting technique for exploring disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Fassio
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Angelo Fassio
| | - Peter Matzneller
- Rheumatology Service, South Tyrolean Health Trust, Silandro Hospital, Silandro, Italy
| | - Luca Idolazzi
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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7
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Caso F, Chimenti MS, Navarini L, Ruscitti P, Peluso R, Girolimetto N, Del Puente A, Giacomelli R, Scarpa R, Costa L. Metabolic Syndrome and psoriatic arthritis: considerations for the clinician. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:409-420. [PMID: 32149545 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1740593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is strictly interconnected with systemic inflammation, and increased evidence has described a close link between this condition and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).Areas covered: This review summarizes main studies exploring clinical aspects and prevalence of MetS in PsA cohorts. Further, there is accumulating evidence showing shared inflammatory pathways between MetS, its components, and PsA.Expert opinion: The high prevalence of MetS in PsA highlights the need for screening, evaluation, and close monitoring of MetS and its components (namely, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) in psoriatic patients.Further studies should focus on the pathogenetic link between MetS and PsA. More studies are required to identify appropriate algorithms for the assessment and management of MetS in PsA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Chimenti
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Navarini
- Unit of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rosario Peluso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicolò Girolimetto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Puente
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Costa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Liu H, Huang C, Chen S, Zheng Q, Ye Y, Ye Z, Lv G. Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detection of synovial vascularity in experimental rheumatoid arthritis: an exploratory study. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:5740-5751. [PMID: 31547746 PMCID: PMC6862898 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519874159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to examine the associations between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and synovial hypervascularity and synovitis score in a rabbit model of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA), compared with power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Methods We investigated 50 knee joints in 25 AIA rabbits (AIA group), and 10 knee joints in five sham-injected rabbits (control group). PDUS and CEUS images were evaluated at the 8th week. Ultrasound-guided synovial biopsies were targeted in the area with hypervascularity, and synovial microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of CD31. Results The PDUS score was significantly higher in the AIA group (2.61 ± 0.78) compared with the control group (0.50 ± 0.53). CEUS in the AIA group revealed a fast-in/slow-out pattern of contrast enhancement. MVD revealed by CD31+ vessel count and the synovitis score were significantly higher in the AIA group compared with the control group. In the AIA group, CEUS findings showed a better correlation with MVD revealed by CD31+ and synovitis score than PDUS findings. Conclusion CEUS is superior to PDUS for estimating synovial hypervascularity and hyperplasia in experimental rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing Zheng
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Ye
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guorong Lv
- Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, China
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Raucci F, Iqbal AJ, Saviano A, Minosi P, Piccolo M, Irace C, Caso F, Scarpa R, Pieretti S, Mascolo N, Maione F. IL-17A neutralizing antibody regulates monosodium urate crystal-induced gouty inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Wade SM, Canavan M, McGarry T, Low C, Wade SC, Mullan RH, Veale DJ, Fearon U. Association of synovial tissue polyfunctional T-cells with DAPSA in psoriatic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:350-354. [PMID: 30626658 PMCID: PMC6390025 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines polyfunctional T-cells in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) synovial tissue and their associations with clinical disease and implications for therapy. METHODS PsA synovial tissue was enzymatically/mechanically digested to generate synovial tissue single cell suspensions. Frequencies of polyfunctional CD4, CD8, T-helper 1 (Th1), Th17 and exTh17 cells, using CD161 as a marker of Th17 plasticity, were determined by flow cytometry in matched PsA synovial tissue and peripheral blood. Synovial T-cell polyfunctionality was assessed in relation to Disease Activity in PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and in synovial cell suspensions cultured with a current mode of treatment, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. RESULTS PsA synovial tissue infiltrating CD4+ T-cells expressed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), GM-CSF and CD161, with parallel enrichment of Th1, Th17 and exTh17 T-helper subsets (all p<0.05). Interestingly, a significant proportion of synovial T-cell subsets were triple-positive for GM-CSF, tumour necrosis factor (-TNF), -IL-17 or IFN-γ compared with matched blood (all p<0.05). Importantly, frequencies of polyfunctional T-cells correlated with DAPSA: Th1-GM-CSF+/TNF+/IFN-γ+ (r=0.7, p<0.01), Th17-GM-CSF+/TNF+/IL-17+ (r=0.6, p<0.057) and exTh17-GM-CSF+/TNF+/IFN-γ+ (r=0.7, p=0.0096), with no associations observed for single cytokine-producing T-cells. Following ex vivo culture of PsA synovial tissue cell suspensions, polyfunctional GM-CSF+TNFα+IL-17A+ or/IFN-γ+-producing T-cells (p<0.05), but not single cytokine-producing T-cells, were inhibited with a PDE4 inhibitor. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate enrichment of polyfunctional T-cells in PsA synovial tissue which were strongly associated with DAPSA and ex vivo therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Wade
- Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin Academic Health Care and University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Mary Canavan
- Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Trudy McGarry
- Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin Academic Health Care and University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Candice Low
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin Academic Health Care and University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Siobhan C Wade
- Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ronan H Mullan
- Department of Rheumatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - Douglas J Veale
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin Academic Health Care and University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ursula Fearon
- Molecular Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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12
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Chimenti MS, Sunzini F, Fiorucci L, Botti E, Fonti GL, Conigliaro P, Triggianese P, Costa L, Caso F, Giunta A, Esposito M, Bianchi L, Santucci R, Perricone R. Potential Role of Cytochrome c and Tryptase in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Pathogenesis: Focus on Resistance to Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2363. [PMID: 30429845 PMCID: PMC6220124 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis (PsO) is an autoimmune disease characterized by keratinocyte proliferation, chronic inflammation and mast cell activation. Up to 42% of patients with PsO may present psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsO and PsA share common pathophysiological mechanisms: keratinocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes are resistant to apoptosis: this is one of the mechanism facilitating their hyperplasic growth, and at joint level, the destruction of articular cartilage, and bone erosion and/or proliferation. Several clinical studies regarding diseases characterized by impairment of cell death, either due to apoptosis or necrosis, reported cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the extracellular space and finally into the circulation. The presence of elevated cytochrome c levels in serum has been demonstrated in diseases as inflammatory arthritis, myocardial infarction and stroke, and liver diseases. Cytochrome c is a signaling molecule essential for apoptotic cell death released from mitochondria to the cytosol allowing the interaction with protease, as the apoptosis protease activation factor, which lead to the activation of factor-1 and procaspase 9. It has been demonstrated that this efflux from the mitochondria is crucial to start the intracellular signaling responsible for apoptosis, then to the activation of the inflammatory process. Another inflammatory marker, the tryptase, a trypsin-like serine protease produced by mast cells, is released during inflammation, leading to the activation of several immune cells through proteinase-activated receptor-2. In this review, we aimed at discussing the role played by cytochrome c and tryptase in PsO and PsA pathogenesis. To this purpose, we searched pathogenetic mechanisms in PUBMED database and review on oxidative stress, cytochrome c and tryptase and their potential role during inflammation in PsO and PsA. To this regard, the cytochrome c release into the extracellular space and tryptase may have a role in skin and joint inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sole Chimenti
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Sunzini
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Lavinia Fonti
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Conigliaro
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Triggianese
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Costa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Esposito
- Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Santucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Perricone
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Reinhardt A, Prinz I. Whodunit? The Contribution of Interleukin (IL)-17/IL-22-Producing γδ T Cells, αβ T Cells, and Innate Lymphoid Cells to the Pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:885. [PMID: 29922283 PMCID: PMC5996894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells, αβ T cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are capable of producing interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22. Among these three families of lymphocytes, it is emerging that γδ T cells are, at least in rodents, the main source of these key pro-inflammatory cytokines. γδ T cells were implicated in multiple inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and uveitis, colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent findings pointed toward a central role of γδ T cells in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA), a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases affecting the axial skeleton. SpA primarily manifests as inflammation and new bone formation at the entheses, which are connecting tendons or ligaments with bone. In SpA patients, joint inflammation is frequently accompanied by extra-articular manifestations, such as inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis. In humans, genome-wide association studies could link the IL-23/IL-17 cytokine axis to SpA. Accordingly, antibodies targeting IL-23/IL-17 for SpA treatment already showed promising results in clinical studies. However, the contribution of IL-17-producing γδ T cells to SpA pathogenesis is certainly not an open-and-shut case. Indeed, the cell types that are chiefly involved in local inflammation in human SpA still remain largely unclear. Some studies focusing on blood or synovium from SpA patients reported augmented IL-17-producing and IL-23 receptor-expressing γδ T cells, but other cell types might contribute as well. Here, we summarize the current understanding of how γδ T cells, αβ T cells, and ILCs contribute to the pathogenesis of human and experimental SpA.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arthritis, Experimental/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukins/immunology
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Spondylarthritis/immunology
- Interleukin-22
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14
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Zhao CY, Jiang YX, Li JC, Xu ZH, Zhang Q, Su N, Yang M. Role of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Inflammatory Arthritis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 130:1722-1730. [PMID: 28685724 PMCID: PMC5520561 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.209885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a well-established imaging modality which has been put into clinical use in recent years with the development of second-generation contrast agent and imaging devices, and its applications in the assessment of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, have provoked abundant discussion and researches among radiologists and rheumatologists. To summarize the achievements of clinical studies on CEUS in the application of arthritis, and to keep up with the latest progresses of the imaging technique, we reviewed the literature in recent years, hoping to establish the role of CEUS in joint diseases. Data Sources: PubMed and EMBASE. Study Selection: We searched the database with the conditions “contrast-enhanced ultrasound AND arthritis” with the time limitation of recent 10 years. Clinical studies applying CEUS in inflammatory arthritis and review articles about development of CEUS in joint diseases in English were selected. Results: As it is proved by most studies in recent years, by delineating microvasculature within the inflamed joints, CEUS can indicate early arthritis with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the imaging of CEUS has been proved to be consistent with histopathological changes of inflammatory arthritis. Quantitative analysis of CEUS permits further evaluation of disease activity. CEUS also plays a significant role in the therapeutic monitoring of the disease, which has been backed up by a number of studies. Conclusions: CEUS may be a new choice for the rheumatologists to evaluate inflammatory arthritis, because of its low price, ability to provide dynamic pictures, and high sensitivity to angiogenesis. It can also be applied in disease classification and therapeutic monitoring. More studies about CEUS need to be done to set up the diagnostic standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yang Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yu-Xin Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jian-Chu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhong-Hui Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Na Su
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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15
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Boutet MA, Nerviani A, Gallo Afflitto G, Pitzalis C. Role of the IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: The Clinical Importance of Its Divergence in Skin and Joints. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020530. [PMID: 29425183 PMCID: PMC5855752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease causing erythematosus and scaly skin plaques; up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), which is characterised by inflammation and progressive damage of the peripheral joints and/or the spine and/or the entheses. The pathogenic mechanisms driving the skin disorder in psoriasis and the joint disease in PsA are sustained by the activation of inflammatory pathways that can be overlapping, but also, at least partially, distinct. Cytokines members of the IL-23/IL-17 family, critical in the development of autoimmunity, are abundantly expressed within the cutaneous lesions but also seem to be involved in chronic inflammation and damage of the synovium though, as it will be here discussed, not in all patients. In this review, we will focus on the state of the art of the molecular features of psoriatic skin and joints, focusing on the specific role of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in each of these anatomical districts. We will then offer an overview of the approved and in-development biologics targeting this axis, emphasising how the availability of the “target” in the diseased tissues could provide a plausible explanation for the heterogeneous clinical efficacy of these drugs, thus opening future perspective of personalised therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Astrid Boutet
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Alessandra Nerviani
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Gabriele Gallo Afflitto
- Unit of Allergology, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Università campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy.
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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16
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Razawy W, van Driel M, Lubberts E. The role of IL-23 receptor signaling in inflammation-mediated erosive autoimmune arthritis and bone remodeling. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:220-229. [PMID: 29148561 PMCID: PMC5838536 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The IL‐23/Th17 axis has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RA and PsA are heterogeneous diseases with substantial burden on patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the IL‐23 signaling pathway may be involved in the development of autoimmunity and erosive joint damage. IL‐23 can act either directly or indirectly on bone forming osteoblasts as well as on bone resorbing osteoclasts. As IL‐23 regulates the activity of cells of the bone, it is conceivable that in addition to inflammation‐mediated joint erosion, IL‐23 may play a role in physiological bone remodeling. In this review, we focus on the role of IL‐23 in autoimmune arthritis in patients and murine models, and provide an overview of IL‐23 producing and responding cells in autoimmune arthritic joints. In addition, we discuss the role of IL‐23 on bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts regarding inflammation‐mediated joint damage and bone remodeling. At last, we briefly discuss the clinical implications of targeting this pathway for joint damage and systemic bone loss in autoimmune arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wida Razawy
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Driel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kaspar M, Imfeld S, Partovi S, Aschwanden M, Baldi T, Dikkes A, Vogt DR, Tsakiris DA, Staub D. Perivascular Perfusion on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Is Associated with Inflammation in Patients with Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis. Thromb Haemost 2017; 117:2146-2155. [PMID: 28933797 DOI: 10.1160/th17-05-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Inflammatory processes of the venous wall in acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) play a role in thrombus formation and resolution. However, direct evaluation of the perivascular inflammation is currently not feasible. Objective To assess perivascular perfusion in acute proximal DVT using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) reflecting perivenous inflammation and its association with systemic inflammatory markers in a single-centre, prospective observational study. Patients/Methods Twenty patients with proximal DVT underwent CEUS imaging in the thrombosed and contralateral popliteal vein at baseline and after 2 weeks and 3 months. Perfusion was quantified by measuring peak enhancement (PE) and wash-in rate (WiR) in a perivenous region after bolus injection of the contrast agent. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined at the time of each CEUS imaging. Results PE and WiR were significantly higher in the thrombosed compared with the unaffected leg at baseline (1,007 vs. 34 au and 103 vs. 4 au/s) and 2-week follow-up (903 vs. 35 au and 70 vs. 4 au/s). Compared with baseline, PE and WiR in the thrombosed leg significantly decreased to 217 au and 18 au/s at 3-month follow-up.At baseline, hsCRP and IL-6 were elevated at 20.1 mg/mL and 8.2 pg/mL and decreased significantly to 2.8 mg/mL and 2.6 pg/mL at 2-week follow-up, remaining low after 3 months. There was a weak association between the level of inflammatory markers and the CEUS parameters at baseline on the thrombosed leg. Conclusion Elevated perivascular perfusion assessed by CEUS imaging is associated with the inflammatory response in acute DVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Kaspar
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Imfeld
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sasan Partovi
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Markus Aschwanden
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Baldi
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Dikkes
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Deborah R Vogt
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios A Tsakiris
- Department of Diagnostic Haematology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Staub
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Toussirot E. Ixekizumab: an anti- IL-17A monoclonal antibody for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:101-107. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1410133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Toussirot
- INSERM CIC-1431, University Hospital of Besançon, Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapy, Besançon, France
- Fédération Hospital-Universitaire INCREASE, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
- Department of Therapeutics and EPILAB EA4266: “Epigenetique des infections virales et des maladies inflammatoires”, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besancon, France
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19
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Costa L, Del Puente A, Peluso R, Tasso M, Caso P, Chimenti MS, Sabbatino V, Girolimetto N, Benigno C, Bertolini N, Del Puente A, Perricone R, Scarpa R, Caso F. Small molecule therapy for managing moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017; 18:1557-1567. [PMID: 28891341 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1378343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The majority of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients experience a good clinical response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biologic therapies (bDMARDs). However, treatment failure with these drugs can represent a relevant clinical problem. Moreover, in daily clinical practice, the appropriate identification of patients eligible for these agents can be conditioned by numerous aspects, mainly represented by comorbidities, such as history of malignancies, chronic and recurrent infectious diseases. Areas covered: We searched in the PUBMED database and review published data on the efficacy and safety profile of the small molecules, inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4, apremilast, and of JAK/STAT pathways, tofacitinib, in PsA. Moreover, we report data on the other JAK inhibitor, baricitinib, and the A(3) adenosine receptors agonist, CF101, emerging by studies conducted in psoriasis patients. Expert opinion: In Psoriatic Arthritis, apremilast appears promising for PsA and recent studies have shown a good efficacy and an acceptable safety profile. Data on tofacitinib in PsA are limited. Studies on the small molecules, baricitinib and CF101 are still incomplete and limited to trials conducted in Rheumatoid Arthritis and in psoriasis. Further studies on small molecules and on their underlining mechanisms are advocated in PsA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Costa
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Antonio Del Puente
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Rosario Peluso
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Marco Tasso
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Paolo Caso
- b Geriatric Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology , "Sapienza" University of Rome, S. Andrea, Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Sole Chimenti
- c Rheumatology, allergology and clinical immunology, Department of System Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sabbatino
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Nicolò Girolimetto
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Carolina Benigno
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bertolini
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Aurora Del Puente
- d Department of Medicine and Surgery , University of Milan "Bicocca" , Naples , Italy
| | - Roberto Perricone
- c Rheumatology, allergology and clinical immunology, Department of System Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesco Caso
- a Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University Federico II , Naples , Italy
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