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Heutz JW, Looijen AEM, Kuijpers JHSAM, Schreurs MWJ, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, de Jong PHP. The prognostic value of IgA anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and rheumatoid factor in an early arthritis population with a treat-to-target approach. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09500-w. [PMID: 38960995 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09500-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The mucosal origin hypothesis of rheumatoid arthritis has renewed the interest in IgA autoantibodies, but their added value over IgG anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) for modern treatment outcomes remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of IgA-ACPA and IgA-RF for treatment outcomes in an early arthritis population. IgA-ACPA/RF isotypes were measured in baseline sera from 480 inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients, who were included in the treatment in the Rotterdam Early Arthritis Cohort trial (tREACH). The tREACH trial was a multicentre, stratified, single-blinded trial with a treat-to-target approach. The prognostic value of IgA-ACPA/RF was determined by evaluating differences in (1) quick-attained (< 6 months after diagnosis) and persistent remission rates, (2) DMARD-free remission and (3) biological use between IA patients with and without IgA-ACPA/RF over 3 years of follow-up. IgA-ACPA was present in 23% of patients and overlapped with IgG-ACPA positivity in 94%. Similarly, IgA-RF overlapped with IgM-RF in 90% of patients. IgA-ACPA positivity was associated with lower DFR rates and more biological use, but this effect was largely mediated by the presence of IgG-ACPA, since this effect disappeared after stratification for IgG-ACPA (HR 0.6, 95%CI 0.2-1.6 for DFR). No differences were observed in 'quick-attained and persistent remission' rates and for IgA-RF. Their seems to be no additional value of IgA-ACPA and IgA-RF for modern, long-term clinical outcomes. The effects of IgA-ACPA seen in our study are largely mediated by the presence of IgG-ACPA. Based on these results, there is no rationale for measuring these isotypes in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith W Heutz
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Agnes E M Looijen
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marco W J Schreurs
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Svärd A, LoMartire R, Martinsson K, Öhman C, Kastbom A, Johansson A. Presence and Immunoreactivity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pathogens 2024; 13:368. [PMID: 38787220 PMCID: PMC11123772 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of periodontal pathogens is associated with an increased prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The systemic antibody response to epitopes of these bacteria is often used as a proxy to study correlations between bacteria and RA. The primary aim of the present study is to examine the correlation between the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the oral cavity and serum antibodies against the leukotoxin (LtxA) produced by this bacterium. The salivary presence of Aa was analyzed with quantitative PCR and serum LtxA ab in a cell culture-based neutralization assay. The analyses were performed on samples from a well-characterized RA cohort (n = 189) and a reference population of blood donors (n = 101). Salivary Aa was present in 15% of the RA patients and 6% of the blood donors. LtxA ab were detected in 19% of RA-sera and in 16% of sera from blood donors. The correlation between salivary Aa and serum LtxA ab was surprisingly low (rho = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.40, 0.68]). The presence of salivary Aa showed no significant association with any of the RA-associated parameters documented in the cohort. A limitation of the present study is the relatively low number of individuals with detectable concentrations of Aa in saliva. Moreover, in the comparison of detectable Aa prevalence between RA patients and blood donors, we assumed that the two groups were equivalent in other Aa prognostic factors. These limitations must be taken into consideration when the result from the study is interpreted. We conclude that a systemic immune response to Aa LtxA does not fully reflect the prevalence of Aa in saliva. In addition, the association between RA-associated parameters and the presence of Aa was negligible in the present RA cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Svärd
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, 791 82 Falun, Sweden; (A.S.); (R.L.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Linköping University Hospital, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Riccardo LoMartire
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, 791 82 Falun, Sweden; (A.S.); (R.L.)
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden
| | - Klara Martinsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Carina Öhman
- Department of Odontology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Department of Rheumatology, Linköping University Hospital, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
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Rasmussen EB, Thiele LS, Stengaard-Pedersen K, Hetland ML, Hørslev-Petersen K, Junker P, Østergaard M, Hansen AS, Hvid M, Deleuran B, Greisen SR. Baseline serum levels of IgA anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis predict radiographic progression after 11 years of treatment: a secondary analysis of the CIMESTRA study. Scand J Rheumatol 2023; 52:493-497. [PMID: 36255383 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2022.2127245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smoking and periodontitis are risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting a break of tolerance on mucosal surfaces. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies are part of the mucosal immune system. The dominant autoantibodies in RA are anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), and IgG and IgA subclasses exist simultaneously. This study aimed to investigate the association of ACPA IgA subtypes with disease activity and long-term radiographic outcomes in RA, compared with ACPA IgG. METHOD Total ACPA IgG, IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 were quantified in serum from patients with early RA (n = 97). Patient characteristics, IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) status, clinical and biochemical disease activity scores, and radiographic status evaluated by total Sharp score (TSS), were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 11 years of treatment. RESULTS All patients with ACPA IgA also had ACPA IgG. ACPA IgA positivity was associated with IgM-RF and male gender. Both ACPA IgA and IgG levels at baseline were weakly associated with disease activity markers. Baseline ACPA IgA and IgG did not show a linear correlation with radiographic status after 10 years, but could predict radiographic progression (ΔTSS ≥ 5 from 0 to 11 years), with positive likelihood ratios of 3.7 and 4.0, respectively. CONCLUSION ACPA IgA and IgG were weakly associated with disease activity in early RA. RA patients with a ΔTSS ≥ 5 after 11 years of treatment had higher ACPA IgG and ACPA IgA levels at baseline; however, none of the ACPA subtypes was superior in predicting long-term radiographic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Rasmussen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - L S Thiele
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K Stengaard-Pedersen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M L Hetland
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - K Hørslev-Petersen
- Department of Rheumatology, King Christian X Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Graasten, Denmark
- Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - P Junker
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - M Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - A S Hansen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M Hvid
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - B Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - S R Greisen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Svärd A, Kastbom A, Ljungberg KR, Potempa B, Potempa J, Persson GR, Renvert S, Berglund JS, Söderlin MK. Antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis in serum and saliva and their association with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Data from two rheumatoid arthritis cohorts in Sweden. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183194. [PMID: 37325636 PMCID: PMC10265683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Periodontitis and oral pathogenic bacteria can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A connection between serum antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and RA has been established, but data on saliva antibodies to P. gingivalis in RA are lacking. We evaluated antibodies to P. gingivalis in serum and saliva in two Swedish RA studies as well as their association with RA, periodontitis, antibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA), and RA disease activity. Methods The SARA (secretory antibodies in RA) study includes 196 patients with RA and 101 healthy controls. The Karlskrona RA study includes 132 patients with RA ≥ 61 years of age, who underwent dental examination. Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies and saliva IgA antibodies to the P. gingivalis-specific Arg-specific gingipain B (RgpB) were measured in patients with RA and controls. Results The level of saliva IgA anti-RgpB antibodies was significantly higher among patients with RA than among healthy controls in multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and IgG ACPA (p = 0.022). Saliva IgA anti-RgpB antibodies were associated with RA disease activity in multivariate analysis (p = 0.036). Anti-RgpB antibodies were not associated with periodontitis or serum IgG ACPA. Conclusion Patients with RA had higher levels of saliva IgA anti-RgpB antibodies than healthy controls. Saliva IgA anti-RgpB antibodies may be associated with RA disease activity but were not associated with periodontitis or serum IgG ACPA. Our results indicate a local production of IgA anti-RgpB in the salivary glands that is not accompanied by systemic antibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Svärd
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Roos Ljungberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Barbara Potempa
- Department of Oral Immunity and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jan Potempa
- Department of Oral Immunity and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - G. Rutger Persson
- Department of Periodontics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Oral Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stefan Renvert
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden
- School of Dental Science, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Maria K. Söderlin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Mortazavi N, Abdolahi N, Saeidi M, Ali Vakili M, Mohebrad P. Salivary anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide as a screening tool for rheumatoid arthritis. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:95-100. [DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.9032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of salivary anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 3 (anti-CCP3) for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients and methods: Between June 2017 and April 2019, a total of 63 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (10 males, 53 females; mean age: 50.4±9.5 years; range, 27 to 74 years) and 49 healthy controls (8 males, 41 females; mean age: 49.3±9.3 years; range 27 to 67 years) were included. Salivary samples were collected by passive drooling. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide analyses of salivary and serum samples were performed.
Results: The mean polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)G-IgA anti-CCP3 salivary levels were significantly different in patients (149.2±134.2) compared to healthy controls (28.5±23.9). The mean polyclonal IgG-IgA anti-CCP3 serum levels were measured as 254.0±169.5 in patients and 3.8±3.6 in healthy individuals. The diagnostic accuracy analysis of salivary IgG-IgA anti-CCP3 results in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.818, as well as 91.84% specificity and 61.90% sensitivity.
Conclusion: Salivary anti-CCP3 may be considered as an additional screening test for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Derksen VFAM, Allaart CF, Van der Helm-Van Mil AHM, Huizinga TWJ, Toes REM, van der Woude D. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, total IgA1 and IgA2 levels are elevated: implications for the mucosal origin hypothesis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:407-416. [PMID: 35416963 PMCID: PMC9788813 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mucosal initiated immune responses may be involved in the pathophysiology of RA. The most abundant immunoglobulin at mucosal surfaces is IgA, of which two subclasses exist: IgA1 and IgA2. IgA2 is mainly present at mucosal sites and has been ascribed pro-inflammatory properties. As IgA subclasses might provide insights into mucosal involvement and pro-inflammatory mechanisms, we investigated IgA responses in sera of RA patients. METHODS In two cohorts of RA patients, the EAC and IMPROVED, total IgA1 and IgA2 were measured by ELISA. Furthermore, IgA subclass levels of RF and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (anti-CCP2) were determined. The association of these IgA subclass levels with CRP and smoking was investigated. RESULTS Total IgA1 and IgA2 were increased in RA patients compared with healthy donors in both cohorts. This increase was more pronounced in seropositive RA vs seronegative RA. For RF and anti-CCP2, both IgA1 and IgA2 could be detected. No strong associations were found between IgA subclasses (total, RF and anti-CCP2) and CRP. In smoking RA patients, a trend towards a selective increase in total IgA2 and RF IgA1 and IgA2 was observed. CONCLUSION RA patients have raised IgA1 and IgA2 levels. No shift towards IgA2 was observed, indicating that the increase in total IgA is not due to translocation of mucosal IgA into the bloodstream. However, mucosal inflammation might play a role, given the association between smoking and total IgA2 levels. Despite its pro-inflammatory properties, IgA2 does not associate strongly with pro-inflammatory markers in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle F A M Derksen
- Correspondence to: Veerle Derksen, Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, C1-R-041, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. E-mail:
| | | | - Annette H M Van der Helm-Van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
| | - René E M Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
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Yasuda T, Tahara K, Sawada T. Detection of salivary citrullinated cytokeratin 13 in healthy individuals and patients with rheumatoid arthritis by proteomics analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265687. [PMID: 35320820 PMCID: PMC8942274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune response to citrullinated peptides in the mucosa has been suggested to play an important role in the transition from pre-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to clinically evident RA. Although there are reports indicating the presence of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies in the saliva, few studies have reported citrullinated peptide detection in human saliva. This study aimed to identify citrullinated peptides in human saliva and discuss their clinical significance. Saliva samples were collected from 11 patients with RA and from 20 healthy individuals. Citrullinated peptides were detected using an anti-modified citrulline (AMC) antibody. Saliva from the healthy individuals was subjected to two-dimensional protein electrophoresis to isolate citrullinated peptides, which were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry by peptide mass fingerprinting. The results were corroborated by immunoprecipitation (IP)-western blotting. The signal intensities of the bands precipitated with anti-cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and AMC antibodies were quantified. The signal intensity ratio of the band produced by the AMC antibody was divided by that of the band produced by the anti-CK13 antibody to calculate the citrullinated CK13 (Cit-CK13) ratio. A citrullinated peptide band corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa was detected in the saliva of healthy individuals, and identified as CK13 via mass spectrometry and IP-western blotting. No significant difference was observed between the salivary Cit-CK13 ratios of patients with RA and healthy participants (p = 0.605). This is the first study to show that Cit-CK13 is present in human saliva, and that there is no significant difference between the Cit-CK13 ratios of patients with RA and healthy individuals, suggesting that salivary Cit-CK13 content and RA development may not be associated. The physiological and pathological roles of Cit-CK13 in the oral cavity, and its responsiveness to mucosal immunity, remain unknown and will be the subject of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yasuda
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Koichiro Tahara
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Sawada
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Salivary biomarkers in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and healthy age-matched controls: a prospective observational study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3240. [PMID: 35217774 PMCID: PMC8881454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the immune system's regulation and signaling using saliva could be of interest for clinicians and researchers. Saliva, a biofluid with close exchange with serum, is influenced by circadian variance and oral factors such as masticatory function. This study investigated the detectability and concentration of cytokines and chemokines in saliva in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as well as saliva flow and the influence of orofacial pain on saliva flow. Of the 60 participants (7-14 years old) enrolled, 30 had a diagnosis of JIA and active disease, and 30 were sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Demographic data and three validated questions regarding presence of orofacial pain and dysfunction were recorded. Stimulated whole saliva was collected and analyzed using a customized R&D bead-based immunoassay with 21 targeted biomarkers. Fourteen of these were detectable and showed similar levels in both children with JIA and controls: TNF-alpha, TNFRSF1B, MMP-2, MMP-3, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6R alpha, IL-8, S100A8, CCL2, CCL3, IL-10, CCL11, and CXCL9. In addition, there was no difference in salivary flow rate between groups, but there was an association between orofacial pain and reduced saliva flow rate for both groups.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol id: 2010/2089-31/2.
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Joshua V, Hensvold AH, Reynisdottir G, Hansson M, Cornillet M, Nogueira L, Serre G, Nyren S, Karimi R, Eklund A, Sköld M, Grunewald J, Chatzidionysiou K, Catrina A. Association between number and type of different ACPA fine specificities with lung abnormalities in early, untreated rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2020-001278. [PMID: 32917833 PMCID: PMC7520701 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated anticitrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) might originate at mucosal sites such as the lungs. We aimed to examine the relationship between the ACPA repertoire and lung abnormalities on high-resolution CT (HRCT) in patients with earlyuntreated RA. Methods 106 patients with newly diagnosed untreated RA were examined with HRCT of the lungs. Blood samples were analysed for presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPA using either a CCP2 detection kit or an immunochip containing 10 different citrullinated peptides. Association between HRCT findings and the antibody repertoire was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results The number (%) of patients with HRCT abnormalities was 58 (54.7%) for parenchymal abnormalities and 68 (64.2%) for airway abnormalities. CCP2 IgG, RF IgA and antibodies against citrullinated fibrinogen were associated with the presence of parenchymal lung abnormalities. Interestingly, a high number of ACPA fine specificities gave a high risk of having parenchymal lung abnormalities at the time of RA diagnosis. No significant signals were identified between ACPA specificities and risk for airway abnormalities. Conclusions The presence of RF and ACPAs (especially against citrullinated fibrinogen peptides) as well as high number of ACPAs fine specificities are associated with parenchymal lung abnormalities in patients with early, untreated RA. This provides further support for an important pathogenic link between the lung and systemic autoimmunity, contributing to RA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Joshua
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aase Haj Hensvold
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gudrun Reynisdottir
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monica Hansson
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Unité Différenciation Épithéliale et Autoimmunité Rhumatoïde, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1056, INSERM - Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Leonor Nogueira
- Unité Différenciation Épithéliale et Autoimmunité Rhumatoïde, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1056, INSERM - Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Guy Serre
- Unité Différenciation Épithéliale et Autoimmunité Rhumatoïde, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1056, INSERM - Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sven Nyren
- Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reza Karimi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Eklund
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Sköld
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Grunewald
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzidionysiou
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anca Catrina
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Roos Ljungberg K, Börjesson E, Martinsson K, Wetterö J, Kastbom A, Svärd A. Presence of salivary IgA anti-citrullinated protein antibodies associate with higher disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:274. [PMID: 33225988 PMCID: PMC7681967 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating IgA anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) associate with more active disease, but a previous study implied that salivary IgA ACPA is related to a less severe disease. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the IgA ACPA response in the saliva and serum in relation to clinical picture and risk factors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods RA patients (n = 196) and healthy blood donors (n = 101), included in the cross-sectional study “Secretory ACPA in Rheumatoid Arthritis” (SARA), were analyzed for ACPA of IgA isotype, and for subclasses IgA1 and IgA2 ACPA in paired saliva and serum samples using modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) targeting reactivity to a cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Cutoff levels for positive tests were set at the 99th percentile for blood donors. Antibody levels were related to clinical characteristics, radiographic damage, smoking habits, and carriage of HLA-DRB1/shared epitope (SE). Results IgA ACPA in the saliva was found in 12% of RA patients, IgA1 occurred in 10%, and IgA2 in 9%. In serum, IgA ACPA was found in 45% of the patients, IgA1 in 44%, and IgA2 in 39%. Levels of IgA ACPA in the saliva correlated significantly with serum levels of IgA (r = 0.455). The presence of salivary IgA ACPA was associated with a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), 28-joint disease activity score, tender joint count, and patient global assessment at the time of sampling. None of the antibodies was associated with smoking, SE, or radiographic damage. Conclusion Salivary IgA ACPAs were detected in a subset of RA patients in association with higher disease activity. This suggests that mucosal ACPA responses in the oral cavity may contribute to disease-promoting processes in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Roos Ljungberg
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. .,Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Emil Börjesson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Klara Martinsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wetterö
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology in Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Svärd
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Martinsson K, Roos Ljungberg K, Ziegelasch M, Cedergren J, Eriksson P, Klimovich V, Reckner Å, Griazeva I, Sjöwall C, Samoylovich M, Skogh T, Wetterö J, Kastbom A. Elevated free secretory component in early rheumatoid arthritis and prior to arthritis development in patients at increased risk. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:979-987. [PMID: 31504979 PMCID: PMC7850007 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Considering growing evidence of mucosal involvement in RA induction, this study investigated circulating free secretory component (SC) in patients with either recent-onset RA or with ACPA and musculoskeletal pain. Methods Two prospective cohorts were studied: TIRA-2 comprising 452 recent-onset RA patients with 3 years of clinical and radiological follow-up, and TIRx patients (n = 104) with ACPA IgG and musculoskeletal pain followed for 290 weeks (median). Blood donors and three different chronic inflammatory diseases served as controls. Free SC was analysed by sandwich ELISA. Results Serum levels of free SC were significantly higher in TIRA-2 patients compared with TIRx and all control groups (P < 0.01). Among TIRx patients who subsequently developed arthritis, free SC levels were higher compared with all control groups (P < 0.05) except ankylosing spondylitis (P = 0.74). In TIRA-2, patients with ACPA had higher baseline levels of free SC compared with ACPA negative patients (P < 0.001). Free SC status at baseline did not predict radiographic joint damage or disease activity over time. In TIRx, elevated free SC at baseline trendwise associated with arthritis development during follow-up (P = 0.066) but this disappeared when adjusting for confounders (P = 0.72). Cigarette smoking was associated with higher levels of free SC in both cohorts. Conclusion Serum free SC levels are increased in recent-onset RA compared with other inflammatory diseases, and associate with ACPA and smoking. Free SC is elevated before arthritis development among ACPA positive patients with musculoskeletal pain, but does not predict arthritis development. These findings support mucosal engagement in RA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Martinsson
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Roos Ljungberg
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael Ziegelasch
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan Cedergren
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Eriksson
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Klimovich
- Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Åsa Reckner
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Irina Griazeva
- Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marina Samoylovich
- Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Thomas Skogh
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wetterö
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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12
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Roos Ljungberg K, Joshua V, Skogh T, Eklund A, Sköld CM, Karimi R, Nyrén S, Svärd A, Catrina AI, Kastbom A. Secretory anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in serum associate with lung involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:852-859. [PMID: 31504962 PMCID: PMC7098732 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez377] [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: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A ‘mucosal connection’ in RA presently attracts increasing attention. We recently described the occurrence of secretory antibodies to citrullinated protein (SC-ACPA) in sera from patients with recent-onset RA. The current study was performed to evaluate possible associations between serum levels of secretory ACPA and signs of lung involvement in patients with early, untreated RA. Methods One hundred and forty-two RA patients were included as part of the ‘LUng Investigation in newly diagnosed RA’ study. One hundred and six patients were examined with high-resolution CT (HRCT) and 20 patients underwent bronchoscopy, where bronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained. SC-ACPA in serum and BALF were detected by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Antibody levels were related to smoking history, pulmonary function, HRCT, BALF cell counts and findings in bronchial biopsies. Results SC-ACPA occurred in 16% of the serum samples and in 35% of the BALF samples. SC-ACPA levels in serum correlated with SC-ACPA levels in BALF (σ = 0.50, P = 0.027) and were higher among patients with HRCT parenchymal lung abnormalities (P = 0.022) or bronchiectasis (P = 0.042). Also, ever smoking was more frequent among serum SC-ACPA-positive patients (91% vs 67%, P = 0.023), and the SC-ACPA levels correlated with the number of pack-years (σ=0.20, P = 0.020). Conclusion In early, untreated RA, serum levels of SC-ACPA reflect lung involvement in terms of local ACPA levels, smoking and lung abnormalities on HRCT. These findings strengthen the link between mucosal ACPA responses and the lungs in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Roos Ljungberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vijay Joshua
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Skogh
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Eklund
- Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Magnus Sköld
- Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reza Karimi
- Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nyrén
- Department of Thoracic Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Svärd
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anca I Catrina
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Rahajoe PS, de Smit M, Schuurmans G, Raveling-Eelsing E, Kertia N, Vissink A, Westra J. Increased IgA anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in the periodontal inflammatory exudate of healthy individuals compared to rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Clin Periodontol 2020; 47:552-560. [PMID: 32141631 PMCID: PMC7318198 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aim To assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐associated autoantibodies in the gingivocrevicular fluid (GCF) of RA patients and healthy controls with or without periodontal disease, as chronic mucosal inflammation in periodontal disease is hypothesized to contribute to the formation of these autoantibodies. Materials and methods Anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and their IgA isotypes were assessed in the serum and GCF of RA patients (n = 72) and healthy controls (HC, n = 151). The presence and levels of these antibodies were studied in relation to interleukin (IL)‐8 and periodontal disease. Results In contrast to the HC, the levels of ACPA and RF in the serum and GCF of the RA patients were strongly correlated (p < .0001). The HC with high levels of IgA‐ACPA (n = 27) also had significantly higher levels of total IgG, total IgA, and IL‐8 in the GCF than the HC with low levels of IgA‐ACPA in the GCF (n = 124). Periodontal inflammation and smoking were seen more frequently in the group with high levels of IgA‐ACPA compared to the group with low IgA‐ACPA. Conclusion The IgA‐ACPA in the GCF of HC may be associated with periodontal inflammation and smoking, and could be involved in the progression to RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Menke de Smit
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerbrich Schuurmans
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Raveling-Eelsing
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nyoman Kertia
- Department of Rheumatology, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arjan Vissink
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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14
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Svärd A, Roos Ljungberg K, Brink M, Martinsson K, Sjöwall C, Rantapää Dahlqvist S, Kastbom A. Secretory antibodies to citrullinated peptides in plasma and saliva from rheumatoid arthritis patients and their unaffected first-degree relatives. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 199:143-149. [PMID: 31605388 PMCID: PMC6954678 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate secretory antibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA) in plasma and immunoglobulin (Ig)A ACPA in saliva from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their unaffected first‐degree relatives (FDRs). Patients with RA (n = 194) and first‐degree relatives unaffected by RA (n = 191) were recruited for analysis of secretory antibodies to second‐generation cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti‐CCP) in plasma. From a subpopulation (25 RA patients, 21 first‐degree relatives and 11 controls), saliva samples were obtained for IgA anti‐CCP analysis. The presence of secretory ACPA was compared between subject categories, and related to genetic and environmental risk factors. Secretory ACPA occurred in 37 (19%) plasma samples from patients with RA, but only in two (1%) of FDRs. IgA ACPA in saliva was found in three of 25 (12%) patients with RA, but not in any of the 21 FDRs (< 5%). No significant associations were seen between the presence of secretory ACPA and SE or smoking, either among RA patients or among FDRs. Despite occurring in 19% of RA plasma, secretory ACPA was rare in both saliva and plasma among FDRs, even among those positive for conventional ACPA of non‐mucosal origin. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine whether circulating secretory ACPA occurs before or in parallel with the development of clinical arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Svärd
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Roos Ljungberg
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - M Brink
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - K Martinsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - C Sjöwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - S Rantapää Dahlqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Rheumatology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - A Kastbom
- Department of Rheumatology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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15
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Kastbom A, Roos Ljungberg K, Ziegelasch M, Wetterö J, Skogh T, Martinsson K. Changes in anti-citrullinated protein antibody isotype levels in relation to disease activity and response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 194:391-399. [PMID: 30136282 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where serum analysis of anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPA) is an important diagnostic/prognostic tool. Levels and changes of ACPA in RA patients have been studied previously in relation to disease course and therapy response, but less is known regarding ACPA isotype changes in early RA. Hence, recent-onset RA patients (n = 231) were subjected to a 3-year clinical and radiological follow-up. Serum samples were serially collected and ACPA isotypes were analysed using the second-generation cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) as capture antigen. Changes in ACPA isotype levels and status were related to disease course and pharmacotherapy. At inclusion, 74% of the patients tested positive for ACPA IgG; 55% for immunoglobulin (Ig)A, 37% for secretory IgA (SIgA) and 35% for IgM. The proportion of positive patients decreased significantly at follow-up regarding ACPA SIgA, IgM and IgA. During the initial 3 months, reduction of the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) correlated with reduced levels of ACPA IgG (Rho = 0·242, P = 0·003), IgA (Rho = 0·260, P = 0·008), IgM (Rho = 0·457, P < 0·001) and SIgA (Rho = 0·402, P < 0·001). Levels of ACPA SIgA (P = 0·008) and IgM (P = 0·021) decreased significantly among patients with good response to treatment, which was not seen regarding ACPA IgA or IgG. Changes in ACPA isotype levels were not associated with radiographic damage. In conclusion, ACPA SIgA and IgM declined rapidly upon anti-rheumatic therapy and correlated with decreased disease activity in recent-onset RA. This may indicate that down-regulation of mucosal immunity to citrullinated proteins/peptides and recruitment of new B cells are key features of therapy responses in early RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kastbom
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Roos Ljungberg
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - M Ziegelasch
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J Wetterö
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - T Skogh
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Martinsson
- Division of Neuro and Inflammation Sciences, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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16
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Holers VM, Demoruelle MK, Kuhn KA, Buckner JH, Robinson WH, Okamoto Y, Norris JM, Deane KD. Rheumatoid arthritis and the mucosal origins hypothesis: protection turns to destruction. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2018; 14:542-557. [PMID: 30111803 PMCID: PMC6704378 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-018-0070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Individuals at high risk of developing seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be identified for translational research and disease prevention studies through the presence of highly informative and predictive patterns of RA-related autoantibodies, especially anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), in the serum. In serologically positive individuals without arthritis, designated ACPA positive at risk, the presence of mucosal inflammatory processes associated with the presence of local ACPA production has been demonstrated. In other at-risk populations, local RA-related autoantibody production is present even in the absence of serum autoantibodies. Additionally, a proportion of at-risk individuals exhibit local mucosal ACPA production in the lung, as well as radiographic small-airway disease, sputum hypercellularity and increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Other mucosal sites in at-risk individuals also exhibit autoantibody production, inflammation and/or evidence of dysbiosis. As the proportion of individuals who exhibit such localized inflammation-associated ACPA production is substantially higher than the likelihood of an individual developing future RA, this finding raises the hypothesis that mucosal ACPAs have biologically relevant protective roles. Identifying the mechanisms that drive both the generation and loss of externally focused mucosal ACPA production and promote systemic autoantibody expression and ultimately arthritis development should provide insights into new therapeutic approaches to prevent RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | - Kristine A Kuhn
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - William H Robinson
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jill M Norris
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado-Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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17
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Demoruelle MK, Harrall KK, Ho L, Purmalek MM, Seto NL, Rothfuss HM, Weisman MH, Solomon JJ, Fischer A, Okamoto Y, Kelmenson LB, Parish MC, Feser M, Fleischer C, Anderson C, Mahler M, Norris JM, Kaplan MJ, Cherrington BD, Holers VM, Deane KD. Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies Are Associated With Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Sputum in Relatives of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:1165-1175. [PMID: 28182854 DOI: 10.1002/art.40066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies suggest that rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related autoimmunity is initiated at a mucosal site. However, the factors associated with the mucosal generation of this autoimmunity are unknown, especially in individuals who are at risk of future RA. Therefore, we tested anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in the sputum of RA-free first-degree relatives (FDRs) of RA patients and patients with classifiable RA. METHODS We evaluated induced sputum and serum samples from 67 FDRs and 20 RA patients for IgA anti-CCP and IgG anti-CCP, with cutoff levels for positivity determined in a control population. Sputum was also evaluated for cell counts, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for protein/nucleic acid complexes, and total citrulline. RESULTS Sputum was positive for IgA and/or IgG anti-CCP in 14 of 20 RA patients (70%) and 17 of 67 FDRs (25%), including a portion of FDRs who were serum anti-CCP negative. In the FDRs, elevations of sputum IgA and IgG anti-CCP were associated with elevated sputum cell counts and NET levels. IgA anti-CCP was associated with ever smoking and with elevated sputum citrulline levels. CONCLUSION Anti-CCP is elevated in the sputum of FDRs, including seronegative FDRs, suggesting that the lung may be a site of anti-CCP generation in this population. The association of anti-CCP with elevated cell counts and NET levels in FDRs supports a hypothesis that local airway inflammation and NET formation may drive anti-CCP production in the lung and may promote the early stages of RA development. Longitudinal studies are needed to follow the evolution of these processes relative to the development of systemic autoimmunity and articular RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linh Ho
- University of Colorado Denver at Aurora
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18
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Mankia K, Emery P. Preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis: Progress Toward Prevention. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 68:779-88. [PMID: 26814677 DOI: 10.1002/art.39603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kulveer Mankia
- : Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Emery
- : Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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19
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Roos K, Martinsson K, Ziegelasch M, Sommarin Y, Svärd A, Skogh T, Kastbom A. Circulating secretory IgA antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides in early rheumatoid arthritis associate with inflammatory activity and smoking. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:119. [PMID: 27215344 PMCID: PMC4877943 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A possible association between mucosal immunization and inflammation, as well as the initiation and propagation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is attracting renewed interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible occurrence and clinical correlations of circulating secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) antibodies against the second-generation cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) among patients with recent-onset RA followed prospectively over 3 years. Methods Baseline serum samples from 636 patients with recent-onset RA were analyzed for SIgA anti-CCP antibodies by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a secondary antibody directed against secretory component. SIgA anti-CCP status at baseline was analyzed in relation to smoking, HLA-DRB1/shared epitope (SE), and the disease course over 3 years. Significant findings were evaluated in regression analysis that included age, sex, smoking, and SE. Results Seventeen percent of the patients tested positive for circulating SIgA anti-CCP, and the occurrence was confirmed by detection of secretory component in an affinity-purified IgA anti-CCP fraction. SIgA anti-CCP positivity at baseline was associated with slightly higher baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (mean 38 vs. 31 mm/first hour, p = 0.004) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (mean 30 vs. 23 mg/L, p = 0.047). During follow-up, SIgA anti-CCP-positive patients had a higher mean AUC regarding ESR (adjusted p = 0.003), although there were no significant differences regarding CRP, tender and swollen joint counts, or radiological joint damage (median Larsen progression 1.0 vs. 1.0, p = 0.22). SIgA anti-CCP was associated significantly with smoking (79 % ever smokers among SIgA anti-CCP-positive patients vs. 59 % in SIgA anti-CCP-negative patients, adjusted OR 2.19, 95 % CI 1.01–4.37, p = 0.027) but not with carriage of the SE (80 % vs. 73 %, p = 0.62). Conclusions Circulating SIgA anti-CCP, which is present in a subgroup of patients with early RA, is not related to SE, but it is environmentally linked to cigarette smoking. This finding strengthens the hypothesis that immunization against citrullinated peptides and/or proteins may occur at mucosal surfaces of the airways. Analysis of SIgA antibodies in serum may be a convenient and more versatile means to investigate the “mucosal connection” in RA compared with analyses in mucosal fluid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Roos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Klara Martinsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael Ziegelasch
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Anna Svärd
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Rheumatology Clinic, Falun Hospital, Falun, Sweden
| | - Thomas Skogh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alf Kastbom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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20
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Svärd A, Skogh T, Alfredsson L, Ilar A, Klareskog L, Bengtsson C, Kastbom A. Associations with smoking and shared epitope differ between IgA- and IgG-class antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:2032-7. [PMID: 25916813 DOI: 10.1002/art.39170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smoking and HLA-DRB1/shared epitope (SE) alleles are risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by seropositivity for antibodies targeting citrullinated proteins (ACPAs)/cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP). Previously, mainly IgG-class antibodies have been studied. IgA-class antibodies are to a great extent related to mucosal immunity. The aim of this study was to explore interrelations between cigarette smoking, presence of SE, and seropositivity for circulating IgA and/or IgG anti-CCP antibodies among patients with early RA, to determine whether ACPAs of the IgA subclass are regulated by different mechanisms than those of the IgG subclass. METHODS Two cohorts of patients with early RA, from the first Epidemiological Investigations of RA trial (n = 1,663) and the second Early Intervention in RA trial (n = 199), were grouped into 4 subsets based on anti-CCP subclass status (IgG-/IgA-, IgG-/IgA+, IgG+/IgA-, and IgG+/IgA+), and each subset was compared with regard to associations with smoking (current and former) and presence of SE. Interaction between smoking and SE was calculated using the attributable proportion (AP) due to interaction (assessing deviation from additivity of effects). RESULTS Smoking was overrepresented among IgA anti-CCP-positive RA patients, regardless of whether IgG anti-CCP were present, whereas in patients with IgG anti-CCP alone, no association with smoking was found. SE alleles were overrepresented among IgG anti-CCP-positive patients, regardless of IgA anti-CCP status, and was not seen in patients with IgA anti-CCP alone. An interaction between ever smoking and SE was found with regard to the risk of IgG+/IgA+ RA (AP 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.4, 0.6). No significant interaction was observed with regard to the risk of IgG-/IgA+ RA or IgG+/IgA- RA. CONCLUSION In patients with RA, a history of ever smoking was associated with seropositivity for IgA anti-CCP antibodies, whereas presence of SE was associated with seropositivity for IgG anti-CCP antibodies. An interaction between ever smoking and the SE was limited to the RA subset characterized by seropositivity for both IgG and IgA anti-CCP. These findings provide novel evidence that anti-CCP-positive RA can be divided into at least 3 serologically distinct subsets associated with different risk factors, indicating different modes of pathogenesis in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Svärd
- Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, and Falun Hospital, Falun, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Alfredsson
- Karolinska Institutet and Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Ilar
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Klareskog
- Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Willis VC, Demoruelle MK, Derber LA, Chartier-Logan CJ, Parish MC, Pedraza IF, Weisman MH, Norris JM, Holers VM, Deane KD. Sputum autoantibodies in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis and subjects at risk of future clinically apparent disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 65:2545-54. [PMID: 23817979 DOI: 10.1002/art.38066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the generation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related autoantibodies in the lung. METHODS Simultaneous collection of serum and induced sputum was performed in 21 healthy controls, 49 at-risk subjects without inflammatory arthritis but at risk of RA due to family history or seropositivity for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, and 14 subjects with early RA. Samples were tested for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2), anti-CCP3, anti-CCP3.1, rheumatoid factor isotypes IgM, IgG, and IgA, and total IgM, IgG, and IgA. RESULTS One or more autoantibodies were present in sputum of 39% of at-risk seronegative subjects, 65% of at-risk seropositive subjects, and 86% of subjects with early RA. In at-risk seronegative subjects, the rate of anti-CCP3.1 positivity and the median number of autoantibodies were elevated in sputum versus serum. In subjects with early RA, the rate of positivity for several individual autoantibodies and the median number of autoantibodies were higher in serum than in sputum. Results in at-risk seropositive subjects were intermediate between these groups. In at-risk subjects with autoantibody positivity in sputum, the ratios of autoantibody to total Ig were higher in sputum than in serum, suggesting that these autoantibodies are generated or sequestered in the lung. CONCLUSION RA-related autoantibodies are detectable in sputum in subjects at risk of RA and in subjects with early RA. In a subset of at-risk subjects, the presence of sputum autoantibodies in the absence of seropositivity, and the increased autoantibody-to-total Ig ratios in sputum, suggest that the lung may be a site of autoantibody generation in the early development of RA. These findings suggest an important role of the lung in the pathogenesis of RA.
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Montgomery AB, Venables PJ, Fisher BA. The case for measuring antibodies to specific citrullinated antigens. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 9:1185-92. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2013.857274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Chalise J, Narendra S, Paudyal B, Magnusson M. Interferon alpha inhibits antigen-specific production of proinflammatory cytokines and enhances antigen-specific transforming growth factor beta production in antigen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R143. [PMID: 24286140 PMCID: PMC3978460 DOI: 10.1186/ar4326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interferon alpha (IFN-α) has a complex role in autoimmunity, in that it may both enhance and prevent inflammation. We have previously shown that the presence of IFN-α at sensitization protects against subsequent antigen-triggered arthritis. To understand this tolerogenic mechanism, we performed a descriptive, hypothesis-generating study of cellular and humoral responses associated with IFN-α-mediated protection against arthritis. Methods Arthritis was evaluated at day 28 in mice given a subcutaneous injection of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), together with Freund adjuvant and 0 to 5,000 U IFN-α at days 1 and 7, followed by intraarticular injection of mBSA alone at day 21. The effect of IFN-α on mBSA-specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgA, and IgE was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokines in circulation and in ex vivo cultures on mBSA restimulation was evaluated with ELISA and Luminex, and the identity of cytokine-producing cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Results Administration of IFN-α protected mice from arthritis in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on antigen-specific antibody levels. However, IFN-α did inhibit the initial increase of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF, and the recall response induced by intraarticular mBSA challenge of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-17 in serum. IFN-α decreased both macrophage and CD4+ T cell-derived IFN-γ production, whereas IL-17 was decreased only in CD4+ T cells. Ex vivo, in mBSA-restimulated spleen and lymph node cell cultures, the inhibitory effect of in vivo administration of IFN-α on proinflammatory cytokine production was clearly apparent, but had a time limit. An earlier macrophage-derived, and stronger activation of the antiinflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) was observed in IFN-α-treated animals, combined with an increase in CD4+ T cells producing TGF-β when arthritis was triggered by mBSA (day 21). Presence of IFN-α at immunizations also prevented the reduction in TGF-β production, which was induced by the intraarticular mBSA injection triggering arthritis in control animals. Conclusions Administration of IFN-α has a profound effect on the cellular response to mBSA plus adjuvant, but does not affect antigen-specific Ig production. By including IFN-α at immunizations, spleen and lymph node cells inhibit their repertoire of antigen-induced proinflammatory cytokines while enhancing antiinflammatory TGF-β production, first in macrophages, and later also in CD4+ T cells. On intraarticular antigen challenge, this antiinflammatory state is reenforced, manifested as inhibition of proinflammatory recall responses and preservation of TGF-β levels. This may explain why IFN-α protects against antigen-induced arthritis.
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