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Zhang K, Yin Z, Chen F, Cao Z, Guan J, Chen C, Wang Y, Fan G. Omics-based pharmacological evaluation reveals Yuanhu Zhitong oral liquid ameliorates arthritis by regulating PKC/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118289. [PMID: 38718892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Successful use of herbal medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) creates opportunities for alternative therapies. Yuanhu Zhitong oral liquid (YZOL) is an herbal preparation known for its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional use. However, the pharmacological mechanism of YZOL for treating RA remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of YZOL in the treatment of RA and to explore its potential mechanisms through omics analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Type II collagen was used to induce an arthritis rat model. The effects of YZOL on paw swelling, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were systematically investigated. A pathway-driven transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify key signaling pathways associated with YZOL therapy. The key alterations were validated by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. RESULTS YZOL significantly attenuated arthritis progression, reduced paw swelling rate, and lowered arthritis score in CIA rats. YZOL also inhibited systemic inflammation and associated oxidative stress during RA. Transcriptomic analysis identified 341 genes with significantly altered expression following YZOL treatment. These genes were enriched in inflammation-related pathways, particularly in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, we discovered that YZOL can alleviate inflammation in the local synovial tissue. The effect of YZOL was confirmed by the suppression of PKC/ERK/NF-κB p65 signaling at systemic and local levels. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence that YZOL treatment ameliorates RA by suppressing the PKC/ERK/NF-κB pathway, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapy for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhaorui Yin
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhiming Cao
- Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Henan, China.
| | - Jianli Guan
- Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Henan, China.
| | - Chengyu Chen
- Jiaheng Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Guanwei Fan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.
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Kwok A. Risk Assessment and Optimization for Pregnancy in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1414. [PMID: 39001304 PMCID: PMC11241172 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with rheumatic diseases frequently operate with incomplete or incorrect information while planning for and experiencing pregnancy, often due to variability in provider care and knowledge. Risk assessment at each stage of pregnancy-pre-conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum-is focused on reducing maternal and neonatal complications. This review aims to compile updated, evidence-based guidance on how to minimize risk factors contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Mitigation of known causes of infertility, appropriate testing and monitoring, achieving low disease activity on pregnancy-safe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) prior to conception, controlling hypertension (a frequent comorbidity among patients with certain rheumatic diseases), and the use of appropriate adjunctive medications (such as low-dose aspirin when preeclampsia risk is high) can optimize fertility and prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Kwok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Li PF, Li S, Zheng PS. Reproductive Effect by Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Autoantibodies. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:239-256. [PMID: 38376734 PMCID: PMC10920578 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00634-1] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory arthritis in women. The effects of RA on the reproductive system are usually overlooked, as RA is not diagnosed until later in reproductive age. Whether RA itself or its related rheumatoid antibodies have an impact on female reproductive function has long been a thought-provoking issue. In brief, relevant epidemiological evidence has shown that women affected by RA are more likely to have coexisting reproductive disorders, including infertility, endometriosis, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or to subsequently develop them. Furthermore, linkage between RA and pregnancy loss (PL) as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also well known, albeit controversial in available evidence. RA and reproductive disorders appear to share a similar inflammatory immune response and genetic background. The stress experienced by patients with RA may affect their reproductive choices to some extent. Notably, few studies have explored the impact of rheumatoid antibodies such as rheumatoid factors (RFs) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) on reproductive disorders. Although it has been mentioned that the rate of RF and/or ACPA positivity is higher in women with a history of PL and POI, the clinical relevance of this relationship and underlying mechanisms still need to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Fen Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Xi'an Peng-Sheng Reproductive Medicine Clinic, Xi'an Peng-Sheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Mohan S, Hakami MA, Dailah HG, Khalid A, Najmi A, Zoghebi K, Halawi MA. Bridging autoimmunity and epigenetics: The influence of lncRNA MALAT1. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155041. [PMID: 38199135 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune disorders represent a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions defined by an immune system's atypical reactivity against endogenous constituents. In the complex anatomy of autoimmune pathogenesis, lncRNAs have appeared as pivotal arbiters orchestrating the mechanisms of ailment initiation, immune cascades, and transcriptional modulation. One such lncRNA, MALAT1, has garnered attention for its potential association with the aetiology of several autoimmune diseases. MALAT1 has been shown to influence a wide spectrum of cellular processes, which include cell multiplication and specialization, as well as apoptosis and inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, MALAT1 exhibits both disease-specific and shared patterns of dysregulation, often correlating with disease severity. The molecular mechanisms underlying MALAT1's impact on autoimmune disorders include epigenetic modifications, alternative splicing, and modulation of gene expression networks. Additionally, MALAT1's intricate interactions with microRNAs, other lncRNAs, and protein-coding genes further underscore its role in immune regulation and autoimmune disease progression. Understanding the contribution of MALAT1 in autoimmune pathogenesis across different diseases could offer valuable insights into shared pathways, thereby clearing a path for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches to address these complex disorders. This review aims to elucidate the complex role of MALAT1 in autoimmune disorders, encompassing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of MALAT1 as a diagnostic biomarker, therapeutic target, and prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Mohan
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; Center for Global health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam A Halawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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Jiang X, Chen P, Niu W, Fang R, Chen H, An Y, Wang W, Jiang C, Ye J. Preparation and evaluation of dissolving tofacitinib microneedles for effective management of rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 188:106518. [PMID: 37419290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Dissolving microneedles have become a focal point in transdermal drug delivery. They have the advantages of painless, rapid drug delivery and high drug utilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Tofacitinib citrate microneedles in arthritis treatment, assess the dose-effect relationship, and determine the cumulative penetration during percutaneous injection. In this study, block copolymer was utilized to prepare the dissolving microneedles. The microneedles were characterized through skin permeation tests, dissolution tests, treatment effect evaluations, and Western blot experiments. In vivo dissolution experiments revealed that the soluble microneedles completely dissolved within 2.5 min, while in vitro skin permeation experiments demonstrated the highest unit area of skin permeation of the microneedles reached 2118.13 mg/cm2. The inhibition of Tofacitinib microneedle on joint swelling in rats with Rheumatoid arthritis was better than Ketoprofen and close to that of oral Tofacitinib. Western-blot experiment comfirmed the Tofacitinib microneedle's inhibitory effect on the JAK-STAT3 pathway in rats with Rheumatoid arthritis. In conclusion, Tofacitinib microneedles effectively inhibited arthritis in rats, demonstrating potential for Rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Pu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Wenxin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Renhua Fang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yue An
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Changzhao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Jincui Ye
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
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Reinisch W, Hellstrom W, Dolhain RJEM, Sikka S, Westhovens R, Mehta R, Ritter T, Seidler U, Golovchenko O, Simanenkov V, Garmish O, Jeka S, Moravcová R, Rajendran V, Le Brun FO, Arterburn S, Watkins TR, Besuyen R, Vanderschueren D. Effects of filgotinib on semen parameters and sex hormones in male patients with inflammatory diseases: results from the phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled MANTA and MANTA-RAy studies. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1049-1058. [PMID: 37137672 PMCID: PMC10359529 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The phase 2 MANTA and MANTA-RAy studies aimed to determine if the oral Janus kinase 1 preferential inhibitor filgotinib affects semen parameters and sex hormones in men with inflammatory diseases. METHODS MANTA (NCT03201445) and MANTA-RAy (NCT03926195) included men (21-65 years) with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis or psoriatic arthritis), respectively. Eligible participants had semen parameters in the normal range per the WHO definition. In each study, participants were randomised 1:1 to receive once-daily, double-blind filgotinib 200 mg or placebo for 13 weeks for pooled analysis of the primary endpoint (proportion of participants with a ≥50% decrease from baseline in sperm concentration at week 13). Participants who met the primary endpoint were monitored over an additional 52 weeks for 'reversibility'. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline to week 13 in: sperm concentration, total motility, normal morphology, total count and ejaculate volume. Sex hormones (luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin B and total testosterone) and reversibility were exploratory endpoints. RESULTS Across both studies, 631 patients were screened, and 248 were randomised to filgotinib 200 mg or placebo. Baseline demographics and characteristics were similar within indications between treatment groups. Numerically similar proportions of filgotinib-treated versus placebo-treated patients met the primary endpoint (8/120 (6.7%) vs 10/120 (8.3%)), Δ-1.7% (95% CI -9.3% to 5.8%)). There were no clinically relevant changes from baseline to week 13 in semen parameters or sex hormones, or patterns of reversibility between treatment groups. Filgotinib was well tolerated, with no new safety events. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that once daily filgotinib 200 mg for 13 weeks has no measurable impact on semen parameters or sex hormones in men with active IBD or inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Reinisch
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Internal Medicine III, Division Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wayne Hellstrom
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Radboud J E M Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suresh Sikka
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - René Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ursula Seidler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Golovchenko
- Medical Clinical Investigational Center of Medical Center Health Clinic LLC, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Vladimir Simanenkov
- State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "City Hospital #26", Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Olena Garmish
- National Scientific Center M.D. Strazhesko Institute of Cardiology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sławomir Jeka
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Systemic Connective Tissue Disorders, J. Biziel University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Radka Moravcová
- Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Rheumatology Institute, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Westhovens R. Filgotinib in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:135-144. [PMID: 36396615 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2149495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) remains a challenge for rheumatologists and patients despite implementation of intensive treat-to-target strategies in shared decision with patients and an increasing availability of drugs. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are a new generation of oral targeted drugs. Filgotinib preferentially inhibits JAK1 and is the latest JAKi to be approved for use in RA. AREAS COVERED This narrative review focuses on drug characteristics, efficacy, and safety of filgotinib in patients with RA, summarizing available literature. Trial data are detailed, put into perspective for practice and discussed in regulatory perspective. EXPERT OPINION Preclinical studies demonstrate preferential inhibition of JAK1 and a promising pharmacokinetic profile with few drug-drug interactions. Increase in hemoglobin in line with preferential inhibition of JAK1 over JAK2 is seen in early-phase clinical trials. A phase III program demonstrates efficacy in several disease stages, numerically higher with 200 mg versus 100 mg daily. In the overall RA population such dose-related effect is not observed for safety except for herpes zoster and increases in lipids and creatine phosphokinase. This reassuring safety profile is to be confirmed in future practice. It also needs to be unraveled if JAK1 preferential inhibition plays a key role in this safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Westhovens
- Emeritus Professor KU Leuven, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
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Zanetti A, Zambon A, Scirè CA, Bortoluzzi A. Impact of rheumatoid arthritis and methotrexate on pregnancy outcomes: retrospective cohort study of the Italian Society for Rheumatology. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002412. [PMID: 36597979 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002412] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and methotrexate (MTX) on the probability of becoming pregnant, pregnancy losses, elective termination of pregnancy (TOP) and congenital malformations. METHODS A retrospective cohort study on administrative healthcare databases was conducted. Three patients' cohorts were enrolled among childbearing-age women. The first cohort included patients with RA starting MTX between July 2004 and December 2011. The second cohort included patients with RA without MTX treatment randomly selected from the same population (ratio 1:1). Finally, a cohort of subjects without RA was identified (ratio 1:4). Multivariate logistic regression models were implemented, ORs and 95% CI were reported. RESULTS The two matched RA cohorts included 3564 patients with MTX and without MTX. The cohort without RA included 14 256 subjects. In the three cohorts, the proportion of women achieving pregnancy during follow-up was 6.3%, 9.1% and 11.9%, respectively. Congenital malformations were very rare in all cohorts. RA women treated with MTX at any time before conception showed significantly higher risks of pregnancy losses than non-RA women (OR (95% CI) 2.22 (1.40 to 3.45)). We observed a significant positive relationship between the exposure to MTX in the 3 months window before conception and increased risk of elective TOP (OR (95% CI) 4.77 (1.08 to 19.40)). CONCLUSION MTX-treated patients appeared to be the cohort with the highest risk of pregnancy losses. The positive association with elective TOP and exposure to MTX in the three months window before conception in patients with RA reinforces the need for adequate preconception counselling to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zanetti
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society of Rheumatology, Milano, Italy.,Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Biostatistics Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society of Rheumatology, Milano, Italy .,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Pazmino S, Westhovens R, De Cock D, Verschueren P. Editorial commentary on: Prescribing anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy and breastfeeding-the BSR guideline scope. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:480-481. [PMID: 34302477 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pazmino
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rene Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diederik De Cock
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Al Rayes H, Abdulaziz S, Alotaibi AM, Alaithan MA, Attar M, Daghasi H, Melibari R, Althagafi AH, Elnady B. Adverse Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Saudi Arabia Prospective Multicenter Study. Open Access Rheumatol 2021; 13:167-175. [PMID: 34163264 PMCID: PMC8214560 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s315867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and postpartum complications, especially with severe disease activity. Objective The current study aimed to compare the pregnancy outcomes in patients with RA and healthy controls as well as to assess the impact of disease-related variables, medications and disease activity on pregnancy and neonatal-related outcomes in the Saudi population. Methods This prospective multicenter study included pregnant female patients with RA from three tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia. The demographics, disease activity scoring (DAS28-CRP), medication before and during pregnancy, pregnancy-related outcomes, and complications in comparison to age-matched healthy female controls were noted. Results A total of 77 pregnant patients with RA and 250 healthy age-matched pregnant controls were included in the study. A total of 67.53% were in remission before conception (DAS28CRP ≤2.6), and 81.8% of pregnancies were planned. Age of conception, preterm labor, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and low birth weight were statistically significant (p <0.05) and higher in RA patients than in healthy controls. Longer disease duration (p <0.001), and high C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels before conception (p ≤0.001) were statistically associated with preterm NICU admission. There was statistically significant association between mild (p = 0.015) or moderate to severe DAS28-CRP (p = 0.001) and RA patients regarding pregnancy outcomes. The classification table obtained from the logistic model showed patients with mild and moderate-severe DAS28-CRP have significantly high chances of having an adverse pregnancy outcome. Conclusion RA has a negative impact on pregnancy-related outcomes. Higher disease activity is considered a major risk; thus, tight disease control should be aimed. Planned pregnancy follow-up is associated with better pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Al Rayes
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultana Abdulaziz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mufaddal Adil Alaithan
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Attar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Daghasi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rand Melibari
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Althagafi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basant Elnady
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia.,Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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11
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Zou X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhang R, Yang W. The Role of AIRE Deficiency in Infertility and Its Potential Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641164. [PMID: 33679804 PMCID: PMC7933666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of patients with infertility is recognized as an emerging problem worldwide. However, little is known about the cause of infertility. At present, it is believed that infertility may be related to genetic or abnormal immune responses. It has long been indicated that autoimmune regulator (AIRE), a transcription factor, participates in immune tolerance by regulating the expression of thousands of promiscuous tissue-specific antigens in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which play a pivotal role in preventing autoimmune diseases. AIRE is also expressed in germ cell progenitors. Importantly, the deletion of AIRE leads to severe oophoritis and age-dependent depletion of follicular reserves and causes altered embryonic development in female mice. AIRE-deficient male mice exhibit altered apoptosis during spermatogenesis and have a significantly decreased breeding capacity. These reports suggest that AIRE deficiency may be responsible for infertility. The causes may be related to the production of autoantibodies against sperm, poor development of germ cells, and abnormal ovarian function, which eventually lead to infertility. Here, we focus on the potential associations of AIRE deficiency with infertility as well as the possible pathogenesis, providing insight into the significance of AIRE in the development of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Zou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rongchao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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