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Cutolo M, Smith V, Hysa E. Outdoor temperatures and Raynaud's phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e655-e657. [PMID: 39216492 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy; University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy; University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Zambrano Zambrano A, Del Río Zanatta H, González Espinoza A, Bernal Alferes B, Zambrano Zambrano K, Martinez Salazar J, Ixcamparij Rosales CH. Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Implications. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2024:10.1007/s11897-024-00682-w. [PMID: 39287753 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-024-00682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on the association between RA and heart failure, highlighting the role of inflammation and the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in this population. RECENT FINDINGS The incidence of heart failure in RA patients is two to three times higher than in the general population, with inflammation playing a significant role independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. HFpEF accounts for about half of heart failure cases and is increasingly recognized in RA patients, although it remains underdiagnosed. Atypical presentations and non-specific symptoms further complicate diagnosis. Early control of inflammation has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure development and progression, improving both morbidity and mortality outcomes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the population, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of premature death in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Zambrano Zambrano
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico.
| | - Hector Del Río Zanatta
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico
| | - Andrea González Espinoza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Regional Hospital Lic. Adolfo López Mateos ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Brian Bernal Alferes
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico
| | - Kevin Zambrano Zambrano
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico
| | - Julio Martinez Salazar
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico
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Harris RM, Pace F, Kuntz TM, Morgan XC, Hyland P, Summers K, McDermott E, Blumen K, Watnick PI. Testosterone treatment impacts the intestinal microbiome of transgender individuals. mSphere 2024:e0055724. [PMID: 39254049 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00557-24] [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: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Medical modulation of sex hormone levels is a cornerstone of treatment for many conditions that impact well-being, including cancer, fertility/infertility, gender dysphoria, and chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The microbial residents of the intestine, known as the microbiota, interact with sex hormones in the intestine, and there is correlative evidence that this interaction is bidirectional. Based on these published findings, we hypothesized that transgender individuals receiving exogenous testosterone as part of their gender-affirming medical treatment might undergo changes in their intestinal microbiome. To test this, we collected 26 stool samples from nine individuals before and up to 8 months after initiation of treatment with exogenous testosterone and subjected these samples to metagenomic analysis. While no species were significantly associated with the duration of testosterone therapy, pathways that generate glutamate increased in abundance, while those that consume glutamate decreased. Glutamate is a precursor of arginine, and testosterone is known to increase levels of arginine and its metabolites in the plasma. We hypothesize that testosterone increases the uptake of glutamate by enterocytes, thus decreasing access of the microbiota to this amino acid. While this pilot study establishes the impact of testosterone therapy on the intestinal microbiome, a more comprehensive study is necessary to establish the impact of testosterone-driven metagenomic shifts on the stool metatranscriptome, the stool metabolome, and the plasma metabolome.IMPORTANCEThe human intestine is inhabited by a large community of microbes known as the microbiome. Members of the microbiome consume the diet along with their human host. Thus, the metabolomes of the host and microbe are intricately linked. Testosterone alters the plasma metabolome. In particular, plasma levels of arginine and its metabolites and testosterone are positively correlated. To investigate the impact of exogenous testosterone on the microbiome, we analyzed the stool metagenomes of transgender individuals before and after the initiation of testosterone treatment. In this pilot project, we found a modest impact on the microbiome community structure but an increase in the abundance of metabolic pathways that generate glutamate and spare glutamate consumption. We propose that the host uses glutamate to generate arginine, decreasing the amount available for the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Harris
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fernanda Pace
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas M Kuntz
- Harvard Chan Microbiome Analysis Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xochitl C Morgan
- Harvard Chan Microbiome Analysis Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Phoebe Hyland
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kiana Summers
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Em McDermott
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kai Blumen
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paula I Watnick
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Schenone C, Pacini G, Gotelli E, Hysa E, Campitiello R, Sammorì S, Paolino S, Sulli A, Cutolo M. Updating on pregnancy in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1041-1052. [PMID: 38748553 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2356164] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most prevalent autoimmune disease in reproductive years, exhibits a higher incidence in females, suggesting involvement of estrogens, genetics and environmental factors in disease onset. Literature shows smaller families in RA patients, driving increased interest in Assisted Reproductive Techniques. AREAS COVERED This review elucidates how immunotolerance mechanisms contribute to favorable pregnancy outcomes in RA, emphasizing the need for a careful pregnancy planning to mitigate fetal complications and postnatal flares, which surpass those in the general population. A thorough medication evaluation, orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team, is imperative during pregnancy, weighing potential teratogenic effects against safer alternatives to balance medication safety with disease control. A systematic literature search on PubMed and MEDLINE, using specific terms, covered relevant academic journals up to the latest date. EXPERT OPINION This narrative review comprehensively addresses pregnancy-related considerations in RA patients, prioritizing meticulous disease management with pregnancy and breastfeeding-compatible drugs in line with the latest recommendations and registry data. The focus remains on evaluating glucocorticoids, conventional, and biological disease-modifying drugs for compatibility during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, the evolving landscape of targeted synthetic drugs during pregnancy is explored, providing insights into the latest developments in rheumatological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Schenone
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Greta Pacini
- Rheumatology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, APSS Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Sammorì
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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Straub RH, Cutolo M. A History of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Immune Interactions in Rheumatic Diseases. Neuroimmunomodulation 2024; 31:183-210. [PMID: 39168106 DOI: 10.1159/000540959] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All active scientists stand on the shoulders of giants and many other more anonymous scientists, and this is not different in our field of psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology in rheumatic diseases. Too often, the modern world of publishing forgets about the collective enterprise of scientists. Some journals advise the authors to present only literature from the last decade, and it has become a natural attitude of many scientists to present only the latest publications. In order to work against this general unempirical behavior, neuroimmunomodulation devotes the 30th anniversary issue to the history of medical science in psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology. SUMMARY Keywords were derived from the psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology research field very well known to the authors (R.H.S. has collected a list of keywords since 1994). We screened PubMed, the Cochran Library of Medicine, Embase, Scopus database, and the ORCID database to find relevant historical literature. The Snowballing procedure helped find related work. According to the historical appearance of discoveries in the field, the order of presentation follows the subsequent scheme: (1) the sensory nervous system, (2) the sympathetic nervous system, (3) the vagus nerve, (4) steroid hormones (glucocorticoids, androgens, progesterone, estrogens, and the vitamin D hormone), (5) afferent pathways involved in fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and depression (includes pathophysiology), and (6) evolutionary medicine and energy regulation - an umbrella theory. KEY MESSAGES A brief history on psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology cannot address all relevant aspects of the field. The authors are aware of this shortcoming. The reader must see this review as a viewpoint through the biased eyes of the authors. Nevertheless, the text gives an overview of the history in psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology of rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer H Straub
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratories and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine DIMI, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Barrett A, Horkeby K, Corciulo C, Carlsten H, Lagerquist MK, Scheffler JM, Islander U. Role of estrogen signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells for innate and adaptive immune responses in antigen-induced arthritis. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:578-592. [PMID: 38726582 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Women are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with peak incidence occurring around menopause. Estrogen has major effects on the immune system and is protective against arthritis. We have previously shown that treatment with estrogen inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in murine models of arthritis, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells that generate the three-dimensional structure of lymph nodes (LNs). FRCs are vital for coordinating immune responses from within LNs and are characterized by the expression of the chemokine CCL19, which attracts immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of estrogen on innate and adaptive immune cells in arthritis is mediated by estrogen signaling in FRCs. Conditional knockout mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in CCL19-expressing cells (Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl) were generated and tested. Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl mice and littermate controls were ovariectomized, treated with vehicle or estradiol and subjected to the 28-day-long antigen-induced arthritis model to enable analyses of differentiated T- and B-cell populations and innate cells in LNs by flow cytometry. The results reveal that while the response to estradiol treatment in numbers of FRCs per LN is significantly reduced in mice lacking ERα in FRCs, estrogen does not inhibit joint inflammation or markedly affect immune responses in this arthritis model. Thus, this study validates the Ccl19-CreERαfl/fl strain for studying estrogen signaling in FRCs within inflammatory diseases, although the chosen arthritis model is deemed unsuitable for addressing this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Barrett
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Horkeby
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Lagerquist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Center, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia M Scheffler
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Islander
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Xu H, Zou H, Wen Q, Xing X, Xu N, Wu S. Association between endometriosis and arthritis: results from NHANES 1999-2006, genetic correlation analysis, and Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1424648. [PMID: 39136014 PMCID: PMC11317389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1424648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies reported that endometriosis may have a higher risk of arthritis. However, it remains unclear whether the association between endometriosis and arthritis has genetic correlations, or the relationship is causal. Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses use genetic variation as a natural experiment to explore genetic correlations and causal inferences from observational data, reducing unmeasured confounding factors. Method Participants (aged 20-54 years, n = 2,915) for the cross-sectional study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Endometriosis and arthritis were diagnosed based on self-reported by reproductive health and medical condition questionnaire. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between endometriosis and arthritis. LDSC and MR analysis were performed using the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to identify the causal association. Result A significant positive association between endometriosis and arthritis was found after multivariable adjustment (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.33, 2.67). When exploring different types of arthritis, a positive association was revealed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other types of arthritis, and cases that the arthritis type were unknown, with an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.03, 4.17), 2.78 (95% CI: 1.30, 5.95), and 2.06 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.11), respectively. However, genetic correlation analysis between endometriosis and RA did not reveal any significant findings (all P values > 0.05). Moreover, MR analysis also failed to identify a causal relationship between endometriosis and RA (all P values > 0.05). Conclusion Cross-sectional study identified a significant positive association between endometriosis and arthritis among US women, especially among RA, while findings based on LDSC and MR analysis did not support a genetic correlation or causal role. These findings suggest that clinicians should pay more attention to the coexistence of RA in endometriosis patients and explore the shared pathophysiological mechanisms of these two disorders, with a particular focus on extrinsic factors rather than intrinsic genetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanying Xu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Haoxi Zou
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qidan Wen
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xing
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ningning Xu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Suzhen Wu
- Foshan Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, Guangdong, China
- TCM Gynecology Department, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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Khawaja G, El-Orfali Y, Shoujaa A, Abou Najem S. Galangin: A Promising Flavonoid for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Mechanisms, Evidence, and Therapeutic Potential. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:963. [PMID: 39065811 PMCID: PMC11279697 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070963] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint inflammation and damage. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the onset and progression of RA, significantly contributing to the disease's symptoms. The complex nature of RA and the role of oxidative stress make it particularly challenging to treat effectively. This article presents a comprehensive review of RA's development, progression, and the emergence of novel treatments, introducing Galangin (GAL), a natural flavonoid compound sourced from various plants, as a promising candidate. The bioactive properties of GAL, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, are discussed in detail. The review elucidates GAL's mechanisms of action, focusing on its interactions with key targets such as inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), enzymes (e.g., SOD, MMPs), and signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK), which impact inflammatory responses, immune cell activation, and joint damage. The review also addresses the lack of comprehensive understanding of potential treatment options for RA, particularly in relation to the role of GAL as a therapeutic candidate. It highlights the need for further research and clinical studies to ascertain the effectiveness of GAL in RA treatment and to elucidate its mechanisms of action. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of GAL as a therapeutic option for RA, shedding light on its multifaceted pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action, while suggesting avenues for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Khawaja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon
| | - Youmna El-Orfali
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Aya Shoujaa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon
| | - Sonia Abou Najem
- Health Sciences Division, Abu Dhabi Women’s College, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates;
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Jha I, McMahon GA, Perugino CA, Katz G, Wallace ZS, Fernandes A, Jiang B, Zhang Y, McMahon AE, Guy TV, Liu H, Hernandez-Barco YG, Pillai S, Stone JH. Sex as a predictor of clinical phenotype and determinant of immune response in IgG4-related disease: a retrospective study of patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology-European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e460-e468. [PMID: 38824935 PMCID: PMC11214762 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00089-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgG4-related disease is a multiorgan fibroinflammatory disease considered to have an autoimmune origin. Case series describing individual organ involvement have suggested differences in phenotypic expression between males and females. We aimed to characterise differences in IgG4-related disease manifestations between male and female patients in a large single-centre cohort. METHODS In this retrospective, single-centre cohort study, patients were recruited from the Massachusetts General Hospital Rheumatology Clinic (Boston, MA, USA) and classified according to the American College of Rheumatology-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ACR-EULAR) classification criteria. Only patients satisfying the ACR-EULAR classification criteria were included in the study. Data on age at diagnosis, organ involvement at baseline, treatment status, and pre-treatment laboratory values were collected. Circulating plasmablasts and B-cell subsets were quantitated by flow cytometry. Active disease was defined by an IgG4-related disease Responder Index score of more than 0. Laboratory values were analysed for patients who were untreated at baseline and had active IgG4-related disease. The main outcomes were assessed in all participants with available data. FINDINGS Of the 564 participants enrolled in the Massachusetts General Hospital Rheumatology Clinic IgG4-related disease Registry, 328 fulfilled ACR-EULAR classification criteria and were included between January, 2008, and May, 2023. There was a strong male predominance (male:female ratio 2·2:1) with 226 (69%) males and 102 (31%) females, which contrasted markedly with our general rheumatology clinic population (0·4:1; p<0·001). The male predominance increased with each decade of life starting at age 40 years. On average, male patients were 5·5 years older at diagnosis than female patients (63·7 years vs 58·2 years; p=0·0031). We observed male patients to have higher ACR-EULAR classification criteria scores at baseline with a median score of 35·0 (IQR 28·0-46·0), compared with 29·5 (25·0-39·0) for females (p=0·0010). The proportion of male patients with pancreatic and renal involvement was almost double the proportion observed in female patients (50% of the male patients had pancreatic involvement, compared with about 26% of the female patients; p<0·0001). Male patients were more likely to have serological abnormalities at baseline. The distribution of IgG4 values differed significantly between male an female sexes, favouring higher values in males. We found that male patients with IgG4-related disease were more likely to have active B-cell responses in the blood as defined by plasmablast expansions. INTERPRETATION IgG4-related disease is unusual among autoimmune diseases in that it is more likely to affect males than females and to present with a striking sex-dependent organ distribution and degree of B-cell response. These findings highlight important variation between IgG4-related disease and other conditions generally believed to have an autoimmune basis. Most autoimmune diseases, by contrast to IgG4-related disease, demonstrate pronounced predilections for affecting females more frequently than males. Hypotheses surrounding the cause and pathophysiology of this condition need to consider this unusual sex distribution among patients with IgG4-related disease. FUNDING National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology Research Foundation, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Jha
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace A McMahon
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cory A Perugino
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guy Katz
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachary S Wallace
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Rheumatology and Allergy Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, Boston MA, USA
| | - Ana Fernandes
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bohang Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Rheumatology and Allergy Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, Boston MA, USA
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aubree E McMahon
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas V Guy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hang Liu
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John H Stone
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hysa E, Casabella A, Gotelli E, Campitiello R, Schenone C, Genova C, Tanda ET, Sulli A, Smith V, Cimmino MA, Paolino S, Cutolo M. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic literature review highlighting differences from the idiopathic forms. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103589. [PMID: 39117006 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103589] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An altered immune tolerance disturbed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may contribute to new-onset polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the characteristics of PMR and GCA-like syndromes following anticancer treatment with ICIs, summarizing their demographic, clinical and treatment-related features to provide insights whether they differ from the idiopathic forms. METHODS The SLR was conducted in Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to July 2024, and in the EULAR/ACR abstract database (2021-2023). ICI-induced PMR and GCA syndromes were compared to the primary forms of the diseases using data from studies that included both groups as comparators. For manuscripts lacking direct comparisons, we summarized the main findings and discussed the differences using systematic reviews or large observational studies on the primary forms. RESULTS From 1237 screened abstracts, 46 met the inclusion criteria, involving 358 patients (314 with ICI-PMR and 44 with ICI-GCA). ICI-PMR had an estimated pooled prevalence of 0.1% [95% CI: 0.07%, 0.14%] among ICI recipients and 15.9% [95% CI: 12.6%, 19.9%] among patients experiencing rheumatic immune-related adverse events. Patients with ICI-PMR had a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1 and a mean age of 71 ± 4 years. Most cases were associated with PD1/PDL1 blockers (87%). Clinical features included inflammatory pain in the girdles (100%), though pelvic girdle involvement was under-reported in some cases (3/28 studies). Peripheral arthritis was present in 35% of patients. Laboratory tests showed normal or slightly elevated inflammatory markers in 26% of cases. Glucocorticoids (GCs) led to symptom improvement in 84% of cases although 20% required immunosuppressive treatment and 14% experienced relapses. ICI-GCA had a prevalence of 0.06% among ICI recipients, with equal gender distribution and a mean age of 71 ± 5 years. Most patients received anti-PD1/PDL1 blockers (57%). Clinical manifestations included cephalic symptoms (75%), permanent visual loss (23%) and symptoms related to large-vessel involvement (54%). High-dose GCs were effective, with 96% achieving remission, though 17% experienced relapses. CONCLUSIONS ICI-induced PMR and GCA may have distinct clinical profiles compared to idiopathic forms, with potentially milder symptoms and better treatment responses. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the long-term outcomes and pathophysiology of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Schenone
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Genova
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Academic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrica Teresa Tanda
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; UOC Medical Oncology Clinic 2, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marco Amedeo Cimmino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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11
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Forsyth KS, Jiwrajka N, Lovell CD, Toothacre NE, Anguera MC. The conneXion between sex and immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:487-502. [PMID: 38383754 PMCID: PMC11216897 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
There are notable sex-based differences in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens, with female individuals exhibiting increased susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, and male individuals displaying preferential susceptibility to some viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. Although sex hormones clearly contribute to sex differences in immune cell composition and function, the presence of two X chromosomes in female individuals suggests that differential gene expression of numerous X chromosome-linked immune-related genes may also influence sex-biased innate and adaptive immune cell function in health and disease. Here, we review the sex differences in immune system composition and function, examining how hormones and genetics influence the immune system. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic contributions responsible for altered X chromosome-linked gene expression, and how this impacts sex-biased immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia D Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalie E Toothacre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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12
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Zhou J, Zhang W. Sex bias in IgG4-related disease: from clinical phenotype to mechanisms. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e416-e418. [PMID: 38824933 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, 100730 Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, 100730 Beijing, China.
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13
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Bandinelli F, Benucci M, Mallia I, Mauro I, Pecani N, Li Gobbi F, Manfredi M, Guiducci S, Lari B, Grossi V, Infantino M, Giannasi G. Do Ultrasound Lung Abnormalities Correlate to Biomarkers and Male Gender in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients? A Monocentric Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3534. [PMID: 38930065 PMCID: PMC11204435 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123534] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a tool of growing interest in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) oligo- symptomatic ILD to avoid. Objective: We aimed to evaluate (i) the prevalence of pleural (PLUS) and parenchymal (PAUS) abnormalities in LUS in the RA population and their possible correlation to biomarkers; (ii) the predictivity of gender, smoking habits, previous infections (past COVID-19 tuberculosis), and treatments; (iii) the differences in LUS between sexes. Methods: We collected the data of 155 (15 early and 140 late) RA patients with mild respiratory symptoms, evaluating PLUS and PAUS, in fourteen lung areas and also summing the scores (LUS-T). Results: Only 13/155 (8.4%) were completely negative; LUS correlated to age (all parameters p 0.0001), rheumatoid factor IgM (PLUS p 0.0006, PAUS p 0.02, LUS-T p 0.001) and ACPA (p 0.001, 0.006, 0.001, respectively), and PLUS also correlated to IL6 (p 0.02). The male gender was predictive of all LUS evaluations (p 0.001, 0.05, 0.001, respectively), which were higher than in women (p 0.001, 0.01, 0.001, respectively). Other potential risk factors were independent, except biological treatments, which showed a low predictivity to PLUS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We can conclude that LUS is a useful technique in RA low respiratory symptoms and correlates with age, the most important RA biomarkers, and male sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandinelli
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Maurizio Benucci
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Ilenia Mallia
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mauro
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Nikita Pecani
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Li Gobbi
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.B.)
| | - Mariangela Manfredi
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (V.G.); (M.I.)
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Lari
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (V.G.); (M.I.)
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (V.G.); (M.I.)
| | - Maria Infantino
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy; (M.M.); (V.G.); (M.I.)
| | - Gianfranco Giannasi
- Emergency Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy;
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Hellamand P, van de Sande MGH, Ørnbjerg LM, Klausch T, Eklund KK, Relas H, Santos MJ, Vieira-Sousa E, Loft AG, Glintborg B, Østergaard M, Lindström U, Wallman JK, Michelsen B, Fagerli KM, Castrejón I, Gudbjornsson B, Love TJ, Vencovský J, Nekvindová L, Rotar Ž, Tomšič M, Díaz-González F, Kenar G, Tuğsal HY, Iannone F, Ramonda R, Codreanu C, Mogosan C, Nissen MJ, Möller B, Hetland ML, van der Horst-Bruinsma IE. Sex Differences in the Effectiveness of First-Line Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis: Results From the European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:587-598. [PMID: 37975166 DOI: 10.1002/art.42758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may have reduced tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) effectiveness compared to men. We examined sex differences in treatment response and retention rates during 24 months of follow-up among patients with PsA initiating their first TNFi. METHODS Data from patients with PsA across 13 European Spondyloarthritis Research Collaboration Network registries starting their first TNFi were pooled. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sex and treatment response using low disease activity (LDA) according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level (DAS28-CRP) (<3.2) at six months as the primary outcome. Analyses were adjusted for age, country, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatment, and TNFi start year. Retention rates were explored using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS We analyzed the treatment response of 7,679 patients with PsA (50% women) with available data on LDA at six months. At baseline, women and men had similar characteristics, including mean DAS28-CRP (women vs men, 4.4 [SD 1.2] vs 4.2 [SD 1.2]), though patient-reported outcome measures were worse in women. At six months, 64% of women and 78% of men had LDA (relative risk [RR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.84). This difference was similar after adjustment (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.81-0.85). TNFi retention rates were evaluated in 17,842 patients with PsA. Women had significantly lower retention rates than men at all time points (women 79%, 64%, and 50% vs men 88%, 77%, and 64% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). CONCLUSION Despite comparable disease characteristics at baseline, women with PsA have reduced treatment response and retention rates to their first TNFi, highlighting the need to consider sex differences in PsA research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasoon Hellamand
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lykke M Ørnbjerg
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Thomas Klausch
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kari K Eklund
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Relas
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Bente Glintborg
- DANBIO and Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulf Lindström
- Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Brigitte Michelsen
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo and Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | | | - Bjorn Gudbjornsson
- Landspitali University Hospital and University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorvardur J Love
- Landspitali University Hospital and University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jiří Vencovský
- Institute of Rheumatology and Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Žiga Rotar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana and University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Tomšič
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Gökçe Kenar
- Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Burkhard Möller
- Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Merete L Hetland
- DANBIO and Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Xuan Y, Zhang X, Wu H. Impact of sex differences on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Immunology 2024; 171:513-524. [PMID: 38156505 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome is a common chronic autoimmune disease that manifests as dry mouth, dry eyes and systemic complications. There are sex differences in the clinical manifestations between men and women, with the average age of onset being around 55 years and the majority of female patients developing the disease during the menopausal years. Understanding the impact of sex differences on SS may help in the treatment and prognosis of patients. Studies have confirmed that a number of factors are associated with the onset of SS, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Sex hormones (especially oestrogens and androgens) play a very important role, and the balance of sex hormone levels in the body is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the acinar cells of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In addition, chromosomes play a very important role in the sex differences in SS. The gut microbiota also has some influence on sex differences in SS. In this review, we focus on oestrogens and androgens, which are important in the pathogenesis of SS, and summarize the progress of non-clinical studies. Sex differences may influence differences in individualized treatment regimens and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Xuan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Huaxun Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Infammatory and lmmune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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16
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Marchand T, Lamy T. The complex relationship between large granular lymphocyte leukemia and rheumatic disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:291-303. [PMID: 38105745 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2292758] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by an expansion of clonal T or NK lymphocytes. Neutropenia-related infections represent the main clinical manifestation. Even if the disease follows an indolent course, most patients will ultimately need treatment in their lifetime. Interestingly, LGL leukemia is characterized by a high frequency of autoimmune disorders with rheumatoid arthritis being the most frequent. AREAS COVERED This review covers the pathophysiology, clinic-biological features and the advances made in the treatment of LGL leukemia. A special focus will be made on the similarities in the pathophysiology of LGL leukemia and the frequently associated rheumatic disorders. EXPERT OPINION Recent advances in the phenotypic and molecular characterization of LGL clones have uncovered the key role of JAK-STAT signaling in the pathophysiology linking leukemic cells expansion and autoimmunity. The description of the molecular landscape of T- and NK-LGL leukemia and the improved understanding of the associated rheumatic disorders open the way to the development of new targeted therapies effective on both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Marchand
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
- Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France
- UMR 1236, Université Rennes, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Thierry Lamy
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
- Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France
- UMR 1236, Université Rennes, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang Bretagne, Rennes, France
- CIC 1414, Rennes, France
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17
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Yuan X, Tan Y, Bajinka O, Jammeh ML, Dukureh A, Obiegbusi CN, Abdelhalim KA, Mohanad M. The connection between epigenetics and gut microbiota-current perspective. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3941. [PMID: 38379252 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Both the epigenetic changes and gut microbiota (GM) have attracted a growing interest in establishing effective diagnostics and potential therapeutic strategies for a number of diseases. These disorders include metabolic, central nervous system-related diseases, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal infections (GI). Despite the number of studies, there is no extensive review that connects the epigenetics modifications and GM as biomarkers that could confer effective diagnostics and confer treatment options. To this end, this review hopes to give detailed information on connecting the modifications in epigenetic and GM. An updated and detailed information on the connection between the epigenetics factors and GM that influence diseases are given. In addition, the review showed some associations between the epigenetics to the maternal GM and offspring health. Finally, the limitations of the concept and prospects into this new emerging discipline were also looked into. Although this review elucidated on the maternal diet and response to offspring health with respect to GM and epigenetic modifications, there still exist various limitations to this newly emerging discipline. In addition to integrating complementary multi-omics data, longitudinal sampling will aid with the identification of functional mechanisms that may serve as therapeutic targets. To this end, this review gave a detailed perspective into harnessing disease diagnostics, prevention and treatment options through epigenetics and GM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yurong Tan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University Changsha, Changsha, China
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Bajinka
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University Changsha, Changsha, China
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Modou L Jammeh
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Abubakarr Dukureh
- Department of Medical Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chidera N Obiegbusi
- Department of Medical Science, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Khalid A Abdelhalim
- Industrial Research and Development, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Mahmoud Mohanad
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University Changsha, Changsha, China
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Andreoli L, Guadagni I, Picarelli G, Principi M. Comprehensive reproductive healthcare for women with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: Addressing rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease through life's stages. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103507. [PMID: 38142899 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103507] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Immuno-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease are characterised by pathophysiological mechanisms wherein the immune system erroneously targets the body's own tissues. This review explores the heightened vulnerability of women with IMIDs, influenced by hormonal modulators like estrogen and progesterone. The challenges this poses are multifaceted, encompassing the impact of active disease and medical treatments throughout life stages, including family planning, fertility, and menopause. From the perspectives of rheumatologists and gastroenterologists, we review current management strategies and underscore the need for a multidisciplinary and life-cycle approach to healthcare for women with IMIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreoli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Emergency and Organ Transplantation Department, Section of Gastroenterology, AOU Policlinico, Bari, Italy
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19
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Liu Y, Wu M, Ren Y, Feng J, Shi W, Kang H, Tian J, He Y. Evaluation of Dry Eye Severity and Ocular Surface Inflammation in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38363334 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2024.2315196] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate dry eye severity and ocular surface inflammation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). METHODS Seventy-nine patients with ARDs were enrolled, including 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 33 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 20 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). All patients underwent ocular surface evaluations, including ocular surface symptoms, signs, conjunctival impression cytology, and tear multicytokine detection. Systemic conditions, including disease duration, disease activity, and serological parameters, were also noted. RESULTS SLE patients had the shortest disease duration, and nearly half of them had low disease activity, while RA patients and pSS patients had a relatively long disease duration, and approximately 90% of them had moderate or high disease activity. The incidence of dry eye and the levels of the proinflammatory tear cytokines in SLE were significantly lower than those in RA and pSS. However, ocular surface squamous metaplasia was more severe in SLE and pSS than in RA. Dry eye severity in all ARD patients was shown to be independent of disease activity, while Nelson's grades were positively correlated with disease duration in RA patients. Disease-related serological parameters were associated with tear proinflammatory cytokines in all ARD patients. CONCLUSIONS Variable degrees of dry eye and immune-mediated ocular surface inflammation persist in different ARD patients. In addition to a well-known association between dry eye and pSS, dry eye is also commonly observed in SLE and RA patients. Therefore, there is a definite need for regular ophthalmologic evaluations and topical medications in all patients with ARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Liu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmic and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Mengbo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuerong Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianing Feng
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Northwest University Affiliated People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huanmin Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan He
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmic and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
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20
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Sakkas LI, Chikanza IC. Sex bias in immune response: it is time to include the sex variable in studies of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:203-209. [PMID: 37716925 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05446-8] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Healthy females and males differ in their immune cell composition and function and females generally mount stronger immune response than males and are much more susceptible to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Females differ from males in sex hormones, and X-chromosome genes. Sex hormones affect immune cells and responses, and may induce epigenetic DNA changes. The importance of X-chromosome genes is exemplified in men with the Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) who have an additional X-chromosome and develop systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) as frequently as women. X-chromosome contains genes critical for the immune response, such as FOXP3, toll-like receptor(TLR)7, TLR8, CD40 Ligand, IL2RG, IL9R, BTK, and others. Whereas one X-chromosome in females is randomly inactivated early in embryonic development, around 25% of X-linked genes escape inactivation and result in more X-linked gene dosage in females. We use two key female-biased autoimmune rheumatic diseases, SLE and systemic sclerosis, to review differences in immune response, and clinical manifestations between females and males. The inclusion of sex variable in research will facilitate precision medicine and optimal patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaros I Sakkas
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
- Division of Rheumatology, IASO Thessalias General Hospital, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Ian C Chikanza
- Professor in Rheumatology and Immunology, Paediatrics Department, Catholic University, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Arthritis and Hypermobility Centre, Harley Street Clinic, London, UK
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21
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Bandinelli F, Martinelli-Consumi B, Manetti M, Vallecoccia MS. Sex Bias in Diagnostic Delay: Are Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Still Phantom Diseases in Women? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2024; 14:91. [PMID: 38248792 PMCID: PMC10817445 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010091] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic delay (DD) is associated with poor radiological and quality of life outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The female (F) population is often misdiagnosed, as classification criteria were previously studied mostly in males (M). We conducted a systematic review to investigate (i) the difference in DD between the sexes, the impact of HLA*B27 and clinical and social factors (work and education) on this gap, and (ii) the possible influence of the year of publication (before and after the 2009 ASAS classification criteria), geographical region (Europe and Israel vs. extra-European countries), sample sources (mono-center vs. multi-center studies), and world bank (WB) economic class on DD in both sexes. We searched, in PubMed and Embase, studies that reported the mean or median DD or the statistical difference in DD between sexes, adding a manual search. Starting from 399 publications, we selected 26 studies (17 from PubMed and Embase, 9 from manual search) that were successively evaluated with the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (m-NOS). The mean DD of 16 high-quality (m-NOS > 4/8) studies, pooled with random-effects meta-analysis, produces results higher in F (1.48, 95% CI 0.83-2.14, p < 0.0001) but with significant results at the second analysis only in articles published before the 2009 ASAS classification criteria (0.95, 95% CI 0.05-1.85, p < 0.0001) and in extra-European countries (3.16, 95% CI 2.11-4.22, p < 0.05). With limited evidence, some studies suggest that DD in F might be positively influenced by HLA*B27 positivity, peripheral involvement, and social factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandinelli
- Rheumatology Department, Usl Tuscany Center, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, 50143 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Maria Sole Vallecoccia
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, 50122 Florence, Italy;
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22
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Peng C, Jiang X, Jaeger M, van Houten P, van Herwaarden AE, Koeken VACM, Moorlag SJCFM, Mourits VP, Lemmers H, Dijkstra H, Koenen HJPM, Joosten I, van Cranenbroek B, Li Y, Joosten LAB, Netea MG, Netea-Maier RT, Xu CJ. 11-deoxycortisol positively correlates with T cell immune traits in physiological conditions. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104935. [PMID: 38134621 PMCID: PMC10776925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104935] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous steroid hormones have significant effects on inflammatory and immune processes, but the immunological activities of steroidogenesis precursors remain largely unexplored. METHODS We conducted a systematic approach to examine the association between steroid hormones profile and immune traits in a cohort of 534 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of steroid hormones and their precursors (cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, 11-deoxycortisol and 17-OH progesterone) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Immune traits were evaluated by quantifying cellular composition of the circulating immune system and ex vivo cytokine responses elicited by major human pathogens and microbial ligands. An independent cohort of 321 individuals was used for validation, followed by in vitro validation experiments. FINDINGS We observed a positive association between 11-deoxycortisol and lymphoid cellular subsets numbers and function (especially IL-17 response). The association with lymphoid cellularity was validated in an independent validation cohort. In vitro experiments showed that, as compared to androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol promoted T cell proliferation and Candida-induced Th17 polarization at physiologically relevant concentrations. Functionally, 11-deoxycortisol-treated T cells displayed a more activated phenotype (PD-L1high CD25high CD62Llow CD127low) in response to CD3/CD28 co-stimulation, and downregulated expression of T-bet nuclear transcription factor. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest a positive association between 11-deoxycortisol and T-cell function under physiological conditions. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential mechanisms and clinical implications. FUNDING Found in acknowledgements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Peng
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Xun Jiang
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Jaeger
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pepijn van Houten
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Valerie A C M Koeken
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Research Centre Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Science, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Simone J C F M Moorlag
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vera P Mourits
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Lemmers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Helga Dijkstra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans J P M Koenen
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Irma Joosten
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bram van Cranenbroek
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yang Li
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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23
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Nasonov EL. [Autoimmunity in rheumatology: A review]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 95:1056-1063. [PMID: 38158939 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.12.202501] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmunity and autoinflammation, co-potentiating pathological processes, are considered within the "immune-inflammatory" continuum (continuity with a variety of elements), reflecting the close relationship between the innate and acquired immune responses. Autoimmunity is the leading pathogenetic mechanism for a specific type of human chronic inflammatory disorders - autoimmune diseases, affecting more than 10% of people in the general population. Advances in molecular biology, pharmacogenetics, and bioinformatics provided the background for individualizing therapy for systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases within personalized medicine. Studying the immunopathogenesis mechanisms, improving diagnostics, interpreting the molecular taxonomy, and developing approaches to the prevention and personalized therapy of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases are the priority issues of modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Nasonov
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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24
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Yuan G, Yang M, Xie J, Xu K, Zhang F. No evidence of genetic causal association between sex hormone-related traits and systemic lupus erythematosus: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3237-3249. [PMID: 37495778 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06700-x] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated an association between sex hormone-related traits and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, because of the difficulties in determining sequential temporality, the causal association remains elusive. In this study, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the genetic causal associations between sex hormone-related traits and SLE. METHODS We used a two-sample MR to explore the causal association between sex hormone-related traits and SLE. The summarized data for sex hormone-related traits (including testosterone, estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and bioavailable testosterone (BT)) originated from large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of European descent. Aggregated data for SLE were derived from the FinnGen consortium (835 cases and 300,162 controls). Random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and fixed-effects IVW methods were used for the MR analysis. Random-effects IVW was the primary method used to analyze the genetic causal association between sex hormone-related traits and SLE. Heterogeneity of the MR results was detected using the IVW Cochran's Q estimates. The pleiotropy of MR results was detected using MR-Egger regression and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. Finally, leave-one-out analysis was performed to determine whether MR results were affected by a single single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS Random-effects IVW as the primary method showed that testosterone (odds ratio (OR), 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-1.82; P = 0.705), E2 (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.73-1.23; P = 0.693), SHBG (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.74-2.13; P = 0.400), and BT (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.67-1.47; P = 0.959) had no potential causal association with SLE. The MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and fixed-effects IVW methods all indicated consistent results. The results of the MR-Egger regression showed that there was no pleiotropy in our MR analysis (P > 0.05). The IVW Cochran's Q estimates showed that the MR analysis results of E2, SHBG, and BT on SLE had no heterogeneity (P > 0.05), but testosterone and SLE had heterogeneity (P < 0.05). The leave-one-out analysis confirmed that a single SNP did not affect the MR results. CONCLUSIONS Our MR analysis demonstrated that genetically predicted testosterone, E2, SHBG, and BT levels were not associated with SLE risk, but the roles of other non-genetic pathways cannot be ruled out. Key Points • This is the first MR study to explore the causal association of sex hormone-related traits with SLE. • No evidence to support causal associations between sex hormone-related traits and SLE. • Our MR analysis may provide novel insights into the causal association between sex hormone-related traits and SLE risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolian Yuan
- Scientific Research and Experiment Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingyi Yang
- Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiale Xie
- Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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25
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe multisystem autoimmune disease that can cause injury in almost every body system. While considered a classic example of autoimmunity, it is still relatively poorly understood. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents is challenging, as many agents are relatively non-specific, and the underlying disease is characterized by unpredictable flares and remissions. This State of The Art Review provides a comprehensive current summary of systemic lupus erythematosus based on recent literature. In basic and translational science, this summary includes the current state of genetics, epigenetics, differences by ancestry, and updates about the molecular and immunological pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. In clinical science, the summary includes updates in diagnosis and classification, clinical features and subphenotypes, and current guidelines and strategies for treatment. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of the large number of recent clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus. Current knowns and unknowns are presented, and potential directions for the future are suggested. Improved knowledge of immunological pathogenesis and the molecular differences that exist between patients should help to personalize treatment, minimize side effects, and achieve better outcomes in this difficult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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26
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Irwin MR, Straub RH, Smith MT. Heat of the night: sleep disturbance activates inflammatory mechanisms and induces pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:545-559. [PMID: 37488298 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Sleep has a homeostatic role in the regulation of the immune system and serves to constrain activation of inflammatory signalling and expression of cellular inflammation. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a misaligned inflammatory profile induces a dysregulation of sleep-wake activity, which leads to excessive inflammation and the induction of increased sensitivity to pain. Given that multiple biological mechanisms contribute to sleep disturbances (such as insomnia), and that the central nervous system communicates with the innate immune system via neuroendocrine and neural effector pathways, potential exists to develop prevention opportunities to mitigate the risk of insomnia in RA. Furthermore, understanding these risk mechanisms might inform additional insomnia treatment strategies directed towards steering and reducing the magnitude of the inflammatory response, which together could influence outcomes of pain and disease activity in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Rainer H Straub
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael T Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Palomba S, Colombo C, Busnelli A, Caserta D, Vitale G. Polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disorder: a comprehensive narrative review of the literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1251866. [PMID: 37635968 PMCID: PMC10453810 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1251866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Published data on the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid dysfunction are sparse and confusing. Objective To comprehensively review data available in the literature regarding the relationship between PCOS and the thyroid function, and its abnormalities. Methods Nine main areas of interest were identified and analyzed according to the available evidence: 1) Evaluation of thyroid function for PCOS diagnosis; 2) Epidemiology data on thyroid function/disorders in patients with PCOS, and vice versa; 3) Experimental data supporting the relationship between thyroid function/disorders and PCOS; 4) Effects of thyroid function/disorders on PCOS features, and vice versa; 5) Effect of thyroid alterations on the cardiometabolic risk in women with PCOS; 6) Effect of thyroid abnormalities on reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS; 7) Relationship between thyroid function/abnormalities in patients with PCOS who are undergoing fertility treatment; 8) Effect of treatments for thyroid diseases on PCOS; and 9) Effect of treatments for PCOS on thyroid function. An extensive literature search for specific keywords was performed for articles published from 1970 to March 2023 using PubMed and Web of Science. Data were reported in a narrative fashion. Results PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion for which diagnosis is possible only after excluding disorders that mimic the PCOS phenotype, including thyroid dysfunctions. However, the tests and the cutoff values used for this are not specified. Many experimental and clinical data suggest a relationship between perturbations of the thyroid function and PCOS. Direct and unequivocal evidence on the effects of thyroid function/disorders on PCOS features are lacking. High thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and subclinical hypothyroidism may be associated with significant worsening of several intermediate endpoints of cardiometabolic risk in women with PCOS. Thyroid abnormalities may worsen reproductive outcomes, especially in patients undergoing fertility treatment. To date, there are no data demonstrating the efficacy of thyroid medications on fertility and cardiometabolic risk in women with PCOS. Lifestyle modification changes, metformin, and vitamin D seem to improve thyroid function in the general population. Conclusion PCOS and thyroid disorders are closely related, and their coexistence may identify patients with a higher reproductive and metabolic risk. Regular screening for thyroid function and thyroid-specific autoantibodies in women with PCOS, particularly before and during pregnancy, is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Division of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University “Sapienza” of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Division of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University “Sapienza” of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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28
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Ghaseminejad-Raeini A, Ghaderi A, Sharafi A, Nematollahi-Sani B, Moossavi M, Derakhshani A, Sarab GA. Immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D in various immune-related disorders: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:950465. [PMID: 37520529 PMCID: PMC10379649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.950465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years, vitamin D has been acknowledged for its role in maintaining calcium and phosphate balance. However, in recent years, research has assessed its immunomodulatory role and come up with conflicting conclusions. Because the vitamin D receptor is expressed in a variety of immune cell types, study into the precise role of this molecule in diseases, notably autoimmune disorders, has been made possible. The physiologically activated version of vitamin D also promotes a tolerogenic immunological condition in addition to modulating innate and acquired immune cell responses. According to a number of recent studies, this important micronutrient plays a complex role in numerous biochemical pathways in the immune system and disorders that are associated with them. Research in this field is still relatively new, and some studies claim that patients with severe autoimmune illnesses frequently have vitamin D deficiencies or insufficiencies. This review seeks to clarify the most recent research on vitamin D's immune system-related roles, including the pathophysiology of major disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Ghaderi
- Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Sharafi
- Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Moossavi
- Nanobiology and Nanomedicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Gholamreza Anani Sarab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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29
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Cutolo M, Gotelli E. Complex role of oestrogens in the risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis in menopause. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003176. [PMID: 37321667 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology-Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology-Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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30
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Kicińska AM, Maksym RB, Zabielska-Kaczorowska MA, Stachowska A, Babińska A. Immunological and Metabolic Causes of Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1567. [PMID: 37371662 PMCID: PMC10295970 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been recognized as a civilizational disease. One of the most common causes of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Closely interrelated immunometabolic mechanisms underlie the development of this complex syndrome and lead to infertility. The direct cause of infertility in PCOS is ovulation and implantation disorders caused by low-grade inflammation of ovarian tissue and endometrium which, in turn, result from immune and metabolic system disorders. The systemic immune response, in particular the inflammatory response, in conjunction with metabolic disorders, insulin resistance (IR), hyperadrenalism, insufficient secretion of progesterone, and oxidative stress lead not only to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmunity, and lipid metabolism disorders but also to infertility. Depending on the genetic and environmental conditions as well as certain cultural factors, some diseases may occur immediately, while others may become apparent years after an infertility diagnosis. Each of them alone can be a significant factor contributing to the development of PCOS and infertility. Further research will allow clinical management protocols to be established for PCOS patients experiencing infertility so that a targeted therapy approach can be applied to the factor underlying and driving the "vicious circle" alongside symptomatic treatment and ovulation stimulation. Hence, therapy of fertility for PCOS should be conducted by interdisciplinary teams of specialists as an in-depth understanding of the molecular relationships and clinical implications between the immunological and metabolic factors that trigger reproductive system disorders is necessary to restore the physiology and homeostasis of the body and, thus, fertility, among PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Maria Kicińska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
| | - Radoslaw B. Maksym
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Żelazna 90, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena A. Zabielska-Kaczorowska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aneta Stachowska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.A.Z.-K.)
| | - Anna Babińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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Cutolo M, Smith V, Paolino S, Gotelli E. Involvement of the secosteroid vitamin D in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and COVID-19. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:265-287. [PMID: 36977791 PMCID: PMC10043872 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence supporting the extra-skeletal role of vitamin D in modulating immune responses is centred on the effects of its final metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3, also known as calcitriol), which is regarded as a true steroid hormone. 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, can modulate the innate immune system in response to invading pathogens, downregulate inflammatory responses and support the adaptive arm of the immune system. Serum concentrations of its inactive precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3, also known as calcidiol) fluctuate seasonally (being lowest in winter) and correlate negatively with the activation of the immune system as well as with the incidence and severity of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Thus, a low serum concentration of 25(OH)D3 is considered to be a risk factor for autoimmune rheumatic diseases and vitamin D3 supplementation seems to improve the prognosis; moreover, long-term vitamin D3 supplementation seems to reduce their incidence (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis). In the setting of COVID-19, 1,25(OH)2D3 seems to downregulate the early viral phase (SARS-CoV-2 infection), by enhancing innate antiviral effector mechanisms, as well as the later cytokine-mediated hyperinflammatory phase. This Review provides an update of the latest scientific and clinical evidence concerning vitamin D and immune response in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and COVID-19, which justify the need for monitoring of serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations and for appropriate supplementation following clinical trial-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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Sun L, Wang Y, Bian F, Xu D, Zhao Y. Bioinspired optical and electrical dual-responsive heart-on-a-chip for hormone testing. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:938-945. [PMID: 37062651 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart-on-chips have emerged as a powerful tool to promote the paradigm innovation in cardiac pathological research and drug development. Attempts are focused on improving microphysiological visuals, enhancing bionic characteristics, as well as expanding their biomedical applications. Herein, inspired by the bright feathers of peacock, we present a novel optical and electrical dual-responsive heart-on-a-chip based on cardiomyocytes hybrid bright MXene structural color hydrogels for hormone toxicity evaluation. Such hydrogels with inverse opal nanostructure are generated by using pregel to replicate MXene-decorated colloidal photonic crystal (PhC) array templates. The attendant MXene in the hydrogels could not only enhance the saturation of structural color, but also ensure the composite hydrogel with excellent electroconductivity to facilitate the synergetic beating of their surface cultured cardiomyocytes. In this case, the hydrogels would undergo a synchronous deformation and generate shift in corresponding photonic band gap and structural color, which could be employed as visual signal for self-reporting of the cardiomyocyte mechanics. Based on these features, we demonstrated the practical value of the optical and electrical dual-responsive structural color MXene hydrogels constructed heart-on-a-chip in hormone toxicity testing. These results indicated that the proposed heart-on-a-chip might find broad prospects in drug screening, biological research, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Feika Bian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang 325001, China.
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Miller RAJ, Williams AP, Kovats S. Sex chromosome complement and sex steroid signaling underlie sex differences in immunity to respiratory virus infection. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1150282. [PMID: 37063266 PMCID: PMC10097973 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1150282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have revealed sex differences in the incidence and morbidity of respiratory virus infection in the human population, and often these observations are correlated with sex differences in the quality or magnitude of the immune response. Sex differences in immunity and morbidity also are observed in animal models of respiratory virus infection, suggesting differential dominance of specific immune mechanisms. Emerging research shows intrinsic sex differences in immune cell transcriptomes, epigenomes, and proteomes that may regulate human immunity when challenged by viral infection. Here, we highlight recent research into the role(s) of sex steroids and X chromosome complement in immune cells and describe how these findings provide insight into immunity during respiratory virus infection. We focus on the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells by receptors for androgen and estrogens, as well as genes with a propensity to escape X chromosome inactivation. A deeper mechanistic knowledge of these pathways will help us to understand the often significant sex differences in immunity to endemic or pandemic respiratory pathogens such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses and pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reegan A. J. Miller
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Abigael P. Williams
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Pyropia yezoensis-derived porphyran attenuates acute and chronic colitis by suppressing dendritic cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123148. [PMID: 36639074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Porphyran is known to inhibit immune cell function. Previously, porphyran was shown to prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in mice. However, studies on the inhibitory effects of porphyran during colitis are currently lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Pyropia yezoensis-derived porphyran on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute and chronic colitis. The oral or intraperitoneal administration of porphyran inhibited the progression of DSS-induced colitis in mice, with the former also preventing immune cell infiltration in the colon. The levels of intracellular interferon-γ and interleukin-17 in T cells decreased when porphyran was administered orally. Porphyran inhibited T cell activation by suppressing dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Porphyran prevented pathogen-associated molecular pattern and damage-associated molecular pattern-dependent DC and macrophage activation. Finally, porphyran attenuated chronic colitis caused via the long-term administration of DSS. These findings indicate that the oral administration of porphyran can inhibit DSS-induced colitis by suppressing DC and macrophage activation.
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Andreoli L, Chighizola CB, Iaccarino L, Botta A, Gerosa M, Ramoni V, Tani C, Bermas B, Brucato A, Buyon J, Cetin I, Chambers CD, Clowse MEB, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Cutolo M, De Carolis S, Dolhain R, Fazzi EM, Förger F, Giles I, Haase I, Khamashta M, Levy RA, Meroni PL, Mosca M, Nelson-Piercy C, Raio L, Salmon J, Villiger P, Wahren-Herlenius M, Wallenius M, Zanardini C, Shoenfeld Y, Tincani A. Immunology of pregnancy and reproductive health in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Update from the 11 th International Conference on Reproduction, Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103259. [PMID: 36549355 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) can affect women and men during fertile age, therefore reproductive health is a priority issue in rheumatology. Many topics need to be considered during preconception counselling: fertility, the impact of disease-related factors on pregnancy outcomes, the influence of pregnancy on disease activity, the compatibility of medications with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Risk stratification and individualized treatment approach elaborated by a multidisciplinary team minimize the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Research has been focused on identifying biomarkers that can be predictive of APO. Specifically, preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy tend to develop more frequently in women with ARD. Placental insufficiency can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and small-for-gestational age newborns. Such APO have been shown to be associated with maternal disease activity in different ARD. Therefore, a key message to be addressed to the woman wishing for a pregnancy and to her family is that treatment with compatible drugs is the best way to ensure maternal and fetal wellbeing. An increasing number of medications have entered the management of ARD, but data about their use in pregnancy and lactation are scarce. More information is needed for most biologic drugs and their biosimilars, and for the so-called small molecules, while there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of TNF inhibitors if needed for keeping maternal disease under control. Other issues related to the reproductive journey have emerged as "unmet needs", such as sexual dysfunction, contraception, medically assisted reproduction techniques, long-term outcome of children, and they will be addressed in this review paper. Collaborative research has been instrumental to reach current knowledge and the future will bring novel insights thanks to pregnancy registries and prospective studies that have been established in several Countries and to their joint efforts in merging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia B Chighizola
- Paediatric Rheumatology Unit, ASST G. Pini & CTO, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Botta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Véronique Ramoni
- Medicina Generale Lodi, ASST Lodi-Ospedale Maggiore, Lodi, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Brucato
- Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jill Buyon
- Division of Rheumatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Woman, Mother and Child, Luigi Sacco and Vittore Buzzi Children Hospitals, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Christina D Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan E B Clowse
- Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau
- Internal Medicine Department, Cochin Hospital, Referral center for rare autoimmune and systemic diseases, Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal M edicine, University of Genoa, IRCSS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara De Carolis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Radboud Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa M Fazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Frauke Förger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital (Inselspitaland University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ian Giles
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, Department of rheumatology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Isabell Haase
- Department for Rheumatology and Hiller Research Institute, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Women & Children's Health, King's College, London, UK; GlaxoSmithKline Global Medical Expert, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roger A Levy
- Universidade do Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; GlaxoSmithKline Global Medical Expert, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Raio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital (Inselspitaland University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jane Salmon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Villiger
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center Monbijou, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie Wahren-Herlenius
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Wallenius
- National Advisory Unit on Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, University Hospital and Institute of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Cristina Zanardini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Mathias K, Mathias L, Amarnani A, Samko T, Lahita RG, Panush RS. Challenges of caring for transgender and gender diverse patients with rheumatic disease: presentation of seven patients and review of the literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:117-127. [PMID: 35797514 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As perspectives on sex and gender identity have evolved, there has been an increase in the practice of transgender medicine. Within rheumatology, however, there is a dearth of information about rheumatic disease in transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) individuals. This is important, as sex hormones affect the etiopathogenesis and expression of autoimmune diseases. We therefore sought to identify TGGD patients with rheumatic disease, review their clinical courses, and appraise existing literature about this population. RECENT FINDINGS Of 1053 patients seen at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center from 2019 through 2021, five transgender men and two transgender women with rheumatic disease were identified. Most patients' disease courses were not overtly impacted by gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Six of seven patients had psychosocial barriers to care. Our systematic review found 11 studies with 11 transgender women and two transgender men. In 12 of 13 patients, GAHT possibly modulated the patients' rheumatic disease. SUMMARY Our observations suggest GAHT need not be a strict contraindication in TGGD patients with rheumatic disease. TGGD patients often face significant psychosocial barriers. Additional information about this population and empathy toward their health disparities are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Mathias
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lauren Mathias
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, PIH Health, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abhimanyu Amarnani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Tracey Samko
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert G Lahita
- Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease, St. Joseph's Health, Patterson, New Jersey
| | - Richard S Panush
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Gravallese
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston (E.M.G.); and the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla (G.S.F.)
| | - Gary S Firestein
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston (E.M.G.); and the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla (G.S.F.)
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Fir(e)ing the Rhythm. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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Lennard Richard ML, Wirth JR, Khatiwada A, Chung D, Gilkeson GS, Cunningham MA. Conditional knockout of oestrogen receptor alpha in CD11c + cells impacts female survival and inflammatory cytokine profile in murine lupus. Immunology 2022; 167:354-367. [PMID: 35778961 PMCID: PMC9562028 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oestrogen and oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) have been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. ERα signalling influences dendritic cell (DC) development and function, as well as inflammation and downstream immune responses. We previously reported that ERα modulates multiple Toll-like receptor-stimulated pathways in both conventional and plasmacytoid DCs in lupus-prone mice. For example, CD11chi MHCII+ cell numbers are reduced in mice with global ERα deficiency or when expressing a short variant of ERα. Herein, RNA-seq analysis of CD11chi cells from bone marrow of NZM2410 mice expressing WT ERα versus ERα short versus ERα null revealed differentially expressed complement genes, interferon-related genes and cytokine signalling (e.g., IL-17 and Th17 pathways). To better understand the role of ERα in CD11c+ cells, lupus prone NZM2410 mice with selective deletion of the Esr1 gene in CD11c+ cells were generated. Phenotype and survival of these mice were similar with the exception of Cre positive (CrePos) female mice. CrePos females, but not males, all died unexpectedly prior to 35 weeks. DC subsets were not significantly different between groups. Since ERα is necessary for robust development of DCs, this result suggests that DC fate was determined prior to CD11c expression and subsequent ERα deletion (i.e., proximally in DC ontogeny). Overall, findings point to a clear functional role for ERα in regulating cytokine signalling and inflammation, suggesting that further study into ERα-mediated regulatory mechanisms in DCs and other immune cell types is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara L. Lennard Richard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jena R. Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Aastha Khatiwada
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Gary S. Gilkeson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Medical Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
| | - Melissa A. Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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He J, Ma C, Tang D, Zhong S, Yuan X, Zheng F, Zeng Z, Chen Y, Liu D, Hong X, Dai W, Yin L, Dai Y. Absolute quantification and characterization of oxylipins in lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964901. [PMID: 36275708 PMCID: PMC9582137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with multi-organ inflammation and defect, which is linked to many molecule mediators. Oxylipins as a class of lipid mediator have not been broadly investigated in SLE. Here, we applied targeted mass spectrometry analysis to screen the alteration of oxylipins in serum of 98 SLE patients and 106 healthy controls. The correlation of oxylipins to lupus nephritis (LN) and SLE disease activity, and the biomarkers for SLE classification, were analyzed. Among 128 oxylipins analyzed, 92 were absolutely quantified and 26 were significantly changed. They were mainly generated from the metabolism of several polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA), linoleic acid (LA), docosahexanoic acid (DHA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA). Several oxylipins, especially those produced from AA, showed different abundance between patients with and without lupus nephritis (LN). The DGLA metabolic activity and DGLA generated PGE1, were significantly associated with SLE disease activity. Random forest-based machine learning identified a 5-oxylipin combination as potential biomarker for SLE classification with high accuracy. Seven individual oxylipin biomarkers were also identified with good performance in distinguishing SLE patients from healthy controls (individual AUC > 0.7). Interestingly, the biomarkers for differentiating SLE patients from healthy controls are distinct from the oxylipins differentially expressed in LN patients vs. non-LN patients. This study provides possibilities for the understanding of SLE characteristics and the development of new tools for SLE classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingquan He
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chiyu Ma
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donge Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaoyun Zhong
- Biotree Metabolomics Research Center, Biotree, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Yuan
- Biotree Metabolomics Research Center, Biotree, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengping Zheng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongzhou Liu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoping Hong
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weier Dai
- College of Natural Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lianghong Yin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Dai,
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Wen P, Ma T, Zhang B, Hao L, Wang Y, Guo J, Song W, Wang J, Zhang Y. Identifying hub circadian rhythm biomarkers and immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1004883. [PMID: 36238290 PMCID: PMC9550876 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1004883] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with symptoms characterized by typical circadian rhythmic changes. This study aimed to identify the hub circadian rhythm genes (CRGs) in RA and explore their association with immune cell infiltration and pathogenesis of RA.MethodsThe differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) between RA and normal control samples were screened from Datasets GSE12021 and GSE55235. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were used to explore the potential functional mechanisms of DECRGs in RA. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis were performed to identify hub CRGs of RA. CIBERSORT was conducted to compare the infiltration level of immune cells in RA and control synovial tissue and their relationship with hub genes. In addition, the diagnostic value of hub biomarkers was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. Further, a nomogram prediction model was constructed and its significance for clinical decision-making was evaluated.ResultsThe green module was identified as the hub module associated with RA. Four hub CRGs (EGR1, FOSL2, GADD45B, and NFIL3) were identified and showed that they had the highest specificity and sensitivity for RA diagnosis, respectively. The expression levels and diagnostic values of these genes were externally validated in the dataset GSE55457. A nomogram prediction model based on the four hub CRGs was constructed and proved to have a certain clinical decision value. Additionally, the correlation analysis of immune cells with hub genes showed that all hub genes were significantly positively correlated with activated mast cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, and monocytes. Whereas, all hub genes were negatively correlated with plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, and activated memory CD4+ T cells. Meanwhile, FOSL2 and GADD45B were negatively correlated with Tfh cells.ConclusionFour hub CRGs were identified and showed excellent diagnostic value for RA. These genes may be involved in the pathological process of RA by disrupting the rhythmic oscillations of cytokines through immune-related pathways and could be considered molecular targets for future chronotherapy against RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jun Wang
- *Correspondence: Yumin Zhang, ; Jun Wang,
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García JCC. Rheumatoid arthritis in a transman: A new case. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 57:152093. [PMID: 36108530 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152093] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
It concerns a transman with a mastectomy, hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy and in monthly treatment with testosterone, who shows a rheumatoid arthritis now in remission with low weekly doses of methotrexate orally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Cobeta García
- Unidad de Reumatología, Hospital Ernest Lluch Martín, Carretera de Sagunto-Burgos s/n. 50300, Calatayud, Zaragoza, Spain.
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43
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Kim JW, Kim HA, Suh CH, Jung JY. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906475. [PMID: 36035435 PMCID: PMC9402996 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women more frequently than men, similar to the female predilection for other autoimmune diseases. Moreover, male patients with SLE exhibit different clinical features than female patients. Sex-associated differences in SLE required special considerations for disease management such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sex hormones, namely, estrogen and testosterone, are known to affect immune responses and autoimmunity. While estrogen and progesterone promote type I immune response, and testosterone enhances T-helper 1 response. Sex hormones also influence Toll-like receptor pathways, and estrogen receptor signaling is involved in the activation and tolerance of immune cells. Further, the clinical features of SLE vary according to hormonal changes in female patients. Alterations in sex hormones during pregnancy can alter the disease activity of SLE, which is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, HRT may change SLE status. Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of SLE; thus, understanding the occurrence and exacerbation of disease caused by sex hormones is necessary to improve its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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Raine C, Giles I. What is the impact of sex hormones on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis? Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:909879. [PMID: 35935802 PMCID: PMC9354962 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.909879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease and has a female predominance of around 3:1. The relationship between sex hormones and RA has been of great interest to researchers ever since Philip Hench's observations in the 1930's regarding spontaneous disease amelioration in pregnancy. Extensive basic scientific work has demonstrated the immunomodulatory actions of sex hormones but this therapeutic potential has not to date resulted in successful clinical trials in RA. Epidemiological data regarding both endogenous and exogenous hormonal factors are inconsistent, but declining estrogen and/or progesterone levels in the menopause and post-partum appear to increase the risk and severity of RA. This review assimilates basic scientific, epidemiological and clinical trial data to provide an overview of the current understanding of the relationship between sex hormones and RA, focusing on estrogen, progesterone and androgens.
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45
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Peckham H, Webb K, Rosser EC, Butler G, Ciurtin C. Gender-Diverse Inclusion in Immunological Research: Benefits to Science and Health. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:909789. [PMID: 35911383 PMCID: PMC9329564 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.909789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between male and female immune systems are an under-researched field, ripe for discovery. This is evidenced by the stark sex biases seen in autoimmunity and infectious disease. Both the sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone), as well as the sex chromosomes have been demonstrated to impact immune responses, in multiple ways. Historical shortcomings in reporting basic and clinical scientific findings in a sex-disaggregated manner have led not only to limited discovery of disease aetiology, but to potential inaccuracies in the estimation of the effects of diseases or interventions on females and gender-diverse groups. Here we propose not only that research subjects should include both cis-gender men and cis-gender women, but also transgender and gender-diverse people alongside them. The known interaction between the hormonal milieu and the sex chromosomes is inseparable in cis-gender human research, without the confounders of puberty and age. By inclusion of those pursuing hormonal affirmation of their gender identity- the individual and interactive investigation of hormones and chromosomes is permitted. Not only does this allow for a fine-tuned dissection of these individual effects, but it allows for discovery that is both pertinent and relevant to a far wider portion of the population. There is an unmet need for detailed treatment follow-up of the transgender community- little is known of the potential benefits and risks of hormonal supplementation on the immune system, nor indeed on many other health and disease outcomes. Our research team has pioneered the inclusion of gender-diverse persons in our basic research in adolescent autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We review here the many avenues that remain unexplored, and suggest ways in which other groups and teams can broaden their horizons and invest in a future for medicine that is both fruitful and inclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Webb
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, School of Child and Adolescent Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Crick African Network, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C. Rosser
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Butler
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University College London Hospital (UCLH) and Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London, United Kingdom
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
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FitzPatrick AM. Is Estrogen a Missing Culprit in Thyroid Eye Disease? Sex Steroid Hormone Homeostasis Is Key to Other Fibrogenic Autoimmune Diseases - Why Not This One? Front Immunol 2022; 13:898138. [PMID: 35784325 PMCID: PMC9248759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex bias in autoimmune disease (AID) prevalence is known, but the role of estrogen in disease progression is more complex. Estrogen can even be protective in some AIDs; but in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc), estrogen, its metabolites, and its receptors have been demonstrated to play critical, localized inflammatory roles. Estrogen is instrumental to the fibrosis seen in RA, SLE, SSc and other disease states, including breast cancer and uterine leiomyomas. Fibrotic diseases tend to share a common pattern in which lymphocyte-monocyte interactions generate cytokines which stimulate the deposition of fibrogenic connective tissue. RA, SLE, SSc and thyroid eye disease (TED) have very similar inflammatory and fibrotic patterns-from pathways to tissue type. The thorough investigations that demonstrated estrogen's role in the pathology of RA, SLE, and SSc could, and possibly should, be carried out in TED. One might even expect to find an even greater role for estrogen, and sex steroid homeostasis in TED, given that TED is typically sequalae to Graves' disease (GD), or Hashimoto's disease (HD), and these are endocrine disorders that can create considerable sex steroid hormone dysregulation. This paper highlights the pathophysiology similarities in 4 AIDs, examines the evidence of sex steroid mediated pathology across 3 AIDs and offers a case study and speculation on how this may be germane to TED.
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Jiwrajka N, Anguera MC. The X in seX-biased immunity and autoimmune rheumatic disease. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211487. [PMID: 35510951 PMCID: PMC9075790 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in the composition and function of the human immune system has important clinical implications, as males and females differ in their susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancers, and especially systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Both sex hormones and the X chromosome, which bears a number of immune-related genes, play critical roles in establishing the molecular basis for the observed sex differences in immune function and dysfunction. Here, we review our current understanding of sex differences in immune composition and function in health and disease, with a specific focus on the contribution of the X chromosome to the striking female bias of three autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jiwrajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Montserrat C. Anguera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Organokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116193. [PMID: 35682868 PMCID: PMC9180954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Organokines can produce beneficial or harmful effects in this condition. Among RA patients, organokines have been associated with increased inflammation and cartilage degradation due to augmented cytokines and metalloproteinases production, respectively. This study aimed to perform a review to investigate the role of adipokines, osteokines, myokines, and hepatokines on RA progression. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched, and 18 studies were selected, comprising more than 17,000 RA patients. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion were identified, and these could directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating RA, promoting articular alterations, and predicting the disease activity. In addition, organokines have been implicated in higher radiographic damage, immune dysregulation, and angiogenesis. These can also act as RA potent regulators of cells proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, controlling osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and fibroblasts as well as immune cells chemotaxis to RA sites. Although much is already known, much more is still unknown, principally about the roles of organokines in the occurrence of RA extra-articular manifestations.
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49
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Chen L, Yang M, Zhu W, Su Y, Li D, Wang T. Multi-Omics Analysis After Vaginal Administration of Bacteroides fragilis in Chickens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:846011. [PMID: 35250960 PMCID: PMC8888936 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.846011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive tract of chickens is an important organ for egg formation. The vagina is in close contact with the external environment, which may lead to the invasion of a variety of pathogenic bacteria, affect the internal and external quality of eggs, and even increase mortality and cause economic loss. In recent years, probiotics as a substitute for antibiotics have brought economic benefits in livestock and poultry production. In the present study, we investigated the effects of vaginal administration of Bacteroides fragilis on the cloacal microbiota, vaginal transcriptome and metabolomics of chickens and evaluated the beneficial potential of B. fragilis. The results showed that B. fragilis treatment could affect the microbial composition of the cloaca. Transcriptome analysis found that the immune-related genes CCN3, HAS2, and RICTOR were upregulated, that the inflammatory genes EDNRB, TOX, and NKX2-3 were downregulated, and that DEGs were also enriched in the regulation of the inflammatory response, cellular metabolism, and synaptic response pathways. In addition, the differential metabolites were mainly related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism, and we identified associations between specific differential metabolites and genes. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of B. fragilis as a potential probiotic in livestock and poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Maosen Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Su
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Diyan Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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50
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Harley ITW, Sawalha AH. Systemic lupus erythematosus as a genetic disease. Clin Immunol 2022; 236:108953. [PMID: 35149194 PMCID: PMC9167620 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.108953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototypical systemic autoimmune disease, as it is characterized both by protean multi-organ system manifestations and by the uniform presence of pathogenic autoantibodies directed against components of the nucleus. Prior to the modern genetic era, the diverse clinical manifestations of SLE suggested to many that SLE patients were unlikely to share a common genetic risk basis. However, modern genetic studies have revealed that SLE usually arises when an environmental exposure occurs in an individual with a collection of genetic risk variants passing a liability threshold. Here, we summarize the current state of the field aimed at: (1) understanding the genetic architecture of this complex disease, (2) synthesizing how this genetic risk architecture impacts cellular and molecular disease pathophysiology, (3) providing illustrative examples that highlight the rich complexity of the pathobiology of this prototypical autoimmune disease and (4) communicating this complex etiopathogenesis to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac T W Harley
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative (HI(3)), Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran's Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Medicine Service, Rheumatology Section, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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