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Zinellu A, Mangoni AA. The potential role of serum amyloid A as biomarker of rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:141. [PMID: 38951267 PMCID: PMC11217051 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01413-0] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The identification of novel, robust biomarkers for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases (RDs) and the presence of active disease might facilitate early treatment and the achievement of favourable long-term outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the acute phase reactant, serum amyloid A (SAA), in RD patients and healthy controls to appraise its potential as diagnostic biomarker. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 10 April 2024 for relevant studies. We evaluated the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024537418). In 32 studies selected for analysis, SAA concentrations were significantly higher in RD patients compared to controls (SMD = 1.61, 95% CI 1.24-1.98, p < 0.001) and in RD patients with active disease compared to those in remission (SMD = 2.17, 95% CI 1.21-3.13, p < 0.001). Summary receiving characteristics curve analysis showed a good diagnostic accuracy of SAA for the presence of RDs (area under the curve = 0.81, 95% CI 0.78-0.84). The effect size of the differences in SAA concentrations between RD patients and controls was significantly associated with sex, body mass index, type of RD, and study country. Pending the conduct of prospective studies in different types of RDs, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that SAA is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of RDs and active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Arduino A Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia.
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Manzo C, Castagna A, Veronese N, Isetta M. Presence of subclinical giant cell arteritis in patients with morning stiffness of duration less than 45 minutes at the time of diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. Reumatologia 2024; 61:432-438. [PMID: 38322103 PMCID: PMC10839912 DOI: 10.5114/reum/176860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In some patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis (GCA) is subclinical as underlying inflammation of large vessels (LV) is present without evidence of related clinical manifestations. Different factors have been proposed as predictive of subclinical GCA in PMR patients. To date, the literature reports scant data about the association between subclinical GCA and long-lasting morning stiffness (MS) in patients at the time of diagnosis of PMR. Given this background, the aim of this study was to assess the association between subclinical GCA and MS < 45 min in patients with newly diagnosed PMR. Material and methods We performed an observational, retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients consecutively referred to our public out-of-hospital rheumatologic clinic between January 2015 and December 2020, who could be classified as having PMR according to the 2012 EULAR/ACR criteria. Subclinical GCA was investigated through ultrasound examination of a core set of arteries (temporal, axillary, common carotid, and subclavian arteries), in accordance with the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in LV vasculitis. Patients who did not have GCA symptoms but showed halo sign in at least one of these arteries were described as having subclinical GCA. Results We included a total of 143 patients (35 men and 108 women). Their median age was of 71.5 years. Thirty-five had MS duration < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis. Subclinical GCA was found in 23 PMR patients (16.1%); 18 had a cranial and 5 an extracranial GCA. A univariate analysis highlighted that MS < 45 min was associated with a lower prevalence of GCA (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.29; p < 0.0001). This association was retained in a multivariable analysis that accounted for 6 different potential covariates (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.26; p < 0.0001. Conclusions In our study MS < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis was associated with a significantly lower risk of subclinical GCA, when patients were screened by ultrasound, of approximately 90%. Identification of a more accurate MS cut-off value could improve the accuracy for subclinical GCA in patients with newly diagnosed PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Manzo
- Rheumatologic Outpatient Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Napoli 3 sud, Sant' Agnello, Italy
| | - Alberto Castagna
- Department of Primary Care, Health District of Soverato, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Isetta
- Central and North West London NHS Trust, England
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3
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Carvajal Alegria G, Nicolas M, van Sleen Y. Biomarkers in the era of targeted therapy in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: is it possible to replace acute-phase reactants? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202160. [PMID: 37398679 PMCID: PMC10313393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) has become more important in the last few decades. Physicians are facing several challenges in managing the diagnosis, treatment, and relapses of GCA and PMR patients. The search for biomarkers could provide elements to guide a physician's decision. In this review, we aim to summarize the scientific publications about biomarkers in GCA and PMR in the past decade. The first point raised by this review is the number of clinical situations in which biomarkers could be useful: differential diagnosis of either GCA or PMR, diagnosis of underlying vasculitis in PMR, prediction of relapse or complications, disease activity monitoring, choice, and modification of treatments. The second point raised by this review is the large number of biomarkers studied, from common markers like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or elements of blood count to inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or immune cell subpopulations. Finally, this review underlines the heterogeneity between the studies and proposes points to consider in studies evaluating biomarkers in general and particularly in the case of GCA and PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal Alegria
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours, Tours Cedex, France
| | - Mathilde Nicolas
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours, Tours Cedex, France
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Reisch M, Dejaco C. [Methods for assessment of disease activity of polymyalgia rheumatica]. Z Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s00393-023-01358-x. [PMID: 37184675 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in old age. Remission and recurrence are frequently used as endpoints in clinical trials; however, there is as yet no international consensus on the definition of these states, which limits the comparability of published studies. The PMR activity score (PMR-AS) is the only composite score specifically developed for PMR, which together with remission is used to define low, middle and high disease activity. In recent studies the PMR-AS was often used and low disease activity was established as endpoint. The most important limitation of the PMR-AS is the potential influence of the individual variables by comorbidities. The value of C‑reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are of restricted value in studies using drugs that influence the interleukin 6 (IL-6) axis. In these cases, calprotectin and osteopontin are promising alternative biomarkers, as they have already been shown to reflect disease activity independently of CRP in rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, imaging modalities including sonography, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography could also be helpful in monitoring disease activity; however, these techniques must first be validated in further studies. The PMR impact scale (PMR-IS) is a composite score to assess the impact of PMR on the patients; however, it has not yet been used in clinical studies. The development of additional patient reported outcomes (PRO) for PMR and the definition of standardized criteria for documentation of remission and recurrence are important questions in the future research agenda for PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Reisch
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich.
- Rheumatologie, Krankenhaus Bruneck, Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb: Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, Spitalstr. 11, 39031, Bruneck (BZ), Italien.
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Reitsema RD, Jiemy WF, Wekema L, Boots AMH, Heeringa P, Huitema MG, Abdulahad WH, van Sleen Y, Sandovici M, Roozendaal C, Diepstra A, Kwee T, Dasgupta B, Brouwer E, van der Geest KSM. Contribution of pathogenic T helper 1 and 17 cells to bursitis and tenosynovitis in polymyalgia rheumatica. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943574. [PMID: 36032100 PMCID: PMC9402989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a very common rheumatic inflammatory disease, current insight into the pathobiology of PMR is limited and largely based on studies in blood. We investigated T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 17 (TH17) cell responses in blood, synovial fluid and bursa tissue of patients with PMR. Materials and methods Blood samples were collected from 18 patients with new-onset PMR and 32 healthy controls. Synovial fluid was aspirated from the inflamed shoulder bursae or biceps tendon sheath of 13 patients. Ultrasound-guided biopsies of the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa were obtained from 11 patients. T cells were examined by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Results Besides an increase of TH17 (CD4+IL-17+IFN-γ-) cells and T cytotoxic 17 (TC17; CD8+IL-17+IFN-γ-) cells, no other major changes were noted in the circulating T cell compartment of patients with PMR. Absolute numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were similar in blood and synovial fluid of patients with PMR. Synovial fluid T cells showed an effector-memory (CD45RO+CCR7-) phenotype. Percentages of TH1 (CD4+IFN-γ+IL-17-) cells and TH1/TH17 (CD4+IFN-γ+IL-17+) cells, but not TH17 or TC17 cells, were increased in the synovial fluid. Bursa tissue biopsies contained a small number of T cells, which were mostly CD8 negative. The majority of bursa tissue T cells produced IFN-γ but not IL-17. For comparison, B cells were scarcely detected in the bursa tissue. Conclusion Although the circulating TH17 cell pool is expanded in patients with PMR, our findings indicate that TH1 cells are involved in the inflammation of bursae and tendon sheaths in this condition. Our study points towards the TH1 cell pathway as a potential target for therapy in PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne D. Reitsema
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - William F. Jiemy
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lieske Wekema
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M. H. Boots
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Minke G. Huitema
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wayel H. Abdulahad
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Caroline Roozendaal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Diepstra
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kwee
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Southend University Hospital, Westcliff-on-Sea, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S. M. van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Kornelis S. M. van der Geest,
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Rizzo C, La Barbera L, Miceli G, Tuttolomondo A, Guggino G. The innate face of Giant Cell Arteritis: Insight into cellular and molecular innate immunity pathways to unravel new possible biomarkers of disease. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2:933161. [PMID: 39086970 PMCID: PMC11285707 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.933161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory chronic disease mainly occurring in elderly individuals. The pathogenesis of GCA is still far from being completely elucidated. However, in susceptible arteries, an aberrant immune system activation drives the occurrence of vascular remodeling which is mainly characterized by intimal hyperplasia and luminal obstruction. Vascular damage leads to ischemic manifestations involving extra-cranial branches of carotid arteries, mostly temporal arteries, and aorta. Classically, GCA was considered a pathological process resulting from the interaction between an unknown environmental trigger, such as an infectious agent, with local dendritic cells (DCs), activated CD4 T cells and effector macrophages. In the last years, the complexity of GCA has been underlined by robust evidence suggesting that several cell subsets belonging to the innate immunity can contribute to disease development and progression. Specifically, a role in driving tissue damage and adaptive immunity activation was described for dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes and macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils and wall components, such as endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this regard, molecular pathways related to cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, vasoactive molecules and reactive oxygen species may contribute to the inflammatory process underlying GCA. Altogether, innate cellular and molecular pathways may clarify many pathogenetic aspects of the disease, paving the way for the identification of new biomarkers and for the development of new treatment targets for GCA. This review aims to deeply dissect past and new evidence on the innate immunological disruption behind GCA providing a comprehensive description of disease development from the innate perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rheumatology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia La Barbera
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rheumatology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Miceli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Unit of Internal Medicine and Stroke Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Unit of Internal Medicine and Stroke Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Guggino
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rheumatology Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Bolhuis TE, Marsman D, van den Hoogen FHJ, Broeder AAD, Broeder ND, van der Maas A. (Dis)agreement of polymyalgia rheumatica relapse criteria, and prediction of relapse in a retrospective cohort. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:45. [PMID: 35915465 PMCID: PMC9344672 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00274-y] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To develop and assess a prediction model for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) relapse within the first year of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Methods A retrospective PMR cohort (clinical diagnosis) from a rheumatology department was used. All visits > 30 days after starting GC treatment and with > 2.5 mg/day oral prednisolone were used as potential relapse visits. Often used relapse criteria (1) rheumatologist judgement, (2) treatment intensification-based relapse) were assessed for agreement in this cohort. The proportion of patients with treatment-based relapse within 1 and 2 years of treatment and the relapse incidence rate were used to assess unadjusted associations with candidate predictors using logistic and Poisson regression respectively. After using a multiple imputation method, a multivariable model was developed and assessed to predict the occurrence (yes/no) of relapse within the first year of treatment. Results Data from 417 patients was used. Relapse occurred at 399 and 321 (of 2422) visits based on the rheumatologist judgement- and treatment-based criteria respectively, with low to moderate agreement between the two (87% (95% CI 0.86–0.88), with κ = 0.49 (95% CI 0.44–0.54)). Treatment-based relapse within the first two years was significantly associated with CRP, ESR, and pre-treatment symptom duration, and incidence rate with only CRP and ESR. A model to predict treatment intensification within the first year of treatment was developed using sex, medical history of cardiovascular disease and malignancies, pre-treatment symptom duration, ESR, and Hb, with an AUC of 0.60–0.65. Conclusion PMR relapse occurs frequently, although commonly used criteria only show moderate agreement, underlining the importance of a uniform definition and criteria of a PMR specific relapse. A model to predict treatment intensification was developed using practical predictors, although its performance was modest. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-022-00274-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Bolhuis
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands. .,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Diane Marsman
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank H J van den Hoogen
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons A den Broeder
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nathan den Broeder
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aatke van der Maas
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands
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8
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van Sleen Y, Therkildsen P, Nielsen BD, van der Geest KSM, Hansen I, Heeringa P, Posthumus MD, Sandovici M, Toonen EJM, Zijlstra J, Boots AMH, Hauge EM, Brouwer E. Angiopoietin-2/-1 ratios and MMP-3 levels as an early warning sign for the presence of giant cell arteritis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:65. [PMID: 35255968 PMCID: PMC8900446 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosing patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) remains difficult. Due to its non-specific symptoms, it is challenging to identify GCA in patients presenting with symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which is a more common disease. Also, commonly used acute-phase markers CRP and ESR fail to discriminate GCA patients from PMR and (infectious) mimicry patients. Therefore, we investigated biomarkers reflecting vessel wall inflammation for their utility in the accurate diagnosis of GCA in two international cohorts. Methods Treatment-naïve GCA patients participated in the Aarhus AGP cohort (N = 52) and the Groningen GPS cohort (N = 48). The AGP and GPS biomarker levels and symptoms were compared to patients presenting phenotypically as isolated PMR, infectious mimicry controls and healthy controls (HCs). Serum/plasma levels of 12 biomarkers were measured by ELISA or Luminex. Results In both the AGP and the GPS cohort, we found that weight loss, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and higher angiopoietin-2/-1 ratios but lower matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 levels identify concomitant GCA in PMR patients. In addition, we confirmed that elevated platelet counts are characteristic of GCA but not of GCA mimicry controls and that low MMP-3 and proteinase 3 (PR3) levels may help to discriminate GCA from infections. Conclusion This study, performed in two independent international cohorts, consistently shows the potential of angiopoietin-2/-1 ratios and MMP-3 levels to identify GCA in patients presenting with PMR. These biomarkers may be used to select which PMR patients require further diagnostic workup. Platelet counts may be used to discriminate GCA from GCA look-alike patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02754-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands.
| | - Philip Therkildsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Berit Dalsgaard Nielsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Medicine, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Ib Hansen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel D Posthumus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jannik Zijlstra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M H Boots
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
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Functionally Heterogenous Macrophage Subsets in the Pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis: Novel Targets for Disease Monitoring and Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214958. [PMID: 34768479 PMCID: PMC8585092 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis that affects adults above 50 years of age. In GCA, circulating monocytes are recruited to the inflamed arteries. With cues from the vascular microenvironment, they differentiate into macrophages and play important roles in the pathogenesis of GCA via pro-inflammatory cytokine production and vascular remodeling. However, a deeper understanding of macrophage heterogeneity in GCA pathogenesis is needed to assist the development of novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. Here, we review the current knowledge on macrophage heterogeneity and diverse functions of macrophage subsets in the pathogenesis of GCA. We next discuss the possibility to exploit their heterogeneity as a source of novel biomarkers and as targets for nuclear imaging. Finally, we discuss novel macrophage-targeted therapies and future directions for targeting these cells in GCA.
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10
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Floris A, Piga M, Chessa E, Congia M, Erre GL, Angioni MM, Mathieu A, Cauli A. Long-term glucocorticoid treatment and high relapse rate remain unresolved issues in the real-life management of polymyalgia rheumatica: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 41:19-31. [PMID: 34415462 PMCID: PMC8724087 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, according to the PRISMA methodology, to summarize current evidence on the prevalence and predictors of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment and disease relapses in the real-life management of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Out of 5442 retrieved studies, 21 were eligible for meta-analysis and 24 for qualitative analysis. The pooled proportions of patients still taking GCs at 1, 2, and 5 years were respectively 77% (95%CI 71–83%), 51% (95%CI 41–61%), and 25% (95CI% 15–36%). No significant difference was recorded by distinguishing study cohorts recruited before and after the issue of the international recommendations in 2010. The pooled proportion of patients experiencing at least one relapse at 1 year from treatment initiation was 43% (95%CI 29–56%). Female gender, acute-phase reactants levels, peripheral arthritis, starting GCs dosage, and tapering speed were the most frequently investigated potential predictors of prolonged GC treatment and relapse, but with inconsistent results. Only a few studies and with conflicting results evaluated the potential role of early treatment with methotrexate in reducing the GC exposure and the risk of relapse in PMR. This study showed that a high rate of prolonged GC treatment is still recorded in the management of PMR. The relapse rate, even remarkable, can only partially explain the long-term GC treatment, suggesting that other and not yet identified factors may be involved. Additional research is needed to profile patients with a higher risk of long-term GC treatment and relapse and identify more effective steroid-sparing strategies.
Key Points: • High rate of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is recorded in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), being 77%, 51%, and 25% of patients still on GCs after respectively 1, 2, and 5 years. • A pooled relapse rate of 43% at 1 year, even remarkable, can only partially explain the long-term GC treatment in PMR. • Several studies have attempted to identify potential predictors of prolonged treatment with GCs and relapse, but with inconsistent results. • Additional research is needed to profile patients with a higher risk of long-term GC treatment and relapse and identify more effective steroid-sparing strategies. |
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Floris
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy. .,Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche E Sanità Pubblica, Università Di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Chessa
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mattia Congia
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Sassari and AOU University Clinic of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Angioni
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mathieu
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Tombetti E, Hysa E, Mason JC, Cimmino MA, Camellino D. Blood Biomarkers for Monitoring and Prognosis of Large Vessel Vasculitides. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:17. [PMID: 33569633 PMCID: PMC7875948 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-021-00980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Large vessel vasculitides (LVVs) are inflammatory conditions of the wall of large-sized arteries, mainly represented by giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA). The inflammatory process within the vessel wall can lead to serious consequences such as development of aneurysms, strokes and blindness; therefore, early diagnosis and follow-up of LVV are fundamental. However, the arterial wall is poorly accessible and blood biomarkers are intended to help physicians not only in disease diagnosis but also in monitoring and defining the prognosis of these conditions, thus assisting therapeutic decisions and favouring personalised management. The field is the object of intense research as the identification of reliable biomarkers is likely to shed light on the mechanisms of disease progression and arterial remodelling. In this review, we will discuss the role of blood biomarkers in LVVs in the light of the latest evidence. RECENT FINDINGS In clinical practice, the most widely performed laboratory investigations are the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, these indices may be within normal limits during disease relapse and they are not reliable in patients receiving interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitors. New biomarkers struggle to gain traction in clinical practice and no molecule with good accuracy has been identified to date. IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that drives CRP synthesis and increases the ESR, is one of the most promising biomarkers in the field. IL-6 analysis is increasingly performed, and serum levels are more sensitive than ESR for active GCA and might reflect persistent inflammation with high risk of relapse in patients on IL-6 receptor inhibitors. A future with biomarkers that reflect different disease features is an important aspiration. Accordingly, intense effort is being made to identify IL-6-independent inflammatory biomarkers, such as S100 proteins, pentraxin-3 and osteopontin. Moreover, metalloproteinases such as MMP2/9 and angiogenic modulators such as VEGF, YLK-40 and angiopoietins are being studied as markers of arterial remodelling. Lastly, biomarkers indicating organ damage may guide prognostic stratification as well as emergency therapeutic decisions: the most promising biomarkers so far identified are NT-proBNP, which reflects myocardial strain; pentraxin-3, which has been associated with recent optic nerve ischemia; and endothelin-1, which is associated with ischaemic complications. Currently, the use of these molecules in clinical practice is limited because of their restricted availability, lack of sufficient studies supporting their validity and associated costs. Further evidence is required to better interpret their biological and clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Tombetti
- Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Sacco and Fatebenefratelli Hospitals, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Justin C Mason
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Rheumatology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Marco A Cimmino
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dario Camellino
- Division of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal System Department, La Colletta Hospital, Local Health Trust 3 Genoa, Via del Giappone 3, 16011, Arenzano, Italy.
- Autoimmunology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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