High prolactin levels are independently associated with damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Rituximab as Treatment for Lupus Nephritis: Data From the Peruvian ALMENARA Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to rituximab (RTX) as treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) in a Latin American Lupus cohort.

METHODS

The medical records from LN patients from a single-center cohort spanning between January 2012 and December 2020 were reviewed. Demographic factors (age at diagnosis and baseline, gender), disease duration, previous and concomitant treatments, serum creatinine, and 24-hour proteinuria (24-HP) levels at baseline, and 6th and 12th months were obtained. Complete response (CR) or responder status was defined according to the LUNAR, AURORA-1, and BLISS-LN trials.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients received RTX as induction treatment; 32 (88.9%) were women. Their age at baseline and disease duration were 32.6 (11.7) and 7.6 (6.5) years, respectively. The time between renal biopsy and RTX use was 2.64 (4.41) years. At baseline, serum creatinine and 24-HP levels were 1.5 (1.5) mg/dL and 3.4 (2.8) g, respectively. At months 6 and 12, serum creatinine levels were 1.6 (1.6) and 1.6 (1.5) mg/dL, and 24-HP were 2.2 (2.2) and 1.6 (1.5) g, respectively. According to LUNAR and AURORA-1 criteria, CR at 6th and 12th months were 6/34 (17.6%) and 8/30 (26.7%) and 6/34 (17.6%) and 7/31 (22.6%) patients, respectively. According to BLISS-LN criteria, responders at 6th and 12th months were 9/34 (26.5%) and 10/31 (32.3%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CR and responder status were reached in less than one third of LN patients treated with RTX, regardless of the criteria used to define them. However, serum creatinine levels did not increase, and there was a decrease in proteinuria levels during the follow-up.

The Lupus Foundation of America-Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus Clinician-Reported Outcome Predicts Damage in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Data From the Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of the LFA-REAL ClinRO (Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus clinician-reported outcome) on damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

METHODS

Data from a prevalent lupus cohort were used. The LFA-REAL ClinRO includes 9 domains: mucocutaneous (global and 3 subdomains), musculoskeletal (global and 2 subdomains), cardiorespiratory, neuropsychiatric, renal, hematological, constitutional, vasculitis, and other (it allows for other or rare manifestations). For each domain, a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale is used, and global domains are included except for the mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal domains where the subdomains are included; it allows for 3 manifestations under "other," so the score ranges from 0 to 1400 (sum of 14 in the visual analog scale). Damage was assessed with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index. Generalized estimating equations were performed, being the outcome the increase in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index; confounders from the previous visit were included; adjusted multivariable models were done. Incidence rate ratios per 10-unit increase in the LFA-REAL ClinRO were reported. Similar models were performed to evaluate the impact of the SLEDAI-2K (SLE Disease Activity Index) and physician global assessment on damage to determine which measure would better predict damage accrual.

RESULTS

Three-hundred thirty-one patients and 1425 visits were included, 1.9 (SD 1.2) years of follow-up. Disease duration at baseline was 10.7 (7.4) years. The mean LFA-REAL ClinRO was 18.2 (SD 30.7). During the follow-up visits, 63 (17.9%) patients accrued damage once; 4 (1.1%) accrued damage twice. The LFA-REAL ClinRO was predictive of damage accrual even after adjustment for possible confounders (incidence rate ratio 1.10 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.16; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained using the SLEDAI-2K and the physician global assessment.

CONCLUSION

The LFA-REAL ClinRO is predictive of damage accrual, even after adjusting for possible confounders.

Clinical course of autoimmune thyroid diseases in women with prolactinomas: Results from a prospective study in a single tertiary centre

INTRODUCTION

Several retrospective and cross-sectional studies have revealed a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) with a predominance of autoimmune hypothyroidism in prolactinoma patients compared to the general population. To date, we have no data on the clinical course of AITD in these patients. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the clinical course of AITD in female patients with prolactinomas compared to an age- and thyroid-risk factors-matched control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 144 females (71 patients/73 controls) who underwent approximately a 6-year follow-up. Physical examination, thyroid ultrasound and laboratory testing (measurement of antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, TSH-receptor; serum TSH and FT4 levels) were performed twice - at the baseline and at the follow-up visits.

RESULTS

AITD were diagnosed in 26.8% (n=19) of the patients and 9.6% (n=7) of the controls (p=0.007) at baseline visit. At the end of the follow-up (FU), these percentages increased to 33.8% (n=24) among the patients versus 12.3% (n=9) in the control group (p=0.002). Hypothyroidism was significantly more frequent in prolactinoma patients than in controls at the end of the study (19.7% vs. 4.1%; p=0.003). Two prolactinoma patients had hyperthyroidism at the baseline visit and restored euthyroid state with negative TSH-receptor antibodies during the follow-up. We did not observe hyperthyroidism in the control group. Among the hypothyroid subsets, the average daily levothyroxine dose at FU visit varied from 25 to 200mcg in the prolactinoma group compared to 25 to 50mcg in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients with prolactinomas seem to be prone to autoimmune hypothyroidism. As a pathogenetic mechanism, we could suggest the selective immunomodulatory action of PRL predominantly on cell autoimmunity, complement activation and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, resulting in earlier and more rapid progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis towards hypothyroid state in genetically predisposed individuals.

A better self-efficacy is predictive of better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possible predictive value of self-efficacy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with SLE.

METHODS

Patients with SLE from the Almenara Lupus Cohort were included. Self-efficacy was ascertained with the six domains from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) self-efficacy for managing chronic conditions. For PROMIS domains, a score of 50 is the average for a clinical population (people with a chronic condition), a higher score indicates that the respondent has greater self-efficacy. HRQoL was ascertained with the physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) measures of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Generalised estimating equations were performed, using as outcome the PCS or MCS in the subsequent visit, and the self-efficacy domain in the previous visit; multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders. The confounders were measured in the same visit as the self-efficacy domain.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and nine patients for a total of 564 visits were included; 194 (92.8%) patients were women and mean age at diagnosis was 36.4 (14.0) years. In the multivariable models, a better PCS was predicted by a better self-efficacy for managing symptoms, managing medications and treatments and managing social interactions and general self-efficacy; a better MCS was predicted by a better self-efficacy for managing daily activities, managing symptoms, managing medications and treatments and managing social interactions.

CONCLUSION

A better self-efficacy is predictive of subsequent better HRQoL, even after adjustment for possible confounders. These results should encourage clinicians to develop strategies to improve self-efficacy in patients with SLE.

Severe flares are associated with a poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with SLE: data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

BACKGROUND

Flares in patients with SLE, regardless of their severity, have been associated with damage accrual. However, their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been fully evaluated. In fact, disease activity is only minimally associated with HRQoL.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between flares and HRQoL.

METHODS

Patients from the Almenara Lupus Cohort were included. Visits occurring between December 2015 and February 2020 were evaluated. Flares were defined as an increase on the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) of at least 4 points; severe flares were those with a final SLEDAI-2K ≥12 and mild-moderate flares all the others. HRQoL was measured using the LupusQoL. Univariable and multivariable generalised estimating regression equations were performed, adjusting for possible confounders. Confounders were determined at one visit, whereas the outcome was determined on the subsequent visit; flares were determined based on the variation of the SLEDAI-2K between these visits.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-seven patients were included; 256 (92.4%) were female, mean age at diagnosis was 36.0 (SD: 13.3) years and mean disease duration at baseline was 9.1 (SD: 7.1) years. Patients had mean of 4.8 (SD: 1.9) visits and a mean follow-up of 2.7 (1.1) years. Out of 1098 visits, 115 (10.5%) flares were defined, 17 were severe and 98 mild-moderate. After adjustment for possible confounders, only severe flares were associated with a poorer HRQoL in planning, pain, emotional health and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe flares, but not mild-moderate, flares are associated with poorer HRQoL.

LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state) and/or remission are associated with less damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a primarily Mestizo population: data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine if achieving lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) or remission prevents damage accrual in a primarily Mestizo population.

METHODS

Patients with SLE from a single-centre cohort with at least two visits occurring every 6 months were included. The definitions used were the following: for remission, the 2021 Definition Of Remission In SLE; and for LLDAS, the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration. Damage accrual was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Univariable and three multivariable interval-censored survival regression models were done: (1) remission versus not on remission; (2) LLDAS/remission versus active; and (3) remission and LLDAS (not on remission) versus active. Three similar multivariable models were also examined considering the duration on each state. Possible confounders included in these analyses were gender, age at diagnosis, socioeconomic status, educational level, disease duration, antimalarial use and SDI at baseline.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-one patients were included. Eighty-three patients (29.5%) showed increased SDI during the follow-up. In the analyses of remission, being on remission predicted a lower probability of damage (HR=0.456; 95% CI 0.256 to 0.826; p=0.010). In the analyses of LLDAS/remission, being on LLDAS/remission predicted a lower damage (HR=0.503; 95% CI 0.260 to 0.975; p=0.042). When both states were considered, remission but not LLDAS (not on remission) predicted a lower probability of damage (HR=0.423; 95% CI 0.212 to 0.846; p=0.015 and HR=0.878; 95% CI 0.369 to 2.087; p=0.768, respectively). When the duration of these states was taken into account, remission, LLDAS/remission and LLDAS not on remission were associated with a lower probability of damage accrual.

CONCLUSIONS

LLDAS and/or remission were associated with a lower probability of damage accrual.

Metabolic syndrome predicts new damage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine whether the MetS predicts damage accrual in SLE patients.

METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted in a cohort of consecutive SLE patients seen since 2012 at one single Peruvian institution. Patients had a baseline visit and then follow-up visits every 6 months. Patients with ≥ 2 visits were included. Evaluations included interview, medical records review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Damage accrual was ascertained with the SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) and disease activity with the SLEDAI-2K. Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression survival models were carried out to determine the risk of developing new damage. The multivariable model was adjusted for age at diagnosis; disease duration; socioeconomic status; SLEDAI; baseline SDI; the Charlson Comorbidity Index; daily dose; and time of exposure of prednisone (PDN), antimalarials, and immunosuppressive drugs.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-nine patients were evaluated; 232 of them were women (93.2%). Their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 35.8 (13.1) years; nearly all patients were Mestizo. Disease duration was 7.4 (6.6) years. The SLEDAI-2K was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI, 0.9 (1.3). One hundred and eight patients (43.4%) had MetS at baseline. During follow-up, 116 (46.6%) patients accrued at least one new point in the SDI damage index. In multivariable analyses, the presence of MetS was a predictor of the development of new damage (HR: 1.54 (1.05-2.26); p < 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of MetS predicts the development of new damage in SLE patients, despite other well-known risk factors for such occurrence.

Health-Related Quality of Life and fatigue are associated with a higher work productivity impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

Objectives: This study aims to determine the factors associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods: A total of 133 consecutive working patients with SLE were assessed between October 2017 and December 2018, using a standardized data collection form. Sociodemographic, disease, and work-related variables were collected. Work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) was assessed with the respective questionnaire; absenteeism and presenteeism due to overall health and symptoms during the past 7 days were scored. Linear regression models were performed to determine the factors associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment. Potential factors included were age at diagnosis, gender, socioeconomic status, educational level, SLEDAI, SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI), FACIT-Fatigue, and the domains of the LupusQoLResults: The mean age at diagnosis was 32.2 years (11.8); 121 (91.7%) were female. Nearly all patients were Mestizo. The mean percent of time for absenteeism was 5.0 (12.9), it was 28.5 (26.4) for presenteeism, and it was 31.3 (27.2) for overall work impairment. In the multiple regression analysis, factors associated with absenteeism were disease duration (B = -0.34; SE = 0.12; p = 0.007), pain (B = -0.14; SE = 0.06; p = 0.046), intimate relationship (B = -0.07; SE = 0.03; p = 0.046), and emotional health (B = 0.16; SE = 0.06; p = 0.006); factors associated with presenteeism were physical health (B = -0.43; SE = 0.14; p = 0.002) and FACIT (B = -0.87; SE = 0.30; p = 0.005); and factors associated with overall work impairment were pain (B = -0.40; SE = 0.11; p = 0.001) and FACIT-Fatigue (B = -0.74; SE = 0.28; p = 0.010).Conclusion: A poor HRQoL and higher levels of fatigue were associated with a higher percentage of absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment in SLE patients.

Evaluation of the LFA-REAL clinician-reported outcome (ClinRO) and patient-reported outcome (PRO): data from the Peruvian Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The Lupus Foundation of America Rapid Evaluation of Activity in Lupus (LFA-REAL) clinician-reported outcome (ClinRO) and the LFA-REAL patient-reported outcome (PRO) were developed in order to capture manifestations of SLE from the perspective of both the clinician and the patient. The aim of this study is to compare the LFA-REAL ClinRO and PRO with other lupus disease activity measures.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of patients from a single-centre cohort was performed using Spearman's correlation. Disease activity measures included were LFA-REAL ClinRO (range 0-1400), LFA-REAL PRO (range 0-1200), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), clinical SLEDAI-2K and Physician Global Assessment (PGA, range 0-100).

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-seven patients with SLE were studied. The mean age was 46.3 (SD: 13.8); 212 (93.4%) were female. The mean (SD) LFA-REAL ClinRO was 25.4 (34.7), LFA-REAL PRO was 241.1 (187.6), PGA was 11.9 (15.4), SLEDAI-2K was 2.3 (3.3) and clinical SLEDAI-2K was 1.6 (2.9). The LFA-REAL ClinRO correlated with PGA (r=0.758, p<0.001), SLEDAI-2K (r=0.608, p<0.001) and clinical SLEDAI-2K (r=0.697, p<0.001); the LFA-REAL PRO correlated modestly with PGA (r=0.160, p=0.016), SLEDAI-2K (r=0.121, p=0.069), clinical SLEDAI-2K (r=0.143, p=0.031) and LFA-REAL ClinRO (r=0.161, p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

The LFA-REAL ClinRO and the LFA-REAL PRO had good and weak correlations, respectively, with several physician-based disease activity measures in a cross-sectional study, suggesting their potential usefulness in establishing disease severity. Longitudinal studies will be required to determine their value in monitoring patients with SLE.

A Survey on Sleep Disorders and Related Hormones in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background and Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reportedly associated with sleep disorders. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate sleep disorders in newly diagnosed SLE patients.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on patients with newly diagnosed SLE (ie, case group) and a control group. The case and control groups were matched in terms of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and educational level. Venous blood samples were obtained from the participants to measure prolactin and melatonin levels. Furthermore, they were subjected to polysomnography. The data were analysed by SPSS (version 16) at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

A total of 28 women were enrolled in this study (ie, 14 individuals in each group). The frequencies of sleep disorder in the case and control groups were obtained as 64.3% and 50%, respectively (P=0.4). These two groups had the mean sleep onset times of 10.76±10.64 and 8.67±7.12 min (P=0.5) and the respiratory disturbance indices of 9.20±10.23 and 8.44±9.27, respectively (P=0.8). The frequency of sleep apnoea was obtained at 50% for both case and control groups (P=1). There was no significant difference between these groups in terms of the mean serum prolactin and melatonin levels (P=0.3 and P=0.2, respectively). Serum melatonin level showed a direct correlation with sleep latency to N1 (i.e., the first part of non-rapid eye movement in sleep) and spontaneous arousal index in the case group (P=0.02, r=0.602 and P=0.04, r=0.544, respectively).

Conclusion

According to the findings, there was no significant difference in the frequency of sleep disorders between the healthy subjects and patients at the onset of lupus. Additionally, melatonin and prolactin levels showed no significant difference between the groups. Our results are inconsistent with previous studies, due to the difference in disease duration probably. It seems that the chronicity and complications of the disease, as well as the adoption of glucocorticoid therapy for the chronic disease affect sleep quality in SLE patients more than disease duration.

Age at diagnosis and health-related quality of life are associated with fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Data from the Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To define the factors associated with fatigue in Mestizo patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of SLE patients from a single center cohort. Visits were performed every six months. For these analyses, the first visit between October 2017 and December 2018 was included. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as treatment were recorded at every visit. Fatigue was ascertained with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-FT), Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) with the LupusQoL, disease activity with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index -2 K (SLEDAI-2K), and damage with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology damage index (SDI). Prednisone use was recorded as current daily dose. Immunosuppressive drugs and antimalarial use were recorded as current, past or never. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using linear regression models. For the multivariable analyses, model selection followed a backward elimination procedure.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-six patients were evaluated. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 35.6 (13.1) years, 211 (93.4%) were female; and disease duration was 11.0 (7.3) years. The mean SLEDAI and SDI were 2.4 (3.5) and 1.3 (1.5), respectively. The mean FACIT-FT was 33.1 (10.8). On the multivariable analysis, age at diagnosis and some domains of HRQoL (physical health, emotional health and fatigue) remained associated.

CONCLUSIONS

Age at diagnosis is negatively associated with fatigue whereas HRQoL domains like physical health, emotional health and fatigue are positively associated with fatigue.

Remission and low disease activity state prevent hospitalizations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether remission and low disease activity state protect systemic lupus erythematosus patients from being hospitalized.

Materials and methods

Patients from the Almenara Lupus Cohort were included. Visits were performed every 6 months. Variables were measured at each visit. Hospitalizations were evaluated in the interval between two visits. Remission was defined as: a SLEDAI-2 K of 0, prednisone ≤5 mg/day and immunosuppressants on maintenance dose; low disease activity state as: a SLEDAI-2 K of ≤4, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day and immunosuppressants on maintenance dose. Univariable and multivariable interval-censored survival regression models were used. In multivariable analysis, possible confounders were gender, age at diagnosis, socioeconomic status, educational level, disease duration, antimalarial use, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index (SDI) and Charlson comorbidity index. Confounders were determined in the same visit as disease activity state.

Results

Of the 308 patients, 92.5% of them ( n = 285) were women, had a mean age at diagnosis of 34.8 (13.4) years and a disease duration of 7.7 (6.5) years. At baseline the mean SDI was 1.13 (1.34). A total of 163 of the patients were hospitalized. In the multivariable analysis remission (hazard ratio 0.445 (0.274–0.725), P = 0.001) and low disease activity state (relative risk 0.504 (0.336–0.757), P = 0.001) at baseline were found to decrease the risk of hospitalization in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. A total of 158 hospitalizations presented a discernible cause. Disease activity was the most common cause of hospitalization, with 84 admissions (53.16%), the majority, 38, was due to active kidney disease (45.23%).

Conclusion

Remission and low disease activity state decreased the risk of hospitalizations in these systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Disease activity, particularly renal, was the most frequent cause of hospitalization.

Better Health-Related Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Predicted by Low Disease Activity State/Remission: Data From the Peruvian Almenara Lupus Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine if low disease activity state (LDAS)/remission predicts a better health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a single center and having completed at least 2 visits were included. Visits were performed every 6 months. HRQoL was measured with the LupusQoL questionnaire. The definition of remission included a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score of 0, prednisone daily dosage of ≤5 mg/day, and immunosuppressive drugs on maintenance dose. LDAS was defined as a SLEDAI-2K score of ≤4, prednisone daily dosage of ≤7.5 mg/day, and immunosuppressive drugs as maintenance therapy. For these analyses, remission and LDAS were combined as one variable. Generalized estimating equations were calculated, using as the outcome 1 of each of the 8 components of the LupusQoL questionnaire in the subsequent visit and the activity state in the previous visit. Multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were included. During the follow-up, 590 visits (61.6%) were categorized as LDAS/remission. LDAS/remission predicted a better HRQoL in the components of physical health (B = 4.17 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20, 7.14]; P = 0.006), pain (B = 6.47 [95% CI 3.18, 9.76]; P < 0.001), planning (B = 4.97 [95% CI 1.43, 8.52]; P = 0.006), burden to others (B = 4.12 [95% CI 0.24, 8.01]; P = 0.037], emotional health (B = 4.50 [95% CI 1.56, 7.44]; P = 0.003), and fatigue (B = 3.25 [95% CI 0.04, 6.47]; P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Being in LDAS/remission predicts a better HRQoL, especially in the components of physical health, pain, planning, burden to others, emotional health, and fatigue.

Prolactin activates IRF1 and leads to altered balance of histone acetylation: Implications for systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives: Prolactin is known to be associated with autoimmune disease; however, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Previous studies have highlighted the effects on B-cell tolerance and monocyte/macrophage activation. One study found that prolactin could activate IRF1, a transcription factor implicated in SLE and interferon responses. We hypothesized that prolactin elicited transcriptional regulation though an epigenetic process related to IRF1 activation in monocytes. This study examined IRF1 activation and downstream epigenetic effects.Methods: Protein analysis, qRT-PCR, and ChIP assays were used in a human monocytic cell line and primary monocytes to define changes related to acute and chronic prolactin exposure.Results: We found that prolactin acutely induced both expression and activation of IRF1. Prolactin induced interactions of IRF1 with the histone acetyltransferase co-activators CBP and p300. Chronic prolactin induced expression of multiple histone modifying proteins and genes within the interferon signature suggesting that the prolonged exposure to prolactin resets the landscape and balance of chromatin modifying enzymes.Conclusion: These data provide insight into the mechanism of the association of prolactin with autoimmunity. We found effects at the level of epigenetics, an area not previously explored. Our data support a role for chronic prolactin regulating the expression of genes setting the landscape of chromatin modifying enzymes and driving the interferon signature. This novel finding is of relevance in systemic lupus erythematosus, where clinical effects of hyperprolactinemia have been recognized.

Autoimmune thyroid diseases are more common in patients with prolactinomas: a retrospective case-control study in an Italian cohort

BACKGROUND

Prolactin may exert immunological effects. Over the years, a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) has been reported in patients with prolactinomas (PRLs) in areas with sufficient iodine intake.

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of ATD [Graves' disease (GD) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT)] in a retrospective cohort of Italian patients with PRLs compared to a sex-matched control group, represented by subjects with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) or empty sella (ES).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 149 patients (108 F/41 M) with PRLs (110 micro/39 macro) and 143 subjects (100 F/43 M) with NFPA (n = 96, 56 micro/40 macro) or ES (n = 47), with normal serum prolactin. Neck ultrasound and thyroid function tests (anti-thyroid antibodies, TSH, FT3 and FT4) were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

In PRLs, median serum prolactin was significantly higher (98.3 vs. 8.9 ng/ml, p ≤ 0.0001), while age was lower (34 vs. 46 years, p ≤ 0.001) compared to controls. The prevalence of ATD was 13.4% (20/149) in PRLs (1 GD and 19 AIT) compared to 6.3% (9/143) in the controls (p = 0.042). At the multivariate analysis, serum prolactin was the only independent factor predicting ATD. Thyroid volume (12.5 ± 5.9 ml vs. 12.8 ± 10 ml, p = 0.47) and the presence of uni- or multinodular goiter (29.5% vs. 35%, p = 0.35) did not differ between PRLs and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data in an area with mild iodine deficiency confirm a higher prevalence of ATD in patients with prolactinomas.

Homocysteine levels are independently associated with damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus patients from a Latin-American cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of homocysteine levels on damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted in consecutive patients seen every 6 months at our Rheumatology Department since 2012. Patients with available homocysteine levels and who had at least one subsequent visit were included. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were done to determine if homocysteine levels were predictive of damage accrual as per the SLICC Damage Index (SDI). The multivariable model was adjusted for pertinent variables (age at diagnosis, gender, socioeconomic status, disease duration, disease activity (SLEDAI), Framingham score, antimalarial and immunosuppressive drug use, average daily dose, and exposure time to prednisone (PDN)).

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients were included; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 43.70 (12.09) years, 136 (93.8%) were female, and nearly all were Mestizo. At baseline, disease duration was 7.55 (6.73) years; patients were followed for 3.54 (1.27) years. The SLEDAI was 5.60 (4.34), and the SDI 0.97 (1.35). The average daily PDN dose was 7.30 (5.78) mg/day and the time of PDN exposure was 7.36 (6.73) years. Mean homocysteine levels were 10.07 (3.71) μmol/L. The highest tertile of homocysteine levels predicted new damage accrual in the univariable and multivariable models [HR 1.78 (95% CI, 1.042-3.039); p = 0.035 and HR 2.045 (95% CI, 1.077-3.883); p = 0.029, respectively]. Increased levels (> 15 μmol/L) were found in 12 (8.3%) patients; 75 (51.7%) patients increased ≥ 1 SDI point.

CONCLUSION

In SLE patients, homocysteine levels predicted damage accrual independently of other well-known risk factors for such occurrence.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism is three times more frequent in female prolactinoma patients compared to healthy women: data from a cross-sectional case-control study

BACKGROUND

The potent immunomodulatory action of prolactin has been demonstrated in many experimental in vitro studies. In accordance with these data, our retrospective analyses revealed higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases in prolactinoma patients compared to general population.

PURPOSE

A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in a single tertiary referral centre. The main aim was to assess the frequency of newly diagnosed autoimmune thyroid diseases in female patients with prolactinomas.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 260 females (154 patients and 106 sex-matched, ethnicity-matched, and age-matched healthy controls) enroled in a prospective manner. Physical exam, thyroid ultrasound, and laboratory testing (measurement of antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, TSH-receptor, serum TSH and FT4 levels) were performed in all study participants.

RESULTS

Autoimmune thyroid diseases were diagnosed in 29.9% of the patients and 10.4% of the healthy subjects (p  = 0.0002). Subclinical hypothyroidism was found in 9.7% of the patients versus 2.8% of the controls (p  = 0.044). Autoimmune hyperthyroidism was observed in 1.3% of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of newly diagnosed autoimmune thyroid diseases, and especially the subclinical hypothyroidism, was significantly higher in our female prolactinoma patients in comparison to age-matched healthy women. Based on our results, we suggest routine screening for autoimmune thyroid diseases (thyroid function, immunology and ultrasound examination) in all female patients with prolactinoma at the time of diagnosis. We also recommend a close follow-up of thyroid function in these women in case of pregnancy and after delivery.

Prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution among women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive female SLE patients seen in our rheumatology department from January 2012 to July 2015. Prolactin was measured in ng/ml. Body mass distribution was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and it was divided into subtotal (whole body excluding the head), subtotal bone mineral content, lean mass index (appendicular lean mass/height²), subtotal trunk and leg fat percentages and trunk-to-leg fat ratio. The association between prolactin levels and body mass distribution components was evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression models adjusting for possible confounders. Results One hundred and eighty-five patients were evaluated; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 34.8 (13.8) years; nearly all patients were Mestizo. Patients included in this study were comparable to the rest of the cohort in terms of age, disease duration, SLEDAI, SDI and body mass index. Disease duration was 7.3 (6.6) years. The SLEDAI was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI 0.9 (1.3). Prolactin levels were 18.9 (16.7) ng/ml. In univariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral density, bone mineral content, leg fat percentage and lean mass index, and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. In the multivariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral content and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. Conclusions Higher prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in SLE patients.

Increased plasma/serum levels of prolactin in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prolactin (PRL), a polypeptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland, is involved in the regulation of humoral and cell mediated immune responses. PRL levels have been investigated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however, yielded different and inconsistent results. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on plasma/serum PRL levels in SLE patients, as well as the potential influential factors.

METHODS

Studies published from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2015 in English, which comparing plasma/serum PRL levels between SLE group and control group were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I², publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test.

RESULTS

Five-hundred and forty-seven articles were obtained after searching databases, and 12 studies with 429 SLE patients and 326 controls were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the SLE group had significantly higher plasma/serum PRL levels (P < 0.001), with the SMD of 1.26 and 95%CI (0.70，1.82). Subgroup analyses showed that SLE patients from Asia and Europe had higher plasma/serum PRL levels. However, no significant change in plasma/serum PRL levels was observed in SLE patients from America (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study suggests that SLE patients have higher plasma/serum PRL level, but with a regional difference.

Prolactin Rescues Immature B-Cells from Apoptosis Induced by B-Cell Receptor Cross-Linking

Prolactin has an immunomodulatory effect and has been associated with B-cell-triggered autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In mice that develop SLE, the PRL receptor is expressed in early bone marrow B-cells, and increased levels of PRL hasten disease manifestations, which are correlated with a reduction in the absolute number of immature B-cells. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of PRL in an in vitro system of B-cell tolerance using WEHI-231 cells and immature B-cells from lupus prone MRL/lpr mice. WEHI-231 cells express the long isoform of the PRL receptor, and PRL rescued the cells from cell death by decreasing the apoptosis induced by the cross-linking of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) as measured by Annexin V and active caspase-3. This decrease in apoptosis may have been due to the PRL and receptor interaction, which increased the relative expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and decreased the relative expression of proapoptotic Bad. In immature B-cells from MRL/lpr mice, PRL increased the viability and decreased the apoptosis induced by the cross-linking of BCR, which may favor the maturation of self-reactive B-cells and contribute to the onset of disease.

Function of Treg Cells Decreased in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Due To the Effect of Prolactin

Prolactin has different functions, including cytokine secretion and inhibition of the suppressor effect of regulatory T (Treg) cells in healthy individuals. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by defects in the functions of B, T, and Treg cells. Prolactin plays an important role in the physiopathology of SLE. Our objective was to establish the participation of prolactin in the regulation of the immune response mediated by Treg cells from patients with SLE. CD4CD25CD127 cells were purified using magnetic beads and the relative expression of prolactin receptor was measured. The functional activity was evaluated by proliferation assay and cytokine secretion in activated cells, in the presence and absence of prolactin. We found that both percentage and function of Treg cells decrease in SLE patients compared to healthy individuals with statistical significance. The prolactin receptor is constitutively expressed on Treg and effector T (Teff) cells in SLE patients, and this expression is higher than in healthy individuals. The expression of this receptor differs in inactive and active patients: in the former, the expression is higher in Treg cells than in Teff cells, similar to healthy individuals, whereas there is no difference in the expression between Treg and Teff cells from active patients. In Treg:Teff cell cocultures, addition of prolactin decreases the suppressor effect exerted by Treg cells and increases IFNγ secretion. Our results suggest that prolactin plays an important role in the activation of the disease in inactive patients by decreasing the suppressor function exerted by Treg cells over Teff cells, thereby favoring an inflammatory microenvironment.

Assessment of serum prolactin levels in acute myocardial infarction: The role of pharmacotherapy

BACKGROUND

Hyperprolactinemia may reflect neuroendocrine stress reaction against acute coronary syndromes.

AIM

The aim of the present study was evaluation of the serum prolactin level in the acute myocardial infarction (MI) regarding the current pharmacotherapy in management of MI.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical based study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional clinical study involved all patients with acute MI in a coronary care unit, a total number of 44 patients (45% males and 55% females) with age ranged from 40 to 75 years. A full history for modifiable risk factors and current therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel and or metformin, all patients are nonsmokers. The anthropometric measurements; for estimations of body mass index (kg/m(2)), electrocardiography was obtained. Fasting blood samples were taken in the morning from all patients and the sera used for estimations of routine investigation and determination of ischemic cardiac biomarkers like cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum prolactin level.

RESULTS

This study shows a significant increase in the serum prolactin in acute MI as compared with the control. In acute MI serum cTnI elevation was correlated with serum prolactin increments. In metformin-treated group, there was a lowest prolactin serum level.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum prolactin level increased in acute MI, and positively correlated with cardiac troponin level and reflects underlying cardiovascular complications.

Increased serum level of prolactin is related to autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Prolactin (PRL) is known to aid effector B cells and augment autoimmunity, but the role of PRL in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the serum levels of PRL and autoantibody production in SLE.

METHODS

Blood levels of PRL, anti-double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) antibody, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined in samples from 30 adult patients with SLE and 25 healthy controls. The relationships between the serum level of PRL and SLE disease activity, as well as the titres of the ds-DNA antibody, IgM and IgG were determined.

RESULTS

The serum level of PRL was higher in the SLE patients than in the healthy controls. PRL concentration increased during SLE flares-ups and decreased following disease remission. There was a positive correlation between the PRL concentration and serum levels of IgM, IgG and ds-DNA antibody titre.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the serum level of PRL was closely related to the antibody production and disease activity of SLE patients. PRL concentration was dramatically reduced upon the remission of disease activity, indicating that PRL levels might be a promising predictor of SLE disease severity.