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Wang J, Sun Y, Chen R, Meng D, Wei Y, Jiang L, Kong X. Pro-fibrotic effect of the susceptible gene PCSK5 in vascular fibrosis of Takayasu arteritis via TGF-β and SMAD3 signaling pathway activation. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103277. [PMID: 38972101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103277] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular fibrosis directly causes vascular thickening in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), in which sustained transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) activation is critical. Understanding TGF-β activation regulation and blocking it might yield a therapeutic effect in TAK. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) rs6560480 (T/C) is associated with TAK development. In this study, we assessed the association between the PCSK5 rs6560480 genotype and PCSK5 expression in TAK and explored its molecular role in TGF-β activation and vascular fibrosis development. METHODS In TAK patients, PCSK5 and TGF-β expression in plasma and aortic tissue was examined by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining, and PCSK5 rs6560480 was genotyped. The correlation between PCSK5 and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression was examined by Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry staining. Detection by co-immunoprecipitation was performed to detect the interaction between PCSK5 and TGF-β in adventitial fibroblasts (AAFs). Downstream signaling pathways were detected by WB and validated with appropriate inhibitors. Potential immunosuppressive agents to inhibit the effects of PCSK5 were explored in cell culture and TAK patients. RESULTS Patients with PCSK5 rs6560480 TT patients had significantly higher PCSK5 levels and more thickened vascular lesions than patients with PCSK5 rs6560480 CT. PCSK5 expression was significantly increased in alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts in TAK vascular lesions. Overexpressing PCSK5 facilitated TGF-β and downstream SMAD2/3 activation and ECM expression in AAFs and aorta in in-vitro culture. The mechanistic study supported that PCSK5 activated precursor TGF-β (pro-TGF-β) to the mature form by binding the pro-TGF-β cleavage site. Leflunomide inhibited PCSK5 and pro-TGF-β binding, decreasing TGF-β activation and ECM expression, which was also partially validated in leflunomide-treated patients. CONCLUSION The findings revealed a novel pro-fibrotic mechanism of PCSK5 in TAK vascular fibrosis via TGF-β and downstream SMAD2/3 pathway activation. Leflunomide might be anti-fibrotic by disrupting PCSK5 and pro-TGF-β binding, presenting a new TAK treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Meng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wang J, Kong X, Ma L, Ding Z, Chen H, Chen R, Jin X, Chen C, Lin J, Jiang L. Treatment efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus tocilizumab in patients with active and severe Takayasu arteritis: an open-label study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1359-1367. [PMID: 37540159 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead387] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) vs tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS This was a randomized, controlled, open-label study. Forty patients with active and severe TAK were enrolled. They were treated with ADA (n = 21) combined with glucocorticoids (GCs) and MTX or TCZ (n = 19) combined with GCs and MTX. The planned follow-up duration was 12 months. The primary end point was the efficacy rate (ER) at 6 months. The secondary end points included ER at 9 and 12 months, relapse rate, GC tapering, adverse effects, and life quality changes during treatment. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, the ER at 6 months was higher in the ADA group (85.71% vs 52.63%, P = 0.02). A similar direction of effect was noted in the per-protocol set (89.47% vs 62.50%, P = 0.06). The percentages of patients who achieved a GC dose of ≤10 mg/day at 6 months were similar between the ADA and TCZ groups (47.37% vs 43.75%, P = 0.83). The ERs at 9 and 12 months were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). During the first 12 months of treatment, the relapse rate and adverse event incidence were comparable between the two groups (ADA vs TCZ: 9.52% vs 10.53%, P = 0.96; 38.10% vs 47.37%, P = 0.55, respectively). CONCLUSION ADA combined with GCs and MTX may be more efficacious than TCZ combined with GCs and MTX among patients with active and severe TAK. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04300686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenqi Ding
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejuan Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Caizhong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Peron Filho F, Moreira ADS, Janes ALF, de Souza AWS. Effectiveness and safety of adalimumab compared with leflunomide in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a retrospective cohort study. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003992. [PMID: 38443091 PMCID: PMC11146362 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003992] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab (ADA) compared with leflunomide (LEF) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHOD A retrospective cohort study was performed with the following inclusion criteria: the fulfilment of the 2022 American College Classification/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for TAK, age ≥18 years, and written informed consent. Forty-four patients were treated with LEF (n=28) or ADA (n=16) therapy due to relapsing/refractory disease or toxicity from previous therapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), at a median of 7.0 months (T1) and at 15.0 months of follow-up (T2). Data regarding disease activity, daily dose of prednisone, side effects and angiographic progression were analysed. RESULTS LEF and ADA groups had similar features on the baseline visit. However, intravenous methylprednisolone was more frequently prescribed for the ADA group (p=0.019). On T1 and T2 visits, complete response rates were similar for ADA and LEF groups (75.0% and 88.5%; p=0.397 and 62.5% vs 78.3%; p=0.307), respectively. The differences remained non-significant after adjusting for baseline variables by propensity score matching. Although the ADA group had a higher median daily prednisone on visit T1 (p=0.004), it was similar on visit T2 (p=0.595). Similar rates of angiographic progression were observed in ADA and LEF groups (40% vs 25%; p=0.467). Mild-to-moderate adverse events were observed only in the LEF group (17.9%). CONCLUSION LEF and ADA had comparable outcomes after a median of 15.0 months of follow-up. However, withdrawal from therapy and mild-to-moderate adverse events were only observed in the LEF group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustino Peron Filho
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Souza Moreira
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Larissa Faria Janes
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre W S de Souza
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Tian X, Zeng X. Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Takayasu's arteritis (2023). RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2024; 5:5-26. [PMID: 38571931 PMCID: PMC10985707 DOI: 10.1515/rir-2024-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that involves aorta and its primary branches. It is characterized by wall thickening, stenosis/obliteration or aneurysm formation of the involved arteries. In order to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TAK in China, a clinical practice guideline with an evidence-based approach is developed under the leadership of National Clinical Medical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID). Eleven recommendations for 11 clinical questions that are important to the diagnosis and treatment of TAK are developed based on the latest evidence and expert opinions combined with real clinical practice in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Tian
- 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), Ministry of Science& Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- 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), Ministry of Science& Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Misra DP, Singh K, Rathore U, Patro P, Tomelleri A, Campochiaro C, Agarwal V, Sharma A. The effectiveness of tocilizumab and its comparison with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors for Takayasu Arteritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103275. [PMID: 36652977 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) refractory to conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is commonly treated with biologic DMARDs such as tocilizumab or tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi). The 2021 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations preferred TNFi to tocilizumab. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the evidence base for tocilizumab in TAK by updating a previous systematic review on DMARDs in TAK through searches on MEDLINE, Pubmed Central, Scopus, major international Rheumatology conference abstracts, and clinical trial databases from January 2021 to November 2022. Thirty-five studies involving 1082 TAK [one randomized controlled trial (RCT), eleven controlled and twenty-one uncontrolled studies, most of moderate to high quality] had evaluated tocilizumab in TAK. The RCT of tocilizumab versus placebo failed to meet its primary end-point of superiority of tocilizumab on an intention-to-treat analysis (hazard ratio 0.41, 95%CI 0.15-1.10) but successfully met the secondary end-point of superiority on per-protocol analysis (hazard ratio 0.34, 95%CI 0.11-1.00). A meta-analysis of six studies identified similar rates of clinical remission [risk ratio (RR) tocilizumab vs TNFi 1.03, 95%CI 0.91-1.17)], angiographic stabilization (RR 1.00, 95%CI 0.72-1.40) or adverse events (RR 0.84, 95%CI 0.54-1.31) with tocilizumab or TNFi. A meta-analysis of three studies identified superior clinical response (RR 1.55, 95%CI 1.15-2.10) and adverse effect profile (RR 0.45, 95%CI 0.25-0.80) with tocilizumab than cyclophosphamide. Pooled data from uncontrolled studies identified clinical response in 85%(95%CI 79-91%) and angiographic stabilization in 82% (95%CI 68-94%). Our study suggests similar evidence for treating TAK with tocilizumab or TNFi, contrary to the ACR 2021 recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India.
| | - Kritika Singh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India.
| | - Upendra Rathore
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India.
| | - Pallavi Patro
- School of Telemedicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India.
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India.
| | - Aman Sharma
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Sun Y, Wu B, Zhang W, Ma L, Kong X, Chen H, Jiang L. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of leflunomide versus placebo combined with basic prednisone therapy in patients with active disease phase of Takayasu arteritis: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial (Takayasu arteritis clinical trial in China: TACTIC). Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223231158567. [PMID: 36895331 PMCID: PMC9989417 DOI: 10.1177/20406223231158567] [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: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is an immune-induced granulomatous vasculitis that occurs primarily in young Asian women. Our previous cohort studies have indicated that leflunomide (LEF), which can lead to rapid induction and might be a promising alternative treatment for TAK. Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of LEF versus placebo combined with prednisone for active TAK in a Chinese population. Design This will be a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial aiming to recruit 116 TAK patients with active disease. This study will last 52 weeks. Methods and analysis Participants will be assigned randomly to the LEF intervention arm or placebo control arm at a 1:1 ratio. Initially, LEF combined with prednisone will be given to the intervention arm and a placebo tablet combined with prednisone will be given to the placebo arm. At the end of week 24, subjects who achieved clinical remission or partial clinical remission will proceed to maintenance therapy with LEF to the end of week 52; those who did not achieve clinical remission or partial clinical remission in the LEF intervention arm will drop out from the study, and those in the placebo control arm will switch to LEF treatment to week 52. The primary endpoint will be the clinical remission rate of LEF versus placebo at the end of week 24. The secondary endpoints will be the time to clinical remission, mean dose of prednisone, disease recurrence, time to recurrence, adverse events, as well as clinical remission in subjects who switched from the placebo control arm to LEF therapy after week 24. Intention to treat will be the primary analysis. Discussion This is the first randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial to clarify the efficacy and safety of LEF in treating active TAK. The results will provide more evidence for TAK management. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02981979.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bingjie Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Biomedical Information & Statistics Center, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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As C, Danda D. Current Diagnosis and Management of Takayasu Arteritis. Int Heart J 2023; 64:519-534. [PMID: 37518335 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.23-195] [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] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TA or TAK) is a chronic large vessel vasculitis with predilection to affect the aorta and its branches. The new 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis incorporated imaging characteristics as an absolute requirement. ESR and CRP fails in accuracy as disease activity markers. Pentraxin 3 appears to be a relatively superior biomarker, which correlates with ITAS 2010 as per several studies. PET-CT is also increasingly being studied for assessing disease activity with variable results. The management of TAK involves use of steroids with upfront steroid sparing immunosuppressive agents. MMF is one such conventional DMARD/immunosuppressant with good efficacy and better safety profile, as reported in various cohort studies. Tocilizumab is proved to be a rapid remission inducing agent in refractory Takayasu arteritis in observational studies. TNF inhibitors in many uncontrolled studies showed good responses, and there is a need for good RCTs for confirmation. JAK inhibitors have also been used with success in a few reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandhu As
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital
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Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib versus leflunomide with glucocorticoids treatment in Takayasu arteritis: A prospective study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 55:152018. [PMID: 35523066 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide (LEF) versus tofacitinib (TOF) in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients. Sixty-seven active patients were recruited from an ongoing observational TAK cohort, including 35 patients treated with glucocorticoids (GCs) and LEF and 32 patients treated with GCs and TOF. The observation period was 12 months. The effectiveness rate (ER), remission rate, inflammatory parameters reduction, vascular imaging changes, GCs tapering, disease relapse and side-effects were evaluated between two groups. These aspects were also assessed separately among treatment-naïve or -refractory patients. The ER at 6 and 12 months was 88.57% (31/35) vs. 87.50% (28/32) (p = 1.00) and 71.43% (25/35) vs. 71.88% (23/32) (p = 1.00) in the LEF and TOF group. The percentage of patients with persistent remission from 6th to 12th months and GCs≤7.5 mg/day at 12 months was higher in TOF group (15 (46.88%) vs. 6 (17.14%) p = 0.02). The relapse prevalence was 6 (17.14%) and 7 (21.88%) (p = 0.76), respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was decreased significantly at 6 months in both groups (p<0.05), whereas C-reactive protein (CRP) level was reduced significantly at 6 months only in the TOF group (p = 0.007). The proportion of patients with imaging improvement was higher in the TOF group (eight (25.00%) and two (5.71%), p = 0.04). Side-effect prevalence was higher in the LEF group (11 (31.43%) vs. 3 (9.38%), p = 0.04). In conclusion, LEF and TOF were comparable for TAK treatment. TOF might be a potential agent to maintain disease remission at a low dose of glucocorticoids in TAK.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), mainly focusing on pathogenesis, imaging modalities, and management. RECENT FINDINGS Three novel clusters based on angiographic findings were identified in the Indian cohort and replicated in the North American cohorts. Different new imaging modalities have been tried in the assessment of arterial inflammation with promising results. There is more evidence on the long-term use of tocilizumab, but relapses are common. In light of the recent findings on the pathogenesis of TAK, Janus kinase inhibitors seem to be promising. SUMMARY Improvement in imaging modalities and in our understanding of the disease pathogenesis will allow us to better assess the disease activity and identify effective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Misra DP, Rathore U, Patro P, Agarwal V, Sharma A. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for the management of Takayasu arteritis-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:4391-4416. [PMID: 33932173 PMCID: PMC8087890 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacotherapy of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is an evolving area. A systematic review of Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed Central, clinical trial databases and recent international rheumatology conferences for interventional and observational studies reporting the effectiveness of DMARDs in TAK identified four randomized controlled trials (RCTs, with another longer-term follow-up of one RCT) and 63 observational studies. The identified trials had some concern or high risk of bias. Most observational studies were downgraded on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale due to lack of appropriate comparator groups. Studies used heterogenous outcomes of clinical responses, angiographic stabilization, normalization of inflammatory markers, reduction in vascular uptake on positron emission tomography, reduction in prednisolone doses and relapses. Tocilizumab showed benefit in a RCT compared to placebo in a secondary per-protocol analysis but not the primary intention-to-treat analysis. Abatacept failed to demonstrate benefit compared to placebo for preventing relapses in another RCT. Pooled data from uncontrolled observational studies demonstrated beneficial clinical responses and angiographic stabilization in nearly 80% patients treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, tocilizumab or leflunomide. Certainty of evidence for outcomes from RCTs ranged from moderate to very low and was low to very low for all observational studies. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide the pharmacotherapy of TAK. Future observational studies should attempt to include appropriate comparator arms. Multicentric, adequately powered RCTs assessing both clinical and angiographic responses are necessary in TAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), -226014, Lucknow, India
| | - Upendra Rathore
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), -226014, Lucknow, India
| | - Pallavi Patro
- School of Telemedicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), -226014, Lucknow, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), -226014, Lucknow, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), -160012, Chandigarh, India
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Kong X, Sun Y, Dai X, Wang L, Ji Z, Chen H, Jin X, Ma L, Jiang L. Treatment efficacy and safety of tofacitinib versus methotrexate in Takayasu arteritis: a prospective observational study. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 81:117-123. [PMID: 34362744 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the treatment efficacy and safety of tofacitinib (TOF) versus methotrexate (MTX) in Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS Fifty-three patients with active disease from an ongoing prospective TAK cohort in China were included in this study. Twenty-seven patients were treated with glucocorticoids (GCs) and TOF, and 26 patients were treated with GCs with MTX. The observation period was 12 months. Complete remission (CR), inflammatory parameter changes, GCs tapering and safety were assessed at the 6th, 9th and 12th month. Vascular lesions were evaluated at the 6th and 12th month, and relapse was analysed during 12 months. RESULTS The CR rate was higher in the TOF group than in the MTX group (6 months: 85.19% vs 61.54%, p=0.07; 12 months: 88.46% vs 56.52%, p=0.02). During 12 months' treatment, patients in the TOF group achieved a relatively lower relapse rate (11.54% vs 34.78%, p=0.052) and a longer median relapse-free duration (11.65±0.98 vs 10.48±2.31 months, p=0.03). Average GCs dose at the 3rd, 6th and 12th month was lower in the TOF group than that in the MTX group (p<0.05). A difference was not observed in disease improvement or disease progression on imaging between the two groups (p>0.05). Prevalence of side effects was low in both groups (3.70% vs 15.38%, p=0.19). CONCLUSION TOF was superior to MTX for CR induction, a tendency to prevent relapse and tapering of the GCs dose in TAK treatment. A good safety profile for TOF was also documented in patients with TAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Kong
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongfei Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejuan Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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