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Abhishek A, Grainge M, Card T, Williams HC, Taal MW, Aithal GP, Fox CP, Mallen CD, Stevenson MD, Nakafero G, Riley R. Risk-stratified monitoring for sulfasalazine toxicity: prognostic model development and validation. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003980. [PMID: 38453215 PMCID: PMC10921482 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfasalazine-induced cytopenia, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity is uncommon during long-term treatment. Some guidelines recommend 3 monthly monitoring blood tests indefinitely during long-term treatment while others recommend stopping monitoring after 1 year. To rationalise monitoring, we developed and validated a prognostic model for clinically significant blood, liver or kidney toxicity during established sulfasalazine treatment. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING UK primary care. Data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold and Aurum formed independent development and validation cohorts. PARTICIPANTS Age ≥18 years, new diagnosis of an inflammatory condition and sulfasalazine prescription. STUDY PERIOD 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. OUTCOME Sulfasalazine discontinuation with abnormal monitoring blood-test result. ANALYSIS Patients were followed up from 6 months after first primary care prescription to the earliest of outcome, drug discontinuation, death, 5 years or 31 December 2019. Penalised Cox regression was performed to develop the risk equation. Multiple imputation handled missing predictor data. Model performance was assessed in terms of calibration and discrimination. RESULTS 8936 participants were included in the development cohort (473 events, 23 299 person-years) and 5203 participants were included in the validation cohort (280 events, 12 867 person-years). Nine candidate predictors were included. The optimism adjusted R2 D and Royston D statistic in the development data were 0.13 and 0.79, respectively. The calibration slope (95% CI) and Royston D statistic (95% CI) in validation cohort was 1.19 (0.96 to 1.43) and 0.87 (0.67 to 1.07), respectively. CONCLUSION This prognostic model for sulfasalazine toxicity uses readily available data and should be used to risk-stratify blood-test monitoring during established sulfasalazine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Grainge
- Lifespan and Population Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tim Card
- Lifespan and Population Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Hywel C Williams
- Lifespan and Population Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Centre for Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maarten W Taal
- Translational Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- Translational Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham NIHR BRC, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher P Fox
- Translational Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Matthew D Stevenson
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Vassilopoulos A, Kalligeros M, Vassilopoulos S, Shehadeh F, Benitez G, Kaczynski M, Lazaridou I, Promrat K, Wands JR, Mylonakis E. Prevalence of Steatotic Liver Disease Among US Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:989-1003. [PMID: 38183561 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of steatotic liver disease (SLD) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains largely unknown. AIMS To investigate the prevalence of SLD and liver fibrosis among patients with RA. METHODS We utilized data from the United States (US)-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020 cycle. After applying established sample weights, we estimated the age-adjusted prevalence of SLD and its subclassifications (CAP ≥ 285 dB/m), high-risk NASH (FAST score) and liver fibrosis (LSM) among participants with self-reported RA. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for metabolic dysfunction associated SLD (MASLD), high-risk NASH and fibrosis, respectively, among participants with RA. We present adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Age-adjusted prevalence of MASLD among US adults with RA was 34.91% (95% CI: 24.02-47.65%). We also found that the age-adjusted prevalence of high-risk NASH (FAST score > 0.35) and significant fibrosis (LSM > 8.6 kPa) was 12.97% (95% CI: 6.89-23.07%) and 10.35% (95% CI: 5.55-18.48%), respectively. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, (aOR 6.23; 95% CI: 1.95-19.88), diabetes (aOR 5.90; 95% CI: 1.94-17.94), and dyslipidemia (aOR 2.83; 95% CI: 1.12-7.11) were independently associated with higher odds of MASLD among participants with RA. Diabetes (aOR 19.34; 95% CI: 4.69-79.70) was also independently associated with high-risk NASH. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MASLD, high-risk NASH, and liver fibrosis among patients with RA is equal or higher than the general population. Future studies of large cohorts are needed to substantiate the role of systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Vassilopoulos
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Markos Kalligeros
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanos Vassilopoulos
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Fadi Shehadeh
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregorio Benitez
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Matthew Kaczynski
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ingrid Lazaridou
- Division of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kittichai Promrat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Smith Tower 1001, Fannin, Houston, TX, 6550, 77030, USA.
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Chen PK, Hsu WF, Peng CY, Liao TL, Chang SH, Chen HH, Chen CH, Chen DY. Significant association of elevated serum galectin-9 levels with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1347268. [PMID: 38371515 PMCID: PMC10869587 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1347268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but its pathogenesis has rarely been explored. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) interacts with T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing-molecule-3 (TIM-3) expressed on hepatocytes and thus regulates T cell proliferation in a murine model of NAFLD. We aimed to examine the pathogenic role of the Gal-9/TIM-3 pathway in RA-NAFLD. Methods Serum levels of Gal-9, soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3), fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP)1, and FABP4 were determined by ELISA in forty-five RA patients and eleven healthy participants. Using Oil-red O staining and immunoblotting, we examined the effects of Gal-9 and free fatty acid (FFA) on lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes and FABP1 expression. Results Serum Gal-9, sTIM-3 and FABP1 level were significantly higher in RA patients (median 5.02 ng/mL, 3.42 ng/mL, and 5.76 ng/mL, respectively) than in healthy participants (1.86 ng/mL, 0.99 ng/mL, and 0.129 ng/mL, all p < 0.001). They were also significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe NAFLD compared with none-to-mild NAFLD (p < 0.01; p < 0.05; and p < 0.01, respectively). Serum Gal-9 levels were positively correlated with sTIM-3, FABP1, FABP4 levels, and ultrasound-fatty liver score, respectively, in RA patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Gal-9 (cut-off>3.30) was a significant predictor of NAFLD development, and Gal-9 and sTIM-3 were predictors of NAFLD severity (both p < 0.05). The cell-based assay showed that Gal-9 and FFA could upregulate FABP1 expression and enhance lipid droplet accumulation in hepatocytes. Conclusion Elevated levels of Gal-9 and sTIM3 in RA patients with NAFLD and their positive correlation with NAFLD severity suggest the pathogenic role of Gal-9 signaling in RA-related NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ku Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Fan Hsu
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ling Liao
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Chang
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Huang Chen
- Vascular and Medicinal Research, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, United States
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Ho WL, Chen HH, Chen PK, Liao TL, Chang SH, Chen YM, Lin CH, Tang KT, Chen DY. Increased NAFLD risk in newly diagnosed patients with RA during the first 4 years of follow-up: a nationwide, population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079296. [PMID: 38272552 PMCID: PMC10824018 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in the general population, NAFLD risk in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has rarely been explored. In this population-based cohort, we examined NAFLD risk in patients with RA and identified the potential risk factors. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS 2281 newly diagnosed patients with RA and selected 91 240 individuals without RA to match with patients with RA (1:40) by age, gender, income status and urbanisation level of the residence. OUTCOMES In this retrospective study using the 2000-2018 claim data from two-million representative Taiwanese population, we identified and compared the incidence rates (IRs) of NAFLD and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) between RA and non-RA groups. Using multivariable regression analyses, we estimated adjusted HR (aHR) of NAFLD development in patients with RA compared with individuals without RA, with 95% CIs. RESULTS The incidences of NALFD and AFLD were not significantly different between individuals with RA and without RA during the 17-year follow-up period. However, patients with RA had significantly increased NAFLD risk during the first 4 years after RA diagnosis, with IR ratio of 1.66 fold (95% CI 1.18 to 2.33, p<0.005), but the risk was reduced after the first 4 years. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that aHR was 2.77-fold greater in patients not receiving disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy than in non-RA subjects (p<0.05). Old age, women, low-income status and obesity could significantly predict NAFLD development. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated elevated risk of NAFLD in patients with RA during the first 4 years after RA diagnosis, and old age, women, low-income status and obesity were significant predictors of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Ho
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Big Data Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ku Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ling Liao
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Chang
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Heng Lin
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tung Tang
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Meng CC, Chen DY, Chen YH, Huang WN, Chen HH. Antirheumatic drugs and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide, population-based cohort study. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15003. [PMID: 38073585 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between antirheumatic drugs and of the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nationwide rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort. METHODS Using claim data from the 2000-2020 National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 21 457 incident patients with RA from 2002 to 2020 without prior liver diseases. A time-varying multivariable Cox regression model was applied to estimate for the association of NAFLD with the use of antirheumatic drugs after adjusting potential confounders, show as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age-, sex-, and obesity-related comorbidities. RESULTS Multivariable time-dependent Cox regression analyses showed that defined daily dose (DDD) of NSAID (aHR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day (aHR, 2.39; 95% CI: 1.85-3.09) were risk factors of NAFLD in patients with RA, while prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day (aHR of 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40-0.71) and HCQ use (aHR of 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.93) were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. In addition, a history of hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, age, male, and leflunomide use were associated with the development of NAFLD in some subgroups. CONCLUSION This study reveals that NSAID use and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in patients with RA, while the use of HCQ and prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day decreased the risk of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chu Meng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Business and Management, Ling Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Program in Translational Medicine and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medi-cine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Big Data Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Niyasom C, Soponkanaporn S, Vilaiyuk S, Lertudomphonwanit C, Getsuwan S, Tanpawpong P, Kaewduang P, Sobhonslidsuk A. Use of transient elastography to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis during methotrexate treatment. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:423-433. [PMID: 38062311 PMCID: PMC10774177 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during methotrexate treatment. METHOD This cross-sectional study included JIA patients who had received methotrexate for > 1 year. Laboratory data including liver chemistry and lipid profiles were collected. Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) were determined by transient elastography. Significant hepatic fibrosis was defined as LSM > 7 kilopascal (kPa), and hepatic steatosis was defined as CAP > 225 decibel/meter (dB/m). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors associated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS Of 60 patients, 66.7% were female, and the median age (IQR) was 12.8 (10.6-15.0) years. The median duration of methotrexate usage (IQR) was 45 (22-85) months, and the median cumulative dose of methotrexate (IQR) was 3768 (1806-6466) mg. The median LSM (IQR) and CAP (IQR) were 4.1 (3.4-4.6) kPa and 191.0 (170.3-223.8) dB/m, respectively. No patients had transient elastography-defined hepatic fibrosis, whereas 21.7% had hepatic steatosis. A body mass index Z-score > 1 (OR 5.71 [95%CI 1.31-24.98], p = 0.021) and higher cumulative dose of methotrexate (OR 1.02 [95%CI 1.00-1.04], p = 0.041) were associated with hepatic steatosis, whereas the cumulative dose of steroids was not (OR 1.00 [95%CI 1.00-1.01], p = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS Hepatic steatosis is common among JIA patients receiving methotrexate, but none had transient elastography-defined hepatic fibrosis. Overweight/obese JIA adolescents and patients with a high cumulative dose of methotrexate are at risk for hepatic steatosis. Key Points •Long-term low-dose methotrexate usage and the concomitant use of other DMARDs did not increase the risk of hepatic fibrosis in JIA patients. •The prevalence of hepatic steatosis in JIA patients receiving methotrexate was higher than in a healthy pediatric population. •Overweight/obesity and a higher cumulative dose of methotrexate were predictors of hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakamon Niyasom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirisucha Soponkanaporn
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Soamarat Vilaiyuk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatmanee Lertudomphonwanit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songpon Getsuwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornthep Tanpawpong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyaporn Kaewduang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abhasnee Sobhonslidsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Arias-de la Rosa I, Ruiz-Ponce M, Cuesta-López L, Pérez-Sánchez C, Leiva-Cepas F, Gahete MD, Navarro P, Ortega R, Cordoba J, Pérez-Pampin E, González A, Lucendo AJ, Collantes-Estévez E, López-Pedrera C, Escudero-Contreras A, Barbarroja N. Clinical features and immune mechanisms directly linked to the altered liver function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 118:49-58. [PMID: 37544847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the impact of arthritis on liver function using different approaches in vivo and in vitro. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed on 330 non-obese/non-T2DM subjects: 180 RA patients, 50 NAFLD non-RA patients, and 100 healthy donors (HDs). A longitudinal study was conducted on 50 RA patients treated with methotrexate for six months. Clinical and laboratory parameters and markers of liver disease were collected. Mechanistic studies were carried out in both the CIA mouse model and hepatocytes treated with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). RESULTS RA patients have an increased risk of suffering from liver disease independent of obesity or T2DM. This risk was associated with factors such as insulin resistance, autoantibodies, inflammation, and component C3. Methotrexate treatment for six months was associated with liver abnormalities in those newly-diagnosed patients having CV risk factors. ACPAs induced a defective hepatocyte function, promoting IR and inflammation. The induction of arthritis in mice caused the infiltration of immune cells in the liver and increased inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic processes. CONCLUSION RA patients may experience mild to moderate liver inflammation due to the infiltration of T, B cells, and macrophages, and the action of ACPAs. This is independent of obesity or diabetes and linked to systemic inflammation, and disease activity levels. The negative effects of methotrexate on liver function could be restricted to the concomitant presence of cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Arias-de la Rosa
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - M Ruiz-Ponce
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - L Cuesta-López
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Pérez-Sánchez
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - F Leiva-Cepas
- Deparment of Pathology, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain; Department of Morphological Sciences, Section of Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M D Gahete
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, CIBERobn, Cordoba, Spain
| | - P Navarro
- Department of Gastroenterology. Hospital General de Tomelloso, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Spain
| | - R Ortega
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - J Cordoba
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - E Pérez-Pampin
- Experimental and Observational Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria - Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - A González
- Experimental and Observational Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria - Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - A J Lucendo
- Department of Gastroenterology. Hospital General de Tomelloso, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - E Collantes-Estévez
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ch López-Pedrera
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - A Escudero-Contreras
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - N Barbarroja
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
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8
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Ruiz-Ponce M, Cuesta-López L, López-Montilla MD, Pérez-Sánchez C, Ortiz-Buitrago P, Barranco A, Gahete MD, Herman-Sánchez N, Lucendo AJ, Navarro P, López-Pedrera C, Escudero-Contreras A, Collantes-Estévez E, López-Medina C, Arias-de la Rosa I, Barbarroja N. Decoding clinical and molecular pathways of liver dysfunction in Psoriatic Arthritis: Impact of cumulative methotrexate doses. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115779. [PMID: 37913737 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of liver abnormalities in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) has gained significant recognition. Identifying key factors at the clinical and molecular level can help to detect high-risk patients for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in PsA. OBJECTIVES to investigate the influence of PsA and cumulative doses of methotrexate on liver function through comprehensive in vivo and in vitro investigations. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 387 subjects was conducted, 200 patients with PsA, 87 NAFLD-non-PsA patients, and 100 healthy donors (HDs), age and sex-matched. Additionally, a retrospective longitudinal study was carried out, including 83 PsA patients since initiation with methotrexate. Detailed clinical, and laboratory parameters along with liver disease risk were analyzed. In vitro, experiments with hepatocyte cell line (HEPG2) were conducted. RESULTS PsA patients present increased liver disease risk associated with the presence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, inflammatory markers, onychopathy, and psoriasis. The treatment with PsA serum on hepatocytes encompassed inflammatory, fibrotic, cell stress, and apoptotic processes. At the molecular level, methotrexate impacts liver biology, although the cumulative doses did not affect those alterations, causing any potential damage to liver function at the clinical level. Finally, anti-PDE-4 or anti-JAK decreased the inflammatory profile induced by PsA serum on hepatocytes. CONCLUSION 1)This study identifies the complex link between liver disease risk, comorbidities, and disease-specific features in PsA patients. 2)Methotrexate dose in PsA patients had no significant effect on liver parameters, confirmed by hepatocyte in vitro studies. 3)Anti-PDE-4 and anti-JAK therapies show promise in reducing PsA serum-induced hepatocyte activation, potentially aiding liver complication management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ruiz-Ponce
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - L Cuesta-López
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M D López-Montilla
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Pérez-Sánchez
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Spain; Cobiomic Bioscience S.L, Cordoba, Spain
| | - P Ortiz-Buitrago
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - A Barranco
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M D Gahete
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Spain
| | - N Herman-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Spain
| | - A J Lucendo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital General de Tomelloso, Tomelloso, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Spain
| | - P Navarro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital General de Tomelloso, Tomelloso, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Spain
| | - Ch López-Pedrera
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - A Escudero-Contreras
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - E Collantes-Estévez
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - C López-Medina
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - I Arias-de la Rosa
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - N Barbarroja
- Rheumatology service/Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ /University of Cordoba/ Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain; Cobiomic Bioscience S.L, Cordoba, Spain.
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9
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Zamani M, Alizadeh-Tabari S, Chitkara P, Singh S, Loomba R. Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2789-2796. [PMID: 36871771 PMCID: PMC10792512 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Previous studies have shown a potential association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and some immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but this association has not been analyzed systematically. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain a pooled prevalence estimate of NAFLD among patients with RA to fill this gap in knowledge. METHODS We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest, for observational studies published from inception to August 31, 2022, which reported prevalence of NAFLD in 100 or more adult (age, ≥18 y) patients with RA. To be included, NAFLD diagnosis was based on either imaging or histologic assessment. The results were presented as pooled prevalence, odds ratio, and 95% CI. The I2 statistic was used to measure the heterogeneity between studies. RESULTS This systematic review included 9 eligible studies derived from 4 continents comprising 2178 patients (78.8% women) with RA. The pooled prevalence of NAFLD was 35.3% (95% CI, 19.9-50.6; I2 = 98.6%; P < .001) in patients with RA. All studies used ultrasound for the diagnosis of NAFLD, except for 1 study that used transient elastography. The pooled prevalence of NAFLD in men with RA was significantly higher than in women with RA (35.2%; 95% CI, 24.0-46.5 compared with 22.2%; 95% CI, 17.9-26.58; P for interaction = .048). Each 1-unit increase in body mass index was associated directly with a 24% increased risk of NAFLD in RA patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.31; I2 = 0.0%; P = .518). CONCLUSIONS Based on this meta-analysis, 1 in 3 patients with RA had NAFLD, which appears comparable with its overall prevalence among the general population. Clinicians should actively screen for NAFLD in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zamani
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Alizadeh-Tabari
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Puja Chitkara
- Center for Arthritis and Rheumatologic Excellence, Chula Vista, California
| | - Siddharth Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Division of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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10
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Harju T, Hurme-Niiranen A, Suo-Palosaari M, Nygaard Nielsen S, Hinttala R, Schmiegelow K, Uusimaa J, Harila A, Niinimäki R. DNA polymerase gamma variants and hepatotoxicity during maintenance therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: is there a causal relationship? THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2023; 23:105-111. [PMID: 37138020 PMCID: PMC10506908 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-023-00303-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatotoxicity is a frequent complication during maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate. Elevated levels of methylated 6-mercaptopurine metabolites (MeMP) are associated with hepatotoxicity. However, not all mechanisms are known that lead to liver failure in patients with ALL. Variants in the POLG gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG1), have been related to drug-induced hepatotoxicity, for example, by sodium valproate. The association of common POLG variants with hepatotoxicity during maintenance therapy was studied in 34 patients with childhood ALL. Of the screened POLG variants, four different variants were detected in 12 patients. One patient developed severe hepatotoxicity without elevated MeMP levels and harbored a heterozygous POLG p.G517V variant, which was not found in the other patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tekla Harju
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Anri Hurme-Niiranen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Maria Suo-Palosaari
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Stine Nygaard Nielsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Reetta Hinttala
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Pediatric Oncology Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johanna Uusimaa
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Harila
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Riitta Niinimäki
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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11
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Fiel MI, Schiano TD. Systemic Disease and the Liver-Part 1: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and COVID-19. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:473-484. [PMID: 37536883 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The development of liver dysfunction in patients having various systemic diseases is common and has a broad differential diagnosis, at times being the initial manifestation of the disorder. Liver injury associated with systemic lupus erythematosus is heterogeneous and may present with nonspecific histology. Differentiating autoimmune hepatitis from lupus hepatitis is challenging on histologic grounds alone. Other systemic diseases that may present mostly with nonspecific findings are rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. More recently COVID-19 cholangiopathy and secondary sclerosing cholangitis have become increasingly recognized as distinct liver conditions. Many patients may also have intrinsic liver disease or may develop drug-induced liver injury from the treatment of the systemic disease. Timely identification of the cause of the liver dysfunction is essential and liver biopsy may help the clinician in diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place-Box 1104, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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12
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Zhang S, Zhu P, Yuan J, Cheng K, Xu Q, Chen W, Pan Z, Zheng Y. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis exacerbates liver fibrosis by stimulating co-localization of PTRF and TLR4 in rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1149665. [PMID: 37346294 PMCID: PMC10279862 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1149665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a high prevalence in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. To address this, our study established a rat model with both NAFLD and RA by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) and administering intradermal injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) with bovine type II collagen. Collagen-induced RA (CIA) was confirmed by hind paw swelling and histological examination. The histomorphological characteristics of NAFLD were evaluated by Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The development of NAFLD was further evaluated by measuring serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that HFD feeding exacerbated secondary inflammation in CIA rats, whereas FCA/bovine type II collagen injection increased serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, T-CHO, and LPS and exacerbated hepatic fibrosis in both normal and NAFLD rats. Interestingly, NAFLD + CIA significantly promoted the expression of PTRF, a caveolae structure protein involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and affecting downstream signaling of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and PI3K/Akt activation. High resolution confocal microscopy revealed increased PTRF and TLR4 co-localization in hepatic small vessels of NAFLD + CIA rats. AAV9-mediated PTRF knockdown inhibited TLR4 signaling and alleviated hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD + CIA rats. Together, these findings indicate that NAFLD combined with CIA causes synovial injury and enhances non-alcoholic fatty liver fibrosis in rats. PTRF could attenuate the symptoms of NAFLD + CIA likely by affecting TLR4/PTRF co-expression and downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peng Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jianan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Kunming Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qixiang Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Zui Pan
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Yongqiu Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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13
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Zhang JC, Stotts MJ, Horton B, Schiff D. Hepatotoxicity from high-dose methotrexate in primary central nervous system lymphoma. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:291-300. [PMID: 37188158 PMCID: PMC10180358 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is a mainstay of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) treatment. Transient hepatotoxicity from HDMTX has been characterized in pediatric patients but not in adults. We sought to characterize hepatotoxicity in adult PCNSL patients undergoing HDMTX treatment. Methods Retrospective study of 65 PCNSL patients treated at the University of Virginia from 02/01/2002 to 04/01/2020 was performed. Hepatotoxicity was defined using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) for adverse events, fifth version. High-grade hepatotoxicity was defined as a bilirubin or aminotransferase CTC grade of 3 or 4. Relationships between clinical factors and hepatotoxicity were assessed with logistic regression. Results Most patients (90.8%) had a rise of at least one aminotransferase CTC grade during HDMTX treatment. 46.2% had high-grade hepatotoxicity based on aminotransferase CTC grade. No patients developed high-grade bilirubin CTC grades during chemotherapy. Liver enzyme test values decreased to low CTC grade or normal in 93.8% of patients after the conclusion of HDMTX treatment without treatment regimen changes. Prior ALT elevation (P = .0120) was a statistically significant predictor of high-grade hepatotoxicity during treatment. Prior history of hypertension was associated with increased risk of toxic serum methotrexate levels during any cycle (P = .0036). Conclusions Hepatotoxicity develops in the majority of HDMTX-treated PCNSL patients. Transaminase values decreased to low or normal CTC grades in almost all patients after treatment, without modification of MTX dosage. Prior ALT elevation may predict patients' increased hepatotoxicity risk, and hypertension history may be a risk factor for delayed MTX excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy C Zhang
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew J Stotts
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Bethany Horton
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David Schiff
- Departments of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, and Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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14
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Castiella A, Lopez-Dominguez L, Sanchez-Iturri MJ, Urreta I, De Diego A, Belzunegui J, Zapata E. Liver steatosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate is associated with body mass index. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:699-706. [PMID: 37305368 PMCID: PMC10251276 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i5.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate (MTX) is the usual first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Long-term use of MTX has been associated with liver steatosis (LS) and liver fibrosis (LF).
AIM To determine if LS in patients treated with MTX for RA is associated with MTX cumulative dose (MTX-CD), metabolic syndrome (MtS), body mass index (BMI), the male sex, or LF.
METHODS A single-center, prospective study of patients receiving MTX for RA was performed from February 2019 to February 2020. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with RA by a rheumatologist and being treated with MTX (without limitation on the duration of treatment). The exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of liver disease (hepatitis B or C virus infection, known nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), alcohol consumption greater than 60 g/d in males or 40 g/d in females, human immunodeficiency virus infection on antiretroviral therapy, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, or BMI greater than 30 kg/m². Patients receiving leflunomide in the 3 years prior to the study were also excluded. Transient elastography (FibroScan, Echosens®, Paris, France) was used for fibrosis determination (LF > 7 KpA) and computer attenuation parameter (CAP) for LS (CAP > 248 dB/m). Demographic variables, laboratory data, MTX-CD (> 4000 mg), MtS criteria, BMI (> 25), transient elastography, and CAP scores were collected from all patients.
RESULTS Fifty-nine patients were included. Forty-three were female (72.88%), and the mean age was 61.52 years (standard deviation: 11.73). When we compared MTX-CD ≤ 4000 mg (26 patients; 14 with LS and 12 without) with > 4000 mg (33 patients; 12 with LS and 21 without), no statistical differences were found (P = 0.179). We compared CAP scores stratified by MtS, BMI, sex, and LF. There were no significant differences in CAP scores based on the presence of MtS [CAP/MtS: 50 no MtS (84.75%); 9 MtS (15.25%); P = 0.138], the male sex (CAP/sex: 8 male/18 female LS; 8 male/25 female no LS; P = 0.576), or LF [CAP/fibrosis: 53 no LF (89.83%); 6 LF (10.17%); P = 0.239]. LS determined by CAP was significantly associated with BMI > 25 (CAP/BMI: 22 BMI ≤ 25 (37.29%); 37 BMI > 25 (62.71%); P = 0.002].
CONCLUSION LS in patients with RA treated with MTX was not associated with MTX-CD, LF, the male sex, or MtS. However, BMI was significantly related to LS in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Castiella
- Department of Gastroenterology Service, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia 20014, Spain
| | | | | | - Iratxe Urreta
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia 20014, Spain
| | - Andrea De Diego
- Department of Rheumatology, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia 20014, Spain
| | - Joaquin Belzunegui
- Department of Rheumatology, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia 20014, Spain
| | - Eva Zapata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia 20014, Spain
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15
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Abstract
Methotrexate is a key component of the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and the mainstay of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Hepatotoxicity has long been a concern for prescribers envisaging long-term treatment with methotrexate for their patients. However, the putative liver toxicity of methotrexate should be evaluated in the context of advances in our knowledge of the pathogenesis and natural history of liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Notably, patients with NAFLD are at increased risk for methotrexate hepatotoxicity, and methotrexate can worsen the course of NAFLD. Understanding the mechanisms of acute hepatotoxicity can facilitate the interpretation of elevated concentrations of liver enzymes in this context. Liver fibrosis and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis also need to be considered in relation to chronic exposure to methotrexate. A number of non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis are available for use in patients with rheumatic disease, in addition to liver biopsy, which can be appropriate for particular individuals. On the basis of the available evidence, practical suggestions for pretreatment screening and long-term monitoring of methotrexate therapy can be made for patients who have (or are at risk for) chronic liver disease.
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16
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Yoshida S, Fujita M, Ishigame T, Kobayashi Y, Sumichika Y, Saito K, Matsumoto H, Temmoku J, Fujita Y, Matsuoka N, Asano T, Sato S, Watanabe H, Yoshida H, Marubashi S, Hashimoto Y, Ohira H, Migita K. Case report: Unusual development of hepatocellular carcinoma during immunosuppressive treatments against rheumatoid arthritis overlapping Sjögren's syndrome; cirrhotic steatohepatitis with liver inflammation and fibrosis lurks in autoimmune disorders. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1089492. [PMID: 36875090 PMCID: PMC9975153 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1089492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequential progression from chronic liver disease to cirrhosis may be a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Although HCC originates from hepatitis B virus- or hepatitis C virus-associated liver cirrhosis, it has recently been reported in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with advanced fibrosis. However, little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HCC to rheumatic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we describe the case of HCC with NASH complicated by RA and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). A fifty-two-year-old patient with RA and diabetes was referred to our hospital for further examination of a liver tumor. She received methotrexate (4 mg/week) for 3 years and adalimumab (40 mg/biweekly) for 2 years. On admission, laboratory data showed mild thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminemia, with normal hepatitis virus markers or liver enzymes. Anti-nuclear antibodies were positive with high titers (x640), and anti-SS-A/Ro (187.0 U/ml; normal range [NR]: ≤6.9 U/mL) and anti-SS-B/La (320 U/ml; NR: ≤6.9 U/mL) antibodies were also high. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed liver cirrhosis and a tumor in the left lobe (S4) of the liver. She was diagnosed with HCC based on imaging findings, and elevated levels of protein induced by vitamin K absence- II (PIVKA-II) were detected. She underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and histopathological examination revealed steatohepatitis HCC with background liver cirrhosis. The patient was discharged on the 8th day post-operation without any complications. At the 30 months follow-up, no significant evidence of recurrence was observed. Our case suggests that clinical screening for HCC is needed in patients with RA who are at a high risk of NASH, as they may progress to HCC even without elevated liver enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Teruhide Ishigame
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuya Sumichika
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Haruki Matsumoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Jumpei Temmoku
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuya Fujita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsuoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Asano
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shuzo Sato
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kita-Fukushima Medical Center, Date, Japan
| | - Shigeru Marubashi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuko Hashimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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17
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Nagafuchi H, Goto Y, Kiyokawa T, Kawahata K. Reasons for discontinuation of methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and challenges of methotrexate resumption: a single-center, retrospective study. EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGY AND REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43166-022-00162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Methotrexate (MTX) is an anchor drug used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); hence, understanding the reasons for MTX discontinuation in RA can help improve its treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the reasons for MTX discontinuation and to identify future challenges in RA treatment regarding the discontinuation and resumption of MTX treatment.
Results
MTX administration was discontinued in 771 patients with RA. The reasons for MTX discontinuation were as follows: (1) infectious diseases (20.0%), (2) malignancy (14.1%), and (3) respiratory problems (10.2%). Some patients did not resume MTX therapy even after the infections were cured. Liver dysfunction (8.0%) did not improve with MTX discontinuation and was often associated with fatty liver disease. In addition to adverse events, MTX discontinuation was due to patient preference (4.3%), planning for pregnancy (5.1%), invalidity (5.7%), remission (5.6%), remission with biologics (4.7%), old age (2.6%), and poor compliance (1.6%).
Conclusions
This study revealed diverse reasons for the discontinuation of MTX; there are cases in which MTX is discontinued but should be considered for resumption. Furthermore, issues such as the indications for MTX discontinuation should still be debated, and multicenter evidence must be collected and examined in future studies.
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18
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Barbarroja N, Ruiz-Ponce M, Cuesta-López L, Pérez-Sánchez C, López-Pedrera C, Arias-de la Rosa I, Collantes-Estévez E. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in inflammatory arthritis: Relationship with cardiovascular risk. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997270. [PMID: 36211332 PMCID: PMC9539434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide whose prevalence is dramatically increasing. The first sign of hepatic damage is inflammation which could be accompanied by the accumulation of fat called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), causing damage in the hepatocytes. This stage can progress to fibrosis where the accumulation of fibrotic tissue replaces healthy tissue reducing liver function. The next stage is cirrhosis, a late phase of fibrosis where a high percentage of liver tissue has been replaced by fibrotic tissue and liver functionality is substantially impaired. There is a close interplay of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hepatic alterations, where different mechanisms mediating this relation between the liver and systemic vasculature have been described. In chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), in which the CVD risk is high, hepatic alterations seem to be more prevalent compared to the general population and other rheumatic disorders. The pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of this comorbidity are still unraveled, although chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, treatments, and metabolic deregulation seem to have an important role. In this review, we will discuss the involvement of liver disease in the cardiovascular risk associated with inflammatory arthritis, the pathogenic mechanisms, and the recognized factors involved. Likewise, monitoring of the liver disease risk in routine clinical practice through both, classical and novel techniques and indexes will be exposed. Finally, we will examine the latest controversies that have been raised about the effects of the current therapies used to control the inflammation in RA and PsA, in the liver damage of those patients, such as methotrexate, leflunomide or biologics.
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Acar H, Sorgun O, Yurtseve G, Bora ES, Erbaş O. Antifibrotic preventive effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in methotrexateinduced hepatoxicity model. Acta Cir Bras 2022; 37:e370507. [PMID: 35894304 PMCID: PMC9323303 DOI: 10.1590/acb370507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver damage caused by drugs and other chemicals accounts for about 5% of all cases. Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid analogue, is a first-line synthetic antimetabolite agent routinely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated biochemically and histopathologically the antifibrotic effect of PEG 3350 administered intraperitoneally to prevent methotrexate-induced liver damage in rats. METHODS A total of 30 male rats including 10 rats was given no drugs (normal group), and 20 rats received single-dose 20 mg/kg MTXfor induced liver injury in this study. MTX was given to 20 rats, which were divided in two groups. Group 1 rats was given PEG30 mg/kg/day (Merck) intraperitoneally, and Group 2 rats % 0.9 NaCl saline 1 mL/kg/day intraperitoneally daily for two weeks. RESULTS Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), liver MDA, serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), alanine aminotransferase and plasma pentraxin-3 levels and, according to tissue histopathology, hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis and cellular infiltration were significantly better in MTX+PEG group than in MTX+saline group. CONCLUSIONS PEG 3350 is a hope for toxic hepatitis due to other causes, since liver damage occurs through oxidative stress and cell damage, similar to all toxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Acar
- MD. Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine - Izmir, Turkey
| | - Omay Sorgun
- MD. Ödemiş State Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine - İzmir, Turkey
| | - Güner Yurtseve
- MD. Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine - Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ejder Saylav Bora
- MD. Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine - Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Associate professor. Demiroğlu Bilim University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology - Istanbul, Turkey
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20
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Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with conventional, targeted and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the setting of liver injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Rheumatol Int 2022; 42:1665-1679. [PMID: 35604436 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased incidence of liver diseases emphasizes greater caution in prescribing antirheumatic drugs due to their hepatotoxicity. A transient elevation of transaminases to autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure has been described. For every 10 cases of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in a clinical trial, it is estimated that one case of more severe liver injury will develop once the investigated drug is widely available. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs) are less likely to cause liver damage. However, various manifestations, from a transient elevation of transaminases to autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure, have been described. Research on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has provided insight into a pre-existing liver disease that may be worsen by medication. Diabetes and obesity could be an additional burden in drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In the intertwining of the inflammatory and metabolic pathways, the most important cytokines are IL-6 and TNF alpha, which are also the cornerstone of biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. This narrative review evaluates the complexity and prevention of DILI in RA and treatment options involving biological therapy and tsDMARDs.
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21
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García-González CM, Baker J. Treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis: Methotrexate and beyond. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102227. [PMID: 35453032 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For the last several decades, the standard of care for the initial management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been methotrexate. Methotrexate is effective as monotherapy and in combination with conventional, biologic, and targeted-synthetic therapies. Methotrexate is generally well-tolerated, but has important, albeit uncommon, potential side-effects including a risk of liver toxicity and cytopenias. Some studies suggest that more active monitoring in patients with fatty liver disease may be appropriate. With reassuring safety data, more rapid dose escalation and use of subcutaneous therapy may provide even greater success. Some off-target benefits such as a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk have also been demonstrated, though these studies may suffer from confounding. Recent published guidelines continue to endorse methotrexate as first-line therapy. Methotrexate is a low-cost, safe, and effective therapy for RA that should not be overlooked nor too quickly abandoned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Baker
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, USA.
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22
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Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Berardo C, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Detailed Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Drug-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: An Update. Biomedicines 2022; 10:194. [PMID: 35052872 PMCID: PMC8774221 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are some of the biggest public health challenges due to their spread and increasing incidence around the world. NAFLD is characterized by intrahepatic lipid deposition, accompanied by dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, leading to more serious complications. Among the various causes, drug administration for the treatment of numerous kinds of diseases, such as antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive drugs, promotes the onset and progression of steatosis, causing drug-induced hepatic steatosis (DIHS). Here, we reviewed in detail the major classes of drugs that cause DIHS and the specific molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Eight classes of drugs, among the most used for the treatment of common pathologies, were considered. The most diffused mechanism whereby drugs can induce NAFLD/NASH is interfering with mitochondrial activity, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation, but other pathways involved in lipid homeostasis are also affected. PubMed research was performed to obtain significant papers published up to November 2021. The key words included the class of drugs, or the specific compound, combined with steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, fatty liver and hepatic lipid deposition. Additional information was found in the citations listed in other papers, when they were not displayed in the original search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Cagna
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Wang Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Ke Z, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Patients With IBD Receiving Methotrexate Are at Higher Risk of Liver Injury Compared With Patients With Non-IBD Diseases: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:774824. [PMID: 34881269 PMCID: PMC8645797 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.774824] [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: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methotrexate is well-known in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis (Ps), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Several reports have indicated a higher incidence of methotrexate (MTX)-related liver adverse events in patients with IBD. We aim to investigate the risk of liver injury in patients with IBD and those with non-IBD diseases treated with MTX. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles that reported liver adverse events in patients with IBD, RA, and Ps/PsA, receiving MTX therapy. Additional articles were obtained by screening the references of recent meta-analysis and reviews. Raw data from included articles were pooled to calculate the cumulative incidence of total liver injury (TLI), MTX discontinuation (MTX-D), and liver fibrosis (LF). RR (relative risk) was calculated to compare the difference between patients with IBD and those with non-IBD diseases. Results: A total of 326 articles with 128,876 patients were included. The patients with IBD had higher incidence of TLI [11.2 vs. 9.2%; relative risk (RR) = 1.22; P = 0.224] and MTX-D (2.6 vs. 1.8%; RR, 1.48; P = 0.089) than patients with non-IBD diseases. Due to the publication bias, trim-and-fill was performed. Afterwards, the patients with IBD showed significantly higher risk of TLI (11.2 vs. 3%; RR = 3.76; p < 0.001), MTX-D (3.3 vs. 0.7%; RR = 5; p < 0.001) and LF (3.1 vs. 0.1%; RR = 38.62; P = 0.001) compared with patients with non-IBD diseases. Conclusion: IBD is associated with a higher risk of MTX-related liver injury. The mechanism of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity might be different in IBD and non-IBD diseases, and needs to be verified in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziliang Ke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yulan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Clinical Center of Immune-Mediated Digestive Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Xu C, Yong MY, Koh ET, Dalan R, Leong KP. The impact of diabetes mellitus on treatment and outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis at 5-year follow-up: results from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2021; 5:rkab077. [PMID: 34778702 PMCID: PMC8578689 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab077] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We evaluated the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on RA treatment and outcomes in a longitudinal RA cohort. Methods We analysed data collected in the period 2001-2013 involving 583 RA patients, including demographics, diabetes diagnosis, clinical features, treatment, ACR functional class, HAQ, and quality-of-life measurement using the Short-Form 36. Results Seventy-seven (13.2%) of the RA patients had T2DM. DAS28 was not different in patients with T2DM at 5 years post-RA diagnosis. Fewer T2DM patients received MTX than those without T2DM (51% vs 80%, P < 0.001). Using univariate analysis, T2DM patients were more likely to experience poorer outcomes in terms of ACR functional status (P = 0.009), joint surgery (P = 0.007), knee arthroplasty (P < 0.001) and hospital admissions (P = 0.006). Multivariate regression analyses showed more knee arthroplasty (P = 0.047) in patients with T2DM. Conclusion Fewer patients with T2DM received MTX compared with those without T2DM. Patients with RA and T2DM were at higher risk of knee arthroplasty than RA patients without T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhui Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
| | - Mei Yun Yong
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
| | - Ee Tzun Koh
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
| | - Rinkoo Dalan
- Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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Hepatotoxic potentials of methotrexate: Understanding the possible toxicological molecular mechanisms. Toxicology 2021; 458:152840. [PMID: 34175381 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most effective and widely used drugs in the management of autoimmune and dermatological diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis patients who are under long term MTX-therapy are at high risk of developing a liver injury. Accumulation of intracellular MTX-polyglutamate (MTX-PG), a metabolite of MTX triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. MTX-PG causes oxidative stress in the liver by inducing lipid peroxidation thereby releasing reactive oxygen species and suppressing antioxidant response elements. MTX-PG induces several pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL- β1, IL-12. MTX-PG depletes hepatic folate level and decreases RNA and DNA synthesis leading to hepatocyte death. MTX-PG inhibits 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase enzyme and thereby causes accumulation of intracellular adenosine, which causes activation of hepatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix accumulation and hepatic fibrosis. MTX-PG induces hepatocytes apoptosis by activation of caspase 3 via the intrinsic pathway. Clinically, aggravation of underlying fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis seems to be an important mechanism of liver injury in MTX-treated RA patients. Therefore, there is a need for monitoring liver injury in RA, psoriatic and cancer patients with NAFLD and fibrosis risk factors during MTX treatment. This review summarizes the possible molecular mechanism of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. It may pave the way for early detection of liver injury and develop novel strategies for treating MTX mediated hepatotoxicity.
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26
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Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in Crohn's disease patients exposed to methotrexate. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:794-798. [PMID: 32804842 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate is widely used to treat some inflammatory chronic disorders, though it is hampered by the risk of liver fibrosis. Many recommendations have been made to assess methotrexate-related hepatotoxicity, including liver biopsy. However, other noninvasive methods to assess liver fibrosis have been developed and could be implemented for patients treated with methotrexate. AIM The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of liver fibrosis by means of noninvasive methods [aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) Forns index, and transient elastography] in patients with Crohn's disease exposed or not to methotrexate, and to identify risk factors for liver fibrosis. METHODS Prospective, cross-sectional study. All patients with Crohn's disease exposed to methotrexate were included and compared to an unselected cohort of outpatients with Crohn's disease never exposed to methotrexate. RESULTS A total of 84 patients with Crohn's disease, 56 exposed to methotrexate, and 28 controls, were included. Significant liver fibrosis was found in 7% of methotrexate-exposed patients with Crohn's disease and 10% of controls as measured by transient elastography, and in 7% of controls as measured by the Forns index. No cases of liver fibrosis were detected by APRI. Only alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, and age were associated with significant liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Significant liver fibrosis is uncommon among patients with Crohn's disease, even among those exposed to methotrexate. The risk of liver fibrosis in Crohn's disease seems to depend on common risk factors for liver disease.
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Azzam A, Jiyad Z, O'Beirne J. Is methotrexate hepatotoxicity associated with cumulative dose? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Australas J Dermatol 2021; 62:130-140. [PMID: 33769558 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in various medical specialties. However, hepatotoxicity is an ongoing concern and this is thought to be directly associated with cumulative dose. We sought to synthesise the published literature to evaluate the association between methotrexate hepatotoxicity and cumulative dose. METHODS A systematic review of Medline (PubMed) EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library was performed. Full texts of articles were examined, and excluded articles were recorded with reasons for exclusion. A meta-analysis of correlation coefficients was performed using Fisher's z-transformation and a random effects model. Cochran's Q-test and the I2 statistic were calculated to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Measures of hepatotoxicity were highly varied and included liver biopsy, elastography, FibroTest, biochemical tests and scoring systems (Fib-4, APRI, AST:ALT). Some studies analysed for the association with MTX cumulative dose using more than one modality. Overall, 38 analyses found no significant association between MTX cumulative dose and hepatoxicity vs eight that identified a significant association. The pooled correlation coefficient from five studies which utilised elastography was 0.18 (95% CI, -0.09 to 0.42), with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.0001), I2 = 92%). CONCLUSIONS Our synthesis of a large volume of studies in this review found no significant association between MTX cumulative dose and hepatotoxicity, both in terms of vote counting and with regard to the meta-analysis of correlation coefficients from studies that utilised elastography. This challenges the long-held belief that liver injury is a direct result of drug accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Azzam
- Department of Hepatology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.,Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zainab Jiyad
- Dermatology Unit, St. George's University of London, London, UK.,Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - James O'Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
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Methotrexate does not increase the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: assessment by ultrasound elastography (ARFI-MetRA study). Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:1079-1087. [PMID: 33608744 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Only limited data are available on the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on long-term methotrexate treatment. To assess the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate, non-invasive, ultrasound-based elastography [acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging] was applied. METHODS In total, 119 patients were assessed using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging between July 2018 and April 2019. In a cross-sectional, single-centre study design, ARFI scores were compared between patient subgroups with (n = 65) and without (n = 54) methotrexate exposure. The main outcome variable was the mean fibrosis score as measured by the ARFI method. The mean shear wave velocity was calculated from 10 valid ARFI measurements for each patient. Inferential statistical analyses (between group) were performed using ANOVA for independent samples in the case of continuous outcome variables. RESULTS Sixty-five patients with and fifty-four patients without MTX exposure were assessed using the ARFI elastography method. Participating patients on MTX medication (1.113 m/s) showed ARFI scores that were comparable to those of participants without MTX exposure (1.062 m/s); P = 0.228. The mean cumulative dose in the group of MTX-exposed patients was 3602 mg. CONCLUSION The mean value of the repeated determination of liver density using ARFI imaging did not differ significantly between the MTX-exposed and MTX-naive patients with RA. No increased rate of liver fibrosis was found among RA patients treated with MTX.
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Romano C, Esposito S, Ferrara R, Cuomo G. Tailoring biologic therapy for real-world rheumatoid arthritis patients. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:661-674. [PMID: 33147106 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1847268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy relies on the treat-to-target strategy, which aims at dampening inflammation as soon as possible in order to achieve persistent low disease activity or, ideally, remission, according to validated disease activity measures. Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be chosen in monotherapy or in combination as first-line therapy; in case of an unsatisfactory response after a 3-6-month trial, biologic therapy may be commenced.Areas covered: Real-life RA patients may present with concomitant comorbidities/complications or be in peculiar physiological states which raise more than one question as to which biotherapy may be more well suited considering the whole clinical picture. Therefore, a thorough literature search was performed to identify the most appropriate biologic therapy in each setting considered in this review.Expert opinion: Here we provide suggestions for the use of biologic drugs having a predictable better outcome in specific real-world conditions, so as to ideally profile the patient to the best of the current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Romano
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology Outpatient Clinic, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Esposito
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology Outpatient Clinic, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrara
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology Outpatient Clinic, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cuomo
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Immunology Outpatient Clinic, "Luigi Vanvitelli" University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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Gould PW, Zemel BS, Taratuta EG, Baker JF. Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Associations With Disease Characteristics, Body Composition, and Physical Functioning. J Rheumatol 2020; 48:504-512. [PMID: 33132219 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.200673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated associations between fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21, an adipokine associated with metabolic stress, and adverse longitudinal changes in body composition and physical functioning in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS At baseline and follow-up, patients with RA aged 18-70 years completed whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography to quantify lean mass, fat mass, and muscle density. Dynamometry assessed muscle strength at the hand and knee, and physical functioning was measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). FGF-21 and inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline. Linear and logistic regression analyses assessed associations between FGF-21 levels and both body composition and physical functioning over time. RESULTS There were 113 patients with RA enrolled, and 84 (74%) returned for follow-up at a median of 2.68 years. At baseline, FGF-21 was associated with age, smoking, methotrexate use, adiposity, and inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, YKL-40, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and resistin. The highest FGF-21 quartile was associated with worse SPPB and HAQ. Higher baseline FGF-21 levels (per 1 SD) were associated with worsening in muscle density and area Z-scores (β -0.06, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.008, P = 0.08; and β -0.05, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.006, P = 0.08, respectively) and a greater probability of a clinically meaningful worsening of HAQ (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.21-4.64, P = 0.01). The fourth FGF-21 quartile was associated with worsening of SPPB (β -0.57, 95% CI -1.04 to -0.09, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION FGF-21 levels are associated with obesity and inflammatory cytokines, and with worsening in physical functioning in RA. These data support the hypothesis that FGF-21 can identify patients at risk of functional decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Gould
- P.W. Gould, BA, E.G. Taratuta, MD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Babette S Zemel
- B.S. Zemel, PhD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Elena G Taratuta
- P.W. Gould, BA, E.G. Taratuta, MD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua F Baker
- J.F. Baker, MD, MSCE, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Choi Y, Lee CH, Kim IH, Park EH, Park S, Yoo WH. Methotrexate use does not increase the prevalence of hepatic steatosis: a real-world retrospective nested case-control study. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:2037-2045. [PMID: 33078254 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05456-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether methotrexate (MTX) treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). METHOD Data were derived from records of all patients with RA who underwent abdominal ultrasonography at the Jeonbuk National University Hospital. Patients with ultrasound-proven NAFL were identified, and those without NAFL were matched by age and sex using the propensity score matching method at 1:3 ratio. We also analyzed the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Samples, a nationwide cohort database, to determine the association between MTX use and NAFL in a large number of patients (n = 24,653). RESULTS In the hospital cohort, 92 patients with NAFL did not show significant differences in the cumulative MTX dose when compared with the no-NAFL group (n = 276) (1908.5 ± 1757.5 vs. 1948.6 ± 2118.8 mg, p = 0.911). The prevalence of NAFL was not significantly different across strata of cumulative MTX dose. Multiple logistic analyses identified hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 4.88 [95% CI, 1.13-20.93]) and higher body mass index (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.05-1.41]) as being associated with an increased risk of NAFL. In the nationwide cohort, the MTX exposure rate between the NAFL and no-NAFL groups was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, no significant association between NAFL development and administration of MTX was detected in this study. Our results suggest that it is more efficient to adjust for individualized risk factors for NAFL prevention rather than discontinuation of MTX in patients with RA. Key Points • NAFLD has been highlighted with increasing prevalence worldwide and possible progression to end-stage liver disease. • Cumulative dose or exposure history of MTX does not show a significant association with NAFLD prevalence. • Modifying well-established risk factors is more efficient in NAFLD prevention rather than discontinuation of MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjung Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.,Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Chang Hun Lee
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - In Hee Kim
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Eun Hae Park
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.,Department of Radiology, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - SoJeong Park
- Data Science Team, Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wan-Hee Yoo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea. .,Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.
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Poudel D, George MD, Baker JF. The Impact of Obesity on Disease Activity and Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:56. [PMID: 32740758 PMCID: PMC8025781 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW A growing number of studies have suggested that disease outcomes and response to therapy may be different in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are obese. The goal of this review is to examine the most recent literature, with a focus on the impact of obesity on the assessment of disease activity and treatment outcomes in RA. RECENT FINDINGS Obesity is common in patients with RA and can have a substantial impact on patient symptoms and outcomes. Obesity is associated with higher rates of chronic pain and opiate use, elevated inflammatory markers, and less reliable physical exam findings, making assessment of disease activity and treatment response more challenging. Despite seemingly worse clinical disease activity, evidence has accumulated demonstrating that obese patients with RA have less inflammation by imaging and lower rates of radiographic progression over time. Whether obesity influences the effectiveness of specific therapies remains controversial. Obesity is very common and is associated with more severe symptoms and higher rates of disability among RA patients. While clinical disease activity is frequently observed to be higher in obese patients with RA, it remains unclear whether poorer treatment response rates in this setting are related to reduced efficacy of therapies or are an artifact of biases in the accurate assessment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilli Poudel
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael D George
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua F Baker
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 5 White Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Mori S, Arima N, Ito M, Ueki Y, Abe Y, Aoyagi K, Fujiyama S. Incidence, predictive factors and severity of methotrexate-related liver injury in rheumatoid arthritis: a longitudinal cohort study. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2020; 4:rkaa020. [PMID: 33134809 PMCID: PMC7585403 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims were to determine the incidence rate, predictive factors and severity of liver injury that develops during MTX treatment for RA and to evaluate the role of pretreatment hepatic fat deposition. METHODS We used an ongoing real-life registry containing RA patients who had started MTX between August 2007 and April 2018 at participating institutions. The liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio on CT scans at enrolment was used to evaluate pretreatment fat deposition quantitatively. Patients were followed until persistent transaminitis developed or until the end of the study. Liver biopsy was performed for patients who presented with persistent transaminitis. RESULTS We followed 289 new MTX users without pretreatment elevations of transaminases (mean follow-up time, 58.3 months). Hepatic fat deposition was detected in half of the patients at enrolment. During follow-up, persistent transaminitis occurred at a crude incidence rate of 3.13 per 100 person-years, and the cumulative incidence at 5 years was estimated to be 13%. A multivariate Fine-Gray regression analysis showed that the most important predictive factors were pre-existing moderate to severe fat deposition (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.69; 95% CI: 3.10, 19.10) and obesity (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.37, 5.25). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was the most predominant pattern in liver biopsy samples. Hepatic fibrosis was found in 90% of samples, but most cases were not advanced. CONCLUSION Aggravation of underlying fatty liver to NASH with fibrosis seems to be an important mechanism of liver injury that occurs in MTX-treated RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Mori
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Kohshi, Kumamoto
| | - Nobuyuki Arima
- Department of Pathology, Kumamoto Shinto General Hospital, Kumamoto
| | - Masahiro Ito
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Nagasaki
| | - Yukitaka Ueki
- Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki
| | - Yasuyo Abe
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki
| | - Kiyoshi Aoyagi
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki
| | - Shigetoshi Fujiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kumamoto Shinto General Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency of fatty liver (non-alcoholic) disease, Framingham 10-year cardiovascular risk score in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: This study was conducted from September 1st to March 19, 2019, at Rheumatology OPD, Central Park Medical College Lahore. One hundred ninety two seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients were recruited. Demographic details were noted, BP, BMI, smoking habits, and waist circumference were noted, then sent to radiology department for ultrasound scan of abdomen by an expert radiologist. On next day 10 ml blood was taken by phlebotomist for lipid profile and fasting blood sugar levels, after availability of results 10-years Framingham cardiovascular risk score was calculated. Results: Females were (81.3%) mean age of (45.4) years, fatty liver was present in n=39 (20.3%). In positive cases comorbid like metabolic syndrome was present (71.8%), diabetes mellitus (33.3%), hypertension (59%) FRS score (intermediate to high in (33.3%), history of hakeem/desi medication use (51.3%), while on regression analysis all study parameters except DMARD’s had significant association with fatty liver (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is very widely prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients. As in general population, it is multifactorial in origin and needs careful monitoring and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Ahmed Wagan
- Dr. Abrar Ahmed Wagan, MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Rheumatology), FACR. Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Indus Medical College Tando Mohammad Khan, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir Bhutoo
- Dr. Abdul Qadir Bhutto, MBBS, MD (cardiology), Dip Cardiology, Consultant Cardiologist, SMMBMU Larkana, Pakistan
| | - Daim Khan
- Dr. Daim Khan, MBBS. MRCP (UK), Senior Registrar, Department of Medicine, Central Park Medical College Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Raheem
- Dr. Abdul Raheem, MBBS. Post graduate trainee, Central Park Medical College Lahore, Pakistan
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Abstract
When patients with suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI) undergo liver biopsy, the pathologist can provide a wealth of information on the morphologic changes. The most common histologic patterns of DILI include mimics of acute and chronic hepatitis as well as acute cholestasis, chronic cholestasis, and a mixed pattern that combines hepatitis with cholestasis. The pattern may suggest etiologies of injury or correlate with reported patterns of injury for specific agents. Biopsy may exonerate or indict particular drugs as causal agents of injury and provide specific information on severity of injury and specific types of changes related to various outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billel Gasmi
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 2S235, MSC1500, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David E. Kleiner
- Post-Mortem Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 2S235, MSC1500, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Corresponding author,
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Koch LK, Yeh MM. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Diagnosis, pitfalls, and staging. Ann Diagn Pathol 2018; 37:83-90. [PMID: 30312882 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent and strongly associated with obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, not only in the Western societies, but also in most regions of the world in the 21st century. The spectrum of its histopathology ranges from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with risk for progressive fibrosis that may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Benign and malignant liver tumors have also been more frequently reported with the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes. This review addresses the pathology of NAFLD and NASH, and their diagnostic features, diagnostic pitfalls, grading and staging, and clinical correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Koch
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
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