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Venerito V, Del Vescovo S, Lopalco G, Proft F. Beyond the horizon: Innovations and future directions in axial-spondyloarthritis. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:491-511. [PMID: 38125058 PMCID: PMC10728740 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.10580] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and sacroiliac joints. This review discusses recent advances across multiple scientific fields that promise to transform axSpA management. Traditionally, axSpA was considered an immune-mediated disease driven by human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 signaling, biomechanics, and dysbiosis. Diagnosis relies on clinical features, laboratory tests, and imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nowadays. Management includes exercise, lifestyle changes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and if this is not sufficient to achieve disease control also biological and targeted-synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Beyond long-recognized genetic risks like HLA-B27, high-throughput sequencing has revealed intricate gene-environment interactions influencing dysbiosis, immune dysfunction, and aberrant bone remodeling. Elucidating these mechanisms promises screening approaches to enable early intervention. Advanced imaging is revolutionizing the assessment of axSpA's hallmark: sacroiliac bone-marrow edema indicating inflammation. Novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques sensitively quantify disease activity, while machine learning automates complex analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy and monitoring. Hybrid imaging like synthetic MRI/computed tomography (CT) visualizes structural damage with new clarity. Meanwhile, microbiome analysis has uncovered gut ecosystem alterations that may initiate joint inflammation through HLA-B27 misfolding or immune subversion. Correcting dysbiosis represents an enticing treatment target. Moving forward, emerging techniques must augment patient care. Incorporating patient perspectives will be key to ensure innovations like genetics, microbiome, and imaging biomarkers translate into improved mobility, reduced pain, and increased quality of life. By integrating cutting-edge, multidisciplinary science with patients' lived experience, researchers can unlock the full potential of new technologies to deliver transformative outcomes. The future is bright for precision diagnosis, tightly controlled treatment, and even prevention of axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Venerito
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sergio Del Vescovo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lopalco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabian Proft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (including Nutrition Medicine), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Iaquinta FS, Mauro D, Pantano I, Naty S, Iacono D, Gaggiano E, Riccio L, Ciccia F, Grembiale RD, Spagnuolo R. Gastrointestinal Symptoms Impact Psychosocial Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093248. [PMID: 37176688 PMCID: PMC10179391 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic Inflammatory Arthritis (IA), such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA) are more likely to experience psychosocial impairment. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are also present, especially in Spondyloarthritis. No data are available on the relationship between gut and brain manifestations and their impact on daily activities in this setting; thus, this study aimed to assess these symptoms in an IA population and identify potential associations. IA patients and a control group were enrolled. The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Instrument System (PROMIS®) questionnaire was used to evaluate GI and psychosocial domains. The study included 389 subjects (238 controls and 151 with IA); demographic and clinical data were collected for each participant. IA patients reported both higher psychosocial and GI impairment compared with controls. The logistic regression model revealed a strong association between depression and belly pain (p = 0.035), diarrhea (p = 0.017), bloating (p = 0.018), and reflux (p = 0.01); anxiety was associated with belly pain (p = 0.004), diarrhea (p = 0.019), swallowing alterations (p = 0.004), flatulence (p < 0.001) and reflux (p = 0.008). Moreover, fatigue, sleep disorders, and pain interference were associated with almost all GI symptoms, whereas high physical function scores and satisfaction in social roles decreased the odds of most GI symptoms. IA patients had more significant impairment in both dimensions compared with controls. To address reported symptoms and improve the overall quality of life in rheumatologic patients, a new holistic approach is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Mauro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pantano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Saverio Naty
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Iacono
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gaggiano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Riccio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Daniela Grembiale
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Spagnuolo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Song ZY, Yuan D, Zhang SX. Role of the microbiome and its metabolites in ankylosing spondylitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1010572. [PMID: 36311749 PMCID: PMC9608452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic condition that commonly influences the spine and sacroiliac joints, usually progresses to stiffness and progressive functional limitation. Its fundamental etiology and pathogenesis are likely multifactorial and remain elusive. As environmental factors, gut microbiota performs critical functions in the pathogenesis of AS through various mechanisms, including interacting with genes, enhancing intestinal permeability, activating the gut mucosa immune system, and affecting the intestinal microbiota metabolites. This review provides an overview of recent advances in investigating gut microbiota in AS pathogenesis and discusses potential methods for future therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yi Song
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Duo Yuan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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So J, De Craemer AS, Elewaut D, Tam LS. Spondyloarthritis: How far are we from precision medicine? Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:988532. [PMID: 36160128 PMCID: PMC9492940 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.988532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a family of heterogenous diseases consisting of different phenotypes. The exact disease mechanism remains unclear but evidence shows the complex pathophysiology with interplay between genome, microbiome, and immunome. Biologic DMARDs have markedly improved patients' disease control and quality of life. However, treatment response varies among patients. There is a growing need to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of SpA. Genomic studies have been the research focus in the past two decades and have identified important genes involved in SpA. In recent years, emerging evidence supports the link between gut and joint inflammation in SpA, in which the role of gut microbiome in SpA is of great interest. Herein, potential genetic and gut microbial biomarkers for predicting treatment response are discussed. Novel strategies targeting dysbiosis in SpA are also summarized. These results represent a significant step toward precision medicine for patients with SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline So
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ann-Sophie De Craemer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB-UGent, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB-UGent, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Lai-Shan Tam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Lai-Shan Tam
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Huang T, Pu Y, Wang X, Li Y, Yang H, Luo Y, Liu Y. Metabolomic analysis in spondyloarthritis: A systematic review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:965709. [PMID: 36118235 PMCID: PMC9479008 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.965709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of rheumatic diseases that cause joint inflammation. Accumulating studies have focused on the metabolomic profiling of SpA in recent years. We conducted a systematic review to provide a collective summary of previous findings on metabolomic profiling associated with SpA. We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Embase and Web of Science for studies on comparisons of the metabolomic analysis of SpA patients and non-SpA controls. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included articles. From 482 records identified, 31 studies were included in the analysis. A number of metabolites were differentially distributed between SpA and non-SpA cases. SpA patients showed higher levels of glucose, succinic acid, malic acid and lactate in carbohydrate metabolism, higher glycerol levels and lower fatty acid (especially unsaturated fatty acid) levels in lipid metabolism, and lower levels of tryptophan and glutamine in amino acid metabolism than healthy controls. Both conventional and biological therapy of SpA can insufficiently reverse the aberrant metabolism state toward that of the controls. However, the differences in the results of metabolic profiling between patients with SpA and other inflammatory diseases as well as among patients with several subtypes of SpA are inconsistent across studies. Studies on metabolomics have provided insights into etiological factors and biomarkers for SpA. Supplementation with the metabolites that exhibit decreased levels, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has good treatment prospects for modulating immunity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of disordered metabolic molecules in the pathogenesis of SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyu Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangpeng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Cytokine Changes in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1005111. [PMID: 36033581 PMCID: PMC9417757 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1005111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by sacroiliac joint lesions and spinal ascending involvement. The aim of this work was at investigating the gut microbiota profile and proinflammatory cytokines in AS patients. Gut microbiota of AS patients was clearly different from that of healthy human controls. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated a changed microbial diversity in the AS patients, and there was a significant increase in the abundance of Cyanobacteria, Deinococcota, Patescibacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Synergistota at a phyla level increased in AS, while the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Bdellovibrionota, Campylobacterota, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota, Myxococcota, Nitrospirota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota declined in AS patients. ELISA results for the markers of inflammation in the AS patients revealed increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-23, IL-17, and IFN-γ. Our findings support the fact that the intestinal microbiota are altered in AS with an inflammatory status, which indicates that gut microbiota should be a potential target for ankylosing spondylitis therapy.
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The gut-enthesis axis and the pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis. Semin Immunol 2021; 58:101607. [PMID: 35850909 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical inflammation is associated with Spondylarthritis (SpA). SpA patients show features of dysbiosis, altered gut barrier function, and local expansion of innate and innate-like cells involved in type 3 immune response. The recirculation of intestinal primed immune cells into the bloodstream and, in some cases, in the joints and the inflamed bone marrow of SpA patients gave the basis of the gut-joint axis theory. In the light of the critical role of enthesis in the pathogenesis of SpA and the identification of mucosal-derived immune cells residing into the normal human enthesis, a gut-enthesis axis is also likely to exist. This work reviews the current knowledge on enthesis-associated innate immune cells' primary involvement in enthesitis development, questions their origin, and critically discusses the clues supporting the existence of a gut-enthesis axis contributing to SpA development.
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