1
|
Geraldes R, Santos M, Ponte C, Craven A, Barra L, Robson JC, Hammam N, Springer J, Henes J, Hocevar A, Putaala J, Santos E, Rajasekhar L, Daikeler T, Karadag O, Costa A, Khalidi N, Pagnoux C, Canhão P, Melo TPE, Fonseca AC, Ferro JM, Fonseca JE, Suppiah R, Watts RA, Grayson P, Merkel PA, Luqmani RA. Stroke frequency, associated factors, and clinical features in primary systemic vasculitis: a multicentric observational study. J Neurol 2024; 271:3309-3320. [PMID: 38472397 PMCID: PMC11136713 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cerebral vessels may be affected in primary systemic vasculitis (PSV), but little is known about cerebrovascular events (CVEs) in this population. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CVEs at the time of diagnosis of PSV, to identify factors associated with CVEs in PSV, and to explore features and outcomes of stroke in patients with PSV. METHODS Data from adults newly diagnosed with PSV within the Diagnostic and Classification Criteria in VASculitis (DCVAS) study were analysed. Demographics, risk factors for vascular disease, and clinical features were compared between patients with PSV with and without CVE. Stroke subtypes and cumulative incidence of recurrent CVE during a prospective 6-month follow-up were also assessed. RESULTS The analysis included 4828 PSV patients, and a CVE was reported in 169 (3.50%, 95% CI 3.00-4.06): 102 (2.13% 95% CI 1.73-2.56) with stroke and 81 (1.68% 95% CI 1.33-2.08) with transient ischemic attack (TIA). The frequency of CVE was highest in Behçet's disease (9.5%, 95% CI 5.79-14.37), polyarteritis nodosa (6.2%, 95% CI 3.25-10.61), and Takayasu's arteritis (6.0%, 95% CI 4.30-8.19), and lowest in microscopic polyangiitis (2.2%, 95% CI 1.09-3.86), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (2.0%, 95% CI 1.20-3.01), cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis (1.9%, 95% CI 0.05-9.89), and IgA-vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein) (0.4%, 95% CI 0.01-2.05). PSV patients had a 11.9% cumulative incidence of recurrent CVE during a 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION CVEs affect a significant proportion of patients at time of PSV diagnosis, and the frequency varies widely among different vasculitis, being higher in Behçet's. Overall, CVE in PSV is not explained by traditional vascular risk factors and has a high risk of CVE recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Geraldes
- Neurology Department, Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health Foundation Trust, Slough, UK.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
| | - Monica Santos
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ponte
- Rheumatology and Metabolic Bone Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anthea Craven
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lillian Barra
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna C Robson
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Nevin Hammam
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jason Springer
- University of Kansas Medical Centre Institute, Lawrence, Kansas, KS, USA
| | - Jöerg Henes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Auto-Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology, Haematology, Immunology and Rheumatology), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Jukka Putaala
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ernestina Santos
- Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Thomas Daikeler
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Research, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Omer Karadag
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vasculitis Research Center, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Andreia Costa
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Department, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nader Khalidi
- Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Patrícia Canhão
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pinho E Melo
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Fonseca
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Ferro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology and Metabolic Bone Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Peter Grayson
- National Institutes of Health, NIAMS Vasculitis Translational Research Program, Bethesda, USA
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Raashid A Luqmani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gallou S, Agard C, Dumont A, Deshayes S, Boutemy J, Maigné G, Martin Silva N, Nguyen A, Philip R, Espitia O, Aouba A, de Boysson H. Evolution and outcomes of aortic dilations in giant cell arteritis. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00146-8. [PMID: 38580542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify factors associated with the progression of giant cell arteritis (GCA)-related or associated aortic dilations. METHODS In this retrospective study, 47 GCA patients with aortic dilation were longitudinally analyzed. Each patient underwent ≥2 imaging scans of the aorta during the follow-up. Three progression statuses of aortic dilations were distinguished: fast-progressive (FP) defined by a progression of the aortic diameter ≥5 mm/year or ≥1 cm/2 years, slow progressive (SP) by a progression of the aortic diameter >1 mm during the follow-up, and not progressive (NP) when aortic diameter remained stable. RESULTS Among the 47 patients with aortic dilation, the thoracic section was involved in 87 % of patients. Within a total follow-up of 89 [6-272] months, we identified 13 (28 %) patients with FP dilations, and 16 (34 %) and 18 (38 %) patients with SP and NP dilations, respectively. No differences regarding baseline characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors or treatments were observed among the 3 groups. However, FP patients more frequently showed atheromatous disease (p = 0.04), with a more frequent use of statins (p = 0.04) and antiplatelet agents (p = 0.02). Among the 27 (57 %) patients with aortitis, aortic dilation developed on an inflammatory segment in 23 (85 %). Among the FP patients who underwent aortic surgery with available histology (n = 3), all presented active vasculitis. CONCLUSION This study suggests that aortic inflammation, as well as atheromatous disease, might participate in the fast progression of aortic dilation in GCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Gallou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Christian Agard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Médecine Interne, Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Anael Dumont
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Samuel Deshayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Jonathan Boutemy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Gwénola Maigné
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - Alexandre Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Rémi Philip
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Olivier Espitia
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service de Médecine Interne, Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Achille Aouba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Hubert de Boysson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; University of Caen Normandie, Caen, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roubille C. [Management of cardiovascular comorbidities in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases]. Rev Med Interne 2024; 45:194-199. [PMID: 37981509 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2023.11.001] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are at increased cardiovascular risk, which is the cause of persistent excess mortality despite increasingly effective specific treatment of the inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease. This increased cardiovascular risk is multifactorial, associated with accelerated atherosclerosis related to systemic inflammation, but also secondary to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to the therapies used to control systemic inflammation. This justifies a coordinated, personalized management of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, based not only on the treatment of their disease to achieve the lowest level of activity, but also on the screening and management of their cardiovascular comorbidities and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Roubille
- Département de médecine interne, CHU de Lapeyronie, Montpellier, France; Inserm, PhyMedExp, CNRS, CHRU Montpellier, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kreis L, Dejaco C, Schmidt WA, Németh R, Venhoff N, Schäfer VS. The Meteoritics Trial: efficacy of methotrexate after remission-induction with tocilizumab and glucocorticoids in giant cell arteritis-study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II study. Trials 2024; 25:56. [PMID: 38225579 PMCID: PMC10790384 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GC) are the standard treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA), even though they are associated with adverse side effects and high relapse rates. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has shown promise in sustaining remission and reducing the cumulative GC dosage, but it increases the risk of infections and is expensive. After discontinuation of TCZ, only about half of patients remain in remission. Additionally, only few studies have been conducted looking at remission maintenance, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to maintain remission in GCA. Methotrexate (MTX) has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of relapse in new-onset GCA and is already a proven safe drug in many rheumatologic diseases. METHODS This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTX in maintaining remission in patients with GCA who have previously been treated with GC and at least 6 months with TCZ. We hypothesize that MTX can maintain remission in GCA patients, who have achieved stable remission after treatment with GC and TCZ, and prevent the occurrence of relapses. The study design is a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II trial randomizing 40 GCA patients 1:1 into a MTX or placebo arm. Patients will receive 17.5 mg MTX/matching placebo weekly by subcutaneous injection for 12 months, with the possibility of dose reduction if clinically needed. A 6-month follow-up will take place. The primary endpoint is the time to first relapse in the MTX group versus placebo during the 12-month treatment period. Secondary outcomes include patient- and investigator-reported outcomes and laboratory findings, as well as the prevalence of aortitis, number of vasculitic vessels, and change in intima-media thickness during the study. DISCUSSION This is the first clinical trial evaluating remission maintenance of GCA with MTX after a previous treatment cycle with TCZ. Following the discontinuation of TCZ in GCA, MTX could be a safe and inexpensive drug. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05623592. Registered on 21 November 2022. EU Clinical Trials Register, 2022-501058-12-00. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030571.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kreis
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplaz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Andreas Schmidt
- Medical Centre for Rheumatology Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Németh
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Venhoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstraße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Sebastian Schäfer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Haematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bettiol A, Argento FR, Fini E, Bello F, Di Scala G, Taddei N, Emmi G, Prisco D, Becatti M, Fiorillo C. ROS-driven structural and functional fibrinogen modifications are reverted by interleukin-6 inhibition in Giant Cell Arteritis. Thromb Res 2023; 230:1-10. [PMID: 37598635 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.08.011] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cranial and extra-cranial vascular events are among the major determinants of morbidity and mortality in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Vascular events seem mostly of inflammatory nature, although the precise pathogenetic mechanisms are still unclear. We investigated the role of oxidation-induced structural and functional fibrinogen modifications in GCA. The effects of the anti-IL6R tocilizumab in counteracting these mechanisms were also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 GCA patients and 65 matched controls. Leucocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, redox state, and fibrinogen structural and functional features were compared between patients and controls. In 19 patients receiving tocilizumab, pre vs post treatment variations were assessed. RESULTS GCA patients displayed enhanced blood lymphocyte, monocyte and neutrophil ROS production compared to controls, with an increased plasma lipid peroxidation and a reduced total antioxidant capacity. This oxidative impairment resulted in a sustained fibrinogen oxidation (i.e. dityrosine content 320 (204-410) vs 136 (120-176) Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU), p < 0.0001), with marked alterations in fibrinogen secondary and tertiary structure [intrinsic fluorescence: 134 (101-227) vs 400 (366-433) RFU, p < 0.001]. Structural alterations paralleled a remarkable fibrinogen functional impairment, with a reduced ability to polymerize into fibrin and a lower fibrin susceptibility to plasmin-induced lysis. In patients receiving tocilizumab, a significant improvement in redox status was observed, accompanied by a significant improvement in fibrinogen structural and functional features (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS An impaired redox status accounts for structural and functional fibrinogen modifications in GCA, suggesting a potential role of tocilizumab for cardiovascular prevention in GCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bettiol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Flavia Rita Argento
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze; viale Pieraccini, 6 - 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Eleonora Fini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze; viale Pieraccini, 6 - 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Federica Bello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Gerardo Di Scala
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Niccolò Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze; viale Pieraccini, 6 - 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy; Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Domenico Prisco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze; viale Pieraccini, 6 - 50139 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Claudia Fiorillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Firenze; viale Pieraccini, 6 - 50139 Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Handzic A, Zaslavsky K, Margolin E. Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting With Myocardial Infarction. Can J Neurol Sci 2023:1-2. [PMID: 37614123 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2023.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Handzic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirill Zaslavsky
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edward Margolin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vats V, Patel K, Sharma DD, Almansouri NE, Makkapati NSR, Nimal S, Ramteke P, Mohammed Arifuddin B, Jagarlamudi NS, Narain A, Raut YD. Exploring Cardiovascular Manifestations in Vasculitides: An In-Depth Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e44417. [PMID: 37791229 PMCID: PMC10543473 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic vasculitides encompass a cluster of autoimmune diseases that affect blood vessels, and are characterized by immune-mediated injury to either small- or large-sized blood vessels. Individuals afflicted with systemic vasculitides experience notable morbidity and mortality attributable to cardiovascular manifestations. Noteworthy among these are ischemic heart disease, venous thromboembolism, aortic involvement, valvular irregularities, myocarditis, and pericarditis. This narrative review investigated and evaluated the prevalent cardiovascular disturbances commonly associated with different types of vasculitides. This review also discusses the mechanisms that underlie these manifestations. It also provides a thorough explanation of the many diagnostic techniques essential for detecting the disease at its occult stage. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have knowledge of the cardiovascular complications caused by vasculitides, as this enables them to promptly recognize these symptoms and employ suitable diagnostic techniques early on. By doing so, timely detection can be ensured, which will subsequently aid in initiating appropriate treatment strategies that are vital for decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic vasculitides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Vats
- Internal Medicine, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, IND
| | - Kriyesha Patel
- Internal Medicine, MP Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, IND
| | | | | | | | - Simran Nimal
- Internal Medicine, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (BJ) Government Medical College, Pune, IND
| | - Palash Ramteke
- Medical School, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, IND
| | | | | | - Archit Narain
- Internal Medicine, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, IND
| | - Yogesh D Raut
- Miscellaneous, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, IND
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Watanabe R, Hashimoto M. Perspectives of JAK Inhibitors for Large Vessel Vasculitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:881705. [PMID: 35432355 PMCID: PMC9005632 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.881705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels caused by autoimmunity and/or autoinflammation, and recent advances in research have led to a better understanding of its pathogenesis. Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide have long been the standard of care. However, B-cell depletion therapy with rituximab has become available for treating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). More recently, avacopan, an inhibitor of the complement 5a receptor, was shown to have high efficacy in remission induction against AAV. Thus, treatment options for AAV have been expanded. In contrast, in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), including giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist, was shown to be effective in suppressing relapse and has steroid-sparing effects. However, the relapse rate remains high, and other therapeutic options have long been awaited. In the last decade, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as therapeutic options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their efficacy has been proven in multiple studies; thus, JAK inhibitors are expected to be promising agents for treating other rheumatic diseases, including LVV. This mini-review briefly introduces the mechanism of action of JAK inhibitors and their efficacy in patients with RA. Then, the pathophysiology of LVV is updated, and a rationale for treating LVV with JAK inhibitors is provided with a brief introduction of our preliminary results using a mouse model. Finally, we discuss the newly raised safety concerns regarding JAK inhibitors and future perspectives for treating LVV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryu Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|