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Neamțu M, Bild V, Vasincu A, Arcan OD, Bulea D, Ababei DC, Rusu RN, Macadan I, Sciucă AM, Neamțu A. Inflammasome Molecular Insights in Autoimmune Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3502-3532. [PMID: 38666950 PMCID: PMC11048795 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040220] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) emerge due to an irregular immune response towards self- and non-self-antigens. Inflammation commonly accompanies these conditions, with inflammatory factors and inflammasomes playing pivotal roles in their progression. Key concepts in molecular biology, inflammation, and molecular mimicry are crucial to understanding AID development. Exposure to foreign antigens can cause inflammation, potentially leading to AIDs through molecular mimicry triggered by cross-reactive epitopes. Molecular mimicry emerges as a key mechanism by which infectious or chemical agents trigger autoimmunity. In certain susceptible individuals, autoreactive T or B cells may be activated by a foreign antigen due to resemblances between foreign and self-peptides. Chronic inflammation, typically driven by abnormal immune responses, is strongly associated with AID pathogenesis. Inflammasomes, which are vital cytosolic multiprotein complexes assembled in response to infections and stress, are crucial to activating inflammatory processes in macrophages. Chronic inflammation, characterized by prolonged tissue injury and repair cycles, can significantly damage tissues, thereby increasing the risk of AIDs. Inhibiting inflammasomes, particularly in autoinflammatory disorders, has garnered significant interest, with pharmaceutical advancements targeting cytokines and inflammasomes showing promise in AID management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Neamțu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Veronica Bild
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
- Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, 8 Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandru Vasincu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Oana Dana Arcan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Delia Bulea
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Daniela-Carmen Ababei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Ioana Macadan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.N.); (V.B.); (O.D.A.); (D.B.); (D.-C.A.); (R.-N.R.); (I.M.)
| | - Ana Maria Sciucă
- Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Dermatology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Neamțu
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Differentiating between UCTD and early-stage SLE: from definitions to clinical approach. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:9-21. [PMID: 34764455 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations that can potentially affect every organ and system. SLE is usually identified on the basis of clinical or serological manifestations; however, some individuals can present with signs and symptoms that are consistent with SLE but are not sufficient for a definite diagnosis. Disease in these individuals can either progress over time to definite SLE or remain stable, in which case their disease is often described as intermediate, possible or probable SLE. Alternatively, such individuals might have undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Being able to differentiate between those with stable UCTD and those with SLE at an early stage is important to avoid irreversible target-organ damage from occurring. This Review provides insight into existing and evolving perceptions of the early stages of SLE, including clinical and mechanistic considerations, as well as potential paths towards early identification and intervention. Further research into the earliest phases of SLE will be important for the development of targeted diagnostic approaches and biomarkers for the identification of individuals with early disease who are likely to progress to definite SLE.
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, López P, Alperi-López M, Caminal-Montero L, Ballina-García FJ, Suárez A. IRF4 and IRGs Delineate Clinically Relevant Gene Expression Signatures in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3085. [PMID: 30666255 PMCID: PMC6330328 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Overactivation of the type I interferon (IFN) signature has been observed in several systemic autoimmune conditions, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Impaired control of Interferon-Responding Genes (IRGs) expression by their regulatory mechanisms, including Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs), may underlie these findings and it may explain the heterogeneity observed among these conditions. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the associations between IRF4 gene expression and those of IRGs in SLE and RA patients to gain insight about its links with the IFN signature as well as to explore the potential clinical relevance of these associations. Methods: The gene expression of IRF4 and IRGs (IFI44, IFI44L, IFI6, and MX1) in peripheral blood was analyzed in 75 SLE patients, 98 RA patients, and 28 healthy controls. A group of 13 biological-naïve RA patients was prospectively followed upon TNFα-blockade. The associations among IRF4 and IRGs were evaluated by principal component analyses (PCA), correlations and network analyses. Publicly available datasets were used for replication. Results: A broad activation of IRGs was observed in autoimmune patients, although certain heterogeneity can be distinguished, whereas IRF4 was only upregulated in RA. The differential expression of IRF4 in RA was then confirmed in publicly available gene expression datasets. PCA revealed different associations among IRF4 and IRGs in each condition, which was later confirmed by correlation and network analyses. Cluster analysis identified 3 gene expression signatures on the basis of IRF4 and IRGs expression which were differentially used by SLE and RA patients. Cluster III was associated with markers of disease severity in SLE patients. Cluster II, hallmarked by IRF4 upregulation, was linked to clinical stage and mild disease course in RA. TNFα-blockade led to changes in the association between IRF4 and IRGs, whereas increasing IRF4 expression was associated with a good clinical outcome in RA. Conclusions: The differential expression of IRF4 and IRGs observed in SLE and RA can delineate gene expression signatures associated with clinical features and treatment outcomes. These results support a clinically-relevant phenomenon of shaping of the IFN signature by IRF4 in autoimmune patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Bone and Mineral Research Unit, REDinREN del ISCIII, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patricia López
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alperi-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Caminal-Montero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Francisco J Ballina-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Spinillo A, Beneventi F, Locatelli E, Ramoni V, Caporali R, Alpini C, Albonico G, Cavagnoli C, Montecucco C. The impact of unrecognized autoimmune rheumatic diseases on the incidence of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction: a longitudinal cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:313. [PMID: 27756248 PMCID: PMC5069792 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-1076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of pregnancy complications associated with well defined, already established systemic rheumatic diseases preexisting pregnancy such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma is well known. Systemic rheumatic diseases are characterized by a long natural history with few symptoms, an undifferentiated picture or a remitting course making difficult a timely diagnosis. It has been suggested that screening measures for these diseases could be useful but the impact of unrecognized systemic rheumatic disorders on pregnancy outcome is unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of previously unrecognized systemic autoimmune rheumatic on the incidence of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods A longitudinal cohort-study with enrolment during the first trimester of pregnancy of women attending routine antenatal care using a two-step approach with a self-reported questionnaire, autoantibody detection and clinical evaluation of antibody-positive subjects. The incidence of FGR and preeclampsia in subjects with newly diagnosed rheumatic diseases was compared to that of selected negative controls adjusting for potential confounders by logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of previously unrecognized systemic rheumatic diseases was 0.4 % for rheumatoid arthritis (19/5232), 0.25 % (13/5232) for systemic lupus erythematosus, 0.31 % (16/5232) for Sjögren’s syndrome, 0.3 % for primary antiphospholipid syndrome (14/5232) and 0.11 % (6/5232) for other miscellaneous diseases. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease was diagnosed in an additional 131 subjects (2.5 %). The incidence of either FGR or preeclampsia was 6.1 % (36/594) among controls and 25.3 % (50/198) in subjects with unrecognized rheumatic diseases (excess incidence = 3.9 % (95 % CI = 2.6–9.6) or 34 % (95 % CI = 22–44) of all cases of FGR/preeclampsia). The incidence of small for gestational age infant (SGA) was higher among subjects with unrecognized rheumatic diseases (41/198 as compared to 46/594; adjOdds Ratio = 3.1, 95 % CI =1.96–4.95) than in controls. The excess incidence associated with unrecognized rheumatic diseases was 2.7 % (95 % CI = 1.5–4) or 25 % (95 % CI = 12.8–34.8) of all SGA cases. Conclusions Unrecognized autoimmune systemic rheumatic disorders are associated with a significant proportion of preeclampsia and fetal growth failure, suggesting that their role in the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcome is probably undervalued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, P.le Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy. @smatteo.pv.it
| | - Fausta Beneventi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, P.le Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Locatelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, P.le Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vèronique Ramoni
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Alpini
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Albonico
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavagnoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, P.le Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlomaurizio Montecucco
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Musumeci G. Effects of exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in rheumatic diseases. World J Orthop 2015; 6:762-769. [PMID: 26601057 PMCID: PMC4644863 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v6.i10.762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity covers not just sports but also simple everyday movements such as housework, walking and playing. Regular exercise has a great importance in maintaining good health, indeed inactivity is a risk factor for different chronic diseases. Physical exercise can play a crucial role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, optimizing both physical and mental health, enhancing energy, decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. An exercise program for patients with rheumatic diseases aims to preserve or restore a range of motion of the affected joints, to increase muscle strength and endurance, and to improve mood and decrease health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. In this editorial I describe the benefits of the exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in rheumatic diseases that seem to have a short and long-term effectiveness. A literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords based on the present editorial.
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