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Kuster S, Jordan S, Elhai M, Held U, Steigmiller K, Bruni C, Cacciapaglia F, Vettori S, Siegert E, Rednic S, Codullo V, Airo P, Braun-Moscovici Y, Hunzelmann N, Joao Salvador M, Riccieri V, Gheorghiu AM, Alegre Sancho JJ, Romanowska-Prochnicka K, Castellví I, Kötter I, Truchetet ME, López-Longo FJ, Novikov PI, Giollo A, Shirai Y, Belloli L, Zanatta E, Hachulla E, Smith V, Denton C, Ionescu RM, Schmeiser T, Distler JHW, Gabrielli A, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Kuwana M, Allanore Y, Distler O. Effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis: a propensity score matched controlled observational study of the EUSTAR cohort. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002477. [DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesTocilizumab showed trends for improving skin fibrosis and prevented progression of lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) in randomised controlled clinical trials. We aimed to assess safety and effectiveness of tocilizumab in a real-life setting using the European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) database.MethodsPatients with SSc fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR 2013 classification criteria, with baseline and follow-up visits at 12±3 months, receiving tocilizumab or standard of care as the control group, were selected. Propensity score matching was applied. Primary endpoints were the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and FVC at 12±3 months compared between the groups. Secondary endpoints were the percentage of progressive/regressive patients for skin and lung at 12±3 months.ResultsNinety-three patients with SSc treated with tocilizumab and 3180 patients with SSc with standard of care fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Comparison between groups did not show significant differences, but favoured tocilizumab across all predefined primary and secondary endpoints: mRSS was lower in the tocilizumab group (difference −1.0, 95% CI −3.7 to 1.8, p=0.48). Similarly, FVC % predicted was higher in the tocilizumab group (difference 1.5 (−6.1 to 9.1), p=0.70). The percentage of progressive/regressive patients favoured tocilizumab over controls. These results were robust regarding the sensitivity analyses. Safety analysis confirmed previously reported adverse event profiles.ConclusionAlthough this large, observational, controlled, real-life EUSTAR study did not show significant effectiveness of tocilizumab on skin and lung fibrosis, the consistency of direction of all predefined endpoints generates hypothesis for potential effectiveness in a broader SSc population.
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Avanoǧlu Güler A, Rossi FW, Bellando-Randone S, Prevete N, Tufan A, Manetti M, de Paulis A, Matucci-Cerinic M. The Role of Endogenous Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid-Derived Resolvins in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1249. [PMID: 32636845 PMCID: PMC7318896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resolvins, the member of specialized pro-resolving mediators, are produced from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a response to an acute inflammatory process in that termination and resolution of inflammation. In the acute inflammation, these lipid mediators limit polymorphonuclear cells infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine production; promote efferocytosis, and regulate several cell types being important roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Any dysregulation or defect of the resolution phase result in prolonged, persistent inflammation and eventually fibrosis. Resolvins are implicated in the development of various chronic autoimmune diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a very complicated, chronic autoimmune disorder proceeding with vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity is another important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of SSc. In this review, we will focus on the different roles of this new family of lipid mediators, characterized by the ability to prevent the spread of inflammation and its chronicity in various ways and how they can control the development of fibrotic diseases like SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslıhan Avanoǧlu Güler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Nella Prevete
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Amato de Paulis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
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3
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Bellando-Randone S, Matucci-Cerinic M. The race against time to disclose lung inflammation in interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: is PET scan the winning solution? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1198-1199. [PMID: 32159796 PMCID: PMC7850146 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy
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4
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Distler O, Assassi S, Cottin V, Cutolo M, Danoff SK, Denton CP, Distler JHW, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Johnson SR, Müller Ladner U, Smith V, Volkmann ER, Maher TM. Predictors of progression in systemic sclerosis patients with interstitial lung disease. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.02026-2019. [PMID: 32079645 PMCID: PMC7236865 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02026-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems, including the lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of death in SSc. There are no valid biomarkers to predict the occurrence of SSc-ILD, although auto-antibodies against anti-topoisomerase I and several inflammatory markers are candidate biomarkers that need further evaluation. Chest auscultation, presence of shortness of breath and pulmonary function testing are important diagnostic tools, but lack sensitivity to detect early ILD. Baseline screening with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is therefore necessary to confirm an SSc-ILD diagnosis. Once diagnosed with SSc-ILD, patients' clinical courses are variable and difficult to predict, although certain patient characteristics and biomarkers are associated with disease progression. It is important to monitor patients with SSc-ILD for signs of disease progression, although there is no consensus about which diagnostic tools to use or how often monitoring should occur. In this article, we review methods used to define and predict disease progression in SSc-ILD. There is no valid definition of SSc-ILD disease progression, but we suggest that either a decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline of ≥10%, or a decline in FVC of 5–9% in association with a decline in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide of ≥15% represents progression. An increase in the radiographic extent of ILD on HRCT imaging would also signify progression. A time period of 1–2 years is generally used for this definition, but a decline over a longer time period may also reflect clinically relevant disease progression. Lung function tests and chest imaging help predict who has SSc-associated ILD and whether it will progress. In the absence of standardised methods for doctors, we recommend a strategy that combines both lung function tests and chest imaging.http://bit.ly/2uK9ZD2
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Distler
- Dept of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Dept of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vincent Cottin
- National Reference Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, UMR754, Lyon, France
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory, Clinical Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine DIMI, University of Genoa, IRCSS Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonye K Danoff
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher P Denton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Dept of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Toronto Scleroderma Program, Dept of Medicine, Toronto Western and Mount Sinai Hospitals, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ulf Müller Ladner
- Dept of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Dept of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Dept of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Dept of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Toby M Maher
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,NIHR Respiratory Clinical Research Facility, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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5
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Gale SL, Trinh H, Mathew N, Jahreis A, Lin CJF, Sarsour K. Characterizing Disease Manifestations and Treatment Patterns Among Adults with Systemic Sclerosis: A Retrospective Analysis of a US Healthcare Claims Population. Rheumatol Ther 2020; 7:89-99. [PMID: 31734871 PMCID: PMC7021840 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-019-00181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Real-world use of immunomodulating therapy (IMT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) was investigated for the first time in a descriptive, retrospective cohort analysis of claims made in a healthcare insurance database to characterize treatment patterns and their alignment with SSc disease manifestations. METHODS Treatment patterns and disease manifestations, symptoms, complications, and comorbidities were assessed in patients with SSc enrolled in a US healthcare claims database who received treatment between January 2006 and December 2013 and for whom data were available 6 months before and 12 months after SSc diagnosis. RESULTS Among 7812 eligible patients, 6852 received treatments of interest for SSc and 2404 (30.8%) received IMT during the first year after SSc diagnosis. In the first year after diagnosis, the most common claims were for antibiotics (61.7%), opioids (50.6%), glucocorticoids (46.5%), and proton pump inhibitors (35.4%); the most common organs involved with complications among patients with SSc were lung (30.5%), heart (17.4%), and gastrointestinal tract (22.4%); the most common signs or symptoms were musculoskeletal (16.1%) and fatigue (10.5%); 1035 patients (15.1%) had infections and 14 (0.2%) had malignancies. Among patients who received IMT, 43.8% received at least hydroxychloroquine and 21.1% received at least methotrexate; 460 patients switched to a second IMT, 23.0% to at least methotrexate and 22.8% to at least mycophenolate mofetil. The most common comorbidities reported with first IMT were in lung (11.8%), overlap syndrome (8.4%), heart (5.3%), and gastrointestinal (6.8%) categories. CONCLUSION One-third of patients with SSc in the healthcare claims population received IMTs during the first year after diagnosis. However, patients who received IMTs had disease manifestations similar to those of the overall SSc healthcare claims population.
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Hoffmann-Vold AM, Fretheim H, Halse AK, Seip M, Bitter H, Wallenius M, Garen T, Salberg A, Brunborg C, Midtvedt Ø, Lund MB, Aaløkken TM, Molberg Ø. Tracking Impact of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis in a Complete Nationwide Cohort. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 200:1258-1266. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201903-0486oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Håvard Fretheim
- Department of Rheumatology
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marit Seip
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Helle Bitter
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Marianne Wallenius
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit of Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Rheumatology, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; and
| | | | - Anne Salberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Lillehammer Hospital, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Cathrine Brunborg
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Research Support Services
| | | | - May Brit Lund
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, and
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond M. Aaløkken
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Molberg
- Department of Rheumatology
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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7
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Kozlova A, Pachera E, Maurer B, Jüngel A, Distler JHW, Kania G, Distler O. Regulation of Fibroblast Apoptosis and Proliferation by MicroRNA-125b in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:2068-2080. [PMID: 31309742 DOI: 10.1002/art.41041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the expression, regulation, and role of microRNA-125b (miR-125b) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS MiR-125b expression was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of RNA from dermal fibroblasts and whole skin biopsy specimens from healthy controls and SSc patients. To identify downstream effectors, RNA from healthy control fibroblasts was sequenced after miR-125b knockdown and further validated using qPCR and Western blotting. Fibrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation were assessed by Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining for cleaved caspase 3, and annexin V real-time assay in dermal fibroblasts. RESULTS Expression of miR-125b was significantly down-regulated in SSc skin biopsy specimens by 53% (median fold change 0.47 [interquartile range 0.35-0.69]; P < 0.001) and in SSc dermal fibroblasts by 47% (median fold change 0.53 [interquartile range 0.36-0.58]; P < 0.001) compared to healthy control skin biopsy specimens and fibroblasts, respectively (n = 10 samples per group). Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and tubastatin A significantly decreased the expression of miR-125b in dermal fibroblasts. MiR-125b knockdown significantly reduced cell proliferation and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. RNA-Seq identified BAK1, BMF, and BBC3 as potential targets of miR-125b. Quantitative PCR confirmed that knockdown of miR-125b up-regulated these genes (P < 0.01; n = 12). Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer 1 showed the strongest induction confirmed at the protein level (P < 0.01; n = 10). Consequently, miR-125b knockdown increased apoptosis compared to scrambled control. Accordingly, miR-125b overexpression decreased apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that miR-125b is down-regulated in SSc skin and primary dermal fibroblasts. MiR-125b down-regulation increases apoptosis and decreases proliferation and α-SMA expression in dermal fibroblasts, indicating that its compensatory, antifibrotic mechanism may be a potential novel therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jörg H W Distler
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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8
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Khanna D, Allanore Y, Denton CP, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pope J, Hinzmann B, Davies S, de Oliveira Pena J, Distler O. Patient perception of disease burden in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2019; 5:66-76. [PMID: 35382406 PMCID: PMC8922591 DOI: 10.1177/2397198319866615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Systemic sclerosis is a rare multi-organ autoimmune rheumatic disease,
resulting in progressive fibrosis of the skin/internal organs. This study
aimed to understand the impact of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
symptoms and disease burden from the patient’s perspective. Methods: This was a mixed methodology, market research study involving ethnography,
structured interviews, video diaries, and patient tasks. Patients had been
diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis for ⩾ 6 months and were
recruited via healthcare professionals or patient associations (France,
Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Patients filmed short
(~15 min) daily video diaries about their lives over 7 days and participated
in ethnographic sessions, patient tasks, and structured video interviews. In
Germany and Spain, patients participated in 60-min telephone interviews. Results: Twenty-three patients (mean age: 54 years; 83% women; minimum disease
duration: 6 months) participated in the study. Time to diagnosis was
prolonged, as patients overlooked their symptoms and some healthcare
professionals attributed symptoms to other causes. Patients rarely received
additional information or support services at diagnosis. Importantly,
although patients were aware of the seriousness of organ involvement, they
reported that skin changes, pain, and fatigue impaired their ability to
perform routine tasks. Patients had a high prescription treatment burden
(mean: 10 tablets/day; up to >25 tablets/day) with additional
non-prescription medication taken for other comorbidities. Treatment
discontinuation was common due to side effects. Patients experienced diffuse
cutaneous systemic sclerosis as a loss of independence and self-esteem.
Moreover, patients tended to have small support networks, and emotional
support services were not offered as standard care. Conclusion: Patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis had high treatment and
disease burdens, with skin changes, pain, and fatigue profoundly affecting
their lives. There is an unmet need for patient information at the time of
diagnosis and emotional support services throughout the patient’s journey
with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Based on the results of this
study, we provide recommendations for improving diffuse cutaneous systemic
sclerosis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology A Department, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero – Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Janet Pope
- University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Terenzi R, Karalilova R, Lepri G, Bruni C, Bellando-Randone S, Manetti M, Romano E, Melchiorre D, Blagojevic J, Wang Y, Solanki K, Moggi-Pignone A, Batalov Z, Guiducci S, Batalov A, Matucci-Cerinic M. Enthesopathy and involvement of synovio-entheseal complex in systemic sclerosis: an ultrasound pilot study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 59:580-585. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
SSc is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and multiple internal organs. Articular involvement is one of the main features of SSc, and typical hallmarks of SpA have been found in SSc patients. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of entheseal and synovio-entheseal complex (SEC) alterations in a cohort of SSc patients.
Methods
One hundred SSc patients and 25 healthy subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. The enthesis sites of lateral epicondylar common extensor tendons (CET) and the enthesis of the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesis Scoring System were evaluated. SEC involvement was evaluated only at CET enthesis.
Results
In SSc, the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesis Scoring System score was significantly higher (median 4.0, interquartile range 2.0–7.0) than in controls (median 1.0, interquartile range 0.0–3.0) (P < 0.0001). CET enthesis of SSc patients showed more frequent US B-mode alterations than that of controls (χ2 = 11.47, P = 0.0007 for size; χ2 = 13.79, P = 0.0002 for cortical irregularity, χ2 = 5.24, P = 0.022 for calcification/enthesophytes). Power Doppler US signal at CET enthesis was significantly more frequent in SSc patients than in healthy controls (χ2 = 9.11, P = 0.0025), as was the concomitant SEC involvement (χ2 = 8.52, P = 0.0035).
Conclusion
These data show that SSc patients frequently present US features of enthesopathy. Moreover, CET enthesopathy was correlated with SEC inflammation, suggesting that entheseal inflammation in SSc may share the same micro-anatomical targets as found in SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Terenzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Rositsa Karalilova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital ‘Kaspela’, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Melchiorre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Jelena Blagojevic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kamal Solanki
- Rheumatology Department, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Alberto Moggi-Pignone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of High Complexity Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Zguro Batalov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital ‘Kaspela’, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Anastas Batalov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital ‘Kaspela’, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
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Melissaropoulos K, Kraniotis P, Bogdanos D, Dimitroulas T, Sakkas L, Daoussis D. Targeting very early systemic sclerosis: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:1961-1970. [PMID: 31254002 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It is unknown whether treatment in very early/early systemic sclerosis (SSc) can affect long-term outcomes. A case-based review was conducted (i) to assess the effect of rituximab (RTX) in very early SSc and (ii) to explore how many clinical trials in SSc targeted early disease and whether treatment of these patients led to better clinical outcomes. We identified cases of very early SSc from our department and performed a search in MEDLINE and Scopus databases for clinical trials in SSc during 2005-2018. Two cases are reported where RTX was administered within 24 months from the appearance of Raynaud's. In the first case, there was an improvement in interstitial lung disease as indicated by the improvement in pulmonary function tests and the regression of changes in high-resolution chest computed tomography. In the second case, a good clinical response in skin fibrosis was observed. The review revealed the following: (i) only one-third of the studies were specifically designed to target early disease, (ii) there is confusion related to disease duration definition across SSc clinical trials but an obvious trend towards improvement was evident during the past years, (iii) the question of whether early implementation of therapy may lead to better clinical outcomes cannot be definitely answered based on existing data and (iv) there is still a very low level of incorporation of the new classification criteria in SSc trials. This review suggests that there may be a window of opportunity in SSc and highlights the need for clinical trials targeting very early/early disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dimitrios Bogdanos
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lazaros Sakkas
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, Patras University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece.
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11
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Takata M, Pachera E, Frank-Bertoncelj M, Kozlova A, Jüngel A, Whitfield ML, Assassi S, Calcagni M, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Huizinga TW, Kurreeman F, Kania G, Distler O. OTUD6B-AS1 Might Be a Novel Regulator of Apoptosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1100. [PMID: 31156645 PMCID: PMC6533854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense long non-coding RNAs (AS lncRNAs) have increasingly been recognized as important regulators of gene expression and they have been found to play key roles in several diseases. However, very little is known about the role of AS lncRNAs in fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our recent screening experiments by RNA sequencing showed that ovarian tumor domain containing 6B antisense RNA1 (OTUD6B-AS1) and its sense gene OTUD6B were significantly downregulated in SSc skin biopsies. Therefore, we aimed to identify key regulators of OTUD6B-AS1 and to analyze the functional relevance of OTUD6B-AS1 in SSc. OTUD6B-AS1 and OTUD6B expression in SSc and healthy control (HC) dermal fibroblasts (Fb) after stimulation with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was analyzed by qPCR. To identify the functional role of OTUD6B-AS1, dermal Fb or human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) were transfected with a locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting OTUD6B-AS1. Proliferation was measured by BrdU and real-time proliferation assay. Apoptosis was measured by Caspase 3/7 assay and Western blot for cleaved caspase 3. While no difference was recorded at the basal level between HC and SSc dermal Fb, the expression of OTUD6B-AS1 and OTUD6B was significantly downregulated in both SSc and HC dermal Fb after PDGF stimulation in a time-dependent manner. Only mild and inconsistent effects were observed with TGFβ, IL-4, and IL-13. OTUD6B-AS1 knockdown in Fb and HPASMC did not affect extracellular matrix or pro-fibrotic/proinflammatory cytokine production. However, OTUD6B-AS1 knockdown significantly increased Cyclin D1 expression at the mRNA and protein level. Moreover, silencing of OTUD6B-AS1 significantly reduced proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in both dermal Fb and HPASMC. OTUD6B-AS1 knockdown did not affect OTUD6B expression at the mRNA level and protein level. Our data suggest that OTUD6B-AS1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis via cyclin D1 expression in a sense gene independent manner. This is the first report investigating the function of OTUD6B-AS1. Our data shed light on a novel apoptosis resistance mechanism in Fb and vascular smooth muscle cells that might be relevant for pathogenesis of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Takata
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elena Pachera
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mojca Frank-Bertoncelj
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasiia Kozlova
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael L Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Tom W Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Fina Kurreeman
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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de Vries-Bouwstra JK, Allanore Y, Matucci-Cerinic M, Balbir-Gurman A. Worldwide Expert Agreement on Updated Recommendations for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2019; 47:249-254. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.181173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To evaluate agreement of the updated European League Against Rheumatism and European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) recommendations for treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) among international experts. In addition, to determine factors that might influence agreement.Methods.Level of agreement (10-point scale: 0 = not at all, 10 = completely agree) and local drug availability (yes/no) were assessed using an online survey. The Web link to the survey was shared with 481 unique e-mail addresses and SSc networks (Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium, Australian Scleroderma Interest Group, International Systemic Sclerosis Inception Cohort). Level of agreement was compared between subgroups stratified for participant characteristics.Results.In total, 263 experts participated, of whom n = 209 (79%) completed each single item. The majority were rheumatologists (n = 200, 76%) working in Europe (n = 185; 71%); 59% (n = 156) were EUSTAR members; and 57% (n = 151) had > 10 years of clinical experience. Overall level of agreement was high (mean 8.0, SD 2.5). The 3 highest mean agreements included (1) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for scleroderma renal crisis (9.2, SD 2.1); (2) blood pressure control in SSc-patients treated with corticosteroids (9.0, SD 2.2); (3) proton pump inhibitors to prevent reflux complications (9.0, SD 2.2). The 3 lowest mean agreements included (1) fluoxetine for Raynaud phenomenon (RP; 4.6, SD 2.8); (2) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe SSc (7.1, SD 2.9); (3) phosphodiesterase inhibitors 5 for RP (7.3, SD 2.7). Agreement differed between Europe and non-Europe for the use of iloprost, bosentan, methotrexate, HSCT, and cyclophosphamide. Treatment availability could partially explain differential agreement for iloprost, bosentan, and HSCT.Conclusion.In general, worldwide expert agreement on updated recommendations for treatment of SSc is high, supporting their value. Differences in agreement are partially explained by geographical area and treatment availability.
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13
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Wu W, Jordan S, Graf N, de Oliveira Pena J, Curram J, Allanore Y, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pope JE, Denton CP, Khanna D, Distler O. Progressive skin fibrosis is associated with a decline in lung function and worse survival in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:648-656. [PMID: 30852552 PMCID: PMC6517861 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To determine whether progressive skin fibrosis is associated with visceral organ progression and mortality during follow-up in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Methods We evaluated patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research database with dcSSc, baseline modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥7, valid mRSS at 12±3 months after baseline and ≥1 annual follow-up visit. Progressive skin fibrosis was defined as an increase in mRSS >5 and ≥25% from baseline to 12±3 months. Outcomes were pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal progression, and all-cause death. Associations between skin progression and outcomes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression. Results Of 1021 included patients, 78 (7.6%) had progressive skin fibrosis (skin progressors). Median follow-up was 3.4 years. Survival analyses indicated that skin progressors had a significantly higher probability of FVC decline ≥10% (53.6% vs 34.4%; p<0.001) and all-cause death (15.4% vs 7.3%; p=0.003) than non-progressors. These significant associations were also found in subgroup analyses of patients with either low baseline mRSS (≤22/51) or short disease duration (≤15 months). In multivariable analyses, skin progression within 1 year was independently associated with FVC decline ≥10% (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.65) and all-cause death (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.09). Conclusions Progressive skin fibrosis within 1 year is associated with decline in lung function and worse survival in dcSSc during follow-up. These results confirm mRSS as a surrogate marker in dcSSc, which will be helpful for cohort enrichment in future trials and risk stratification in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - John Curram
- Data Science and Analytics, Bayer plc, Reading, UK
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology A Department, Paris Descartes University, INSERM U1016, Sorbonne, Paris Cité, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Janet E Pope
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Western Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Hoffmann-Vold AM, Distler O, Murray B, Kowal-Bielecka O, Khanna D, Allanore Y. Setting the international standard for longitudinal follow-up of patients with systemic sclerosis: a Delphi-based expert consensus on core clinical features. RMD Open 2019; 5:e000826. [PMID: 30997150 PMCID: PMC6446182 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe, progressive multiorgan disease but to date, there are no established standardised international guidelines for follow-up of patients with SSc. The goal of this project was to develop an expert consensus for annual systematic investigations in patients with SSc to enhance their standard-of-care. Material and methods The Delphi method was applied. All SSc experts from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group network and the Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium were invited to participate. All experts were asked to answer questionnaires in five Delphi steps to determine the domains of interest and tools for each domain for an annual systematic assessment of patients with SSc. Each item was rated on a scale between 0% and 100% (not and very important), and parameters rated >80% by more than 75% of the experts were regarded as acceptable. Results In total, 157 experts worldwide participated with 71.3% experts seeing >50 patients with SSc annually. In the first round, 23 domains and 204 tools were suggested. After five Delphi steps, experts agreed on 10 domains including (1) Raynaud's phenomenon; (2) Digital ulcers; (3) Skin and mucosa; (4) Lung; (5); Heart; (6) GI domain, (7) Renal; (8) Musculoskeletal; (9) Laboratory and (10) Treatment. Overall, 55 tools were identified including clinical assessments, laboratory measurements and imaging or functional investigations. Conclusion Through five Delphi steps with world leading experts, a consensus was established on strongly suggested tools for a minimum annual systemic assessment of organ involvement in SSc. This work should enhance the standardisation and homogenisation of the practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Baron Murray
- Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Otylia Kowal-Bielecka
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology A Department, Universite Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016, Immunology, Cochin Institute, Paris, France
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15
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Chwiesko A, Kowal-Bielecka O, Sierakowski S. Perspectives on the interlinked nature of systemic sclerosis and reflux disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 13:213-227. [PMID: 30791766 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2019.1561274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and vascular changes that result in esophageal smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Subsequent progressive loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus and loss of lower esophageal sphincter function lead to problems with the protective barrier and exposure of sensitive tissues to the gastroduodenal contents, a disorder called reflux disease. Areas covered: Depending on the range, nature and symptoms of the disease, the term 'reflux disease' may refer to gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, microaspiration into the airways and silent reflux. Despite the links between these visceral complications, this connection remains controversial. This is due to a lack of complete understanding, the asymptomatic nature of the disease and the limited diagnostic accuracy of tests, which can delay diagnosis. Such delays are problematic, given that the early detection of GERD in SSc patients, the timing of assessment, the treatment of the organs involved are critical aspects of patient prognosis and disease outcome. Expert commentary: This review summarizes the most recent knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prospective treatment of GERD in SSc patients and highlights how innovative technologies applied through an integrative, interdisciplinary approach may soon lead to effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Chwiesko
- a Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Otylia Kowal-Bielecka
- b Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Stanislaw Sierakowski
- b Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
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16
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Winthrop KL, Weinblatt ME, Crow MK, Burmester GR, Mease PJ, So AK, Bykerk V, Van Vollenhoven RF, Dougados M, Kay J, Mariette X, Sieper J, Melchers F, Cronstein BN, Shevach E, Breedfeld FC, Kalden J, Smolen JS, Furst DE. Unmet need in rheumatology: reports from the Targeted Therapies meeting 2018. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:872-878. [PMID: 30712015 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To develop a comprehensive listing of the greatest unmet scientific and clinical needs in rheumatology. The 20th annual international Targeted Therapies meeting brought more than 100 leading basic scientists and clinical researchers in rheumatology, immunology, epidemiology, molecular biology and other specialties. During the meeting, breakout sessions were convened, consisting of five disease-specific groups with 20-30 experts assigned to each group based on expertise. Specific groups included rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, connective tissue diseases and a basic science immunology group spanning all of these clinical domains. In each group, experts were asked to consider recent accomplishments within their clinical domain in the last year and update the unmet needs in three categorical areas: basic/translational science, clinical science and therapeutic development, and clinical care. While progress was noted among some of previously identified needs, both new needs were identified and themes from prior meetings were re-iterated: the need for better understanding the heterogeneity within each disease, and for identifying preclinical states of disease allowing treatment and prevention of disease in those at risk, and the elusive ability to cure disease. Within the clinical care realm, improved comorbidity management and patient-centred care continue to be unmet needs, and the need for new and affordable therapeutics was highlighted. Unmet needs for new and accessible targeted therapies, disease prevention and ultimately cure remain a priority in rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary K Crow
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Philip J Mease
- Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Vivian Bykerk
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan Kay
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Joachim Sieper
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz Melchers
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.,Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ethan Shevach
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel E Furst
- Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Los Angeles Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Emerging Therapies, beyond the Fibroblast. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4569826. [PMID: 30809542 PMCID: PMC6364098 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4569826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex rheumatologic autoimmune disease in which inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy share several pathogenic pathways that lead to skin and internal organ damage. Recent findings regarding the participation and interaction of the innate and acquired immune system have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and to the identification of new therapeutic targets, many of which have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials with varying results. In this manuscript, we review the state of the art of the pathogenesis of this disease and discuss the main therapeutic targets related to each pathogenic mechanism that have been discovered so far.
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18
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Boleto G, Allanore Y, Avouac J. Targeting Costimulatory Pathways in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2998. [PMID: 30619351 PMCID: PMC6305435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune T-cell disease that is characterized by pathological fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. SSc is considered a prototype condition for studying the links between autoimmunity and fibrosis. Costimulatory pathways such as CD28/CTLA-4, ICOS-B7RP1, CD70-CD27, CD40-CD154, or OX40-OX40L play an essential role in the modulation of T-cell and inflammatory immune responses. A growing body of evidence suggests that T-cell costimulation signals might be implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc. CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, and OX40L are overexpressed in patients with SSc, particularly in patients with cutaneous diffuse forms. In pre-clinical models of SSc, T-cell costimulation blockade with abatacept (CTLA-4-Ig) prevented and induced the regression of inflammation-driven dermal fibrosis, improved digestive involvement, prevented lung fibrosis, and attenuated pulmonary hypertension in complementary models of SSc. Likewise, potent anti-fibrotic effects were seen with the blockade of OX40L by reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lesional tissues leading to decreased fibroblast activation. Concerning clinical effects, a preliminary observational study suggested some effectiveness of abatacept on inflammatory joint involvement, whereas clinical improvement of skin fibrosis was observed in a small placebo-controlled randomized trial. Currently there is one ongoing phase II clinical trial assessing the efficacy of abatacept in SSc (ASSET trial, NCT02161406). Overall, given the lack of available effective agents and the known toxic effects of immunosuppressive agents approved for use in SSc, costimulatory pathways offer the advantage of a targeted approach to costimulatory signals and potentially a better safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Boleto
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Service de Rhumatologie A, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Service de Rhumatologie A, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Service de Rhumatologie A, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
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Hamaguchi Y, Takehara K. Anti-nuclear autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis : News and perspectives. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2018; 3:201-213. [PMID: 35382013 PMCID: PMC8922602 DOI: 10.1177/2397198318783930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular damage and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. One hallmark of the immunological abnormalities in systemic sclerosis is the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, which are detected in more than 90% of patients with systemic sclerosis. Anti-centromere antibodies, anti-DNA topoisomerase I antibodies, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies are the predominant anti-nuclear antibodies found in systemic sclerosis patients. Other systemic sclerosis-related anti-nuclear antibodies include those targeted against U3 ribonucleoprotein, Th/To, U11/U12 ribonucleoprotein, and eukaryotic initiation factor 2B. Anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein, anti-Ku antibodies, anti-PM-Scl, and anti-RuvBL1/2 antibodies are associated with systemic sclerosis overlap syndrome. Anti-human upstream binding factor, anti-Ro52/TRIM21, anti-B23, and anti-centriole antibodies do not have specificity to systemic sclerosis, but are sometimes detected in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis. Identification of each systemic sclerosis-related antibody is useful to diagnose and predict organ involvement, since the particular type of systemic sclerosis-related antibodies is often predictive of clinical features, severity, and prognosis. The clinical phenotypes are largely influenced by ethnicity. Currently, an immunoprecipitation assay is necessary to detect most systemic sclerosis-related antibodies; therefore, the establishment of an easy, reliable, and simple screening system is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhito Hamaguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan
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20
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Fernández-Codina A, Walker KM, Pope JE. Treatment Algorithms for Systemic Sclerosis According to Experts. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:1820-1828. [PMID: 29781586 DOI: 10.1002/art.40560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of agreement regarding treatment for many aspects of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to generate SSc treatment algorithms endorsed by a high percentage of SSc experts. METHODS Experts from the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium and the Canadian Scleroderma Research group (n = 170) were asked whether they agreed with SSc algorithms from 2012. Two consensus rounds refined agreement; 62, 54, and 48 experts (36%, 32%, and 28%, respectively) completed the first, second, and third surveys, respectively. RESULTS For treatment of scleroderma renal crisis, 81% of experts agreed (first-, second-, and third-line treatments were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, then adding calcium-channel blockers [CCBs], then adding angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs], respectively). For pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), 81% of experts agreed (for mild PAH, treatments were phosphodiesterase 5 [PDE5] inhibitors, then endothelin receptor antagonists plus PDE5 inhibitors, then prostanoids, respectively; for severe PAH, prostanoids were first-line treatment). For mild Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 79% of experts agreed (treatments were CCBs, then adding PDE5 inhibitors, then ARBs or switching to another CCB, respectively; after the third line of treatment, mild RP was deemed severe). For severe RP, the first- through fourth-line treatments were CCBs, then adding PDE5 inhibitors or prostanoids, then adding PDE5 inhibitors (if not added as second-line treatment) or prostanoids (if not added as second-line treatment), then switching to another CCB, respectively. For active treatment of digital ulcers, 66% of experts agreed (first- and second-line treatments were CCBs and PDE5 inhibitors, respectively). For interstitial lung disease, 69% of experts agreed (for induction therapy, treatments were mycophenolate mofetil [MMF], intravenous cyclophosphamide [IV CYC], and rituximab, respectively; for maintenance, first-line treatment was MMF). For skin involvement, 71% of experts agreed (for a modified Rodnan skin thickness score [MRSS] of 24, first- and second-line treatments were methotrexate [MTX] and MMF, respectively; for an MRSS of 32, first- through fourth-line treatments were MMF, MTX, IV CYC, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, respectively). For inflammatory arthritis, 79% of experts agreed (first- through fourth-line treatments were MTX, low-dose glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, and rituximab or tocilizumab, respectively). Algorithms for cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement had ≥75% agreement. CONCLUSION Total agreement for SSc algorithms was considerable. These algorithms may guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Fernández-Codina
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, and Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kyle M Walker
- The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet E Pope
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Cavagna L, Gonzalez Gay MA, Allanore Y, Matucci-Cerinic M. Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features: a new classification still on the move. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/148/180047. [PMID: 29950308 PMCID: PMC9488695 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0047-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the attention has been focused on the relationship between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The clinical impact, as well as the therapeutic approach, classification and diagnosis have been addressed. These two latter items represent an area of great interest because the underlying conditions leading to ILD and the most appropriate treatment still needs to be defined. Recently, the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society proposed the interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) criteria which represents the effort of pulmonologists to classify patients that may remain clinically undefined [1]. The analysis of these criteria shows that IPAF, similarly to pulmonary arterial hypertension classification [2], may cluster conditions referring to a wide spectrum of rheumatic conditions such as systemic sclerosis, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis and overlap syndromes. These diseases are characterised by highly different characteristics, evolution and therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, IPAF criteria have an intrinsically changing structure, related to the regular update of existing CTD classification criteria and to the even more common identification of new biomarkers in CTDs. By far the most important effect of these criteria is the identification of a grey zone of not well-defined rheumatology conditions, e.g. anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) [3]. In this issue of the European Respiratory Review, Sambataroet al. [4] address the need to identify specific clinical characteristics and potential areas of improvement in IPAF patients. The starting point of the review is interesting because of the exclusion of papers that included patients diagnosed with ASSD, because no ASSD established classification criteria still exist. The authors' choice is related to the unique characteristics of ASSD, in which it is not unusual to observe the occurrence during follow-up of findings lacking at disease onset. [5]. However, as reported previously [6], in the case of anti-synthetase antibody positivity, the diagnostic scenario may vary with the same patient diagnosed with ASSD if referred to a rheumatologist, or IPAF if referred to a pulmonologist. In fact, a high prevalence of anti-synthetase antibody positivity is reported in the majority of papers evaluated by Sambataroet al. [4], thus confirming the fact that despite the presence of this antibody (identifying ASSD) patients may frequently end up being classified as having IPAF. However, some IPAF patients could not be tested for the entire spectrum of antibodies, probably due to the local unavailability of these tests, or because initial anti-Ro antibody positivity might have prompted the clinicians to evaluate further non-anti-Jo-1 myositis specific auto-antibodies. In fact, it is established that anti-Ro antibodies and anti-synthetase antibodies may co-occur in about 50% of cases, even when patients could be classified as IPAF [7]. Furthermore, we should also consider that if eight anti-synthetase antibodies have been identified to date, at least another 12 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes exist, and that the entire spectrum of anti-synthetase antibodies is not covered by any of the existing commercially available tests. All these points clearly indicate the risk that anti-synthetase antibody positivity could be underestimated and that it could be clustered in IPAF. This evidence clearly suggests that well-established and clinically based ASSD classification criteria are needed to reduce the risk of stratifying patients across specialties, in areas that may contribute to real-time incorrectly diagnosed primary disease. Recently, the CLASS (classification criteria of anti-synthetase syndrome) project has been funded by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League against Rheumatism. The aim of the project is to define clinically based criteria of ASSD involving a large number of rheumatology, pulmonology, dermatology, immunology and internal medicine centres expert in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome and other lung fibrosing conditions. From a scientific point of view, by putting together different specialists we hope to solve the daily discussions about “anti-synthetase antibody positive patient classification” that may delay the correct approach and treatment of affected patients. IPAF classification criteria include several autoimmune conditions with different evolution. The progression into established CTD is common and a continuous up-to-date process of classification criteria of both IPAF and CTD is mandatory.http://ow.ly/pXNW30knUzl
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Wu W, Jordan S, Becker MO, Dobrota R, Maurer B, Fretheim H, Ye S, Siegert E, Allanore Y, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Distler O. Prediction of progression of interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis: the SPAR model. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:1326-1332. [PMID: 29875097 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the predictive clinical characteristics and establish a prediction model for the progression of mild interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Patients with SSc from two independent prospective cohorts were included in this observational study. All patients fulfilled the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria, had mild ILD at baseline diagnosed by High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT), available baseline and ≥1 annual follow-up pulmonary function tests and no concomitant pulmonary hypertension or airflow obstruction. ILD progression was defined as a relative decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC)%≥15%, or FVC%≥10% combined with diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide %≥15% at 1-year follow-up. Candidate predictors for multivariate logistic regression were selected by expert opinion based on clinical significance. A prediction model for ILD progression was established in the derivation cohort and validated in the multinational validation cohort. RESULTS A total of 25/98 and 25/117 patients with SSc showed ILD progression in the derivation cohort and the validation cohort, respectively. Lower SpO2 after 6 min walk test (6MWT) and arthritis ever were identified as independent predictors for ILD progression in both cohorts. The optimal cut-off value of SpO2 after 6MWT for predicting ILD progression was determined as 94% by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The derived SPAR model combining both predictors (SPO2 and ARthritis) increased the prediction rate from 25.5% to 91.7% with an area under the curve (95% CI) of 0.83 (0.73 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS The evidence-based SPAR prediction model developed in our study might be helpful for the risk stratification of patients with mild SSc-ILD in clinical practice and cohort enrichment for future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Rheumatology, South Campus, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Oliver Becker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Håvard Fretheim
- Department of Rheumatology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, South Campus, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Elise Siegert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology A Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ruaro B, Sulli A, Smith V, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Alessandri E, Trombetta AC, Cutolo M. Advances in nailfold capillaroscopic analysis in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2018; 3:122-131. [PMID: 35382238 PMCID: PMC8892861 DOI: 10.1177/2397198318757699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by early and persistent microvascular impairment which leads to functional and organic manifestations, with progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Morphological and functional assessment of the peripheral microvasculature is a must, not only for diagnosis but also for the prognosis and therapeutical follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients, as reported in recent studies. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is the validated technique for the study of scleroderma microangiopathy as it is able to detect peripheral microvascular morphology and both classify and score the capillary abnormalities into different microangiopathy patterns ('Early', 'Active' and 'Late'). Indeed, the possibility to early diagnose and follow the microvascular changes and the safety of the technique have made nailfold videocapillaroscopy a mandatory tool for patient evaluation and included its assessment in the new systemic sclerosis classification criteria. Important links between nailfold videocapillaroscopy patterns and systemic sclerosis clinical manifestations have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruaro
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent
University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent,
Belgium
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Amelia Chiara Trombetta
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic
Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of
Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Distler O, Allanore Y, Denton CP, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pope JE, Hinzmann B, Davies S, de Oliveira Pena J, Khanna D. Factors influencing early referral, early diagnosis and management in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:813-817. [PMID: 29415230 PMCID: PMC5913641 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To gain insight into clinical practice regarding referral, early diagnosis and other aspects of the management of patients with dcSSc in Europe and the USA. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 84 rheumatologists (or internal medicine physicians) and 40 dermatologists in different countries (the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA). Physicians were asked to identify key steps in the patient pathway relating to patient presentation, diagnosis and referral, in addition to other treatment and follow-up processes. Results The interviewed physicians reported that late presentation with dcSSc was common, with some patients presenting to primary care physicians after symptoms had persisted for up to 1 year. Awareness of dcSSc is reported to vary widely among primary care physicians. Final diagnosis, generally following guideline-based recommendations, was by rheumatologists in most cases (or internal medicine physicians in France) and they remained responsible for global patient management, with lesser involvement in diagnosis and management by dermatologists. Specialist centres were not well defined and did not exist in all countries. Conclusion Patients and primary healthcare providers can be unaware of the symptoms of dcSSc, therefore presentation and referral to specialist care are often late. Thus, improved awareness among patients and primary care physicians is necessary to facilitate earlier referral and diagnosis. Once referred, more consistent use of the modified Rodnan skin score at diagnosis and follow-up may help to monitor disease progression. Furthermore, establishing specialist centres may help to promote such changes and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christopher P Denton
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Janet E Pope
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Discovery and development of sGC stimulators for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and rare diseases. Nitric Oxide 2018; 77:88-95. [PMID: 29738821 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The NO/sGC/cGMP signaling cascade plays a pivotal role in regulation of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and cardiorenal diseases and impairment of this cascade results in severe pathologies. Therefore, pharmacological interventions, targeting this pathway are promising strategies for treating a variety of diseases. Nitrates, supplementing NO and, PDE5 inhibitors preventing cGMP degradation, are used for angina pectoris treatment and the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), respectively. More recently, a new class of drugs which directly stimulate the sGC enzyme and trigger NO-independent cGMP production was introduced and termed sGC stimulators. In 2013, the first sGC stimulator, riociguat, was approved for the treatment of PAH and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Since cGMP targets multiple intracellular downstream targets, sGC stimulators have shown - beyond the well characterized vasodilatation - anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. These additional modes of action might extend the therapeutic potential of this drug class substantially. This review summarizes the NO/sGC/cGMP signaling cascades, the discovery and the mode of action of sGC stimulators. Furthermore, the preclinical evidence and development of riociguat for the treatment of PAH and CTEPH is reviewed. Finally, a summary of the antifibrotic effects of sGC stimulators, especially the most recent finding for skin fibrosis are included which may indicate efficacy in fibrotic diseases like Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
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Mihai C, Smith V, Dobrota R, Gheorghiu AM, Cutolo M, Distler O. The emerging application of semi-quantitative and quantitative capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis. Microvasc Res 2018; 118:113-120. [PMID: 29544760 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by autoimmunity, obliterative vasculopathy involving mainly the microvasculature, and fibrosis. SSc-specific nailfold capillaroscopic changes have been defined, and nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is now unequivocally accepted to be a cornerstone for the early diagnosis of SSc. However, the use of NFC in patients already diagnosed with SSc is still not standardized. Several studies have shown that NFC abnormalities correlate with disease activity and severity and are predictive for disease worsening, such as occurrence of new digital ulcers. More importantly, successful treatment has been shown to diminish NFC abnormalities in severe SSc cases. These findings support the importance of NFC in monitoring patients with SSc and even its role as an outcome measure in SSc clinical trials. It is a matter of debate if Semi-quantitative and Quantitative NFC would be a more sensitive tool than qualitative NFC for meeting these objectives. This review is presenting the emerging application of Semi-quantitative and Quantitative NFC in SSc and its potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Mihai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Maria Gheorghiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Cantacuzino Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Smirani R, Poursac N, Naveau A, Schaeverbeke T, Devillard R, Truchetet ME. Orofacial consequences of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2018; 3:81-90. [PMID: 35382129 PMCID: PMC8892883 DOI: 10.1177/2397198317746966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Orofacial involvement is common and often understated in the treatment clinical guidelines of systemic sclerosis. It impairs daily life by having repercussions on comfort, nutrition, aesthetics and self-confidence. This review aimed at describing exhaustively the different orofacial consequences of systemic sclerosis. A systematic search was conducted using four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and SCOPUS) up to December 2016 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Grey literature and hand search were also included. To be eligible for the inclusion, studies needed to meet the following criteria: randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, pilot studies or cohort studies and full text available in English or French, with abstract. The studies had to concern at least 30 patients suffering from systemic sclerosis and having clinical and radiological oropharyngeal examination. The diagnosis of systemic sclerosis had to be determined according to precise recommendations; the retrieved oropharyngeal manifestations had to affect hard or soft tissues of the mouth and/or pharynx and needed to be evaluated with clinical measures. Study selection, risk bias assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa scale) and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. The retrieved features were microstomia and xerostomia associated with real hyposialia, temporomandibular joint symptoms, high caries experience, periodontal diseases as well as an increased risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancer. Early diagnosis enabling early management, prevention and oral hygiene is the key to avoid complicated and invasive procedures. Studies with higher level of evidence remain necessary to create standardised protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawen Smirani
- Unité de médecine bucco-dentaire,
Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- Laboratoire BioTis, Inserm U1026,
Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
| | - Nicolas Poursac
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital
Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
| | - Adrien Naveau
- Unité de médecine bucco-dentaire,
Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- Laboratoire BioTis, Inserm U1026,
Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- UFR des Sciences d’odontologie,
Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
| | | | - Raphaël Devillard
- Unité de médecine bucco-dentaire,
Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- Laboratoire BioTis, Inserm U1026,
Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- UFR des Sciences d’odontologie,
Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital
Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
- Laboratoire ImmunoConcEpT, UMR CNRS
5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - France
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Allanore Y, Distler O, Jagerschmidt A, Illiano S, Ledein L, Boitier E, Agueusop I, Denton CP, Khanna D. Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 Antagonist SAR100842 for Patients With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 70:1634-1643. [DOI: 10.1002/art.40547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Allanore
- Rheumatology A department; Cochin Hospital; Paris Descartes University; Paris France
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29
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Khanna D, Denton CP, Lin CJF, van Laar JM, Frech TM, Anderson ME, Baron M, Chung L, Fierlbeck G, Lakshminarayanan S, Allanore Y, Pope JE, Riemekasten G, Steen V, Müller-Ladner U, Spotswood H, Burke L, Siegel J, Jahreis A, Furst DE. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in systemic sclerosis: results from the open-label period of a phase II randomised controlled trial (faSScinate). Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 77:212-220. [PMID: 29066464 PMCID: PMC5867414 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a phase II study. Methods Patients with SSc were treated for 48 weeks in an open-label extension phase of the faSScinate study with weekly 162 mg subcutaneous tocilizumab. Exploratory end points included modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and per cent predicted forced vital capacity (%pFVC) through week 96. Results Overall, 24/44 (55%) placebo-tocilizumab and 27/43 (63%) continuous-tocilizumab patients completed week 96. Observed mean (SD (95% CI)) change from baseline in mRSS was –3.1 (6.3 (–5.4 to –0.9)) for placebo and –5.6 (9.1 (–8.9 to–2.4)) for tocilizumab at week 48 and –9.4 (5.6 (–8.9 to –2.4)) for placebo-tocilizumab and –9.1 (8.7 (–12.5 to –5.6)) for continuous-tocilizumab at week 96. Of patients who completed week 96, any decline in %pFVC was observed for 10/24 (42% (95% CI 22% to 63%)) placebo-tocilizumab and 12/26 (46% (95% CI 27% to 67%)) continuous-tocilizumab patients in the open-label period; no patients had >10% absolute decline in %pFVC. Serious infection rates/100 patient-years (95% CI) were 10.9 (3.0 to 27.9) with placebo and 34.8 (18.0 to 60.8) with tocilizumab during the double-blind period by week 48 and 19.6 (7.2 to 42.7) with placebo-tocilizumab and 0.0 (0.0 to 12.2) with continuous-tocilizumab during the open-label period. Conclusions Skin score improvement and FVC stabilisation in the double-blind period were observed in placebo-treated patients who transitioned to tocilizumab and were maintained in the open-label period. Safety data indicated increased serious infections in patients with SSc but no new safety signals with tocilizumab. Trial registration number NCT01532869; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tracy M Frech
- University of Utah, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Marina E Anderson
- University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Lorinda Chung
- Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Janet E Pope
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, St Joseph's Health Care, London, Canada
| | | | | | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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30
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Tocilizumab Treatment of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Clinical Data. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by progressive, and often severe, inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. There is an unmet medical need to treat patients with SSc given the high SSc-related mortality rate. Furthermore, disease-modifying therapies are lacking, and current treatment options focus on the management of individual organ-specific complications associated with the disease. Immunosuppressive therapies are the mainstay of pharmacologic management of major SSc-associated complications, such as skin and lung manifestations, but their overall effectiveness is limited and toxicity issues are common. Advances in understanding of the pathological processes involved in the immunologic and fibrotic mechanisms of SSc have led to clinical research focusing on targeted immunotherapies, in an effort to develop much needed disease-modifying treatment options. The interleukin-6 receptor-alpha antagonist tocilizumab has demonstrated promising efficacy in a phase 2 trial and is being investigated in a phase 3 trial. This article provides an overview of current pharmacologic treatment options for the management of SSc-related complications and discusses tocilizumab for the treatment of SSc in clinical trials.
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31
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Matsushita T, Takehara K. An update on biomarker discovery and use in systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:823-833. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1356722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Takehara
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Ntelis K, Solomou EE, Sakkas L, Liossis SN, Daoussis D. The role of platelets in autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis: Implications for systemic sclerosis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 47:409-417. [PMID: 28602360 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and widespread dermal and visceral fibrosis. This article summarizes the current knowledge about the potential contribution of platelets in the disease process and the rationale of targeting platelets as an adjunct treatment for SSc. METHODS We performed an electronic search (Medline) using the keywords platelets, systemic sclerosis, autoimmunity, fibrosis, Raynaud, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. RESULTS The link that connects vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis in SSc remains obscure. Experimental data suggest that platelets are not solely cell fragments regulating hemostasis but they have a pleiotropic role in several biologic processes including immune regulation, vasculopathy, fibrosis, and all key features of SSc. Platelets interplay with the impaired endothelium, can interact with immune cells, and they are storages of bioactive molecules involved in tissue injury and remodeling. The potential role of platelets in the pathogenesis of SSc is further supported by experimental data in animal models of SSc. Platelet-derived serotonin represents a novel target in SSc and serotonin blockade is currently being tested in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Platelets may be actively involved in the pathogenesis of SSc by activating immune responses and facilitating the fibrotic process. However, definite conclusions cannot be drawn until more data from both basic and clinical research are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ntelis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, 26504 Rion, Patras, Greece
| | - Elena E Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Lazaros Sakkas
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stamatis-Nick Liossis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, 26504 Rion, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, 26504 Rion, Patras, Greece.
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