Influence of the drying mode of support on the properties of Pd/Al2O3-ZrO2 materials used for methane combustion

This work constitutes a new trial to enhance the properties of palladium supported on alumina modified with zirconium used as catalysts for methane combustion. The effect of the support drying mode is studied. For this aim, Al2O3-ZrO2 binary oxides with zirconium loading of 2 and 5% in weight were prepared using sol-gel process then dried under ordinary or supercritical conditions. Palladium with a loading of 0.5% was deposited on the support by wet impregnation. Several techniques have been used to investigate differences between the two types of the derived catalysts.

AB0146 BAFF, APRIL y BAFFR: DIFFERENTIAL BIOMARKERS BETWEEN IgA VASCULITIS AND IgA NEPHROPATHY?

Background

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are inflammatory conditions [1, 2], that share pathogenic mechanisms [1], in which B-lymphocytes are described as key cells implicated in these processes. BAFF, APRIL and BAFF-R are cytokines implicated in the development of B-lymphocytes [3, 4] and in autoimmune processes [5, 6]. In this regard, an influence of BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR polymorphisms was observed on several immune-mediated conditions, being BAFF GCTGT>A a shared insertion-deletion variant for inflammatory conditions [7, 8].

Objectives

To determine whether BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR could be used as differential biomarkers between IgAV and IgAN.

Methods

BAFF rs374039502 (which colocalizes with BAFF GCTGT>A), two tag variants within APRIL (rs11552708 and rs6608) and two tag variants within BAFFR (rs7290134 and rs77874543) were genotyped in 394 Caucasian IgAV patients, 95 patients with IgAN and 832 matched healthy controls.

Results

Similar genotype and allele frequencies were observed in the whole cohort of patients with IgAV when compared to those with IgAN when BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR variants were analyzed independently (Table 1). In accordance with that, no BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR genotype or allele differences were detected between IgAV patients who developed nephritis and patients with IgAN (Table 1). Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed between the whole cohort of patients with IgAV and healthy controls as well as between patients with IgAN and healthy controls when each when BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR genetic variant was also analyzed independently (Table 1). Similar results were disclosed when haplotype frequencies of APRIL and BAFFR were compared between the different comparative groups above mentioned (data not shown).

Table 1.

Genotype and allele frequencies of BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR in the whole cohort of patients with IgAV, patients with IgAV who developed nephritis, patients with IgAN and healthy controls.

PolymorphismChangeData setGenotypes, % (n)Alleles, % (n)1/21/11/22/212BAFF rs374039502T/AIgAV92.1 (363)7.9 (31)0.096.1 (757)3.9 (31)IgAV with nephritis90.1 (128)9.9 (14)0.095.1 (270)4.9 (14)IgAN91.6 (87)8.4 (8)0.095.8 (182)4.2 (8)Controls91.8 (764)7.8 (65)0.4 (3)95.7 (1593)4.3 (71)APRIL rs11552708G/AIgAV78.7 (310)20.1 (79)1.3 (5)88.7 (699)11.3 (89)IgAV with nephritis81.1 (116)18.9 (27)0.090.6 (259)9.4 (27)IgAN75.8 (72)23.2 (22)1.1 (1)87.4 (166)12.6 (24)Controls78.7 (655)19.7 (164)1.6 (13)88.6 (1474)11.4 (190)APRIL rs6608C/TIgAV72.6 (286)25.4 (100)2.0 (8)85.3 (672)14.7 (116)IgAV with nephritis75.5 (108)23.1 (33)1.4 (2)87.1 (249)12.9 (37)IgAN65.3 (62)30.5 (29)4.2 (4)80.5 (153)19.5 (37)Controls71.0 (591)26.6 (221)2.4 (20)84.3 (1403)15.7 (261)BAFFR rs7290134A/GIgAV58.9 (232)35.5 (140)5.6 (22)76.6 (604)23.4 (184)IgAV with nephritis60.1 (86)32.2 (46)7.7 (11)76.2 (218)23.8 (68)IgAN57.9 (55)38.9 (37)3.2 (3)77.4 (147)22.6 (43)Controls58.7 (488)35.1 (292)6.3 (52)76.2 (1268)23.8 (396)BAFFR rs77874543G/CIgAV83.2 (328)15.5 (61)1.3 (5)91.0 (717)9.0 (71)IgAV with nephritis83.1 (118)16.9 (24)0.091.5 (260)8.5 (24)IgAN86.3 (82)13.7 (13)0.093.2 (167)6.8 (13)Controls83.7 (696)16.0 (133)0.4 (3)91.6 (1525)8.4 (139)

IgAV: IgA vasculitis; IgAN: IgA nephropathy.

Conclusion

Our results reveal a similar BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR genetic distribution in IgAV and IgAN, suggesting that these genes could not be used as differential biomarkers between these pathologies.

References

[1]N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14;

[2]Am J Kidney Dis 1988;12:373-7;

[3]J Exp Med 1999;189:1747-56;

[4]Nat Genet 2005;37:793-4;

[5]Arthritis Res Ther 2018;20:158;

[6]Arthritis Res Ther 2020;22:157;

[7]Engl J Med 2017;376:1615-26;

[8]Sci Rep 2018;8:8195.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042 and PI21/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by ERDF [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type II programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by ESF `Investing in your future´ [grant number CPII21/00004].

Disclosure of Interests

Diana Prieto-Peña: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda Fillloy: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Antonio Fernandez-Nebro: None declared, Gisela Díaz-Cordoves: None declared, Secundino Cigarrán: None declared, Jesús Calviño: None declared, Carmen Cobelo: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Esther F. Vicente-Rabaneda: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galíndez-Agirregoikoa: None declared, Oreste Gualillo: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Abbvie, MSD, Jansen, and Roche, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Lilly, Celgene, MSD and GSK, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

POS0327 IRISIN: A NEW MARKER OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND DISEASE ACTIVITY IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS?

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disease with detrimental effects on the health status of the individuals affected by this condition [1]. axSpA patients also exhibit high cardiovascular (CV) risk, mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis [2]. Interestingly, the adipomyokine irisin was described to play a beneficial role in several physiological and pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, as well as lipid and bone metabolism [3]. However, studies on the role of irisin in CV risk in the setting of axSpA or in the pathogenesis of axSpA are limited [4].

Objectives

In this study we evaluated the role of irisin as a genetic and serological biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk in a large cohort of patients with axSpA. We also assessed its role as a marker of axSpA susceptibility and severity.

Methods

725 patients who fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axSpA were included in this study [5]. In these patients, the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis (plaques and/or abnormal carotid intima-media thickness values) was assessed by carotid ultrasound. Four irisin polymorphisms (rs16835198 G/T, rs3480 A/G, rs726344 G/A and rs1570569 G/T) were genotyped by TaqMan probes in all the patients and in 656 age, sex and ethnically-matched healthy controls. Additionally, serum irisin levels were determined by ELISA in all the patients. All analyses were performed using STATA v.11.1 statistical software, adjusting for potential confounding factors. The strength of associations is indicated as odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals].

Results

Low levels of serum irisin were linked to the presence of plaques (p=0.002) and with atherogenic index values indicative of an adverse lipid profile (p=0.01). Serum irisin levels also negatively correlated with visual analogue scale (VAS) patient, VAS physician and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) values (p<0.05). Moreover, the presence of sacroiliitis was related to lower serum irisin levels (p<0.001). Furthermore, the minor alleles of rs3480 (G) and rs1570569 (T) were associated with higher values of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) in axSpA patients (p≤0.01 in both cases). In this line, the frequency of the minor allele of rs1570569 (T) was higher in patients with ASDAS values >2.1 (indicative of high disease activity) (OR: 1.46 [1.08-1.97], p=0.01), while the minor allele of rs16835198 (T) was less frequent in this group of patients (OR: 0.73 [0.57-0.92], p=0.01).

Conclusion

Low serum irisin levels could be indicators of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, high CV risk and more severe disease in axSpA patients. In addition, irisin may also constitute a genetic biomarker of disease activity in axSpA.

References

[1]Packham J. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018;57(6):vi29-vi34.

[2]Szabo SM, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63(11):3294–304.

[3]Korta P, et al. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(8):485.

[4]Nam B, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79:1358.

[5]Sieper J, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(2):ii1–44.

Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by grants from Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria IDIVAL (NVAL17/10), from the `Asociación Cántabra de Reumatología’ awarded to FG. FG and JR-G are beneficiaries of a grant funded by `Instituto de Salud Carlos III´ (ISCIII) (PI20/00059). SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL (PREVAL18/01). RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund, `Investing in your future´ (grant CP16/00033).

Disclosure of Interests

Sara Remuzgo-Martínez: None declared, Javier Rueda-Gotor: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Raquel Pérez-Fernández: None declared, Virginia Portilla: None declared, Iñigo Gonzalez-Mazon: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Rosa Expósito: None declared, Cristina Mata: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Vanessa Hernández-Hernández: None declared, Carlos Rodríguez-Lozano: None declared, Nuria Barbarroja Puerto: None declared, Rafaela Ortega Castro: None declared, Esther F. Vicente-Rabaneda: None declared, Cristina Fernández-Carballido: None declared, Maria Paz Martínez-Vidal: None declared, David Castro-Corredor: None declared, Joaquín Anino-Fernández: None declared, Diana Peiteado: None declared, Chamaida Plasencia: None declared, E Galindez: None declared, María L. García Vivar: None declared, Nuria Vegas-Revenga: None declared, Irati Urionaguena: None declared, Oreste Gualillo: None declared, Juan Carlos Quevedo-Abeledo: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Iván Ferraz-Amaro: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Lilly, Celgene, MSD, GSK, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, Janssen, Roche, Fernanda Genre: None declared

AB0145 IgA VASCULITIS AND IgA NEPHROPATHY SHARE A SIMILAR IL33-IL1RL1 ASSOCIATION PATTERN

Background

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are inflammatory conditions that share pathogenic and molecular mechanisms [1] and may represent different outcomes of a continuous spectrum of the disease [2]. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine that exerts its biological functions by binding to its receptor, IL-1 receptor like 1 (IL-1RL1) [3]. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that genetic variants located both in IL33 and IL1RL1 genes are implicated in the increased risk of numerous immune-mediated diseases [4].

Objectives

To determine whether IgAV and IgAN exhibit a different IL33-IL1RL1 association pattern.

Methods

Three tag genetic variants within IL33 (rs3939286, rs7025417 and rs7044343) and three tag polymorphisms within IL1RL1 (rs2310173, rs13015714 and rs2058660), which cover the major variability of these loci and that were previously associated with several inflammatory diseases were genotyped in 380 Caucasian patients with IgAV, 96 patients with IgAN and 845 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls.

Results

Similar genotype and allele frequencies were observed in the whole cohort of patients with IgAV when compared to those with IgAN when IL33-IL1RL1 genetic variants were analyzed independently (Table 1). In accordance with that, no IL33-IL1RL1 genotype or allele differences were detected between IgAV patients who developed nephritis and patients with IgAN (Table 1). Additionally, no statistically significant differences between the whole cohort of patients with IgAV and healthy controls as well as between patients with IgAN and healthy controls were observed when each IL33-IL1RL1 genetic variant was also analyzed independently (Table 1). Similar results were disclosed when haplotype frequencies were compared between the different comparative groups above mentioned (data not shown).

Table 1.

Genotype and allele frequencies of IL33 and IL1RL1 in the whole cohort of patients with IgAV, patients with IgAV who developed nephritis, patients with IgAN and healthy controls.

PolymorphismChangeData setGenotypes, % (n)Alleles, % (n)1/21/11/22/212IL33 rs3939286C/TIgAV49.1 (186)40.9 (155)10.0 (38)69.5 (527)30.5 (231)IgAV with nephritis48.5 (66)39.7 (54)11.8 (16)68.4 (186)31.6 (86)IgAN43.8 (42)49.0 (47)7.3 (7)68.2 (131)31.8 (61)Controls49.0 (414)41.4 (350)9.6 (81)69.7 (1178)30.3 (512)IL33 rs7025417T/CIgAV68.1 (254)29.5 (110)2.4 (9)82.8 (618)17.2 (128)IgAV with nephritis69.9 (93)27.1 (36)3.0 (4)83.5 (222)16.5 (44)IgAN61.5 (59)37.5 (36)1.0 (1)80.2 (154)19.8 (38)Controls70.8 (598)25.9 (219)3.3 (28)83.7 (1415)16.3 (275)IL33 rs7044343T/CIgAV42.3 (160)42.1 (159)15.6 (59)63.4 (479)36.6 (277)IgAV with nephritis44.5 (61)39.4 (54)16.1 (22)64.2 (176)35.8 (98)IgAN40.6 (39)49.0 (47)10.4 (10)65.1 (125)34.9 (67)Controls44.5 (376)43.9 (371)11.6 (98)66.4 (1123)33.6 (567)IL1RL1 rs2310173G/TIgAV29.2 (111)46.1 (175)24.7 (94)52.2 (397)47.8 (363)IgAV with nephritis32.1 (44)43.1 (59)24.8 (34)53.6 (147)46.4 (127)IgAN20.8 (20)46.9 (45)32.3 (31)44.3 (85)55.7 (107)Controls30.2 (255)46.7 (395)23.1 (195)53.6 (905)46.4 (785)IL1RL1 rs13015714T/GIgAV56.3 (211)39.5 (148)4.3 (16)76.0 (570)24.0 (180)IgAV with nephritis61.8 (84)33.8 (46)4.4 (6)78.7 (214)21.3 (58)IgAN54.2 (52)40.6 (39)5.2 (5)74.5 (143)25.5 (49)Controls57.2 (483)37.2 (314)5.7 (48)75.7 (1280)24.3 (410)IL1RL1 rs2058660A/GIgAV56.9 (215)38.6 (146)4.5 (17)76.2 (576)23.8 (180)IgAV with nephritis62.2 (84)31.9 (43)5.9 (8)78.1 (211)21.9 (59)IgAN53.1 (51)42.7 (41)4.2 (4)74.5 (143)25.5 (49)Controls56.7 (479)37.5 (317)5.8 (49)75.4 (1275)24.6 (415)

IgAV: IgA vasculitis; IgAN: IgA nephropathy.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that IgAV and IgAN share a similar IL33-IL1RL1 association pattern.

References

[1]N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14;

[2]Am J Kidney Dis 1988;12:373-7;

[3]J Immunol 2007;179:2551–5,

[4]Sci Rep 2021;11:16163

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042 and PI21/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by ERDF [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type II programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by ESF `Investing in your future´ [grant number CPII21/00004].

Disclosure of Interests

Diana Prieto-Peña: None declared, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda Fillloy: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Antonio Fernandez-Nebro: None declared, Gisela Díaz-Cordoves: None declared, Secundino Cigarrán: None declared, Jesús Calviño: None declared, Carmen Cobelo: None declared, Patricia Quiroga Colino: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galíndez-Agirregoikoa: None declared, Oreste Gualillo: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Lilly, Celgene, MSD and GSK, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, Jansen and Roche, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

Osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates do not show the increased mortality observed in those untreated

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis has been said to be associated with increased mortality. On the other hand, it is debated whether treatment with bisphosphonates may reduce mortality in osteoporotic patients. To contribute to the clarification of these issues, we have studied in a prospective cohort the mortality in people without osteoporosis and in patients with osteoporosis, untreated or treated with bisphosphonates MATERIAL AND METHODS: At their inclusion in the cohort, four groups of participants were identified: (a) people without osteoporosis (group 1); (b) osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates (group 2); (c) osteoporotic patients who refused to be treated (group 3); and (d) patients who met osteoporosis diagnostic criteria but were not treated because their risk of fracture was considered to be low (group 4). To compare all four groups, unadjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates of survivorship were obtained and they were compared using log-rank test. Hazard ratios were then estimated via Cox regression adjusting for the main confounders. A comparison among the osteoporotic groups was made by means of a Cox regression analysis performed using only these three groups, adjusting for propensity scores.

RESULTS

Two thousand six hundred and sixty-five people were included. In the unadjusted analysis, mortality in group 3 was higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Taking group 1 as a reference, Cox regression analysis showed the following mortality HRs for groups 2, 3, and 4 after adjusting for confounding factors: 0.82 (0.41-1.63), 1.37 (0.90-2.10), and 0.69 (0.46-1.02). In the analysis of the osteoporotic groups with the PS generated for them, and taking group 2 as a reference, the HRs were as follows: group 3, 2.38 (1.34-4.22); group 4, 1.45 (0.61-3.43).

CONCLUSION

Mortality in osteoporotic patients who refused treatment is higher than in osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates. In unadjusted analysis, it was also higher than in non-osteoporotic people; however, this difference disappeared after adjustment for confounding factors.

POS0113 BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR PATHWAY ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A VASCULITIS

Background:

BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR are genes that encode cytokines with a key role in the development and survival of B-lymphocytes [1-4]: The B cell-activating factor (BAFF, also known as BLyS), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), respectively. Previous genetic studies have revealed that the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway is implicated in the genetic predisposition to several immune-mediated diseases [5].

Objectives:

To determine whether the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway represents a novel genetic risk factor for the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV), an inflammatory disease in which IgA deposits and B-lymphocytes are crucial [6, 7].

Methods:

A functional BAFF polymorphism (rs374039502) and two tag variants within APRIL (rs11552708 and rs6608) and BAFFR (rs7290134 and rs77874543) were genotyped in 386 Caucasian IgAV patients (the largest series of Caucasian patients with IgAV ever assessed for genetic studies) and 806 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls by TaqMan assays.

Results:

No statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between patients with IgAV and healthy controls were observed when each genetic variant of BAFF APRIL and BAFFR was analyzed independently (Table 1). Likewise, no statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of BAFF APRIL or BAFFR were found when patients with IgAV were stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations. Similar results were disclosed when haplotype frequencies of APRIL and BAFFR were compared between patients with IgAV and healthy controls as well as patients with IgAV stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the BAFF-APRIL-BAFFR pathway does not contribute to the genetic network underlying IgAV.

References:

[1]J Exp Med 1999;190:1697-710; [2] Science 1999;285:260-3; [3] Nat Genet 2005;37:829-34; [4] Nat Immunol 2002;3:822-9; [5] N Engl J Med 2017;376:1615-26; [6] N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14; [7] Autoimmun Rev 2018;17:301-315.

Table 1.

Genotype and allele frequencies of BAFF, APRIL and BAFFR genes in patients with IgA vasculitis and healthy controls.

PolymorphismLocus1/2Data set1/11/22/212rs374039502BAFFT/APatients91.9 (353)8.1 (31)095.9 (737)4.1 (31)Controls91.5 (733)8.1 (65)0.4 (3)95.6 (1531)4.4 (71)rs11552708APRILG/APatients78.1 (299)20.6 (79)1.3 (5)88.4 (677)11.6 (89)Controls77.9 (625)20.4 (1641.6 (13)88.1 (1414)11.9 (190)rs6608APRILC/TPatients71.9 (277)26.0 (100)2.1 (8)84.9 (654)15.1 (116)Controls70.0 (561)27.6 (221)2.5 (20)83.7 (1343)16.3 (261)rs7290134BAFFRA/GPatients58.0 (224)36.3 (140)5.7 (22)76.2 (588)23.8 (184)Controls57.2 (459)36.4 (292)6.5 (52)75.3 (1210)24.6 (396)rs77874543BAFFRG/CPatients82.7 (316)16.0 (61)1.3 (5)90.7 (693)9.3 (71)Controls83.0 (666)16.6 (133)0.4 (3)91.3 (1465)8.7 (139)

Acknowledgements:

This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; BA-M is a recipient of a `López Albo´ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud; LL-G is supported by funds of IDIVAL [grant number INNVAL20/06]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CP16/00033].

Disclosure of Interests:

Diana Prieto-Peña Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

AB0070 ROLE OF VASPIN IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC DISEASE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background:

Vaspin is a novel anti-inflammatory adipokine associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease and inflammation in chronic inflammatory conditions different from axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).1 Given the high incidence of CV disease (mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis) exhibited by axSpA patients,2 we wondered if vaspin could also be a key molecule in this process. However, data on the role of vaspin regarding atherosclerotic disease in the context of axSpA is scarce.3

Objectives:

To evaluate the implication of vaspin, at the genetic and serological level, in subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk in axSpA.

Methods:

510 patients who fulfilled the ASAS criteria for axSpA4 were included in this study. Carotid ultrasound (US) was performed to evaluate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Three vaspin gene variants (rs2236242 T/A, rs7159023 G/A and rs35262691 T/C) were genotyped by TaqMan probes. Serum vaspin levels were assessed by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Analysis was performed using a statistical software.

Results:

Serum vaspin levels were significantly higher in female patients than in males and also in obese patients when compared to those with normal weight (p<0.05). At the genetic level, we disclosed that the minor allele of rs2236242 (A) was associated with lower serum vaspin levels in axSpA, while the rs7159023 minor allele (A) was linked to higher serum levels (p<0.05). When the three polymorphisms assessed were combined conforming haplotypes, we disclosed that the TGC haplotype related to high serum levels of vaspin (p=0.01). However, no statistically significant association was observed between vaspin and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, both at the genetic and serological level.

Conclusion:

Our results revealed that vaspin is linked to CV risk factors that may influence on the atherosclerotic process in axSpA. Additionally, we disclosed that serum vaspin concentration is genetically modulated in a large cohort of patients with axSpA.

References:

[1]Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1111:159-88.

[2]Front Med (Lausanne). 2018;5:62.

[3]Braz J Med Biol Res. 2016;49(7):e5231.

[4]Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(2):ii1-44.

Acknowledgements:

Personal funds: RL-M: Miguel Servet type I CP16/00033 (ISCIII-ESF); SR-M: RD16/0012/0009 (ISCIII-ERDF); VP-C: PREVAL18/01 (IDIVAL); LL-G: INNVAL20/06 (IDIVAL).

Disclosure of Interests:

Javier Rueda-Gotor: None declared, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared, Sara Remuzgo-Martínez: None declared, Verónica Pulito Cueto: None declared, Alfonso Corrales: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Virginia Portilla: None declared, Iñigo González-Mazón: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Rosa Expósito: None declared, Cristina Mata: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Vanessa Hernández-Hernández: None declared, Carlos Rodríguez-Lozano: None declared, Nuria Barbarroja Puerto: None declared, Rafaela Ortega Castro: None declared, Noelia García Castañeda: None declared, Cristina Fernández-Carballido: None declared, Maria Paz Martínez-Vidal: None declared, David Castro-Corredor: None declared, Joaquín Anino-Fernández: None declared, Diana Peiteado: None declared, Chamaida Plasencia: None declared, E Galindez: None declared, María L. García Vivar: None declared, Oreste Gualillo: None declared, Juan Carlos Quevedo-Abeledo: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Iván Ferraz-Amaro: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Fernanda Genre: None declared

POS0533 EFFECT OF CAROTID ULTRASOUND ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF LDL-CHOLESTEROL TARGETS IN THE ROUTINE CLINICAL CARE OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is substantially elevated compared to the general population. In RA, as in the general population, CVD control includes the detection and treatment of CV risk factors based, among others, on blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and lipid profiles. Little is known about the real impact of the use of carotid ultrasound in the prevention of CVD in patients with RA.

Objectives:

To determine whether the use of carotid ultrasound in the routine clinical care of patients with RA can improve the achievement of LDL-cholesterol targets over time.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, real-world study of 327 RA patients in which a carotid ultrasound was performed as part of routine clinical care. Participants were followed from 2012 to 2018. LDL-c levels were measured before and after the carotid ultrasound intervention. The achievement of the LDL-c goals recommended by the international guidelines was compared before and after the carotid ultrasound. Predictive factors of achievement of LDL-cholesterol targets were studied.

Results:

When considering the 2010 EULAR RA SCORE risk categories, serum LDL-c levels in the moderate CV risk category was significantly lower when follow-up finished (126 ± 33 to 109 ± 29 mg/dl, p=0.000) (Table 1). This was not the case for other CV risk categories. Similarly, LDL-c goal attainment in the moderate CV risk category was significant higher at the end of the study compared to baseline. Based on the 2016 European Society of Cardiology LDL-c targets, the achievement of a LDL-cholesterol inferior to 115 mg/dl for the moderate CV risk category significantly increased from 35 to 64% (p=0.000) after follow-up. However, significant changes were not observed in this regard for the low, high, and very-high CV risk categories.

Table 1.

LDL cholesterol serum levels and LDL goals differences between baseline and final follow-up

LDL, mg/dlLDL (mg/dl) ESC 2016 goalsn%BaselineFinal follow-upGoalBaselineFinal follow-upp2010 EULAR RA SCORELow12037116 ± 37119 ± 320.081< 13068%66%0.99Moderate19560126 ± 33109 ± 290.000< 11535%64%0.000High72121 ± 26104 ± 220.14< 10014%33%0.99Very High50131 ± 41115 ± 460.080< 700%20%0.99

ESC: European Society of Cardiology; EULAR: European League Against Rheumatism. SCORE: Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation; RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis; LDL: low-density lipoprotein. Significant ‘p’ value are depicted in bold.

When patients with RA, regardless the SCORE risk they had, were divided between those that attained LDL-cholesterol target or not, those that achieved their LDL goal, were more frequently female and had less diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the probability of achieving LDL-cholesterol goal was higher in those with an inferior total cholesterol, LDL-c and atherogenic index at baseline. Interestingly, no differences were observed in both populations regarding the baseline use of statins, aspirin or hypertension treatment at baseline. Concerning disease related data when study started, no differences about disease duration and activity or treatments were observed between dose that reached LDL-cholesterol goal and those that did not.

Those that achieved LDL-c objectives had a higher decrease in smoking quit and a superior control of hypertension. Besides, in those that attained objectives a superior increase in statins prescription was observed (36% vs. 13%, p=0.000), as well in hypertension and aspirin treatment. However, no differences were noticed in the changes in disease-related data that occur during the time the study was carried out.

Conclusion:

This real-world study demonstrates that incorporating carotid ultrasound into routine clinical practice in RA patients is effective in achieving LDL-cholesterol targets for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This effect is not only mediated by the increase in the prescription of statins, but also by the better control of other cardiovascular risk factors that occurred after carotid ultrasound evaluation.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0627 SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF ANTI-IL-6 THERAPY ON ADIPONECTIN SERUM LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Adiponectin is an adipokine with anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects that also contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) [1]. MetS is frequently observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), increasing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in these patients [1-3]. A recent study of our group disclosed a short-term effect of anti-IL-6 therapy on serum levels of leptin (another adipokine with pro-inflammatory functions, related with MetS and CV disease) in RA patients [4]. Accordingly, it is plausible to think that such treatment may also have an effect in adiponectin levels.

Objectives:

To determine the short-term effect of the anti-IL-6 receptor tocilizumab (TCZ) administration on circulating adiponectin serum levels in patients with RA, as well as the potential association of adiponectin with demographic and clinical features of these patients.

Methods:

50 consecutive Spanish patients undergoing periodic treatment with TCZ who fulfilled the 2010 classification criteria for RA [5] were recruited. Adiponectin serum levels were assessed in samples obtained immediately prior to (pre-infusion) and 60 minutes after the end of a TCZ intravenous infusion (post-infusion) by a commercial Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) kit.

Results:

Similar serum levels of adiponectin were found following the TCZ infusion (mean ± standard deviation: 23.01 ± 18.58 µg/mL versus 22.35 ± 17.84 µg/mL, pre- and post-infusion, respectively, p=0.69). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between adiponectin basal levels and body mass index (r=-0.45, p<0.01), insulin (r=-0.33, p=0.02), insulin/glucose index (r=-0.32, p=0.03) and C-peptide levels (r=-0.32, p=0.03) of RA patients, whereas a strong positive correlation was observed with HDL-cholesterol levels (r=0.51, p<0.01). Moreover, basal levels of adiponectin were significantly lower in obese patients when compared to those with normal weight (p=0.03).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that anti-IL-6 therapy has no short-term effect on adiponectin serum levels in patients with RA. Furthermore, our results support that low adiponectin levels are associated with MetS features and, therefore, with CV disease in RA.

References:

[1]Biochem Pharmacol. 2019;165:196-206; [2] Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2008;26:596-603; [3] Mediators Inflamm. 2013;2013:710928; [4] Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020;38:1201-1205; [5] Arthritis Rheum. 2010;62:2569-2581.

Acknowledgements:

Personal funds:

SR-M: RD16/0012/0009 (ISCIII-ERDF); VP-C: PREVAL 18/01 (IDIVAL); OG: GPC IN607B2019/10 (GAIN); RL-M: Miguel Servet type I programme CP16/00033 (ISCIII-ESF).

Disclosure of Interests:

Sara Remuzgo-Martínez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Jaime Calvo: None declared, Elena Aurrecoechea: None declared, Irene Llorente: None declared, Ana Triguero-Martinez: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Javier Llorca: None declared, M E Ruiz: None declared, Natalia Rivera: None declared, Oreste Gualillo: None declared, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD.

AB0096 IGA VASCULITIS AND IGA NEPHROPATHY SHARE A SIMILAR IL17A ASSOCIATION PATTERN

Background:

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are inflammatory conditions that share pathogenic and molecular mechanisms [1] and may represent different outcomes of a continuous spectrum of disease [2]. Interleukin (IL)17A has been identified as a common genetic risk locus for several immune-mediated diseases [3, 4].

Objectives:

To determine whether IgAV and IgAN exhibit a different IL17A association pattern.

Methods:

Five IL17A tag polymorphisms (rs4711998, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913 and rs7747909) were genotyped in 388 Caucasian patients with IgAV, 99 patients with IgAN and 1,003 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls.

Results:

No statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and healthy controls and between patients with IgAN and healthy controls were observed when each IL17A genetic variant was analyzed independently (Table 1). Similarly, IgAV patients exhibited similar genotype and allele IL17A frequencies than those with IgAN (Table 1). Moreover, no genotype or allele differences between IgAV patients who developed nephritis and patients with IgAN were detected. Furthermore, haplotype frequencies were similar in patients with IgAV, IgAV and nephritis and those with IgAN.

Table 1.

Genotype and allele frequencies of IL17A gene in patients with IgA vasculitis, patients with IgA nephropathy and healthy controls.

PolymorphismChangeData set1/11/22/212rs4711998G/AIgAV53.4 (207)38.9 (151)7.7 (30)72.8 (565)27.2 (211)IgAN49.0 (48)42.9 (42)8.2 (8)70.4 (138)29.6 (58)Controls52.7 (529)41.2 (413)6.1 (61)73.3 (1471)26.7 (535)rs8193036T/CIgAV57.0 (221)38.4 (149)4.6 (18)76.2 (591)23.8 (185)IgAN64.3 (63)31.6 (31)4.1 (4)80.1 (157)19.9 (39)Controls60.3 (605)35.2 (353)4.5 (45)77.9 (1563)22.1 (443)rs3819024A/GIgAV44.1 (171)43.3 (168)12.6 (49)65.7 (510)34.3 (266)IgAN39.4 (39)54.5 (54)6.1 (6)66.7 (132)33.3 (66)Controls45.6 (457)44.6 (447)9.9 (99)67.8 (1361)32.2 (645)rs2275913G/AIgAV44.6 (172)43.3 (167)12.2 (47)66.2 (511)33.8 (261)IgAN39.8 (39)53.1 (52)7.1 (7)66.3 (130)33.7 (66)Controls44.8 (449)44.2 (443)11.1 (111)66.8 (1341)33.2 (665)rs7747909G/AIgAV53.9 (209)39.4 (153)6.7 (26)73.6 (571)26.4 (205)IgAN41.1 (39)54.7 (52)4.2 (4)68.4 (130)31.6 (60)Controls53.0 (532)39.4 (395)7.6 (76)72.7 (1459)27.3 (547)

Conclusion:

Our results revealed that IgAV and IgAN share a similar IL17A association pattern.

References:

[1]N Engl J Med 2013;368:2402-14.

[2]Am J Kidney Dis 1988;12:373-7.

[3]Ann Rheum Dis 2014;73:1742-5.

[4]Mediators Inflamm 2018;2018:1395823.

Acknowledgements:

This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). DP-P is a recipient of a Río Hortega programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CM20/00006]; SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) [grant number RD16/0012/0009]; VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL [grant number PREVAL 18/01]; BA-M is a recipient of a `López Albo´ Post-Residency Programme funded by Servicio Cántabro de Salud; LL-G is supported by funds of IDIVAL [grant number INNVAL20/06]; RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) [grant number CP16/00033].

Disclosure of Interests:

Diana Prieto-Peña: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, J. Narváez: None declared, LUIS CAMINAL MONTERO: None declared, PAZ COLLADO: None declared, Antonio Fernandez-Nebro: None declared, Gisela Díaz-Cordoves: None declared, Secundino Cigarrán: None declared, Jesús Calviño: None declared, Carmen Cobelo: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Miguel A González-Gay Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

POS0728 QRISK3 RELATION TO CAROTID PLAQUE IS HIGHER THAN THAT OF SCORE IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been described as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Recently, QRESEARCH risk estimator version 3 (QRISK3) calculator has been released for the assessment of CV risk in general population. QRISK3 now includes the presence of SLE as one of its variables for the calculation of CV risk.

Objectives:

We aim to compare, in patients with SLE, the predictive capacity between QRISK3 and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) for the presence of carotid subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods:

296 patients with SLE were recruited. The presence of carotid plaque and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were assessed through ultrasound. QRISK3 and SCORE were calculated. The relation of QRISK3 and SCORE between themselves and to the presence of carotid subclinical atherosclerosis (both carotid plaque and cIMT) was studied.

Results:

Most of the patients were female (95%) and average age was 51 ± 12 years. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent, as shown in table 1. Most SLE patients were in the no activity (41%) or mild activity (29%) categories as shown by the SLEDAI scores. SLICC and Katz indexes were, respectively, 1 (IQR 0-2) and 2 (IQR 1-4). Seventy-one percent of the patients had a SLICC/ACR DI score equal to or higher than 1, and 39% had a Katz index equal to or higher than 3. Almost half of the patients (47%) were taking prednisone (the median dose of those 139 patients on prednisone was 5 [IQR 2.5-5] mg/day at the time of the study). DMARDs use was reported in 77% of the patients and 69% were taking hydroxychloroquine at the time the study was performed. SCORE and QRISK3 did not correlate between them in patients with SLE. In this sense, QRISK3, both calculated including the SLE item (Rho Spearman r=-0.008, p=0.90) or not (Rho Spearman r=-0.009, p=0.96), did not correlate with SCORE. This lack of correlation was also found when the corresponding categorizations of both scores were used. For example, patients with a QRISK> = 10 did not show a higher SCORE when compared to patients with a QRISK3 <10 (1.26 vs. 1.30, p=0.90). Similarly, QRISK3 was not different between the low, moderate, high and very-high SCORE CV risk categories.

Relation of QRISK3 and SCORE to cIMT and to the presence of carotid plaque is shown in Figure 1. QRISK3 was statistically significantly correlated with cIMT (Rho Spearman r=-0.420, p=0.000). However, this relation was not found between SCORE and cIMT (Rho Spearman r=-0.005, p=0.93). Moreover, QRISK3 showed a statistically significant discrimination for the presence of carotid plaque (AUC 0.765 (95%CI 0.711-0.820). This relation was found to be significant both when QRISK3 was calculated with the SLE variable item or not. However, in patients with SLE, SCORE did not show a significant discrimination for the presence of carotid plaque (0.561 (95%CI 0.494-0.629). Additionally, a statistical significant difference was observed between the AUC of QRISK3 and SCORE (p=0.000).

Table 1.

Characteristics of SLE patients

SLE patients(n=296) Age, years51 ± 12 Female, n (%)280 (95) Body mass index, kg/m227 ± 6 Systolic blood pressure, mmHg127 ± 19Cardiovascular co-morbidity Smoking, n (%)74 (25) Diabetes, n (%)14 (5) Hypertension, n (%)119 (40) Dyslipidemia, n (%)115 (39)Analytical and lipid profile CRP, mg/dl1.9 (0.9-4.9) Cholesterol, mg/dl198 ± 38 LDL cholesterol, mg/dl110 ± 29SLE related dataDisease duration, years17 (10-25)SLICC1 (0-2)SLEDAI2 (0-4)Current prednisone, n (%)139 (47)Hydroxychloroquine, n (%)205 (69)Subclinical atherosclerosisCarotid IMT, microns630 ± 122Carotid plaques, n (%)108 (36)Figure 1.

Relation of QRISK3 and SCORE to cIMT and carotid plaque.

Conclusion:

QRISK3 discrimination for carotid plaque is higher than that of the SCORE. QRISK3, and not SCORE, should be use for the calculation of CV risk in patients with SLE.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy and possibility of transmission to neonates: A systematic revision]

En este trabajo se revisan los artículos publicados sobre COVID-19, embarazo y afectación del neonato hasta el 30 de abril de 2020. Se han encontrado un total de 33 publicaciones que se refieren a 553 gestantes y 456 partos. Los síntomas más frecuentes en la embarazada fueron fiebre, tos y disnea. Cerca de tercios de los partos se realizaron por cesárea; el 5,9% de las mujeres requirieron ingreso en la UCI y el 4% requirieron ventilación mecánica. No se produjo ninguna muerte materna. Hubo prematuridad en el 22,3% de los partos y el neonato requirió ingreso en la UCI en el 38,3%. Solo se informó de una muerte neonatal (0,4%) y de 13 casos de COVID-19 neonatal (3,4%). La información disponible no permite asegurar que la transmisión se produjera por vía transplacentaria.

FRI0330 BODY MASS INDEX AND DISEASE ACTIVITY IN CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES: RESULTS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR IN RHEUMATOLOGY (CARMA) PROJECT

Objectives:

Since obesity has been associated with higher inflammatory burden and worse response to therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory joint diseases (CIJDs), we aimed to confirm the potential association between body mass index (BMI) and disease activity in a large series of patients with CIJDs included in the Spanish CARdiovascular in rheuMAtology (CARMA) registry.

Methods:

Baseline data assessment of patients included from the CARMA project, a 10-year prospective study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) attending outpatient rheumatology clinics from 67 Spanish hospitals. Obesity was defined when BMI (kg/m2) was>30 according to the WHO criteria. Scores used to evaluate disease activity were DAS28 in RA, BASDAI in AS, and modified DAS for PsA.

Results:

Data from 2,234 patients (775 RA, 738 AS and 721 PsA) were assessed. The mean±SD BMI at the baseline visit were: 26.9±4.8 in RA, 27.4±4.4 in AS and 28.2±4.7 in PsA. Multivariate analyses shown a positive association between BMI and disease activity in patients with RA (β-coefficient: 0.029; 95% CI: 0.01-0.05; p=0.007) and in those with PsA (β-coefficient: 0.036; 95% CI: 0.015-0.058; p=0.001). By contrast, there was no significant association between BMI and disease activity in patients with AS (β-coefficient: 0.001; 95% CI: -0.026-0.03; p=0.926).

In patients with RA, female gender (β-coefficient: 0.546; 95% CI: 0.316-0.775; p<0.001) and rheumatoid factor status (seropositivity for RF) (β-coefficient: 0.328; 95% CI: 0.106-0.549; p=0.004) also showed a positive association with disease activity, while physical activity revealed a negative association with disease activity (β-coefficient: -0.280; 95% CI: -0.479-(- 0.081); p=0.006).

Besides BMI, female gender (β-coefficient: 0.720; 95% CI: 0.524-0.916; p<0.001), Psoriasis Area Severity Index (β-coefficient: 0.038; 95% CI: 0.012-0.066; p=0.005) and enthesitis (β-coefficient: 0.256; 95% CI: 0.199-0.313; p<0.001) were also positively associated with disease activity in PsA.

As observed in RA and PsA, female gender was also associated with disease activity patients with AS (β-coefficient: 0.565; 95% CI: 0.299-0.832; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

BMI is associated with disease activity in RA and PsA but not in AS. Since obesity is a potentially modifiable factor, disease activity was associated with female gender and RF status in RA and with Psoriasis Area Severity Index and enthesitis in PsA. Adequate control over body weight may improve the outcome of patients with CIJDs and, therefore, weight control should be included in the strategy of management of these patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ruth López-González: None declared, Jesús Alejandro Valero Jaimes: None declared, Maria Auxiliadora Martin-Martinez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Carmen García Gomez: None declared, Fernando Sánchez-Alonso: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Juanatey: None declared, Eva Revuelta-Evrad: None declared, Carolina Perez-Garcia: None declared, Vicenç Torrente Segarra: None declared, Trinidad Pérez Sandoval: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD

OP0002 INCIDENCE OF FIRST CARDIOVASCULAR EVENT IN SPANISH PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES: PROSPECTIVE DATA FROM THE CARMA PROJECT AFTER 5 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP

Objectives:

To determine the incidence and risk factors implicated in the development of first cardiovascular (CV) event (CVE) in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) attending Spanish rheumatology clinics after 5 years of follow-up

Methods:

Analysis of data of patients included in an observational prospective study [CARdiovascular in rheuMAtology (CARMA) project] after 5 years of follow-up. The study includes a cohort of 2234 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and another cohort of matched individuals (n=677) without CIRD from 67 hospitals in Spain. Cumulative incidence per 1000 patients of CVE was estimated in both cohorts at 5 years from the start. Weibull proportional hazard model was used to calculate the Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the risk factors involved in the development of CV events. Losses to follow-up and their causes were also analyzed.

Results:

The total number patient who completed the follow-up visit at 5 years was 2.382 (81.9%). Fifteen patients died due to CVE and sixty due to non-CVE. The patients with CIRD showed higher cardiovascular cumulative incidence (40.5; 95% CI: 36.2-44.8) than controls (28.3; 95% CI: 21.8-34.8). The higher risk of developing a first CVE during the 5 years of follow-up was seen in patients with AS (HR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.32-15.99; p=0.02), those with older age (HR:1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.13; p<0.001), higher systolic blood pressure (HR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.32-5.25; p=0.006), and those with longer duration of the rheumatic disease (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.12; p=0.002). In contrast, woman gender was a protective factor (HR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21-0.99; p=0.047).

Conclusion:

Patients with AS prospectively followed-up at rheumatology outpatient clinics showed higher risk of developing a first CVE than those without CIRD. Besides traditional CV disease risk factors, a longer time course of the disease is a risk factor for the development of CV disease in patients with CIRD.

Acknowledgments:

This project has been supported by an unrestricted grant from Abbvie, Spain. The design, analysis, interpretation of results and preparation of the manuscript has been done independently of Abbvie.

Disclosure of Interests:

Maria Auxiliadora Martin-Martinez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Fernando Sánchez-Alonso: None declared, Carmen García Gomez: None declared, Carlos Gonzalez Juanatey: None declared, Maria Angeles Belmonte: None declared, Jesús Tornero: None declared, José Santos Rey: None declared, CARMEN OLGA SANCHEZ GONZALEZ: None declared, Estefanía Quesada-Masachs: None declared, MARIA DELPUERTO MORENO GIL: None declared, Tatiana Cobo-Ibáñez: None declared, Jose Antonio Pinto Tasende: None declared, Jesús Babío: None declared, Gemma Bonilla: None declared, Antonio Juan Mas: None declared, Javier Manero: None declared, Montserrat Romera: None declared, Javier Bachiller-Corral: None declared, Eugenio Chamizo Carmona: None declared, Javier Calvo: None declared, Raimon Sanmarti: None declared, Maria Celia Erausquin: None declared, Rosario Garcia de Vicuna Grant/research support from: BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Gebro, Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Lilly, Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Carmen Barbadillo: None declared, Sergio Ros Exposito: None declared, Javier del Pino Grant/research support from: Roche, Bristol, Consultant of: Gedeon, MARIA JOSE GONZALEZ: None declared, José Manuel Pina Salvador: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD

AB0012 ROLE OF IRF5 GENE ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A VASCULITIS

Background:

Interferon signaling pathway plays a relevant role in autoimmunity. Genetic variants in theinterferon regulatory factor (IRF) 5gene, that encodes the major regulator of the type I interferon induction [1], have been related to the development of several inflammatory diseases [2].

Objectives:

To determine the influence ofIRF5on Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV), an inflammatory vascular disease.

Methods:

ThreeIRF5polymorphisms (rs2004640, rs2070197 and rs10954213) representative of 3 different haplotype blocks were genotyped in 372 Caucasian patients with IgAV and 876 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls.

Results:

No statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and controls were observed when eachIRF5polymorphism was analyzed independently. Similarly, no statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and controls were found whenIRF5polymorphisms were evaluated combined conforming haplotypes. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies ofIRF5when patients with IgAV were stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations.

Conclusion:

Our results do not support an influence ofIRF5on the pathogenesis of IgAV.

References:

[1]Nat Immunol 2011; 12: 231-8;

[2]Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16: R146.

Acknowledgments:

This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) (grant CP16/00033). SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) (ISCIII, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)). VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL (PREVAL 18/01). LL-G is supported by funds of PI18/00042 (ISCIII, co-funded by ERDF).

Disclosure of Interests:

Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Fernanda Genre: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, D. Prieto-Peña: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, María Jesús Cabero: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, Antonio Navas Parejo: None declared, Javier Sanchez Perez: None declared, Maximiliano Aragües: None declared, Esteban Rubio: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Lilly and MSD, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

AB0011 INFLUENCE OF IL17A GENE ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A VASCULITIS

Background:

Cytokines signaling pathway genes represent a key component of the genetic network implicated in the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV) [1], an inflammatory vascular pathology.Interleukin (IL)17Ais a genetic risklocusfor autoimmune diseases, such as giant cell arteritis [2] and spondyloarthritis [3].

Objectives:

To determine the potential influence ofIL17Aon IgAV.

Methods:

FiveIL17Atag polymorphisms (rs4711998, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913 and rs7747909) were genotyped in 360 Caucasian patients with IgAV and 1,003 sex and ethnically matched healthy controls.

Results:

No statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and healthy controls were observed when eachIL17Agenetic variant was analyzed independently. Similarly, no statistically significant differences between patients with IgAV and healthy controls were found when the fiveIL17Apolymorphisms were evaluated combined conforming haplotypes. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies ofIL17Awhen patients with IgAV were stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal or renal manifestations.

Conclusion:

Our results do not support an influence ofIL17Aon the pathogenesis of IgAV.

References:

[1]Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17: 301-15

[2]Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 73: 1742-5

[3]Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018: 1395823.

Acknowledgments:

This study was supported by European Union FEDER funds and “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” (grant PI18/00042) from ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’ (ISCIII, Health Ministry, Spain). RL-M is a recipient of a Miguel Servet type I programme fellowship from the ISCIII, co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF, `Investing in your future´) (grant CP16/00033). SR-M is supported by funds of the RETICS Program (RD16/0012/0009) (ISCIII, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)). VP-C is supported by a pre-doctoral grant from IDIVAL (PREVAL 18/01). LL-G is supported by funds of PI18/00042 (ISCIII, co-funded by ERDF).

Disclosure of Interests:

Fernanda Genre: None declared, Sara Remuzgo Martinez: None declared, Verónica Pulito-Cueto: None declared, D. Prieto-Peña: None declared, Belén Atienza-Mateo: None declared, Belén Sevilla: None declared, Javier Llorca: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Leticia Lera-Gómez: None declared, Maite Leonardo: None declared, Ana Peñalba: None declared, María Jesús Cabero: None declared, Luis Martín-Penagos: None declared, Jose Alberto Miranda-Filloy: None declared, Antonio Navas Parejo: None declared, Diego de Argila: None declared, Maximiliano Aragües: None declared, Esteban Rubio-Romero: None declared, MANUEL LEON LUQUE: None declared, Juan María Blanco-Madrigal: None declared, E. Galindez: None declared, Javier Martin Ibanez: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD and Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen and MSD, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, Lilly and MSD, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Raquel López-Mejías: None declared

Meta-analysis of the effects of normal saline on mortality in intensive care

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, by means of a meta-analysis, the effect of normal saline on mortality in intensive care patients, when compared with the use of balanced crystalloids.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Published controlled clinical trials, randomised and sequential prospective studies in time, evaluating the mortality when physiological saline was used in patients admitted to intensive care units. Electronic search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI Proceedings, and Web of Science, as well as a manual search of selected references. An independent evaluation was performed by 2 investigators. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus in the working group. Contingency tables were performed, and the OR with confidence intervals of each study were obtained. Heterogeneity was assessed by I². Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger test.

RESULTS

A total of 8 articles were selected for the meta-analysis of mortality, which included a total of 20,684 patients. A significant association was observed between the use of saline and mortality in intensive care patients (OR 1.0972; 95% CI 1.0049-1.1979), when compared to the use of balanced crystalloids. No statistical evidence of publication bias (Egger, P=.5349) was found. In the sensitivity analysis, none of the studies substantially modified the overall outcome if it was eliminated from the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There may be an increase in mortality associated with the use of saline in patients admitted to intensive care when comparing with the use of balanced crystalloids.

Up-conversion luminescence coupled to plasmonic gold nanorods for light harvesting and hydrogen production

The conversion of infrared light to visible-light which allows a larger fraction of sun-light to be used is needed to improve light-harvesting. In this work a tri-functional material composed of an up-converter (NaYF₄-Yb-Tm), plasmonic gold nanorods and CdS was made photocatalytically active using 980 nm wavelength light for the reduction of H⁺ to H₂.

Base excess, a useful marker in the prognosis of chest trauma in the geriatric population

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of the determination of base excess in a cohort of elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of chest trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Two hundred and forty-nine patients were included aged 65 years and over with a diagnosis of thoracic trauma who required admission to the ICU. We made a statistical analysis in order to determine the association of the first base excess levels with mortality during the unit stay.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-nine patients, with a mean APACHE II score of 16.21±7.87 and 24.45±14.16 ISS. Mean ICU stay was 12.74±16.85 days and the mean hospital stay was 26.55±30.1 days. Statistical analysis showed an association with mortality in patients whose blood pressure was lower than 110mmHg on admission, with an OR=4.11 (95% CI 1.91 to 8.85) compared to patients with blood pressure between 110 and 140mmHg. Those patients who had base excess levels on admission of less than -6mmol/L also showed increased mortality compared to patients with higher levels, with an OR=3.12 (95% CI 1.51 to 6.42).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a base excess level of less than -6 is associated with increased mortality in elderly patients with initial blood pressure between 110 and 140mmHg, diagnosed with thoracic trauma and who require admission to ICU. Routine measurement of this parameter in this population may show the clinical usefulness of assessing possible hidden hypoperfusion.

Standalone ethanol micro-reformer integrated on silicon technology for onboard production of hydrogen-rich gas

A novel design of a silicon-based micro-reformer for onboard hydrogen generation from ethanol is presented in this work. The micro-reactor is fully fabricated with mainstream MEMS technology and consists of an active low-thermal-mass structure suspended by an insulating membrane. The suspended structure includes an embedded resistive metal heater and an array of ca. 20k vertically aligned through-silicon micro-channels per square centimetre. Each micro-channel is 500 μm in length and 50 μm in diameter allowing a unique micro-reformer configuration that presents a total surface per projected area of 16 cm(2) cm(-2) and per volume of 320 cm(2) cm(-3). The walls of the micro-channels become the active surface of the micro-reformer when coated with a homogenous thin film of Rh-Pd/CeO2 catalyst. The steam reforming of ethanol under controlled temperature conditions (using the embedded heater) and using the micro-reformer as a standalone device are evaluated. Fuel conversion rates above 94% and hydrogen selectivity values of ca. 70% were obtained when using operation conditions suitable for application in micro-solid oxide fuel cells (micro-SOFCs), i.e. 750 °C and fuel flows of 0.02 mlL min(-1) (enough to feed a one watt power source).

[Evolution of mortality in severe chest trauma in the elderly patient]

INTRODUCTION

Persons older than 65 years represent about 30% of all cases requiring care for traumatic injury, and is the fifth leading cause of death. Thus, it is considered important to search for epidemiological parameters that can identify this population group.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective, observational, and comparative study was conducted on patients aged 65 years and over admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of tertiary hospital with a primary diagnosis of severe chest trauma between January 1992 and January 2012. A logistic regression was performed to determine the probability of hospital death in relation to the year of hospitalisation.

RESULTS

The cohort included 235 patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed a gradual decrease in the probability of death over the years, with an OR of 0.95 [95% CI; 0.90 to 0.99] for each year of admission after 1992 (P=.029). The multivariate model showed an association of mortality with patient age (OR: 1.08 for year over 65), the score on the scale APACHE II (OR: 1.1 for each point obtained), and need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 5.36).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a decrease in mortality over the years, with an association that remained after adjustment for different confounding parameters.

Study of Cu-Zn and Au/TiO2 Catalysts on Anodized Aluminum Monoliths for Hydrogen Generation and Purification

This work reports the preparation of Cu-Zn and Au/TiO2 catalysts on anodized aluminum monoliths (AAM). The structured catalysts were studied for the generation of H2 by methanol steam reforming (MSR) and its purification by preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PrOx). Initially, it was possible to generate a surface with whiskers and larger surface area by hydrothermal treatment of the AAM. Subsequently, the structured catalysts were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) and hydrothermal synthesis (HS). IWI synthesis allowed for the deposition of a larger amount of catalytic material than HS, with very good adhesion. The TiO2-IWI structured catalyst presented a homogeneous catalytic coating, with the presence of agglomerated particles. On the other hand, Cu-Zn-IWI showed good dispersion of the deposited particles with a homogeneous surface coating. EDX analysis corroborated the presence of Ti, Cu and Zn in all the catalytic surfaces. The incorporation of Au over TiO2-IWI structured catalysts was successfully performed by IWI using a colloidal solution of gold nanoparticles. MSR was studied over the developed metallic monoliths functionalized with Cu-Zn by the IWI method. The samples showed promising results in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability. Both diluted and concentrated methanol + water feeds were assayed. Complete methanol conversion was achieved for the diluted feed. Maximum methanol conversions of 55 % with 60 % H2 yield were measured when the concentrated feed was selected. Promising results were also achieved for the Au-based structured catalysts in the CO-PrOx in an H2-rich atmosphere. Although CO conversions of approximately 60 % were achieved, operating with higher catalyst loadings would be recommended to reach the high CO conversions required for PrOx catalysts.

Highly water-dispersible magnetite-supported Pd nanoparticles and single atoms as excellent catalysts for Suzuki and hydrogenation reactions

The linker dpa enables the deposition of palladium on magnetite nanoparticles that show excellent catalytic behavior in water or water/ethanol solvents.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium intake, and bone mineral density in Spanish adults

Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D-25(OH)D-status in Spanish adult subjects and to analyze its relationships with serum PTH levels, calcium intake, and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

A total of 1811 individuals (1154 postmenopausal women and 657 men) aged 44-93 years participated in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. BMD was determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip.

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)D levels were below 10, 20, and 30 ng/ml in 5, 40, and 83 % of participants, respectively. There was a significant seasonal difference in mean serum 25(OH)D, with higher levels in summer-autumn. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with age, serum PTH and creatinine, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, and a number of chronic diseases, but positively with dairy calcium intake. The magnitude of the difference in serum PTH according to 25(OH)D quartiles was not influenced by calcium intake. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml was observed for serum PTH and hip BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D insufficiency is very common among Spanish community-dwelling adult subjects. A threshold of serum 25(OH)D around 30 ng/ml would be necessary for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hip bone loss in our population, regardless of the dairy calcium ingestion. Programs to improve vitamin D status may be required in our country.

Levels and predictors of persistent organic pollutants in an adult population from four Spanish regions

This research aimed to assess serum concentrations of a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a sample of adults recruited in four different regions from Spain and to assess socio-demographic, dietary, and lifestyle predictors of the exposure. The study population comprised 312 healthy adults selected from among controls recruited in the MCC-Spain multicase-control study. Study variables were collected using standardized questionnaires, and pollutants were analyzed by means of gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of log-transformed pollutant concentrations, using combined backward and forward stepwise multiple linear regression models. Detection rates ranged from 89.1% (hexachlorobenzene, HCB) to 93.6% (Polychlorinated biphenyl-153 [PCB-153]); p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) showed the highest median concentrations (1.04ng/ml), while HCB showed the lowest (0.24ng/ml). In the multivariable models, age was positively associated with HCB, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-180. BMI was associated positively with p,p'-DDE but negatively with PCB-138. Total accumulated time residing in an urban area was positively associated with PCB-153 concentrations. The women showed higher HCB and lower p,p'-DDE concentrations versus the men. Notably, POP exposure in our study population was inversely associated with the breastfeeding received by participants and with the number of pregnancies of their mothers but was not related to the participants' history of breastfeeding their children or parity. Smoking was negatively associated with HCB and PCB-153 concentrations. Consumption of fatty foods, including blue fish, was in general positively associated with POP levels. Although POP environmental levels are declining worldwide, there is a need for the continuous monitoring of human exposure in the general population. The results of the present study confirm previous findings and point to novel predictors of long-term exposure to persistent organic pollutants.

Relationship of leptin with adiposity and inflammation and resistin with disease severity in psoriatic patients undergoing anti-TNF-alpha therapy

BACKGROUND

Altered secretion patterns of proinflammatory adipokines may influence the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether two adipokines, leptin and resistin, correlate with metabolic syndrome features and disease severity in psoriatic patients who underwent anti-TNF-α therapy.

METHODS

Prospective study of consecutive non-diabetic patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who completed 6 months of therapy with anti-TNF-α- adalimumab. Patients with kidney disease, hypertension or body mass index ≥35 Kg/m(2) were excluded. Metabolic and clinical evaluation was performed at the onset of anti-TNF-α treatment and at month 6.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were assessed. A correlation between adiposity and leptin was observed (waist circumference and leptin levels after 6 months of therapy: r = 0.43; P = 0.030). Leptin concentration also correlated with blood pressure before adalimumab onset (systolic: r = 0.48; P = 0.013 and diastolic blood pressure: r = 0.50; P = 0.010 ). A marginally significant negative correlation between insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) and leptin levels was also observed. CRP levels correlated with leptin prior to the onset of adalimumab (r = 0.45; P = 0.020) and with resistin both before (r = 0.45; P = 0.020) and after 6 months of therapy (r = 0.55; P = 0.004). A positive association between parameters of disease activity such as BSA (r = 0.60; P = 0.001) and PASI (r = 0.63; P = 0.001) prior to the onset of adalimumab therapy and resistin concentrations was also disclosed. No significant changes in leptin and resistin concentrations following the 6-month treatment with adalimumab were seen.

CONCLUSION

In patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis leptin correlates with metabolic syndrome features and inflammation whereas resistin correlate with inflammation and disease severity.

Anti-TNF-α therapy reduces retinol-binding protein 4 serum levels in non-diabetic patients with psoriasis: a 6-month prospective study

BACKGROUND

Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), an adipokine considered as an emerging cardiometabolic risk factor, is increased in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to establish the effect of anti-TNF-α therapy on RBP4 levels in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. We also assessed if RBP4 levels correlate with metabolic syndrome features and disease severity in these patients.

METHODS

Prospective study on a series of consecutive non-diabetic patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who completed 6 months of therapy with adalimumab. Patients with kidney disease, hypertension or body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m(2) were excluded. Metabolic and clinical evaluation was performed at the onset of treatment (time 0) and at month 6.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were assessed. Statistically significant reduction (P = 0.0001) of RBP4 levels was observed after 6 months of therapy (RBP4 at time 0: 55.7 ± 21.4 μg/mL, vs. 35.6 ± 29.9 μg/mL at month 6). No significant correlation between basal RBP4 levels and metabolic syndrome features or disease severity was found. Nevertheless, although RBP4 levels did not correlate with insulin resistance, a negative and significant correlation between RBP4 levels obtained after 6 months of adalimumab therapy and other metabolic syndrome features such as abdominal perimeter and body mass index were observed. At that time, a negative and significant correlation between RBP4 levels and disease activity scores and ultrasensitive CRP levels was also disclosed.

CONCLUSION

Our results support an influence of the anti-TNF-α blockade on RBP4 serum levels. This finding is of potential relevance due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis.

4-Mercaptophenyldiphenylphosphine as linker to immobilize Pd onto the surface of magnetite nanoparticles. Excellent catalytic efficiency of the system after partial linker removal

The catalytic efficiency of Pd nanoparticles supported on Fe₃O₄ NPs strongly improves after partial removal of the Sdp linker.

The 11q23.3 genomic region-rs964184-is associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease associated with high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Recently, the rs964184 polymorphism has been associated with coronary artery disease in nonrheumatic Caucasian individuals. 2160 Spanish RA patients were genotyped for the rs964184 polymorphism. Sex, age at diagnosis and traditional CV risk factors (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and smoking habit) were associated with increased risk of CV events. Interestingly, RA patients carrying the rs964184 GG genotype had significantly higher risk of CV events than those with CC genotype [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-6.26, P = 0.006] after adjusting the results for sex, age at diagnosis and traditional CV risk factors. Our results indicate that rs964184 polymorphism is associated with CV disease in RA.