{"title":"Male Fertility in Spondyloarthritis: from Clinical Issues to Cytokines Milieu. A Narrative Review.","authors":"Silvia Scriffignano, Fabio Massimo Perrotta, Ennio Lubrano","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01153-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01153-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purposeof review: </strong>Male fertility is an emergent issue that should be considered in clinical practice, when dealing with chronic inflammatory diseases in young men. As it is known, the chronic inflammation is the main pathophysiologic mechanism in some rheumatological conditions such as spondyloarthritis (SpA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Therefore, it is paramount to be aware if these diseases could impair male fertility, both due to the inflammation or to the treatments needed: we reviewed the literature on the most relevant and recent evidence on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Rheumatological inflammatory diseases (included SpA, AS and PsA) could impair the family planning in man life, especially when diagnosed at young age. Moreover, focusing on sperm quality, it seems that a link between sperm quality impairment and a higher disease activity exist. Focusing on therapies, Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors showed a safety profile on human male fertility in clinical studies. Recently, a prospective study and two double-blind placebo-controlled trials assessed the impact of methotrexate and Filgotinib on semen parameters, respectively, showing a safety profile of these drugs on human semen quality. However, there are no clinical data on the impact of Interleukin (IL)17 inhibitors(i), IL12-23i and IL23i. Concerning male fertility in SpA, AS and PsA, an unmet clinical need is still present and new studies are needed to understand the association between these diseases and male fertility, and the implication of the therapies used for these diseases. This narrative review provides an overview of the available data on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"321-331"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11310274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141426547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julia Held, David Haschka, Pietro G Lacaita, Gudrun M Feuchtner, Werner Klotz, Hannes Stofferin, Christina Duftner, Günter Weiss, Andrea S Klauser
{"title":"Review: The Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Detecting Monosodium Urate Deposits in Vascular Tissues.","authors":"Julia Held, David Haschka, Pietro G Lacaita, Gudrun M Feuchtner, Werner Klotz, Hannes Stofferin, Christina Duftner, Günter Weiss, Andrea S Klauser","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01151-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01151-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To highlight novel findings in the detection of monosodium urate deposits in vessels using dual energy computed tomography, and to discuss the potential clinical implications for gout and hyperuricemia patients.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Gout is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, classical risk calculators do not take into account these hazards, and parameters to identify patients at risk are lacking. Monosodium urate measured by dual energy computed tomography is a well-established technology for the detection and quantification of monosodium urate deposits in peripheral joints and tendons. Recent findings also suggest its applicability to identify vascular urate deposits. Dual energy computed tomography is a promising tool for detection of cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits in gout patients, to better delineate individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"302-310"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11224090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140911960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Kidney Failure in Pauci-immune Crescentic Glomerulonephritis: Rationale for Immunosuppression to Improve Kidney Outcome.","authors":"Faten Aqeel, Duvuru Geetha","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01150-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01150-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis is the hallmark finding in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) when the kidneys are affected. The rationale for immunosuppression in AAV is based on the underlying autoimmune nature of the disease. Overall remission rates, kidney outcomes, and the burden of disease have greatly improved since the discovery of various immunosuppressive therapies, but relapses remain common, and a significant proportion of patients continue to progress to end-stage kidney disease. Here, we review the role of immunosuppressive therapies for the treatment of pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Besides the recognized role of B and T cells in the pathogenies of AAV, the focus on the contribution of inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and the complement system allowed the discovery of new therapies. Specifically, the C5a receptor blocker (avacopan) has been approved as a glucocorticoid-sparing agent. Additionally, based on observational data, more clinicians are now using combination therapies during the induction phase. There is also an evolving understanding of the role of plasma exchange in removing ANCA antibodies. Furthermore, the recent development of risk score systems provides physicians with valuable prognostic information that can influence decisions on immunosuppression, although future validation from larger cohorts is needed. The over-activation of various immune pathways plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis in AAV. Immunosuppression is, therefore, an important strategy to halt disease progression and improve overall outcomes. Relapse prevention while minimizing adverse events of immunosuppression is a major long-term goal in AAV management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"290-301"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140862469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis: Ultrasound Insights Connecting Psoriasis with Subclinical Musculoskeletal Inflammation and the Path to Psoriatic Arthritis.","authors":"A L Ribeiro, L Eder","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01146-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01146-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review summarizes the literature about the transition from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) for detecting subclinical inflammation and its role in diagnosis and triage of high-risk patients.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>MSUS effectively detects subclinical musculoskeletal inflammation in patients with psoriasis; however, some of these lesions are non-specific and can be found in healthy individuals. Preliminary evidence suggest that subclinical sonographic findings may predict progression to PsA in psoriasis patients. MSUS can also improve referrals' accuracy and its integration in the PsA classification criteria may improve early PsA detection. MSUS is a valuable tool for detecting subclinical abnormalities in psoriasis patients, which indicate an increased likelihood of progressing to PsA. Its integration into referral protocols and clinical use could improve PsA diagnosis. We propose an MSUS-inclusive algorithm for PsA referrals and triage, which requires validation. The potential of early intervention in reducing PsA progression in psoriasis patients with subclinical inflammation remains to be established.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"235-247"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140183964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Siba P Raychaudhuri, Ruchi J Shah, Sneha Banerjee, Smriti K Raychaudhuri
{"title":"JAK-STAT Signaling and Beyond in the Pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis and Their Clinical Significance.","authors":"Siba P Raychaudhuri, Ruchi J Shah, Sneha Banerjee, Smriti K Raychaudhuri","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01144-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01144-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription cell signaling proteins (JAK-STATs) play a key regulatory role in functioning of several inflammatory cytokines. JAK-STAT signaling proteins are the key regulators of the cytokine/cytokine receptor system involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune disease including spondyloarthritis (SpA). This article mainly highlights the JAK-STAT signaling system, its association with the relevant cytokine/cytokine-receptor system, and its regulatory role in pathogenesis of SpA. Also, we have briefly addressed the principle for the use JAKi in SpA and the current status of use of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) in SpA.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent developments with newer JAK molecules as well as other molecules beyond JAK inhibitors are now an exciting field for the development of novel therapies for autoimmune diseases and various malignant conditions. In this article, we have provided a special emphasis on how various cell signaling systems beyond JAK/STAT pathway are relevant to SpA and have provided a comprehensive review on this upcoming field in respect to the novel TYK2 inhibitors, RORγT inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, NGF inhibitors, and various STAT kinase inhibitors. SpA are a group of autoimmune diseases with multifactorial etiologies. SpA is linked with genetic predisposition, environmental risk factors, and the immune system-mediated systemic inflammation. Here, we have provided the regulatory role of JAK/STAT pathway and other intracellular signaling system in the pathogenesis of SpA and its therapeutic relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"204-213"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11116266/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140139992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diane Lewis Horowitz, Arthur M Mandelin, Darren Tabechian, Ami Ben-Artzi
{"title":"Precision Medicine in Rheumatology: The Promise of Ultrasound-Guided Synovial Biopsy, Barriers to Its Implementation in the United States, and Proposed Solutions.","authors":"Diane Lewis Horowitz, Arthur M Mandelin, Darren Tabechian, Ami Ben-Artzi","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01138-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01138-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In the clinical evaluation of inflammatory arthritis and the research into its pathogenesis, there is a growing role for the direct analysis of synovial tissue. Over the years, various biopsy techniques have been used to obtain human synovial tissue samples, and there have been progressive improvements in the safety, tolerability, and utility of the procedure.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The latest advancement in synovial tissue biopsy techniques is the use of ultrasound imaging to guide the biopsy device, along with evolution in the characteristics of the device itself. While ultrasound guided synovial biopsy (UGSB) has taken a strong foothold in Europe, the procedure is still relatively new to the United States of America (USA). In this paper, we describe the expansion of UGSB in the USA, elucidate the challenges faced by rheumatologists developing UGSB programs in the USA, and describe several strategies for overcoming these challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"197-203"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139905239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Osteoarthritis as an Enhanceropathy: Gene Regulation in Complex Musculoskeletal Disease.","authors":"Jack B Roberts, Sarah J Rice","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01142-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01142-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Osteoarthritis is a complex and highly polygenic disease. Over 100 reported osteoarthritis risk variants fall in non-coding regions of the genome, ostensibly conferring functional effects through the disruption of regulatory elements impacting target gene expression. In this review, we summarise the progress that has advanced our knowledge of gene enhancers both within the field of osteoarthritis and more broadly in complex diseases.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Advances in technologies such as ATAC-seq have facilitated our understanding of chromatin states in specific cell types, bolstering the interpretation of GWAS and the identification of effector genes. Their application to osteoarthritis research has revealed enhancers as the principal regulatory element driving disease-associated changes in gene expression. However, tissue-specific effects in gene regulatory mechanisms can contribute added complexity to biological interpretation. Understanding gene enhancers and their altered activity in specific cell and tissue types is the key to unlocking the genetic complexity of osteoarthritis. The use of single-cell technologies in osteoarthritis research is still in its infancy. However, such tools offer great promise in improving our functional interpretation of osteoarthritis GWAS and the identification of druggable targets. Large-scale collaborative efforts will be imperative to understand tissue and cell-type specific molecular mechanisms underlying enhancer function in disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"222-234"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11116181/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140012410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Osteoporosis Treatments on Osteoarthritis Progression in Postmenopausal Women: A Review of the Literature.","authors":"Wang-Chun Ho, Chung-Chih Chang, Wen-Tien Wu, Ru-Ping Lee, Ting-Kuo Yao, Cheng-Huan Peng, Kuang-Ting Yeh","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01139-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01139-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The purpose of this literature review was to determine if medications used to treat osteoporosis are also effective for treating osteoarthritis (OA).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A total of 40 relevant articles were identified. Studies were categorized into those (1) discussing estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), (2) bisphosphonates, (3) parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs, and (4) denosumab, and (5) prior review articles. A large amount of evidence suggests that estrogen and SERMs are effective at reducing OA symptoms and disease progression. Evidence suggests that bisphosphonates, the most common medications used to treat osteoporosis, can reduce OA symptoms and disease progression. In vivo studies suggest that PTH analogs may improve the cartilage destruction associated with OA; however, few human trials have examined its use for OA. Denosumab is approved to treat osteoporosis, bone metastases, and certain types of breast cancer, but little study has been done with respect to its effect on OA. The current evidence indicates that medications used to treat osteoporosis are also effective for treating OA. Estrogen, SERMs, and bisphosphonates have the most potential as OA therapies. Less is known regarding the effectiveness of PTH analogs and denosumab in OA, and more research is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"188-195"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11063098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Year in Review in Axial Spondyloarthritis Clinical Research and Guidelines: SPARTAN 2023 Annual Meeting Proceedings.","authors":"Maureen Dubreuil","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01134-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01134-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To highlight high impact clinical publications in spondyloarthritis from May 2022 to April 2023 that were summarized and presented at the SPARTAN annual meeting in May 2023.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Publications included updated guidelines on management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) by ASAS-EULAR and development of a modified Juvenile Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Index (JSpADA). Definitions were published for MRI lesions of the spine in axSpA and active and structural sacroiliac (SI) joint lesions in juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA). Anatomic variants of the sacroiliac joint were commonly detected using synthetic CT derived from pelvis MRI images. Anti-CD74 antibodies hold promise as a diagnostic biomarker for axSpA; however, the mechanism of such antibody development seems unrelated to gastrointestinal inflammation. High impact clinical publications in spondyloarthritis addressed lab-based and imaging biomarkers, outcome measures, and updated management guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"164-169"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139715932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How to Monitor Disease Activity of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Clinical Practice.","authors":"Anand Kumthekar, Nirali Sanghavi, Anuya Natu, Abhijeet Danve","doi":"10.1007/s11926-024-01141-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-024-01141-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Treatment guided by periodic and quantitative data assessment results in better outcomes compared to using clinical gestalt. While validated generic as well as specific disease activity measures for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are available, there is vast scope to improve their actual utilization in routine clinical practice. In this review, we discuss available disease activity measures for axSpA, describe results from the survey conducted among general rheumatologists as well as Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) members about disease activity measurement in daily practice, and discuss ways to improve axSpA disease activity using technological advances. We also discuss the definitions of active disease and target for the treatment of axSpA.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The 2019 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)/Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) axSpA treatment guidelines conditionally recommend the regular monitoring of disease activity using a validated measure such as Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) or Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Severity Index (ASDAS). Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS)-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) guidelines recommend ASDAS as the most appropriate instrument for the assessment of disease activity, preferably calculated using C-reactive protein (CRP). ASAS has selected a core set of variables which were updated recently and have been endorsed by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) group in order to bring homogeneity in assessment of axSpA. In a recent study, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) measures were able to discriminate inactive, moderate, and high-very high ASDAS activity groups. A newly developed semi-objective index P4 (pain, physical function, patient global, and physician global) correlates well with BASDAI and ASDAS in axSpA and can also be used for other rheumatic diseases in busy clinical practices. Regular disease activity monitoring is critical for long-term management of axSpA and shared decision-making. The integration of electronic health records and smart devices provides a great opportunity to capture patient-reported data. Automated capture of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) is a highly efficient way and results in consistent regular monitoring and may improve the long-term outcomes. While currently used measures focus only on musculoskeletal symptoms of axSpA, a composite disease activity measure that can also incorporate extra-articular manifestations may provide a better assessment of disease activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"170-177"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}