{"title":"Possible Role of Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome in SLE.","authors":"F Naz Cemre Kalayci, Seza Ozen","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01115-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01115-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The resident gut microbiota serves as a double-edged sword that aids the host in multiple ways to preserve a healthy equilibrium and serve as early companions and boosters for the gradual evolution of our immune defensive layers; nevertheless, the perturbation of the symbiotic resident intestinal communities has a profound impact on autoimmunity induction, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we seek to critically evaluate the microbiome research in SLE with a focus on intestinal dysbiosis.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>SLE is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with self-attack due to loss of tolerance, and there is aberrant excessive immune system activation. There is mounting evidence suggesting that intestinal flora disturbances may accelerate the formation and progression of SLE, presumably through a variety of mechanisms, including intestinal barrier dysfunction and leaky gut, molecular mimicry, bystander activation, epitope spreading, gender bias, and biofilms. Gut microbiome plays a critical role in SLE pathogenesis, and additional studies are warranted to properly define the impact of gut microbiome in SLE, which can eventually lead to new and potentially safer management approaches for this debilitating disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"247-258"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41108228","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":"The Role of Environmental Factors in the Development of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: a Narrative Review.","authors":"Shintaro Yamamoto, Akira Yoshida, Takahisa Gono, Masataka Kuwana","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01120-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01120-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aims to evaluate recent findings on the role of environmental factors in the development and clinical presentation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A targeted literature review was conducted to identify reports relevant to the association between environmental factors and IIMs published over the past three years. There has been an increasing number of publications dealing with the association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or vaccination with the development of IIMs, highlighting the significant role of the antiviral immune response in the pathogenesis of the disease. Traditional environmental factors associated with the pathogenic process of IIM subclassifications included drugs such as statins and immune checkpoint inhibitors, ultraviolet radiation, smoking, air pollutants, and vitamin D deficiency. Correlations of seasonality and residence with the onset of certain IIM subtypes suggest a potential role of environmental triggers in the pathogenic process. An interplay between genetic predisposition and various environmental factors might contribute to the development of IIMs as well as the heterogeneous clinical and serological presentation of IIMs. The growing evidence on the role of environmental factors in the development of IIMs provides important clues to elucidate the pathophysiology of these disease entities. The mechanisms underlying the interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors should be investigated in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"264-275"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136396627","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}
Carly Conran, Jason Kolfenbach, Kristine Kuhn, Christopher Striebich, Larry Moreland
{"title":"A Review of Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis: Definition, Clinical Presentation, and Management.","authors":"Carly Conran, Jason Kolfenbach, Kristine Kuhn, Christopher Striebich, Larry Moreland","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01117-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01117-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>A subset of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who fail multiple biologic therapies are deemed to have \"difficult-to-treat\" (D2T) RA. In 2021, a European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) task force proposed a clinical definition of D2T RA. Here we review RA phenotypes and clinical assessment of RA, propose a different definition of D2T RA, discuss possible D2T RA risk factors, and summarize existing literature on the management of D2T RA.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>High disease activity at the time of diagnosis or prior to treatment with a biologic is associated with the development of D2T RA. Prolonged time from diagnosis to beginning treatment has been consistently associated with the development of D2T RA. Other clinical factors such as burden of disease, extraarticular disease, obesity, smoking, pain, fatigue, and psychological conditions have inconsistent associations with D2T RA according to current literature. D2T RA is a relatively new concept that represents an area of great need for research regarding the characterization of those with the disease as well as how best to treat the disease. With this gained knowledge, rheumatologists will be able to better identify patients at the time of diagnosis that are likely to develop D2T RA to help guide management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"285-294"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41113427","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}
Syed Obaidur Rahman, Frédérique Bariguian, Ali Mobasheri
{"title":"The Potential Role of Probiotics in the Management of Osteoarthritis Pain: Current Status and Future Prospects.","authors":"Syed Obaidur Rahman, Frédérique Bariguian, Ali Mobasheri","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01108-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01108-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This narrative review article comprehensively explains the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) pain perception, how the gut microbiota is correlated with it, possible molecular pathways involved in probiotics-mediated OA pain reduction, limitations in the current research approaches, and future perspectives.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The initiation and progression of OA, including the development of chronic pain, is intricately associated with activation of the innate immune system and subsequent inflammatory responses. Trauma, lifestyle (e.g., obesity and metabolic disease), and chronic antibiotic treatment can disrupt commensal homeostasis of the human microbiome, thereby affecting intestinal integrity and promoting leakage of bacterial endotoxins and metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into circulation. Increased level of LPS is associated with knee osteophyte severity and joint pain. Both preclinical and clinical studies strongly suggest that probiotics may benefit patients with OA pain through positive gut microbiota modulation and attenuating low-grade inflammation via multiple pathways. Patent data also suggests increased interest in the development of new innovations that involve probiotic use for reducing OA and joint pain. Recent data suggest that probiotics are attracting more and more attention for OA pain management. The advancement of knowledge in this area may pave the way for developing different probiotic strains that can be used to support joint health, improve treatment outcomes in OA, and reduce the huge impact of the disease on healthcare systems worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"307-326"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754743/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10186329","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}
Eva Vermeer, Renske C F Hebing, Maartje M van de Meeberg, Marry Lin, Tim G J de Meij, Eduard A Struys, Gerrit Jansen, Michael T Nurmohamed, Maja Bulatović Ćalasan, Robert de Jonge
{"title":"Oral Versus Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disorders: an Update of the Current Literature.","authors":"Eva Vermeer, Renske C F Hebing, Maartje M van de Meeberg, Marry Lin, Tim G J de Meij, Eduard A Struys, Gerrit Jansen, Michael T Nurmohamed, Maja Bulatović Ćalasan, Robert de Jonge","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01116-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01116-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This review aims to critically evaluate the potential benefit of either oral or subcutaneous administration of methotrexate (MTX) in various immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) through analysis of efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both administration routes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies comparing the efficacy of oral versus subcutaneous MTX administration in IMIDs have revealed contradicting results. Some reported higher efficacy with subcutaneous administration, while others found no significant difference. Regarding toxicity, some studies have challenged the notion that subcutaneous administration is better tolerated than oral administration, while others have supported this. Pharmacokinetic studies suggest higher plasma bioavailability and increased accumulation of MTX-polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) in red blood cells (RBCs) with subcutaneous administration during the initial treatment phase. However, after several months, similar intracellular drug levels are observed with both administration routes. There is no conclusive evidence supporting the superiority of either oral or subcutaneous MTX administration in terms of efficacy and adverse events in IMIDs. Subcutaneous administration leads to higher plasma bioavailability and initial accumulation of MTX-PGs in RBCs, but the difference seems to disappear over time. Given the variable findings, the choice of administration route may be based on shared decision-making, offering patients the option of either oral or subcutaneous administration of MTX based on individual preferences and tolerability. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of MTX-PGs in various blood cells and TDM on treatment response and adherence to MTX therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"276-284"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41093793","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":"Digital Approaches for Myositis.","authors":"Johannes Knitza, Sebastian Kuhn, Latika Gupta","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01119-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01119-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This article serves as a comprehensive review, focusing on digital approaches utilized in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The authors critically assess the literature published in the last three years, evaluating the advancements and progress achieved in this specific domain.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Remarkable strides have been made in the realm of digital diagnostic support, particularly in image analysis and clinical prediction models, showing promise in aiding the diagnosis of IIM. The field of remote patient monitoring has also witnessed significant advancements, revolutionizing the care process by offering more convenient, data-driven, and continuous monitoring for IIM patients. Various digital tools, such as wearables, video- and voice consultations, and electronic patient-reported outcomes, have been extensively explored and implemented to enhance patient care. Survey studies consistently reveal a high acceptance of telehealth services among patients. Additionally, internet-based studies have facilitated the efficient and rapid recruitment of IIM patients for research purposes. Moreover, the integration of sensors and exoskeletons has shown great potential in significantly improving the functionality and quality of life for individuals with muscle weakness caused by IIM. The integration of digital health solutions in the care of IIM patients is steadily gaining attention and exploration. Although the existing evidence is limited, it does indicate that patients can be adequately and safely supported through digital means throughout their entire healthcare journey. The growing interest in digital health technologies holds the promise of improving the overall management and outcomes for individuals with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"259-263"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"92153076","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":"HLA-B*27 and Ankylosing Spondylitis: 50 Years of Insights and Discoveries.","authors":"Muhammad A Khan","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01118-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01118-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking discovery of a remarkably strong association between HLA-B*27 and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In addition to HLA-B*27, more than 116 other recognized genetic risk variants have been identified, while epigenetic factors largely remain unexplored in this context. Among patients with AS who carry the HLA-B*27 gene, clonally expanded CD8 + T cells can be found in their bloodstream and within inflamed tissues. Moreover, the α and β chain motifs of these T-cell receptors demonstrate a distinct affinity for certain self- and microbial-derived peptides, leading to an autoimmune response that ultimately results in the onset of the disease. These distinctive peptide-binding and presentation characteristics are a hallmark of the disease-associated HLA-B*27:05 subtype but are absent in HLA-B*27:09, a subtype not associated with the disease, differing by only a single amino acid. This discovery represents a significant advancement in unraveling the 50-year-old puzzle of how HLA-B*27 contributes to the development of AS. These findings will significantly accelerate the process of identifying peptides, both self- and microbial-derived, that instigate autoimmunity. This, in return, will pave the way for the development of more accurate and effective targeted treatments. Moreover, the discovery of improved biomarkers, in conjunction with the emerging technology of electric field molecular fingerprinting, has the potential to greatly bolster early diagnosis capabilities. A very recently published groundbreak paper underscores the remarkable effectiveness of targeting and eliminating disease-causing T cells in a HLA-B*27 patients with AS. This pivotal advancement not only signifies a paradigm shift but also bolsters the potential for preventing the disease in individuals carrying high-risk genetic variants.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"327-340"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89717247","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}
Silvia Rosina, Ana Isabel Rebollo-Giménez, Alessandro Consolaro, Angelo Ravelli
{"title":"Treat-to-Target in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases.","authors":"Silvia Rosina, Ana Isabel Rebollo-Giménez, Alessandro Consolaro, Angelo Ravelli","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01112-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01112-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To summarize the current evidence on the adoption of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy in pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRD).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The recent advances in the management of PRD have markedly increased the ability to achieve disease remission. Complete disease quiescence is regarded as the ideal therapeutic goal because its attainment leads to lesser long-term damage and physical disability, and to optimization of quality of life. Studies in adult rheumatic diseases have shown that patient outcomes are improved if complete suppression of the inflammatory process is aimed for by frequent adjustments of therapy according to quantitative indices. This approach, which underlies the T2T concept, has been applied in strategic trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, recommendations for the T2T have been issued for RA and other adult rheumatic diseases. There is currently a growing interest for the introduction of T2T in PRD, and recommendations for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to target were promulgated. A similar initiative has been undertaken for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Preliminary therapeutic studies have explored the T2T design in JIA. The T2T strategy is a modern therapeutic approach that holds the promise of improving the outcomes in patients with PRD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"226-235"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10007319","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}
Rathnam Venkat, Zachary S Wallace, Jeffrey A Sparks
{"title":"Considerations for Pharmacologic Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the COVID-19 Era: a Narrative Review.","authors":"Rathnam Venkat, Zachary S Wallace, Jeffrey A Sparks","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01111-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01111-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To review the impact of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on COVID-19 severity and vaccine immunogenicity and to discuss COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Rituximab is associated with severe COVID-19 and impaired vaccine immunogenicity via its B cell-depleting mechanism. JAK inhibitors and glucocorticoids have been modestly associated with severe COVID-19 and impaired vaccine immunogenicity. TNF inhibitors may have a protective effect against severe COVID-19 and do not appear to affect vaccine immunogenicity. Clinical trials have shown improved seroconversion and antibody titers when methotrexate is held around vaccine doses, but this may yield increased risk of RA flare. Patients with RA are also impacted by DMARD disruption, RA flares, and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 after COVID-19 infection. Given the risks of COVID-19, rituximab should be used with caution in RA. Holding methotrexate doses around COVID-19 vaccination improves immunogenicity but may increase RA flare risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"236-245"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10383251","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}
Liubov Arbeeva, Mary C Minnig, Katherine A Yates, Amanda E Nelson
{"title":"Machine Learning Approaches to the Prediction of Osteoarthritis Phenotypes and Outcomes.","authors":"Liubov Arbeeva, Mary C Minnig, Katherine A Yates, Amanda E Nelson","doi":"10.1007/s11926-023-01114-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11926-023-01114-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex heterogeneous disease with no effective treatments. Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subfield machine learning (ML) can be applied to data from different sources to (1) assist clinicians and patients in decision making, based on machine-learned evidence, and (2) improve our understanding of pathophysiology and mechanisms underlying OA, providing new insights into disease management and prevention. The purpose of this review is to improve the ability of clinicians and OA researchers to understand the strengths and limitations of AI/ML methods in applications to OA research.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>AI/ML can assist clinicians by prediction of OA incidence and progression and by providing tailored personalized treatment. These methods allow using multidimensional multi-source data to understand the nature of OA, to identify different OA phenotypes, and for biomarker discovery. We described the recent implementations of AI/ML in OA research and highlighted potential future directions and associated challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":10761,"journal":{"name":"Current Rheumatology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"213-225"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10592147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10022548","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}