{"title":"Biomarker discovery in psoriatic disease.","authors":"Darshini Ganatra, Vinod Chandran","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000001086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, characterized by scaly erythematous plaques, is prevalent in around 2% of the population. Around 25% of psoriasis patients have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease that often leads to progressive joint damage and disability. Psoriatic diseases (PsD) encompassing psoriasis and PsA, are often associated with pathophysiologically related conditions like uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease as well as comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Due to the heterogeneous nature of PsD, diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. Biomarkers can objectively measure variables, such as disease state, disease progress, and treatment outcomes, thus offering the possibility for better management of disease. This review focuses on some of the biomarker research that was carried out in PsD in the past year.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Diverse biomarker types ranging from SNPs, mRNA, proteins, metabolites and immune cell profiles have been categorized as per the Biomarkers, EndpointS and other Tools (BEST) resource developed by the FDA/NIH. Some of the latest research has focused on multiomic assays and these along with advanced bioinformatic tools can help in better disease management.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent developments in PsA biomarker research show promise in identifying markers that can help in diagnosis, assess disease activity and predict treatment response. However, most studies are in the early discovery and verification state. Large-scale studies to replicate findings and develop and validate predictive algorithms are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536825","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}
Amandine Charras, Linda T Hiraki, Laura Lewandowski, Christian M Hedrich
{"title":"Genetic and epigenetic factors shape phenotypes and outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus - focus on juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.","authors":"Amandine Charras, Linda T Hiraki, Laura Lewandowski, Christian M Hedrich","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001072","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe autoimmune/inflammatory disease. Patients with juvenile disease-onset and those of non-European ancestry are most severely affected. While the exact pathophysiology remains unknown, common and rare gene variants in the context of environmental exposure and epigenetic alterations are involved. This manuscript summarizes the current understanding of genetic and epigenetic contributors to SLE risk, manifestations and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Though SLE is a mechanistically complex disease, we are beginning to understand the impact of rare and common gene variants on disease expression and associated outcomes. Recent trans -ancestral and multigenerational studies suggest that differential genetic and environmental impacts shape phenotypic variability between age-groups and ancestries. High genetic burden associates with young age at disease-onset, organ involvement, and severity. Additional epigenetic impact contributes to disease-onset and severity, including SLE-phenotypes caused by rare single gene variants. Studies aiming to identify predictors of organ involvement and disease outcomes promise future patient stratification towards individualized treatment and care.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>An improved understanding of genetic variation and epigenetic marks explain phenotypic differences between age-groups and ancestries, promising their future exploitation for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic considerations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"149-163"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11789615/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142806470","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":"Epidemiology of myositis.","authors":"Fnu Duremala, Eleni Tiniakou, James Andrews","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001076","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aims to synthesize recent developments in the epidemiology of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), focusing on incidence, prevalence, disease classification, and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>IIM is a rare group of autoimmune diseases characterized by muscle weakness and systemic involvement, with incidence rates ranging from 0.2 to 2 cases per 100 000 person-years. The role of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) in stratifying disease risk and prognosis is increasingly recognized, such as in anti-MDA5 positive DM, which is associated with a high risk of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, patients with IIM exhibit elevated risks of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and malignancy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>IIM diseases are complex disorders with significant health impacts, necessitating enhanced awareness and research. Improved classification and understanding of MSAs are crucial for earlier diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies. Continued epidemiological research is essential to elucidate underlying mechanisms and inform future interventions, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life and clinical outcomes for affected patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"121-127"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142799667","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}
Samuel D Good, Ju Young Lee, Robert E Johnson, Elizabeth R Volkmann
{"title":"A scoping review of the epidemiology of systemic sclerosis and its organ manifestations: 2018-2024.","authors":"Samuel D Good, Ju Young Lee, Robert E Johnson, Elizabeth R Volkmann","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001063","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Updates from large, observational cohorts and new statistical techniques have resulted in new data on the epidemiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This scoping review uses data from 2018 to 2024 to describe the current understanding of the epidemiology of SSc and several of its organ- manifestations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Our review identified new estimates for the global incidence and prevalence of SSc (1.4-8.6 per 100 000 person-years and 17.6-18.9 per 100 000 individuals, respectively). Mortality rates remain high, though mortality at younger ages has decreased. interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension remain the most common causes of death for patients with SSc. Literature on gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SSc was scarce, and we identified significant heterogeneity in results. Furthermore, data on the epidemiology of racial, ethnic and sex-based disparities was lacking.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>New techniques for the evaluation of the epidemiology of SSc highlight the high morbidity and mortality of SSc, and a growing prevalence rate compared with prior eras. Further research is needed to address notable heterogeneity in the reporting of epidemiological data and understudied disease manifestations, including GI disease and health disparities in disease outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"103-112"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11779589/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142521307","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":"Pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis: new insights from a bone marrow perspective.","authors":"Fatima Saeed, Iannis E Adamopoulos","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001064","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Psoriatic arthritis is an immune-mediated disease that primarily affects the skin and joints. It falls under the umbrella term of rheumatic diseases, which describes a group of closely related yet distinct disorders with many common underlying molecular pathways. Despite the distinct clinical manifestation of each disorder, the shared therapeutic strategies attest to the commonality of cellular and molecular underpinnings. Herein we provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis and its involvement in mechanistic pathways leading to the pathogenesis of this dual skin and joint clinical manifestation which is characteristic of psoriatic arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The interconnection between activated innate immune cells and adaptive immunity has transformed current thinking to include other organs such as the bone marrow as potential tissue of disease origin. A plethora of animal models and genetic studies converge on the critical role of IL-23/IL-17 axis, and highlight the importance of myeloid cell activation as common pathways between autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. These findings underscore the intricate immune mechanisms involved in inflammatory arthritis and highlight molecular mechanisms in disease pathogenesis.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>These insights pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with a focus on translating these findings into improved clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"136-141"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11779588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142521309","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":"Recent advances in immunometabolism in rheumatic diseases.","authors":"Ryo Hisada, Michihito Kono","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001071","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Aberrant autoreactive innate and adaptive immune responses cause systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoimmunity has been linked to abnormal metabolic states, and immunometabolism has emerged as a critical field in understanding the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. We aimed to explore the latest research on metabolic reprogramming in various immune cell types, including T cells, B cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, in the context of rheumatic diseases.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Each immune cell utilizes preferred metabolic pathways, and the cell activation dramatically modifies metabolic status. The inhibition of these pathways alters cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, and cytokine production - all of which contribute to rheumatic disease progression.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Targeting metabolic pathways or introducing anti-inflammatory metabolites, such as itaconate, could be novel therapeutic strategies for rheumatic diseases. Further research should focus on strategies for translating basic research findings to bedside applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"142-148"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142603180","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}
Mehmet Hocaoglu, Brian Jaros, Anisha B Dua, Sebastian E Sattui
{"title":"Epidemiology of systemic vasculitis.","authors":"Mehmet Hocaoglu, Brian Jaros, Anisha B Dua, Sebastian E Sattui","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001073","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Ongoing research contributes to our understanding of the epidemiology of vasculitis and its outcomes across the globe. This review aims to summarize important research studies published on this topic in the last 18 months.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The implementation of rapid referral systems and use of large vessel imaging have improved the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. A population-based study in immunoglobulin G4-related disease provides incidence and prevalence estimates for the United States for the first time. Recently published data supported viral infectious triggers for Kawasaki disease and immunoglobulin A vasculitis. Population studies in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis report an increase in the incidence of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and have provided further insights into the burden of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Data on Behçet's disease continues to show increased all-cause mortality and need for better treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent literature highlights the heterogeneity of the epidemiology of vasculitis in different parts of the world as well as associated outcomes, comorbidities, and potential triggers. Thought new classification criteria are being employed in some forms of vasculitis, standardization of case identification remains an unmet need in multiple other forms of vasculitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"113-120"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142784492","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":"Releasing our model T - chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells for autoimmune indications.","authors":"Holly Wobma, Joyce C Chang, Susan E Prockop","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001062","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review provides an update on the rapidly growing field of engineered cellular therapies for autoimmune disorders, primarily focusing on clinical experience and correlative studies with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>To date, two case series describing treatment with CAR T-cell therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggest that drug-free remission can be sustained in patients with previously treatment-refractory disease. The outcomes of these studies are similar, despite the use of different CAR constructs and lymphodepletion regimens. Although it is not yet clear whether the patients described have truly been cured, the majority of remissions have remained durable up to last follow-up at 1-2 years from treatment. Meanwhile, mechanistic studies are providing a window into how transient B-cell depletion mediates lasting benefit. With the encouraging data in SLE, CAR T-cells and other novel B-cell-depleting agents (e.g. bispecific T-cell engagers) are now being evaluated as treatment for other autoimmune conditions, with the goal of durable response.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent reports highlight cellular therapies as a promising strategy for patients with treatment-refractory autoimmune conditions; however, there is still limited experience, and better insight into this therapeutic approach is expected to emerge rapidly.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"128-135"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142521322","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":"Management of cutaneous manifestations of systemic sclerosis: current approaches and emerging therapies.","authors":"Rocio Bautista Sanchez, Yasmin Khader, Dinesh Khanna","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000001082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000001082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review summarizes the most recent approaches in managing cutaneous involvement, one of the main clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The following article is written for clinicians and researchers looking for optimizing patient care and exploring new therapies.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have shown advancements in the management of cutaneous manifestations of SSc. While mycophenolate remains the first-line treatment, other immunosuppressive therapies targeting different pathways have shown promising results. B-cell depleting agents, such as Rituximab (RTX), are being increasingly utilized for cutaneous scleroderma with positive outcomes. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have also demonstrated potential benefit for refractory cases with advanced skin fibrosis.Moreover, emerging approaches such as autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) have been evaluated in clinical trials, with evidence suggesting its ability to reset the immune system and achieve remission in skin involvement in severe cases. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is the most recent potential pathway to target refractory skin and systemic disease.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Management of cutaneous involvement in SSc remains challenging. The following study provides a comprehensive review of the most recent updates in treating cutaneous aspects (and associated complications) of SSc to help clinicians establish a more effective approach managing this condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143540514","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}