Mary Catherine C Minnig, Yvonne M Golightly, Amanda E Nelson
{"title":"Epidemiology of osteoarthritis: literature update 2022-2023.","authors":"Mary Catherine C Minnig, Yvonne M Golightly, Amanda E Nelson","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000985","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review highlights recently published studies on osteoarthritis (OA) epidemiology, including topics related to understudied populations and joints, imaging, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) methods.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Contemporary research has improved our understanding of the burden of OA in typically understudied regions, including ethnic and racial minorities in high-income countries, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Latin America. Efforts have also been made to explore the burden and risk factors in OA in previously understudied joints, such as the hand, foot, and ankle. Advancements in OA imaging techniques have occurred alongside the developments of AI methods aiming to predict disease phenotypes, progression, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Continuing efforts to expand our knowledge around OA in understudied populations will allow for the creation of targeted and specific interventions and inform policy changes aimed at reducing disease burden in these groups. The burden and disability associated with OA is notable in understudied joints, warranting further research efforts that may lead to effective therapeutic options. AI methods show promising results of predicting OA phenotypes and progression, which also may encourage the creation of targeted disease modifying OA drugs (DMOADs).</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":"36 2","pages":"108-112"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10965245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139490048","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 on neutrophil dysregulation in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.","authors":"Jianing Chen, Xinyu Wang, Yudong Liu, Xuan Zhang","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000986","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The exact pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatic diseases (RMD) remain largely unknown. Increasing evidence highlights a pathogenic role of neutrophil dysregulation in the development of RMD.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The purpose of this review is to present a current overview of recent advancements in understanding the role of neutrophil dysfunction in the development of RMD. Additionally, this review will discuss strategies for targeting pathways associated with neutrophil dysregulation as potential treatments for RMD. One specific aspect of neutrophil dysregulation, known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), will be explored. NETs have been found to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, as well as serve as DNA scaffolds for binding autoantigens, including both citrullinated and carbamylated autoantigens. Putative therapies, such as 6-gingerol or defibrotide, have demonstrated beneficial effects in the treatment of RMD by suppressing NETs formation.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent advances have significantly reinforced the crucial role of neutrophil dysregulation in the pathogenesis of RMD. A deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying this pathogenic process would aid in the development of more precise and effective targeting strategies, thus ultimately improving the outcomes of RMD.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"142-147"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71421648","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":"Health disparities in gout.","authors":"Lindsay N Helget, Ted R Mikuls","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000996","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Gout, the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in the world, is characterized by painful episodes of arthritis linked by asymptomatic intercritical periods of hyperuricemia. Once characterized as a disease of wealthy white men, contemporary evidence demonstrates gout disproportionately afflicts racial/ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations and other underrepresented groups leading to significant health disparities.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Herein, we review the current literature reporting a higher incidence and prevalence of gout in racial/ethnic minorities and Indigenous populations, in addition to a growing gout burden reported in females. We also examine how these population are more likely to receive suboptimal treatment for flares and chronic phases of gout. Additionally, we examine biologic and social health determinants that may be contributing to these findings.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Racial/ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations, and females have experienced a disproportionate rise in the prevalence and incidence of gout in recent years, are more likely to seek acute medical care and are less likely to receive optimal long-term care for gout with urate lowering therapy. Mechanisms underpinning these findings appear to be multifactorial and include differences in social determinants of care and in some cases may be due to population differences in select biologic factors such as differences in age, sex, genetics.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"120-125"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138828694","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":"Vaccination updates and special considerations for systemic lupus erythematosus patients.","authors":"Jammie Law, Cristina Sorrento, Amit Saxena","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000992","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>We review the latest guidelines and note special considerations for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients when approaching vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, influenza, pneumococcus, herpes zoster, and potentially respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in the future.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>SLE patients have unique infectious risks due to newer treatments and the nature of the disease itself. It is important to balance the benefit of additional protective immunity from updated vaccines against the possible risk of disease activity exacerbations.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>It is important to continuously evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of updated vaccines specifically for SLE patients. Additionally, the newly approved RSV vaccine should be considered for this population to reduce severe respiratory illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"148-153"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136396798","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":"Microbiome dynamics in rheumatic diseases.","authors":"Yiqing Wang, Zijun Wang, Qianjin Lu","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000993","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Rheumatic disease are characterized by their autoimmune nature, frequently affecting joints, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The onset of these conditions typically unfolds gradually and subtly. It is noteworthy that individuals with rheumatic diseases often experience shifts in their microbiome, specifically on mucosal surfaces. The purpose of this review is to delve into the intricate interplay between the microbiome, encompassing bacteria, viruses and fungi, and its role in the development and aggravation of various rheumatic diseases. Additionally, it aims to offer insights into microbiome-centered therapeutic approaches for patients in the field of rheumatology.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The advent of next-generation sequencing has significantly improved our understanding of microbiome changes. Numerous studies have consistently revealed a strong link between rheumatism and the microbiome, especially in the oral and gut microbiota.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A deeper comprehension of the microbiome's connection to rheumatism holds potential for enhancing disease diagnosis and treatment. Targeted therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and combination therapies with medications, offer promising avenues for disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"134-141"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136396797","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":"Vasculitis and the NLRP3 inflammasome.","authors":"Kamel Hamzaoui, Agnès Hamzaoui","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000962","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000962","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Vasculitis are a group of heterogeneous conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of blood vessels, leading to tissue destruction and organ failure. Vasculitis is an inflammatory process in which immune effector cells infiltrate blood vessels and surrounding tissues. The involvement of inflammasomes seems to occur during inflammatory processes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Studies have emphasized that genetic susceptibility is an important aspect of the pathogenesis of vasculitis. The innate immune system is a major contributor to these inflammatory diseases, suggesting that the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a key role. NLRP3 activation causes the assembly of a large multiprotein and leads to the secretion of bioactive interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 as well as the induction of inflammatory cell death, termed pyroptosis. Accumulating evidence confirms the involvement of this cascade in sterile inflammatory diseases and other vascular diseases.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in vascular diseases, and discuss the potential of the NLRP3 inflammasome as a therapeutic target.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"9-15"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10006782","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":"Epidemiology of systemic vasculitis.","authors":"Yesim Ozguler, Sinem Nihal Esatoglu, Gulen Hatemi","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000983","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000983","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Epidemiology of vasculitides exhibit geographic variation and data from some parts of the world are still scarce. Increased recognition of these rare diseases and improvement in diagnosis and patient care may lead to changes in their epidemiology. In this review, we aimed to highlight the most recent work on the epidemiology of systemic vasculitis.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>New data from countries where information on the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and Behçet syndrome were limited have revealed that these conditions are not as rare as previously believed. The incidence rates during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlight the link between Kawasaki disease and respiratory pathogens. The use of different classification criteria hampers the comparison of true incidence and prevalence rates in antineutophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and its subtypes between geographies and over time.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent studies have highlighted the epidemiology of vasculitides in different parts of the world and changing trends. Standardization of study design and disease definitions is needed to improve the reliability and comparability of the results.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"21-26"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41154955","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":"Large language models and the future of rheumatology: assessing impact and emerging opportunities.","authors":"Insa Mannstadt, Bella Mehta","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000981","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000981","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Large language models (LLMs) have grown rapidly in size and capabilities as more training data and compute power has become available. Since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, there has been growing interest and exploration around potential applications of LLM technology. Numerous examples and pilot studies demonstrating the capabilities of these tools have emerged across several domains. For rheumatology professionals and patients, LLMs have the potential to transform current practices in medicine.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have begun exploring capabilities of LLMs that can assist rheumatologists in clinical practice, research, and medical education, though applications are still emerging. In clinical settings, LLMs have shown promise in assist healthcare professionals enabling more personalized medicine or generating routine documentation like notes and letters. Challenges remain around integrating LLMs into clinical workflows, accuracy of the LLMs and ensuring patient data confidentiality. In research, early experiments demonstrate LLMs can offer analysis of datasets, with quality control as a critical piece. Lastly, LLMs could supplement medical education by providing personalized learning experiences and integration into established curriculums.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>As these powerful tools continue evolving at a rapid pace, rheumatology professionals should stay informed on how they may impact the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"46-51"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41111920","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":"Recent developments in the synovial fibroblast pathobiology field in rheumatoid arthritis.","authors":"Elena Neumann, Corinna Heck, Ulf Müller-Ladner","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000978","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Synovial fibroblasts are the central cells of connective tissue homeostasis. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue, synovial fibroblasts are activated because of the proinflammatory environment very early in the disease. Epigenetic alterations in RASF result in a permanently activated stage, and activated RASF are involved in many processes of RA pathophysiology. Therefore, several recent findings of the last 18 months with focus on RASF activation and function are summarized.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>RASF activation because of a profoundly altered epigenome leads to an invasive phenotype with increased migration, adhesion and invasion into cartilage, which was further characterized in several studies. RASF subtypes and subtype dynamics were evaluated using high-resolution techniques to better understand RASF pathophysiology. Many studies addressing interactions with immune or stromal cell types have been published showing that RASF interact with many different cell types contributing not only to their own activation and pro-inflammatory response but also to the activation of the other cells.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Highly interesting findings revealing mechanisms of RASF activation and altered functions have been published, RASF subsets further characterized, and interactions with cell types elucidated, which all contribute to a better understanding of the role of RASF in RA development and progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"69-75"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10291338","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}
Giacomo De Luca, Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Sophie I Mavrogeni
{"title":"Diagnosis and management of primary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis.","authors":"Giacomo De Luca, Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Sophie I Mavrogeni","doi":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000990","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BOR.0000000000000990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In systemic sclerosis (SSc) primary heart involvement (pHI) is frequent, even though often unrecognized due to its occult nature and to the lack of a specific diagnostic algorithm. The purpose of this review is to report the state of the art of the evidence in the current literature, as well as the overall diagnostic modalities and therapeutic strategies for primary heart involvement in SSc.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>SSc-pHI is defined by the presence of cardiac abnormalities that are predominantly attributable to SSc rather than other causes and/or complications; it may be sub-clinical and must be confirmed through diagnostic investigations. Novel electrocardiographic analysis and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with mapping techniques have been recently proposed, showing a great utility in the early identification of SSc-pHI and in the noninvasive characterization of myocardial tissue. Immunosuppressive therapy emerged as fundamental to curb myocardial inflammation, and recent preclinical and clinical data support the role of antifibrotic drugs to treat SSc-pHI.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>our review will help clinicians to properly integrate the available diagnostic modalities for the assessment of SSc-pHI. The ultimate goal is to propose a feasible diagnostic algorithm for the early identification of patients with SSc-pHI, and a schematic therapeutic approach to manage SSc-pHI.</p>","PeriodicalId":11145,"journal":{"name":"Current opinion in rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"76-93"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"92153106","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}