Omayma Khadiri, Rim Kaoua, Maryem Aboudourib, Said Amal, Ouafa Hocar
{"title":"An Unusual Complication of Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections: Two Case Reports.","authors":"Omayma Khadiri, Rim Kaoua, Maryem Aboudourib, Said Amal, Ouafa Hocar","doi":"10.2174/0115733971368413250730095105","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971368413250730095105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intralesional corticosteroid injections are widely used for treating various inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. While generally safe, they can cause adverse effects, including hypopigmentation, which may have psychosocial implications for affected patients.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report two cases of hypopigmentation following intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections. The first case involves a 65-year-old man who developed a well- defined hypopigmented patch on the dorsum of his right hand following treatment for De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The second case describes a 25-year-old patient who presented with linear hypopigmentation along the anterior aspect of his left foot after an intra-articular injection for a synovial cyst. In both cases, hypopigmentation was confirmed using Wood's lamp examination, and spontaneous improvement was noted over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect when administering corticosteroid injections and inform patients accordingly. While hypopigmentation is typically self-limiting, patient education and reassurance are essential, particularly for individuals with darker skin types.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144783740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Saffron in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Seyedeh Zahra Mirfeizi, Nafiseh Abdolahi, Alireza Fatemi, Mehrdad Aghaei, Gholamreza Roshandel, Mohammadrafi Damirchi, Mona Firoozabadi","doi":"10.2174/0115733971383502250908065241","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971383502250908065241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder with a significant global impact. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for OA treatment but can have adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of saffron in patients with OA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted in patients with OA aged 50 to 70 years. The intervention group received saffron tablets (containing 50 mg of saffron extract, administered orally once daily) for 12 weeks, while the control group received a matched placebo. Pain severity, physical activity, and levels of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha were assessed using validated measures and quantitative methods. NSAID treatment was monitored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The saffron group exhibited a significant decrease in IL-1β levels, indicating an antiinflammatory effect. Both groups demonstrated improvements in pain severity and physical activity scores. However, the saffron group exhibited a significant reduction in NSAID use over time.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study suggests that saffron may be an effective and safe supplement for managing osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation, improving symptoms, and lowering NSAID use. These results support previous research on saffron's anti-inflammatory properties. However, limitations such as a small, mostly female sample, high dropout in the control group, and selfreported adherence highlight the need for larger, more rigorous studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Saffron consumption may have potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in OA patients. Furthermore, saffron supplementation may reduce the need for NSAIDs, potentially minimizing associated complications. Further research is needed to explore the full benefits and mechanisms of saffron in OA management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehreen Inam Illahi, Murk Fatima, Samra Bokhari, Huma Salahuddin, Sofia Amjad
{"title":"Association of 14-3-3η with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in Rheumatoid Arthritis.","authors":"Mehreen Inam Illahi, Murk Fatima, Samra Bokhari, Huma Salahuddin, Sofia Amjad","doi":"10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>14-3-3η (eta), an intracellular chaperonin, is elevated in the serum of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a progressive inflammatory \"autoimmune\" disease that impacts joint function and daily activities. This study aimed to assess 14-3-3η levels in DMARD-naïve Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and analyze its association with TNF-α, MMP-1, RA factor, AC CP, and disease activity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 DMARD-naïve RA patients. The clinical evaluation included the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints using ESR (DAS28-ESR). Serum levels of RF, ACCP, 14-3-3η, TNF-α, and MMP-1 were measured using ELISA. Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 90 RA patients (76 females, 14 males), 68(75.6%) were seropositive. Serum levels of 14-3-3η and TNF-α differed significantly between seropositive and seronegative groups. TNF- α correlated positively with both 14-3-3η (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and MMP-1 (r = 0.284, p = 0.007).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The correlation between 14-3-3η and TNF-α suggests a possible role for 14-3-3η as an adjunctive biomarker in early RA. While findings are promising, the small sample size and lack of follow-up warrant cautious interpretation. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility and integration within composite biomarker models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum 14-3-3η may serve as a supportive biomarker for the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis and assessment of disease activity. Its correlation with TNF-α reflects a potential link to inflammatory burden. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"104-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Bidirectional Relationship between Psoriatic Arthritis and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Shushank Mahajan, Sanjana Mehta, Soumarshi Das, Unnati Jain, Samrat Chauhan, Sanchit Dhankhar","doi":"10.2174/0115733971402784250807191227","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971402784250807191227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a long-standing inflammatory immune-mediated condition that involves articular and peri-articular tissues and frequently accompanies psoriasis (PsO). It is defined by chronic joint inflammation, pain, and structural damage, resulting in impairment of physical function and quality of life. Increasing evidence points to the close relationship between PsA and mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review utilized an extensive literature search approach to select studies addressing the correlation between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and mental comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and their influence on quality of life and the disease course. Databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized up to 2024 with applicable keywords and Boolean operators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mutual interaction between PsA and psychological distress is moderated by mechanisms including chronic pain, systemic inflammation, physical disability, and the social stigma of psoriatic lesions. Research suggests that patients with PsA exhibit an increased frequency of anxiety and depression in comparison to the general population, and that mental illness augments the severity of the disease and affects the outcome of treatments adversely. In addition, PsA may also cause systemic inflammation that might lead to neurocognitive dysfunction, adding to the risk for mood disorders.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although there is a long-standing, well-documented psychosocial morbidity associated with PsA, mental health comorbidities are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Psychological distress must be treated as an integral part of PsA management to enhance patient-reported outcomes as well as quality of life.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review examines the complex interaction between PsA and mental health, considers the possible underlying mechanisms, and highlights the necessity of an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment strategy for patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a Therapeutic Option for Patients with Fibromyalgia.","authors":"Philippe Pencalet","doi":"10.2174/0115733971370773250625104646","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971370773250625104646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>This narrative review has briefly outlined the mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). It was designed to provide researchers and healthcare professionals with a broad overview of the benefits and potential drawbacks of using HBO in FM patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For this review, we searched PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between 2000 and 2023, using the following search terms: \"hyperbaric oxygen therapy\", \"fibromyalgia\", and \"physical exercise\".</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, more than 90 publications were retrieved, 45 of which were analyzed in depth. The majority of the studies retrieved were of an observational design, whereas there were only a few randomized trials and very few reviews. Based on the compiled literature, there is further support for the hypothesis that reduced oxygen availability may be at the origin of the structural degeneration observed in the muscles of FM patients. In the absence of a universally accepted cure for FM, the therapeutic approach must be multidisciplinary and multimodal. It should be noted that many questions remain unanswered. What is the optimal dose-response range, duration of treatment, and associated economic cost? Larger controlled trials are needed to determine the exact role of HBO as an adjuvant therapy for FM patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the published literature, repeated exposure to HBO may be a promising therapeutic adjunct for FM patients. However, more clinical research is needed before HBO can be established as a reliable approach for FM patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144583309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Basant K Puri, Gary S Lee, Rosemarie Preyer, Armin Schwarzbach
{"title":"Hippocampal Function and Markers of Citrullinated Proteins and Bacterial and Viral Infection in Fibromyalgia.","authors":"Basant K Puri, Gary S Lee, Rosemarie Preyer, Armin Schwarzbach","doi":"10.2174/0115733971382873251015113608","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971382873251015113608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fibromyalgia is associated with dyscognition or \"fibro fog\", of unknown aetiology. The hippocampus has major roles in memory and cognition. Certain bacterial and viral infections can cause hippocampal changes. Furthermore, citrullinated proteins may accumulate in the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to test the hypothesis that hippocampal functioning in fibromyalgia is associated with markers of bacterial and viral infection and serum anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Hippocampal functioning was assessed in 26 female patients and one male patient with the Paired Associates Learning Total Errors (Adjusted) (PALTEA) in a cross-sectional study. Serum samples, for markers of bacterial and viral infections and anti-CCP, were taken within an hour of cognitive assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Generalised linear modelling (p = 0.01) with PALTEA as the dependent variable showed significant coefficients for Borrelia outer surface protein peptide mix (p = 0.025), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (p = 0.003), Ehrlichia chaffeensis plus Anaplasma phagocytophilum (p = 0.048), Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin (Ig) G (p = 0.003), coxsackievirus B1 IgA (p = 0.010), echovirus IgG (p = 0.012), and anti-CCP IgG (p = 0.003).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>On the basis of this study, it is suggested that, in fibromyalgia patients complaining of dyscognition, there may be merit in assessing lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, anti- CCP IgG, and evidence of infection with Borrelia species, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, coxsackievirus B1, and echovirus.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145988815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Low Back Pain among Healthcare Workers in University Hospital in Tunisia.","authors":"Noura Belhadj, Ines Rassas, Cyrine Ben Taleb, Narjes Belhadj Chabbah, Asma Gaddour, Asma Kheder, Aouatef Mahfoudh","doi":"10.2174/0115733971387161250916043838","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971387161250916043838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Low back pain is a real public health issue. It is a common musculoskeletal disorder linked to work among health professionals. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of low back pain among healthcare workers and to study the associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months during the year 2022 involving a sample of the healthcare staff at Mahdia University Hospital. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was completed by the healthcare staff, including anthropometric, socio-economic, professional lifestyle habits, and the characteristics of low back pain.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 96 participants responded to the questionnaire. The population was mostly female (75.3%) with an average age of 36.21 ± 8.78 years. The average BMI was 27.7 kg/m<sup>2</sup> ± 4.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, with nurses being the most numerous group, followed by midwives. The professional activities were mainly care activities (76.7%). The frequency of low back pain was estimated at 82.2% (n=79). In univariate analysis, a significant association was observed between the low back pain and age (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.027), physical activity (p = 0.03), job seniority (p = 0.001), care activities (p = 0.03), sitting position (p = 0.04) and weight carried (p = 0.003).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The prevalence of low back pain in our study was 82.2%. This finding aligns with results from studies conducted in Egypt at Zigazig Hospital (79%) and in Rwanda at Kanombe Military Hospital (78%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, multiple factors linked to low back pain were identified, most of which are modifiable, highlighting the need to implement effective preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of low back pain and limit the socio-economic damage it generates.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13555751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hepatic Sarcoidosis and Spondyloarthritis Overlap: Efficacy and Safety of TNF Inhibitors - A Case Report.","authors":"Maroua Slouma, Wided Lahmar, Samar Zarati, Nada Mansouri, Islem Mejri, Zied Moatamri, Imen Gharsallah","doi":"10.2174/0115733971430514251113112320","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971430514251113112320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas. While rare, there have been reported cases of sarcoidosis coexisting with spondyloarthritis. This case report aimed to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in such cases.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 54-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, anorexia, and fatigue, along with a 10-year history of inflammatory low back pain and pygalgia. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly and a positive sacral thrust test. Inflammatory biomarkers were slightly elevated, and the patient tested positive for human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). Radiographs indicated mediastinal enlargement and bilateral ankylosis of the sacroiliac joints. Computed tomography (CT) revealed mediastinal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly, and imaging findings consistent with portal hypertension. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed significant lymphocytosis, and the histopathological examination of mediastinal lymph nodes confirmed the presence of granulomas. Liver biopsy histopathology indicated signs of cirrhosis. The patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis involving the mediastinum and liver associated with spondyloarthritis. Treatment with adalimumab was initiated, which resulted in good clinical and biological outcomes after six months of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The diagnosis of spondyloarthritis should be considered in patients with sarcoidosis who present with low back pain or pygalgia. The coexistence of spondyloarthritis and sarcoidosis, further complicated by hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension, presents significant therapeutic challenges. This case report suggests that adalimumab is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with spondyloarthritis and sarcoidosis associated with cirrhosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"e15733971430514"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145899267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi-Yuan Wang, Jing Wang, Zhang-Wei Lu, Qian-Qian Zhou, Yang-Guang Cao, Yu-Jie Du, Xue Jin, Bao-Zhu Li
{"title":"Recent Advances in Multi-Omics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.","authors":"Yi-Yuan Wang, Jing Wang, Zhang-Wei Lu, Qian-Qian Zhou, Yang-Guang Cao, Yu-Jie Du, Xue Jin, Bao-Zhu Li","doi":"10.2174/0115733971421580251203103143","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971421580251203103143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This comprehensive narrative review examines recent advances in multi-omics research for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), emphasizing integrated approaches over single-omics studies. The review critically evaluates technological advancements, methodological innovations, and clinical applications while identifying current limitations and future research directions. We conducted a comprehensive narrative review following SANRA guidelines, searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, covering publications from January 2018 to June 2025. The review focuses on studies integrating two or more omics layers in SLE research, with emphasis on computational methods, biomarker validation, and clinical applications. Multi-omics integration has revealed critical insights into SLE pathogenesis, including immune cell heterogeneity, gene-environment interactions, and metabolic dysregulation. However, significant challenges remain in data integration methodologies, small sample sizes, and biomarker reproducibility. Current computational approaches include early integration (concatenation), intermediate integration (joint dimensionality reduction), and late integration (ensemble methods). While multi-omics approaches offer unprecedented insights into SLE complexity, standardized integration protocols and robust validation frameworks are urgently needed. Small sample sizes and heterogeneity issues limit reproducibility, particularly affecting biomarker discovery and clinical translation. Multi-omics integration represents a paradigm shift toward precision medicine in SLE, but realizing this potential requires addressing current methodological limitations, standardizing validation processes, and developing robust computational frameworks for reliable clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"e15733971421580"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147466580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}