Demethylation of CDKN2A in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: a blood biomarker for diagnosis and assessment of disease activity
ConclusionOur findings demonstrated thatCDKN2A methylation levels in PBMCs of SLE and RA patients could be used as a promising diagnostic biomarker. The significant association between hypomethylation ofCDKN2A promoter and disease activity factors in SLE patients, is suggesting thatCDKN2A hypomethylation could be used as an alternative biomarker for assessment of disease activity.Key Points• Several studies have reported increased expression of CDKN2A in SLE and RA suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders.• CDKN2A hypomethylation has been implicated in different autoimmune diseases.• ...
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - November 11, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Clinical significance of the expression levels of serum transforming growth factor- β and CXC type chemokine ligand 13 in primary Sjogren’s syndrome patients
ConclusionThe levels of TGF- β1 and CXCL13 in pSS patients were increased, and it was closely related to disease activity and lip gland pathological grading, which can be used as an effective indicator for the diagnosis of pSS.Key Points•The TGF- β1 and CXCL13 levels in the pSS group were higher than those in the control group.•The TGF- β1 and CXCL13 levels in pSS patients were positively correlated with disease activity and lip gland pathological grading.•TGF- β1 and CXCL13 can be used as an effective indicator for the diagnosis of pSS. (Source: Clinical Rheumatology)
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - November 11, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Cause analysis of conversion to biologics in spondyloarthritis patients with poor response to conventional treatment
ConclusionAge and uveitis are related to conversion to biologics therapy. The early combination of sulfasalazine and thalidomide with NSAIDs may lower the probability of conversion to biologics therapy in the later stage and offer a new option for patients with limited use of biologics in SpA patients.Key Points• Patients’ move to biologics may be caused mostly by inadequate disease control by conventional oral medications.• Regardless of axial vs. peripheral joint involvement, combination drug therapy was superior to single drug therapy in controlling SpA and decreasing the probability of conversion to a biological ...
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - November 11, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
No evidence of genetic causal association between sex hormone-related traits and systemic lupus erythematosus: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
ConclusionsOur MR analysis demonstrated that genetically predicted testosterone, E2, SHBG, and BT levels were not associated with SLE risk, but the roles of other non-genetic pathways cannot be ruled out.Key Points•This is the first MR study to explore the causal association of sex hormone-related traits with SLE.•No evidence to support causal associations between sex hormone-related traits and SLE.•Our MR analysis may provide novel insights into the causal association between sex hormone-related traits and SLE risk. (Source: Clinical Rheumatology)
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - November 11, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Omicron variant dominance and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are key determinants for a milder course of COVID-19 in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases
ConclusionsIn this 2-year analysis, the rates of hospitalization and death among patients with SAIRDs have declined significantly. Vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron variant appear to be the major determinants for this shift.Key points• During the late phase of the pandemic, the proportion of severe COVID-19 cases, defined as requiring hospitalization or resulting in death, in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases has declined.• Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron strain are the key factors that have independently contributed to this shift. (Source: Clinical Rheumatology)
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - November 11, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
