Syndesmophyte Growth in Ankylosing Spondylitis: from Laboratory to Bedside
This study aims to review recent studies on risk factors for syndesmophyte growth in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and on treatment effects.Recent FindingsNew genetic studies, including a genome-wide association study, provided only limited evidence of specific genetic associations with radiographic severity. Measures of inflammation, including vertebral osteitis and C-reactive protein level, were strongly associated with radiographic progression, while studies of adipokines had mixed results. Mesenchymal stem cells from HLA-B27 positive AS patients were found to promote vertebral ossification via a pathway of B27 misfolding...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - May 1, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Microbiota and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
This article summarizes relevant research and provides new microbiome-related strategies for exploring the mechanisms and treating patients with SLE.Recent FindingsSLE patients have disruptions in multiple microbiomes, with the gut microbiota (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and their metabolites being the most thoroughly researched. This dysbiosis can promote SLE progression through mechanisms such as the leaky gut, molecular mimicry, and epigenetic regulation.SummaryNotwithstanding study constraints on the relationship between microbiota and SLE, specific interventions targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, diet...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 21, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Narrative Review: Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Gout
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo
discuss what is currently known about the association and potential mechanistic interactions of hyperuricemia and gout with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Recent FindingsGout patients are at increased risk for coronary artery disease, but less is known about their risk for PAD. Studies suggest that the presence of gout and hyperuricemia are associated with PAD independent of known established risk factors. Moreover, higher SU was found to be associated with greater odds of having PAD and was independently associated with decreased absolute claudication distance. Urate ’s role in free ra...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 3, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Correction to: Have Therapeutics Enhanced Our Knowledge of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
(Source: Current Rheumatology Reports)
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 3, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Narrative Review: Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Gout
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo
discuss what is currently known about the association and potential mechanistic interactions of hyperuricemia and gout with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Recent FindingsGout patients are at increased risk for coronary artery disease, but less is known about their risk for PAD. Studies suggest that the presence of gout and hyperuricemia are associated with PAD independent of known established risk factors. Moreover, higher SU was found to be associated with greater odds of having PAD and was independently associated with decreased absolute claudication distance. Urate ’s role in free ra...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 3, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Correction to: Have Therapeutics Enhanced Our Knowledge of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
(Source: Current Rheumatology Reports)
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - April 3, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: Comprehensive Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUndifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is characterized by the presence of clinical symptoms of a systemic autoimmune disease in addition to laboratory evidence of autoimmunity with the patients not fulfilling any of the widely used classification criteria for classic autoimmune diseases. The presence of UCTD as a separate entity versus an early stage of such diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma has long been debated. Given the uncertainty regarding this condition, we performed a systematic review on the topic.Recent FindingsUCTD can be subcategorized as evolving...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - March 8, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Do Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs and Exercise Therapy Have a Combined Effect on Disease Activity in Patients with RA? A Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn addition to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment, exercise is increasingly promoted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both are known to reduce disease activity, few studies have investigated the combined effects of these interventions on disease activity. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the reported evidence on whether a combined effect —i.e., a greater reduction in disease activity outcome measures—can be detected in studies where an exercise intervention was performed in addition to the DMARD treatment in patients with RA. ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - March 3, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Have Therapeutics Enhanced Our Knowledge of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAn overview of how the treatment landscape of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has shaped our understanding of the disease.Recent FindingsPrior to the millennium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the only treatment for axSpA, yet only 30% of patients responded and many developed side effects. In 2003, the first biological disease-modifying drug (bDMARD) was licensed for axSpA which substantially improved outcomes in comparison to NSAIDs. In 2022, there are now several bDMARDs for axSpA; however, they too are not universally efficacious in treating axial inflammation and may have d...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - January 18, 2023 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
