Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2009
Replication of the association between the C8orf13-BLK region and systemic lupus erythematosus in a Japanese population.
Recent genome-wide association studies identified an association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the C8orf13 region of BLK, the B lymphoid tyrosine kinase gene, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Caucasians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of this region in the genetic background of Japanese patients with SLE. ⋯ The association of the C8orf13-BLK region with SLE was replicated in a Japanese population. Contribution of this region to the genetic predisposition to SLE appeared to be greater in Japanese than in Caucasians.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2009
Proinflammatory action of the antiinflammatory drug infliximab in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal-dominant autoinflammatory condition caused by mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene. Unlike other autoinflammatory diseases in which anti-TNF therapy is largely a successful treatment option, therapy with the anti-TNF drug infliximab is often ineffective in patients with TRAPS. Moreover, in certain cases, infliximab actually triggers severe episodes of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying such a reaction. ⋯ Altered extracellular conformation of TNFRI, resulting from the T50M mutation in TNFRSF1A, results in failure of PBMCs to induce an apoptotic response to infliximab. We hypothesize that failure to shed infliximab-bound TNF/TNFRI from the cell surface of cells from patients with the T50M mutation triggers c-Rel activation, and that this leads to a marked increase in cytokine secretion and an increased proinflammatory response. In light of these findings, we strongly advise caution when prescribing infliximab as anti-TNF therapy to patients with TRAPS.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2009
Expression, regulation, and signaling of the pattern-recognition receptor nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.
Since pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), in particular Toll-like receptors (TLRs), were found to be overexpressed in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to play a role in the production of disease-relevant molecules, we sought to determine the expression, regulation, and function of the PRR nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD-2) in RA. ⋯ Not only TLRs, but also the PRR NOD-2 is expressed in the synovium of RA patients, and activation of NOD-2 acts synergistically with TLRs in the production of proinflammatory and destructive mediators. Therefore, NOD-2 might contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of chronic, destructive inflammation in RA.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2009
Clinical TrialPain induced by injection of hypertonic saline into the infrapatellar fat pad and effect on coordination of the quadriceps muscles.
Musculoskeletal conditions of the knee involve changes in sensorimotor function, but it is unclear whether these changes are a cause or result of pain. Induction of experimental pain may help solve this issue. Although this is commonly achieved by injection of hypertonic saline into muscle, muscle is commonly not the source of pain. This study investigated whether pain induced by injection of saline into the infrapatellar fat pad changes motor control of the quadriceps muscles of the knee. ⋯ These data show that alterations in coordination of knee muscle activity can be caused by pain, even when it is of nonmuscle origin. Treatment of pain is therefore important to facilitate performance of the quadriceps muscles, which are essential for locomotor and functional tasks as well as for knee stability.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudySodium oxybate relieves pain and improves function in fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate for management of the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). ⋯ Sodium oxybate therapy was well tolerated and significantly improved the symptoms of FMS. Further study of sodium oxybate as a novel therapeutic option for FMS is warranted.