Annals of the rheumatic diseases
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To determine whether synovial expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is upregulated in patients with distinct types of inflammatory or non-inflammatory arthritis. ⋯ Synovial TREM-1 expression is increased in septic arthritis and RA. In patients with acute inflammatory arthritis, elevated SF sTREM-1 levels may point the clinician to a diagnosis of septic arthritis or RA. In RA patients, targeting TREM-1 may have therapeutic benefits by reducing local proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine release.
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To investigate the role of the angiopoietin-tyrosine kinase with Ig-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains (Ang-Tie) system in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Endothelial activation is emerging as a key event for leukocyte recruitment and accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE. Recently, the endothelial-specific Ang-Tie ligand-receptor system has been identified as a major regulator of vascular responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli. ⋯ These data indicate that Ang2-mediated disruption of protective Ang1/Tie2 signalling is operational in SLE. Ang2 might facilitate endothelial inflammation, permeability and contribute to premature atherosclerosis. Furthermore, circulating Ang2 may be a valuable new biomarker for disease activity in SLE. Strategies to control the deleterious effects of Ang2 may open new perspectives to prevent endothelial inflammation in SLE.
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Although lumbar spondylosis is a major cause of low back pain and disability in elderly people, few epidemiological studies have been performed. The prevalence of radiographic lumbar spondylosis was investigated in a large-scale population study and the association with low back pain was examined. ⋯ This cross-sectional study in a large population revealed a high prevalence of radiographic lumbar spondylosis in elderly subjects. Gender seems to be distinctly associated with KL> or =2 and KL> or =3 lumbar spondylosis, and disc space narrowing with or without osteophytosis in women may be a risk factor for low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A randomised controlled trial of spinal manipulative therapy in acute low back pain.
To determine whether treatment with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) administered in addition to standard care is associated with clinically relevant early reductions in pain and analgesic consumption. ⋯ SMT is unlikely to result in relevant early pain reduction in patients with acute low back pain.
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To investigate the course of hand osteoarthritis over 2 years by currently available outcome measures. ⋯ Currently available outcome measures were able to assess progression over the relatively short time period of 2 years. Radiographic outcomes were more responsive than self-reported outcomes. Pain intensity upon lateral pressure seems to be a responsive measure but needs validation.