Early phase studies of JAK1 selective inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis.

The first approved Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for treatment of RA targeted more than one JAK molecule. Although this brings an advantage of simultaneous blocking of more cytokines involved in RA, it may also carry an increased risk of toxicity. Subsequently, more selective JAK inhibitors were developed with the aim of improving the safety-efficacy profile and to further increase drug maintenance.

Targeting IL-6 or IL-6 Receptor in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's the Difference?

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling is a critical target in inflammatory pathways. Today, tocilizumab (TCZ) and sarilumab (SAR), two IL-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, are widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a favorable efficacy/safety profile. Successful introduction of such agents in the treatment of RA has encouraged the development of other agents targeting different points of the pathway.

Targeting GM-CSF in rheumatoid arthritis.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is well-known as a haemopoietic growth factor. However, it is also essential in regulating functions of mature myeloid cells such as macrophages. Preclinical studies and observations of flares of arthritis in patients following GM-CSF treatment supported its important contribution to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Characteristics Predicting Tuberculosis Risk under Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors: Report from a Large Multicenter Cohort with High Background Prevalence.

Objective: Screening strategies for latent tuberculosis (TB) before starting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors have decreased the prevalence of TB among patients who are treated with these agents. However, despite vigilant screening, TB continues to be an important problem, especially in parts of the world with a high background TB prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to TB among a large multicenter cohort of patients who were treated with anti-TNF.

Biologicals in rheumatoid arthritis: current and future.

The aim of the review is to highlight the current knowledge about established and new biologicals and to summarise recent advances by focusing on comparative efficacy, safety and possible discontinuation of treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Up to now, comparative analyses showed only minor differences with respect to efficacy and safety among the established biologicals. Studies confirmed the excellent drug retention rate as well as efficacy and safety of approved biologicals including their use in monotherapy.

The rate and significance of type 1/type 2 serum amyloid A protein gene polymorphisms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and amyloidosis.

A relationship between the presence of amyloidosis and SAA1 genotype has been shown in recent studies of (principally) familial Mediterranean fever patients. We found that the SAA1 rs12218 polymorphism was significantly more prevalent in ankylosing spondylitis patients with amyloidosis.

Significant Association between Serum Levels of Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) Antigen with Stages of Cirrhosis.

Objective: Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a mediator that increases endotoxemic medium like in cirrhosis. In this study we evaluated the association of serum VWF antigen (Ag) level with the stage of cirrhosis (according to Child-Pugh classification).

Materials And Methods: We included 82 cirrhotic patients (Female/Male (F/M): 26/56) and 86 healthy subjects (F/M: 44/42) in the study.

Acute renal failure due to uterine prolapse: a case report.

Herein, we present a successfully treated case with acute renal failure due to ureteral obstruction caused by total uterine prolapsed. A 55-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with the complaints of protrusion of the uterus for the last 3 months, pollakiuria, nocturia, decreased urine volume, and swelling of her body for the last week, and as well as impaired general status with shortness of breath for the last several days. Her physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, pulse rate of 80 beats/min, body temperature of 37.

Relationship of increased serum brain natriuretic peptide levels with hepatic failure, portal hypertension and treatment in patients with cirrhosis.

Background/aims: Brain natriuretic peptide is a cardiac neurohormone secreted from ventricles in response to end diastolic pressure and increased volume. It has diuretic, natriuretic and vasodilator effects. In cirrhosis, a hyperdynamic circulation occurs because of hemodynamic and hemostatic alterations.

A case of primary Sjögren's syndrome with pulmonary-limited Wegener's granulomatosis.

A 60-year-old woman had a history of dyspnea for 5-6 weeks. The chest radiograph and computed tomography scans revealed bilateral patchy reticulonodular pattern. The patient had positive test results for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody against proteinase-3 (c-ANCA), antinuclear antibody and anti-Ro antibody.

Pain perception of patients predisposed to anxiety and depressive disorders in emergency department.

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of anxiety and depression on pain perception in the emergency setting. This randomized prospective study was performed in an urban tertiary care hospital emergency department (ED). Consecutive patients presenting to the ED with pain who had an intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium were enrolled in the study.

Diagnostic performance of minor salivary gland biopsy, serological and clinical data in Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB), serological and clinical data in diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Retrospective review of 216 patients who underwent minor labial salivary gland biopsy in last 5 years was performed. Results of the patients with diagnosis of pSS were compared with the patients failing to fill the classification criteria of pSS.

Comparison of systemic and local effects of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid: an experimental study in a rat model.

Background: We aimed to determine the local and systemic effects of widely available household cleaners, namely 45% nitric acid (NHO(3)), and 18% hydrochloric acid (HCl), in a rat model.

Methods: This prospective, experimental, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in the Animal Research Laboratory of Akdeniz University hospital. Commonly available solution of 45% NHO(3) and 18% HCl were tested against normal saline.

The mean platelet volume in patients with essential and white coat hypertension.

Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet function, is a newly emerging risk factor for atherothrombosis. The risk profile of white coat hypertension has not yet been completely clear. The present study was designed to evaluate MPV in white coat hypertensive subjects compared with essential hypertensive patients and normotensive subjects.