The protein tyrosine phosphatase Lyp/PTPN22 drives TNFα-induced priming of superoxide anions production by neutrophils and arthritis.

Neutrophils are essential for host defense against infections, but they also play a key role in acute and chronic inflammation. The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene encodes the lymphoid-specific tyrosine phosphatase (Lyp) and a genetic single-nucleotide polymorphism of PTPN22 rs2476601 (R620W) has been associated with several human autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we investigated the role of Lyp in TNFα-induced priming of neutrophil ROS production and in the development of arthritis using new selective Lyp inhibitors.

Tophus size is associated with hallux valgus deformity in gout.

Objective: Hallux valgus (HV) and gout are common pathologies of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) leading to pain and deformation. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between tophus size and characteristics of HV in gouty patients.

Methods: In this case-control study, we included patients with gout (the presence of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid) and control patients with spondyloarthritis, without crystal disease disorders.

Comparison of ultrasonography and radiography of the wrist for diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate deposition.

Objective: Ultrasound (US) seems a useful tool for diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) deposition (CPPD). We aimed to compare the performance of US and conventional radiography of the wrist for diagnosis of CPPD.

Methods: Patients with CPP crystals identified in synovial fluid (SF) (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle or wrist) were consecutively included and compared to patients without CPP crystals in synovial fluid considered as controls.

Body mass index and response to abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Previous studies suggested that obesity could negatively affect the response to antitumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, data are lacking on whether obesity affects the response to abatacept (ABA). We aimed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) affects the response to ABA in RA.

Body Mass Index and response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Previous studies suggested that obesity could negatively affect the response to anti-TNFα agents, but data are lacking on how it affects the response to rituximab (RTX). We aimed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) is involved in the response to RTX in RA.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data for 114 RA patients receiving RTX.

Body mass index and response to infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: Excess adipose tissue in obese individuals may have immunomodulating properties and pharmacokinetics consequences. Previous studies have suggested that obesity could negatively affect the response to anti-TNF-α agents, notably infliximab (IFX). We aimed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) is involved in the response to IFX in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

High anti-CCP antibody titres predict good response to rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Previous studies reported that anti-CCP antibody positivity predicts good response to rituximab (RTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A quantitative approach to such possibility could be a good way to detect the subset of patients most likely to respond. We investigated whether serum anti-CCP antibody titres could predict response to RTX in RA patients.

Body mass index influences the response to infliximab in ankylosing spondylitis.

Introduction: The excess of adipose tissue in obese individuals may have immunomodulating properties and pharmacokinetic consequences. The aim of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) affects response to infliximab (IFX) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.

Methods: In 155 patients retrospectively included with active AS, the BMI was calculated before initiation of IFX treatment (5 mg/kg intravenously).