Blood brain barrier permeability and astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children, and the inflammatory process is widely studied, primarily characterized by its impact on joint health. Emerging evidence suggests that JIA may also affect the central nervous system (CNS). This study investigates the potential CNS involvement in JIA by analyzing the presence of astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the S100B protein in plasma, both of which are indicative of astrocyte activity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.

An explorative study on proteomic analyses related to inflammation and pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Background: Our aim was attempting to find proteins involved in the pain process and correlating with pain but not degree of inflammation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), using a proteomics panel.

Methods: A total of 87 plasma samples were collected from 51 children with JIA (51 at diagnosis in a higher disease activity state, 18 at follow-up in a lower disease activity state) and 18 healthy controls. Relative levels of 92 proteins related to a wide range of biological processes in inflammation were obtained using a proximity extension assay panel.