Modulation of IL-6 receptor/STAT3 downstream signaling in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a relevant cytokine in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, potentially activating Janus kinases (JAK)-1, -2, and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), and thus, three signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, -3 or - 5 pathways. This pilot study aims to explore differences in phosphorylated (p)STAT3 levels among patients with RA, those not classified as RA (nRA), and healthy donors (HD), providing some clues on the relative contribution of each JAK protein to the downstream of the IL-6-induced STAT3 pathway. Clinical data and blood samples from 80 subjects (41 RA, 14 nRA, and 25 HD) were collected.

Anti-aquaporin-5 and anti-poly-U-binding-factor-60kDa protein antibodies in primary Sjögren's disease patients: preliminary data and correlation with disease activity indices.

Objectives: In primary Sjögren's disease (pSjD), in addition to glandular inflammation and atrophy, functional secretion impairment may contribute to dryness. Altered protein distribution and antibodies against aquaporin-5 (anti-AQP5) and poly-U-binding factor 60kDa protein (anti-PUF60) have been reported in pSjD and may be specifically implicated in the glandular secretive processes. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of serum anti-AQP5 and anti-PUF60 antibodies and their correlations with clinical and laboratory features of pSjD.

Body mass index and adipokines/cytokines dysregulation in systemic sclerosis.

Body fat has regulatory functions through producing cytokines and adipokines whose role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is currently emerging. Changes in body mass, either over- or underweight, entail a dysregulation of the cytokine/adipokine network that may impact upon SSc disease activity. We evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines in SSc patients and correlated them to clinical features and body mass index (BMI) categories.

Serum sCD40L levels are increased in patients with psoriatic arthritis and are associated with clinical response to apremilast.

The pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involves several pathways, including the CD40/CD40L signaling which promotes the release of multiple cytokines. Transmembrane CD40L is also released in soluble form (sCD40L) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) seems to be involved in its cleavage. We aimed to investigate whether apremilast, a PDE4 inhibitor, could modify circulating levels of sCD40L in PsA patients, and the possible associations of these changes with clinical response.

Possible role of adipocytokines in systemic sclerosis-associated small pericardial effusion.

Introduction: Pericardial effusion is a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis, but its pathogenesis has been poorly investigated. Adipokines and interleukins may play a role in the pathophysiology of pericardial effusion. This study aimed at evaluating serum levels of adipokines and interleukins in systemic sclerosis patients with and without pericardial effusion.