Synovial tissue myeloid dendritic cell subsets exhibit distinct tissue-niche localization and function in health and rheumatoid arthritis.

Current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments do not restore immune tolerance. Investigating dendritic cell (DC) populations in human synovial tissue (ST) may reveal pathways to reinstate tolerance in RA. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics of ST biopsies, as well as co-culture systems, we identified condition- and niche-specific DC clusters with distinct functions.

Intensive training programme for ultrasound-guided minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsy on knees and wrists in different phases of inflammation.

Objectives: To develop an intensive training programme for ultrasound (US)-guided synovial tissue (ST) biopsy on knees and wrists in inflammatory arthritis and to assess the learning curve, patient tolerability, sample quality and trainees' expectations.

Methods: Active or remission rheumatoid arthritis patients were enrolled. Nine trainees joined the 4-month programme in a centre experienced in performing US-guided ST biopsies consisting of four sequential phases: (1) observation, (2) performance of guided step-by-step phases, (3) execution of the whole procedure on paired joints (knees or wrists) of the same patient in parallel with the trainer and (4) performance of the procedure autonomously.

The Role of Neutrophils in Spondyloarthritis: A Journey across the Spectrum of Disease Manifestations.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) contemplates the inflammatory involvement of the musculoskeletal system, gut, skin, and eyes, delineating heterogeneous diseases with a common pathogenetic background. In the framework of innate and adaptive immune disruption in SpA, neutrophils are arising, across different clinical domains, as pivotal cells crucial in orchestrating the pro-inflammatory response, both at systemic and tissue levels. It has been suggested they act as key players along multiple stages of disease trajectory fueling type 3 immunity, with a significant impact in the initiation and amplification of inflammation as well as in structural damage occurrence, typical of long-standing disease.

Synovial Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles of Patients with Arthritides Contribute to Hippocampal Synaptic Dysfunctions and Increase with Mood Disorders Severity in Humans.

Arthritides are a highly heterogeneous group of disorders that include two major clinical entities, localized joint disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) and systemic autoimmune-driven diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritides are characterized by chronic debilitating musculoskeletal conditions and systemic chronic inflammation. Poor mental health is also one of the most common comorbidities of arthritides.

Myocardial involvement in anti-phospholipid syndrome: Beyond acute myocardial infarction.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) are the serological biomarkers of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular events and/or pregnancy morbidity. APS is a unique condition as thrombosis might occur in arterial, venous or capillary circulations. The heart provides a frequent target for circulating aPL, leading to a wide variety of clinical manifestations.

The Crucial Questions on Synovial Biopsy: When, Why, Who, What, Where, and How?

In the majority of joint diseases, changes in the organization of the synovial architecture appear early. Synovial tissue analysis might provide useful information for the diagnosis, especially in atypical and rare joint disorders, and might have a value in case of undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis, by improving disease classification. After patient selection, it is crucial to address the dialogue between the clinician and the pathologist for adequately handling the sample, allowing identifying histological patterns depending on the clinical suspicion.

Clinical pharmacology of filgotinib in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: current insights.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, whose natural course has been deeply modified thanks to the development of new therapeutic approaches. The Janus kinase inhibitors (Jakinibs) represent the newest class of drugs introduced for treating RA. Among these, Filgotinib (FIL) has been developed as Janus kinase1 (JAK1) selective inhibitor, specifically targeting key pro-inflammatory mediators in RA pathogenesis.

The Link Between Autonomic Nervous System and Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Bench to Bedside.

Neuronal stimulation is an emerging field of research focused on the management and treatment of various diseases through the reestablishment of physiological homeostasis. Electrical vagus nerve stimulation has recently been proposed as a revolutionary therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in combination with or even as a replacement for conventional and biological drugs. In the past few years, disruption of the autonomic system has been linked to RA onset and activity.

Psychosocial burden in young patients with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome: an Italian nationwide survey (The AQUEOUS study).

Objectives: The AQUEOUS (Anti-phospholipid syndrome: a QUEstionnaire for yOUng patientS) study aimed to assess how the diagnosis of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (PAPS) affects the psychosocial status of young patients.

Methods: Subjects with PAPS aged 18-45 years were invited to compile an ad hoc designed questionnaire and the Short Form-12 to assess quality of life (QoL).

Results: Ninety-two patients (83.

Performance of SLE responder index and lupus low disease activity state in real life: A prospective cohort study.

Objective: To prospectively assess the performance of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) responder index (SRI) and the lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) in a cohort-based, "real-life" clinical setting.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-one consecutive patients with SLE were subdivided into two groups based on the need or not to escalate their immune suppressive treatment. Clinimetrics including physician global assessment scale (PGA), SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement index (ECLAM) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index (BILAG) 2004 version were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months, together with laboratory data and treatment changes.

The TRPC6 intronic polymorphism, associated with the risk of neurological disorders in systemic lupus erythematous, influences immune cell function.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carrying a TT genotype for the rs7925662 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) gene are more likely to develop neuropsychiatric manifestations (NPSLE). We functionally characterised the effects of TRPC6 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 18 patients with SLE and 8 healthy controls with a known genotype. TRPC6 influenced calcium currents, apoptosis rates and cytokine secretion in a disease- and genotype-dependent manner.

Antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin Antibodies in Antiphospholipid Syndrome with Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Preeclampsia.

Objective: Antibodies that recognize the phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex (antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies; aPS/PT) might reveal enhanced thrombotic risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Little is known about their association with pregnancy complications in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods: We enrolled 55 patients with APS who were seeking pregnancy in 2 Italian hospitals.

Ion Channels and Transporters in Inflammation: Special Focus on TRP Channels and TRPC6.

Allergy and autoimmune diseases are characterised by a multifactorial pathogenic background. Several genes involved in the control of innate and adaptive immunity have been associated with diseases and variably combine with each other as well as with environmental factors and epigenetic processes to shape the characteristics of individual manifestations. Systemic or local perturbations in salt/water balance and in ion exchanges between the intra- and extracellular spaces or among tissues play a role.