Impact of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Serum Levels and the -675 4G/5G Variant in the SERPINE1 Gene on Systemic Sclerosis in a Mexican Population.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by a complex interplay of vascular damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, affecting the skin and internal organs. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a protein encoded by the gene, is a potential biomarker of SSc because it is primarily involved in fibrinolysis and is associated with the severity of some autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between variant -675 4G/5G and soluble PAI-1 (sPAI-1) levels with the clinical characteristics and risk of SSc in a Mexican population.

Levels of sCD163 in women rheumatoid arthritis: Relationship with cardiovascular risk markers.

Aim: The soluble scavenger receptor differentiation antigen 163 (sCD163), a monocyte/macrophage activation marker, is related to cardiovascular mortality in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate their relationship between serum levels of sCD163 with cardiovascular risk indicators in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 80 women diagnosed with RA.

Gene Variant Is Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity and Anti-CCP Levels in the Western but Not in the Southern Population of Mexico.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Currently, several genes play an important role in the development of the disease. The objective was to evaluate the association of the and gene variants with RA susceptibility, DAS28, RF, and anti-CCP in Western and Southern Mexico populations.

Palpation and Ultrasonography Reveal an Ignored Function of the Inferior Belly of Omohyoid: A Case Series and a Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: Palpation, a traditional haptic ability, is used daily by practitioners of all medical and surgical specialties to assess patients. In the current study, one of the authors, in a routine clinical setting, was able to deduce the dynamic features of the putative inferior belly of omohyoid. This led to a proof-of-concept study that yielded results consistent with the clinical findings.

IFABP2 as a new prognostic biomarker for secondary non-response in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Increased intestinal permeability promotes the translocation of bacterial products from the local microbiome to the circulation, inducing inflammation and increasing clinical activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study evaluates whether intestinal fatty acid binding protein 2 (IFABP2) serum levels are prognostic biomarkers of non-response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy (csDMARDs) in RA.

Methods: The therapeutic schemes administered to 60 women with RA for at least 18 months were assessed retrospectively, and the treatment response was classified according to the change in DAS28-ESR over time.

Serum Levels of IFABP2 and Differences in and Abundance on Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Poor Therapeutic Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Intestinal dysbiosis is related to the physiopathology and clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the response to pharmacologic treatment. The objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the effect of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the abundance of gut microbiota's bacteria; (2) to evaluate the relationship between the differences in microbial abundance with the serum levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein 2 (IFABP2), cytokines, and the response phenotype to csDMARDs therapy in RA. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 23 women diagnosed with RA.

TGFB1 mRNA expression and frequency of the + 869T>C and + 915G>C genetic variants: impact on risk for systemic sclerosis.

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune disorder, microvascular damage, and fibrosis. TGFB1 gene encodes for the transforming growth factor isoform 1 (TGF-β1), one of the most important pro-fibrotic cytokines. Therefore, variants in TGFB1 and changes in its expression could be associated with the pathogenesis of SSc.

Transforming growth factor beta isoforms and TGF-βR1 and TGF-βR2 expression in systemic sclerosis patients.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, two processes associated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) functions. In the present study, we investigated the expression of TGF-β isoforms in serum and the skin distribution of TGF-β and two receptors (TGF-βR1 and TGF-βR2) and their relationship with some clinical, inflammatory, autoimmune (autoantibodies), and vascular (platelets) biomarkers in SSc patients. A total of 56 SSc patients and 120 control subjects (CS) were included.

The Infection, Coinfection, and Abundance of Intestinal Protozoa Increase the Serum Levels of IFABP2 and TNF-α in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Protozoa, nematodes, and platyhelminths are of clinical interest due to their role on the modulation of the immune responses. To determine the frequency of infection by intestinal parasites as well as the status of single or mixed infection (coinfection) and its relation with inflammation and intestinal permeability markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 women diagnosed with RA. A fecal sample of each participant was analyzed for parasitic identification.

Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its receptor CD74 in systemic sclerosis.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been associated with the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases. In systemic sclerosis (SSc) it has been shown that MIF expression is dysregulated in serum and skin. However, the MIF receptor, CD74, has been poorly investigated and its potential role in the pathogenesis of SSc remains unknown.

Polymorphisms Are Significantly Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoantibodies Serologic Status and Joint Damage in Women from Southern Mexico.

The enzymes of the family peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) have an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to their association with the anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) production. To evaluate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene and RA susceptibility, related clinical parameters, and the serologic status of autoantibodies in a women population with RA from southern Mexico, a case-control study was conducted (case n=229; control n=333). Sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated, along with clinical parameters, inflammation markers, the levels of ACPAs as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCPs), anti-modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), and rheumatoid factor (RF).

Computer-aided diagnosis based on hand thermal, RGB images, and grip force using artificial intelligence as screening tool for rheumatoid arthritis in women.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that typically affects people between 23 and 60 years old causing chronic synovial inflammation, symmetrical polyarthritis, destruction of large and small joints, and chronic disability. Clinical diagnosis of RA is stablished by current ACR-EULAR criteria, and it is crucial for starting conventional therapy in order to minimize damage progression. The 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria include the presence of swollen joints, elevated levels of rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), elevated acute phase reactant, and duration of symptoms.

PON-1 haplotype (-108C>T, L55M, and Q192R) modulates the serum levels and activity PONase promoting an atherogenic lipid profile in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Introduction/objective: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) promotes antioxidant and antiatherogenic activity related to the hydrolysis of oxidized lipids of low-density lipoproteins. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, it has been reported that low PON1 activity is related to an impaired lipid profile, increasing cardiovascular risk (CVR). The goal of this study was to analyze the effect of common PON1 polymorphisms and haplotypes on enzymatic activity, PON1 serum levels (PON1s), and lipid parameters related to atherogenic profile in RA patients.

Myositis-Specific Antibodies and Myositis-Associated Antibodies in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies From the PANLAR Myositis Study Group.

Background: Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are forms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), which are associated with the production of autoantibodies that are useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs), myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs), and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) in 6 Latin American countries.

Methods: Two hundred ten patients with IIM were included in this cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2017: 112 from Mexico, 46 from Colombia, 20 from Peru, 16 from the Dominican Republic, 10 from Argentina, and 6 from Guatemala.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promoter polymorphisms are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients from Southern Mexico.

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine capable of stimulating inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase production from macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, which leads to persistent inflammation and bone degradation, two of the major pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MIF promoter polymorphisms (-794CATT rs5844572 and -173G > C, rs755622), circulating MIF levels, and mRNA expression with RA susceptibility and disease activity.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Southern Mexico.

The rheumatology physical examination: making clinical anatomy relevant.

To review the importance of physical examination in the diagnostic process of musculoskeletal conditions vis-a-vis the development of sensitive and powerful technologies such as MRI and high-resolution ultrasound. Because the physical examination of the musculoskeletal system is an exercise of applied clinical anatomy, the authors tested, in one-to-one practical examinations, the basal knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy of rheumatology trainees, rheumatologists, and other professionals of musculoskeletal medicine. The results of the authors' surveys were disappointing, with a correct response rate of 50 to 60% depending on the locales.

TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms and risk to systemic sclerosis: impact on TNF-α serum levels, TNFA mRNA expression, and autoantibodies.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease with high mortality, characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which are processes associated with higher serum tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNF-α) levels. TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms have been associated with higher sTNF-α levels. In this study, we genotyped the TNFA -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms in 53 SSc patients and 115 unrelated control subjects (CS) from southern Mexico.

Autoantibodies to Mi-2 alpha and Mi-2 beta in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the results obtained from different assays for the detection of anti-Mi-2 antibodies, which are important markers in the diagnosis of DM.

Methods: The study included 82 patients (68 females/14 males), most of whom had DM (n = 57), followed by PM (n = 16) and juvenile DM (n = 9). All samples were tested using a novel particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) (Inova Diagnostics, research use only) in parallel with a line immunoassay (LIA: Euroimmun).

PRL -1149T allele (rs1341239) is associated with decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in population from southern Mexico: analysis of mRNA expression and PRL serum levels.

Introduction: Prolactin (PRL) is a sex hormone with immunomodulatory properties, and it is associated with the clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The -1149G>T polymorphism at the prolactin (PRL) gene has been associated with autoimmune diseases, but its functional effect is unclear.

Objective: To analyze the association of the PRL -1149G>T polymorphism with disease susceptibility, mRNA, and protein expression of PRL in RA patients from Southern Mexico.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor polymorphisms are a potential susceptibility marker in systemic sclerosis from southern Mexican population: association with MIF mRNA expression and cytokine profile.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease, characterized by microvascular lesions, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. It is suggested that MIF participates in the amplification of the proinflammatory process in SSc; moreover, the promoter polymorphisms - 794 CATT (rs5844572) and - 173G>C (rs755622) in the MIF gene have been associated with an increase in MIF serum levels in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of the - 794 CATT and - 173G>C MIF polymorphisms with mRNA expression, MIF serum levels, and the Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile in SSc.

Gene Profile Implication in Systemic Sclerosis Patients from Mexico.

Introduction: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, and multisystemic disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and fibrosis. The pathogenesis involves the interaction between immune system cells such as macrophages, NK cells, T cells, and B cells. Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) are expressed in NK cells and some T cell subsets that recognize HLA class I molecules as ligands and are involved in regulating the activation and inhibition of these cells.

Hypertriglyceridaemic waist is associated with hyperuricaemia and metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Background: /Aim: The hypertriglyceridaemic waist (HTGW) phenotype has been described and suggested in general population as a cardiovascular risk marker. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the HTGW phenotype as a marker related to HUC and MetS in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study was designed in 250 RA Mexicans patients.

Association of extrapituitary prolactin promoter polymorphism with disease susceptibility and anti-RNP antibodies in Mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Prolactin (PRL) is a 23-kDa protein that can be synthesized and secreted by pituitary and extrapituitary tissues such as immune cells due to its expression being regulated by two independent promoter regions. The promoter which is responsible for extrapituitary expression contains the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -1149 G/T previously associated with autoimmune diseases in various populations. This study evaluates the relationship of PRL -1149 G/T polymorphism with PRL serum levels and clinical characteristics in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from western Mexico.

A survey of anatomical items relevant to the practice of rheumatology: pelvis, lower extremity, and gait.

This study aimed to generate a minimum list of structural and functional anatomical items about the pelvis/hip, knee, ankle/foot, gait, and lower limb innervation, which are most relevant to the practice of rheumatology. To determine their perceived relevance to clinical practice, seven members of the Mexican Clinical Anatomy Task Force compiled an initial list of 470 anatomical items. Ten local and international experts according to a 0-10 Likert scale ranked these items.