Interleukin-37 Inhibits Interleukin-1β-Induced Articular Chondrocyte Apoptosis by Suppressing Reactive Oxygen Species.

: Chondrocyte apoptosis has been considered a crucial mechanism that is responsible for cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis (OA). The mechanism of interleukin-37 (IL-37) on chondrocyte apoptosis has not been clearly determined in the pathogenesis of OA. Here, we explored the role of IL-37 in the regulation of cellular apoptosis in rat chondrocytes stimulated by IL-1β.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on Monosodium Urate-Induced Inflammation through IL-37/Smad3-Complex Activation in an In Vitro Study Using THP-1 Macrophages.

: The pleiotropic effect of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) is responsible for potent defense against inflammatory response. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on the monosodium urate (MSU)-induced inflammatory response through the regulation of interleukin-37 (IL-37) expression. : Serum was collected from patients with gout ( = 40) and from healthy controls ( = 30).

Risk of cardiovascular disease associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective: To examine the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with long-term use of NSAIDs in a large real-world AS cohort.

Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database. Patients aged ≥18 years old who were newly diagnosed with AS without prior cardiovascular disease between January 2010 and December 2018 were included in this study.

Corrigendum: Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

[This corrects the article on p. 151 in vol. 30, PMID: 37476674.

Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and Kmbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology.

Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and KMbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology.

The Mechanism of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Pathogenic Implication in the Pathogenesis of Gout.

The NACHT, LRR, and PYD-domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular multi-protein signaling platform that is activated by cytosolic pattern-recognition receptors such as NLRs against endogenous and exogenous pathogens. Once it is activated by a variety of danger signals, recruitment and assembly of NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1 trigger the processing and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Multiple intracellular and extracellular structures and molecular mechanisms are involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

The comparable efficacy of denosumab on bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis: A retrospective case-control study.

Little is known about differences in the therapeutic efficacy of denosumab in subjects with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study compares the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) between RA patients and controls without RA who had been treated with denosumab for 2 years for postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 82 RA patients and 64 controls were enrolled, who were refractory to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or bisphosphonates and completed the treatment of denosumab 60 mg for 2 years.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Suppress Monosodium Urate-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation in THP-1 Cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is thought to negatively regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The aim of this study was to identify the inhibitory effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) on monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the regulation of PPAR-γ in THP-1 cells. The expression of PPAR-γ, NLRP3, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in human monocytic THP-1 cells transfected with PPAR-γ siRNA or not and stimulated with MSU crystals was assessed using quantitative a real time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor CKD-WID Suppressed Monosodium Urate-Induced Osteoclast Formation by Blocking Calcineurin-NFAT Pathway in RAW 264.7 Cells.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been found to play a crucial role in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation and formation. This study was designed to identify the effect of the HDAC6 inhibitor CKD-WID on the receptor for the activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation in the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells.

CXCL12 and CXCR4 as Novel Biomarkers in Uric Acid-Induced Inflammation and Patients with Gouty Arthritis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 in patients with gout and uric acid-induced inflammation. A total of 40 patients with intercritical gout and 27 controls were consecutively enrolled. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Association between Novel Hematological Indices and Measures of Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background and Objectives: Hematological indices have been known to be available markers used for evaluating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study serves to verify the association between four different hematological indices and disease activity measures in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: The study included 257 female RA patients and 71 age-matched female controls.

The impact of the United Network of Organ Sharing allocation change on waitlist trajectories of inpatients listed with inotropic support: A single-center analysis.

Background: In the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) allocation scheme prior to October 18, 2018, heart transplant (HTx) candidates with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS), or pulmonary artery (PA) catheter inotropic support all received Status 1A priority. In revised scheme, patients with PA catheter and inotropic support are Status 3 after those on ECMO (Status 1) or temporary MCS (Status 2). We examined the impact of the allocation change on HTx candidates listed Status 1A versus Status 3 at a high-volume transplant center.

CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Inhibit RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Formation by Upregulating A20 Deubiquitinase in RAW 264.7 Cells.

Objective: Activation of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) has been proposed to play an inhibitory role in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. A20 deubiquitinase has been found to be related to bone loss. This study investigated the role of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) through regulation of A20 deubiquitinase in RANKL-induced osteoclast formation.

Impact of a pharmaceutical care service for patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a customised mobile device (the PROUD trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally requires lifelong treatment; however, its medication complexity might affect non-adherence. Pharmacist-led telehealth services were as effective as face-to-face services and reduced potential side effects in outpatients with chronic diseases. This study aims to analyse the effect of a telepharmacy service with a customised mobile device in comparison with the usual pharmacist service on the humanistic and clinical outcomes in patients with RA.

Decline of Lung Function in Knee and Spine Osteoarthritis in the Korean Population: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Evidence on the close association between osteoarthritis (OA) and lung diseases is supported by the shared pathogenesis of the two diseases. We assessed the association between knee and spine OA and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Korean population. Methods: Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2012, a total of 2006 subjects who underwent both plain radiography for assessment of knee and lumbar spine and spirometry analysis for lung function were analyzed.

Association between Hematological Indicesand Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Janus Kinase Inhibitors for 24 Weeks.

Background and Objective: Hematological indices have been considered reliable markers for assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study assessed whether hematological indices reflect changes in disease activity in patients with RA treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Materials and Methods: This study recruited 123 patients with RA who completed a regimen of JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib or tofacitinib, for 24 weeks, and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.

Association between metabolic syndrome and radiographic spine osteoarthritis: Cross-sectional analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Objective: A relationship between spine osteoarthritis (OA) and metabolic syndrome has not been established. This study evaluated whether metabolic syndrome is associated with radiographic spine OA in the Korean population.

Methods: A total of 2252 subjects older than 50 years who underwent plain radiography of the lumbar spine during the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2012 were enrolled.

Comorbidities and Health-Related Quality of Life in Subjects with Spine Osteoarthritis at 50 Years of Age or Older: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study assessed comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in subjects with lumbar spine osteoarthritis (OA) in the Korean population. We analyzed 3256 subjects who were 50 years or older and underwent plain radiography of the lumbar spine as part of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2012. Radiographic assessment was based on Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade ranging from 0 to 2, with K-L grade 2 defined as lumbar spine OA.

Activation of CpG-ODN-Induced TLR9 Signaling Inhibited by Interleukin-37 in U937 Human Macrophages.

Purpose: Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits a broad spectrum of inflammatory responses in various human cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to identify the role of IL-37 in toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling in human macrophages.

Materials And Methods: Human macrophage U937 cells treated with CpG-oligonucleotides (CpG-ODN), recombinant IL-37, or dexamethasone were used in an in vitro study.

KOBIO, the First Web-based Korean Biologics Registry Operated With a Unified Platform Among Distinct Disease Entities.

The KOrean College of Rheumatology BIOlogics and targeted therapy (KOBIO) registry is a nationwide observational cohort that captures detailed data on exposure of patients to biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). This registry was launched in December 2012 with an aim to prospectively investigate clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis who initiated a biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD or switched to another. Demographic data, disease activity, current treatment, adverse events, terms based on Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, and so on are registered for patients who are then followed up annually in a web-based unified platform.

The beneficial effect of baricitinib on ultrasound-detected synovial inflammation and bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis: Preliminarily data from single center-based observational study for 24 weeks.

Baricitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that selectively blocks against JAK1 and JAK2 signaling. This study aimed to determine the effect of baricitinib on disease activity based on musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).A total of 20 patients with RA receiving baricitinib for 24 weeks were assessed.

Prognostic Implication of Baseline Sarcopenia for Length of Hospital Stay and Survival in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Background: The impact of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not clearly determined yet. We aimed to investigate the association between baseline sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: All hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 who had baseline chest computed tomography (CT) scans at a Korean university hospital from February 2020 to May 2020 were included.