Baricitinib Attenuates Autoimmune Phenotype and Podocyte Injury in a Murine Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: Baricitinib, a selective inhibitor for janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2, is approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is recently regarded as a potential candidate targeted by JAK inhibitors because of the relationship between its pathogenesis and JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway-mediated cytokines such as type I interferons. The objective of this study was to determine whether baricitinib could effectively ameliorate SLE using a murine model.

1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 and Interleukin-6 Blockade Synergistically Regulate Rheumatoid Arthritis by Suppressing Interleukin-17 Production and Osteoclastogenesis.

Background: Immune cells express the vitamin (vit) D receptor, and vit D is a potent immune-modulator. A negative correlation between serum vit D levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity has been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if the sufficient serum vit D level is helpful to control disease activity in RA patients treated with interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab.

Soluble siglec-5 is a novel salivary biomarker for primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Despite advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, disease-specific biomarkers have not been included in the classification criteria for Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). Based on a microarray of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), we aimed to investigate whether soluble sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (siglec)-5 in saliva might be a biomarker for pSS. The concentration of siglec-5 in saliva and sera was determined by ELISA.

JAK-1 Inhibition Suppresses Interferon-Induced BAFF Production in Human Salivary Gland: Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Objective: To examine whether a JAK inhibitor regulates functional responses of human salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) and disease parameters in an animal model of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods: Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed among peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with primary SS and other data sets, using blood and SG tissue. Validation of expression in SGs was analyzed by focus score.

Anthocyanin Extracted from Black Soybean Seed Coats Prevents Autoimmune Arthritis by Suppressing the Development of Th17 Cells and Synthesis of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Such Cells, via Inhibition of NF-κB.

Introduction: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anthocyanin is a plant antioxidant. We investigated the therapeutic effects of anthocyanin extracted from black soybean seed coats (AEBS) in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and explored possible mechanisms by which AEBS might exert anti-arthritic effects.

Monosodium urate crystal-induced triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 is associated with acute gouty inflammation.

Objective: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1), which amplifies the inflammation elicited by the Toll-like receptor pathway, was originally implicated in sepsis and bacterial infection. However, it has been suggested that TREM-1 may also play an important role in non-infectious inflammation. The present study was conducted to investigate whether TREM-1 is involved in human acute gouty inflammation.

Digoxin ameliorates autoimmune arthritis via suppression of Th17 differentiation.

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is commonly used to treat heart failure. Based on its known anti-inflammatory effect, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of digoxin on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to delineate the underlying mechanism. Digoxin or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally thrice weekly in mice with CIA, from day 7 or day 35 after immunization to investigate preventive or therapeutic effect, respectively.

Ursolic acid ameliorates autoimmune arthritis via suppression of Th17 and B cell differentiation.

Aim: Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in most plant species, which has been shown anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In this study, we examined the effects of UA on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, and to identify the mechanisms underlying the effects.

Methods: CIA was induced in mice.

Halofuginone ameliorates autoimmune arthritis in mice by regulating the balance between Th17 and Treg cells and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Objective: The small molecule halofuginone has been shown to inhibit fibrosis, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of halofuginone in preventing autoimmune arthritis in mice.

Methods: The effects of halofuginone on joint diseases were assessed by clinical scoring and histologic analysis.

Serum level of interleukin-33 and soluble ST2 and their association with disease activity in patients with Behcet's disease.

Interleukin (IL)-33 is an important mediator of innate immunity. Behcet's disease (BD) is an autoinflammatory disorder characterized by hyperactivity of the innate immune response. We measured serum levels of IL-33 and its receptor soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with BD to investigate their association with disease activity.