Angiotensin receptor blockers modulate the lupus CD4+ T cell epigenome characterized by TNF family-linked signaling.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), environmental effects acting within a permissive genetic background lead to autoimmune dysregulation. Dysfunction of CD4+ T cells contributes to pathology by providing help to autoreactive B and T cells, and CD4+ T cell dysfunction coincides with altered DNA methylation and histone modifications of select gene loci. However, chromatin accessibility states of distinct T cell subsets and mechanisms driving heterogeneous chromatin states across patients remain poorly understood.

The Role of MicroRNAs and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis.

Objective: To understand the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: A high-throughput analysis of the miRNA pattern of the kidneys of LN patients and controls was performed by molecular digital detection. Urinary miRNAs were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Initial presentation of acute transverse myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: demographics, diagnosis, management and comparison to idiopathic cases.

To describe and compare the diagnosis, demographics and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) related versus idiopathic acute transverse myelitis during the initial presentation of the disease. We undertook a chart review of the hospital records of patients admitted to our hospital from 1994 until 2007 and had the diagnosis of SLE related and idiopathic acute transverse myelitis. Demographics, laboratory and imaging studies, diagnosis and treatment were recorded in both groups and analyzed in a case control fashion.

The role and effect of complementary and alternative medicine in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially those with active disease who often have poorer quality of life and significant unmet needs. It is important for the rheumatologist to be aware of these therapies and to ask the patient with SLE about their active use or future interest in CAM. Future studies on the effectiveness of the aforementioned therapies will be crucial to find better ways for the rheumatologist to integrate their use into the care of the patient with SLE.

A prospective open-label study of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of SSc.

Methods: We recruited 15 patients with dcSSc to take part in an open-label study using mycophenolate mofetil to treat their disease over a 12-month period. The primary outcome measure was the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), whereas secondary outcomes included the Medsger severity score, pulmonary function studies, 2D echocardiograms and the Short Form Health Survey (SF)-36 questionnaire.

Improvement of severe systemic sclerosis-associated gastric antral vascular ectasia following immunosuppressive treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide.

Objective: We describe 3 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with severe, transfusion-dependent gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) refractory to laser ablation who showed remarkable clinical and endoscopic improvement following intravenous (IV) pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment.

Methods: Review of clinical records and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images from 3 patients with SSc and severe GAVE before and after treatment with IV pulse CYC.

Results: IV CYC was followed by improvement and stabilization of hemoglobin levels, and marked reduction in blood transfusion requirements and the number and frequency of endoscopic laser treatments.

Maternal mixed connective tissue disease and offspring with chondrodysplasia punctata.

Objectives: To describe the case of a mother with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) whose male and female offspring from 2 successive pregnancies had chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP) in the absence of identifiable biochemical or genetic abnormalities or teratogen exposure.

Methods: Description of a male and female offspring from a mother with MCTD harboring high-titer anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibodies. Maternal autoantibody assays were performed employing quantitative multiplex suspension arrays and flow cytometry, and autoantibody titer and pattern were determined by indirect immunofluorescence.

Scleroderma lung disease: treatment with cyclophosphamide.

Evaluation of: Tashkin, Elashoff, Clements PJ et al. Cyclophosphamide versus placebo in scleroderma lung disease. N.