Rheumatic diseases affect a wide range of individuals of all ages, but the most common diseases occur more frequently in women than in men, at ratios of up to ten women to one man. Despite a growing number of studies on sex bias in rheumatic diseases, sex-specific health care is limited and sex specificity is not systematically integrated into treatment regimens. Women and men differ in three major biological points: the number of X chromosomes per cell, the type and quantities of sex hormones present and the ability to be pregnant, all of which have immunological consequences. Could a greater understanding of these differences lead to a new era of personalized sex-specific medicine? This Review focuses on the main genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that have been put forward to explain sex bias in rheumatic diseases, including X chromosome inactivation, sex chromosome aneuploidy and microchimerism. The influence of sex hormones is not discussed in detail in this Review, as it has been well described elsewhere. Understanding the sex-specific factors that contribute to the initiation and progression of rheumatic diseases will enable progress to be made in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all patients with these conditions.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41584-019-0307-6 | DOI Listing |
Clin Rheumatol
December 2024
Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
Climate change and pollution are a major existential threat. Healthcare contributes a noteworthy 4-6% to the total carbon footprint and 5-7% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Environmental pollution and modern lifestyles are also contributing to the increased prevalence of autoimmune and lifestyle-related rheumatic disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Orthop Surg Res
December 2024
Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Objectives: This study aims to identify predictors of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) risk in middle-aged population, construct and validate a nomogram for KOA in this demographic.
Methods: From June to December 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on 5,527 middle-aged individuals from Changsha and Zhangjiajie cities in Hunan Province, selected using a stratified multi-stage random sampling method. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire encompassing general demographic, physical condition, and lifestyle behaviors dimensions.
J Ethnopharmacol
December 2024
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine) 510120 Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120 Guangzhou, China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic immune disease characterized by high disability rates, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. BuShen-QiangDu-ZhiLv Decoction (BQZD), developed by the renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Jiao Shude, has been traditionally used for AS treatment. However, the bioactive components and the precise mechanisms underlying BQZD's therapeutic effects remain largely unexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArthritis Res Ther
December 2024
Memorial Herman Northwest Hospital, Houston, TX, 77089, USA.
Objectives: To assess immunogenicity and safety in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) transitioning from rituximab [US-licensed rituximab: Reference Product (RP); EU-approved rituximab: Reference Medicinal Product (RMP)] to DRL_RI (proposed rituximab biosimilar), in comparison to those continuing on RP/RMP.
Methods: This double-blind, randomized, Phase 3 study included 140 RA patients having prior exposure to RP/RMP; transitioned to DRL_RI (n = 70) or continued with RP/RMP (n = 70) for two 1000 mg infusions on Days 1 and 15. Assessments included Time-matched Rituximab Concentration (TMRC), anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and ADA titre over 12 weeks, and safety follow-up till 26 weeks.
BMC Prim Care
December 2024
Artros d.o.o, Tehnološki park 19, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia.
Background: This study aimed to address research gap concerning the perception of the care pathway for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients, focusing on both the patient and health professional perspectives in countries with inefficient health systems, such as Slovenia, by examining patient satisfaction with conservative treatment, assessing the perceptions of both patients and health professionals regarding the latter's involvement, and justifying the chosen KOA treatment approaches.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with KOA patients (n = 82) and healthcare professionals (n = 68).
Results: The care pathway for conservative KOA treatment in Slovenia begins with general practitioners (GPs), who conduct initial examinations, prescribe analgesics, and refer patients to radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!