Comparing immunogenicity and safety following transition from reference rituximab to biosimilar rituximab (DRL_RI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study.

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.

Treatment of long finger metacarpophalangeal arthritis using HAPY® pyrocarbon interposition implants: a study of 34 cases.

Introduction: Destruction of the metacarpophalangeal joint can result in disabling pain and stiffness. Several therapeutic options are available, including pyrocarbon interposition implants. The primary endpoint of this study was assessment of clinical and radiographic outcomes in 34 patients treated with HAPY® pyrocarbon interposition implants (Tornier, Grenoble, France) with a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

Metalloproteomic Analysis of Hemophilic Arthropathy Synovial Tissue: Insights into Metal Overload and Pathogenesis.

Background: Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a joint disease characterized by local iron overload, stemming from erythrocyte rupture and closely linked to synovial lesions. However, the precise molecular characteristics of clinical HA synovial samples remain to be defined.

Objectives: To gain insight into HA synovial tissue lesions, we utilized a metalloprotein strategy to compare the metal and protein spectra of HA with those of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Helicobacter pylori and rheumatoid arthritis: Investigation of relation from traditional Chinese medicine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that predominantly affects synovial joints, manifesting with joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. In advanced stages, unchecked inflammation can inflict damage on bone and cartilage, resulting in disabilities and deformities of the joints. Additionally, systemic and extra-articular complications may arise due to the consequences of uncontrolled inflammation.

Role of microRNAs in immunoregulatory functions of epithelial cells.

Epithelial cells (ECs) provide the first line of defense against microbial threats and environmental challenges. They participate in the host's immune responses via the expression and secretion of various immune-related molecules such as cytokines and chemokines, as well as interaction with immune cells. A growing body of evidence suggests that the dysregulated function of ECs can be involved in the pathophysiology of a broad range of infectious, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Efficacy and Safety of Juan Bi Pill with Add-on Methotrexate in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 48-Week, Multicentre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of Juan Bi Pill (JBP) in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: From February 2017 to May 2018, 115 participants from 4 centers were randomly divided into JBP group (57 cases) and placebo group (58 cases) in a 1:1 ratio using a random number table method. Participants received a dose of JBP (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with methotrexate (MTX, 10 mg per week) or placebo (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with MTX for 12 weeks.

Effectiveness of tofacitinib versus tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and in those receiving tofacitinib as different lines of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the United States CorEvitas Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry.

Objectives: To compare effectiveness of tofacitinib versus tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and across tofacitinib lines of therapy, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using US CorEvitas RA Registry data.

Methods: Analysis included patients with RA initiating tofacitinib or TNFi with a 12-month follow-up visit between November 2012-February 2021. Primary (Clinical Disease Activity Index-defined low disease activity [CDAI-LDA: CDAI ≤ 10]) and secondary (clinical/disease activity/patient-reported) effectiveness outcomes were assessed at month 12.

Diosgenin loaded-chitosan biodegradable nanoparticles ameliorate adjuvant-induced arthritis, pain, and peripheral neuropathy through moderation of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

This research work was designed to develop efficient Diosgenin (DGN) loaded biodegradable nanoparticles (DGN-NPs) for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The DGN-NPs were synthesized by ionic-gelation method using chitosan as a biodegradable polymer and in-vitro release study was performed followed by kinetics study. DGN-NPs had an average size of 290 nm, zeta potential of +11.

M13, an anthraquinone compound isolated from Morinda officinalis alleviates the progression of the osteoarthritis via the regulation of STAT3.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, leading to joint pain and functional impairment. OA severely impacts quality of life and presents a substantial societal burden. Currently, effective treatment options remain limited.

Network pharmacology unveils the active components and potential mechanism of traditional efficacy of Mugua.

Mugua is a Chinese herbal medicine derived from the dried mature fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai. This study aimed to dissect the active ingredients and mechanism of Mugua. In the present study, the active components of Mugua were collected and screened through databases combined with UPLC-Q/TOF-MS based qualitative analysis and literature mining, and their potential disease targets were predicted.

NK cells restrain cytotoxic CD8 T cells in the submandibular gland via PD-1-PD-L1.

The increasing use of anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade has led to the emergence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including dysfunction of the submandibular gland (SMG). In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory mechanism contributing to the susceptibility of the SMG to irAEs. We found that the SMGs of PD-1-deficient mice and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-treated mice harbor an expanded population of CD8 T cells.

Small Molecules, Big Results: How JAK Inhibitors Have Transformed the Treatment of Patients with IBD.

Small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have revolutionized the management of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) through their low immunogenicity, safety, and consistent pharmacologic response that are superior to existing therapeutic options. In this perspective, we highlight existing evidence supporting the use of currently approved JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, tofacitinib, and filgotinib) for UC or CD, additionally emphasizing the evidence for their use in related autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies. Our perspective concludes with a review of the existing comparative effectiveness literature, which positions JAK inhibitors, particularly upadacitinib, favorably compared with other biologic therapies.

SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 drives osteoclastogenesis in preexisting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and long-term complications in bone health. Emerging clinical evidence demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces bone turnover and promotes bone loss, but the mechanism underlying worsened bone health remains elusive. This study sought to identify specific immune mediators that exacerbated preexisting IMIDs after SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Correlation Between Pain, Disease Activity, and Rheumatoid Factor Positivity in Patients with Chikungunya Arthritis.

Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is an acute viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmitted by mosquitoes. The acute phase presents with limited symptoms and low mortality, but approximately half of cases progress to more chronic illness with persistent and disabling joint symptoms. To better characterize the burden of chronic disease, we analyzed the relationship between pain intensity, the Disease Activity Index by DAS28-ESR, rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity, sex, and age in a retrospective cohort of 133 patients with chikungunya arthritis (CHIKA).

Dual-targeted halofuginone hydrobromide nanocomplexes for promotion of macrophage repolarization and apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive proliferation of the synovium. Currently, treatment options focus on either reducing inflammation or inhibiting synovial hyperplasia. However, these modalities are unsatisfactory in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes.

Evaluating methods for integrating single-cell data and genetics to understand inflammatory disease complexity.

Background: Understanding genetic underpinnings of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is crucial to improve treatments. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identifies cell states expanded in disease, but often overlooks genetic causality due to cost and small genotyping cohorts. Conversely, large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are commonly accessible.

Consumer Understanding of Prescription Drug Indications in Direct-to-Consumer Television Advertisements.

Background: Prescription drugs may be indicated to treat more than one medical condition, and companies may promote more than one indication in the same direct-to-consumer (DTC) ad. This study examined how presenting multiple prescription drug indications in one DTC television ad affects consumers' processing of drug information.

Methods: We conducted two studies with adults diagnosed with diabetes (Study 1, N = 408) or rheumatoid arthritis (Study 2, N = 411).

Effects of 17β estradiol on blood pressure elevation in ovariectomized rats with collagen-induced arthritis via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in the aorta involving TLR4/NOX4/NF-kβ and TGFβ1/fibronectin/α-SMA pathways.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause blood pressure (BP) elevation in estrogen-deficient, post-menopausal women; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, the aortic involvement and its underlying mechanisms that contribute to the BP elevation in estrogen-deficient, RA condition were identified. Ovariectomy was performed to create a state of estrogen deficiency and RA was then induced in ovariectomized rats by using incomplete Freund's adjuvant and immune-mediated collagen type-II.

Revealing an unprecedented diversity of episymbiotic Saccharibacteria in a high-quality genome collection.

The episymbiotic Candidatus Saccharibacteria is the most studied lineage of candidate phyla radiation. Living an epiparasitic lifestyle, Saccharibacteria might be associated with human mucosal diseases by modulating the structure of the oral microbiome through interactions with host bacteria. However, the knowledge of Saccharibacterial genomic diversity and the potential underlying their adaptation to a wide range of habitats remains limited.

Asperuloside alleviates osteoporosis by promoting autophagy and regulating Nrf2 activation.

Background: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that has a common occurrence in postmenopausal women. Asperuloside (ASP) has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in numerous diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and acute lung injury. However, whether ASP plays a role in osteoporosis has not been addressed.

[Main active components and mechanism of Sanmiao Pills in treating rheumatoid arthritis].

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to analyze the chemical components of Sanmiao Pills(SMP) and network pharmacology and animal experiments were employed to investigate the mechanism of SMP in treating rheumatoid arthritis(RA). DisGeNET and SwissTargetPrediction were used to identify the overlapping targets between RA and SMP. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was built based on the key targets.

[Mechanisms of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on UPLC-Orbitrap-MS~2, network pharmacology, and cellular experiment verification].

Shaoyao Gancao Decoction(SGD) is a classic formula used in the clinical treatment of joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis(RA), though its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of SGD in treating RA through chemical and network pharmacology analyses, combined with cellular experiments. UPLC-Orbitrap-MS~2 was used to qualitatively analyze SGD and drug-containing serum of rats after oral administration of SGD, thereby identifying the chemical composition and plasma components of SGD.

[Wangbi Tablets reduce inflammation in rat model of collagen-induced arthritis with syndrome of kidney deficiency by regulating cGAS-STING signaling pathway].

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Wangbi Tablets(WBT) on the inflammation in the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) with the syndrome of kidney deficiency based on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING) signaling pathway. Eighteen rats were randomly chosen from 24 SPF-grade rats for the modeling of CIA with the syndrome of kidney deficiency. The 24 SPF-grade rats were randomized into 4 groups: control(normal rats), model(CIA with syndrome of kidney deficiency), model+WBT(M+WBT), and model+methotrexate(M+MTX).

[Research progress on artemisinin and its derivatives in treatment of orthopedics-related diseases].

As research into the mechanisms of orthopedic diseases continues to deepen, the shortcomings of traditional single-target the-rapies are becoming increasingly apparent. Consequently, the search for multi-target drugs has become the mainstream research direction for orthopedics-related diseases. Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone compound extracted from Artemisia annua, has led to the gradual synthesis of various derivatives such as dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, artemether, and arteether.