B-cell activating factor and A proliferation-inducing ligand in relation to intima-media thickness as biomarkers of premature atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Telitacicept: A novel horizon in targeting autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases

BLyS and APRIL have the capability to bind to B cells within the body, allowing these cells to evade elimination when they should naturally be removed. While BLyS primarily plays a role in B cell development and maturation, APRIL is linked to B cell activation and the secretion of antibodies. Thus, in theory, inhibiting BLyS or APRIL could diminish the population of aberrant B cells that contribute to SLE and reduce disease activity in patients. Telitacicept functions by binding to and neutralizing the activities of both BLyS and APRIL, thus hindering the maturation and survival of plasma cells and fully developed B cells. The design of telitacicept is distinctive; it is not a monoclonal antibody but a TACI-Fc fusion protein generated through recombinant DNA technology. This fusion involves merging gene segments of the TACI protein, which can target BLyS/APRIL simultaneously, with the Fc gene segment of the human IgG protein. The TACI-Fc fusion protein exhibits the combined characteristics of both proteins. Currently utilized for autoimmune disease treatment, telitacicept is undergoing clinical investigations globally to assess its efficacy in managing various autoimmune conditions. This review consolidates information on the mechanistic actions, dosing regimens, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety profile of telitacicept-a dual-targeted biological agent. It integrates findings from prior experiments and pharmacokinetic analyses in the treatment of RA and SLE, striving to offer a comprehensive overview of telitacicept's research advancements.

Update of Potential Biomarkers in Risk Prediction and Monitoring of Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic connective tissue disease associated with an increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. It is estimated that approximately 10% of SLE patients develop significant atherosclerosis each year, which is responsible for premature cardiovascular disease that is largely asymptomatic. This review summarizes the most recent reports from the past few years on biomarkers of atherosclerosis in SLE, mainly focusing on immune markers. Persistent chronic inflammation of the vascular wall is an important cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events related to endothelial dysfunction, cell proliferation, impaired production and function of nitric oxide and microangiopathic changes. Studies on pathogenic immune mediators involved in atherosclerosis will be crucial research avenues for preventing CVD.

Melatonin relieves diabetic complications and regenerates pancreatic beta cells by the reduction in NF-kB expression in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone, has many regulatory effects on the circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep and body immune system. It is used in the treatment of blind circadian rhythm sleep disorders, delayed sleep phase and insomnia. It is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger, helpful in fighting infectious disease and cancer treatment. Decreased level of circulating melatonin was associated with an increased blood glucose level, losing the anti-oxidant protection and anti-inflammatory responses. We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration, in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, on blood glucose level and pancreatic beta (β) cells. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague dawley male rats by the intravenous (i.v) injection of 65 mg/kg of STZ. Diabetic rats received melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks by oral routes. The results showed, after 8 weeks of melatonin administration, a reduction in: 1- fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fructosamine (FTA) levels, 2- kidney and liver function parameters, 3- levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-C, 4- malondialdehyde (MDA), 5- NF-κB expression in treated group, 6- pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE and IgG). Furthermore, an elevation in insulin secretion was noticed in melatonin treated group that indicated β cells regeneration. Therefore, melatonin administration, in STZ induced diabetic rats; reduced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Melatonin acted as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-12) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA). Melatonin succeeded in protecting β cells under severe inflammatory situations, which was apparent by the regeneration of islets of Langerhans in treated diabetic rats. Moreover, these results can open a gate for diabetes management and treatment.