Associations between osteoporosis and drug exposure: A post-marketing study of the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase®)

Effects of dopaminergic neuron degeneration on osteocyte apoptosis and osteogenic markers in 6-OHDA male rat model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) and osteoporosis are prevalent chronic conditions that impact a significant proportion of the aging population. Observational and longitudinal studies consistently demonstrate that individuals with PD face an elevated risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone mineral density compared to control groups. However, there is currently no experimental evidence demonstrating the impact of dopaminergic neuron degeneration on bone metabolism. In the present study, we used a male rat model of PD induced by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the left medial forebrain bundle (MFB) to evaluate the effect of dopaminergic neuron lesion on certain parameters of bone metabolism. To confirm the dopaminergic neuron lesion, cylinder and Rotarod tests were applied to rats injected with 6-OHDA or vehicle. Osteocyte density and viability were determined through histology and TUNEL assay. Western Blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to investigate whether dopaminergic degeneration influences the expression of some apoptotic markers (Caspase 3 and Cytochrome C) and some osteogenic markers (ALP, OCN, and RUNX2). Our findings show that the dopaminergic lesion resulting from the injection of 6-OHDA was successfully confirmed through behavioral tests. Furthermore, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons induced by 6-OHDA leads to apoptosis of osteocytes associated with a significant reduction in the tissue expression of the studied osteogenic markers. Thus, our study provides evidence that 6-OHDA-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons leads to osteocyte apoptosis, which may contribute to the development of some signs of osteoporosis.

Risk factors for treatment-related bone loss and osteoporosis in patients with follicular lymphoma

The survival rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has steadily improved. However, osteoporosis introduced by treatment is prevalent and associated with increased mortality and disability for patients with NHL. We aimed to investigate factors impacting bone mineral density (BMD) reduction and osteoporosis, and the trend of BMD after chemotherapy. Overall, 97 newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) were retrospectively enrolled. CT attenuation values were measured to assess BMD levels. Although 73.2% of patients received calcium and vitamin D supplements, 44.3% showed significant BMD reduction, and baseline BMD and hemoglobin levels were the risk factors. 26.6% of patients newly developed osteoporosis post-chemotherapy where age and cumulative dose of glucocorticoid were risk factors. The results of 20 patients with consecutive follow-up showed that BMD continued to decline for 6 months post-chemotherapy and did not return to baseline values. Therefore, BMD evaluation and more positive anti-resorption treatments should be administered for high-risk patients.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and analyze the results of published randomized controlled trials of tofacitinib for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis(PsA) and discuss its efficacy and safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An exhaustive systematic search encompassing PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion were analyzed, organized using Review Manager version 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and STATA 15.0 version (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) software.

RESULTS

A total of six articles, covering 1393 patients (844 treated with tofacitinib and 549 with placebo), were included. The foundational characteristics of tofacitinib and placebo group showed similarity, except for age and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, especially in the context of chronic plaque psoriasis. It is noteworthy that we discovered tofacitinib exhibited a significant impact on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI75) response, Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) response, and adverse events (AEs) in cases of chronic plaque psoriasis. Similarly, tofacitinib demonstrated substantial influence on American College of Rheumatology 20/50 (ACR20/50) response, PASI75 response, as well as alterations in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score, Dactylitis Severity Score (DSS), and Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) Score in the context of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant impact of tofacitinib on serious adverse events (SAEs) in chronic plaque psoriasis, as well as on both adverse events (AEs) and SAEs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive analysis revealed that tofacitinib has a positive effect on addressing skin and joint symptoms, as well as improving the quality of life for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, the safety of the drug's long-term usage even requires further validation. Key Points • In 6 analyses involving a total of 1393 patients, tofacitinib exhibits positive effect on the treatment of both chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). • Although dose-based subgroup analyses have demonstrated effectiveness. Some studies indicate that the 5-mg dose (twice daily) may not show an effect due to the failure of non-inferiority trials comparing tofacitinib with placebo. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting its effectiveness. On the other hand, the 10-mg dose (BID) has been associated with an increase in adverse events and serious adverse events, and is recommended to be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular or uveitis risk factors. • Tofacitinib has efficacy in comorbid psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer's disease) and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), but patients with comorbid renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or uveitis may need to be moderated or avoided with tofacitinib.

Baricitinib Improves Bone Properties and Biomechanics in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of the Prospective Interventional BARE BONE Trial

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by erosive joint damage, deterioration of bone mass, and biomechanics. Preclinical evidence suggests a beneficial effect of Janus kinase inhibition (JAKi) on bone properties, but clinical data are scarce to date. In this study, we evaluated the effect of JAKi through baricitinib (BARI) on 1) volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone microstructure, biomechanics, and erosion repair and 2) synovial inflammation in RA patients.

METHODS

Prospective, single-arm, interventional, open-label, single-center phase 4 study in RA patients with pathological bone status and clinical indication of JAKi (BARE BONE trial). Participants received BARI (4 mg/day) over 52 weeks. To assess bone properties and synovial inflammation, high-resolution computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging were performed at baseline (BL), week 24, and week 52. Clinical response and safety were monitored.

RESULTS

Thirty RA patients were included. BARI significantly improved disease activity (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate: 4.82 ± 0.90 to 2.71 ± 0.83) and synovial inflammation (RAMRIS synovitis score: 5.3 [4.2] to 2.7 [3.5]). We observed a significant improvement in trabecular vBMD with a mean change of 6.11 mgHA/mm3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.01-12.26). Biomechanical properties also improved with mean change from baseline in estimated stiffness of 2.28 kN/mm (95% CI 0.30-4.25) and estimated failure load of 98.8 N (95% CI 15.9-181.7). The number and size of erosions in the metacarpal joints remained stable. No new safety signals with BARI treatment were observed.

CONCLUSION

Bones of RA patients improve with BARI therapy, as shown by an increase in trabecular bone mass and an improvement of biomechanical properties.

Chronic arthritides and bone structure: focus on rheumatoid arthritis-an update

Normal bone remodeling depends of a balance between bone forming cells, osteoblasts and bone resorbing cells, the osteoclasts. In chronic arthritides and some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, there is a great constellation of cytokines produced by pannus that impair bone formation and stimulate bone resorption by inducing osteoclast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast maturation. Patients with chronic inflammation have multiple causes that lead to low bone mineral density, osteoporosis and a high risk of fracture including circulating cytokines, impaired mobility, chronic administration of glucocorticoids, low vitamin D levels and post-menopausal status in women, among others. Biologic agents and other therapeutic measures to reach prompt remission might ameliorate these deleterious effects. In many cases, bone acting agents need to be added to conventional treatment to reduce the risk of fractures and to preserve articular integrity and independency for daily living activities. A limited number of studies related to fractures in chronic arthritides were published, and future investigation is needed to determine the risk of fractures and the protective effects of different treatments to reduce this risk.

Unfavorable effects of memantine on the skeletal system in female rats

Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). NMDA receptors are expressed on bone cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of memantine on the rat musculoskeletal system. Taking into account that most of female AD patients are postmenopausal, the study was carried out on intact and ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient) rats. Mature Wistar rats were divided into following groups: non-ovariectomized (NOVX) control rats, NOVX rats treated with memantine, ovariectomized (OVX) control rats, and OVX rats treated with memantine. Memantine (2 mg/kg p.o.) was administered once daily for four weeks, starting one week after ovariectomy. The serum bone turnover marker and cytokine levels, bone density, mass, mineralization, mechanical properties, histomorphometric parameters of compact and cancellous bone, skeletal muscle mass and grip strength were determined. In NOVX rats, memantine slightly decreased the strength of compact bone of the femoral diaphysis (parameters in the yield point) and unfavorably affected histomorphometric parameters of cancellous bone (the femoral epiphysis and metaphysis). In OVX rats, in which estrogen deficiency induced osteoporotic changes, memantine increased the phosphorus content in the femoral bone mineral. No other effects on bone were observed in the memantine-treated OVX rats. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated slight damaging skeletal effects of memantine in rats with normal estrogen levels.

Fracture in clinical studies of tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Preclinical data suggest that tofacitinib would protect bone health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective

To assess fracture risk in tofacitinib RA clinical trials.

Design

Post hoc analysis.

Methods

We analyzed pooled data of phase I/II/III and long-term extension studies ('P123LTE cohort'), pooled data of placebo-controlled portions of phase III studies (phase III placebo-controlled cohort), and data from ORAL Surveillance [phase IIIb/IV randomized, open-label trial evaluating tofacitinib 5/10 mg twice daily (BID) vs tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) in patients ⩾ 50 years with ⩾ 1 additional cardiovascular risk factor].

Results

In the phase III placebo-controlled cohort, incidence rates (IRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of fracture were 2.11 (1.09-3.68), 2.56 (1.23-4.71), and 4.43 (1.78-9.12) per 100 patient-years (PYs) for tofacitinib 5 mg BID, tofacitinib 10 mg BID, and placebo, respectively [tofacitinib 5 mg BID vs placebo: hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) = 0.55(0.18-1.65); tofacitinib 10 mg BID vs placebo: HR (95% CI) = 0.72 (0.26-2.01)]. In P123LTE, IRs (95% CI) were 2.62 (2.29-2.99) and 2.26 (2.02-2.52) per 100 PY for average tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively. In ORAL Surveillance, IRs (95% CI) were 2.79 (2.34-3.30), 2.87 (2.40-3.40), and 2.27 (1.87-2.74) per 100 PY for tofacitinib 5 mg BID, tofacitinib 10 mg BID, and TNFi, respectively. In ORAL Surveillance, the risk of fracture was numerically higher than TNFi for tofacitinib 5 mg BID [HR (95% CI) = 1.23 (0.96-1.58)] and tofacitinib 10 mg BID [HR (95% CI) = 1.26 (0.97-1.62)]. In ORAL Surveillance, independent predictors of all and osteoporotic fractures with tofacitinib or TNFi included age ⩾ 65, female sex, history of fracture/osteoporosis, and baseline oral corticosteroid use.

Conclusion

This post hoc analysis showed numerically lower fracture risk with tofacitinib versus placebo and numerically greater risk versus TNFi. We did not identify any tofacitinib-specific predictors of fractures, and predictors of fracture were generally aligned with prior literature in the general population and patients with RA. Patients with fracture risk factors should be adequately monitored and treated.

Clinical trial registration

NCT00960440, NCT00847613, NCT00814307, NCT00856544, NCT00853385, NCT01039688, NCT02187055, NCT02831855, NCT00413699, NCT00147498, NCT00413660, NCT00550446, NCT00603512, NCT00687193, NCT00661661, NCT01164579, NCT00976599, NCT01059864, NCT01359150, NCT01262118, NCT01484561, NCT02281552, NCT02147587, NCT02092467.