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O'Neil LJ, Alpízar-Rodríguez D, Deane KD. Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Continuum of Disease and Strategies for Prediction, Early Intervention, and Prevention. J Rheumatol 2024; 51:337-349. [PMID: 38224993 PMCID: PMC10984790 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2023-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to include a pre-RA stage that can be defined as the presence of familial or genetic risk factors, biomarker abnormalities (eg, anticitrullinated protein antibodies [ACPA]), symptoms, and even abnormal imaging findings prior to the development of the onset of clinical RA with inflammatory arthritis that is apparent on physical examination. Indeed, there are multiple completed or ongoing retrospective case-control as well as prospective observational studies to identify the key biologic drivers of disease. Further, building on the predictive ability of combinations of biomarkers, symptoms, and imaging for future RA, there are multiple clinical trials completed, underway, or in development to identify approaches that may prevent, delay, or ameliorate future clinical RA in at-risk individuals. Importantly, however, although an effective preventive intervention has not yet been identified, at-risk individuals are being increasingly identified in clinical care; this presents a challenge of how to manage these individuals in clinical practice. This review will discuss the current understanding of the biology and natural history of RA development, nomenclature, and current models for prediction of future RA, as well as evaluate the current and ongoing clinical prevention trials with the overall goal to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of RA prevention. Moreover, this review will provide up-to-date options for clinical management of individuals at risk for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J O'Neil
- L.J. O'Neil, MD, MHSc, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Kevin D Deane
- K.D. Deane, MD, PhD, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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2
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Wells I, Zemedikun DT, Simons G, Stack RJ, Mallen CD, Raza K, Falahee M. Predictors of interest in predictive testing for rheumatoid arthritis among first degree relatives of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:3223-3233. [PMID: 34850849 PMCID: PMC9348622 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is increasing interest in prediction and prevention of RA. It is important to understand the views of those at risk to inform the development of effective approaches. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of RA patients are at increased risk of RA. This study assessed predictors of their interest in predictive testing for RA. METHODS Questionnaires were completed by RA patients (provided with their questionnaire by a healthcare professional) and their FDRs (provided with their questionnaire by their RA proband). FDR surveys assessed interest in taking a predictive test, demographic variables, perceived RA risk, attitudes about predictive testing, autonomy preferences, illness perceptions, avoidance coping and health anxiety. Patient surveys included demographic variables, disease impact, RA duration and treatment. Ordinal logistic regression examined the association between FDRs' characteristics and their interest in predictive testing. Generalized estimating equations assessed associations between patient characteristics and FDRs' interest in predictive testing. RESULTS Three hundred and ninety-six FDRs responded. Paired data from the RA proband were available for 292. The proportion of FDRs interested in predictive testing was 91.3%. Information-seeking preferences, beliefs that predictive testing can increase empowerment over health and positive attitudes about risk knowledge were associated with increased interest. Beliefs that predictive testing could cause psychological harm predicted lower interest. Patient characteristics of the proband were not associated with FDRs' interest. CONCLUSIONS FDRs' interest in predictive testing for RA was high, and factors associated with interest were identified. These findings will inform the development of predictive strategies and informational resources for those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Wells
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences
| | | | - Gwenda Simons
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences
| | - Rebecca J Stack
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Christian D Mallen
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.,MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and the Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences
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3
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Kwon MJ, Kim JH, Kim JH, Park HR, Kim NY, Hong S, Choi HG. Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Statin Use: From the View of a National Cohort Study in Korea. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040559. [PMID: 35455675 PMCID: PMC9032630 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Safety issues regarding the potential risk of statins and incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been raised, but the existing data are largely based on Caucasian populations, and continue to have biases and require further validation in Asian populations. Here, we aimed to verify the risk of RA depending on the duration of previous statin use and statin types using a large-scale, nationwide database. This study enrolled 3149 patients with RA and 12,596 matched non-RA participants from the national health insurance database (2002−2015), and investigated their statin prescription histories for two years before the index date. Propensity score overlap-weighted logistic regression was applied after adjusting for multiple covariates. The prior use of any statins and, specifically, the long-term use of lipophilic statins (>365 days) were related to a lower likelihood of developing RA ((odds ratio (OR) = 0.73; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.63−0.85, p < 0.001) and (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.61−0.84, p < 0.001), respectively). Subgroup analyses supported these preventive effects on RA in those with dyslipidemia, independent of sex, age, smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Hydrophilic statin use or short-term use showed no such associations. Our study suggests that prior statin use, especially long-term lipophilic statin use, appears to confer preventive benefits against RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea; (M.J.K.); (H.-R.P.)
| | - Joo-Hee Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea;
| | - Ji Hee Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea;
| | - Hye-Rim Park
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea; (M.J.K.); (H.-R.P.)
| | - Nan Young Kim
- Hallym Institute of Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang 14068, Korea; (N.Y.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Sangkyoon Hong
- Hallym Institute of Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang 14068, Korea; (N.Y.K.); (S.H.)
| | - Hyo Geun Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea
- Correspondence:
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4
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Mankia K, Siddle HJ, Kerschbaumer A, Alpizar Rodriguez D, Catrina AI, Cañete JD, Cope AP, Daien CI, Deane KD, El Gabalawy H, Finckh A, Holers VM, Koloumas M, Ometto F, Raza K, Zabalan C, van der Helm-van Mil A, van Schaardenburg D, Aletaha D, Emery P. EULAR points to consider for conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1286-1298. [PMID: 34362746 PMCID: PMC8458095 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest, there is no guidance or consensus on how to conduct clinical trials and observational studies in populations at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS An European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force formulated four research questions to be addressed by systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR results informed consensus statements. One overarching principle, 10 points to consider (PTC) and a research agenda were proposed. Task force members rated their level of agreement (1-10) for each PTC. RESULTS Epidemiological and demographic characteristics should be measured in all clinical trials and studies in at-risk individuals. Different at-risk populations, identified according to clinical presentation, were defined: asymptomatic, musculoskeletal symptoms without arthritis and early clinical arthritis. Study end-points should include the development of subclinical inflammation on imaging, clinical arthritis, RA and subsequent achievement of arthritis remission. Risk factors should be assessed at baseline and re-evaluated where appropriate; they include genetic markers and autoantibody profiling and additionally clinical symptoms and subclinical inflammation on imaging in those with symptoms and/or clinical arthritis. Trials should address the effect of the intervention on risk factors, as well as progression to clinical arthritis or RA. In patients with early clinical arthritis, pharmacological intervention has the potential to prevent RA development. Participants' knowledge of their RA risk may inform their decision to participate; information should be provided using an individually tailored approach. CONCLUSION These consensus statements provide data-driven guidance for rheumatologists, health professionals and investigators conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Heidi J Siddle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Juan D Cañete
- Department of Rheumatology, Arthritis Unit, Hospital Clinic and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Immediato Daien
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, PhyMedExp, INSERM, CNRS UMR, Montpellier, France
| | - Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hani El Gabalawy
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Francesca Ometto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Karim Raza
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research into Inflammatory Arthritis, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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5
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Niemantsverdriet E, van den Akker EB, Boeters DM, van den Eeden SJF, Geluk A, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Gene expression identifies patients who develop inflammatory arthritis in a clinically suspect arthralgia cohort. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:266. [PMID: 33168080 PMCID: PMC7653888 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients display differentially expressed genes coding for cytokine/chemokine-mediated immunity compared to healthy controls. It is unclear, however, if in the pre-arthritis phase of clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) expression of immune genes differ between patients who do or do not develop clinically evident inflammatory arthritis (IA). METHODS Two hundred thirty-six consecutive patients presenting with arthralgia clinically suspected for progression to RA were followed until IA development or else for median 24 months (IQR 12-26). Baseline whole blood RNA expression was determined for a previously identified set of 133 genes associated with the innate and adaptive immune system by dual-color reverse-transcription multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (dcRT-MLPA) profiling. Cox proportional hazard models were used. RESULTS Twenty percent of CSA patients developed IA. After correction for multiple testing, expression levels of six genes (IFNG, PHEX, IGF-1, IL-7R, CD19, CCR7) at the time of presentation were associated with progression to IA. PHEX and IGF-1 were highly correlated with each other (ρ = 0.97). In multivariable analysis correcting for the different genes, expressions of IL-7R and IGF-1 were independently associated with IA development (p = 0.025, p = 0.046, respectively). Moreover, IL-7R and IGF-1 remained significantly associated even after correction for known predictors (ACPA, CRP, imaging-detected subclinical joint inflammation; p = 0.039, p = 0.005, respectively). These genes are also associated with RA development. CONCLUSIONS IL-7R and IGF-1 were differentially expressed between CSA patients who did or did not progress to IA, independent from regularly used predictors. These biomarkers may become helpful in prognostication of CSA patients. Furthermore, because both genes are associated with T cell functioning, T cell dysregulation may mediate progression from arthralgia to arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Niemantsverdriet
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik B van den Akker
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Pattern Recognition & Bioinformatics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie M Boeters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Susan J F van den Eeden
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Geluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Rantapää Dahlqvist S, Andrade F. Individuals at risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: the evolving story. J Intern Med 2019; 286:627-643. [PMID: 31562671 PMCID: PMC6878216 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that initiate many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. These interactions likely include both protective and susceptibility factors which together determine the risk of developing RA. More than 100 susceptibility loci have been linked to RA. The strongest association is with HLA-DRB1 alleles encoding antigen presenting molecules containing a unique sequence in the peptide-binding grove called the 'shared epitope'. Female sex, infections during childhood, lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking and diet) and distinct microbial agents, amongst many others, are interacting risk factors thought to contribute to RA pathogenesis by dysregulating the immune system in individuals with genetic susceptibility. Interestingly, patients with RA develop autoantibodies many years before the clinical onset of disease, providing strong evidence that the lack of tolerance to arthritogenic antigens is amongst the earliest events in the initiation of seropositive RA. Here, we will discuss the clinical and mechanistic evidence surrounding the role of different environmental and genetic factors in the phases leading to the production of autoantibodies and the initiation of symptomatic RA. Understanding this complexity is critical in order to develop tools to identify drivers of disease initiation and propagation and to develop preventive therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rantapää Dahlqvist
- Institution of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Rheumatology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - F Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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7
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Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that there is a pre-clinical period preceding the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). During this period, complex interactions between the environmental and genetic causes occur, and the expression "preclinical RA" has been proposed to define it. Early treatment intervention is associated with less joint damage and has an increased possibility of achieving remission. In this review, we provide an overview of the preclinical phases of RA, new immunological and imaging biomarkers, and the clinical features, and the management of individuals at-risk of developing RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Martins
- Serviço de Reumatologia e Doenças Ósseas Metabólicas, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Portugal; Unidade de Investigação Em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Serviço de Reumatologia e Doenças Ósseas Metabólicas, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Portugal; Unidade de Investigação Em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Falahee M, Finckh A, Raza K, Harrison M. Preferences of Patients and At-risk Individuals for Preventive Approaches to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1346-1354. [PMID: 31196645 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are available and can lead to remission for some patients, but most patients remain on potentially toxic and expensive medications in the long term. Interest is increasingly turning to the disease phases preceding the development of RA that represent opportunities for preventive interventions. At-risk target populations include individuals with genetic and environmental risk factors, those who have developed systemic autoimmunity, and those who have developed clinically suspect symptoms (eg, arthralgias without synovitis, or an early arthritis). Ongoing prospective studies will inform the development of increasingly accurate predictive tools to identify individuals at risk of developing RA. Furthermore, a range of preventive approaches has been suggested, including lifestyle modification (eg, smoking cessation) and pharmacologic interventions (eg, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, abatacept, rituximab) that are currently the subject of randomized controlled trials. As prediction and prevention of RA evolve, it is increasingly likely that individuals at risk (including asymptomatic individuals) may be faced with complex decisions about whether to accept assessment of their risk status or to take a preventive intervention associated with risk of serious adverse events and uncertain benefit. Acceptance of preventive medication in other contexts can be low. For example, <25% of women at high risk of breast cancer are willing to take preventive hormonal treatments. Actual uptake is lower still. Patients' beliefs and preferences predict treatment uptake and adherence. Before the dream of preventing RA can become reality, health care providers need to understand the perspectives of individuals in the target population and to identify barriers and facilitators for this approach. This commentary reviews what is currently known about the perspectives of patients and individuals at risk about predictive and preventive approaches for RA and identifies gaps to be addressed to inform the development of efficient preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Falahee
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Arthritis Research UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence, MRC Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Deane KD, Holers VM. The Natural History of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1256-1269. [PMID: 31196652 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article reviews the phases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development in terms of the evolution of disease, with a focus on events that occur before the first appearance of clinically apparent inflammatory arthritis. This presynovitis period is defined in individuals who eventually develop classified RA as the pre-RA phase. We include additional discussion of the relevance of this model of RA development to the concept of disease prevention. METHODS The information provided in this review was identified through searches of the medical literature through MEDLINE and a review of references from published manuscripts as well as information obtained by the authors through attendance at various conferences and working groups related to pre-RA. FINDINGS It is now well established that RA develops in a series of phases. The first of these phases is believed to be the presence of genetic and/or environmental risk factors for RA in the absence of detectable systemic autoimmunity in the blood. After this phase, autoimmunity may be detectable through a variety of means (eg, autoantibodies, autoreactive cells) in peripheral blood; in addition, there is emerging evidence that perhaps initiation and early propagation of RA-related autoimmunity may occur at mucosal sites. The presence of autoimmunity detectable in the blood through serologic or other testing is followed in most individuals by a propagation phase that is characterized by an expansion of autoimmunity, inflammation, and symptoms. This transition may be associated with similar or different genetic and environmental factors that initially triggered autoimmunity, as well as continued mucosal inflammation and local RA-related autoantibody production. Eventually, clinically detectable inflammatory arthritis develops that can be classified as RA. IMPLICATIONS Understanding the phases of RA development are critical to the development of preventive strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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10
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Boeters DM, Raza K, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Which patients presenting with arthralgia eventually develop rheumatoid arthritis? The current state of the art. RMD Open 2017; 3:e000479. [PMID: 29177078 PMCID: PMC5687532 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early initiation of treatment in patients with inflammatory arthritis at risk of persistence and/or erosive progression is important because it is associated with a reduced rate of progression of joint damage and functional disability. It has been proposed that a window of opportunity exists, during which disease processes are less matured and disease modification can be more effective. The phase of arthralgia preceding clinical arthritis is likely to be an important part of this window of opportunity, during which treatment might prevent progression to clinical arthritis. Several proof-of-concept trials in individuals with arthralgia are now evaluating this hypothesis. Central to such trials is the ability to identify groups at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom preventive treatment can be tested. This review describes the relevance of adequate prediction making, as well as the accuracy of different types of predictors (including imaging and serological markers) with their value in predicting the progression of arthralgia to arthritis. Despite promising results, studies have been performed in heterogeneous patient populations and most findings have not been validated in independent studies. Future observational or preventive studies should be conducted with homogeneous patient groups (eg, patients fulfilling the European League Against Rheumatism criteria for arthralgia at risk of RA) in order to increase interstudy comparability and to allow result validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Boeters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karim Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Tak PP, Doorenspleet ME, de Hair MJH, Klarenbeek PL, van Beers-Tas MH, van Kampen AHC, van Schaardenburg D, Gerlag DM, Baas F, de Vries N. Dominant B cell receptor clones in peripheral blood predict onset of arthritis in individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1924-1930. [PMID: 28790026 PMCID: PMC5705849 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is preceded by the presence of specific autoantibodies in the absence of synovial inflammation. Only a subset of these at-risk individuals will develop clinical disease. This impedes efforts to implement early interventions that may prevent onset of clinically manifest disease. Here we analyse whether clonal changes in the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire can reliably predict onset of signs and symptoms. METHODS In a prospective cohort study in 21 individuals at risk for RA based on the presence of autoantibodies, the BCR repertoire of paired peripheral blood and synovial tissue samples was analysed using next-generation BCR sequencing. BCR clones that were expanded beyond 0.5% of the total repertoire were labelled dominant. The relative risk (RR) for onset of arthritis was assessed using the presence of ≥5 dominant BCR clones as cut-off. Findings in peripheral blood were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 50 at-risk individuals. Based on the test cohort, individuals in the validation cohort were considered positive if peripheral blood at study entry showed ≥5 dominant BCR clones. FINDINGS Both in the test and validation cohort, the presence of ≥5 dominant BCR clones in peripheral blood was significantly associated with arthritis development after follow-up (validation cohort RR 6.3, 95% CI 2.7 to 15, p<1×10-4). Even when adjusted for a recently described clinical prediction rule the association remained intact (RR 5.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 20, p=0.024). When individuals developed arthritis, dominant BCR clones disappeared from peripheral blood and appeared in synovial tissue, suggesting a direct role of these clones in disease pathogenesis. INTERPRETATION Dominant BCR clones in peripheral blood predict onset of clinical signs and symptoms of RA in at-risk individuals with high accuracy. Our data suggest that during onset of RA these clones shift from peripheral blood to the target tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul P Tak
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke E Doorenspleet
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria J H de Hair
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L Klarenbeek
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antoine H C van Kampen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Danielle M Gerlag
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Baas
- Department of Genome Analysis, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niek de Vries
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Lübbers J, van Beers-Tas MH, Vosslamber S, Turk SA, de Ridder S, Mantel E, Wesseling JG, Reijm M, van Hoogstraten IM, Bijlsma JW, van Schaardenburg D, Bontkes HJ, Verweij CL. Changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets during arthritis development in arthralgia patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:205. [PMID: 27629388 PMCID: PMC5024500 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple lymphocyte subsets like T and B cells have been connected to joint infiltration and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Identification of leucocyte subsets that are dysregulated in arthritis development could provide insight into the aetiology of RA. This study aimed to investigate the composition of the peripheral blood components, i.e. CD14(+) monocytes, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes (CD3(+)), CD80(+), C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)(+) and CD27(+) B lymphocytes (CD19(+)), CD16(+)CD56(+)CD3(-) natural killer (NK) cells and activated CD56(+)CD3(+) T cells, for association with arthritis development in patients with arthralgia. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from 89 patients with early RA (disease duration <6 months), 37 healthy controls (HC) and 113 patients with arthralgia (22 developed arthritis within ≤1 year, 18 developed arthritis after >1 year and 73 did not develop arthritis). Absolute numbers of monocytes and lymphocyte subsets in whole heparinized blood were determined with flow cytometry using quantification beads in combination with fluorescent labelled antibodies for T cells, B cells, monocytes, NK cells and activated T cells. RESULTS In patients with early RA, significant decreases in numbers of (activated) T cells, CD80(+) and memory B cells and a trend towards smaller numbers of CD8(+) T cells was observed compared to HC. Similar differences were seen in patients with arthralgia who developed or did not develop arthritis (non-converters), with significantly decreased CD8(+) T cells and memory B cells. Patients with arthralgia who developed arthritis were split into groups that developed arthritis within 1 year (early converters) or after 1 year (late converters). Late converters had a significantly decreased number of CD8(+) T cells compared to non-converters; early converters had a decreased number of memory B cells. Longitudinal analysis of converters showed a significant relative increase in CD80(+) B cells towards the conversion time point compared to 24 months prior to conversion. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that patients with arthralgia who develop arthritis demonstrate a change in cellular immune parameters apparent in the periphery, starting with a decrease in cytotoxic T cells 24 months prior to arthritis development, followed by a decrease in the number of memory B cells 12 months prior to disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Lübbers
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Inflammatory Disease profiling Unit, CCA2.21, P.O. box 7075, Amsterdam, 1007MB, The Netherlands.
| | - Marian H van Beers-Tas
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Jan van Breemen Research Institute
- Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Vosslamber
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samina A Turk
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Jan van Breemen Research Institute
- Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander de Ridder
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elise Mantel
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John G Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Reijm
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johannes W Bijlsma
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Jan van Breemen Research Institute
- Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty J Bontkes
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, ACTA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L Verweij
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Mankia K, Emery P. Preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis: Progress Toward Prevention. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 68:779-88. [PMID: 26814677 DOI: 10.1002/art.39603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kulveer Mankia
- : Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Emery
- : Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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14
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de Jong TD, Lübbers J, Turk S, Vosslamber S, Mantel E, Bontkes HJ, van der Laken CJ, Bijlsma JW, van Schaardenburg D, Verweij CL. The type I interferon signature in leukocyte subsets from peripheral blood of patients with early arthritis: a major contribution by granulocytes. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:165. [PMID: 27411379 PMCID: PMC4944477 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The type I interferon (IFN) signature in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has shown clinical relevance in relation to disease onset and therapeutic response. Identification of the cell type(s) contributing to this IFN signature could provide insight into the signature’s functional consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of peripheral leukocyte subsets to the IFN signature in early arthritis. Methods Blood was collected from 26 patients with early arthritis and lysed directly or separated into peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs). PBMCs were sorted into CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD14+ monocytes by flow cytometry. Messenger RNA expression of three interferon response genes (IRGs RSAD2, IFI44L, and MX1) and type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2) was determined in whole blood and blood cell subsets by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. IRG expression was averaged to calculate an IFN score for each sample. Results Patients were designated “IFNhigh” (n = 8) or “IFNlow” (n = 18) on the basis of an IFN score cutoff in whole peripheral blood from healthy control subjects. The difference in IFN score between IFNhigh and IFNlow patients was remarkably large for the PMN fraction (mean 25-fold) compared with the other subsets (mean 6- to 9-fold), indicating that PMNs are the main inducers of IRGs. Moreover, the relative contribution of the PMN fraction to the whole-blood IFN score was threefold higher than expected from its abundance in blood (p = 0.008), whereas it was three- to sixfold lower for the other subsets (p ≤ 0.063), implying that the PMNs are most sensitive to IFN signaling. Concordantly, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were upregulated compared with healthy controls selectively in patient PMNs (p ≤ 0.0077) but not in PBMCs. Conclusions PMNs are the main contributors to the whole-blood type I IFN signature in patients with early arthritis, which seems due to increased sensitivity of these cells to type I IFN signaling. Considering the well-established role of neutrophils in the pathology of arthritis, this suggests a role of type I IFN activity in the disease as well. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1065-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamarah D de Jong
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Joyce Lübbers
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samina Turk
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Vosslamber
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elise Mantel
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty J Bontkes
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Present address: Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Conny J van der Laken
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Bijlsma
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L Verweij
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Analysis of serum immune markers in seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and in high-risk seropositive arthralgia patients. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26021. [PMID: 27189045 PMCID: PMC4870704 DOI: 10.1038/srep26021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Presence of autoantibodies precedes development of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (SP RA) and seropositive arthralgia patients (SAP) are at risk of developing RA. The aims of the study are to identify additional serum immune markers discriminating between SP and seronegative (SN) RA, and markers identifying high-risk SAP. Sera from SAP (n = 27), SP RA (n = 22), SN RA (n = 11) and healthy controls (n = 20) were analyzed using the Human Cytokine 25-Plex Panel. Selected markers were validated in independent cohorts of SP RA (n = 35) and SN RA (n = 12) patients. Eleven of 27 SAP developed RA within 8 months (median follow-up time, range 1-32 months), and their baseline serum markers were compared to 16 non-progressing SAP. SAP and SP RA patients showed a marked overlap in their systemic immune profiles, while SN RA showed a distinct immune profile. Three of 4 markers discriminating between SP and SN RA (IL-1β, IL-15 and Eotaxin, but not CCL5) were similarly modulated in independent cohorts. SAP progressing to RA showed trends for increases in IL-5, MIP-1β, IL-1RA and IL-12 compared to non-progressing SAP. ROC analysis showed that serum IL-5 most accurately discriminated between the two SAP groups (AUC > 0.8), suggesting that baseline IL-5 levels may aid the identification of high-risk SAP.
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Márquez A, Martín J, Carmona FD. Emerging aspects of molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:663-75. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2016.1174579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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