Stimulation of the vagus nerve as a therapeutic principle

Modulation of the parasympathetic tone leads to extensive physiological reactions at several levels, including the decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Many studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activities. Moreover, it was demonstrated that a low parasympathetic and a high sympathetic activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predicts a poor therapeutic response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment compared to RA patients with a more balanced autonomic nervous system. The autonomic equilibrium could be restored by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Considering the patients who do not sufficiently respond to the available drugs, patients for whom the effectiveness of the drugs wanes over time, or have drug-related adverse events, a nonpharmacological approach such as bioelectronics might be a useful supplement as an instrument in the successful extension of the therapeutic armamentarium for rheumatic diseases; however, there is a great need for further studies and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the field of neuroimmunology.

[Stimulation of the vagus nerve as a therapeutic principle. German Version]

Modulation of the parasympathetic tone leads to extensive physiological reactions at several levels, including the decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Many studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activities. Moreover, it was demonstrated that a low parasympathetic and a high sympathetic activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predicts a poor therapeutic response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment compared to RA patients with a more balanced autonomic nervous system. The autonomic equilibrium could be restored by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Considering the patients who do not sufficiently respond to the available drugs, patients for whom the effectiveness of the drugs wanes over time, or have drug-related adverse events, a nonpharmacological approach such as bioelectronics might be a useful supplement as an instrument in the successful extension of the therapeutic armamentarium for rheumatic diseases; however, there is a great need for further studies and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the field of neuroimmunology.

AB0244 MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND BELIEFS ABOUT MEDICATION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Consistent immunosuppressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is crucial for reduced progression and improved long-term outcome of the disease. Therefore, drug adherence is a prerequisite, which is often insufficient according to literature.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between adherence and beliefs about medication in patients with RA.

Methods

The study included 137 RA patients (102 female, 35 male; age range 28-86 years, Ø 64.8 ± 12.6 yrs; SDAI Ø 9.9 ± 6.8; 61 % DMARD monotherapy, 31 % DMARD combination therapy, 9 % currently treated without DMARD). Medication adherence was measured with the Compliance-Questionnaire-Rheumatology (CQR). This is a self-report questionnaire with 19 items (4 response options each). The sum score is mapped to a scale from 0 to 100 % (CQR%), where 100 % corresponds to optimal adherence. A CQR% ≥ 80 % was defined as satisfactory adherence. In addition, the specific part of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to assess patients’ opinions about the necessity of their medication therapy and their concerns. Besides correlation analyses (Spearman-Rho) multiple linear regression was applied to determine factors influencing adherence (coefficient of determination: adjusted R2).

Results

Adherence was satisfactory in 93 RA patients (67.9 %) and insufficient in almost one-third (n = 44, 32.1 %). Analyses showed that adherence was significantly related to belief in necessity (r = 0.46; p < 0.001) and concerns about drug therapy (r = -0.27; p = 0.001). Furthermore, it became apparent that adherence is closely linked to the age of the patient (r = 0.30; p < 0.001). Younger RA patients (< 60 yrs) had significantly lower CQR%-scores than older RA patients (≥ 60 yrs; p < 0.01). Belief in the necessity of therapy, medication concerns and patient age accounted for almost half of the patient-specific variability in adherence (each p < 0.001; R2 = 42.9 %), suggesting a strong dependence of adherence on these three factors.

Conclusion

Adherence is insufficient in about one-third of RA patients. Additionally, adherence appears to be strongly dependent on the patient’s belief in the necessity of therapy, medication concerns and age. Physicians should strive for all RA patients to have sufficient knowledge about their medication, strengthen the belief in the necessity of the therapy and be mindful of adherence when talking to patients.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0510 INFLUENCE OF CMV INFECTION ON DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

The causes of the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are complex and not yet understood. Some studies suspect viruses as triggers of inflammatory processes (1). Increased numbers of immunomodulatory cells have already been detected in patients with RA infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) (2) (3). Understanding the role this infection has on RA-specific disease parameters could help clarify predisposing and prognostic factors.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between CMV serostatus and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in adult patients diagnosed with RA. The data was collected between 2008 and 2021 in the rheumatological outpatient department of the University Hospital in Leipzig, Germany. The parameters examined included age, gender, CMV-IgG and CMV-IgM, and the following parameters to record the disease activity of RA: disease duration, joint erosions, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, CRP, disease activity score (DAS28), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain detection, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), medication with DMARDs and prednisolone.

Results

A total of 89 RA patients were included, 78.7% of them were female. The mean age was 61.44 ± 10.89 years and the mean duration of illness was 9.48 ± 9.13 years. 56.2% of the patients were CMV-IgG positive, 2.2% CMV-IgM positive. With an OR of 5.04 (95% CI 1.63-15.64), the CMV-IgG titer in women was significantly higher than in men (115.16 vs. 50.75 p = 0.007). This has already been shown in other studies (4). One of the reasons discussed is the women’s closer relationship with children at work. It has also been shown that among women those medicated with DMARDs had significantly higher CMV-IgG titers (126.82 vs. 58.84 p = 0.036). This could be explained by an increased predisposition for CMV reactivation due to the intake of medication. Women with joint erosions were also more likely to be CMV-IgG positive (OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.02-10.03) and had higher CMV-IgG titers (147.44 vs. 97.23 p = 0.024). Furthermore, seropositive RA women were significantly more likely to be CMV-IgG positive (p = 0.05). This association supports the assumption that CMV may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Conclusion

The data presented shows that there is indeed a relationship between infection with CMV and parameters for disease activity in patients with RA. In summary, the integration of a CMV status determination into everyday clinical practice in patients with high disease activity could be quite useful and should be discussed.

References

[1]Davis, John M., et al. A profile of immune response to herpesvirus is associated with radiographic joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 14, 2012, 1.

[2]Almanzar, Giovanni, et al. Significant IFNγ responses of CD8+ T cells in CMV-seropositive individuals with autoimmune arthritis. Journal of clinical virology: the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology. 77, 2016.

[3]Hooper, M., et al. Cytomegalovirus seropositivity is associated with the expansion of CD4+CD28- and CD8+CD28- T cells in rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of rheumatology. 26, 1999, 7.

[4]Cannon, Michael J., Schmid, D. Scott und Hyde, Terri B. Review of cytomegalovirus seroprevalence and demographic characteristics associated with infection. Reviews in medical virology. 4, 2010, 20.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

Increased expression of LAT1 in basal cell carcinoma - implications for tumour cell survival

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer in fair-skinned individuals worldwide. Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancer, and a growing body of evidence has shown increased expression of the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT) small subunit 1 in several types of cancers, including BCC. However, the mechanisms behind changed LAT1 expression in BCC are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the protein expression of LAT1 and its co-localisation with LAT2, and to examine LAT1 in association with BCC tumour biology characteristics such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hypoxia.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples (n=14) from excised BCCs were stained with immunofluorescence and examined regarding protein-staining patterns.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between expression of LAT1 and LAT2, and the co-localisation was low. The proliferation markers topoisomerase IIα and Ki-67 both showed a significantly higher expression in the BCC tissue than in the normal epidermis (p=0.0063 and p=0.010, respectively). The fraction of LAT1-expressing cells in the BCC was inversely correlated to the fraction of proliferative active tumour cells (p=0.0013). Cleaved caspase-3 was significantly increased in tumour areas with high LAT1 expression (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study show that LAT1 is not usually expressed by proliferating BCC cells. The morphological localisation suggests that tumour cells use LAT1 in adaption to environmental changes such as starvation and/or hypoxia. These findings could have implications for future development of LAT1-inhibitory BCC treatments.

Interaction of pain and chronic inflammation

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of synovial joints and are often associated with persistent pain and increased pain sensitivity. The inflammatory process is a complex cascade of events involving several mediators, which can lead to a chronic condition of pain. Inflammation can stimulate angiogenesis, and angiogenesis can facilitate inflammation. Inflammatory pain arises from tissue damage via the sensitization of pain receptors (nociceptors). The main peripheral mechanism underlying nociceptive pain is a change in the activity of the nociceptors located in the affected anatomical structures (joints, tendons, and ligaments), which renders them more sensitive to normally painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) or normally non-painful stimuli (allodynia). Neuroimmune interaction has been considered to play an essential role in rheumatic disease. Neurogenic inflammation, which influences normal central nervous system signaling, leads to insufficient signaling/bioavailability of various cytokines. These central mechanisms play an important role in the increased pain sensitivity following inflammation and are responsible for the development of secondary hyperalgesia in regions beyond the injured tissue. Reduction of pain in rheumatic disease requires familiarity with various pain mechanisms.

Increased expression of Toll-like receptor 7 and 9 in vitiligo melanocytes: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed on human melanocytes, and play an important role in innate and acquired immunity. The role of TLRs in the pathogenesis of vitiligo has not been fully described.

AIM

To investigate the expression of TLRs in melanocytes from patients with vitiligo and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

Primary cultured vitiligo and control melanocytes were obtained from perilesional normal skin of patients with generalized vitiligo and HCs. TLRs mRNA expression in melanocytes were determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR and protein expression by western blotting. Apoptosis was analysed using an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate apoptosis detection kit, and tyrosinase activity and melanin content were measured by a modified dopachrome and colorimetric method. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and soluble cell adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 expression were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

In vitiligo melanocytes, compared with control melanocytes, apoptosis rate, expression of TLR7 and TLR9 mRNA and protein, and production of IL-8, IL-6 and sICAM-1 were significantly increased, whereas tyrosinase activity and melanin content were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the increased expression of TLR7 and TLR9 might correlate with melanocyte dysfunction in vitiligo.

Quality of life and contact with healthcare systems among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: results from the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP)

Psoriasis (skin psoriasis, PsO) is a chronic inflammatory condition. In about one-third of cases, the joints are affected (psoriatic arthritis, PsA). Both conditions, especially PsA, profoundly impact patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To describe the impact of psoriasis on HRQoL and patients’ contact with the healthcare system in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP) asked 22,050 adults randomly selected in Sweden, Denmark and Norway if they had psoriasis. 1264 individuals who reported physician-diagnosed PsO/PsA were invited to the full survey; 1221 responded (74.6% diagnosed with PsO alone; 25.4% with PsA ± PsO). Respondents with PsA most frequently consulted a rheumatologist; however, 14.3% had never seen a rheumatologist. Respondents with PsO alone most frequently consulted a general practitioner and 10.7% had never seen a dermatologist (although those with severe symptoms visited dermatologists more often). Negative impacts on HRQoL were reported by 38.1% of respondents with PsO [mostly limitations on clothing (22.6%), sleep disorders (16%), and depression/anxiety (16%)] and by 73% of respondents with PsA [mostly limitations on clothing (41.8%), sports/leisure (44.0%), or daily routine (45.1%) and sleeping disorders]. Absence from work/education was more common with PsA ± PsO (51.9%) than PsO alone (15.1%). In this survey in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the impact of psoriasis on the respondents’ HRQoL was profound and was greater for PsA than for PsO, as was sickness absence. Sleeping disorders and depression were common and should not be overlooked.

Treatment use and satisfaction among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: results from the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP)

Background

There are scarce data in Scandinavia about treatment satisfaction among patients with psoriasis (PsO) and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The number of patients receiving systemic treatment is unknown.

Objective

To describe patients’ experience of treatments for PsO/PsA in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, addressing communication with physicians, satisfaction with treatment and concerns regarding treatment options.

Methods

The NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP) asked 22 050 adults (randomly selected from the YouGov panels in Sweden, Denmark and Norway) whether they had PsO/PsA. A total of 1264 individuals who reported physician‐diagnosed PsO/PsA were invited to participate in the full survey; 96.6% responded positively.

Results

Systemic treatment use was reported by 14.6% (biologic: 8.1%) of respondents with PsO only and by 58.5% (biologic: 31.8%) of respondents with PsA. Biologic treatments were more frequently reported by respondents considering their disease severe (26.8% vs 6.7% non‐severe) and those who were members of patient organizations (40.7% vs 6.9% non‐members). Discussing systemic treatments with their physician was reported significantly more frequently by respondents with PsA, those perceiving their disease as severe (although 35.2% had never discussed systemic treatment with their physician) and those reporting being a member of a patient organization (P < 0.05). Many respondents reported health risk concerns and dissatisfaction with their treatment. Of special interest was that respondents aged 45–75 years reported less experience with biologics (8.1%) than those aged 18–44 years (21.5%). The older respondents also reported more uncertainty regarding long‐term health risks related to systemic treatments (most [66.7–72.9%] responded ‘do not know’ when asked about the risk of systemic options).

Conclusion

It appears likely that substantial numbers of Scandinavians suffering from severe PsO/PsA are not receiving optimal treatment from a patient perspective, particularly older patients. Also, one‐third of respondents with severe symptoms had never discussed systemic treatment with a physician.

[Pilot Project: Improved Lung Deposition via a New Nasal Inhalation Procedure]

INTRODUCTION

Inhaled drugs can only be effective if they reach the middle and small airways. This study introduces a system that combines a trans-nasal application of aerosols with noninvasive pressure support ventilation.

METHODS

In a pilot study, 7 COPD patients with GOLD stages II and III inhaled a radiolabeled marker dissolved in water via a trans-nasal route. The mean aerosol particle size was 5.5 µm. Each patient took part in two inhalation sessions that included two application methods and were at least 70 hours apart. During the first session ("passive method"), the patient inhaled the aerosol through an open tube system. The second session ("active method") included pressure support ventilation during the inhalation process. A gamma camera and planar scintigraphy was used to determine the distribution of aerosol particles in the patient's body and lung.

RESULTS

The pressure supported inhalation ("active method") results in an increased aerosol lung deposition compared to the passive method. Above all, we could demonstrate deposition in the lung periphery with relatively large aerosol particles (5.5 µm).

DISCUSSION

The results prove that the combination of trans-nasal inhalation with noninvasive pressure support ventilation leads to significantly increased particle deposition in the lung.

Superior antitumoral activity of dimerized targeted single-chain TRAIL fusion proteins under retention of tumor selectivity

Although targeting of the death receptors (DRs) DR4 and DR5 still appears a suitable antitumoral strategy, the limited clinical responses to recombinant soluble TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) necessitate novel reagents with improved apoptotic activity/tumor selectivity. Apoptosis induction by a single-chain TRAIL (scTRAIL) molecule could be enhanced >10-fold by generation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific scFv-scTRAIL fusion proteins. By forcing dimerization of scFv-scTRAIL based on scFv linker modification, we obtained a targeted scTRAIL composed predominantly of dimers (Db-scTRAIL), exceeding the activity of nontargeted scTRAIL ∼100-fold on Huh-7 hepatocellular and Colo205 colon carcinoma cells. Increased activity of Db-scTRAIL was also demonstrated on target-negative cells, suggesting that, in addition to targeting, oligomerization equivalent to an at least dimeric assembly of standard TRAIL per se enhances apoptosis signaling. In the presence of apoptosis sensitizers, such as the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib, Db-scTRAIL was effective at picomolar concentrations in vitro (EC(50) ∼2 × 10(-12) M). Importantly, in vivo, Db-scTRAIL was well tolerated and displayed superior antitumoral activity in mouse xenograft (Colo205) tumor models. Our results show that both targeting and controlled dimerization of scTRAIL fusion proteins provides a strategy to enforce apoptosis induction, together with retained tumor selectivity and good in vivo tolerance.