Internal Medicine
Assessment of Interleukin 17 in Egyptian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients as a Biomarker in Disease Activity
Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic idiopathic systemic autoimmune disorder with dysregulation of adaptive and innate immune systems. Interleukin (IL)-17 is the prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Therefore it contributes to the pathogenesis of human SLE. Aim: The aim of the research paper was the evaluation of IL-17 level as a biomarker in the SLE cohort and its relation to disease activity and analysis of IL-17 concentration in patients with lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis. Methods: The research enrolled 45 SLE patients according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria (SLICC) and age and sex-matched. The patients underwent full history clinical examination laboratory investigation and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) calculation. Results: The mean age ± SD of the participants equaled 32 ± 11 years and serum IL-17 in SLE cases was statistically significantly high (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were reported between disease activity according to SLEDAI and IL-17. In addition a statistically significant positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and ESR and a high statistically significant negative correlation was reported between IL-17 and C3 and C4 (P < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins with a Pvalue of 0.01. Conclusion: SLE cases demonstrated higher levels of serum IL-17 contributing to SLE pathogenesis. However no statistically significant difference was reported between IL-17 and Lupus nephritis. IL-17 and SLE activity (SLEDAI) did not correlate. A statistically significant positive relation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins. Additionally a high statistically significant negative correlation was reported between IL-17 and C3 and C4.
Hypoparathyroidism: Musculoskeletal Manifestations Related to Parathormone Deficiency
Background: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare metabolic disorder that can be responsible for musculoskeletal manifestations. Aim: We present a systematic review of musculoskeletal manifestations of adult-onset nonsurgical nongenetic hypoparathyroidism. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline using the MEDLINE database including manuscripts describing musculoskeletal manifestations of adult-onset nonsurgical nongenetic hypoparathyroidism. Results: Musculoskeletal manifestations included myopathy shoulder disorder immune-negative non-erosive peripheral arthritis axial involvement simulating spondylarthritis and diffuse ligamentous ossifications. An association between hypoparathyroidism and spondyloarthritis or autoimmune diseases is possible. T-cell activation seen in patients with hypoparathyroidism may explain the co-occurrence of hypoparathyroidism with other autoimmune diseases. The treatment of these manifestations is based on calcium and active vitamin D supplementation. Parathyroid hormone may have an anabolic effect on muscle atrophy and muscle weakness. Parathyroid hormone can also promote bone formation and bone resorption by stimulating osteoclast differentiation by increasing RANKL (receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa-B ligand) expression. Therefore hypoparathyroidism can be responsible for an increase in bone mineral density. However the risk of fractures does not appear to be reduced due to changes in bone microarchitecture and the high risk of falls. Treatment with parathyroid hormone has been shown to improve bone microarchitecture. Conclusion: Our review showed that musculoskeletal manifestations are frequent in patients with hypoparathyroidism including muscular axial peripheral articular and entheseal manifestations.
Low Frequency of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Despite Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It has been identified that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can be essential risk factors for developing complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Objective: This study aimed to describe the safety profile of drugs used to treat RA focused in UGIB. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with RA between 2015 and 2021 a description of the population and an evaluation of the relationship with UGIB through bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: Of 405 individuals 16 presented UGIB (93.8% women mean age was 65±13.6 years). No statistically significant differences were found regarding UGIB and medication use except for the mean dose of corticosteroids. In the multivariate analysis it was found that the presence of anemia in the last three months had an adjusted OR (AOR) of 16.1 (95% CI 2.74- 24.23) and higher HAQ values during the previous three months had an AOR of 6.17 (95% CI 1.79- 21.24). Conclusion: This study found a low frequency of UGIB in patients with RA. More significant disability and anemia in the previous months were independently associated with UGIB. The low frequency of NSAID use in this population is noteworthy. In general reasonable medication use related to this complication is recommended.
Exploring the Promising Role of Guggulipid in Rheumatoid Arthritis Management: An In-depth Analysis
Background: Guggulipid an oleo-gum resin extracted from the bark of Commiphora wightii of the Burseraceae family holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its historical use in treating various disorders including inflammation gout rheumatism obesity and lipid metabolism imbalances. Objective: This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the molecular targets of guggulipids and explore their cellular responses. Furthermore it summarizes the findings from in-vitro in-vivo and clinical investigations related to arthritis and various inflammatory conditions. Methods: A comprehensive survey encompassing in-vitro in-vivo and clinical studies has been conducted to explore the therapeutic capacity of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Various molecular pathways such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) PI3-kinase/AKT JAK/STAT nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NFΚB signaling pathways have been targeted to assess the antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of this compound. Results: The research findings reveal that guggulipid demonstrates notable antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key molecular pathways involved in inflammatory responses. These pathways include COX-2 VEGF PI3-kinase/AKT JAK/STAT iNOS and NFΚB signaling pathways. in-vitro in-vivo and clinical studies collectively support the therapeutic potential of guggulipid in managing rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory conditions. Conclusion: This review provides a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms and potential of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. The collective evidence strongly supports the promising role of guggulipid as a therapeutic agent encouraging further research and development in guggulipid-based treatments for these conditions.
Reaction Time in Fibromyalgia Patients
Background: Fibromyalgia has unknown aetiology and is associated with reduced information processing speed and therefore prolonged reaction time. However the processes underlying this are unknown. Objectives: First to compare the reaction time in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and a matched group of normal controls. Second to assess whether detailed symptoms of pain and autonomic function as well as measures of tinnitus fatigue daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. Methods: The between-groups mean serial five-choice reaction time difference was assessed in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and in a matched group of normal controls in an analytical casecontrolled study. With the mean serial five-choice reaction time as the dependent variable for the fibromyalgia group a mixed stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with inputs relating to pain dysautonomia tinnitus fatigue daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Results: The mean (standard error) serial five-choice reaction time for the fibromyalgia group was 448.4 (23.0) ms compared with 386.3 (8.3) ms for the control group (p = 0.007). The final multiple linear regression model (p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.772) contained 13 predictors: eight sensory pain and three affective pain parameters and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG and IgA assay results. Conclusion: Certain sensory and affective pain parameters as well as Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection appear to be predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. Further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which they affect information processing is warranted and may shed light on the aetiology of fibromyalgia.
Severe Acro-osteolysis Mimicking Arthritis Mutilans in a Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report
Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with suspected secondary osteoporosis and severe osteoporosis with multiple fractures is frequently the first clinical manifestation of the disease. Case Presentation: Mutilating arthritis (arthritis mutilans) can be part of the clinical presentation of a number of rheumatic diseases most commonly seen in psoriatic arthritis rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis but also in systemic lupus systemic sclerosis and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Evidence exists that subperiosteal and subchondral bone resorption seen in PHPT could induce the so-called ‘osteogenic synovitis’ which could eventually lead to the development of a secondary osteoarthritis with bone deformities. Conclusion: Here we present a case report of a patient initially diagnosed with PHPT who presented with mutilating arthritis of the finger joints and discuss whether the severe acro-osteolysis is a manifestation of the endocrinopathy or whether there is a co-existing undiagnosed inflammatory joint disease.
Insight into the Epidemiology of the Adult-onset Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases in Egypt: A Descriptive Study of 8690 Patients
Background/Objective: Although systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) seem to be ubiquitous Africa and the Middle East seem to be a remarkable exception with scarcity of data compared with the developed countries. Furthermore most of the studies addressed a particular disease. This work aimed to shed light on the relative frequency and epidemiology of the different adult-onset SARDs in Egypt. Methods: This is a retrospective hospital-based study including six university hospitals providing free health care services: Cairo Alexandria Tanta Suez Canal Beni-Suef and Assiut University Hospitals. All available files for patients attending the outpatient clinics or admitted to the inpatient departments between January 2000 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data about the patient’s diagnosis gender age at disease onset year of disease onset and residence were collected. Results: The study included 8690 patients. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Behçet’s disease (BD) and spondyloarthropathies (SPA) represented the main SARDs in Egypt. They mainly affect young patients below the age of 40 years. RA and SLE mainly affect females; males are mainly affected by axial SPA and BD. There is an increasing incidence of SARDs during the study period. Conclusion: The study revealed the high burden of SARDs in Egypt helping better allocation of economic resources for the management of diseases of the highest prevalence and those affecting the young reproductive age groups. Increased public and medical staff awareness about SARDs is recommended to help early referral of patients to rheumatologists and hence better estimation of their epidemiology.
Study on the Expression and Potential Function of LncRNA in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease that has the characteristics of difficult early diagnosis and a high disability rate. Objective: The objective of this study was to further explore the possible mechanism and potential function of lncRNA in AS. Methods: We used lncRNA microarray technology to detect the expression of lncRNA and mRNA in patients with active AS stable patients and healthy controls (HC). Afterward bioinformatics analysis was conducted on differentially expressed genes. Seven differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out for real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) combined with various clinical indicators for correlation analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the potential of lncRNA as a diagnostic marker for AS. Results: The results showed that the expression levels of NR-037662 and ENST00000599316 in the AS subgroups were significantly higher than those in the HC group while the expression levels of ENST00000577914 and ENST00000579003 were lower than those in the HC group. The expression levels of NR-003542 and ENST00000512051 in the ASA group were significantly higher than those in the ASS and HC groups while NR-026756 was just the opposite. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that the expression level of NR-003542 was positively correlated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP). The expression level of NR-026756 was negatively correlated with the Bath Ankylosing Spine Inflammatory Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) BASFI ESR hsCRP and globulin (GLOB). In addition it was also found that the ROC curve analysis of the 4 lncRNAs between the AS group (ASA group and ASS group) and the HC group were statistically significant and the area under the curve (AUC) of NR-037662 ENST00000599316 ENST00000577914 and ENST00000579003 was 0.804 0.812 0.706 and 0.698 respectively. Conclusion: It was found that these differentially expressed lncRNAs of AS may be involved in the occurrence and development of the disease. Among them NR-037662 ENST00000599316 ENST00000577914 and ENST00000579003 might have the potential to become AS diagnostic molecular markers. Moreover NR -003542 ENST00000512051 and NR-026756 might have the potential to be indicators of disease activity.
An Overview of Adalimumab Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease known for causing pain stiffness and reduced mobility in the axial skeleton. Adalimumab a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for AS. Methods: This systematic review involved a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials related to AS treatment conducted in major databases such as MEDLINE Google Scholar and PubMed. The search terms encompassed ankylosing spondylitis adalimumab methotrexate other non-biologic DMARDs glucocorticoids NSAIDs and analgesics. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials with 4500 participants were included in the review. Results: The review's results revealed that adalimumab demonstrated notable superiority when compared to a placebo. It effectively reduced disease activity improved physical function and lowered inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Adalimumab demonstrated a favorable safety profile with adverse events comparable to those observed with placebo. Conclusion: Based on the results adalimumab is deemed an effective treatment for AS showcasing its potential as a first-line therapeutic option. Notably no significant increase in adverse events was observed compared to placebo. However the conclusion emphasizes the need for further studies with extended follow-up durations to ascertain the long-term efficacy and safety of adalimumab in AS management. This systematic review provides valuable insights supporting the use of adalimumab in the treatment of AS and underscores the importance of ongoing investigations into its long-term effects to optimize its clinical utilization in AS patients.
Correlation between Quality of Life and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Background: Inflammatory markers are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) live with constant pain that limits their daily activities. Our study highlights the effects of disease activity on the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Swollen joint count (SJC) tender joint count (TJC) and visual activity scale (VAS) were utilized to acquire patients' subjective feelings of wellness and their performance of routine daily activities to determine the disease activity. The patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was measured at the clinical hematology laboratory using the Westergren method. The Quality of Life was rated on a scale of 1 to 10. Results: Our study found that disease activity is inversely proportional to the quality of life. Out of 111 patients 3 (2.7%) were in remission 1 (0.9%) had mild disease 51 (45.9%) had moderate disease and 56 (50.5%) had high disease activity. The ESR was normal (<20) in 11 patients (9.9%) moderately elevated (20-50) in 56 (50.5%) patients and very high (>50) in 44 (39.6%) patients. The study revealed that 66% of patients in remission had normal while 33% had moderately elevated ESR. 12.5% of patients with moderate disease activity had normal ESR and none with high disease activity had normal ESR. Of 44 patients with high ESR 7 had moderate disease activity and 37 had high disease activity. In our study 60% of patients had a less than 50% quality of life compared to patients with pre-arthritis. Conclusion: High disease activity affects the productivity and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Assessing the impact of different interventions on the QOL should be an essential task that can help define a holistic and integrative treatment and rehabilitation model for RA patients.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: The Two Cases Representing the Range of this Illness
Introduction: Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is defined as a systemic rheumatic disease characterized by the presence of high titer anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (U1 RNP) antibodies in combination with clinical features commonly seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) systemic sclerosis (SSc) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and polymyositis (PM). Case Presentation: The annual incidence of MCTD is 1.9 per 100000 adults. Any organ system can be involved in MCTD however four clinical features that suggest the presence of MCTD rather than another systemic rheumatic disease are Raynaud phenomenon with swollen hands or puffy fingers absence of severe kidney disease and central nervous system (CNS) disease at first presentation generally insidious onset of pulmonary hypertension and presence of autoantibodies anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (U1 RNP) especially antibodies to the 68 kD protein. MCTD although initially thought to be a disease with a benign course is not considered a valid argument at present. This connective tissue disorder can present with life-threating organ involvement with rapid progression of disease. Conclusion: We report two cases of MCTD one with mild disease and another with life-threatening illness describing the range of severity at presentation of this disorder.
Randomised Clinical Trial Study: The Combination of Vitamin D and Curcumin Piperine Attenuates Disease Activity and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Levels Insystemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Background: Curcumin-piperine might synergise with vitamin D to induce clinical remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective: To observe the improvement of patients with SLE clinically and the levels of inflammatory cytokines after receiving supplements of curcumin-piperine and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Methods: Forty-five female SLE patients were included in a three-month double-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants were classified into: Group I (400 IU cholecalciferol + placebo three times daily n = 15) Group II (600 mg curcumin + 15800 m piperine once daily and three times daily placebo n = 15) and Group III (cholecalciferol 400 IU three times and 600 mg curcumin + 15800 mg piperine once a day n = 15). Mexican SLE disease activity score (Mex- SLEDAI) fatigue severity scale (FSS) TGF-β and IL-6 levels were measured from all patients before and after the treatments. Results: Mex-SLEDAI FSS and IL-6 were reduced significantly while TGF-β serum levels were increased in all groups after the treatments (p <0.05). Changes in Mex-SLEDAI score (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008) FSS (p = 0.001 and p <0.001) and TGF-β (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) serum levels were significantly higher in group III compared to the group I or group II. On the other hand changes in Mex-SLEDAI FSS IL-6 and TGF-β serum levels were similar between groups I and II. Conclusion: Although vitamin D or curcumin-piperine alone could improve the clinical outcome and cytokines levels in SLE curcumin-piperine combined with vitamin D had the best outcome in improving the disease activity and cytokines levels among patients with SLE. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05430087).
The Ability of Indigenous Plants in Alleviating Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-lasted inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease that predominantly manifests in people between the ages of 30 and 50 Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by more than a half-hour of morning stiffness in the affected joints fever soreness swelling weight loss tiredness warm joints and subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules. Hormonal genetic epigenetic reproductive and neuroendocrine risk factors as well as comorbid host variables are the categories of host-related risk factors associated with the evolution of RA. Additional risk variables that have been linked to RA include food environmental variables socioeconomic status smoking microbiome infection agents and other airborne exposures. The objective of RA therapies is to minimise joint deformity and destruction minimise discomfort and inflammation in the joints and maximise joint function.Growing data suggests that the course of Rheumatoid Arthritis is affected by the minimisation of disease activity caused by disease-modifying medications and that patients may benefit from early antirheumatic medication delivery that modifies illness. While numerous herbs have been explored for their anti-inflammatory properties it is important to note that not all herbs have been thoroughly researched. This review focuses on seventeen native plant species that have shown either promising or established anti-arthritic effects based on preclinical and clinical studies where available. The review highlights the biochemical and immunological attributes of these herbs summarizing their therapeutic potential for RA management while also acknowledging the limitations and gaps in current research. This examination provides insights into the potential of these herbal treatments for RA and calls for further research to explore their efficacy and safety in greater depth.
Promising Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ursolic Acid Isolated from Atylosia goensis
Indigenous plants are plant species that are native to a specific region and have evolved naturally and adapted to local environmental conditions over a long period.
This study aimed to explore the anti-arthritic effects of Atylosia goensis an indigenous plant species in the Western Ghats of India.
An ethanolic extract of Atylosia goensis was obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method which revealed a diverse array of phytochemicals through liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Key compounds including fatty acids sterols and potential health-beneficial compounds were identified and one prominent phytoconstituent ursolic acid was spectroscopically characterized using 1H NMR 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. The research also examined the anti-inflammatory activity and in-vitro and in-vivo anti-arthritic activity of ethanolic extract.
The ethanol extract exhibited notable inhibition of Cox-2 indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. The in vivo anti-arthritic activity of ursolic acid was evaluated at different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) over a 24-day period. Ursolic acid significantly reduced joint edema particularly at higher doses thereby emphasizing its anti-inflammatory properties. Biomarker analysis revealed dose-dependent attenuation of disease-associated biomarker levels supporting the potential therapeutic efficacy of ursolic acid in arthritis management. Moreover the hepatoprotective potential of ursolic acid was evident in biochemical parameters including SGPT SGOT and ALP levels. Both doses of ursolic acid effectively mitigated liver dysfunction induced in the disease control group demonstrating its protective role in liver health. Histopathological assessments corroborated these findings indicating a reduction in inflammatory areas following ursolic acid treatment especially at higher doses.
This experimental work provides valuable information on the therapeutic potential of Atylosia goensis and ursolic acid emphasizing their roles in anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective applications. This study contributes to the understanding of plant-derived compounds for potential pharmaceutical use in the management of inflammatory and arthritic conditions.
Factors Associated with Axial Spondyloarthritis Remission in a Cohort of Saudi Patients with Longstanding Disease: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Earlier treatment in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) was proposed to alter disease prognosis in this often-challenging condition. We aimed to assess the proportion of patients and prognostic factors associated with axSpA remission.
The aim was to determine the number of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) of <2.1 (inactive/moderate disease activity). We also evaluated global functioning and health using the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society-Health Index (ASAS-HI).
Patients with axSpA who were receiving targeted synthetic/biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (ts/bDMARDs) treatments and visited the rheumatology units at two tertiary-care centers between December 2021 and December 2022 were prospectively interviewed. Data regarding patient demographics disease features active and previous ts/bDMARDs treatments and disease activity scores were obtained. Patients were assessed using the ASDAS-CRP ASDAS-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ASDAS-ESR) Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and ASAS-HI.
Overall 60 patients with axSpA were included in this study (women n = 35); 25 (41.7%) and 36 (62.1%) achieved an ASDAS-CRP of <2.1 and an ASAS-HI of ≤5 (good health) respectively. Out of the 60 patients 75% (n = 45) were treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor. Factors associated with achieving the target ASDAS-CRP included age (p = 0.019) sex (p = 0.015) employment status (p = 0.015) education level (p = 0.030) and the number of previous ts/bDMARDs treatments (p = 0.019). Additionally the ASDAS-CRP strongly correlated with spinal pain and moderately correlated with the ASAS-HI BASDAI and the number of previous ts/bDMARDs treatments.
Remission was observed in 41.7% of patients indicating a challenge in achieving target disease activity. However 62.1% attained good health. Achieving remission was associated with younger age male sex a higher level of education lower level of spinal pain better global function by ASAS-HI employment and receiving their first ts/bDMARDs treatment. Our findings may potentially improve disease prognosis with the earlier use of ts/bDMARDs in those without favorable features by implementing an early axSpA intervention strategy.
High-dose Omega-3 Alters Serum Magnesium and Calcium Levels and Affects Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Control Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a high oral dose of omega-3 on serum magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) levels and their effects on clinical measures of pain threshold.
One hundred twenty patients were recruited and randomized 1:1 to omega-3 or placebo and blinded to their treatment group. At baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) were completed. In addition serum was taken for Ca and Mg analysis at the same time point.
The WPI SSS VAS and FIQ scores improved significantly in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Serum Ca levels correlated negatively with WPI (r = - 0.308) SSS (r = -0.28) VAS (r = -0.311) and FIQ (r= -0.348) scores (P < 0.001) after 8 weeks of treatment. Serum Mg levels were negatively correlated with SSS (r = -0.212) and VAS (r = -0.231) scores after 8 weeks of treatment. The difference between serum Ca levels before and after 8 weeks of omega-3 treatment and serum Mg levels increased significantly compared to 8 weeks of placebo treatment.
The results of this study showed that a high dose of omega-3 could have a positive effect on the relief of FM pain which could be due to an increase in serum Mg and Ca levels.
What is the Link between Lung Involvement and Anti-CCP Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Study
In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) pulmonary involvement is one of the most frequent extra-articular manifestations. Several studies have demonstrated an association between RA-related lung disease and the positivity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Our aim is to describe the frequency of pulmonary involvement in the RA population and investigate the association between anti-CCP antibodies and diverse lung compartment involvement in RA patients.
An observational retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted during which data were collected from the medical records of the patients with RA who had been tested for anti-CCP antibodies and had thoracic high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) evaluation from January 2011 to March 2022. The univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression models was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs.
A total of 390 patients with RA were included the mean age of patients was 58.99 ± 12.44 years with a predominance of females (85.9%). Two hundred and fifty-two (64.6%) patients were positive for anti-CCP antibodies. The frequency of RA-related lung diseases was 14.4% (n=56). The different manifestations observed in the thoracic HRCT included Nodules (67.9%) Interstitial lung disease (ILD) (28.6%) bronchiectasis (25%) fibrosis (21.4%) obliterative bronchiolitis (7.1%) and pleuritis (1.8%). In univariate and multivariate analysis pulmonary involvement was associated with positive anti-CCP antibodies with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.25 (95% CI: 2.17-12.70 p < 0.0001).
The study demonstrated a positive association between anti-CCP antibodies and pulmonary involvement in RA and highlighted the importance of tight monitoring in RA patients with positive anti-CCP for pulmonary complications.
Effects of Glucosamine in the Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Review
Osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a chronic disease characterized by irreversible damage to articular surfaces including inflammation loss of articular cartilage and subchondral bone alterations which would be radiographically evident only in later stages. Symptomatic slow-acting so-called nutraceutical drugs have been proposed as a treatment for osteoarthritis in comparison to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) because of their appreciable safety profile even in long-term intake. Glucosamine being one among them proved highly efficient in knee osteoarthritis. However its application in TMJ osteoarthritis dates back only to 2001 and is still inconclusive in its efficiency even with systematic reviews in restoring the structural and functional aspects of damaged TMJ. Glucosamine being a natural compound and also a contributor to building the matrix of articular cartilage can be utilized effectively for TMJ osteoarthritis as an adjunct along with other conventional treatment modalities available till now which also have moderate prognosis in most of the clinical scenarios. This review summarizes data relating to the mechanism of osteoarthritis and its management using glucosamine formulations. The beneficial effects of glucosamine on the pathophysiology of TMJ osteoarthritis are possibly due to its contribution to hyaluronic acid regulation and in establishing a proper balance between anabolism/catabolism in the articular tissues.