Introduction
Rheumatology & Autoimmunity 2024 Issue 2, including 10 papers in the field of rheumatology and immunology, welcome to read and cited.
Review
01
Mitochondrial aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis: Insights and therapeutic implications
Haoguang Li, Lu Zhou, Wei Zhou, Xiuling Zhang, Jingjing Shang, Xueqin Feng, Le Yu, Jie Fan, Jie Ren, Rongwei Zhang, Xinwang Duan
This article delves into the critical role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study elaborated on the close link between mitochondrial abnormalities and the occurrence and progression of SLE, including mitochondrial DNA damage, oxidative stress, immunometabolic abnormalities, and cell death. These abnormalities lead to dysregulation of the immune system in patients with SLE, which triggers an attack on autoantigens and an inflammatory response. The article also proposes diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for mitochondria-related pathways, highlighting that mitochondria-targeting therapy may be an effective method for SLE management, bringing new hope to patients.
How to cite: Li H, Zhou L, Zhou W, et al. Mitochondrial aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis: Insights and therapeutic implications. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 69-80. doi:10.1002/rai2.12119
02
Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases: A bibliometric‐based analysis of trends
Xiufang Kong, Wei Wang
本研究旨在对COVID-19疫苗接种在风湿病患者中的研究进行全面的文献计量学分析，并指出未来研究的可能方向。 共纳入文献615篇，来自79个国家/地区的1693个机构、5068位作者，刊载于194种期刊，其中文章505篇，综述110篇。 当前的文献分析结果显示，疫苗安全性、免疫原性和抗体应答是风湿病患者接种COVID-19疫苗领域的研究热点和前沿。 未来风湿病患者接种COVID-19疫苗的研究可重点关注抗体应答、验证和安全性。 How to cite: Kong X, Wang W. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases: a bibliometric-based analysis of trends. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 81-89. doi:10.1002/rai2.12132
Original Article
03
Enhanced therapeutic effects of apoptotic cell-conditioned mesenchymal stem cells in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice
Zhuoya Zhang, Yiyuan Cui, Saisai Huang, Weilin Liu, Chen Chen, Xuebing Feng, Dandan Wang, Lingyun Sun
Apoptotic cell-conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (AC-MSCs) exhibit stronger T cell suppression through the COX2/PGE2 pathway, but their therapeutic effect on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear. In this study, AC-MSCs significantly inhibited plasma cells, and the survival rate of MRL/lpr mice in this treatment group was significantly improved, the urine protein level was reduced, and the renal immune complex deposition and autoantibody production were reduced. In addition, AC-MSCs inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that AC-MSCs enhanced the therapeutic effect in SLE mice, and pretreatment of apoptotic cells may be a new strategy for MSC transplantation for the treatment of SLE.
How to cite: Zhang Z, Cui Y, Huang S, et al. Enhanced therapeutic effects of apoptotic cell-conditioned mesenchymal stem cells in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 90-98. doi:10.1002/rai2.12122
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04
SLAMF8 as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis identified by comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblast‐like synoviocytes, and synovial tissue using bioinformatics analysis
Cheng Zhang, Huina Huang, Jie Zhang, Yifan Huang, Yuanhua Qin, Xia Li, Guan Wang
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. In this study, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed through bioinformatics analysis, and synovial tissues of RA and OA patients were collected for verification using a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis. The most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in synovial tissue. Metabolism and cytokine signaling pathways are critical to the development of RA. The signaling lymphocyte activation molecular family (SLAMF)8 was significantly elevated in synovial tissue and collagen-induced arthritis model mice of RA patients. SLAMF8 may be a potential therapeutic target for RA.
How to cite: Zhang C, Huang H, Zhang J, et al. SLAMF8 as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis identified by comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and synovial tissue using bioinformatics analysis. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 99-108. doi:10.1002/rai2.12117
05
Assessing the causality of interferon‐γ and its receptor 1/2 with systemic lupus erythematosus risk using genetic data
Minjing Chang, Kaixin Yao, Jiawei Hao, Yinqi Long, Lulin Qiao, Yaru Zhang, Kexin Ma, Peifeng He
In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling pathway is activated. In this study, a two-way Mendelian randomization design was used to evaluate the causal association of IFN-γ, IFN-γ receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) and IFN-γ receptor 2 (IFN-γR2) with SLE. The results showed that higher IFN-γ levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of SLE (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.47, p=0.018), while IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2 were not significantly associated with SLE risk. These results suggest that IFN-γ plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE, and suppressing its levels may become a new strategy for the treatment of SLE.
How to cite: Chang M, Yao K, Hao J, et al. Assessing the causality of interferon-γ and its receptor 1/2 with systemic lupus erythematosus risk using genetic data. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 109-118. doi:10.1002/rai2.12125
Letter to the Editor
06
Integrated analysis of lncRNAs expression profiling in systemic lupus erythematosus
Fen Zhang, Guifang Zhao, Yujie Bu, Xing Cen, Rong Zhao, Fengwu Chen, Shengxiao Zhang, Junwei Chen
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a variety of clinical manifestations, the etiology of which is not yet clear, but genetic, environmental, infection and other factors are involved. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play an important role in SLE. In this study, 338 lncRNAs were differentially expressed, 173 lncRNAs were up-regulated, and 165 lncRNAs were down-regulated. Seventeen patients with lncRNA were significantly downregulated between patients with SLE who were active before treatment and stable after treatment. Further studies found that the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs were associated with SLE disease activity, lymphocyte differentiation and C-reactive protein, suggesting that lncRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. How to cite: Zhang F, Zhao G, Bu Y, et al. Integrated analysis of lncRNAs expression profiling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 119-121. doi:10.1002/rai2.12116
07
Combination therapy with methylprednisolone, rituximab, and tofacitinib in antimelanoma differentiation-associated 5 gene dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease
Mona Manghani, Weiyen Lim, Gin Tsen Chai, Xin Rong Lim, Choon Guan Chua
This case series highlights the importance of early diagnosis of anti-MDA5 DM in patients with RP-ILD. Identifying the cutaneous features of anti-MDA5 diabetes mellitus is critical, as subtle rashes provide important clues to this difficult diagnosis. There is a window of opportunity to treat the disease before the damage to the respiratory system occurs. Early diagnosis and inhibition of upregulated interferon production using TOF therapy, combined with RTX-targeted B-cell activation, may have the potential to control the disease. Despite the observations made here, prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of these combinations. In addition, further research is needed on the use of JAK inhibitors versus calcineurin inhibitors, lower doses of RTX, and faster tapering of glucocorticoids in early disease.
How to cite: Manghani M, Lim W, Chai GT, et al. Combination therapy with methylprednisolone, rituximab, and tofacitinib in antimelanoma differentiation-associated 5 gene dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 122-125. doi:10.1002/rai2.12112
08
Advancements in therapeutic paradigm: Harnessing IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab to ameliorate psoriasis vulgaris in the presence of resistant pericardial effusion
Qing Tan, Lifeng Xu, Ruoxi Wu, Zeying Lin, Wenhui Huang, Shuilian Yu
This article describes a unique case of sarcoidosis, presented with thrombocytopenia and possibly neurosarcoidosis, in patients with no pulmonary symptoms. Identifying these atypical symptoms is crucial for the medical community to help them consider potential differential diagnoses.
How to cite: Tan Q, Xu L, Wu R, Lin Z, Huang W, Yu S. Advancements in therapeutic paradigm: Harnessing IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab to ameliorate psoriasis vulgaris in the presence of resistant pericardial effusion. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 126-128. doi:10.1002/rai2.12101
09
Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with homonymous hemianopia
Aliyasaghar Ebrahimi, Mehrzad Hajialilu, Sepideh Tehsini Tekantpeh, Puya Vakilpour, Fayeghe Ibrahimi Chaharom
This article reports on a 42-year-old woman whose blurred vision and right-sided hemianopia of the same name are the initial manifestations of SLE and worsen over time. Although the presence of lupus encephalitis in the ipsilateral hemianopia form as the first manifestation is rare, it should be considered in suspicious clinical conditions.
How to cite: Ebrahimi A, Hajialiloo M, Tekantapeh ST, Vakilipour P, Chaharom FE. Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with homonymous hemianopia. Rheumatol & Autoimmun. 2024; 4: 129-130. doi:10.1002/rai2.12108
Research Highlights
10
Fibroblast diversity and clinical associations in systemic sclerosis
Ru Li
Fibroblasts are the main source of extracellular matrix and play a vital role in the remodeling of fibrotic tissues. In addition to their structural functions, fibroblasts may play a role in inflammation and vascular lesions in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by releasing various mediators that affect the inflammatory process and angiogenesis. A recent study published in the journal J Invest Dermatol delved into the various functions of fibroblast populations and their clinical implications. The authors provide valuable insights into the heterogeneity of fibroblast populations and their impact on SSc and other fibrotic diseases, providing avenues for more targeted therapeutic interventions.
How to cite: Li, R. (2024), Fibroblast diversity and clinical associations in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology & Autoimmunity, 4: 131-131. https://doi.org/10.1002/rai2.12127
Rheumatology & Autoimmunity is an English-language professional journal of rheumatology and immunology sponsored by the Chinese Medical Association and co-published by the Chinese Medical Journal and Wiley, which publishes new advances in clinical diagnosis, treatment, translational and basic research in the field of rheumatology and immunology. Covering all fields of rheumatology and immunology, it aims to provide a platform for academic exchanges and information transmission for scientists and clinical experts in related fields at home and abroad, and at the same time enhance the influence and competitiveness of mainland rheumatology and immunology in the international academic community.
Scope of publication in the journal
It covers all areas of rheumatology and clinical immunology, including various rheumatology, autoimmune diseases, and basic and translational research in immunology.
Topics of interest
Basic and clinical studies of various rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to the following diseases:
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sjogren Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome
• Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis
•Taste
gout
• Osteoarthritis
osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
• Inflammatory Myopathy
Inflammatory skin disease
• Systematic Sclerosis
Systemic sclerosis
• Systemic Vasculitis
Systemic vasculitis
Rheumatology & Autoimmunity welcomes submissions from researchers, physicians, and graduate students in the field of rheumatology and immunology.
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