Treatment With Methotrexate Inhibits Atherogenesis in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits

A decrease in the number of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis treated with methotrexate (MTX) has been observed in the literature. The aim of this study was to test whether MTX could promote anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol feeding. Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 60 days. Starting from day 30 of cholesterol feeding, 10 animals were treated with 4 weekly intravenous injections of MTX (4 mg/kg) and 10 with 4 weekly saline solution injections for 30 days. MTX reduced the size of the lesion areas of cholesterol-fed animals by 75% and intima-media ratio 2- fold. The drug inhibited macrophage migration into the intima by 50% and the presence of apoptotic cells by 84% but did not inhibit the intimal proliferation of smooth muscle cells. MTX treatment also diminished the positive staining area of metalloproteinase 9 in the intima, which is probably beneficial. In the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, incubation with MTX led to downregulation of 5 pro-inflammatory genes, TNF-alpha, VAP-1, IL-1 beta, CXCL2, and TLR2, and upregulation of the antiinflammatory TGF-beta 1 gene, thus showing endothelium-protective properties. In conclusion, MTX showed direct in vivo anti-atherosclerotic action and may have potential in the treatment of this disorder.

Infrared (810-nm) low-level laser therapy on rat experimental knee inflammation

Arthritis of the knee is the most common type of joint inflammatory disorder and it is associated with pain and inflammation of the joint capsule. Few studies address the effects of the 810-nm laser in such conditions. Here we investigated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT; infrared, 810-nm) in experimentally induced rat knee inflammation. Thirty male Wistar rats (230-250 g) were anesthetized and injected with carrageenan by an intra-articular route. After 6 and 12 h, all animals were killed by CO(2) inhalation and the articular cavity was washed for cellular and biochemical analysis. Articular tissue was carefully removed for real-time PCR analysis in order to evaluate COX-1 and COX-2 expression. LLLT was able to significantly inhibit the total number of leukocytes, as well as the myeloperoxidase activity with 1, 3, and 6 J (Joules) of energy. This result was corroborated by cell counting showing the reduction of polymorphonuclear cells at the inflammatory site. Vascular extravasation was significantly inhibited at the higher dose of energy of 10 J. Both COX-1 and 2 gene expression were significantly enhanced by laser irradiation while PGE(2) production was inhibited. Low-level laser therapy operating at 810 nm markedly reduced inflammatory signs of inflammation but increased COX-1 and 2 gene expression. Further studies are necessary to investigate the possible production of antiinflammatory mediators by COX enzymes induced by laser irradiation in knee inflammation.

In Vitro Characterization of Chitosan Gels for Buccal Delivery of Celecoxib: Influence of a Penetration Enhancer

Celecoxib (Cx) shows high efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as a result of its high specificity for COX-2, without gastrolesivity or interference with platelet function at therapeutic concentrations. Besides of anti-inflammatory effects, Cx also has a potential role for oral cancer chemoprevention. For these conditions, oral administration in long-term treatment is a concern due to its systemic side effects. However, local application at the site of injury (e.g., buccal inflammation conditions or chemoprevention of oral cancer) is a promising way to reduce its toxicity. In this study, the in vitro characterization of mucoadhesive chitosan (CHT) gels associated to AzoneA (R) was assessed to explore the potential buccal mucosal administration of Cx in this tissue. Rheological properties of gels were analyzed by a rheometer with cone-plate geometry. In vitro Cx release and permeability studies used artificial membranes and pig cheek mucosa, respectively. Mucoadhesion were measured with a universal test machine. CHT gels (3.0%) containing 2.0% or 3.0% Az showed more appropriate characteristics compared to the others: pH values, rheology, higher amount of Cx retained in the mucosa, and minimal permeation through mucosa, besides the highest mucoadhesion values, ideal for buccal application. Moreover, the flux (J) and amounts of drug released decreased with increased CHT and Az concentrations. CHT gels (3.0%) associated with 2.0% or 3.0% Az may be considered potential delivery systems for buccal administration of Cx.

Adipocytokines in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: potential markers of low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

Objective This study was undertaken to evaluate a possible association of adipocytokines with metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). Methods Fifty-six PAPS patients and 72 controls were included. Adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), lipoprotein (a), glucose, ESR, CRP, uric acid and lipid profiles were measured. The presence of MetS was determined as defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and insulin resistance was rated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Results Concentrations of leptin were higher [21.5 (12.9-45.7) ng/mL] in PAPS patients than in the controls ([2.1 (6.9-26.8) ng/mL), p=0.001]. In PAPS patients, leptin and PAI-1 levels were positively correlated with BMI (r=0.61 and 0.29), HOMA-IR (r=0.71 and 0.28) and CRP (r=0.32 and 0.36). Adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.28), triglycerides (r=-0.43) and HOMA-IR (r=-0.36) and positively correlated with HDL-c (r=0.37) and anti-beta 2GPI IgG (r=0.31). The presence of MetS in PAPS patients was associated with higher levels of leptin (p=0.002) and PAI-1 (p=0.03) levels and lower levels of adiponectin (p=0.042). Variables that independently influenced the adiponectin concentration were the triglyceride levels (p<0.001), VLDL-c (P=0.002) and anti-beta 2GPI IgG (p=0.042); the leptin levels were BMI (p<0.001), glucose (p=0.046), HOMA-IR (p<0.001) and ESR (p=0.006); and the PAI-1 levels were CRP (p=0.013) and MetS (p=0.048). Conclusion This study provides evidence that adipocytokines may be involved in low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance and MetS in PAPS patients.

Infliximab partially impairs the anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis immune responses of severe psoriasis patients with positive tuberculin skin-test

Background Infliximab and etarnecept are now widely used for treating severe psoriasis. However, these drugs, especially infliximab, increased the risk of tuberculosis reactivation. Surprisingly, epidemiological data suggest that the tuberculosis rate in patients taking infliximab in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, is similar to that of some developed, non-endemic countries. Objective The aim of this study was to better understand the effect of infliximab on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) immune responses of psoriasis patients in an endemic setting (Brazil). Methods We evaluated the tuberculosis-specific immune responses of severe psoriasis patients and healthy individuals, both tuberculin skin test (TST) positive, in the presence/absence of infliximab. Patients had untreated severe psoriasis, no co-morbidities affecting the immune responses and a TST >10 mm. Healthy TST+ (>10 mm) individuals were evaluated in parallel. PBMC cultures from both groups were stimulated with different Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens (ESAT-6, 85B and Mtb lysate) and phytohemagglutinin, with or without infliximab (5 mu g/mL). Parameters evaluated were TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-10 secretion by ELISA, overnight IFN-gamma ELISpot and lymphocyte proliferative response (LPR). Results Infliximab almost abolished TNF-alpha detection in PBMC supernatants of both groups. It also significantly reduced the LPR to phytohemagglutinin and the Mtb antigens as well as the IFN-gamma levels secreted into day 5 supernatants in both groups. There was no concomitant exaggerated IL-10 secretion that could account for the decreases in these responses. ELISpot showed that, contrasting with the central-memory responses above, infliximab did not affect effector-memory INF-gamma-releasing T-cell numbers. Conclusions Infliximab affected some, but not all aspects of the in vitro antituberculosis immune responses tested. The preserved effector-memory responses, putatively related to exposure to environmental mycobacteria, may help to explain the lower than expected susceptibility to tuberculosis reactivation in our setting. Received: 29 December 2010; Accepted: 9 March 2011

IL-5 and IL-17A are critical for the chronic IgE response and differentiation of long-lived antibody-secreting cells in inflamed tissues

Prolonged survival of long-lived antibody-secreting cells in the BM has been implicated as a key component of long-term humoral immunity. The current study was designed to uncover the extrinsic signals required for the generation and maintenance of ASC in several niches (peritoneum, spleen and bone-marrow). Our results show that protein mixture of the Thalassophryne nattereri venom induced a chronic Th2 humoral response that is characterized by splenic hyperplasia with GC formation and venom retention by follicular DCs. Retention of B1a in the BM were observed. In the late phase (120 d) of chronic venom-response the largest pool of ASC into the peritoneal cavity consisted of B220(neg)CD43(high) phenotype; the largest pool of ASC into spleen was constituted by B220 positive cells (B220(high) and B220(low)), whereas the largest pool of ASC into in the BM was constituted by the B220(high)CD43(low) phenotype; and finally, terminally differentiated cells (B220(neg)CD43(high)) were only maintained in the inflamed peritoneal cavity in late phase. After 120 d a sustained production of cytokines (KC, IL-5, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-17A and IL-23) and leukocytes recruitment (eosinophils, mast cells, and neutrophils) were induced. IL-5- and IL-17A-producing CD4+ CD44+ CD40L+ Ly6C+ effector memory T cells were also observed in peritoneal cavity. Finally, treatment of venom-mice with anti-IL-5- and anti-IL17A-neutralizing mAbs abolished the synthesis of specific IgE, without modifying the splenic hyperplasia or GC formation. In addition, IL-5 and IL-17A negatively regulated the expansion of B1a in peritoneal cavity and BM, and promoted the differentiation of these cells in spleen. And more, IL-5 and IL-17A are sufficient for the generation of ASC B220(neg) in the peritoneal cavity and negatively regulate the number of ASC B220(Pos), confirming that the hierarchical process of ASC differentiation triggered by venom needs the signal derived from IL-5 and IL-17A. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Signaling transduction analysis in gingival epithelial cells after infection with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Periodontal diseases result from the interaction of bacterial pathogens with the hosts gingival tissue. Gingival epithelial cells are constantly challenged by microbial cells and respond by altering their transcription profiles, inducing the production of inflammatory mediators. Different transcription profiles are induced by oral bacteria and little is known about how the gingival epithelium responds after interaction with the periodontopathogenic organism Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In the present study, we examined the transcription of genes involved in signaling transduction pathways in gingival epithelial cells exposed to viable A.actinomycetemcomitans. Immortalized gingival epithelial cells (OBA-9) were infected with A.actinomycetemcomitans JP2 for 24 h and the transcription profile of genes encoding human signal transduction pathways was determined. Functional analysis of inflammatory mediators positively transcribed was performed by ELISA in culture supernatant and in gingival tissues. Fifteen of 84 genes on the array were over-expressed (P < 0.01) after 24 h of infection with viable A.actinomycetemcomitans. Over-expressed genes included those implicated in tissue remodeling and bone resorption, such as CSF2, genes encoding components of the LDL pathway, nuclear factor-?B-dependent genes and other cytokines. The ELISA data confirmed that granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor/colony-stimulating factor 2, tumor necrosis factor-a and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were highly expressed by infected gingival cells when compared with control non-infected cells, and presented higher concentrations in tissues from patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis than in tissues from healthy controls. The induction in epithelial cells of factors such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine CSF2, which is involved in osteoclastogenesis, may help to explain the outcomes of A.actinomycetemcomitans infection.

Non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease: a clinical, microbiological, immunological and genetic investigation

Periodontitis comprises a group of multifactorial diseases in which periodontopathogens accumulate in dental plaque and trigger host chronic inflammatory and immune responses against periodontal structures, which are determinant to the disease outcome. Although unusual cases of non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease (NIDPD) are described, their pathogenesis remains unknown. A unique NIDPD case was investigated by clinical, microbiological, immunological and genetic tools. The patient, a non-smoking dental surgeon with excessive oral hygiene practice, presented a generalized bone resorption and tooth mobility, but not gingival inflammation or occlusion problems. No hematological, immunological or endocrine alterations were found. No periodontopathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum and T. denticola) or viruses (HCMV, EBV-1 and HSV-1) were detected, along with levels of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in GCF compatible with healthy tissues. Conversely ALP, ACP and RANKL GCF levels were similar to diseased periodontal sites. Genetic investigation demonstrated that the patient carried some SNPs, as well HLA-DR4 (*0404) and HLA-B27 alleles, considered risk factors for bone loss. Then, a less vigorous and diminished frequency of toothbrushing was recommended to the patient, resulting in the arrest of alveolar bone loss, associated with the return of ALP, ACP and RANKL in GCF to normality levels. In conclusion, the unusual case presented here is compatible with the previous description of NIDPD, and the results that a possible combination of excessive force and frequency of mechanical stimulation with a potentially bone loss prone genotype could result in the alveolar bone loss seen in NIDPD.

Docking, synthesis and pharmacological activity of novel urea-derivatives designed as p38 MAPK inhibitors

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is an important signal transducing enzyme involved in many cellular regulations, including signaling pathways, pain and inflammation. Several p38 MAPK inhibitors have been developed as drug candidates to treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper we reported the docking, synthesis and pharmacological activity of novel urea-derivatives (4a-e) designed as p38 MAPK inhibitors. These derivatives presented good theoretical affinity to the target p38 MAPK, standing out compound 4e (LASSBio-998), which showed a better score value compared to the prototype GK-00687. This compound was able to reduce in vitro TNF-alpha production and was orally active in a hypernociceptive murine model sensible to p38 MAPK inhibitors. Otherwise, compound 4e presented a dose-dependent analgesic effect in a model of antigen (mBSA)-induced arthritis and anti-inflammatory profile in carrageenan induced paw edema, indicating its potential as a new antiarthritis prototype. (c) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Toll-like receptor 2/MyD88 signaling mediates zymosan-induced joint hypernociception in mice: Participation of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and CXCL1/KC

Arthritic pain is a serious health problem that affects a large number of patients. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation within the joints has been implicated in pathophysiology of arthritis. However, their role in the genesis of arthritic pain needs to be demonstrated. In the present study, it was addressed the participation of TLR2 and TLR4 and their adaptor molecule MyD88 in the genesis of joint hypernociception (a decrease in the nociceptive threshold) during zymosan-induced arthritis. Zymosan injected in the tibio-tarsal joint induced mechanical hypernociception in C57BL/6 wild type mice that was reduced in TLR2 and MyD88 null mice. On the other hand, zymosan-induced hypernociception was similar in C3H/HePas and C3H/Hej mice (TLR4 mutant mice). Zymosan-induced joint hypernociception was also reduced in TNFR1 null mice and in mice treated with IL-1 receptor antagonist or with an antagonist of CXCR1/2. Moreover, the joint production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and CXCL1/KC by zymosan was dependent on TLR2/MyD88 signaling. Investigating the mechanisms by which TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and CXCL1/KC mediate joint hypernociception, joint administration of these cytokines produced mechanical hypernociception, and they act in an interdependent manner. In last instance, their hypernociceptive effects were dependent on the production of hypernociceptive mediators, prostaglandins and sympathetic amines. These results indicate that in zymosan-induced experimental arthritis, TLR2/MyD88 is involved in the cascade of events of joint hypernociception through a mechanism dependent on cytokines and chemokines production. Thus, TLR2/MyD88 signaling might be a target for the development of novel drugs to control pain in arthritis. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Consenso 2012 da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide

OBJETIVO: Elaborar recomendações para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Brasil. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura com seleção de artigos baseados em evidência e opinião de especialistas da Comissão de Artrite Reumatoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: 1) A decisão terapêutica deve ser compartilhada com o paciente; 2) imediatamente após o diagnóstico, uma droga modificadora do curso da doença (DMCD) deve ser prescrita e o tratamento ajustado para atingir remissão; 3) o tratamento deverá ser conduzido por reumatologista; 4) o tratamento inicial inclui DMCD sintéticas; 5) o metotrexato é a droga de escolha; 6) pacientes que não alcançaram resposta após a utilização de dois esquemas de DMCD sintéticas devem ser avaliados para DMCD biológicas; 7) excepcionalmente, DMCD biológicas poderão ser consideradas mais precocemente; 8) recomenda-se preferencialmente o uso de agentes anti-TNF como terapia biológica inicial; 9) após falha terapêutica a uma primeira DMCD biológica, outros biológicos poderão ser utilizados; 10) ciclofosfamida e azatioprina podem ser consideradas em manifestações extra-articulares graves; 11) recomenda-se a utilização de corticoide oral em baixas doses e por curtos períodos; 12) os anti-inflamatórios não hormonais devem sempre ser prescritos em associação à DMCD; 13) avaliações clínicas devem ser mensais no início do tratamento; 14) terapia física, reabilitação e terapia ocupacional são indicadas; 15) deve-se recomendar tratamento cirúrgico para correção de sequelas; 16) métodos de terapia alternativa não substituem a terapia tradicional; 17) deve-se orientar planejamento familiar; 18) orienta-se a busca ativa e o manejo de comorbidades; 19) atualizar e documentar a vacinação do paciente; 20) doenças transmissíveis endêmico-epidêmicas devem ser investigadas e tratadas.

Consenso 2012 da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia sobre o manejo de comorbidades em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

OBJETIVO: Elaborar recomendações da Comissão de Artrite Reumatoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia (SBR) para o manuseio das comorbidades em artrite reumatoide (AR). MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura e opinião de especialistas da Comissão de AR da SBR. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Recomendações: 1) Diagnosticar e tratar precoce e adequadamente as comorbidades; 2) O tratamento específico da AR deve ser adaptado às comorbidades; 3) Inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) ou bloqueadores dos receptores de angiotensina II (BRA) são preferidos no tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica; 4) Em pacientes com AR e diabetes mellitus, deve-se evitar o uso contínuo de dose cumulativa alta de corticoides; 5) Sugere-se o uso de estatinas para manter níveis de LDL menor que 100 mg/dL e índice aterosclerótico menor que 3,5 em pacientes com AR e comorbidades; 6) A síndrome metabólica deve ser tratada; 7) Recomenda-se a realização de exames para a investigação de aterosclerose subclínica; 8) Maior vigilância para um diagnóstico precoce de neoplasia oculta; 9) Medidas de prevenção para trombose venosa são sugeridas; 10) Recomenda-se a realização de densitometria óssea em pacientes com AR acima de 50 anos, e naqueles com idade menor com corticoide maior que 7,5 mg por mais de três meses; 11) Pacientes com AR e osteoporose devem evitar quedas, e devem ser aconselhados a aumentarem a ingestão de cálcio, aumentarem a exposição solar e fazerem atividade física; 12) Suplementação de cálcio e vitamina D é sugerida.Autilização de bisfosfonatos é sugerida para pacientes com escore T menor que -2,5 na densidade mineral óssea; 13) Recomenda-se equipe multidisciplinar, com participação ativa do médico reumatologista no tratamento das comorbidades.

Diagnóstico por imagem da artrite reumatoide inicial

O diagnóstico precoce da artrite reumatoide é essencial para o manejo adequado da condição. Atualmente, considera-se que a fase inicial da doença constitui uma janela de oportunidade terapêutica para a artrite reumatoide. Embora o diagnóstico seja primordialmente clínico, o desenvolvimento e o aprimoramento de métodos laboratoriais e de imagem têm contribuído para o diagnóstico mais precoce e a determinação da conduta na artrite reumatoide inicial. Neste artigo os autores revisam o papel dos principais métodos de imagem utilizados para a avaliação da artrite reumatoide inicial, notadamente a radiologia convencional, a ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnética.

Incapacitação e qualidade de vida não são influenciadas pela prevalência de autoanticorpos em pacientes com artrite reumatoide inicial - resultados da Coorte Brasília

INTRODUÇÃO: Embora muitos estudos sugiram que a presença de autoanticorpos, tais como fator reumatoide (FR) e/ou antipeptídeos citrulinados cíclicos (anti-CCP), sejam preditores de danos articulares na artrite reumatoide (AR), a associação entre os questionários de incapacidade e de qualidade de vida ainda são desconhecidos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a correlação entre os questionários Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) e Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) com marcadores como FR, anti-CCP e antivimentina citrulinada (anti-Sa). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados no momento do diagnóstico 65 pacientes da Coorte Brasília com AR inicial. Foram realizadas sorologias (ELISA) para FR (IgM, IgG e IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3 e CCP3.1) e anti-Sa, com a aplicação do HAQ e SF-36 na avaliação inicial. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 45 anos, predominando o gênero feminino (86%). Na avaliação inicial, o FR foi positivo em 32 indivíduos (49,23%); anti-CCP em 34 indivíduos (52,3%); e anti-Sa em nove indivíduos (13,8%). O escore inicial do HAQ foi de 1,8. Os escores dos domínios do SF-36 foram: emocional, 19,3; social, 43,1; dor, 25,43; estado geral, 57,6; saúde mental, 48,1; vitalidade, 49,5; físico, 4,6; e limitação por aspecto físico, 24,7. HAQ e escores do SF-36 não variaram com os níveis de autoanticorpos. CONCLUSÃO: Muitos pacientes com AR inicial apresentam comprometimento na qualidade de vida relacionada aos domínios da capacidade física e mental. Embora FR e anti-CCP tenham sido relacionados com dano articular e pior prognóstico clínico, não há correlação entre os questionários e as avaliações da qualidade de vida e incapacidade.

Análise tomográfica para colocação de parafusos em C2 nos pacientes com artrite reumatoide

OBJETIVO: A análise morfológica da estrutura óssea de C2, em pacientes com artrite reumatoide, com o objetivo de aumentar a segurança de procedimentos de estabilização desta vértebra. MÉTODOS: Analisamos retrospectivamente 20 tomografias de coluna cervical realizadas em pacientes com artrite reumatoide, foram medidos os seguintes parâmetros: o ângulo espinolaminar, espessura e comprimento da lâmina de C2. RESULTADOS: Os valores médios encontrados são: espessura das lâminas direita 5,92mm e esquerda 5,87mm; comprimento das lâminas direita 27,75mm e esquerda 27,94mm e ângulo espinolaminar 44,7(0). CONCLUSÃO: Os valores obtidos são compatíveis com os de estudos realizados em indivíduos normais publicados por outros autores, não havendo aparente necessidade de alteração na técnica para colocação dos parafusos. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.