Precision medicine in pediatric rheumatology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Precision medicine is the tailoring of medical care to subcategories of disease. In pediatric rheumatology, these subcategories must first be defined by their specific molecular immunological profiles, and then the effects of growth and puberty, developmental immunological changes, and differences in treatment options and adherence considered when designing therapeutic strategies. In the present review, we summarize the unmet needs in pediatric rheumatology before such precision medical care can be effectively delivered to affected patients. RECENT FINDINGS: The current clinical classification of pediatric rheumatic diseases does not provide all the information necessary for prognostication and accurate therapeutic selection. Many studies have highlighted the molecular differences between disease subcategories and the dissimilarities in the molecular manifestations of the same disease between patients. Harnessing such discoveries by collaborating with various research networks and laboratories is required to interrogate the multifactorial nature of rheumatic diseases in a holistic manner. SUMMARY: Integration of big data sets generated from well defined pediatric cohorts with rheumatic diseases using different high-dimensional technological platforms will help to elucidate the underlying disease mechanisms. Distilling these data will be necessary for accurate disease stratification and will have a positive impact on prognosis and treatment choice.

High-resolution oesophageal manometry and 24-hour impedance-pH study in systemic sclerosis patients: association with clinical features, symptoms and severity.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations between objectively measured gastroesophageal involvement using high-resolution manometry and 24- hour impedance-pH study, and clinical presentations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) with 31 consecutive SSc patients recruited into this study. Clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal involvement, high-resolution impedance-manometry and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring were assessed. Their associations with serological features and other organ involvement were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-five (80.6%) patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms, mainly heartburn (45.1%), regurgitation (32.2%) and dysphagia (29%). Using manometry, oesophageal dysmotility was detected in 24 (88.9%) patients, while hypotensive lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) was observed in 17 (63%) patients. 21 (84%) patients had GORD based on pH study. Hypotensive LOS was significantly associated with presence of digital ulcers. The main gastroesophageal symptoms were absent in majority of the SSc patients including in those with severe gastroesophageal manifestations demonstrating failed peristalsis >75%, hypotensive LOS, Demeester score >200 and acid reflux >200 per day. Demeester score >200 is associated with severity of GORD symptoms. Demeester score >200 was also associated with restrictive lung pattern (p=0.001). Significant association between GORD severity (daily number of acid reflux episodes >200) and pulmonary fibrosis was seen (p=0.030). CONCLUSIONS: The presence and severity of gastroesophageal symptoms may not accurately reflect the seriousness of oesophageal involvement. GORD severity is associated with presence of restrictive lung pattern and pulmonary fibrosis. Oesophageal manometry and 24-hour pH study should be considered more frequently in the assessment of SSc patients.

Physical therapies for improving balance and reducing falls risk in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: osteoarthritis (OA) of knee has been reported as a risk factor for falls and reduced balance in the elderly. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapies in improving balance and reducing falls risk among patients with knee OA. METHODS: a computerised search was performed to identify relevant studies up to November 2013. Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the PeDro score. RESULTS: a total of 15 randomised controlled trials involving 1482 patients were identified. The mean PeDro score was 7. The pooled standardised mean difference in balance outcome for strength training = 0.3346 (95% CI: 0.3207-0.60, P = 0.01 < 0.00001, P for heterogeneity = 0.85, I(2) = 0%). Tai Chi = 0.7597 (95% CI: 0.5130-1.2043, P<=0.0014, P for heterogeneity = 0.26, I(2) = 0%) and aerobic exercises = 0.6880 (95% CI: 0.5704-1.302, P < 0.00001, P for heterogeneity = 0.71, I(2) = 0%). While pooled results for falls risk outcomes in, strength training, Tai chi and aerobics also showed a significant reduction in reduced risk of falls significantly with pooled result 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41-0.68, P < 0.00001, P for heterogeneity = 0.39, I(2) = 6%). CONCLUSION: strength training, Tai Chi and aerobics exercises improved balance and falls risk in older individuals with knee OA, while water-based exercises and light treatment did not significantly improve balance outcomes. Strength training, Tai Chi and aerobics exercises can therefore be recommended as falls prevention strategies for individuals with OA. However, a large randomised controlled study using actual falls outcomes is recommended to determine the appropriate dosage and to measure the potential benefits in falls reduction.

Glycosylation status of serum in inflammatory arthritis in response to anti-TNF treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Glycosylation is the most common post-translational modification and is altered in disease. The typical glycosylation change in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a decrease in galactosylation levels on IgG. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of anti-TNF therapy on whole serum glycosylation from IA patients and determine whether these alterations in the glycome change upon treatment of the disease. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 54 IA patients before treatment and at 1 and 12 months after commencing anti-TNF therapy. N-linked glycans from whole serum samples were analysed using a high-throughput hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-based method. RESULTS: Glycosylation on the serum proteins of IA patients changed significantly with anti-TNF treatment. We observed an increase in galactosylated glycans from IgG, also an increase in core-fucosylated biantennary galactosylated glycans and a decrease in sialylated triantennary glycans with and without outer arm fucose. This increase in galactosylated IgG glycans suggests a reversing of the N-glycome towards normal healthy profiles. These changes are strongly correlated with decreasing CRP, suggesting a link between glycosylation changes and decreases in inflammatory processes. CONCLUSION: Glycosylation changes in the serum of IA patients on anti-TNF therapy are strongly associated with a decrease in inflammatory processes and reflect the effect of anti-TNF on the immune system.

Notch-1 mediates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of hypoxia on Notch-1 signaling pathway components and angiogenesis in inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: The expression and regulation of Notch-1, its ligand delta-like protein 4 (DLL-4) and downstream signaling components (hairy-related transcription factor 1 [HRT-1], HRT-2), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (1-3%) were assessed in synovial tissue specimens from patients with inflammatory arthritis and controls and in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) by immunohistology, dual immunofluorescence staining (Notch-1/factor VIII), Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vivo synovial tissue oxygen levels (tissue PO2) were measured under direct visualization at arthroscopy. HDMEC activation under hypoxic conditions in the presence of Notch-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA), the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, or dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) was assessed by Matrigel tube formation assay, migration assay, invasion assay, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2)/MMP-9 zymography. RESULTS: Expression of Notch-1, its ligand DLL-4, and HRT-1 was demonstrated in synovial tissue, with the strongest expression localized to perivascular/vascular regions. Localization of Notch-1 to synovial endothelium was confirmed by dual immunofluorescence staining. Notch-1 intracellular domain (NICD) expression was significantly higher in synovial tissue from patients with tissue PO2 of <20 mm Hg (<3% O2) than in those with tissue PO2 of >20 mm Hg (>3% O2). Exposure of HDMECs to 3% hypoxia induced HIF-1α and NICD protein expression and DLL-4, HRT-1, and HRT-2 messenger RNA expression. DMOG directly induced NICD expression, while Notch-1 siRNA inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression, suggesting that Notch-1/HIF-1α signaling is bidirectional. Finally, 3% hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell invasion, and proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activities were inhibited by Notch-1 siRNA and/or the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that Notch-1 is expressed in synovial tissue and that increased NICD expression is associated with low in vivo tissue PO2. Furthermore, Notch-1/HIF-1α interactions mediate hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and invasion in inflammatory arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and falls in the older person.

Osteoarthritis and falls are common conditions affecting older individuals which are associated with disability and escalating health expenditure. It has been widely assumed that osteoarthritis is an established risk factor for falls in older people. The relationship between osteoarthritis and falls has, quite surprisingly, not been adequately elucidated, and published reports have been conflicting. Our review of the existing literature has found limited evidence supporting the current assumption that the presence of osteoarthritis is associated with increased risk of falls with suggestions that osteoarthritis may actually be protective against falls related fractures. In addition, joint arthroplasty appears to increase the risk of falls in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Dampened Inflammation and Improved Survival After CXCL5 Administration in Murine Lupus via Myeloid and Neutrophil Pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of CXCL5 administration in lupus-prone MRL/lpr (Faslpr ) mice and elucidate its working mechanisms. METHODS: CXCL5 expression in blood (obtained from SLE patients and Faslpr mice) and major internal organs (obtained from Faslpr mice) was examined by Luminex, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescent staining analyses. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in Faslpr mice and healthy Institute of Cancer Research mice. Efficacy of CXCL5 administration was demonstrated in Faslpr mice, and the working mechanism of CXCL5 treatment was elucidated by flow cytometry, Luminex, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS: In SLE patients, serum CXCL5 levels were significantly lower than in healthy individuals (P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with disease activity (P = 0.004). In Faslpr mice, disease severity progressed with age and was negatively associated with plasma CXCL5 levels. Intravenous administration of CXCL5 to Faslpr mice restored endogenous circulatory CXCL5, improved mice survival, and reduced anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, proteinuria, lupus nephritis activity and chronicity indices, renal complements, and neutrophil extracellular traps over short-term (10 weeks) and long-term (2 years) time periods. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that CXCL5 dictated neutrophil trafficking and suppressed neutrophil activation, degranulation, proliferation, and renal infiltration. Renal and splenic RNA sequencing further showed that CXCL5-mediated immunomodulation occurred by promoting energy production in renal-infiltrated immune cells, activating certain T cells, and reducing tissue fibrosis, granulocyte extravasation, complement components, and interferons. Further factorial design results indicated that CXCL5 appears to enhance host tolerability to cyclophosphamide in vulnerable individuals. CONCLUSION: We found that serum CXCL5 levels were significantly lower in SLE patients than in healthy individuals and were negatively correlated with disease activity. By administering CXCL5 intravenously in a mouse model of lupus, mouse survival improved, and indices of disease activity reduced significantly. Taken together, these findings indicate CXCL5 administration may represent a novel myeloid/neutrophil-targeting therapy for SLE.

Tumor necrosis factor blocking therapy alters joint inflammation and hypoxia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking therapy on hypoxia in vivo, macroscopic and microscopic inflammation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in patients with inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Patients with inflammatory arthritis (n = 20) underwent full clinical assessment, arthroscopy, synovial biopsy, and MRI before and after initiation of biologic therapy. Macroscopic synovitis/vascularity was assessed with a visual analog scale, and tissue PO(2) (tPO(2) ) was measured at arthroscopy using a Licox probe. Cell-specific markers (CD4, CD8, CD68, CD20, and CD19) and blood vessel maturity were quantified by immunohistologic analysis and dual-immunofluorescence factor VIII/α-smooth muscle actin staining, respectively. Contiguous gadoteric acid-enhanced MRI of the target knee was used to assess synovial enhancement. RESULTS: Biologic therapy responders showed a significant increase of tPO(2) in vivo (P < 0.05). This response was associated with significant reductions in 28-joint Disease Activity Score using the C-reactive protein level (DAS28-CRP) (P = 0.012), macroscopic synovitis (P = 0.017), macroscopic vascularity (P = 0.05), CD4+ T cells (P < 0.041), and CD68+ macrophages (P < 0.011). Blood vessel numbers were also reduced in responders; however, this did not reach statistical significance. Strong inverse correlations were demonstrated between changes in tPo(2) levels and changes in DAS28-CRP (r = -0.53, P < 0.001), CD4 (r = -0.44, P < 0.026), CD68 (r = -0.46, P < 0.003), and macroscopic vascularity (r = -0.314, P = 0.049) after therapy. Furthermore, changes in inflammation as measured by MRI showed a strong inverse correlation with tPO(2) levels (r = -0.688, P < 0.002) and positive correlations with CRP levels (r = 0.707, P = 0.001), macroscopic synovitis (r = 0.457, P = 0.056), macroscopic vascularity (r = 0.528, P= 0.017), CD4 (r = 0.553, P < 0.032), and CD68 (r = 0.670, P < 0.002) after therapy. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that successful biologic therapy significantly improves in vivo synovial hypoxia. Changes are strongly associated with changes in macroscopic and microscopic measures of joint inflammation and MRI improvement. These data further strengthen the concept that hypoxia is an important event driving synovial inflammation.

Hypoxia induces mitochondrial mutagenesis and dysfunction in inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels and spectrum of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations in synovial tissue from patients with inflammatory arthritis in relation to in vivo hypoxia and oxidative stress levels. METHODS: Random Mutation Capture assay was used to quantitatively evaluate alterations of the synovial mitochondrial genome. In vivo tissue oxygen levels (tPO(2)) were measured at arthroscopy using a Licox probe. Synovial expression of lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal [4-HNE]) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (CytcO II) deficiency were assessed by immunohistochemistry. In vitro levels of mtDNA point mutations, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and markers of oxidative DNA damage (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanine [8-oxodG]) and lipid peroxidation (4-HNE) were determined in human synoviocytes under normoxia and hypoxia (1%) in the presence or absence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or a hydroxylase inhibitor (dimethyloxalylglycine [DMOG]). Patients were categorized according to their in vivo tPO(2) level (<20 mm Hg or >20 mm Hg), and mtDNA point mutations, immunochemistry features, and stress markers were compared between groups. RESULTS: The median tPO(2) level in synovial tissue indicated significant hypoxia (25.47 mm Hg). Higher frequency of mtDNA mutations was associated with reduced in vivo oxygen tension (P = 0.05) and with higher synovial 4-HNE cytoplasmic expression (P = 0.04). Synovial expression of CytcO II correlated with in vivo tPO(2) levels (P = 0.03), and levels were lower in patients with tPO(2) <20 mm Hg (P < 0.05). In vitro levels of mtDNA mutations, ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, 8-oxo-dG, and 4-HNE were higher in synoviocytes exposed to 1% hypoxia (P < 0.05); all of these increased levels were rescued by SOD and DMOG and, with the exception of ROS, by NAC. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction drives mitochondrial genome mutagenesis, and antioxidants significantly rescue these events.

Angiogenesis and blood vessel stability in inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess blood vessel stability in inflammatory synovial tissue (ST) and to examine neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), oxidative DNA damage, and hypoxia in vivo. METHODS: Macroscopic vascularity and ST oxygen levels were determined in vivo in patients with inflammatory arthritis who were undergoing arthroscopy. Vessel maturity/stability was quantified in matched ST samples by dual immunofluorescence staining for factor VIII (FVIII)/alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). NCAM and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) were examined by immunohistochemistry. Angiogenesis was assessed in vitro, using human dermal endothelial cells (HDECs) in a Matrigel tube formation assay. RESULTS: A significant number of immature vessels (showing no pericyte recruitment) was observed in tissue from patients with inflammatory arthritis (P < 0.001), in contrast to osteoarthritic and normal tissue, which showed complete recruitment of pericytes. Low in vivo PO(2) levels in the inflamed joint (median [range] 22.8 [3.2-54.1] mm Hg) were inversely related to increased macroscopic vascularity (P < 0.04) and increased microscopic expression of FVIII and alpha-SMA (P < 0.04 and P < 0.03, respectively). A significant proportion of vessels showed focal expression of NCAM and strong nuclear 8-oxodG expression, implicating a loss of EC-pericyte contact and increased DNA damage, levels of which were inversely associated with low in vivo PO(2) (P = 0.04 for each comparison). Circulating cells were completely negative for 8-oxodG. Exposure of HDEC to 3% O(2) (reflecting mean ST in vivo measurements) significantly increased EC tube formation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the presence of unstable vessels in inflamed joints associated with hypoxia, incomplete EC-pericyte interactions, and increased DNA damage. These changes may further contribute to persistent hypoxia in the inflamed joint to further drive this unstable microenvironment.

Physical activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in a multi-ethnic south-east Asian country.

BACKGROUND: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may experience spinal stiffness and pain, leading to reduced physical function and quality of life. Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise, previous studies have demonstrated lower levels of PA among patients with axSpA. This study aims to examine the patterns of PA among patients with axSpA compared to the general population in a multi-ethnic Asian country. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between May 2016 and Jan 2017. Consecutive patients with axSpA were recruited at an outpatient rheumatology clinic at Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore. Controls were based on a previous cross-sectional study. PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with axSpA were recruited and compared with 2679 controls. Lower proportion of patients with axSpA met the WHO recommendations for PA (axSpA = 77.0%, controls = 89.7%, p <  0.001). More patients with axSpA had high level of sedentary activity compared to controls (axSpA = 56.8%, controls = 36.1%, p <  0.001). Levels of PA did not differ between patients with inactive versus active axSpA disease (p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Proportion of patients with axSpA meeting the WHO recommendations for PA differed significantly from the general population, and level of PA did not differ between patients with active and inactive axSpA disease. Higher levels of sedentary activity were seen in patient with axSpA compared to the general population, highlighting the need for interventions to promote PA among patients with axSpA.

Oxidative damage in synovial tissue is associated with in vivo hypoxic status in the arthritic joint.

OBJECTIVES: To assess levels of oxidative DNA damage (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanine; 8-oxo-dG) and lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; 4-HNE) in serum, synovial fluid and tissue of patients with inflammatory arthritis in relation to in vivo hypoxia levels, disease activity and angiogenic markers. METHODS: Oxygen levels in synovial tissue were assessed using an oxygen/temperature probe. Nuclear and cytoplasmic 8-oxo-dG and 4-HNE levels were assessed in synovial tissue from 23 patients by immunohistochemistry. 8-Oxo-dG and 4-HNE levels in serum and synovial fluid were determined using 8-oxo-dG and hexanoyl-Lys (HEL) adduct ELISAs, respectively. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) levels were also measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The median oxygen tension in synovial tissue was profoundly hypoxic at 19.35 mm Hg (2.5%). Nuclear 8-oxo-dG levels were significantly higher than nuclear 4-HNE levels in the lining and sublining layers (all p<0.001). In contrast, cytoplasmic 4-HNE levels were higher than cytoplasmic 8-oxo-dG levels in both cell layers (all p<0.001). Reduced in vivo oxygen tension correlated with high lipid peroxidation in synovial fluid (p=0.027; r=0.54) and tissue (p=0.004; r=0.58). Serum VEGF levels were positively correlated with cytoplasmic 4-HNE expression (p=0.05; r=0.43) and intensity (p=0.006; r=0.59) in the lining layer. Serum Ang2 levels were positively correlated with nuclear 4-HNE expression and intensity in both cell layers (all p < or = 0.05). DAS28-C-reactive protein was correlated with nuclear 4-HNE expression in the sublining layer (p=0.02; r=0.48) and DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate was correlated with nuclear 4-HNE expression in both cell layers (p < or = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Lipid peroxidation is associated with low oxygen tension in vivo, disease activity and angiogenic marker expression in inflammatory arthritis.

Ethnic differences in the prevalence, socioeconomic and health related risk factors of knee pain and osteoarthritis symptoms in older Malaysians.

Knee pain is often underreported, underestimated and undertreated. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence, burden and further identify socioeconomic factors influencing ethnic differences in knee pain and symptoms of OA among older adults aged 55 years and over in Greater Kuala Lumpur (the capital city of Malaysia). The sample for the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) was selected using stratified random sampling, by age and ethnicity from the electoral rolls of three parliamentary constituencies. Information on knee pain was available in 1226 participants, mean age (SD) 68.96 (1.57) years (409 Malay, 416 Chinese, 401 Indian). The crude and weighted prevalence of knee pain and self-reported knee OA symptoms were 33.3% and 30.8% respectively. There were significant ethnic differences in knee pain (crude prevalence: Malays 44.6%, Chinese 23.5% and Indians 31.9%, p<0.001). The presence of two or more non-communicable diseases (NCD) attenuated the increased risk of knee pain among the ethnic Indians compared to the ethnic Chinese. The prevalence of knee pain remained significantly higher among the ethnic Malays after adjustment for confounders. While the prevalence of knee pain in our older population appears similar to that reported in other published studies in Asia, the higher prevalence among the ethnic Malays has not previously been reported. Further research to determine potential genetic susceptibility to knee pain among the ethnic Malays is recommended.

2018 update of the APLAR recommendations for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM: To update recommendations based on current best evidence concerning the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing particularly on the role of targeted therapies, to inform clinicians on new developments that will impact their current practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of relevant literature from 2014 to 2016 concerning targeted therapies in RA was conducted. The RA Update Working Group evaluated the evidence and proposed updated recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach, to describe the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Recommendations were finalized through consensus using the Delphi technique. RESULTS: This update provides 16 RA treatment recommendations based on current best evidence and expert clinical opinion. Recommendations 1-3 deal with the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The next three recommendations (4-6) cover the need for screening and management of infections and comorbid conditions prior to starting targeted therapy, while the following seven recommendations focus on use of these agents. We address choice of targeted therapy, switch, tapering and discontinuation. The last three recommendations elaborate on targeted therapy for RA in special situations such as pregnancy, cancer, and major surgery. CONCLUSION: Rheumatoid arthritis remains a significant health problem in the Asia-Pacific region. Patients with RA can benefit from the availability of effective targeted therapies, and these updated recommendations provide clinicians with guidance on their use.

Oxidative stress impairs energy metabolism in primary cells and synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined the effect of oxidative stress on cellular energy metabolism and pro-angiogenic/pro-inflammatory mechanisms of primary rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cells (RASFC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODS: Primary RASFC and HUVEC were cultured with the oxidative stress inducer 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), and extracellular acidification rate, oxygen consumption rate, mitochondrial function and pro-angiogenic/pro-inflammatory mechanisms were assessed using the Seahorse analyser, complex I-V activity assays, random mutation mitochondrial capture assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and functional assays, including angiogenic tube formation, migration and invasion. Expression of angiogenic growth factors in synovial tissue (ST) was assessed by IHC in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing arthroscopy before and after administration of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). RESULTS: In RASFC and HUVEC, 4-HNE-induced oxidative stress reprogrammed energy metabolism by inhibiting mitochondrial basal, maximal and adenosine triphosphate-linked respiration and reserve capacity, coupled with the reduced enzymatic activity of oxidative phosphorylation complexes III and IV. In contrast, 4-HNE elevated basal glycolysis, glycolytic capacity and glycolytic reserve, paralleled by an increase in mitochondrial DNA mutations and reactive oxygen species. 4-HNE activated pro-angiogenic responses of RASFC, which subsequently altered HUVEC invasion and migration, angiogenic tube formation and the release of pro-angiogenic mediators. In vivo markers of angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2 [Ang2], tyrosine kinase receptor [Tie2]) were significantly associated with oxidative damage and oxygen metabolism in the inflamed synovium. Significant reduction in ST vascularity and Ang2/Tie2 expression was demonstrated in patients with RA before and after administration of TNFi. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress promotes metabolism in favour of glycolysis, an effect that may contribute to acceleration of inflammatory mechanisms and subsequent dysfunctional angiogenesis in RA.

Clinical and economic implications of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in Asian rheumatological patients on long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

AIM: To determine the incidence and direct costs of NSAID-induced upper GI adverse events in Malaysian rheumatology patients. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-centre, cohort study of rheumatology patients on long-term NSAIDs was conducted. Clinical data of patients treated between 2010 and 2013 were collected for a 24-month follow-up period. The costs of managing upper GI adverse events were based on patient level resource use data. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria: mean age 53.4 years, 89.9% female, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 59.3%), osteoarthritis (OA; 10.3%) and both RA and OA (30.3%). Three hundred and seventy-one (58.5%) patients were prescribed non-selective NSAIDs and 263 (41.5%) had cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors. Eighty-four upper GI adverse events occurred, translating into a risk of 13.2% and an incidence rate of 66.2 per 1000 person-years. GI adverse events comprised: dyspepsia n = 78 (12.3%), peptic ulcer disease (PUD) n = 5 (0.79%) and upper GI bleeding (UGIB) n = 1 (0.16%). The total direct healthcare cost of managing adverse events was Malaysian Ringgit (MR) 37 352 (US dollars [USD] 11 419) with a mean cost of MR 446.81 ± 534.56 (USD 136.60 ± 163.42) per patient, consisting mainly of GI pharmacotherapy (33.8%), oesophagoduodenoscopies (23.1%) and outpatient clinic visits (18.2%). Mean cost per patient by GI events were: dyspepsia, MR 408.98 ± 513.29 (USD125.03 ± 156.92); PUD, MR 805.93 ± 578.80 (USD 246.39 ± 176.95); UGIB, MR 1601.94 (USD 489.74, n = 1). CONCLUSION: The economic burden of GI adverse events due to long-term NSAIDs use in Malaysian patients with chronic rheumatic diseases is modest.

Effect of Modified Otago Exercises on Postural Balance, Fear of Falling, and Fall Risk in Older Fallers With Knee Osteoarthritis and Impaired Gait and Balance: A Secondary Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered an established risk factor for falls. Published studies evaluating secondary falls prevention strategies among individuals with OA are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a personalized home-based exercise program to improve postural balance, fear of falling, and falls risk in older fallers with knee OA and gait and balance problems. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University of Malaya Medical Centre. PARTICIPANTS: Fallers who had both radiological OA and a Timed Up and Go (TUG) score of over 13.5 seconds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Postural sway (composite sway) was quantified with the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) under 4 different sensory conditions: eyes open on firm surface, eyes closed on firm surface, eyes open on unstable foam surface, and eyes closed on unstable foam surface. Participants were asked to stand upright and to attempt to hold their position for 10 seconds for each test condition. The average reading for all conditions were calculated. METHODS: Participants randomized to the intervention arm received a home-based modified Otago Exercise Program (OEP) as part of a multifactorial intervention, whereas control participants received general health advice and conventional treatment. This was a secondary subgroup analysis from an original randomized controlled trial, the Malaysian Falls Assessment and Intervention Trial (MyFAIT) (trial registration number: ISRCTN11674947). Posturography using a long force plate balance platform (Balancemaster, NeuroCom, USA), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale-International (short FES-I) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Results of 41 fallers with radiological evidence of OA and impaired TUG (intervention, 17; control, 24) were available for the final analysis. Between-group analysis revealed significant improvements in the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), Limits of Stability (LOS), and short FES-I scores by the intervention group compared to the control group at 6 months. No significant difference in time to first fall or in fall-free survival between the intervention and control groups was found. CONCLUSION: Home-based balance and strength exercises benefited older fallers with OA and gait and balance disorders by improving postural control, with no observable trend in reduction of fall recurrence. Our findings will now inform a future, adequately powered, randomized controlled study using fall events as definitive outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Influence of hip and knee osteoarthritis on dynamic postural control parameters among older fallers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relationship between postural control and knee and hip osteoarthritis in older adults with and without a history of falls. METHODS: Fallers were those with ≥ 2 falls or 1 injurious fall over 12 months. Non-fallers were volunteers with no falls in the past year. Radiological evidence of osteoarthritis with no reported symptoms was considered "asymptomatic osteoarthritis", while "symptomatic osteoarthritis" was defined as radiographic osteoarthritis with pain or stiffness. Dynamic postural control was quantified with the limits of stability test measured on a balance platform (Neurocom® Balancemaster, California, USA). Parameters assessed were end-point excursion, maximal excursion, and directional control. RESULTS: A total of 102 older individuals, mean age 73 years (standard deviation 5.7) years were included. The association between falls and poor performance in maximal excursion and directional control was confounded by age and comorbidities. In the same linear equation model with falls, symptomatic osteoarthritis remained independently associated with poor end-point excursion (ß-coefficient (95% confidence interval) -6.80 (-12.14 to -1.42)). CONCLUSION: Poor performance in dynamic postural control (maximal excursion and directional control) among fallers was not accounted for by hip/knee osteoarthritis, but was confounded by old age and comorbidities. Loss of postural control due to hip/knee osteoarthritis is not a risk factor for falls among community-dwelling older adults.

Synovial Immunophenotype and Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Relationship to Treatment Response and Radiologic Prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: Serum anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) may be present before the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may be predictive of more severe, erosive disease. This study was undertaken to examine the synovial tissue immunophenotype according to ACPA status in patients with RA, as well as the response to treatment and erosion status. METHODS: Consecutive RA patients were prospectively recruited and underwent clinical and serologic assessments before and after treatment. Radiologic assessment was performed at the time of clinical follow-up. Synovial tissue was immunostained for specific markers of B cells (CD19), T cells (CD3, CD4, and CD8), macrophages (CD68), and blood vessels (factor VIII). Serum CXCL13 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Synovial tissue sections were analyzed for immunophenotype according to ACPA status, using a validated semiquantitative scoring method, and also analyzed for the presence of lymphoid aggregates. Response to treatment with nonbiologic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was assessed using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. RESULTS: In total, 123 subjects (78 ACPA+) were included. Compared to ACPA- RA patients, synovium from ACPA+ RA patients was characterized by significantly higher levels of CD19+ B cells and CD3+ and CD8+ T cells (each P < 0.05), and CD19+ B cell levels were significantly higher in patients who were naive to treatment. The CD19+ B cell infiltrate level was higher in patients with erosions at follow-up (P = 0.0128). Levels of lymphoid aggregates of CD19+ B cells were significantly higher in ACPA+ patients (P < 0.05), and this was associated with increased serum CXCL13 levels. The EULAR response was significantly associated with the level of CD3+ T cell infiltrates (P < 0.05), while CD68+ macrophage and CD8+ T cell levels were predictive of the response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this prospective study demonstrate that the levels of synovial B cell infiltrates and lymphoid aggregates were significantly higher in ACPA+ RA patients, especially those who were naive to treatment. In addition, ACPA+ subjects developed more erosions during progression of the disease and had higher serum levels of CXCL13. The EULAR response to therapy in ACPA+ RA patients was associated with increased levels of T cell and macrophage markers.

The mediating role of psychological symptoms on falls risk among older adults with osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of fear of falling (FoF) and psychological symptoms in explaining the relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity and falls. Individuals aged ≥65 years with ≥2 falls or ≥1 injurious fall over the past 12 months were included in the falls group, while volunteers aged ≥65 years with no history of falls over 12 months were recruited as controls. The presence of lower extremity OA was determined radiologically and clinically. Severity of symptoms was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. FoF and psychological status were measured with the shortened version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), respectively. Of 389 (229 fallers, 160 non-fallers) potential participants, mean (SD) age: 73.74 (6.60) years, 141 had clinical OA and 171 had radiological OA. Fallers with both radiological OA and clinical OA had significantly higher FoF and DASS-21 scores than non-fallers. FoF was significantly positively correlated with symptom severity in fallers and non-fallers with radiological and clinical OA. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were only significantly correlated with symptom severity among fallers but not non-fallers in both clinical and radiological OA. The relationship between mild symptoms and reduced risk of falls compared to no symptoms in those with radiological OA was attenuated by increased anxiety. The increased falls risk associated with severe symptoms compared to mild symptoms in clinical OA was attenuated by FoF. FoF may, therefore, be a potentially modifiable risk factor for OA-associated falls which could be considered in future intervention studies.