Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: a 2023 update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) is an immune complex mediated small vessel vasculitis characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins in serum, often associated with hepatitis C infection, systemic autoimmune diseases or hematological conditions. The focus of this review is to provide an update on new insights into pathogenesis, epidemiology and therapies of infectious and noninfectious type II and type III CV. RECENT FINDINGS: The introduction of new antiviral drugs for treatment of hepatitis C infection implied major changes in HCV-related CV, allowing to shed new lights on CV pathogenesis and mechanisms of relapse and, therefore, to increase the relevance of autoimmune diseases in CV epidemiology. Specific B-cell clones are involved in the production of pathogenic immune complexes that leads to small-vessel vasculitis. Therefore, both antiviral treatments [direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and oral nucleot(s)ide analogues] and targeted anti-CD20 therapies (rituximab) prove to be safe and effective options, leading to a better prognosis. Association of Sjögren syndrome and CV defines a specific phenotype of patients, characterized by severe manifestations and poor outcome. SUMMARY: Removing viral stimulation on B-cells through direct-acting antivirals and blocking B-cells proliferation and differentiation with rituximab are the goals of treatment of CV. However, further research is needed to identify prognostic factors of refractory and relapsing disease.

Systemic vasculitis: one year in review 2024.

Systemic vasculitides comprise a collection of rare and heterogeneous disorders capable of impacting any organ and system, posing a considerable burden of mortality and comorbidity. As with previous annual reviews of this series, this review will offer a critical overview of the latest literature on pathogenesis, biomarkers, and treatment options in both small- and large-vessel vasculitis.

An automated approach for real-time informative frames classification in laryngeal endoscopy using deep learning.

PURPOSE: Informative image selection in laryngoscopy has the potential for improving automatic data extraction alone, for selective data storage and a faster review process, or in combination with other artificial intelligence (AI) detection or diagnosis models. This paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of AI in providing automatic informative laryngoscopy frame selection also capable of working in real-time providing visual feedback to guide the otolaryngologist during the examination. METHODS: Several deep learning models were trained and tested on an internal dataset (n = 5147 images) and then tested on an external test set (n = 646 images) composed of both white light and narrow band images. Four videos were used to assess the real-time performance of the best-performing model. RESULTS: ResNet-50, pre-trained with the pretext strategy, reached a precision = 95% vs. 97%, recall = 97% vs, 89%, and the F1-score = 96% vs. 93% on the internal and external test set respectively (p = 0.062). The four testing videos are provided in the supplemental materials. CONCLUSION: The deep learning model demonstrated excellent performance in identifying diagnostically relevant frames within laryngoscopic videos. With its solid accuracy and real-time capabilities, the system is promising for its development in a clinical setting, either autonomously for objective quality control or in conjunction with other algorithms within a comprehensive AI toolset aimed at enhancing tumor detection and diagnosis.

Predicting lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome and the pathogenetic role of parotid microenvironment through precise parotid swelling recording.

OBJECTIVE: Parotid swelling (PSW) is a major predictor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in primary SS (pSS). However, since detailed information on the time of onset and duration of PSW is scarce, this was investigated to verify whether it may lead to further improved prediction. NHL localization was concomitantly studied to evaluate the role of the parotid gland microenvironment in pSS-related lymphomagenesis. METHODS: A multicentre study was conducted among patients with pSS who developed B cell NHL during follow-up and matched controls that did not develop NHL. The study focused on the history of salivary gland and lachrymal gland swelling, evaluated in detail at different times and for different durations, and on the localization of NHL at onset. RESULTS: PSW was significantly more frequent among the cases: at the time of first referred pSS symptoms before diagnosis, at diagnosis and from pSS diagnosis to NHL. The duration of PSW was evaluated starting from pSS diagnosis, and the NHL risk increased from PSW of 2-12 months to >12 months. NHL was prevalently localized in the parotid glands of the cases. CONCLUSION: A more precise clinical recording of PSW can improve lymphoma prediction in pSS. PSW as a very early symptom is a predictor, and a longer duration of PSW is associated with a higher risk of NHL. Since lymphoma usually localizes in the parotid glands, and not in the other salivary or lachrymal glands, the parotid microenvironment appears to be involved in the whole history of pSS and related lymphomagenesis.

Impact of gender and age at onset on Sjögren's syndrome presentation and outcome: state of the art.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease that typically affects middle-aged women. However, while it is rare, the disease may occur in male patients and in females during their childhood/adolescence or in the elderly. Contrasting data have been reported on these three subgroups clinical features and long-term outcomes. Notably, recent studies have pinpointed the severity of the disease in male patients and in both the early and the late-onset subgroups.The aim of this review is, therefore, to summarise the available evidence from the recent literature on these phenotypes. The focus will be on the clinical and laboratory features, and on the lymphoma risk observed in the three subgroups distinct phenotypes: of male patients as well as young-onset SS and elderly-onset SS. Ultimately, an accurate phenotypic stratification may represent the first step towards individualised medical approaches.

Systemic vasculitis: one year in review 2023.

Systemic vasculitides are heterogeneous disabling diseases characterised by chronic inflammation of the blood vessels potentially leading to tissue destruction and organ failure. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the epidemiology and management of patients with systemic vasculitis. In parallel, new insights have been provided on systemic vasculitis pathogenetic mechanisms, possible new therapeutic targets, and newer glucocorticoid-sparing treatments with better safety profiles. As in the previous annual reviews of this series, in this review we will provide a critical digest of the most recent literature regarding pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools and treatment options in small- and large-vessel vasculitis focusing on precision medicine in vasculitis.

Sjögren's syndrome: one year in review 2023.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterised by the T-cell-mediated hyperactivation of B-cells and cytokine production. The condition may evolve from an asymptomatic, indolent course, with glandular involvement, to extra-glandular systemic manifestations up to lymphoma development. On tissue level, the typical feature is the lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary gland by B-, T- and antigen presenting cells, as mirrored by the diagnostic cornerstone role of minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy. Recently, increasing research focused on the investigation of mechanisms underlying the complex pathogenesis of the disease and highlighted the multi-factorial nature of SS consisting of concomitant involvement of environmental, genetic, neuroendocrine and immune factors. In particular, many aspects have been investigated regarding genetic and epigenetics, the role of specific B- and T-cell phenotypes and the investigation of disease-specific biomarkers as predictors of disease development, activity, and lymphomagenesis. Surely, a deeper understanding of these multiple mechanisms may facilitate earlier diagnosis, enable subphenotyping of patients and open novel therapeutic possibilities to address the unmet needs of the disease in the upcoming years.In this review, following the others of this series, we will summarise the most recent literature on pSS pathogenesis and clinical features focusing in particular on new insights into pSS molecular stratification and therapeutic advances in the era of precision medicine.

Utilisation of primary healthcare services by Sjögren's syndrome patients in the Community of Madrid and associated factors: a population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the utilisation of primary health care (PHC) services and factors associated with its use by patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional cohort of SS patients in Madrid, Spain (SIERMA). Sociodemographic, diagnostic, clinical and PHC service utilisation variables were studied by bivariate analyses and regression models. RESULTS: A total of 4,778 SS patients were included, 65.2% classified as primary SS (pSS), while 34.8% associated with another autoimmune disease (associated SS). Mean age was 64.3 years, and 92.8% of the patients were women. A total of 87.5% used PHC services, with a mean of 19.8 consultations/year. The general practitioner was the most visited health professional, with a mean of 10.9 consultations/year, followed by the nurse, with a mean of 5.7. Characteristics associated with a greater use of PHC services in SS patients were associated SS, higher adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) risk level and older age. Additional factors included symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, dry vagina and joint and muscle pain; comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, solid malignant neoplasms, coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and treatments such as sterile saline solution, corticosteroids, opioids and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Most SS patients used PHC services during the study period, and the mean number of consultations was remarkably high. Utilisation was mainly associated with AMG risk level, ageing, glandular and extra-glandular symptoms, substantial comorbidities and various treatments. An optimised design of PHC policies will facilitate early diagnosis, improved management and better quality of life for SS patients.

Clinical and histological features of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis: a national multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AT in a national cohort of pSS and to describe the clinical and histological phenotype of patients with pSS and associated AT. METHODS: In this multicentre cross-sectional study, data from 2546 pSS were collected and the presence of AT was reported. In a subgroup, the histology of minor salivary glands was evaluated. Differences between pSS with and without AT were evaluated. RESULTS: A concomitant pSS and AT was detected in 19.6% of cases. Patients with pSS and AT displayed a lower prevalence of lymphoma, male sex and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) use and a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia, coeliac disease and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Multivariable analysis confirmed a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia and coeliac disease and lower use of DMARDs. In a subgroup of patients (n=232), a significantly higher focus score and number of foci was detected in pSS without AT (n=169) as compared to pSS with AT (n=54). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study evaluating the coexistence of pSS and AT. We confirm a high association between pSS and AT and describe the presence of a different phenotype characterized by a higher rate of celiac disease and fibromyalgia. Although not significant, the lower prevalence of both lymphoma and intake of DMARDs, along with a significantly lower focus score and number of foci, possibly suggest a more favourable outcome in concomitant pSS and AT which further deserve future investigations.

Exposure to air pollution as an environmental determinant of how Sjögren's disease is expressed at diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse how the potential exposure to air pollutants can influence the key components at the time of diagnosis of Sjögren's phenotype (epidemiological profile, sicca symptoms, and systemic disease). METHODS: For the present study, the following variables were selected for harmonization and refinement: age, sex, country, fulfilment of 2002/2016 criteria items, dry eyes, dry mouth, and overall ESSDAI score. Air pollution indexes per country were defined according to the OECD (1990-2021), including emission data of nitrogen and sulphur oxides (NO/SO), particulate matter (PM2.5 and 1.0), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) calculated per unit of GDP, Kg per 1000 USD. RESULTS: The results of the chi-square tests of independence for each air pollutant with the frequency of dry eyes at diagnosis showed that, except for one, all variables exhibited p-values <0.0001. The most pronounced disparities emerged in the dry eye prevalence among individuals inhabiting countries with the highest NO/SO exposure, a surge of 4.61 percentage points compared to other countries, followed by CO (3.59 points), non-methane (3.32 points), PM2.5 (3.30 points), and PM1.0 (1.60 points) exposures. Concerning dry mouth, individuals residing in countries with worse NO/SO exposures exhibited a heightened frequency of dry mouth by 2.05 percentage points (p<0.0001), followed by non-methane exposure (1.21 percentage points increase, p=0.007). Individuals inhabiting countries with the worst NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 pollution levels had a higher mean global ESSDAI score than those in lower-risk nations (all p-values <0.0001). When systemic disease was stratified according to DAS into low, moderate, and high systemic activity levels, a heightened proportion of individuals manifesting moderate/severe systemic activity was observed in countries with worse exposures to NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 pollutant levels. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we suggest that pollution levels could influence how SjD appears at diagnosis in a large international cohort of patients. The most notable relationships were found between symptoms (dryness and general body symptoms) and NO/SO, CO, and PM2.5 levels.

Influence of exposure to climate-related hazards in the phenotypic expression of primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse how the key components at the time of diagnosis of the Sjögren's phenotype (epidemiological profile, sicca symptoms, and systemic disease) can be influenced by the potential exposure to climate-related natural hazards. METHODS: For the present study, the following variables were selected for harmonisation and refinement: age, sex, country, fulfilment of 2002/2016 criteria items, dry eyes, dry mouth, and overall ESSDAI score. Climate-related hazards per country were defined according to the OECD and included seven climate-related hazard types: extreme temperature, extreme precipitation, drought, wildfire, wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding. Climatic variables were defined as dichotomous variables according to whether each country is ranked among the ten countries with the most significant exposure. RESULTS: After applying data-cleaning techniques and excluding people from countries not included in the OECD climate rankings, the database study analysed 16,042 patients from 23 countries. The disease was diagnosed between 1 and 3 years earlier in people living in countries included among the top 10 worst exposed to extreme precipitation, wildfire, wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding. A lower frequency of dry eyes was observed in people living in countries exposed to wind threats, river flooding, and coastal flooding, with a level of statistical association being classified as strong (p<0.0001 for the three variables). The frequency of dry mouth was significantly lower in people living in countries exposed to river flooding (p<0.0001) and coastal flooding (p<0.0001). People living in countries included in the worse climate scenarios for extreme temperature (p<0.0001) and river flooding (p<0.0001) showed a higher mean ESSDAI score in comparison with people living in no-risk countries. In contrast, those living in countries exposed to worse climate scenarios for wind threats (p<0.0001) and coastal flooding (p<0.0001) showed a lower mean ESSDAI score in comparison with people living in no-risk countries. CONCLUSIONS: Local exposure to extreme climate-related hazards plays a role in modulating the presentation of Sjögren across countries concerning the age at which the disease is diagnosed, the frequency of dryness, and the degree of systemic activity.

Characterization and outcomes of 414 patients with primary SS who developed haematological malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize 414 patients with primary SS who developed haematological malignancies and to analyse how the main SS- and lymphoma-related features can modify the presentation patterns and outcomes. METHODS: By January 2021, the Big Data Sjögren Project Consortium database included 11 966 patients fulfilling the 2002/2016 classification criteria. Haematological malignancies diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification were retrospectively identified. RESULTS: There were 414 patients (355 women, mean age 57 years) with haematological malignancies (in 43, malignancy preceded at least one year the SS diagnosis). A total of 376 (91%) patients had mature B-cell malignancy, nearly half had extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) (n = 197), followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 67), nodal MZL lymphoma (n = 29), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (n = 19) and follicular lymphoma (FL) (n = 17). Rates of complete response, relapses and death were 80%, 34% and 13%, respectively, with a 5-year survival rate of 86.5% after a mean follow-up of 8 years. There were significant differences in age at diagnosis (younger in MALT, older in CLL/SLL), predominant clinical presentation (glandular enlargement in MALT lymphoma, peripheral lymphadenopathy in nodal MZL and FL, constitutional symptoms in DLBCL, incidental diagnosis in CLL/SLL), therapeutic response (higher in MALT lymphoma, lower in DLBCL) and survival (better in MALT, nodal MZL and FL, worse in DLBCL). CONCLUSION: In the largest reported study of haematological malignancies complicating primary SS, we confirm the overwhelming predominance of B-cell lymphomas, especially MALT, with the salivary glands being the primary site of involvement. This highly-specific histopathological scenario is linked with the overall good prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 90%.

Glandular involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients with interstitial lung disease-onset and sicca-onset, a single centre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy classically presenting with sicca symptoms. Nonetheless, disease onset with extraglandular manifestations, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), is increasingly reported. However, studies investigating pSS patients presenting with ILD (pSS-ILD) are limited.Aim of this study was to better characterise the phenotype of pSS patients presenting with ILD in comparison to pSS patients with classicsicca-onset. We especially investigated whether the two groups differed in glandular involvement comparing functional, imaging andhistologic findings, as well as patient reported outcome (PRO). METHODS: Consecutive newly diagnosed pSS patients, all fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2016 criteria, were included in this cross-sectional study from September 2016 to October 2021. Presence of ILD at pSS diagnosis was defined based on clinical findings, imaging assessment and pulmonary function tests (PFT). In addition to functional tests, a minor salivary gland biopsy was performed in all cases, recording number of foci, focus score (FS) and GC-like structures. Salivary glands ultrasonography (SGUS) was graded using the OMERACT semiquantitative scoring system (0-3) based on parenchyma inhomogeneity. PRO including ESSPRI, OHIP and OSSDI were collected.Extraglandular clinical features and biological abnormalities included in the ESSDAI were recorded. Data were expressed as mean±SD for continuous variables and as absolute frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney U-test and ANOVA were performed for comparisons of categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: We included 178 newly diagnosed pSS patients (F:M=158:20). ILD was the first pSS manifestation in 11 (6%) cases, 8 F and 3 M, with a median time from ILD onset to pSS diagnosis of 2 years (25-75 IQ 1-4.5). Of the 11 pSS-ILD patients, HRCT pattern was defined as NSIP in 4, UIP in 4, NSIP+OP in 2 and LIP in 1 patient. Dyspnoea on exertion or chronic cough were reported by 7/11 (63.6%) patients.In comparison to sicca-onset patients, pSS-ILD patients presented an older age at diagnosis (55±13 vs. 70±7, p= 0.001) and a higher ESSDAI (3.9±4.7 vs. 12.3±4.3, p=0.001), driven by the pulmonary domain. Regarding glandular involvement, pSS-ILD patients reported milder xeropthalmia (VAS 5.8±3.1 vs. 2.8±3.5, p=0.002) and significative lower scores in OSDI (35.6±24.9 vs. 15.3±22.9, p=0.04) and OHIP (4.8±4.4 vs. 1.4±3.8, p=0.04), despite no significant differences observed between the two groups in ocular tests and unstimulated salivary flow rate. With respect to histology, no significant differences were found in number of foci, FS and GC-like structures. We observed a significantly different distribution of the SGUS OMERACT score in the two groups: none of pSS-ILD patients presented a SGUS OMERACT score ≥2 in the submandibular glands (SG), in contrast to 41/132 (31.1%) of the patients in the classical sicca-onset group (p=0.03). Finally, no significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to non-pulmonary extraglandular manifestations, serologic features and other biological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: ILD-onset pSS patients represent an atypical phenotypic subset, with less pronounced sialadenitis structural changes in salivary glands, and with sicca symptoms probably overshadowed by the respiratory disease.

The clinical phenotype of primary Sjögren's syndrome patients with lymphadenopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Previous cohort studies have shown that around 10% of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) develop lymphadenopathy during their disease course. However, no studies have described their clinical phenotype. The present study aims to describe the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of pSS patients presenting long-standing lymphadenopathy. METHODS: From a total of 1234 consecutive pSS patients fulfilling the 2016 ACR-EULAR criteria, those with stable lymphadenopathy unrelated to lymphoma were identified (lymphadenopathy group). Their clinical data were collected and compared with 2 control groups: a) the remaining unmatched pSS patients without lymphadenopathy (unmatched non-lymphadenopathy group) and b) pSS patients without lymphadenopathy matched for age, sex, and disease duration, in an approximately 1:1 ratio (matched non-lymphadenopathy group). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five (13.37%) patients presented persistent, stable lymphadenopathy. They were characterised by younger age at both pSS onset and diagnosis, and by shorter disease duration. Compared to the unmatched nonlymphadenopathy group, patients with lymphadenopathy had more frequently salivary gland enlargement (p<0.001), higher focus score at first salivary gland biopsy (p=0.017), palpable purpura (p<0.001), peripheral nervous system involvement (p=0.012), glomerulonephritis (p<0.001), and leukopenia (p<0.001), while the results of the matched comparison were similar. Regarding the serological profile, the comparison with the unmatched group demonstrated higher frequency of ANA (p=0.013), anti-Ro/SSA (p=0.001), and anti-La/SSB (p<0.001) positivity for the lymphadenopathy group, while in the matched comparison only higher rates of anti-Ro/SSA positivity (p=0.002) remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: pSS patients presenting non-lymphoma related stable lymphadenopathy constitute a subgroup of younger individuals with B-cell hyperactivation.

Systemic vasculitis: one year in review 2022.

Systemic vasculitis are rare heterogeneous disorders potentially involving any organ and system with a relevant burden of mortality and comorbidity.As in the previous annual reviews of this series, in this review we will provide a critical digest of the most recent literature regarding pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools and treatment options in small- and large-vessel vasculitis.

Clinical and laboratory findings of primary Sjögren's syndrome patients without sicca symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by oral and eye dryness. A minority of patients can present without dryness but studies on their clinico-laboratory manifestations are scarce. Our purpose was to describe the clinical phenotype of pSS patients lacking sicca symptoms. METHODS: From a total of 1738 consecutive pSS patients fulfilling the 2016 ACR-EULAR criteria, those who presented without sicca symptoms were identified (non-dryness group). Their medical data was collected and compared with 2 control groups: a) the remaining unmatched sicca pSS patients with both oral and eye dryness (unmatched dryness group) and b) matched sicca pSS patients according to age, sex, and disease duration, in 1:2 ratio (matched dryness group). RESULTS: Thirty-eight (2.19%) patients lacked sicca manifestations presenting mainly with arthralgias (47%), parotid enlargement (24%), Raynaud's phenomenon (11%) and persistent lymphadenopathy (11%) that led them to be evaluated for pSS. Non-dryness pSS patients were younger than the unmatched sicca controls, displaying a higher frequency of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies (100% vs. 79.7%, p<0.001), ANA positivity (100% vs. 90.4%, p<0.001), neutropenia (20.8% vs. 7.5%, p=0.04) and thrombocytopenia (13.8% vs. 4.2%, p=0.04). They also had lower frequency of positive ocular tests compared to both unmatched and matched dryness patients. No differences were found between non-dryness pSS patients and both control groups regarding focus score or any other extraglandular manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: pSS patients without sicca complaints constitute a distinct phenotype involving younger patients, sharing common immunopathologic mechanisms with typical sicca patients.

Myeloid neoplasms and autoimmune diseases: markers of association.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic significance of concomitant autoimmune diseases (ADs) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). METHODS: 435 subjects with a diagnosis of MPNs were included in this observational single institution longitudinal study. Of them, 34 patients presented an overt AD at diagnosis of MPN. Clinical presenting features, progression-free and overall survival were compared between MPN subgroups in relation to co-existence of AD at diagnosis of MPN. RESULTS: Compared to cases without ADs, the subjects with ADs were significantly younger, had lower haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and more frequently presented with splenomegaly. The clinical and biological features associated to progression-free and overall survival were: age, presence of splenomegaly, histotype (MF vs. PV vs. ET), anaemia, high platelet count and presence of any AD at diagnosis of MPN. The age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of progression for the presence of AD at diagnosis of MPN was 2.76. Overall survival was not significantly associated to AD at diagnosis, but the HR of progression for the presence of AD at diagnosis of MPN was 2.18. CONCLUSIONS: A possible common genetic predisposition, the inflammatory bone marrow microenvironment and the activation of theJAK/STAT pathway could be considered as responsible for the observed association between MPNs and ADs.

Sjögren's syndrome: one year in review 2022.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a complex disabling systemic autoimmune disorder. The hallmark of pSS is the T-cell-mediated hyperactivation of B-cells, evolving from asymptomatic conditions to systemic complications and lymphoma development. On tissue level, the typical feature is the lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary gland by B-, T- and antigen presenting cells, as mirrored by the diagnostic cornerstone role of minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy. B-cells show multiple possible roles in disease pathogenesis, from autoantibody production, to antigen presentation, and cytokine production. B-cells hyperactivation is supported by genetic risk factors, T-cell dependent and independent mechanisms, and the presence of different pathogenic B-cell subsets must be reminded.Many aspects have been investigated in the last year regarding genetic and epigenetics, B- and T-cell role in pSS pathogenesis, their interaction with salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) and in their direct or indirect use as biomarkers and predictors of disease development, activity, and lymphomagenesis.In this review, following the others of this series, we will summarise the most recent literature on pSS pathogenesis and clinical features focusing in particular on new insights into pSS molecular stratification and therapeutic advances in the era of precision medicine.

Sjögren's syndrome and other rare and complex connective tissue diseases: an intriguing liaison.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that frequently occurs concomitantly with other systemic connective tissue disorders, including rare and complex diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The presence of SS influences the clinical expression of the other autoimmune diseases, thus offering the unique opportunity to explore the similarities in genetic signatures, as well as common environmental and biologic factors modulating the expression of disease phenotypes. In this review, we will specifically discuss the possibility of defining "SS/SLE" and "SS/SSc" as distinct subsets within the context of connective tissue diseases with different clinical expression and outcomes, thus deserving an individualised assessment and personalised medical interventions.

The JAK-STAT pathway: an emerging target for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Inflammation contributes centrally to cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory treatments can reduce cardiovascular events. The JAK-STAT pathway is an emerging target in inflammation, mainly in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), disorders that heighten cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to review the international literature on the relationship between dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in RA/MPNs and cardiovascular risk and on the potential cardiovascular effects of JAK-STAT inhibitors. The JAK-STAT pathway sustains inflammatory and thrombotic events in autoimmune disorders such as RA and MPNs. Here, an imbalance exists between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines [increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1-ß, tumour necrosis factor-α, decreased levels of IL-10] and the over-expression of some prothrombotic proteins, such as protein kinase Cε, on the surface of activated platelets. This pathway also operates in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. JAK-STAT inhibitors may reduce cardiovascular events and related deaths in such conditions, but the potential of these agents requires more studies, especially with regard to cardiovascular safety, and particularly for potential prothrombotic effects. JAK-STAT inhibitors merit consideration to curb heightened cardiovascular risk in patients with RA and MPNs, with rigorous assessment of the potential benefits and risks.