Trajectory mapping of primary Sjögren's syndrome via transcriptome learning demonstrates limitations of peripheral blood sequencing.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant immune cell action against secretory glands throughout the body. A number of studies have previously identified unique characteristics in the circulating expression profile of white blood cells of pSS patients. However, the molecular progression pattern of pSS is unclear. Through a systematic analysis of pSS transcriptome information, we found that pSS transcriptomes display broad heterogeneity, but cannot be distinguished from the broad range of possible profiles of healthy controls. Instead, only sample learning using a subset of pre-identified signature genes could achieve partial separation through a trajectory governed by interferon activity. Interestingly, this trajectory is correlated with a decrease in dendritic cell counts. Our study thus highlights a major limitation to the utility of broad blood transcriptome analysis in the context of pSS, while also identifying several factors that influence the divergence between patient samples.

Priliminary study on efficacy and safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells infusion for treating refractory rheumatoid arthritis / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(UC-MSCs) infusion in treating refractory rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods Four cases of refractory RA and invalid by improving disease condition and anti-rheumatic drugs in this hospital from December 2014 to November 2015 underwent once UC-MSCs suspension intravenous infusion after signing the informed consent.The cells number was 1 × 106 per kg.We evaluated the tender and swollen joints number,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),28-joint disease activity score(DAS28),visual analog scale(VAS)pain score and related safety indices were compared between before and after infusion.Results After infusion treatment in 3 cases,the tender and swollen joints number,ESR and DAS28(4) score were significantly improved,but another case was ineffective.No anaphylaxis,rejection reaction or adverse events occurred in all cases and no abnormal change was found in routine blood,liver and kidney function.Conclusion The UC-MSCs infusion is has good safe for treating refractory RA and improves the disease condition to some extent.