Ultrasonographic and power doppler parameters of nails fail to differentiate between onychodystrophy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris or psoriatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Nail involvement is frequent in patients with psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and there is a relationship between nail involvement and inflammation of the enthesis. The main objective of the present study is to describe the ultrasound findings and clinical characteristics of nails from patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with and without nail dystrophy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with PsO and PsA was carried out. The study patients were divided into 4 groups, totaling 120 participants. Group 1: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and clinically normal nails; Group 2: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and onychodystrophy; Group 3: patients with psoriatic arthritis and clinically normal nails; Group 4: patients with psoriatic arthritis and onychodystrophy; All patients were submitted to dermatological and rheumatological clinical analysis. Ultrasound examinations was performed by a single examiner, blinded to all clinical data, with ultrasound high resolution, in B-mode or gray-scale (GS), Power Doppler (PD) and Spectral Doppler. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the groups regarding the variable Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p = 0.008) and body surface area (BSA) (p = 0.005), with patients with psoriatic arthritis having lower PASI and BSA compared to patients with only cutaneous psoriasis. A positive relationship was found with the average ultrasound thickness of the nail bed and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) in correlation analysis (rho = 0.344). When we grouped patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there was no significant difference between the cutaneous psoriasis groups and the psoriatic arthritis groups in terms of nail plate GS (p = 0.442), nail bed PD (p = 0.124). CONCLUSION: Greater nail bed thickness indicates early psoriatic nail disease, as confirmed in our study correlating NAPSI with nail bed thickness. Ultrasonography is a low-cost exam, promising in the evaluation, showing that the ultrasound grayscale is consistent with those who have dystrophic nails, but it can't distinguish psoriasis from psoriatic arthritis, even in those with nail dystrophy.

Association of neutrophil extracellular trap levels with Raynaud's phenomenon, glomerulonephritis and disease index score in SLE patients from Brazil.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are cell-extruded DNA strands coated with neutrophils' nuclear proteins and enzymes from cytotoxic granules, produced by NETosis, a cell death pathway. They perform an important defensive role in innate immunity, but their increased production and/or inefficient degradation expose new antigens, such as DNA or citrullinated histone peptides, triggering autoimmunity. This study aimed to access possible associations between serum NETs levels with epidemiological, clinical, and serological data from a well-characterized SLE Brazilian patients' cohort. NET levels were evaluated in one hundred seventy serum samples of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) using an Immunoassay. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression used clinical patients' data as independent variables. Parametric and non-parametric tests compared log10 base serum NET levels transformed between patients' groups. SLE patients were also dichotomized into "High serum NET levels" and "Low serum NET levels" groups. All analyses were performed in R language 4.1.2, and p < 0.05 were considered significant. Increased susceptibility for high serum NET levels was observed in SLE patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (OR = 2.30, 95 % CI = 1.06-5.21 and p = 0.039), independently of any other risk factor. Also, SLE patients with Raynaud's phenomenon presented higher mean NET serum levels (mean = -0.13 vs. -0.51, p = 0.01). In addition, higher mean NET serum levels were associated with glomerulonephritis (mean = -0.45 vs. -0.12, p = 0.03). Ultimately, the SLEDAI index scored higher in the high NETs serum levels group (median = 2.0 vs. 0.0, p = 6 × 10-3). The formation of NETs might be implicated in Raynaud's phenomenon, glomerulonephritis, and disease index score in SLE patients. Our results highlight the importance of serum NET levels as a possible therapeutical target to modulate the clinical course of SLE.

ANCA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. A cross sectional study in Brazilian patients and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies (ANCA) have been detected in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we investigated the presence of ANCA in a sample of Brazilian SLE patients and its possible associations with clinical and serological outcomes. Additionally, we reviewed the literature of on ANCA in SLE. RESULTS: The presence of ANCA was detected in 130 patients using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). The test was positive in 29.9% of the cases (17.6% pANCA and 11.5% cANCA). Male sex and peripheral vasculitis were more prevalent in the ANCA-positive sample. cANCA was associated with lupus anticoagulant and pANCA had a positive association with peripheral vasculitis and a negative association with anti- SSB/La antibodies. In the 22 studies included in the literature review, a wide range of ANCA positivity was found (13% to 81.1% by IIF and 0 to 22.2% by ELISA). ANCA was associated with renal damage in the Asian population. Although other associations have been found in isolated studies, they were not consistently reported. CONCLUSIONS: The ANCA prevalence found in this Brazilian sample was within the range reported in the literature and these autoantibodies were more frequent in males and in patients with vasculitis. The literature showed controversial results on the association between ANCA and SLE disease activity or clinical characteristics.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance used to treat some rheumatic diseases. Our objective was to review the use of CoQ10 in rheumatic diseases. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on CoQ10 and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and April 2023. Twenty articles were found, including 483 patients. The investigated conditions were Fibromyalgia (FM) with 15 studies, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with 3 studies, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with 2 studies. After CoQ10 supplementation, RA patients observed improvements in disease activity index, inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), cytokine levels, and a decrease in malondialdehyde. In APS, CoQ10 improved endothelial function and decreased prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators. Regarding FM, in most of the studies, the patients observed improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, tender points count, mood disorders, and scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The drug was well tolerated, with reports of minor side effects in two studies. CoQ10 supplementation seems to be efficacious as a complementary treatment for RA and FM. Upcoming studies with larger samples and including other rheumatic diseases are welcome.

EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF THE PHOSPHATIDYL INOSITOL-3 RECEPTOR (IP3R) IN BASAL CELL AND SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CARCINOMAS / AVALIAÇÃO DA IMUNOLOCALIZAÇÃO DO RECEPTOR DO FOSFATIDIL INOSITOL-3 (IP3R) EM CARCINOMAS BASOCELULAR E DE CÉLULAS ESCAMOSAS DE PELE

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) form the most common group of all types of neoplasms. Although cancer is not yet being classified as a channelopathy, it has been suggested that pumps and ionic channels contribute to its progression by affecting autophagy, which could become an important therapeutic target in this context. Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of IP3R in both skin tumors. Method: Immunohistochemistry was performed on 60 slides of non-melanoma cancer using primary anti-IP3R antibodies, verifying their presence and quantifying Results: For the first time, IP3R immunolocalization was identified in non-melanoma skin neoplasms, being evident above 90% of neoplastic cells was observed in all slides studied, regardless of the histological pattern, invasion and other tumor characteristics. Unlike what was seen in the internal control of normal skin, in which there was immunolocalization of IP3R in basal cell, in tumors, immunohistochemical expression occurred throughout the entire body of the neoplasm. Conclusion: There was immunolocalization of IP3R in tumor cells in both BCC and SCC. It was not possible to establish a correlation between tumor characteristics and IP3R expression, as immunostaining was similar in all analyzed samples. Despite this, IP3R to be associated with the pathophysiology of non-melanoma skin cancer, but its expression does not seem to be associated with tumor aggressiveness.

Introdução: As neoplasias de pele não melanoma (carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) formam o grupo mais comum de todos os tipos de neoplasias. Embora o câncer ainda não esteja sendo pautado como canalopatia, tem sido sugerido que bombas e canais iônicos contribuem para a sua progressão por afetar a autofagia. Proteínas iônicas, em especial as de canais de cálcio, como o receptor da fosfatidil inositol 3 (IP3R) participam de maneira ativa na autofagia por estarem envolvidas na etapa inicial de formação do autofagossomo, podendo se tornar em alvo terapêutico importante neste contexto. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão imuno histoquímica do IP3R em ambos os tumores de pele. Método: Foi realizada imuno histoquímica em 60 lâminas de câncer não melanoma utilizando anticorpos primários anti-IP3R verificando a sua expressão. Resultados: Pela primeira vez foi identificada a imunolocalização do IP3R em câncer de pele não melanoma, sendo evidente em mais de 90% das células neoplásicas em todas as lâminas estudadas, independentemente do padrão histológico, invasão e demais características tumorais. Diferentemente do visualizado no controle interno de pele normal, no qual houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células basais, nos tumores, a expressão imuno histoquímica ocorreu em todo o corpo da neoplasia. Conclusão: Houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células tumorais tanto em CBC quanto em CEC. Não foi possível estabelecer correlação entre as características tumorais e a expressão de IP3R, pois a imunomarcação apresentou-se de forma similar em todas as amostras analisadas. Apesar disso, IP3R está associado à fisiopatologia do câncer de pele não melanoma, mas a sua expressão não parece estar associada à agressividade tumoral.

NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW / CANCER DE PELE NÃO MELANOMA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises a group of neoplasms with a high incidence in the world population. It is divided into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). As it is highly prevalent, understanding the process of oncogenesis and the relationship with ions, proteins and cellular receptors in CPMN can contribute to the evaluation of new therapies. Objective: To understand the oncogenesis process of non-melanoma skin tumors and its relationship with the immunolocalization of IP3R. Method: Integrative literature review with evidence synthesis. The database was PUBMED; the search strategy: "squamous cell carcinoma, AND/OR basal cell carcinoma, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR immunohistochemistry". Works published between 2018 and 2023 were considered for review; 40 works were included, fully read and summarized. Results: NMSC is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, with 75-80% being BCC, and up to 25% being SCC. Molecular interactions in general involve a large participation of tumor suppressor molecules, as well as procto-oncogenes. Furthermore, voltage-dependent ion channels control the cytosolic flow of ions, including calcium. The IP3R (phosphatidyl inositol-3 receptor) allows the exit of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum so that it can be used by the cell for physiological activities such as proliferation, angiogenesis, motility and invasion capacity. Conclusion: The IP3R, due to its immunohistochemical expression characteristics, appears may also be related to the pathophysiology of NMSC.

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma (CPNM) compeende grupo de neoplasias com alta incidência na população mundial. É dividido em carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e de células escamosas (CEC). Por ser de grande prevalência, entender o processo de oncogênese e a relação com íons, proteínas e receptores celulares no CPMN pode contribuir para que novas terapêuticas sejam avaliadas. Objetivo: Entender o processo da oncogênese dos tumores de pele não melanomas e sua relação com a imunolocalização do IP3R. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura com síntese de evidências. A base de dados foi o PUBMED; a  estratégia de busca: "carcinoma espinocelular, AND/OR carcinoma basocelular, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR imunoistoquímica". Foram considerados para revisão os trabalhos publicados entre 2018 e 2023. Foram incluídos 40 trabalhos, integralmente lidos e resumidos. Resultados: CPNMs são os tumores malignos mais comuns em todo o mundo, sendo 75-80% o CBC, e até 25% o CEC. As interações moleculares de forma geral, envolvem grande participação de moléculas supressoras tumorais, assim como de procto-oncogenes. Além disso, canais iônicos voltagem dependente controlam o fluxo citosólico de íons, dentre eles o cálcio. O IP3R (receptor do fosfatidil inositol-3) permite a saída de cálcio do retículo endoplasmático para que seja utilizado pela célula para atividades fisiológias como proliferação, angiogênese, motilidade e capacidade de invasão. Conclusão: O IP3R, pelas características de expressão imunoistoquímica, parece estar relacionado também, à fisiopatologia do CPNM.

Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Males and females with scleroderma: A comparative study in a Brazilian sample.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and serological profile in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by comparing females and males. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 215 SSc patients (193 females, 22 males; mean age: 50.1±14.5 years; range, 16 to 88 years) between September 2005 and September 2020. Disease severity was calculated by the Medsger severity score. Males and females were compared for clinical and serological markers. Results: Females more frequently had esophageal involvement (p=0.003), telangiectasias (p=0.03), and antinuclear antibodies (p=0.04). Males more frequently had fingertip scars (p=0.03), digital ulcers (p=0.006), and a worse median Medsger severity score (6 in males vs. 4 in females, p=0.05). Conclusion: In the studied sample, males had more severe disease than females with greater repercussions in periferic circulatory system.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation in Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal hormone used to treat rheumatic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with controversial results. Aim: To review the results of DHEA use in rheumatic diseases. Methods: PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched for articles on the treatment of rheumatic diseases with DHEA between 1966 and April 2023. Results: Twenty-one studies were identified: 13 in SLE, 5 in SS, 2 in RA, and 1 in fibromyalgia. DHEA use in SLE has shown a mild to moderate effect on disease activity, a positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD), and improved fatigue. The studies on SS showed a decrease in symptoms of dry mouth, but its performance did not differ from placebo in disease activity. In RA, a questionable effect on disease activity was noted. The only study on fibromyalgia failed to show any improvement. The drug was well tolerated; mild androgenic effects were the most common complaints. Conclusion: DHEA seems to have a place in SLE treatment, where it improves BMD and disease activity. The use in RA, SS, and FM is questionable.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome with and without limb ischemia: A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and laboratory data obtained from patients with primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS) with and without limb ischemia (LI). METHODS: A transverse study with 66 (83.3% female) PAPS patients was performed. All data were evaluated. Patients were subdivided into one of two groups: PAPS with LI and PAPS without LI and compared. RESULTS: Sixty-six primary APS were selected. PAPS with LI group exhibited a longer disease duration (p = .012) and more arterial events (p = .002). A lower frequency of venous events was observed in PAPS with LI (p = .007), and deep venous thrombosis (p = .016). Furthermore, PAPS with LI patients had more deficiency of protein C of coagulation (p = .015) than the others. CONCLUSION: PAPS and LI have a distinct clinical and laboratory spectra from those without LI and it is characterized by an increased frequency of protein C deficiency, and a lower frequency of venous events, deep venous thrombosis and IgM anticardiolipin.

Prevalence of skin lesions in a sample of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel diseases may have extra intestinal manifestations such as those affecting the skin. This study aimed to study skin manifestations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a cross-sectional study of 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients and a control group comprising 50 healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to dermatological examination and photography of skin lesions. RESULTS: Out of the 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients, 50 had ulcerative colitis and 20 had Crohn's disease. Skin lesions occurred in 95.7% of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients and in 88% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Alopecia (p<0.0001), xerosis (p=0.03), striae (p=0.02), and acne (p=0.04) were more common in inflammatory bowel diseases patients than in the control group. Alopecia was more frequent in females (p=0.01) than in males. Two male patients, one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn's disease, had pyoderma gangrenosum. Erythema nodosum was not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of skin lesions in the Brazilian inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Additionally, alopecia, xerosis, striae, and acne were more common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases than in those in the control group.

CHARLSON'S COORDINITY INDEX IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN BRAZILIAN PATIENTS / ÍNDICE DE COMORBIDADES DE CHARLSON NO LÚPUS ERITEMATOSO SISTÊMICO EM PACIENTES BRASILEIRAS

Introduction: The Charlson comorbidities index (CCI) assesses a person's chances of survival over the next 10 years. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple comorbidities and complications affect patient survival. Objetive: Analize the variables that influence the CCI of a group of females with SLE. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of 100 lupus patients for CCI, clinical, epidemiological and serological variables. Results: No epidemiological variable interfered in CCI. Regarding clinical manifestations, patients with glomerulonephritis had a worse CCI than those without (p<0.0001) and those with central nervous system manifestations had a tendency to worse CCI (p=0.09). Patients with anti-Ro antibodies (p=0.02) and rheumatoid factor or RF (p=0.002) were associated with a lower CCI. Conclusions: The presence of glomerulonephritis is associated with lower survival and of the anti-Ro and RF antibodies with longer survival in SLE.

Introdução : O índice de comorbidades de Charlson (ICC) avalia as chances de sobrevivência de uma pessoa nos próximos 10 anos. No lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) múltiplas comorbidades e complicações afetam a sobrevida. Objetivo : Verificar as variáveis ​​que influenciam no ICC de um grupo de mulheres com LES. Métodos : Estudo retrospectivo de 100 pacientes lúpicas para o ICC, variáveis ​​clínicas, epidemiológicas e sorológicas. Resultados : Nenhuma variável epidemiológica interferiu no ICC. Quanto à clínica, pacientes com glomerulonefrite tiveram pior ICC do que os sem (p<0,0001) e os com manifestações de sistema nervoso central tiveram tendência para pior ICC (p=0,09). Portadores de anticorpos anti-Ro (p=0,02) e fator reumatoide (FR; p=0,002) se associaram com ICC menor. Conclusões : A presença de glomerulonefrite se associa com menor sobrevida, e a dos anticorpos anti-Ro e FR com maior sobrevida no LES.

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS FOR THE USE OF BIOLOGICALS IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS / ANÁLISE PRELIMINAR DO USO DE BIOLÓGICOS NO TRATAMENTO DA ARTRITE REUMATOIDE

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is treated with conventional and biological disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Objectives: To compare the survival of biological drugs used for the treatment of RA patients. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of patients who used biological medication for the treatment of RA from January 2020 to January 2022 and this was suspended. Data on the causes of withdrawal, duration of use, epidemiological, clinical and comorbid data were collected. Results: The main reason for discontinuity was failure followed by side effects. Infliximab and adalimumab had the highest survival. BMI (body mass index) and smoking, sex and age did not interfere in this survival. Conclusion: Failure is the most common cause of biological discontinuity. Among the factors studied (smoking, BMI, age and gender) it was not possible to identify a variable that was associated with failure.

Introdução: A artrite reumatoide (AR) é tratada com drogas modificadoras da doença (DMARDs) convencionais e biológicas. Objetivos: Comparar a sobrevida de medicamentos biológicos utilizados para o tratamento de pacientes com AR. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários de pacientes que utilizaram medicamento biológico para tratamento de AR de janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2022 e este foi suspenso. Dados acerca das causas de retirada, tempo de uso, dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e de comorbidades foram coletados. Resultados: O principal motivo da descontinuidade foi a falha seguida por efeitos colaterais. Infliximabe e adalimumabe foram os que apresentaram maior sobrevida. IMC (índice de massa corporal) e o tabagismo, sexo e idade não mostraram interferência nesta sobrevida Conclusão: Falha é a causa mais comum de descontinuidade dos biológicos. Dentre os fatores estudados (fumo, IMC, idade e sexo) não foi possível identificar variável que se associasse com falha.

Can Bariatric Surgery Help to Prevent Autoimmunity?

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been linked to the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. AIM: To investigate the presence of autoantibodies in the sera of bariatric-surgery patients. METHODS: During the pre- and postoperative period, sera from 79 patients undergoing bariatric surgery were tested for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-endomysial antibodies. Anti-dsDNA and ENA profiles were also determined in positive ANA sera. A chart review was used to obtain clinical, epidemiological, and anthropometric data. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 23/79 (29.1%) of the sera tested positive for ANA; postoperatively, this frequency decreased to 8/79 (10.1%) with p = 0.002 (OR = 3.6; 95%; CI = 1.4-8.3). The fine-speckled ANA pattern was the most common (73.9% preoperative and 87.3% postoperative). Preoperative ANA-positive and negative patients did not differ in epidemiological or anthropometric measurements (all p >0.05), but ANA-positive patients had lower serum vitamin D levels than the negatives (p = 0.002). RF positivity was found in 5/76 (6.5%) of preoperative sera and 3/76 (3.9%) of postoperative sera, with p = 0.71. Anti-ds-DNA, ENA profile, and anti-endomysial antibodies were all negative in all patients, both before and after surgery; anticardiolipin IgM was weakly positive in one postoperative sample. CONCLUSION: Positive ANA is common in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, and it decreases after weight loss.

Resistin serum levels and its association with clinical profile and carotid intima-media thickness in psoriasis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a protean disease associated with several comorbidities that may have increased levels of adiponectin such as resistin. This may affect the patients atherosclerotic risk. OBJECTIVE: To study resistin levels in a sample of Brazilian patients with psoriasis and its association with clinical profile, comorbidities, and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 119 individuals: 34 healthy controls and 85 patients with psoriasis, 42 of which with skin involvement only and 43 with psoriatic arthritis. Clinical and epidemiological data, measurement of PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) and DAPSA (Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis), lipid profile, cIMT by ultrasound were collected from medical records. Resistin serum levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had higher resistin levels (p=0.009) and worse cIMT (p=0.0002) than controls. In the psoriasis sample, no associations of resistin levels with epidemiological, clinical findings, and activity indexes were found. Resistin serum levels were associated with the presence of diabetes (p=0.008) and metabolic syndrome (p=0.01) and correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.26) and triglycerides (r=0.33) but not with cIMT. STUDY LIMITATIONS: This work is limited by its transversal design and by the limited number of patients included. CONCLUSION: Resistin serum levels are elevated in psoriasis patients. In this sample, clinical, epidemiological, and activity indexes were not linked to resistin serum levels, but atherosclerotic risk factors were.

Low-Dose Naltrexone in Rheumatological Diseases.

Background: Naltrexone has been approved for alcohol and opioid abuse by the FDA. At low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been used in several diseases including chronic pain and autoimmune conditions, including rheumatic disorders. Aim: To review the use of LDN in rheumatic diseases: systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles on LDN and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and August 2022. Results: Seven studies in FM have been identified: in this disease LDN has showed beneficial effects on pain and well-being. In SS, two articles with 3 cases description showed that LDN may be of help in the pain treatment. LDN relieved pruritus in scleroderma (a case description with a series of 3 patients) and dermatomyositis (description of 3 patients in two articles). In RA a study using Norwegian Prescription Database showed that LDN was associated to reduction in the use of analgesic and DMARDs. No serious side effects were detected. Conclusion: This review shows that LDN is a promising and safe therapy to be used in some rheumatic disease. However, the data is limited and needs to be reproduced in larger studies.

Melatonin supplementation improves rheumatological disease activity: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a pineal hormone with a complex role. It is linked to sleep, inflammatory, oxidative, and immunological processes. AIM: To review the use of melatonin supplementation in rheumatological diseases. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scielo databases was performed, looking for articles on Melatonin and rheumatic diseases published between 1966 and August 2022. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were identified: in fibromyalgia (n = 5 articles), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 2), systemic sclerosis (n = 1), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 1) and osteoporosis/osteopenia (n = 3) and osteoarthritis (n = 1). There were positive results of melatonin administration in fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis/osteopenia but not in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The drug was well tolerated with mild side effects. CONCLUSION: This review shows the efficacy of Melatonin in some rheumatic diseases. However, new studies are needed to elucidate the real role of this treatment in rheumatology.