Calcinosis in Rheumatic Disease Is Still an Unmet Need: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease-related calcinosis comprise a subgroup at risk of encountering a more severe clinical outcome. Early assessment is pivotal for preventing overall disease progression, as calcinosis is commonly overlooked until several years into the disease and is considered as a 'non-lethal' manifestation. This single-center retrospective study explored the prevalence, clinical associations, and impact on survival of subcutaneous calcinosis in 86 patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD). Calcinosis predominantly appeared in individuals with longstanding disease, particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc), constituting 74% of cases. Smaller calcinosis lesions (≤1 cm) were associated with interstitial lung disease, musculoskeletal involvement, and digital ulcerations, while larger lesions (≥4 cm) were associated with malignancy, severe peripheral artery disease, and systemic arterial hypertension. The SSc calcinosis subgroup exhibited a higher mean adjusted European Scleroderma Study Group Activity Index score than those without. However, survival rates did not significantly differ between the two groups. Diltiazem was the most commonly used treatment, and while bisphosphonates reduced complications related to calcinosis, complete resolution was not achieved. The findings underscore current limitations in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating calcinosis, emphasizing the need for further research and improved therapeutic strategies to improve patient care and outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in pediatric population, with uveitis as the most common and severe extra-articular manifestation. Eye damage (bilateral in 70-80% of cases) is usually anterior, chronic and asymptomatic. Young age, female gender, oligoarticular form and ANA positivity are risk factors for chronic anterior uveitis (CAU). Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) frequently occurs in HLA-B27 positive boys with enthesitis-related arthritis. The onset is on average 1.8 years after the onset of JIA, but it may also precede the articular manifestations. Ophthalmological screening for JIA is recommended every 3 or 6-12 months depending on the combination of risk factors for associated uveitis. The major purpose of the treatment is to minimize the loss of visual acuity. The treatment is topical (corticosteroids, cycloplegics) and systemic (short-term glucocorticoids, methotreexate, biological drugs). Biological therapy (indicated if previous treatments are ineffective) is using anti-TNF drugs as first choice (most studies are indicating sup erior efficiency for Adalimumab). Usually AAU is treated promptly and no systemic treatment is needed. In some cases the evolution of CAU can lead to severe complications (synechiaes, cataract, glaucoma, even blindness). Interdisciplinary approach involving the pediatric rheumatologist and ophthalmologist is essential for correct monitoring of this disease.

Role of cellular immunity in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis: update on CD4+T cells population studies.

Immunologic abnormalities observed in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients consist of chronic mononuclear cell infiltration of affected tissues, dysregulation of lymphokine and growth factor production, and autoantibodies production. Expansion of CD4+T cells within the tissue seems to involve their activation that precedes this process. Therefore, CD4+T cells activation, as an early immune event, appears to be an important process in the development and maintaining of SSc. In SSc the disturbance of peripheral tolerance mechanisms could be also responsible for CD4+T cells activation. Consequently, we reevaluated CD4+T cells positive for CD25, GITR, CTLA-4, CD45RO, or Foxp3 in SSc patients, by comparison with healthy donors (HDs), and in correlation with clinical features of the disease. Our results reargued for activation of peripheral blood CD4+T cells in SSc patients. Thus, increased percentages of CD25+ and GITR+ CD4+T cells were found in SSc patients by comparison with HDs. Direct correlation between the percentage of GITR+CD4+T cells and disease activity recommended these cells as a good candidate for disease progression. In SSc patients, the negative regulators of T cells activation are also affected. Thus, CTLA-4+ and Foxp3+ CD4+T cell percentages were significantly reduced in SSc patients when compared to HDs. Indirect correlation between the percentage of CD152+CD4+T cells and autoantibodies (aScl70) presence or disease type highlighted the role of these cells in the disturbance of peripheral tolerance. The absence of the direct correlation between CD152+CD4+T cells and CD45RO+CD4+T cells, correlation observed only in HDs, raised the hypothesis that in SSc patients, memory T cells can be easily activated, and by consequence, they can enter within affected tissues. These data reconfirm the activation state of SSc CD4+T cells and point out some abnormalities in peripheral tolerance mechanisms that can contribute to SSc pathogeny.

Usefulness of complex bacteriological and serological analysis in patients with spondyloarthritis.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of associated chronic systemic inflammatory immune-mediated rheumatic diseases affecting axial and peripheral joints and entheses. The aim of the present study was to identify what parameters are useful to determine in order to better understand the correlation between the disease activity/severity and the microbiological results/immune status against intestinal and/or urogenital pathogens. Microorganisms known to trigger SpA, including Klebsiella spp., Yersinia spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Chlamydia spp., were analyzed in various specimens (stool, urine, synovial fluid and serum) collected from 27 randomly selected SpA patients and 26 healthy controls using a combined direct and indirect approach relying on conventional culture technique and nucleic acid-based assays together with serological testing by ELISA. Although Escherichia coli derived from phylogroup A prevailed in the gut microflora of the patients and controls, differences were observed regarding the representatives of the other phylogroups with a higher prevalence of E.coli members of phylogenetic group B1 in the stool specimens of patients. Antibodies against the targeted species were detected in SpA patients and controls, and the serological profiles of the former were more diverse and complex. In conclusion, the detection of anti-bacterial antibodies combined with other specific laboratory investigations should be more extensively used to monitor SpA patients in association with their symptoms and in order to determine and administer more effective therapeutics.

Does patients' opinion of remission in rheumatoid arthritis overlap ultrasound "true" remission? - a pilot study.

AIM: Patients describe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission as the absence of any symptoms or return to normality. Residual ultrasound (US) synovitis was frequently described in remission cohorts in previous studies. US tenosynovitis evaluation and scoring seems to better follow clinical remission scores compared with synovitis in RA. Our objective was to verify the presence of US findings suggestive of persistent inflammation in a cohort of patients in remission according to their own opinion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three RA patients were prospectively enrolled in this pilot study between 2015-2017 according to their positive answer to the question "Are you feeling free of symptoms, just like before your RA symptomsstarted?". Clinical evaluation of tender and swollen joints was performed in the same day with US evaluation of 24 joints and 26 tendon sites and lab C-reactive protein (CRP) evaluation. DAS28-CRP and SDAI were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 72.9% (35 of 43) of patients were in remission per DAS28 criteria. Except for CRP value, no other variables were significantly different in the 35 of 43. PD scoring in tenosynovitis of the ankle and feet was 100% overlapping remission felt by patients. PD tenosynovitis in both upper and lower limbs was found in less than 10% of patients, and only grade 1 (minimal). CONCLUSION:  A combination of patients' opinion and PDUS evaluation could be a starting point for RA treatment tapering.

Clinical Phenotype of Endothelial Dysfunction in Romanian Scleroderma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the particularities of the clinical phenotype of endothelial dysfunction in a lot of Romanian patients from a reference center and compare it to data reported by international registries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 51 patients were included in a cross-sectional study. The patients were evaluated for the pattern of disease, main visceral involvement, serum markers of disease. RESULTS: 41.2% patients had history of digital ulcers, 27.45% had pulmonary arterial hypertension; cardiovascular involvement also included: diastolic dysfunction in 31.1% of the patients, global systolic dysfunction in 9.8%, rhythm and conduction disturbances in 19.6%, peripheral vascular disease in 19.6%. Scleroderma renal crisis was identified in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis. Earlier therapeutic intervention demands improved screening and diagnosis in all cases.

Dysregulation of anergy-related factors involved in regulatory T cells defects in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: Rapamycin and Vitamin D efficacy in restoring regulatory T cells.

AIM: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients display dysfunctions in T cell activation and anergy. Therefore the aims of our study were to explore the expression of anergy-related factors in CD4+ T cells in relationship with regulatory T cells (Tregs) frequency in SLE patients and to identify strategies to redress these defects. METHOD: Casitas B-cell lymphoma b (Cbl-b) and 'gene related to anergy in lymphocytes' (GRAIL) proteins were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and healthy donors (HD) by immunoblotting. cbl-b, grail, growth response factors (egr)2 and egr3 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in SLE and HD PBMCs and CD4+ T cells. Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD4+ T cells was performed by flow cytometry. Tregs expansion protocol consisted in culturing CD4+ T cells for 14 or 21 days of experimental activation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies, human recombinant interleukin (hrIL)-2, in the absence or presence of rapamycin (Rapa) or 1,25-(OH)2D3 (vitamin D: VitD). RESULTS: SLE PBMCs expressed low levels of Cbl-b and GRAIL proteins. Both SLE PBMCs and CD4+ T cells expressed low levels of egr2/3 mRNAs. SLE patients had a reduced number of Tregs with impaired suppressive activity. An association between egr2 mRNA level in CD4+ T cells and Tregs percentage was identified. Experimental activation of CD4+ T cells in the presence of hrIL-2 and Rapa or VitD induced the expansion of SLE Tregs. However, on long-term, only Rapa exposure of SLE CD4+ T cells yielded high numbers of Tregs with sustained suppressive activity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a new strategy to correct defects in CD4+ T cell tolerance mechanisms that may prove beneficial in SLE.

Low vitamin D status in systemic sclerosis and the impact on disease phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects including immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, and antifibrotic properties and is thus able to modulate the three main links in scleroderma pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of vitamin D in patients with systemic sclerosis and to analyze the associations between the concentration of vitamin D and the features of systemic sclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients were evaluated for visceral involvement, immunological profile, activity, severity scores, and quality of life. The vitamin D status was evaluated by measuring the 25hydroxy-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels. RESULTS: The mean vitamin D level was 17.06±9.13 ng/dL. Only 9.8% of the patients had optimal vitamin D levels; 66.66% of them had insufficient 25(OH)D levels, while 23.52% had deficient levels. No correlation was found between vitamin D concentration and age, sex, autoantibody profile, extent of skin involvement, or vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D levels were correlated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (p=0.019, r=0.353), diastolic dysfunction (p=0.033, r=-0.318), digital contractures (p=0.036, r=-0.298), and muscle weakness (p=0.015, r=-0.377) and had a trend for negative correlation with pulmonary hypertension (p=0.053, r=-0.29). CONCLUSION: Low levels of vitamin D are very common in systemic sclerosis. Poor vitamin status seems to be related with a more aggressive disease with multivisceral and severe organ involvement, especially pulmonary and cardiac involvement.

Clinical Phenotype of Endothelial Dysfunction in a Lot of Romanian Scleroderma Patients.

OBJECTIVES: to identify the particularities of the clinical phenotype of endothelial dysfunction in a lot of Romanian patients from a reference center and compare it to data reported by international registries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 51 patients were included in a cross sectional study. The patients were evaluated for the pattern of disease, main visceral involvement, serum markers of disease. RESULTS: 41.2% patients had history of digital ulcers, 27.45% had pulmonary arterial hypertension; cardiovascular involvement also included: diastolic dysfunction in 31.1% of the patients, global systolic dysfunction in 9.8%, rhythm and conduction disturbances in 19.6%, peripheral vascular disease in 19.6%. Scleroderma renal crisis was identified in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis. Earlier therapeutic intervention demands improved screening and diagnosis in all cases.

Monitoring drug and antidrug levels: a rational approach in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with biologic agents who experience inadequate response while being on a stable biologic treatment.

Clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with biologic agents can be influenced by their pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity. The present study evaluated the concordance between serum drug and antidrug levels as well as the clinical response in RA patients treated with biological agents who experience their first disease exacerbation while being on a stable biologic treatment. 154 RA patients treated with rituximab (RTX), infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADL), or etanercept (ETN) were included. DAS28, SDAI, and EULAR response were assessed at baseline and reevaluated at precise time intervals. At the time of their first sign of inadequate response, patients were tested for both serum drug level and antidrug antibodies level. At the next reevaluation, patients retreated with RTX that had detectable drug level had a better EULAR response (P = 0.038) with lower DAS28 and SDAI scores (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03). The same tendency was observed in patients treated with IFX and ETN regarding EULAR response (P = 0.002 and P = 0.023), DAS28 score (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003), and SDAI score (P = 0.001 and P = 0.026). Detectable biologic drug levels correlated with a better clinical response in patients experiencing their first RA inadequate response while being on a stable biologic treatment with RTX, IFX, and ETN.

Neuromyelitis optica--complication or comorbidity in primary Sjögren's syndrome?

We report two cases of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), comparing the clinical and laboratory features of these predominant neurological patients and reporting their different outcome. NMO - a severe demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system - primarily affects the spinal cord and optic nerves, resulting in longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and/or optic neuritis. Our patients had a late pSS diagnosis, due to the absence of sicca syndrome and specific Sjögren serology in the early stages of their diseases, when the neurological symptoms prevailed. Many NMO patients have an accompanying autoimmune disease, most commonly Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus or a related profile of non-organ-specific autoantibodies. Neurologic involvement occurs in approximately 20% of patients with pSS, usually preceding the diagnosis (in 75-80% of the cases) [1,2]. The frequency of both neurologic manifestations (revealing pSS) and negative autoimmune serology, especially in the event of CNS involvement, could explain why underlying pSS is misdiagnosed [3,4]. Screening for pSS should be systematically performed in cases of acute or chronic myelopathy and/or cranial nerve involvement, mainly because these patients have a severe outcome. The presence of the anti-aquaporin4 antibodies, besides anti-Ro and anti-La, in both reported cases, is intriguing and raises the question of whether we are facing two distinct diseases or the NMO is just complicating an unusually less expressive Sjögren's syndrome subtype.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes analysis detects CD100/SEMA4D alteration in systemic sclerosis patients.

It was suggested that the immune system plays an important role at least in the amplification of the main elements in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease with an incompletely elucidated pathogenesis. Elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the interaction between T and B cells, major players of the immune system, could contribute to a better understanding of some of clinical and pathological manifestations of SSc. Recently, abnormalities in Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D/CD100) or CD72, two contrareceptors involved in T and B cells cooperation, were associated with autoimmunity. Therefore, we investigated CD100 and CD72 expression level on T and B cells in attempting to establish their role in SSc pathogenesis. The results revealed augmented percentages of CD100(high) T and B cells, significantly increased expression of CD100 on CD4(+) T cells and frequently detectable levels of soluble CD100 in SSc patient sera compared to healthy donors. In SSc, CD100 dysregulations were associated with anti-Scl70 antibodies production, disease type, thickening of skin, disease duration, or with active inflammation processes. In consequence, dysregulations in CD100 expression and release could play a role in SSc development and/or maintenance.

Platelet histogram indices and cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND; Previous studies reported the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the general population. However, the predictors for the development of CVD in patients with RA were not clearly established, and the role of thrombosis mechanisms was inconsistently characterized in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the platelet histogram indices, as markers of platelet activation, in patients with RA with or without CVD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 64 pts with RA (mean age: 58.0 +/- 12.7 yrs) we performed the standard clinical evaluation and biochemical workup with platelet histogram, including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) as markers of platelet activation. We divided the study population into two groups: A - 41 patients with RA without CVD and B - 23 patients with RA and CVD (ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease or cerebrovascular disease). The values of MPV and PDW were also analyzed in an age- and sex-mached control group of 20 subjects without RA and CVD and in a group of 62 patients with CVD without RA (stable angina). RESULTS: The platelets number was similar in both groups, but the platelet histogram showed higher values for MPV (9.6 vs. 8.6 fL, p < 0.01) and PDW (16.1 vs. 14.0, p < 0.01) in patients with RA and CVD, reflecting greater platelet activation in these patients. MPV values were lower in patients with RA, but the values of PDW were higher in these patients comparing to control. Patients with RA with CVD have higher values of PDW than patients with CVD, but without RA, showing an increased platelet activation in RA. The PDW values correlate with fibrinogen (0.63; p = 0.003) but not with CRP or ESR, while the MPV was not correlated with the inflammatory markers in patients with RA. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogensis of CVD in patients with RA may be linked to an increased prothrombotic activity which might be evaluated by platelet histogram indices.

Work disability remains a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis in the 2000s: data from 32 countries in the QUEST-RA study.

INTRODUCTION: Work disability is a major consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), associated not only with traditional disease activity variables, but also more significantly with demographic, functional, occupational, and societal variables. Recent reports suggest that the use of biologic agents offers potential for reduced work disability rates, but the conclusions are based on surrogate disease activity measures derived from studies primarily from Western countries. METHODS: The Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with RA (QUEST-RA) multinational database of 8,039 patients in 86 sites in 32 countries, 16 with high gross domestic product (GDP) (>24K US dollars (USD) per capita) and 16 low-GDP countries (<11K USD), was analyzed for work and disability status at onset and over the course of RA and clinical status of patients who continued working or had stopped working in high-GDP versus low-GDP countries according to all RA Core Data Set measures. Associations of work disability status with RA Core Data Set variables and indices were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. RESULTS: At the time of first symptoms, 86% of men (range 57%-100% among countries) and 64% (19%-87%) of women <65 years were working. More than one third (37%) of these patients reported subsequent work disability because of RA. Among 1,756 patients whose symptoms had begun during the 2000s, the probabilities of continuing to work were 80% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78%-82%) at 2 years and 68% (95% CI 65%-71%) at 5 years, with similar patterns in high-GDP and low-GDP countries. Patients who continued working versus stopped working had significantly better clinical status for all clinical status measures and patient self-report scores, with similar patterns in high-GDP and low-GDP countries. However, patients who had stopped working in high-GDP countries had better clinical status than patients who continued working in low-GDP countries. The most significant identifier of work disability in all subgroups was Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) functional disability score. CONCLUSIONS: Work disability rates remain high among people with RA during this millennium. In low-GDP countries, people remain working with high levels of disability and disease activity. Cultural and economic differences between societies affect work disability as an outcome measure for RA.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies--activity markers in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Immunological abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imply several antibodies, among which anti-cyclic cytrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) have the highest sensitivity and specificity. Their diagnostic and prognostic value in RA is well known, although their value as markers of the disease activity has not been established yet. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between anti-CCP antibodies and RA activity which eventually leads to the best treatment of choice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 217 consecutive patients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital between 01.01-31.06 2007 were retrospectively studied. They were divided into two groups: group A-111 patients with RA (ACR criteria fulfilled) and group B-106 patients with other rheumatic diseases. The following parameters taken out of the patients files were studied: parameters of the clinical activity of disease (C reactive protein, fibrinogen), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies. Disease activity score (DAS) using 4 variables (number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and assessement of the disease activity) was also studied. Data were processed with SPSS program using linear functions, Pearson correlation coefficient and Hi2 test of interdependency. RESULTS: The sensitivity of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with RA was 56.75%. The specificity of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with RA was 90.56%. Low seric levels of anti-CCP antibodies were also found in patients without RA, but with other conditions like: osteoarthritis, viral polyarthritis, infectious myositis and Still disease; moderate to high seric levels were found in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Significant correlations were found between anti-CCP antibodies and DAS (r = 0.437), between anti-CCP and fibrinogen (r = 0.32) between anti-CCP antibodies and C reactive protein (r = 0.237) as well as between anti-CCP and RF (r = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific but moderately sensitive for RA, their highest frequencies and seric levels being found in seropositive RA. Anti-CCP can be used in patients with RA not only as a diagnostic marker but also as a reliable test for assessing the activity of the disease.

Association between primary Sjögren's syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is one of the most frequent autoimmune disorders, which affects approximately 1% of the population. It occurs in patients of all ages, but especially females during the fourth and fifth decades of life with a female/male ratio of 9:1. The main target of this disease are the exocrine glands that are infiltrated progressively by lymphocytes and finally destroyed, leading to decreased exocrine secretion. Thus primary SS is usually defined as xerophtalmia (dry eye) and xerostomia (dry mouth) accompanied in 60% of cases by parotid swelling [1]. The most serious complication of Sjögren's Syndrome is the high risk of the occurrence of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules of dendritic cells in rheumatoid arthritis.

Dendritic cells (DCs) in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint mediate the immunopathological process and act as a potent antigen presenting cell. We compared the expression of co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules on DCs in RA patients versus controls with traumatic joint lesions and evaluated the correlation between the immunophenotypical presentation of DCs and the clinical status of the disease. Samples of peripheral venous blood, synovial fluid (SF) and synovial tissue (ST) were obtained from 10 patients with RA at the time of hip or knee replacement and from 9 control patients with knee arthroscopy for traumatic lesions. Clinical status was appreciated using the DAS28 score. Blood, SF and dissociated ST cell populations were separated by centrifugation and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells phenotypes were identified using three-color flow cytometry analysis for the following receptors HLA-DR, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD11c, CD18, CD54, CD58, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20, CD14, CD16, CD56. HLA-DR molecules, co-stimulatory receptors CD80, CD86, CD83 and adhesion molecules CD18, CD11c, CD54, CD58, were analyzed by two-color immunofluorescence microscopy on ST serial sections. In patients with active RA (DAS28>5.1) we found a highly differentiated subpopulation of DCs in the ST and SF that expressed an activated phenotype (HLA-DR, CD86+, CD80+, CD83+, CD11c+, CD54+, CD58+). No differences were found between circulating DCs from RA patients and control patients. Our data suggest an interrelationship between clinical outcome and the immunophenotypical presentation of DCs. Clinical active RA (DAS28>5.1) is associated with high incidence of activated DCs population in the ST and SF as demonstrated by expression of adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules.

Correlation between the immunophenotypical presentation of dendritic cells and the clinical response to anti-rheumatic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) that are deeply implicated in the initiation and exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Active RA is associated with an activated DCs population as demonstrated by high expression of adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules. PURPOSE: To compare the expression of adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules on DCs from synovial tissue (ST) in patients (pts) with RA and the clinical status before and after treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS: Samples of ST were obtained from RA patients at the time of hip or knee replacement or arthroscopy. Clinical status (assessed by the American College of Rheumatology - ACR - core set and the DAS28) and co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules on DCs were evaluated before and after treatment. Immunophenotype of DCs was analyzed by two-color immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: In patients with active RA we found a highly differentiated subpopulation of DCs that expressed an activated phenotype. After treatment, the expression of adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules on ST DCs was correlated with the ACR and DAS28 clinical response. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcome and the immunophenotypical presentation of ST DCs after DMARDs treatment are closely correlated in pts with RA. The co-stimulatory activity in the synovium is important in determining the course of the disease and provide new therapeutic targets for immune intervention.