Activatable fluorescent probes for imaging and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease that is primarily manifested as synovitis and polyarticular opacity and typically leads to serious joint damage and irreversible disability,thus adversely affecting locomotion ability and life quality.Consequently,good prognosis heavily relies on the early diagnosis and effective therapeutic monitoring of RA.Activatable fluorescent probes play vital roles in the detection and imaging of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and in vivo imaging.Herein,we review the fluorescent probes developed for the detection and imaging of RA biomarkers,namely reactive oxygen/nitrogen species(hypochlorous acid,peroxynitrite,hydroxyl radical,nitroxyl),pH,and cysteine,and address the related challenges and prospects to inspire the design of novel fluorescent probes and the improvement of their performance in RA studies.

Development of biomedical hydrogels for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disorder that hinders the normal functioning of bones and joints and reduces the quality of human life.Every year,millions of people are diagnosed with RA worldwide,particularly among elderly individuals and women.Therefore,there is a global need to develop new biomaterials,medicines and therapeutic methods for treating RA.This will improve the Healthcare Access and Quality Index and also relieve administrative and financial burdens on healthcare service providers at a global scale.Hydrogels are soft and cross-linked polymeric materials that can store a chunk of fluids,drugs and biomolecules for hydration and therapeutic applications.Hydrogels are biocompatible and exhibit excellent mechanical properties,such as providing elastic cushions to articulating joints by mimicking the natural synovial fluid.Hence,hydrogels create a natural biological environment within the synovial cavity to reduce autoimmune reactions and friction.Hydrogels also lubricate the articulating joint surfaces to prevent degradation of synovial surfaces of bones and cartilage,thus exhibiting high potential for treating RA.This work reviews the progress in injectable and implantable hydrogels,synthesis methods,types of drugs,advantages and challenges.Additionally,it discusses the role of hydrogels in targeted drug delivery,mechanistic behaviour and tribological performance for RA treatment.

Altered Iron-Mediated Metabolic Homeostasis Governs the Efficacy and Toxicity of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA),a globally increasing autoimmune disorder,is associated with increased disability rates due to the disruption of iron metabolism.Tripterygium glycoside tablets(TGTs),a Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f.(TwHF)-based therapy,exhibit satisfactory clinical efficacy for RA treatment.However,drug-induced liver injury(DILI)remains a critical issue that hinders the clinical application of TGTs,and the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy and toxicity of TGTs in RA have not been fully elucidated.To address this problem,we integrated clinical multi-omics data associated with the anti-RA efficacy and DILI of TGTs with the chemical and target profiling of TGTs to perform a systematic network analysis.Subsequently,we identified effective and toxic targets following experimental validation in a collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mouse model.Significantly different transcriptome–protein–metabolite profiles distinguishing patients with favorable TGTs responses from those with poor outcomes were identified.Intriguingly,the clinical efficacy and DILI of TGTs against RA were associated with metabolic homeostasis between iron and bone and between iron and lipids,respectively.Particularly,the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)–hepcidin(HAMP)/lipocalin 2(LCN2)–tartrate-resis tant acid phosphatase type 5(ACP5)and STAT3–HAMP–acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)–lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3(LPCAT3)axes were identified as key drivers of the efficacy and toxicity of TGTs.TGTs play dual roles in ameliorating CIA-induced pathology and in inducing hepatic dysfunction,disruption of lipid metabolism,and hepatic lipid peroxidation.Notably,TGTs effectively reversed“iron–bone”disruptions in the inflamed joint tissues of CIA mice by inhibiting the STAT3–HAMP/LCN2–ACP5 axis,subsequently leading to“iron–lipid”disturbances in the liver tissues via modulation of the STAT3–HAMP–ACSL4–LPCAT3 axis.Additional bidirectional validation experiments were conducted using MH7A and AML12 cells to confirm the bidirectional regulatory effects of TGTs on key targets.Collectively,our data highlight the association between iron-mediated metabolic homeostasis and the clinical efficacy and toxicity of TGT in RA therapy,offering guidance for the rational clinical use of TwHF-based therapy with dual therapeutic and toxic potential.

Synergistic chemotherapy/PTT/oxygen enrichment by multifunctional liposomal polydopamine nanoparticles for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Amultifunctional liposomal polydopamine nanoparticle(MPM@Lipo)was designed in this study,to combine chemotherapy,photothermal therapy(PTT)and oxygen enrichment to clear hyperproliferating inflammatory cells and improve the hypoxic microenvironment for rheumatoid arthritis(RA)treatment.MPM@Lipo significantly scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species and relieved joint hypoxia,thus contributing to the repolarization of M1 macrophages into M2 phenotype.Furthermore,MPM@Lipo could accumulate at inflammatory joints,inhibit the production of inflammatory factors,and protect cartilage in vivo,effectively alleviating RA progression in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.Moreover,upon laser irradiation,MPM@Lipo can elevate the temperature to not only significantly obliterate excessively proliferating inflammatory cells but also accelerate the production of methotrexate and oxygen,resulting in excellent RA treatment effects.Overall,the use of synergistic chemotherapy/PTT/oxygen enrichment therapy to treat RA is a powerful potential strategy.

Changes in renal function and morphological variations of kidney diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective:Rheumatoid nephropathy is one of the most severe extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)associated with a very unfavorable prognosis.This study aimed to identify changes in renal function and morphological variations of kidney diseases in RA patients.Methods:The study enrolled patients(126 patients)between 18 and 55 years of age with a confirmed active RA of more than 12 months.Each patient underwent the following range of laboratory and instrumental research methods:general clinical analysis of blood and urine,performing urinalysis according to Nechiporenko method;determining daily proteinuria;determining the blood content of glucose,urea,creatinine,uric acid,total bilirubin,liver transaminase level,ionogram,lipidogram,and coagulogram;determining the blood content of rheumatoid factor,anti-streptolysin O,and C-reactive protein;and X-ray of the joints of hands and feet.Renal function was examined by estimating glomerular filtration rate,tubular reabsorption index,and renal functional reserve.For studying the morphological changes in the kidneys under ultrasound examination,renal biopsy was performed in 31 patients with RA with urinary syndrome(proteinuria more than 0.3 g per day and hematuria).Results:Nephropathy in RA is characterized by impaired renal function and manifested by an increased blood creatinine and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and renal functional reserve.Among morphological variations of nephropathy at RA,mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis prevails,accounting for 48.4%of patients.Other disorders include the secondary amyloidosis(29.0%of patients),tubulointerstitial nephritis(16.1%),membranous glomerulonephritis(3.2%),and focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis(3.2%).Conclusion:Kidney damage is a common systemic manifestation of RA with a long and active course,a major nephropathy trigger.

Crossroads:Pathogenic role and therapeutic targets of neutrophil extracellular traps in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a prevalent autoimmune disease whose main features include chronic synovial inflammation,bone destruction,and joint degeneration.Neutrophils are often considered to be the first responders to inflammation and are a key presence in the inflammatory milieu of RA.Neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs),a meshwork of DNA-histone complexes and proteins released by activated neutrophils,are widely involved in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases,especially RA,in addition to playing a key role in the neutrophil innate immune response.NETs have been found to be an important source of citrullinated autoantigen antibodies and inflammatory factor release,which can activate RA synovial fibroblasts(FLS)and cause joint damage.This article reviews the role of NETs in the pathophysiology of RA,demonstrating the application of multiple molecules with various therapies,with a view to informing the discovery and development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RA.

Concomitant atypical knee gout and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis:A case report

BACKGROUND Gout and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis(SNRA)are two distinct inflammatory joint diseases whose co-occurrence is relatively infrequently reported.Limited information is available regarding the clinical management and prognosis of these combined diseases.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman with a 20-year history of joint swelling,tenderness,and morning stiffness who was negative for rheumatoid factor and had a normal uric acid level was diagnosed with SNRA.The initial regimen of methotrexate,leflunomide,and celecoxib alleviated her symptoms,except for those associated with the knee.After symptom recurrence after medication cessation,her regimen was updated to include iguratimod,methotrexate,methylprednisolone,and folic acid,but her knee issues persisted.Minimally invasive needle-knife scope therapy revealed proliferating pannus and needle-shaped crystals in the knee,indicating coexistent SNRA and atypical knee gout.After postarthroscopic surgery to remove the synovium and urate crystals,and following a tailored regimen of methotrexate,leflunomide,celecoxib,benzbromarone,and allopurinol,her knee symptoms were significantly alleviated with no recurrence observed over a period of more than one year,indicating successful management of both conditions.CONCLUSION This study reports the case of a patient concurrently afflicted with atypical gout of the knee and SNRA and underscores the significance of minimally invasive joint techniques as effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the field of rheumatology and immunology.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Polysaccharide from Embelia parviflora Wall.on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Embelia parviflora Wall.polysaccharide on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in rats.[Methods]RA rat model was induced by type II collagen.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into model group,positive group,low,medium and high dose of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide groups,and normal control group.Body mass,toe volume and arthritis index were measured,and thymus index and spleen index were calculated.The levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the normal control group,the pathological changes such as synovial hyperplasia and unclear layer were observed in the model group,the body mass was decreased(P<0.05),the toe volume,arthritis index,thymus and spleen index were increased(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and ankle synovial tissue were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the histopathological changes in synovium of ankle joint in the positive group and the medium and high dose groups of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide were significantly improved,and the body mass was increased(P<0.05).The toe volume,arthritis index,thymus index and spleen index were decreased(P<0.05).The levels of IL-Iβ,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the low dose group of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide and the model group(P>0.05).[Conclusions]E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide can reduce the body's inflammatory response and improve RA,which may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α.

Attenuation of the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Baicalin through Regulating the Let-7i-3p/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Axis

[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.

Evaluating the influence of a structured nursing protocol on targeted outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective:Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)requires comprehensive management.Structured nursing protocols may enhance outcomes,but evidence is limited.This study evaluated the effect of a structured nursing protocol on RA outcomes.Materials and Methods:In this one-group pre-post study,30 Egyptian RA patients completed assessments before and after a 12-week nursing protocol comprising education,psychosocial support,and self-management promotion.Assessments included clinical evaluation of joint counts,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and C-reactive protein(CRP)and patient-reported Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale(ASES),Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ),Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain,and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).Results:The study demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical-and patient-reported outcomes.Joint count decreased from 18.4±4.2 to 14.2±3.8(P<0.001),ESR from 30.1±6.8 mm/h to 25.5±6.8 mm/h(P<0.01),and CRP levels from 15.2±3.6 mg/L to 11.8±2.9 mg/L(P<0.01)postintervention.Patient-reported outcomes showed a marked increase in ASES score from 140±25 to 170±30(P<0.001)and reductions in HAQ from 1.6±0.4 to 1.3±0.3(P<0.01),VAS pain score from 7.8±1.7 to 6.2±1.2(P<0.001),and HADS anxiety and depression scores from 11±3 to 8±2(P<0.05)and 10±2 to 7±1(P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:A structured nursing protocol significantly improved clinical disease activity,physical functioning,pain,self-efficacy,and emotional well-being in RA patients.A multifaceted nursing intervention appears beneficial for optimizing RA outcomes.

Interleukin 6 and Bone Erosions in Rheumatoid Arthritis in an African Hospital

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, erosive and deforming inflammatory rheumatic disease. In the era of biotherapies and the arrival of biosimilars in sub-Saharan Africa, the objective of this study was to describe plasma IL-6 variations in RA patients at Cité Verte District Hospital (Cameroon). Material and Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. We included patients over 18 years old suffering from RA (ACR/EULAR 2010). Patients with an infection were not included. The data collected were age, sex, smoking status, family history, disease duration, disease activity by DAS28, CRP, rheumatoid factor, and plasma level of IL-6. Bone erosion was sought on radiography and ultrasound. Result: We included 31 patients, 25 of whom were women (80.6%). The mean age was 47.27 ± 17.97 years. Disease activity was predominantly moderate (32.3%) and severe (32.3%). Mean IL-6 level was 15.29 ± 2.36 pg/ml (extremes: 11.26 pg/ml and 20.15 pg/ml). IL-6 levels were higher in patients with a history of smoking. Similarly, IL-6 levels were higher in patients with mildly active RA in remission than in moderately and severely active RA. Mean IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with erosive RA (16.3 pg/ml VS 14.6 pg/ml). Conclusion: IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in men, weaned smokers and patients with bone erosions.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Combined with Lung Rehabilitation Therapy on Exercise Endurance and Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of N-acetylcysteine combined with lung rehabilitation therapy on exercise endurance and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:Fifty-six patients with RA-ILD admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2022 to January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups:a non-rehabilitation group and a pulmonary rehabilitation group,with 28 patients in each group.Both groups received routine treatment.Additionally,the non-rehabilitation group received N-acetylcysteine treatment,while the lung rehabilitation group received lung rehabilitation treatment in addition to N-acetylcysteine.The improvement in exercise endurance and dyspnea between the two groups after treatment was compared and the quality of life of the patients was observed.Results:After treatment,the exercise endurance score in the lung rehabilitation group(335.67±45.29)was higher than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).The dyspnea score in the lung rehabilitation group(0.72±0.16)was lower than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC(3.18±0.58 L),FEV1(2.28±0.56 L),FEV1/FVC(69.69±5.56),and DLCO(60.53±5.92 mL/mmHg/min)were higher in the lung rehabilitation group compared to the non-rehabilitation group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Lung rehabilitation therapy combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment can effectively improve dyspnea symptoms,lung function,and exercise endurance in patients with RA-ILD.This approach helps to improve patient’s quality of life and is beneficial for their prognosis.

Correlation Study Between T Lymphocyte Subsets and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective:To study the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on rheumatoid arthritis and T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to provide a new method for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by removing Helicobacter pylori from patients.Methods:60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted to the hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected for the study,and all patients underwent a 13-carbon urea breath test to detect gastric H.pylori and the test results showed that 20 cases were negative and 40 cases were positive.The 40 positive patients were divided into the treatment group(n=20)and non-treatment group(n=20)by random number table method and the treatment group was given anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment,and the non-treatment group was given maintenance rheumatoid basic treatment,comparing the anti-cyclic citrulline peptide(CCP),DS28 score,peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets(CD4^(+)T-lymphocytes,CD8^(+)T-lymphocytes,CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)ratio)before and after the treatment of patients by 13-carbon urea respiration test(pylori-negative group,20 patients)and those who were positive for the treatment of H pylori(pylori-positive group,40 patients).Besides,the correlation of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets and disease activity between treatment and non-treatment groups in the pylori-positive group was identified together with the correlation of DS28 scores,TNF-αlevels,sedimentation and immunoglobulin,lymphocyte subsets in the pylori-positive treatment group and positive non-treatment group as well as the level of globulin,lymphocyte subsets,and peripheral blood lymphocytes before and after treatment.Results:Before treatment,CCP,DS28 score,CD8^(+)T lymphocyte level of the pylori-negative group were lower than that of the positive group,and CD4^(+)T lymphocyte and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)ratio were higher than that of the positive group(P<0.05);after treatment,the indexes of the pylori-positive group improved,and there was no significant difference in the comparison of the indexes with those of the pylori-negative group(P>0.05);the positive treatment group had a DS28(3.19±1.02)points,positive non-treatment group DS28(5.36±1.85)points,non-treatment group DS28 score and CD4^(+)T lymphocytes,CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)negative correlation with CD8^(+)T lymphocytes showed a positive correlation(P<0.05);before the treatment,pylori-positive treatment group and non-treatment group DS28 scores,TNF-αlevels,peripheral blood T lymphocyte subpopulation levels were not significantly different(P>0.05);after treatment,DS28 score,TNF-αlevel,CD8^(+)T of the treatment group were lower than those of the non-treatment group,and CD4^(+)T lymphocytes and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)ratio were higher than those of the non-treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusion:H.pylori affects the level of T lymphocyte subsets in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,and there is a certain correlation between the two.Removal of H.pylori can improve the level of T lymphocyte subsets,which is important for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Research progress of local characteristic drugs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Xinjiang

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis.This disease tends to recur,persist,and is difficult to cure.The pathogenesis of RA is complex.Currently,the commonly used treatments for RA—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(DMARDs),glucocorticoids,and immunosuppressants—have notable side effects with long-term use and may be ineffective for some patients.Therefore,it is crucial to find drugs with limited side effects and significant curative effects.Xinjiang's local characteristic drugs have a long history,abundant resources,and are known for their safety and effectiveness in treating RA.In recent years,many studies have reported on the mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of Xinjiang's local characteristic drugs on RA.This article reviews the pathogenesis of RA,as well as the research progress and treatment characteristics of Xinjiang-featured drugs.

靶向成纤维细胞生长因子受体1信号改善类风湿关节炎的骨破坏

背景:尽管科研人员已注意到成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中展现出巨大潜力,但尚未有学者对成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中的研究进展作全面综述。目的:通过查阅国内外相关文献,综合分析成纤维细胞生长因子受体1在类风湿关节炎骨破坏中的机制。方法:以“成纤维细胞生长因子受体1,类风湿关节炎,骨破坏,骨细胞,成骨细胞,破骨细胞,软骨细胞,巨噬细胞,滑膜成纤维细胞,T细胞,血管内皮细胞”为检索词检索中国知网数据库,以“fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells”为检索词检索PubMed数据库,检索时间范围重点为1992年4月至2024年1月。通过阅读文献题目、摘要及全文,根据纳入与排除标准进行筛选,最后纳入82篇文献进行综述。结果与结论:成纤维细胞生长因子受体1广泛表达于骨组织相关细胞,包括骨细胞、成骨细胞、破骨细胞等,可以通过调控这些细胞的功能来影响骨重塑过程和维持骨稳态,促进类风湿关节炎骨破坏的发生和发展。成纤维细胞生长因子受体1还可以在滑膜成纤维细胞和巨噬细胞中参与炎症反应,在内皮细胞中调控滑膜血管生成,从多个方面促进骨破坏。成纤维细胞生长因子受体1可能是类风湿关节炎骨破坏的一个重要参与因素,为进一步研究类风湿关节炎治疗靶点提供依据。

成纤维细胞生长因子受体1 抑制剂对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响

背景:课题组前期的研究表明靶向成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,FGFR1)可能是治疗类风湿性关节炎的有效靶点。目的:探讨FGFR1抑制剂(PD173074)对胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠骨破坏的影响。方法:将25只雌性SD大鼠随机分为5组,正常对照组、模型组、甲氨蝶呤组、PD173074低剂量组、PD173074高剂量组。除正常对照组外,其余各组大鼠建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型。造模成功后正常组及模型组大鼠腹腔注射无菌PBS,甲氨蝶呤组药物注射剂量为1.04 mg/kg,PD173074低剂量组和高剂量组药物注射剂量分别为5,20 mg/kg,1次/周。给药4周后取材,观察大鼠临床症状以及关节肿胀情况,踝关节Micro-CT三维重建及分析,观察踝关节病理变化,检测关节周围血管生成情况及核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,检测关节滑膜中p-FGFR1、血管内皮生长因子A、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶的表达,观察肝、脾、肾病理变化并计算肝、脾、肾指数。结果与结论:①PD173074能够减轻模型大鼠踝关节临床症状及关节肿胀,延缓骨质丢失,改善骨结构,减轻关节滑膜侵袭以及软骨骨侵蚀,降低关节周围破骨细胞数量,抑制关节滑膜组织中的血管生成,降低核因子κB受体活化因子配体的表达,抑制FGFR1磷酸化蛋白、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶和血管内皮生长因子A的蛋白表达。②大鼠肝、脾、肾病理观察表明经过PD173074治疗后无明显的毒副作用。③研究证明了FGFR1抑制剂能够延缓Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型大鼠关节炎症及骨破坏的进展,并抑制血管的生成。初步验证了PD173074在Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎模型中的治疗作用,其可能是通过抑制FGFR1磷酸化发挥作用,为寻找类风湿性关节炎新的治疗靶点提供了方向。

机器学习识别LRRC15和MICB为类风湿关节炎的免疫诊断标志物

背景:类风湿关节炎是一种慢性的自身免疫性疾病,早期诊断对于预防疾病进展和治疗至关重要。因此探究类风湿关节炎的诊断特征和免疫细胞浸润具有重要意义。目的:基于Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)数据库,通过机器学习算法,筛选类风湿关节炎潜在重要的诊断标记物,并探讨类风湿关节炎的诊断特征与免疫细胞浸润的关系。方法:从GEO数据库获取类风湿关节炎相关的滑膜组织的基因表达数据集,采用批量效应去除法对数据集进行合并,采用R软件进行差异表达基因的鉴定和功能相关性分析,通过生物信息学分析和3种机器学习算法进行疾病特征基因的提取,筛选出类风湿关节炎相关的关键基因。此外,对所有差异表达基因进行免疫细胞浸润分析,分析类风湿关节炎的炎症状态,并对其诊断特征与浸润性免疫细胞的关系进行研究。结果与结论:(1)在类风湿关节炎和正常滑膜组织中,获得了179个差异表达基因,其中124个基因表达上调,55个基因表达下调;(2)富集分析显示类风湿关节炎和免疫反应之间存在良好的相关性;(3)通过3种机器学习算法分析发现,LRRC15和MICB可能是类风湿关节炎潜在的标记物;(4)LRRC15(曲线下面积=0.964,95%CI:0.924-0.992)和MICB(曲线下面积=0.961,95%CI:0.923-0.990)在验证数据集上有着较强的诊断能力;(5)13种免疫细胞浸润发生改变,以巨噬细胞为主;(6)在类风湿关节炎中,免疫细胞功能的多数促炎途径被激活;(7)免疫相关性分析发现LRRC15和MICB与M1型巨噬细胞的相关性最强;(8)结果发现LRRC15和MICB被确定为类风湿关节炎潜在的诊断标记物,具有较强的诊断性能并且与免疫细胞浸润具有显著的相关性;通过机器学习及生物信息学分析加深了对类风湿关节炎免疫浸润的理解,为类风湿关节炎的诊断和治疗提供新的思路。

汉黄芩素对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠关节炎症影响的内质网应激途径

背景:类风湿关节炎是一种炎性疾病,已有多项研究表明汉黄芩素具有较好的抗炎作用,但其对类风湿关节炎的确切疗效和具体作用机制尚待阐明。目的:探讨汉黄芩素通过调节内质网应激途径改善胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠关节炎症的作用机制。方法:①动物水平:雌性Wistar大鼠分为健康对照组、关节炎模型组、汉黄芩素治疗组,通过皮下注射牛Ⅱ型胶原与弗式佐剂构建胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠模型,治疗组在成功造模后给予连续28 d汉黄芩素灌胃治疗;在此期间,每隔7 d对各组大鼠进行体质量、关节炎评分和踝关节肿胀度测量;实验结束后,观察关节病理变化,qRT-PCR和Western Blot、免疫组化检测关节中内质网应激通路GRP78、CHOP mRNA和蛋白表达水平。②细胞水平:CCK-8检测汉黄芩素对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠成纤维样滑膜细胞的细胞毒作用;不同浓度汉黄芩素处理毒胡萝卜素诱导的成纤维样滑膜细胞,ELISA检测细胞上清白细胞介素1β、肿瘤坏死因子α水平,DCFH-DA探针法测定各组细胞内活性氧簇,qRT-PCR和Western Blot检测GRP78、IRE1α、XBP1s、CHOP mRNA和蛋白水平。结果与结论:①与健康对照组相比,关节炎模型组关节炎指数评分、踝关节肿胀度升高(P<0.01),病理切片可见滑膜增生及炎症细胞浸润、软骨破坏和骨质侵蚀,踝关节GRP78、CHOP mRNA和蛋白表达显著增多(P<0.01),主要定位在滑膜组织和关节面;与关节炎模型组相比,汉黄芩素治疗组关节炎指数评分、踝关节肿胀度降低(P<0.05),滑膜增生及炎症细胞减少,软骨破坏和骨质侵蚀减轻,踝关节GRP78、CHOP mRNA和蛋白表达减少(P<0.05),在滑膜组织和关节面显著降低;3组大鼠体质量无显著差别(P>0.05)。②细胞实验中,200μmol/L汉黄芩素组可明显降低成纤维样滑膜细胞存活率(P<0.01);与空白对照组相比,毒胡萝卜素组细胞上清白细胞介素1β、肿瘤坏死因子α水平、活性氧含量、GRP78、IRE1α、XBP1s、CHOP mRNA及蛋白表达显著增多(P<0.05);与毒胡萝卜素组相比,50μmol/L和100μmol/L汉黄芩素组可降低细胞上清白细胞介素1β、肿瘤坏死因子α水平(P<0.05,P<0.01),100μmol/L汉黄芩素组可明显减少活性氧含量(P<0.01)、下调GRP78、IRE1α、XBP1s、CHOP mRNA及蛋白表达水平(P<0.05)。③结果提示汉黄芩素可以有效改善胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠的关节炎症反应,且内质网应激途径可能是其干预的关键靶点。

独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡对类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞的影响

背景:独活寄生汤是治疗类风湿关节炎的经典方剂,但具体作用机制尚不清楚,细胞外囊泡具有细胞间通讯及传递信号的强大功能,可能是该方剂发挥作用的信号载体。目的:探讨独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡对类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭及凋亡的影响。方法:肿瘤坏死因子α体外诱导构建类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞模型,实验分为5组:正常组、模型组、独活寄生汤含药血清组、独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡组、生理盐水血清细胞外囊泡组。采用CCK-8法筛选独活寄生汤含药血清及独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡作用的最佳浓度及时间;ELISA检测细胞上清炎症因子水平;划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力;Transwell实验检测细胞侵袭能力及迁移能力;Hoechst染色检测细胞凋亡情况;qRT-PCR及Western blot检测细胞凋亡相关基因及蛋白表达。结果与结论:(1)独活寄生汤含药血清作用的最佳体积分数为10%,独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡作用的最佳质量浓度为10 ng/mL,二者作用的最佳时间均为24 h;(2)与模型组相比,独活寄生汤含药血清、独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡及生理盐水血清细胞外囊泡均能抑制类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞的炎症因子表达(P<0.05)、划痕愈合(P<0.05)、迁移及侵袭(P<0.05),且独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡的抑制作用更为突出(P<0.05);(3)独活寄生汤含药血清及独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡均可促进类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞的凋亡;(4)与模型组相比,独活寄生汤含药血清、独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡及生理盐水血清细胞外囊泡均可增加促凋亡因子Caspase-3、Caspase-9、Bax表达(P<0.05),降低抑凋亡因子Bcl-2表达(P<0.05),且独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡对凋亡相关因子的调节作用更显著。上述实验结果表明独活寄生汤含药血清细胞外囊泡可以抑制类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞的过度增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进其凋亡。