Immunological Profile and Microbial Markers in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Probiotic Therapy...
Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint damage and deformity associated with an increased disability risk and shortened life expectancy (1). New treatment methods have significantly improved disease control, but remission is still difficult to be achieved, so new and improved treatment and diagnostic options are needed for patients stratification and prognosis. To achieve this goal, the proposed study will be aimed at studying RA main factors' relationship. The project's central theme is that microbial dysbiosis is a critical determinant of RA pathogenesis, and the interaction between human factors and the microbiome contributes to the disease risk and it's activity.
Cortisol Circadian Rhythm in Patients With RA
Rheumatoid ArthritisThe European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), acknowledging the critical issue of the complications, of long term treatment with glucocorticoids in the most recent update of the management guidelines for Rheumatoid arthritis, recommends tapering (on sustained clinical remission) of oral glucocorticoids treatment at the earliest feasible time point of therapeutic course and to the lowest daily dose, preferably <7.5mg/day (prednisone equivalent), until the final target of withdrawal is succeeded. In clinical practice, these guidelines are often difficult to follow due to the high risk of disease flares after tapering or stopping glucocorticoids administration. This inability of tapering oral glucocorticoids below 7.5mg/day of prednisone or an equivalent synthetic glucocorticoid is included in the recent definition of difficult-to-treat Rheumatoid arthritis. SΕΜΙRΑ (Steroid EliMination In Rheumatoid Arthritis) study, a double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, compared oral glucocorticoids tapering with the continuation of low dose oral glucocorticoids. The population study consisted of 259 RA patients with low disease activity on treatment with 5mg per day prednisone and tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody. The study demonstrated that the continued-prednisone regimen provided better maintenance of disease remission than did the tapered-prednisone regimen for the study period of 24 weeks with no symptoms suggestive of AI. However, the study protocol did not include biochemical assessment of adrenocortical function. Experimental and clinical data have suggested that inadequate production of endogenous cortisol relative to enhanced clinical needs associated with the systemic inflammatory response, coined as the 'disproportion principle', may operate in Rheumatoid arthritis. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown, both chronic overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines and chronic stress may contribute in the hyporesponsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the target tissue glucocorticoid resistance that have been described, but not systematically studied. Thus, a precise longitudinal assessment of endogenous cortisol production may be needed for optimal management of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Based on the above, the investigators seek to investigate the hypothesis that an impaired functional reserve of adrenal cortex, due to chronic over-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or chronic stress may contribute to the development of Rheumatoid arthritis and/or associate with difficult-to treat RA. If this is the case, then a disturbed cortisol circadian rhythm reflecting this impairment may serve as a predictor of difficult-to-treat RA during the first diagnosis. In order to address this issue, the investigators designed a prospective cohort study including adult patients with Rheumatoid arthritis who require drug treatment for the first time or escalation of existing treatment due to active disease. Patients will be treated as per clinician's judgement with any kind or combination of DMARDs with or without corticosteroids (corticosteroid regimens when started will not exceed 15 mg/day, and will be given for at least 3 months), following EULAR recommendations for RA treatment. Patients will be monitored at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, assessing disease response to treatment, the need for continuing glucocorticoid treatment, inflammatory indexes, and diurnal salivary cortisol levels. Patients' classification will be based on EULAR response to treatment criteria for RA and cortisol circadian rhythm will be comparatively assessed (at baseline and at 3/6/12 months) between groups based on treatment response (EULAR guidelines).
JAK-i on RA B-lymphocytes Tolerance and Disease Resolution Through JAK Signaling In Rheumatoid Arthritis...
Rheumatoid ArthritisThe study will reveal the transcriptomic signature linked to the aberrant activation of B lymphocytes in RA identifying novel molecular potential targets for inflammation resolution and immune tolerance promotion. The combination with B lymphocytes phenotyping will dissect the impact of the identified genes on B lymphocyte maturation and activation in RA. Moreover, in vitro study on B lymphocyte cultures using selective JAK1 inhibition will reveal, at deeper level, its transcriptomic effect on RA B lymphocytes activation profile and phenotype, providing the discovery of new biomarkers of the loss of immunological tolerance, active disease and long lasting disease remission.
The Effect of a Plant-based Diet on the Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity.
Rheumatoid ArthritisDiet2 moreThe increase in autoimmune diseases in Western countries has been linked to environmental factors, and diet is considered a modifier of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A high-fat diet promotes systemic inflammation and alters the microbiome. Certain bacteria in the intestinal microbiota generate proinflammatory metabolites from components of red meat, eggs, and dairy products. However, fruits and vegetables can modulate the gut microbiota and have been associated with reduced inflammation in RA patients. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in RA activity associated with plant-based dietary modifications. The study will evaluate men and women aged 18 years and older with low, moderate, or severe RA activity, and the intervention will involve an individualized, isocaloric plant-based diet for 14 days. The 28-joint disease activity score index and c-reactive protein (DAS 28-PCR) will be used to determine disease severity, in addition to analyzing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs associated with RA.
Clinical Study of 18F-FAPI-RGD PET/CT in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisThe goal of this observational study is to learn about 18F-FAPI-RGD PET/CT imaging in assessing rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. Participants will undergo clinical evaluation and 18F-FAPI-RGD PET/CT examination.
A Study to Evaluate the Safety of Remsima® SC in the Treatment of RA, AS, PsA and Ps
Rheumatoid ArthritisAnkylosing Spondylitis2 moreThis is an observational, prospective cohort study to evaluate the safety of Remsima® SC in the treatment of RA, AS, PsA and Ps.
Safety and Preliminary Signs of Efficacy of F8IL10 for Intra-articular Treatment
Rheumatoid ArthritisThis multicenter, prospective Phase I study is aimed at testing the safety of F8IL10 via i.a. administration once every 4 weeks over 8 weeks in patients with RA who, despite treatment with stable doses (at least 3 months) of DMARDs (conventional, biologic and/or targeted synthetic), present arthritis flare(s) suitable for i.a. injections.
The Clinical Features and Pregnancy Outcomes of RA Patients
Rheumatoid ArthritisPregnancy RelatedThis study includes RA patients in pregnancy, who are using different treatment regimens,including prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, and/or TNF inhibitors. The maternal disease activity, pregnancy outcomes, maternal and fetal safety are assessing during the trimester of pregnancy. The effects of different therapies and risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes will be analysis.
Periodontal Therapy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
ArthritisRheumatoid1 moreAim: A prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing two groups of a cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients with periodontal disease will be carried out to identify if the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy is a predictor of remission/ low disease activity (LDA)-remission. Methods: 42 patients with RA and periodontitis from the RA Almenara cohort will be included (ACR 1987 and or ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria with more than 16 years old at diagnosis); those with <6 teeth, current infections, cancer or oral precancerous lesions, diabetics, Sjogren's syndrome, use of antibiotics or drugs associated with dry mouth and dental surgery, will be excluded. Periodontal Disease was defined by the presence of periodontitis stage 3 or 4 with at least 2 non-adjacent teeth with insertion loss >=5mm, probing depth >=5mm and bleeding on probing according with the 2018 periodontitis diagnostic criteria. Two RA patients groups will be follow up by monthly visits. Patients will be divided into two groups (intervention and no intervention treatment). PD treatment will be performed by a qualified periodontist. No intervention group will receive PD treatment after 6 month visit because ethical principles. Disease activity will be determined according with DAS 28index, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) scores, C-reactive protein (CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor levels will be registered before and after PD treatment (baseline, 3 and 6 months visits), and the differences between the groups will be analyzed and compared. Periodontal parameters including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss, and sulcus bleeding index (SBI) will be correlated with the factor levels.
Genetic and Social Network Correlates of Rheumatoid Arthritis Outcomes in Hispanic Populations:...
Rheumatoid ArthritisBackground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more severe in Hispanic people. Genetics plays a role. But social issues may also lead to more severe RA in Hispanics. Some Hispanics may not seek help for early symptoms. Support from family and friends may persuade people to seek treatment earlier. Researchers want to learn more about how social factors affect RA in Hispanics. Objective: This natural history study will explore genetic and social factors related to RA in Hispanic families. Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older of Hispanic/Latino heritage. They may have RA or RA symptoms; they may also have a relative or partner with RA or RA symptoms. Design: Participants will receive an email or text with a link to a 30-minute online survey. They will answer questions about these things: Physical and emotional health How health problems affect their life Family history of RA and other conditions Cultural identity and language preference Participants may also answer these questions in a phone call or an in-person interview. Participants will be asked to list people in their social network. They will answer questions about those relationships. They will be asked if they want to invite their family and friends to participate in the study. If more than 1 person from a participant s family takes part in the study, they may be invited for an interview. They will answer questions about how arthritis pain affects their mind and body. Participants will give a sample of saliva. They will spit into a vial. They will mail it in using a prepaid label.