Research has identified and described a pro-inflammatory cytokine network shared by four rheumatic conditions that may be particularly active in patients with severe disease.
Rheumatology Biologic Expertise Valued for COVID-19 Treatment Decisions
At the Loma Linda University Medical Center, Calif., rheumatologists play a key consulting role for COVID-19 patients who may benefit from the use of biologic treatments…
CCL2 Cytokine Serves as Biomarker in Interstitial Lung Disease
A recent prospective, observational cohort study of potential clinical biomarkers for progression to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc) found that higher levels of CCL2 circulating in their plasma predicted both faster ILD progression and poorer survival rates than in those with lower levels.1 CCL2, also known as monocyte chemoattractant…
MIF Cytokine May Impact Inflammation, Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis
What factors drive inflammation and progressive disease in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)? The answers have long eluded rheumatologists. Although 90% of patients with AS test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, pieces remain missing in our understanding of this chronic, inflammatory disease, which often leads to pain, spinal fusion and, in about half of patients, gut involvement,…
Molecular Profile Hints at Inflammatory Processes in Chronic Fatigue
(Reuters Health)—People with severe symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome have a molecular signature in blood made up of 17 immune system signaling molecules that are elevated, which may provide insight into how inflammation contributes to the condition. “Of the 17 cytokines that correlated with severity, 13 are proinflammatory, likely contributing to many of the symptoms…
2015 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Cytokines in Autoimmune Diseases Examined
SAN FRANCISCO—To date, evidence on the efficacy of blocking the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors in autoimmune diseases has resulted in the approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of five anti-TNF agents. Less well known, according to Richard Siegel, MD, PhD, chief, Immunoregulation Section, Autoimmunity Branch, and Clinical Director, NIAMS,…
EULAR 2015: Biology of Fatigue Rooted in Genes, Cytokines, Free Radicals
ROME, Italy—Fatigue, a problem experienced frequently by patients with rheumatic diseases, is best thought of as a survival mechanism and as a single phenomenon, not a condition that comes in a variety of forms, an expert said in a session at EULAR 2015, the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). Gene Regulated…
Cytokine Response Provides Clues to Chikungunya Sequelae
Study identifies elevated cytokines in early and extended, symptomatic phases of disease
Rheumatology with Rhythm
The circadian rhythm offers insight into treating rheumatic diseases