Autoantibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnostic and Pathogenic Insights.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by widespread immune dysregulation and the production of autoantibodies targeting nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cell surface antigens. These autoantibodies are central to disease pathogenesis, contribute to immune complex formation and organ damage, and serve as essential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Their detection supports disease classification, guides clinical decision-making, and offers insight into disease activity and therapeutic response.

Cardiac Autonomic Function in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: The Impact of Exercise Training and Detraining.

Adverse cardiovascular events and increased mortality are associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the early stages of the systemic sclerosis (SSc), even prior to the development of cardiac fibrosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a three-month exercise training regimen and a subsequent comparable period of detraining on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in patients with SSc. A total of forty patients with SSc were randomized to either the control group (Group COΝ) or the exercise training group (Group ET).

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Immunotherapy for Autoimmune Rheumatic Disorders: Where Are We Now?

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has changed the landscape of B cell hematological malignancies' management, while it has recently shown promising results in the treatment of refractory autoimmune rheumatic disorders (ARDs). Targeting B cell antigens such as CD19 and BCMA, CAR-T cell therapy can induce sustained remission by the elimination of autoreactive B cell populations resistant to the standard of care treatment options. Clinical data from case reports and small case series demonstrate profound clinical responses in ARDs, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction in Fontan circulation: from bench to bedside and back again.

The Fontan procedure is a definitive surgical approach for complex cardiac malformations, redirecting systemic venous blood into the pulmonary circulation through a staged repair that separates systemic and pulmonary venous returns in the absence of a subpulmonary ventricle. The ensuing unique hemodynamic conditions compromise the endothelial function both in the pulmonary and the systemic circulation. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, although distinct within each vascular bed, are interrelated and may collectively contribute to progressive end-organ dysfunction, ultimately accounting for the significant morbidity burden in Fontan patients.

Sodium, potassium intake and urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio in rheumatoid arthritis: association with markers of cardiovascular dysfunction and disease-related parameters.

Introduction/objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased cardiovascular risk. Rather than either sodium or potassium intake alone, the ratio of urinary sodium-to-potassium excretion has been introduced as a simple and useful indicator of diet quality and a more reliable index of cardiovascular risk assessment. We assessed the clinical impact of sodium-to-potassium ratio as a marker of cardiovascular health in patients with RA.

The cross-talk between arterial stiffness and microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the literature.

Arterial stiffness (AS) is a well-established index of macrovascular damage and predicts cardiovascular complications in many diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is strongly linked with microcirculatory changes, including retinopathy, microalbuminuria and neuropathy. We aimed to review in a systematic manner the possible correlation between AS and microvascular impairment in patients with DM, type 1 or 2.

European advances in digital rheumatology: explainable insights and personalized digital health tools for psoriatic arthritis.

The shift from traditional to technology-based diagnosis and management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) represents a significant evolution in patient care. Traditionally, PsA was diagnosed and managed through clinical evaluations, physical examinations, and basic imaging techniques. With the evolution of digital technologies, the PsA care is transforming, giving rise to the field of digital rheumatology.

Clostridioides difficile-related reactive arthritis: A scoping review of the literature.

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an inflammatory arthritis triggered by preceding infection. While various bacterial pathogens are well-established as causative agents, the role of Clostridioides difficile remains less elucidated. Α scoping review was conducted to evaluate the existing literature on CDI-induced ReA to determine clinical features, management, and disease trajectory.

Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in patients with immune mediated diseases in clinical remission.

Aim: To report on the efficacy and safety of elective switching from intravenously (IV) to subcutaneously (SC) administered Infliximab (IFX) in patients with immune mediated diseases.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Spondyloarthritis (SpA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and chronic plaque Psoriasis (PsO) who were receiving IFX-IV for maintenance of remission in tertiary referral centers and were switched to IFX-SC based on their physician's choice. All patients with gastrointestinal and skin diseases were in clinical remission, while those with musculoskeletal disease had inactive disease or low disease activity.

Vascular endothelial dysfunction in pediatric rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with autoimmune diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies assessing endothelial function with functional methods in children with rheumatic diseases versus controls.

Methods: Literature search involved PubMed and Scopus databases (from inception to February 2024) and manual reference screening.

Effects of treatment with janus kinase inhibitors on coronary microvascular perfusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational prospective cohort study.

Despite their increasing use and their proven efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been questioned by credible cardiovascular safety concerns. To date, mechanistic links of cardiovascular complications to JAK inhibitors remain largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the effect of JAK inhibition on coronary microvascular blood flow in a previously published cohort of treated patients with RA.

Structural and Functional Capillary Integrity, Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics in CKD Patients With and Without Nocturnal Hypertension.

Background: Nocturnal hypertension is associated with an increased risk for renal and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage are highly prevalent in CKD and related to CKD progression and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this analysis was to compare for the first time microcirculatory function parameters and central hemodynamics in CKD patients with and without nocturnal hypertension.

Identification and characteristics of patients with axial psoriatic arthritis: clinical, phenotypic and imaging associations.

Objective: To present the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify possible subtypes.

Methods: Data were retrieved from the Greek-multicentre PsA study. Axial PsA (axPsA) was defined as PsA (CASPAR criteria) accompanied by inflammatory back pain (present or ever) and positive imaging findings of the sacroiliac joints and/or spine (MRI: active inflammation of sacroiliac joints and/or spine; X-rays: 1984 New York criteria for radiographic sacroiliitis and/or presence of syndesmophytes in the spine).

Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Extraintestinal Manifestations in Patients with Familial Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Background: A positive family history is considered the strongest recognizable risk factor for developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is present in 8-12% of cases.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of familial IBD and also to compare the clinical characteristics and extraintestinal manifestations between familial and sporadic cases.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on retrospectively-prospectively collected data from a cohort of IBD patients followed in daily clinical practice.

Disease characteristics, co-morbidities and treatment response in a contemporary axial spondyloarthritis cohort: Analysis of 717 patients from the Greek AxSpA registry.

Background: Significant advances have recently reshaped the management of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Real-world data from contemporary cohorts are important to capture the current landscape in AxSpA.

Methods: A prospective multicenter observational study of patients with AxSpA was undertaken supported by the Greek Rheumatology Society.

Endothelial dysfunction in adults with congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) can face a lifelong risk of premature cardiovascular events. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness may be some of the key mechanisms involved. Early identification of endothelial damage in ACHD could be crucial to mitigate the adverse events.

Effectiveness of N-3 fatty acids supplementation on spondyloarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & Aims: The study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of n-3 fatty acids (FA) supplementation on spondyloarthritis (SpA) disease activity, inflammatory markers, and imaging.

Methods: The study protocol was developed and registered online in advance. The PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) electronic databases were systematically searched for RCTs up to April 2024.

Lymphocytes Change Their Phenotype and Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease, characterized by considerable changes in peripheral lymphocyte structure and function, that plays a critical role in commencing and reviving the inflammatory and immune signaling pathways. In healthy individuals, B lymphocytes have a major role in guiding and directing defense mechanisms against pathogens. Certain changes in B lymphocyte phenotype, including alterations in surface and endosomal receptors, occur in the presence of SLE and lead to dysregulation of peripheral B lymphocyte subpopulations.

Towards a Better Prognosis in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Recent Developments and Perspectives.

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, correlating with a significantly dismal prognosis and quality of life. Despite advancements in the management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with SSc (SSc-PAH), no significant improvement has been reported in survival of patients with precapillary SSc-PH associated with extensive lung parenchyma disease.