Topic Review
Characteristics and Treatment of Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) is a distinct clinical entity defined as the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals aged over 60 years. EORA presents unique clinical features, including a more equitable distribution of sexes, a potential predilection for male involvement, a higher incidence of acute onset characterized by constitutional symptoms, a propensity for systemic manifestations, elevated sedimentation rates at disease onset, a reduced occurrence of rheumatoid factor positivity, increased titers of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, a preference for involvement of large joints, elevated disease activity, the presence of bone erosions, and heightened patient disability.
  • 140
  • 21 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems and manifests in a relapsing–remitting pattern. Consequently, it is paramount for rheumatologists to assess disease activity, identify flare-ups, and establish treatment goals for patients with SLE. In 2019, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) was introduced as a novel tool for measuring disease activity. This tool refines the parameters of the established SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) to enhance the assessment process.
  • 146
  • 25 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Polyarteritis Nodosa
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), also known as panarteritis nodosa, represents a form of necrotizing vasculitis that predominantly affects medium-sized vessels, although it is not restricted to them and can also involve smaller vessels. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous and characterized by a significant number of patients exhibiting general symptoms, including asthenia, fever, and unintended weight loss. Although PAN can involve virtually any organ, it preferentially affects the skin, nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Orchitis is a rare but specific manifestation of PAN. The absence of granulomas, glomerulonephritis, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies serves to distinguish PAN from other types of vasculitis. Major complications consist of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events occurring in mesenteric, cardiac, cerebral, and renal systems. Historically, PAN was frequently linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but this association has dramatically changed in recent years due to declining HBV prevalence.
  • 141
  • 18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Microalgae in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an invalidating chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation and progressive bone damage. Dietary intervention is an important component in the treatment of RA to mitigate oxidative stress, a major pathogenic driver of the disease. Alongside traditional sources of antioxidants, microalgae—a diverse group of photosynthetic prokaryotes and eukaryotes—are emerging as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory food supplements.
  • 163
  • 12 Dec 2023
Topic Review
AI to Identify Novel Therapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that has a significant impact on quality of life and work capacity. Treatment of RA aims to control inflammation and alleviate pain; however, achieving remission with minimal toxicity is frequently not possible with the current suite of drugs.
  • 136
  • 12 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Factors Affecting Peak Bone Mass
Peak bone mass is the amount of bone tissue that is formed when a stable skeletal state is achieved at a young age. To date, there are no established peak bone mass standards nor clear data on the age at which peak bone mass occurs. At the same time, the level of peak bone mass at a young age is an important predictor of the onset of primary osteoporosis. 
  • 101
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Hypertrophic and Senescent Chondrocyte Phenotypes Associated with Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease of whole joints with progressive cartilage matrix degradation and chondrocyte transformation. The inflammatory features of OA are reflected in increased synovial levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and VEGF, higher levels of TLR-4 binding plasma proteins and increased expression of IL-15, IL-18, IL-10 and Cox2, in cartilage. Chondrocytes in OA undergo hypertrophic and senescent transition; in these states, the expression of Sox-9, Acan and Col2a1 is suppressed, whereas the expression of RunX2, HIF-2α and MMP-13 is significantly increased.
  • 133
  • 22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Febuxostat’s Multifaceted Therapeutic Application
Febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor originally introduced for the management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout, has evolved into a multifaceted therapeutic agent with a spectrum of effects extending far beyond its initial scope. The diverse range of impacts exerted by febuxostat on various physiological systems are explored, offering insights into its mechanism of action, efficacy in gout management, cardiovascular implications, renal and hepatic effects, musculoskeletal applications, adverse event profiles, and emerging avenues for future research.
  • 156
  • 16 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (SNRA) is characterized by the absence of both rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies against the cyclic citrullinated protein (ACPA) in serum.
  • 145
  • 15 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Bioadhesive and Injectable Hydrogels
Injectable bioadhesive hydrogels, known for their capacity to carry substances and adaptability in processing, offer great potential across various biomedical applications. They are especially promising in minimally invasive stem cell-based therapies for treating cartilage damage. This approach harnesses readily available mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into chondrocytes for cartilage regeneration.
  • 140
  • 13 Nov 2023
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