英夫利西单抗对类风湿关节炎患者血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b的影响

目的 观察英夫利西单抗治疗活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者前后血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b(TRACP-5b)水平,并分析其与RA患者各项活动性指标及疗效的相关性,比较不同抗RA药物对骨侵蚀的影响并阐明可能的机制.方法 36例RA患者随机分为2组,英夫利西单抗治疗组16例,甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗组20例,记录所有患者24周的临床及实验室指标.对比2组间及组内血清TRACP-5b水平的差异,并分析其与RA各项活动性指标及疗效的相关性.计量资料组间比较采用秩和检验、成组设计和配对设计的t检验,计数资料采用x2检验,相关分析采用Spearman、Pearson相关分析.结果 基线X线表现为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ期的RA患者血清TRACP-5b水平分别为(1.69±0.48)、(2.64±1.13)、(3.34±1.07)、(4.05±0.25)U/L,Ⅲ、Ⅳ期TRACP-5b水平与Ⅰ期比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).治疗24周后,英夫利西单抗治疗组血清TRACP-5b水平为(2.16±1.09)U/L,较MTX治疗组[(3.05±0.93)U/L ]低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);较英夫利西单抗组治疗前血清TRACP-5b水平[(3.07±1.32)U/L]低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).活动性RA血清中TRACP-5b基线水平与病程、健康评价呈正相关(r=0.313,P=0.043;r=0.443,P=0.007).结论 TRACP-5b血清水平随RA关节X分期增加而升高;血清TRACP-5b的治疗变化可能反映了英夫利西单抗对RA骨破坏的抑制作用.治疗24周后,英夫利西单抗治疗组血清TRACP-5b水平较甲氨蝶呤治疗组明显低,提示英夫利西单抗对破骨细胞的抑制作用可能优于MTX.

Abstract：

Objective To detect the serum level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before and after infliximab treatment and analyze the relevance between TRACP-5b and activity indexes of RA.The effect of different medicines on bony erosion in RA and its possible mechanism were explored.Methods Patients were divided into two groups:16 patients were treated with inffiximab for 24 weeks (group 1 ),25 patients were treated with MTX for 24 weeks (group 2).The core indicators of RA activity were evaluated.Ranked test,grouped design and matched t test was used to examine the quantity data between groups,while numerate data was analyzed with qui-square test.Correlation between data was tested by Spearmen's and Pearson's tests.RestltsThe levels of TRACP-5b in patients with X-ray stagesⅠ ,Ⅱ ,Ⅲ ,Ⅳ were elevated at the baseline.The levels of TRACP-5b in phase Ⅲ and Ⅳ were [(3.34±1.07) U/L] and[(4.05±0.25) U/L] respectively,higher (P＜0.05) than those in phase Ⅰ[(1.69±0.48) U/L].At week 0,week 12,and week 24,the serum levels of TRACP-5b in group 1 were(3.07±1.32),(2.72±1.18),(2.16±1.09) U/L respectively,while the levels in week 12,and 24 were significantly lower than those of week 0(P＜0.05).A significant decrease of serum TRACP-5b level in group 1[(2.16±1.09 ) U/L]when compared to group two[ (3.05±0.93) U/L] after 24 weeks.TRACP=5b level was positively correlated with the course of disease (r=0.313,P=0.043 ),HAQ(r=0.443,P=0.007).Conclusion Infliximab can reduce TRACP-5b level in RA and inhibit inflammatory bone loss.TRACP-5b can be used to evaluate the efficacy of biological agents in treating RA.     

类风湿关节炎患者外周血CD34+造血干/祖细胞的检测及其意义

目的 探讨类风湿关节炎(RA)外周血造血干/祖细胞(HSC/HPC)的数量及细胞膜CD34平均荧光强度(MFI)变化及其与临床指标的关系,以期阐明其在RA中的意义.方法 收集34例RA患者和16名健康对照者外周血,利用单克隆抗体标记CD34+细胞,流式方法测定CD34+HSC/HPC所占外周血淋巴细胞的比例及膜CD34的MFI,分析其与外周血细胞计数、疾病活动病程和药物应用的关系.数据分析采用t检验和方差分析,相关性分析采用Pearson相关分析.结果 ①RA患者CD34+细胞在外周血中淋巴细胞中所占的比例比健康人偏低[分别为(0.13±0.09)%和(0.38±0.21)%,P＜0.05],但两者所占外周血淋巴细胞的比例均低于0.5%;但MFI偏高(分别为57±33和31±11,P＜0.05).②RA患者CD34+细胞在外周血淋巴细胞中所占的比例与外周血红细胞计数、血红蛋白浓度呈正相关性,和C反应蛋白呈负相关;其MFI与健康评价问卷表(HAQ)评分、X线分期呈正相关,与血小板计数呈负相关.③RA患者CD34+细胞在外周血淋巴细胞中所占比例的降低程度以及MFI与疾病的活动性、病程和用药情况无明显相关性(P＞0.05).结论 造血干细胞可能在RA的发病机制中起作用.     

白细胞介素-8受体A型和B型在强直性脊柱炎中的表达及其意义探讨

目的 检测白细胞介素-8受体A型（CXCR1）和白细胞介素-8受体B型（CXCR2）在强直性脊柱炎（AS）患者外周血中性粒细胞、CD14^＋单核细胞和CD3^＋T细胞上的表达水平，探讨其与AS疾病活动的相关性和可能涉及的AS炎症发病机制。方法 研究对象包括30例活动期AS患者，30例活动期类风湿关节炎（RA）患者和30名健康对照者，应用流式细胞术（FCM）检测CXCR1、CXCR2分别在AS患者、RA患者和健康对照者外周血中性粒细胞、CD14^＋单核细胞和CD3^＋T细胞上平均荧光强度（MFI）的表达水平，并和AS患者的临床BASFI、BASDAI、红细胞沉降率（ESR）、血清C反应蛋白（CRP）等指标进行相关分析。结果 CXCR1在AS患者组外周血CD3^＋T细胞上MFI表达水平（41±24）分别较RA患者组（18±10）和健康对照组（19±7）高（P均〈0．01）。CXCR2在AS患者组外周血CD14^＋单核细胞MFI表达水平（210±54）较健康对照组（300±52）低（P〈0．01），与RA患者组（191±53）比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；CXCR2在AS患者外周血CD14^＋单核细胞上MFI表达下降与患者毕氏疾病功能指数（BASFI）（r=-0．394，P=0．031）、毕氏AS疾病活动指数（BASDAI）（rs=-0．378，P=0．040）、ESR（rs=-0．465，P=0.010）、CRP（rs=-0．648．P=0．000）存在着负相关关系。结论 CXCR1和CXCR2分别在AS患者外周血CD3^＋T细胞和CD14^＋单核细胞表达异常，提示它们可能参与了AS的发病过程。检测AS患者外周血CD14^＋单核细胞的MFI表达水平可能是评价AS疾病活动性有价值的潜在的生物学标志之一。     

类风湿关节炎患者外周血单核细胞Toll样受体4的表达及其与血清白介素-18水平变化的相关性

目的探讨Toll样受体4(toll-like receptor-4,TLR4)在类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者外周血单核细胞表面的表达及其与血清白介素(interleukin,IL)-18变化的相关性。方法用流式细胞术分别检测34例RA患者、39例健康体检者和7例骨性关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)患者外周血单核细胞表面TLR4的阳性率和平均荧光强度(meam fluorescence intensity,MFI),同时用酶联免疫吸附试验测定血清中IL-18的水平变化,分别统计TLR4阳性率与IL-18相关性及与疾病活动评分(disease activity score28,DAS28)的相关性。结果 TLR4在RA高度活动组、中低度活动组的CD14+单核细胞表面的阳性率分别为(24.58±10.13)%、(32.47±12.40)%,高于对照组(13.14±5.22)%和OA组(10.23±3.40)%,4组间差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01);而MFI在RA高度活动组(47.34±19.85)道、中低度活动组(42.56±17.41)道低于对照组(59.38±28.05)道和OA组(67.90±31.40)道,4组间差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.05)。RA高度活动组的血清IL-18水平为(236.71±39.42)pgml,显著高于中低度活动组(195.32±20.69)pg/ml和正常对照组(185.49±42.96)pg/ml(均P<0.01),且3组间差异亦有统计学意义(P<0.01)。TLR4阳性率与IL-18水平呈正相关(r=0.261,P<0.05),而与DAS28呈负相关(r=-0.722,P<0.05)。结论 TLR4在RA患者外周血CD14+单核细胞表面表达上调且与血清IL-18的水平呈正相关,而与DAS28呈负相关。提示TLR4可能间接参与RA的发病过程,为RA的发病机制奠定了分子基础。     

原发性干燥综合征患者外周血B细胞FcγRⅡb的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨原发性干燥综合征(pSS)患者外周血B细胞FcγRⅡb的表达及其临床意义.方法 流式细胞术检测19例pSS患者、15名健康对照外周血B细胞FcγRⅡb的平均荧光强度(MFI);酶联免疫吸附试验( ELISA)方法测定19例pSS患者血清抗SSA、SSB抗体水平,统计学分析采用t检验、单因素方差分析、SNK-q检验及Pearson相关分析.结果 pSS患者CD 19+CD27+记忆性B细胞亚群的百分率[(20.8±2.7)％,19例]显著低于健康对照组[(37.8±2.2)％,15名](t=-4.002,P＜0.01);活动期pSS患者外周血CD19+CD27+记忆性B细胞FcγRⅡb的MFI[( 74±8),13例]低于非活动期组[(132±11),6例]及健康对照组[(139±12),15名](F=10.699,P＜0.01);pSS患者外周血CD19+CD27+记忆性B细胞FcγRⅡb的MFI与pSS疾病活动指数(SSDAI)呈负相关(r=-0.744,P=0.0003);抗SSA、SSB抗体阳性组pSS患者CD19+CD27+记忆性B细胞FcγRⅡb的MFI[分别为(75±3),12例;(48±7),5例]显著低于抗SSA、SSB抗体阴性组[分别为(122±11),7例;(108±9),14例](t分别为-4.336和-3.776,P均＜0.01);抗SSA抗体阳性组pSS患者CD19+CD27+记忆性B细胞FcγRⅡb的MFI与抗SSA抗体滴度呈负相关(r=-0.685,P=0.014).结论 pSS患者活动期外周血记忆性B细胞FcyRⅡb表达与SSDAI呈负相关,并与抗SSA抗体呈负相关.FcγR Ⅱb表达异常可能在pSS免疫发病机制中起重要作用.     

英夫利西单抗联合甲氨蝶呤治疗老年类风湿关节炎的临床效果

目的观察英夫利西单抗(IFN)联合甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗老年类风湿关节炎(RA)的临床效果,探讨提高老年RA临床疗效的药物治疗方案。方法选择80例老年RA患者,按照患者知情同意的原则,分为对照组(n=35)和观察组(n=45),对照组采用MTX治疗,观察组采用英夫利西单抗联合MTX治疗,治疗24 w后比较两组患者临床症状及相关检查指标、临床疗效和不良反应情况。结果治疗24 w后两组患者临床症状及相关检查指标比较,差异显著(P<0.01,P<0.05);两组患者治疗后出现的不良反应例数比较,差异不显著(P>0.05)。结论在老年RA患者药物治疗过程中,可考虑首选IFN联合MTX治疗的方式,可显著提高临床疗效,且不会增加治疗中的不良反应。     

类风湿关节炎CD4+T细胞白细胞介素-9白细胞介素-17干扰素-γ的表达及意义

目的 探讨类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周血CD4+T细胞胞内白细胞介素(IL)-9、IL-17、干扰素-y的表达及意义.方法 取RA患者活动期25例、稳定期25例和健康人20名外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),免疫磁珠阴选获得CD4+T细胞,通过流式细胞术(FCM)检测CD4+T细胞内IL-9、IL-17、干扰素-γ水平;应用实时荧光定量反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测IL-9、IL-17、孤核受体(RORγt)、干扰素-γ mRNA水平.采用方差分析法进行组间比较,采用Pearson相关分析法进行相关性分析.结果 免疫磁珠阴选CD4+T细胞纯度达90％以上.RA患者病情活动组IL-9、IL-17、干扰素-γ的水平显著高于病情稳定组,分别为(1.62±0.23)％与(1.15±0.24)％(P＜0.01)、(1.47±0.20)％与(1.04±0.26)％(P＜0.01)、(8.1±0.6)％与(6.9±1.0)％(P＜0.01);RA组显著高于健康对照组(P＜0.01);RA病情活动组IL-9、IL-17、RORγt、干扰素-γmRNA水平高于病情稳定组,分别为(3.0±0.6)与(1.8±0.4)(P＜0.01)、(4.2±0.9)与(2.3±0.7)(P＜0.01)、(4.1±0.7)与(2.9±0.3)(P＜0.01)、(4.0±0.8)与(2.3±0.6)(P＜0.01),RA组IL-17、RORγt、干扰素-γ mRNA表达又显著高于健康对照组(P＜0.01);RA患者胞内IL-9水平与胞内IL-17(r=0.632,P=0.001)、干扰素-γ(r=0.515,P=0.008)、DAS28 (r=-0.519,P=-0.009)、外周血ESR水平(r=-0.857,P=0.038)呈正相关,而与C反应蛋白水平(r=0.38,P=0.61)无明显相关性.结论 RA患者体内IL-9、IL-17和干扰素-γ表达增高,可能参与RA炎症.     

类风湿关节炎患者外周血B细胞FcγR Ⅱb表达

目的探讨类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者外周血B细胞亚群FcγRⅡb的表达及其临床意义。方法流式细胞仪检测20例初治RA患者及年龄性别匹配的15名健康对照者外周血B细胞FcγRⅡb的表达;评估其与RA病情指标的相关性。统计学分析采用独立样本t检验及Pearson相关分析。结果 RA患者记忆性B细胞亚群百分率[(18.30±8.94)%]低于健康对照组[(32.31±13.67)%],差异有统计学意义(t=3.665,P=0.001);初始B细胞亚群百分率[(78.11±9.00)%]高于健康对照组[(64.24±13.23)%],差异有统计学意义(t=-3.691,P=0.001);RA患者外周血CD19+CD27+记忆性B细胞表面FcγR IIb平均荧光强度(mean fluorescence intensity,MFI)[(7 571.95±4 494.53)%]显著低于健康对照组[(13 304.87±6 568.19)%],差异有统计学意义(t=3.068,P=0.004);RA患者外周血记忆性B细胞表面FcγRⅡb的MFI与RA患者的Ig G水平呈负相关(r=-0.732,P=0.007)。结论 RA患者外周血记忆性B细胞FcγR IIb表达低于健康对照,并与RA患者的Ig G水平呈负相关,FcγRⅡb表达异常可能在RA免疫发病机制中起重要作用。     

利用T淋巴细胞受体ξ链的变化预测肿瘤坏死因子拮抗剂治疗类风湿关节炎的疗效

目的 探讨ξ链呈低水平表达T淋巴细胞(TCRξ~(dim)T淋巴细胞)在预测类风湿关节炎(RA)患者对肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)拮抗剂疗效反应中的意义,寻找早期预测患者对生物制剂疗效反应的指标.方法 12例血清学阳性的活动性(DAS28＞5.1)RA患者接受了标准方案的英夫利西单抗治疗,在第14周和第30厨时根据欧洲抗风湿联盟(EULAR)临床疗效反应标准对患者的疗效进行评价,并将患者分为疗效显著、疗效中等、疗效不佳3组.每例患者在英夫利西单抗治疗前以及治疗第14周和第30周时采集外周血,采用流式细胞仪的方法对系列标本中不同细胞亚群、TCRξ的表达水平进行研究,并对TCRξ~(dim)T淋巴细胞的移动能力进行分析,并将疗效与TCRξ~(dim)T淋巴细胞的变化进行相关分析.结果 TCRξ~(dim) T淋巴细胞具有很强的移动能力,它们选择性地由外周血向炎症部位移动,导致RA滑液中TCRξ~(dim) T淋巴细胞的数量明显多于相应的外周血(P＜0.05).12例患者中3例疗效显著,6例疗效中等,3例疗效不佳.用药至第30周时临床反应判定为良好的患者,在第14周时外周血中均有CD4~+TCRξ~(dim) T淋巴细胞的聚集;而疗效不佳的患者外周血中这群细胞数量反而下降;14周时TCRξ~(dim) T淋巴细胞变化的百分数与30周时DAS28评分之间密切相关(r~2=0.6835,P＜0.01).结论 TNF拮抗剂是治疗RA有效的药物,用药至第14周时外周血中TCRξ~(dim) T淋巴细胞数量的变化可以预测用药至第30周时的疗效,阻止TCRξ~(dim)效应T淋巴细胞由外周血向关节腔的移动是TNF拮抗剂在RA中发挥作用的重要机制.     

可溶性CD147与类风湿关节炎动脉粥样硬化危险因素的相关性

目的 通过研究类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周血中可溶性CD147(sCD147)的表达水平及其与血脂水平相关性的分析,探讨sCD147在RA动脉粥样硬化中的作用.方法 采用双抗体夹心ELISA方法分别检测RA、动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(CAHD)患者各36例及30名健康人血清中sCD147含量;测定RA患者病情活动度(DAS28),分析sCD147水平与其病情活动度的相关性;使用全自动生化分析仪测定RA患者血脂水平,分析患者血清中sCD147与血脂水平的相关性.结果 RA患者血清中sCD147分子水平显著高于冠心病患者及健康对照,且病情高度活动RA组的sCD147含量显著高于病情低度及中度活动组(P均＜0.05).总胆固醇(TC)升高组及甘油三酯(TG)升高组RA患者的TC、TG水平与其血清中aCD147含量呈正相关(r=84,P＜0.05;r=0.87,P＜0.05),而TC轻度升高及正常组或TG正常组患者的TC、TG水平则与其血清中sCD147含量无相关性(r=0.41,P=0.21;r=0.14,P=0.57;r=0.49,P=0.87).低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)升高及轻度升高组患者的LDL-C水平与其血清中sCD147含量呈正相关(r=0.86,P＜0.05;r=0.81.P＜0.05),LDL-C正常组两者则无相关性(r=0.78,P=0.22.RA患者高密度脂蛋白胆同醇(HDL-C)降低与否和其血清中sCD147水平无相关性(r=0.04,P=0.96;r=0.13,P=0.87.结论 RA患者体内sCD147分子可能参与了RA的发病,且与病情活动度有关.同时,其sCD147水平的升高还可能与其血清中血脂的异常有关.     

Ultrasonographic and radiographic results from a two-year controlled trial of immediate or one-year-delayed addition of infliximab to ongoing methotrexate therapy in patients with erosive early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of immediate and delayed introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy on inflammation and structural damage in methotrexate (MTX)-treated patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with erosive early RA (duration < 3 years) who were receiving MTX were randomized to receive infliximab 5 mg/kg or placebo infusions at weeks 0, 2, and 6, and then every 8 weeks through week 46. Beginning at week 54 and thereafter, all patients received infliximab 5 mg/kg. Metacarpophalangeal joints were scanned using high-frequency ultrasonography and power Doppler imaging. Radiographs were evaluated using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde scoring system. RESULTS: From baseline to week 54, total synovial thickness was significantly improved in the infliximab + MTX group compared with the placebo + MTX group (median reduction 95.8% versus 37.5%; P = 0.005), as was the total color Doppler area (CDA; vascularity assessment) (median reduction 100% and 47.1%, respectively; P = 0.025). From week 0 to week 110, no significant between-group difference was observed in the change from baseline for total synovial thickening or the total CDA. At week 54, greater progression in the Sharp/van der Heijde score was apparent in patients receiving placebo + MTX compared with those receiving infliximab + MTX. Although radiographic progression in the placebo + MTX group was greatly reduced in the second year (after initiation of infliximab therapy), marked differences were observed between the infliximab + MTX group (median change in the Sharp/van der Heijde score 4.0) and the placebo + MTX group (median change 14.5) from baseline to week 110 (P = 0.076). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the efficacy of 2 years of combination therapy with infliximab + MTX for inhibiting cumulative structural damage was superior to that of 1 year of treatment with MTX alone followed by the addition of infliximab.     

Comparison of ultrasonographic assessment of synovitis and joint vascularity with radiographic evaluation in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of infliximab therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sensitive ultrasonographic imaging methods for detection of synovial thickness and vascularity to discriminate between patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving infliximab + methotrexate (MTX) versus placebo + MTX over 18 weeks, and to compare the relationship between synovial thickening and vascularity at baseline and radiologic damage to joints of the hands and feet at 54 weeks. METHODS: Patients with early RA (duration <3 years) receiving stable dosages of MTX were randomly assigned to receive blinded infusions of 5 mg/kg infliximab (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and then every 8 weeks until week 46. At baseline and week 18, clinical assessments were performed, and metacarpophalangeal joints were assessed by high-frequency ultrasonography and power Doppler ultrasonography measurements. Radiographs of the hands and feet taken at baseline and at 54 weeks were evaluated using the van der Heijde modification of the Sharp method (vdH-Sharp score). RESULTS: Using changes in the total vdH-Sharp score over 54 weeks and changes in synovial thickening and joint vascularity at 18 weeks, we were able to distinguish those patients receiving infusions of infliximab + MTX from those receiving placebo + MTX. Sonographic measurements of synovial thickening and vascularity at baseline in the placebo + MTX group demonstrated clear relationships with the magnitude of radiologic joint damage at week 54. Infliximab + MTX treatment abolished these relationships. CONCLUSION: The delay or reversal of inflammatory and joint-destructive mechanisms in patients with early RA was already apparent following 18 weeks of treatment with infliximab + MTX and was reflected in radiologic changes at 54 weeks.     

The safety of infliximab, combined with background treatments, among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and various comorbidities: a large, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of serious infections following 22 weeks of infliximab therapy, and to further characterize the safety profile of infliximab in combination with background treatments during 1 year in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with various comorbidities. METHODS: Patients with active RA despite receiving methotrexate (MTX) were randomly assigned to receive infusions of placebo (group 1, n=363), 3 mg/kg infliximab (group 2, n=360), or 10 mg/kg infliximab (group 3, n=361) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14. At week 22, patients in placebo group 1 began receiving 3 mg/kg infliximab, and patients in group 3 continued to receive an infliximab dose of 10 mg/kg. Patients in group 2 who failed to meet predefined response criteria received increasing doses of infliximab in increments of 1.5 mg/kg. RESULTS: At week 22, the relative risk of developing serious infections in groups 2 and 3, compared with group 1, was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.3-3.1, P=0.995) and 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-7.9, P=0.013), respectively. The incidence of serious adverse events was 7.8% in groups 2 and 3 compared with 7.5% in group 1. From week 22 to week 54, 11.8%, 9.9%, and 10.3% of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, reported occurrences of serious adverse events. Through week 54, 1 patient in group 1, 2 patients in group 2, and 4 patients in group 3 developed active tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The risk of serious infections in patients receiving the approved infliximab dose of 3 mg/kg plus MTX was similar to that in patients receiving MTX alone. Patients receiving the unapproved induction regimen of 10 mg/kg infliximab plus MTX followed by a 10 mg/kg maintenance regimen had an increased risk of serious infections through week 22.     

CD14+,CD16+ blood monocytes and joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: CD14+,CD16+ monocytes, identified as a minor population of monocytes in human peripheral blood (PB), have been implicated in several inflammatory diseases. We undertook this study to investigate the relevance of this phenotype to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The expression of CD14, CD16, CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), CCR5, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on monocytes was measured by flow cytometric analysis. Concentrations of the cytokines known to induce CD16 (including transforming growth factor beta1 [TGFbeta1], macrophage colony-stimulating factor [M-CSF], and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and concentrations of the soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) in plasma and synovial fluid (SF) samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The induction of CD16 on RA blood monocytes cultured for 18 hours with 1 or with all 3 cytokines was determined. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD frequency of CD14+,CD16+ blood monocytes was significantly increased in RA patients (11.7 +/- 5.6%; n = 105) compared with healthy controls (9.5 +/- 2.2%; n = 15) (P < 0.01), and the patient group with an increased frequency of CD16+ monocytes (> or =13.9%) had active disease, as defined by increased counts of tender and swollen joints, levels of acute-phase reactants, and titers of rheumatoid factor. The response to drug therapy correlated with changes in the frequency of this phenotype. The expression of CD16 on SF monocytes from RA patients was markedly elevated compared with the expression on PB monocytes. CD16 expression on RA blood monocytes was augmented in vitro by IL-10, M-CSF, and TGFbeta1. Plasma concentrations of these cytokines and of sCD14 were significantly higher in RA patients with high CD16+ monocyte frequencies than in those with low CD16+ monocyte frequencies or in healthy controls. CD14+,CD16+ monocytes expressed higher levels of CCR1, CCR5, and ICAM-1 than did regular CD14++,CD16- monocytes, particularly in active RA. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the maturation of blood monocytes into tissue-infiltrative CD16+ cells before entry into the joint, induced by cytokine spillover from the inflamed joint, may contribute to the persistent joint inflammation of RA.     

Combination of infliximab and methotrexate therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the benefits of initiating treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and infliximab (anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha [anti-TNFalpha] monoclonal antibody) with those of MTX treatment alone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of < or =3 years' duration. METHODS: RA patients were eligible if they had active disease and no prior treatment with MTX or a TNFalpha inhibitor. One thousand forty-nine patients were randomly assigned in a 4:5:5 ratio to 3 treatment groups: MTX-placebo, MTX-3 mg/kg infliximab, and MTX-6 mg/kg infliximab. MTX dosages were rapidly escalated to 20 mg/week, and infliximab or placebo infusions were given at weeks 0, 2, and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter through week 46. RESULTS: At week 54, the median percentage of American College of Rheumatology improvement (ACR-N) was higher for the MTX-3 mg/kg infliximab and MTX-6 mg/kg infliximab groups than for the MTX-placebo group (38.9% and 46.7% versus 26.4%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Patients in the MTX-3 mg/kg infliximab and MTX-6 mg/kg infliximab groups also showed less radiographic progression than those receiving MTX alone (mean +/- SD changes in van der Heijde modification of the total Sharp score at week 54: 0.4 +/- 5.8 and 0.5 +/- 5.6 versus 3.7 +/- 9.6, respectively; P < 0.001 for each comparison). In addition, physical function improved significantly more in the MTX-3 mg/kg infliximab and MTX-6 mg/kg infliximab groups than in the MTX-placebo group. Infliximab therapy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of serious infections, especially pneumonia. CONCLUSION: For patients with active RA in its early stages, combination therapy with MTX and infliximab provides greater clinical, radiographic, and functional benefits than treatment with MTX alone.     

Infliximab treatment maintains employability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of infliximab therapy on the employment status of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Methotrexate (MTX)-naive patients with active early RA were randomly allocated to receive MTX plus placebo or MTX plus infliximab (3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, and 6 and then every 8 weeks through week 46. Data for patients younger than age 65 years were included in the analyses. A patient was categorized as employable if he or she was employed or felt well enough to work if a job were available. RESULTS: The change in actual employment was not significantly different between patients receiving MTX plus infliximab and those receiving MTX plus placebo (0.5% versus 1.3%; P > 0.5). However, the proportion of patients whose status changed from employable at baseline to unemployable at week 54 was smaller in the group receiving MTX plus infliximab compared with that in the group receiving MTX alone (8% versus 14%; P = 0.05). Patients who were treated with infliximab plus MTX had a significantly greater likelihood of improvement rather than deterioration in employability (odds ratio 2.4; P < 0.001); this likelihood was not significantly greater in patients receiving MTX alone. The proportion of employed patients who lost workdays during the trial was smaller in the MTX plus infliximab group than in the MTX-alone group (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: The actual employment rates among patients in the 2 treatment groups were not different. However, patients with early RA who were treated with MTX plus infliximab had a higher probability of maintaining their employability compared with those who were treated with MTX alone.     

英利昔单抗联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的随机双盲临床研究

目的评价英利昔单抗与甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合使用与单独使用MTX,在治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)中的疗效与安全性。方法本研究为随机、双盲、平行对照的临床试验。49例接受过至少3个月稳定剂量MTX治疗的活动性RA患者随机分为试验组(24例)和对照组(25例)。两组受试者在第0、2、6、14周分别接受3mg/kg的英利昔单抗或安慰剂静脉滴注,同时每周按固定剂量继续服MTX。并于试验的第0、2、6、14、18周随访,评价疗效和不良反应。以美国风湿病学会(ACR)疗效评价指标ACR20为主要疗效指标,ACR50、ACR70、晨僵时间、关节肿胀数、关节肿胀指数、关节压痛数、关节压痛指数；次要疗效指标为疼痛目视模拟测量表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、疾病总体状况的医生评价VAS评分、疾病总体状况的病人评价VAS评分、健康评价问卷(HAQ)评分。结果治疗后第2周时,英利昔单抗联合MTX组ACR20有效率为62．5%,对照组仅为8．0%(P=0．002)；晨僵时间、关节压痛数、关节压痛指数、关节肿胀数、关节肿胀指数、疼痛VAS、疲乏VAS、医生总体评价VAS、病人总体评价VAS、HAQ和血沉等较对照组也均有显著的改善(P＜0．05或P＜0．01)。第18周时,英利昔单抗联合MTX组ACR20有效率为79．2%,对照组只有48．0%(P=0．024)。两组之间不良事件发生率差异无统计学意义。结论英利昔单抗联合MTX治疗RA的疗效明显优于单用MTX的疗效,能迅速改善与RA有关的各项症状、体征和实验室炎性活动指标,具有良好的安全性。     

Predictors of joint damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis treated with high-dose methotrexate with or without concomitant infliximab: results from the ASPIRE trial

OBJECTIVE: To identify disease characteristics leading to progression of joint damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MTX) versus those treated with infliximab plus MTX. METHODS: Patients who had not previously been treated with MTX with active RA were randomly assigned to receive escalating doses of MTX up to 20 mg/week plus placebo or infliximab at weeks 0, 2, and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter through week 46. Radiographic joint damage was assessed using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). The relationship between disease activity measures at baseline and week 14, as well as those averaged over time, were examined in relation to the change in SHS from baseline through week 54. RESULTS: C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and swollen joint count were associated with greater joint damage progression in the MTX-only group, while none of these parameters was associated with progression in the infliximab plus MTX group. Mean changes in SHS among patients in the highest CRP (> or = 3 mg/dl) and ESR (> or = 52 mm/hour) tertiles in the MTX-only group were 5.62 and 5.89, respectively, compared with 0.73 and 1.12 in the infliximab plus MTX group (P < 0.001). Patients with greater joint damage at baseline (SHS > or = 10.5) showed less progression with infliximab plus MTX compared with MTX alone (-0.39 versus 4.11; P < 0.001). Patients receiving MTX alone who had persistently active disease at week 14 showed greater radiographic progression of joint damage than those taking MTX plus infliximab. CONCLUSION: High CRP level, high ESR, or persistent disease activity was associated with greater radiographic progression in the group taking MTX alone, while little radiographic progression was seen in patients receiving both MTX and infliximab, regardless of the abnormal levels of these traditional predictors.     

Regulation of serum chemokines following infliximab therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: We studied the effects of the multiple infusions of infliximab, a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) antibody, on the serum chemokines levels in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: RA patients were supposed to receive 9 infusions of infliximab (3mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter with the same dose. All patients continued treatment with methotrexate (MTX) (7.5-20mg/week). Serum concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8), RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were assessed by ELISA at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, 38, prior to infusion, and additionally at week 62. RESULTS: Initial infusion of infliximab caused reduction in serum IL-8, RANTES and MCP-1 (in all cases p < 0.001) levels. Subsequent infliximab administrations also significantly decreased serum chemokines levels, but was less effective. Prior to the first infliximab infusion serum concentrations of studied chemokines correlated with markers of RA activity such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or CRP levels, number of swollen joints and disease activity score (DAS). Following next drug infusions such associations were far less significant. Infliximab treatment induced a significant reduction in the number of monocytes observed through the whole study (in all cases p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF-alpha antibody therapy accompanied by MTX, beside a rapid clinical improvement, reduced serum chemokines concentrations in RA patients. Subsequent administrations of infliximab sustained chemokines decrease, although to a lesser extent than the first two dose of infliximab.     

强直性脊柱炎患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群和T淋巴细胞上CD154表达的变化和意义

目的 探讨强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群分布和T淋巴细胞上共刺激分子CD154的表达及依那西普治疗对其的影响.方法 用流式细胞仪检测66例AS患者(其中活动期39例,非活动期27例;按临床特征分为外周关节和中轴均受累者35例和单独中轴受累31例)、30例类风湿关节炎(RA)患者及30名健康志愿者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群分布和CD154在CD3+T淋巴细胞上的表达.此外,观察39例AS活动期患者在随机双盲依那西普和安慰剂对照试验中,用药前后CD154的变化.结果 ①AS和RA患者CD4+T淋巴细胞均较健康志愿者高(P＜0.05),而CD8+T淋巴细胞较健康志愿者低(P＜0.05);AS患者外周血T细胞上CD154的表达较健康志愿者和RA患者都明显升高(P＜0.05);②活动期或外周关节受累AS患者T细胞CD154的表达分别较稳定期或单独中轴受累AS患者明显升高(P＜0.05);且CD154的表达与关节压痛数、关节肿胀数呈正相关(P＜0.05);③在依那西普试验的第6周,依那西普组AS患者(19例)T淋巴细胞CD154表达较安慰剂组(20例)明显下降(P＜0.05),与健康志愿者差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 AS患者外周血存在T淋巴细胞亚群紊乱和T淋巴细胞上共刺激分子CD154异常表达,可作为临床评价AS病情活动性和依那西普疗效的生物指标之一.