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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and destruction. Objective: Establish the association between Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection, body mass index (BMI), joint involvement, and serum adipokines in first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The cross-sectional study evaluated 124 FDR and 124 healthy controls (HC). The clinical examination included joint and radiographic evaluation and calculation of BMI. Serum adipokine levels were measured (leptin, vaspin, adiponectin, resistin, and adipsin), as were the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. Investigations were performed to detect P. gingivalis, and anti-P. gingivalis antibodies. Statistical analyses were per-formed to confirm associations. Results: Leptin levels in FDR were associated with BMI >25 (OR, 2.64; 95%CI, 1.17-5.97; P=0.019), radiographic damage (Simple Erosion Narrowing Score [SENS])/hands, total SENS, and joint space narrowing in feet (P=0.037, 0.026, 0.020, respectively). FDR had more tender joints (P=0.018); this finding was associated with high levels of leptin and resistin and low levels of adip-sin (P=0.040, 0.040, and 0.019, respectively). The presence of P. gingivalis was related to FDR, low levels of adipsin, resistin, adiponectin, and a trend toward higher levels of leptin (P=0.002, 0.001, 0.003, and 0.060, respectively), whereas anti-P. gingivalis antibodies were related to low levels of adipsin (P=0.001). Conclusion: In FDR, serum adipokine levels were associated with overweight and the presence of P. gingivalis. Adipokine levels were also associated with joint involvement. Hence, adipokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA in FDR and warrant further investigation.

There is little literature on the implementation of screening criteria for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). This study aimed to apply IBD screening criteria in a group of patients with SpA without IBD diagnosis and correlate them to endoscopic findings and disease activity. A total of 82 patients with SpA were included. The IBD screening test and ileocolonoscopy with digital chromoendoscopy with magnification and histological analysis were performed. The data were analysed with Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and multiple correspondence analysis. The major screening criteria found in 48.7% of the patients were associated with a history of infection (p = 0.037). Rectal bleeding was associated with the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, acute inflammation, enthesitis and tissue architecture alteration in the ileum (p p = 0.02). Minor screening criteria were associated with painful inflammatory joint (p = 0.05), high disease activity score (p = 0.001) and high calprotectin levels (p = 0.050). Abdominal pain (36.9%) was associated with axial/peripheral compromise (p = 0.017), inflammatory back pain (p = 0.01), enthesitis (p = 0.021), higher disease activity score (p = 0.023) and acute ileum inflammation (p = 0.046). Diarrhoea of 4 weeks and abdominal pain were the most prevalent major and minor screening criteria, respectively, being related to early manifestations of inflammatory bowel compromise and higher disease activity score. This screening test grants a chance of opportune referral of SpA patients from rheumatology to gastroenterology.

Oral involvement in the pediatric age does not occur as an isolated event, frequently involves a systemic disease being Leukemias -especially B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL)- and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) the most relevant. Objective: To find which oral manifestations are observed with greater more frequently in pediatric patients with B-cell ALL or T1DM and to relate these findings with their pathophysiology. Methodology: We formed three study groups, with five patients each: 1) children with T1DM, 2) infants with B-cell ALL, and 3) healthy children. The age range was five to fifteen years. Data were collected from: 1) clinical examination, 2) interrogation of parents or guardians, and 3) review of the clinical record, and 4) Blood count (BC).

Gold salts have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since the 1940s, and, with advances in nanotechnology, the use of nanogold provides multiple options for anti-inflammatory therapies. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of silica-gold nanostructures (SGNs) and their therapeutic effect in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice. At the end of the treatment, the synovial membranes, kidneys, livers, and spleens were dissected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP) showing less than 0.0001 and 0.1% of the administered doses of Au and Si, respectively. Remains of the SGNs were visually identified in the synovial membrane by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the bone density of the hind paws was observed by computerized tomography (CT) indicating a reduction of porosity in the CIA-experimental group. The DNA microarray analysis carried out with RNA obtained from the hind paws showed 2628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by SGNs. The bioinformatic analysis showed that DEGs were significantly associated with several inflammatory signalling pathways including chemokines, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt, TNF, IL-17, NFκβ, MAPK, and RA. SGNs downregulated relevant inflammatory genes in the arthritic joints, including Tnf, Ifng, Il6, and Cxcl5; immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the reduction of TNFα, IL-6, NFκβ, and VEGF in the joints due to the effect of SGNs. TNFα and IL-6 were also reduced in the serum of DBA/1 mice treated with SGNs.

Acknowledgements: The authors thank Lorena Chávez, José Luis Santillán, Simón Guzmán, and Jorge Ramírez for the microarray analysis., To analyze the effect of levofloxacin-induced intestinal microbiota modifications on intestinal, joint, and systemic inflammation in the DBA/1 mice with spontaneous arthritis. The study included two groups of mice, one of which received levofloxacin. The composition and structure of the microbiota were determined in the mice's stool using 16S rRNA sequencing; the differential taxa and metabolic pathway between mice treated with levofloxacin and control mice were also defied. The effect of levofloxacin was evaluated in the intestines, hind paws, and spines of mice through DNA microarray transcriptome and histopathological analyses; systemic inflammation was measured by flow cytometry. Levofloxacin decreased the pro-inflammatory bacteria, including Prevotellaceae, Odoribacter, and Blautia, and increased the anti-inflammatory Muribaculaceae in mice's stool. Histological analysis confirmed the intestinal inflammation in control mice, while in levofloxacin-treated mice, inflammation was reduced; in the hind paws and spines, levofloxacin also decreased the inflammation. Microarray showed the downregulation of genes and signaling pathways relevant in spondyloarthritis, including several cytokines and chemokines. Levofloxacin-treated mice showed differential transcriptomic profiles between peripheral and axial joints and intestines. Levofloxacin decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-23a, and JAK3 in the three tissues, but IL-17 behaved differently in the intestine and the joints. Serum TNF-α was also reduced in levofloxacin-treated mice. Our results suggest that the microbiota modification aimed at reducing pro-inflammatory and increasing anti-inflammatory bacteria could potentially be a coadjuvant in treating inflammatory arthropathies.

Resumen La artritis psoriasica (APs) es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistemica cronica que afecta a la piel, las estructuras musculoesqueleticas y otros organos y sistemas, comprometiendo la funcionalidad, la calidad de vida y reduciendo la expectativa de vida de los pacientes. Es una enfermedad compleja que requiere atencion y manejo especializado y oportuno. Las alternativas para el tratamiento de las manifestaciones de la APs se han incrementado y, adicionalmente, el efecto de los distintos agentes sobre manifestaciones especificas ha sido aclarado en estudios recientes, por lo tanto, es conveniente incorporar la evidencia disponible para construir una estrategia en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia selecciono una comision para evaluar estas distintas alternativas y generar recomendaciones. Metodos El grupo de estudio incluyo a 16 reumatologos y tres dermatologos certificados, que fueron seleccionados de diferentes instituciones de salud y regiones del pais. Se conformo un comite ejecutivo que coordino las reuniones y un comite de expertos que selecciono los criterios de busqueda en la literatura, elaboro las preguntas de investigacion, califico la calidad de la evidencia y genero las recomendaciones en los distintos dominios de la enfermedad con base en la metodologia GRADE. Resultados Se generaron 24 recomendaciones actualizadas para el tratamiento de pacientes con APs. Las recomendaciones establecen el papel de los medicamentos disponibles actualmente en nuestro pais. Se enfatiza la importancia del control adecuado de la enfermedad, individualizando el perfil de involucramiento de cada paciente en cada uno de los seis dominios potencialmente afectados por la enfermedad. Ademas, se establece la secuencia en la eleccion de los tratamientos disponibles para cada dominio, basada en su eficacia, perfil de seguridad y accesibilidad. Conclusiones Con este documento de consenso se podra mejorar la atencion de los pacientes con APs. Las recomendaciones se generaron de acuerdo con la mejor informacion disponible y en consideracion del sistema de salud de Mexico.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects the skin, musculoskeletal structures and other organs and systems compromising functionality, quality of life and reducing the life expectancy of patients. It is a complex disease that requires specialist and timely care and management. The alternatives for treating the manifestations of psoriatic arthritis have increased and the effect of the different agents on specific manifestations has been clarified in recent studies. Therefore, we should incorporate the available evidence to build a strategy for the treatment of these patients. The Mexican College of Rheumatology selected a committee to evaluate these different alternatives and make recommendations. Methods The study group included 16 rheumatologists and 3 certified dermatologists, selected from different health institutions and regions of the country. An executive committee was formed to coordinate the meetings and a committee of experts selected the literature search criteria, prepared the research questions, rated the quality of the evidence, and produced the recommendations in the different disease domains based on the GRADE methodology. Results 24 updated recommendations were generated for the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis. The recommendations establish the role of the drugs currently available in our country. The importance of adequate disease control is emphasized, individualizing the level of involvement of each patient in each of the six domains potentially affected by the disease. In addition, the sequence in the choice of treatments available for each domain is established, based on their efficacy, safety profile and accessibility. Conclusions With this consensus document, it will be possible to improve the care of patients with psoriatic arthritis. The recommendations were generated based on the best available information and in consideration of the Mexican health system.

BackgroundDetermining potential predictors of clinical response would allow a more personalized rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment approach in heterogeneous populations such as Latin American (LA) patients.MethodsPost hoc analysis to identify baseline characteristics predictive of clinical remission in response to treatment with etanercept (ETN) plus methotrexate (MTX) in LA patients with moderate to severe MTX-resistant RA. We report data from the group of patients who received ETN 50 mg/week plus MTX (ETN + MTX,n = 281) in a clinical trial consisting of an initial 24-week open-label phase, followed by a 104-week extension. Remission was defined as 28-joint Disease Activity Score with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score ResultsAt Week 24 and Week 128, 27% (66/241) and 42% (91/219) of patients in the ETN + MTX group achieved remission. On average, patients achieving remission were younger and had lower baseline ESR, lower Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scores, lower total Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores, and lower visual analog scale (VAS) Pain scores compared with patients who did not achieve remission. The best subset of baseline variables predicting Week 24 remission in the stepwise regression model were age ≤ 49 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.93), body mass index (BMI) > 28.5 kg/m2(OR 3.24), disease duration > 3.7 years (OR 2.22), ESR ≤ 42 mm/h (OR 2.72), PGA ≤ 6 (OR 3.21), tender joint count ≤ 14 (OR 2.25), and total HAQ score ≤ 1.6 (OR 2.86). At Week 128, age ≤ 42 years (OR 2.21), SF-36 Mental Health Scale score > 39.6 (OR 2.16), White race (OR 4.07), > 18 swollen joints (OR 2.11), and VAS Pain ≤ 41 (OR 6.05) at baseline were the best subset of significant predictors of remission.ConclusionsIn LA patients with RA, younger age, higher BMI, longer disease duration, higher SF-36 Mental Health Scale score, higher swollen joint count, and overall lower disease activity predicted clinical response to ETN + MTX therapy.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00848354.

DBA/1 mice arthritis models have contributed to our understanding of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) pathogenesis, as well as the exploration of therapeutic targets for treatment. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is an indispensable tool in molecular research, which requires reference gene validation to obtain consistent and reliable results.To determine the stability of candidate reference genes for qPCR in the joint of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and spontaneous arthritis (SpAD) DBA/1 mice.The expression of eleven commonly used reference genes (ACTB, B2M, EF1a, GAPDH, HMBS, HPRT, PPIB, RPL13A, SDHA, TBP, and YWHAZ) was assessed by qPCR and the data were compared using delta-Ct methods and the geNorm, NormFinder, and RefFinder software packages. Genes identified as stable in each model were used for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines RESULTS: The gene stabilities differed between the two arthritis models in the DBA/1 mice. EF1a and RPL13A were the best reference genes for SpAD, while RPL13A and TBP were the best for the CIA. These genes allowed the data normalization for the quantification of the inflammatory cytokines in both models; these results showed an increase in the expression of IL-1B, IL-12B, IL-17A, and IL-6 in the inflamed joints. The use of different primer sequences for the same reference gene resulted in different relative quantification values.This study demonstrates that commonly used reference genes may not be suitable for arthritic tissues from DBA/1 mice, and strengthening the principle that meticulous validation of reference genes is essential before each experiment to obtain valid and reproducible qPCR data for analysis or interpretation.

espanolLos avances terapeuticos en la artritis reumatoide obligan a revision periodica de las guias de tratamiento. Objetivo Actualizar las guias del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia del tratamiento farmacologico de la artritis reumatoide. Metodo Participaron reumatologos certificados de diferentes instituciones de salud y regiones del pais. Se conformaron equipos de trabajo que revisaron las guias previas, elaboraron nuevas preguntas, revisaron la literatura y calificaron la evidencia, que fue presentada y discutida en sesion plenaria. Las conclusiones se comentaron con infectologos, ginecobstetras y pacientes. Se emiten recomendaciones basadas en niveles de evidencia de acuerdo con la metodologia GRADE. Resultados Se presentan recomendaciones actualizadas para el empleo de los medicamentos disponibles en Mexico hasta 2017 para el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide. Se enfatiza la importancia del control adecuado y sostenido de la enfermedad y se describen aspectos relevantes de seguridad. Se incluyen conflictos bioeticos y se invita a la accion gubernamental para fortalecer el tratamiento adecuado de la enfermedad. Conclusiones La actualizacion de las recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia del tratamiento farmacologico de la artritis reumatoide integra la mejor informacion disponible para ser utilizada en el sistema de salud de Mexico. EnglishTherapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis require periodic review of treatment guidelines. Objective To update the Mexican College of Rheumatology guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Method Board certified rheumatologists from different health institutions and regions of the country participated. Work teams were formed that reviewed the previous guidelines, elaborated new questions, reviewed the literature, and scored the evidence that was presented and discussed in plenary session. The conclusions were presented to infectologists, gynaecologists and patients. Recommendations were based on levels of evidence according to GRADE methodology. Results Updated recommendations on the use of available medications for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Mexico up to 2017 are presented. The importance of adequate and sustained control of the disease is emphasized and relevant safety aspects are described. Bioethical conflicts are included, and government action is invited to strengthen correct treatment of the disease. Conclusions The updated recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology on the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporate the best available information to be used in the Mexican health care system.

Background The Janus kinase inhibitor upadacitinib is a potential treatment for psoriatic arthritis. The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib as compared with adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor a inhibitor, in patients who have an inadequate response to nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are unclear. Methods In a 24-week, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned patients in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive oral upadacitinib at a dose of 15 mg or 30 mg once daily, placebo, or subcutaneous adalimumab (40 mg every other week). The primary end point was an American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response (>20% decrease in the number of tender and swollen joints and >20% improvement in at least three of five other domains) at week 12 with upadacitinib as compared with placebo. Secondary end points included comparisons of upadacitinib with adalimumab. Results A total of 1704 patients received an active drug or placebo. The percentage of patients who had an ACR20 response at week 12 was 70.6% with 15-mg upadacitinib, 78.5% with 30-mg upadacitinib, 36.2% with placebo (P

Porphyromonas gingivalis secretes virulence factors like Arg-gingipains and peptidyl arginine deiminase (PPAD), that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. However, there is no information regarding the antibody titers for these bacterial enzymes as systemic indicators or biomarkers in RA. In this cross-sectional study, 255 individuals were evaluated: 143 were diagnosed with RA, and 112 were without RA. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, basal metabolic index, smoking, and periodontitis severity were used to evaluate the association of RA with rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, anti-RgpA, anti-PPAD, and double positive anti-RgpA/anti-PPAD. It was found that RF (odds ratio [OR] 10.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4–25), ACPAs (OR 13.7; 95% CI 5.1–35), and anti-RgpA/anti-PPAD double positivity (OR 6.63; 95% CI 1.61–27) were associated with RA diagnoses. Anti-RgpA was also associated with RA (OR 4.09; 95% CI 1.2–13.9). The combination of anti-RgpA/anti-PPAD showed a high specificity of 93.7% and 82.5% PPV in identifying individuals with RA. RgpA antibodies were associated with the periodontal inflammatory index in RA individuals (p < 0.05). The double positivity of the anti-RgpA/anti-PPAD antibodies enhanced the diagnosis of RA. Therefore, RgpA antibodies and anti-RgpA/anti-PPAD may be biomarkers for RA.

Resumen Objetivos Actualizar las recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes con espondiloartritis (EspA) en la poblacion mexicana e identificar las variables que podrian influir en el manejo del paciente. Material y metodos Un grupo de 15 expertos en EspA tradujo, analizo y modifico las recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia (CMR) y del grupo Sociedad Internacional de Evaluacion de las Espondiloartritis (ASAS)/Liga Europea contra el Reumatismo (EULAR) del 2016 a traves de la revision sistematica de la literatura realizada por dos revisores externos en el periodo de 2015 a 2018 utilizando los niveles de GRADE y Oxford y el porcentaje de concordancia (Delphi). Resultados En comparacion con las recomendaciones anteriores, no hubo cambios significativos desde el ano 2015. Sin embargo, modificamos los 5 principios fundamentales y reducimos el numero de recomendaciones a 10 por la incorporacion de la primera en el texto, la combinacion de 5 recomendaciones en 2 y la adicion de una nueva. Confirmamos la tendencia del uso de glucocorticoides para pacientes con actividad inflamatoria y escaso acceso a productos biologicos. Se identificaron las caracteristicas sociodemograficas y clinicas de los pacientes con EspA y su posible influencia en la aplicacion de las recomendaciones. Conclusiones Las 10 recomendaciones del CMR y el analisis de las caracteristicas de los pacientes mexicanos con EspA se centran en el tratamiento escalonado con medios farmacologicos y no farmacologicos, facilmente accesibles, o por el contrario sustancias de alta tecnologia para un pequeno porcentaje de la poblacion.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases (CTDs); however, they are also detected in healthy individuals. Our understanding of the physiological and pathological origin of ANA is incomplete. Both; female reproductive processes and deficiencies in DNA damage response (DDR) have been independently associated with ANA production. However, the link between these two factors and the presence of ANA is unclear METHOD OF STUDY: A cohort study was conducted on 87 non-pregnant and 51 healthy pregnant women. ANA and the DDR markers X-ray repair cross-complementing 1 (XRCC1) and recombinase (RAD51) were quantified in sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, ANA was detected by indirect immunofluorescence in HEp-2 cells in 1:40 diluted sera during the three phases of the menstrual cycle in non-pregnant women and every trimester in pregnant women RESULTS: The prevalence of ANA+ in healthy women was 26.1%, with no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. ANA and DDR marker levels did not vary among the three phases of the menstrual cycle or the three trimesters of pregnancy. However, DDR marker levels were higher in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (p lt; .001) and were found to be higher in ANA+ women (XRCC1, p = .025; RAD51, p = .006) CONCLUSIONS: The menstrual cycle and pregnancy did not influence the levels of DDR markers or ANA in healthy women; however, the DDR was higher in pregnancy and ANA+ women. The results suggest a potential role of DDR in the pathophysiology of ANA.

espanolObjetivo Desarrollar un documento de consenso para estandarizar los terminos, abreviaturas y acronimos en espanol empleados en el campo de las espondiloartritis (EspA). Metodos Se creo un grupo de trabajo internacional compuesto por todos los miembros de Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) nativos de habla espanola, miembros del comite ejecutivo del Grupo para el estudio de la Espondiloartritis de la Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia (GRESSER), 2 metodologos, 2 linguistas de la Real Academia Nacional de Medicina de Espana (RANM) y 2 pacientes de la Coordinadora Espanola de Asociaciones de Espondilitis (CEADE). Se realizo una revision de la literatura de los ultimos 15 anos (publicaciones, el CIE y CIF, guias, consensos y recomendaciones) para identificar los terminos, abreviaturas y acronimos discrepantes. Mediante un Delphi de 3 rondas y una reunion presencial, se discutieron, seleccionaron y acordaron los terminos, abreviaturas y acronimos a utilizar. Durante todo este proceso se siguieron las recomendaciones de la RANM basadas en el Diccionario panhispanico de terminos medicos. Resultados Se consensuaron 46 terminos, abreviaturas y acronimos. Se acepto la traduccion al espanol para 6 terminos y 6 abreviaturas empleados para nombrar o clasificar la enfermedad y para 6 terminos y 4 abreviaturas relacionados con las EspA. Se acordo no traducir 15 acronimos por estar ya establecidos, pero al mencionarlos, se recomendo seguir esta estructura: tipo de acronimo en espanol y acronimo y forma extensa en ingles. Con respecto a 7 terminos o abreviaturas asociados a acronimos, se acordo traducir solo la forma extensa y se consensuo una traduccion. Conclusiones Con esta estandarizacion del lenguaje de las EspA se pretende establecer un uso comun de la nomenclatura en espanol para las EspA. Su implementacion sera muy beneficiosa, evitando malentendidos y consumo de recursos. EnglishObjective To develop a consensus to standardize the use of Spanish terms, abbreviations and acronyms in the field of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods An international task force comprising all native Spanish-speaking Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) members, the executive committee of Grupo para el estudio de la Espondiloartritis de la Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia (GRESSER), two methodologists, two linguists from the Real Academia Nacional de Medicina de Espana (RANM) and two patients from the Spanish Coordinator of Spondylitis Associations (CEADE) was established. A literature review was performed to identify the conflicting terms/abbreviations/acronyms in SpA. This review examined written sources in Spanish including manuscripts, ICF and ICD, guidelines, recommendations and consensuses. This was followed by a nominal group meeting and a three-round Delphi. The recommendations from the RANM based on the Panhispanic dictionary were followed throughout the process. Results Consensus was reached for 46 terms, abbreviations or acronyms related to the field of SpA. A Spanish translation was accepted for 6 terms and 6 abbreviations to name or classify the disease, and for 6 terms and 4 abbreviations related to SpA. It was agreed not to translate 15 acronyms into Spanish. However, when mentioning them, it was recommended to follow this structure: type of acronym in Spanish and acronym and expanded form in English. With regard to 7 terms or abbreviations attached to acronyms, it was agreed to translate only the expanded form and a translation was also selected for each of them. Conclusions Through this standardization, it is expected to establish a common use of the Spanish nomenclature for SpA. The implementation of this consensus across the community will be of substantial benefit, avoiding misunderstandings and time-consuming processes.

Resumen Objetivo Caracterizar las afecciones orofaciales en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y compararlas con las presentes en pacientes sin la enfermedad de la ciudad de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. Metodos El estudio incluyo a 30 pacientes con diagnostico de AR y 30 pacientes consecutivos en una consulta de odontologia. A traves de una revision clinica odontologica, se compararon entre los grupos variables relacionadas con: 1) trastornos clinicos y radiograficos de la articulacion temporomandibular, 2) analisis biomecanico craneocervical, 3) estado de la denticion y necesidades de tratamiento, 4) estado periodontal, 5) estado de higiene oral y 6) dolor facial. Ademas se determino la asociacion entre las variables estudiadas a traves de pruebas de correlacion. Resultados Los pacientes con AR tuvieron una mayor prevalencia de alteraciones en la articulacion temporomandibular, tanto clinicas (100 vs. 60%; p Conclusiones Los pacientes con AR mostraron un mayor deterioro orofacial, lo que refleja la importancia de atencion multidisciplinaria incluyendo la evaluacion odontologica periodica.

Although low back pain (LBP) is a high-impact health condition, its burden has not been examined from the syndemic perspective. To compare and assess clinical, socioeconomic, and geographic factors associated with LBP prevalence in low-income and upper-middle-income countries using syndemic and syndemogenesis frameworks based on network and cluster analyses. Analyses were performed by adopting network and cluster design, whereby interrelations among the individual and social variables and their combinations were established. The required data was sourced from the databases pertaining to the six Latin-American countries. Database searches yielded a sample of 55,724 individuals (mean age 43.38 years, SD = 17.93), 24.12% of whom were indigenous, and 60.61% were women. The diagnosed with LBP comprised 6.59% of the total population. Network analysis showed higher relationship individuals’ variables such as comorbidities, unhealthy habits, low educational level, living in rural areas, and indigenous status were found to be significantly associated with LBP. Cluster analysis showed significant association between LBP prevalence and social variables (e.g. Gender inequality Index, Human Development Index, Income Inequality). LBP is a highly prevalent condition in Latin-American populations with a high impact on the quality of life of young adults. It is particularly debilitating for women, indigenous individuals, and those with low educational level, and is further exacerbated by the presence of comorbidities, especially those in the mental health domain. Thus, the study findings demonstrate that syndemic and syndemogenesis have the potential to widen the health inequities stemming from LBP in vulnerable populations.

Background: CrossFit is known as a functional fitness training high-intensity exercise to improve physical performance. The most studied polymorphisms are the ACTN3 R577X gene, known for speed, power, and strength, and ACE I/D, related to endurance and strength. The present investigation analyzed the effects of training on ACTN3 and ACE gene expression in CrossFit athletes for 12 weeks. Methods: the studies included 18 athletes from the Rx category, where ACTN3 (RR, RX, XX) and ACE (II, ID, DD) characterization of genotypes and tests of maximum strength (NSCA), power (T-Force), and aerobic endurance (Course Navette) were performed. The technique used was the reverse transcription-quantitative PCR real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the relative expression analysis. Results: the relative quantification (RQ) values for the ACTN3 gene increased their levels 2.3 times (p = 0.035), and for ACE, they increased 3.0 times (p = 0.049). Conclusions: there is an overexpression of the ACTN3 and ACE genes due to the effect of training for 12 weeks. Additionally, the correlation of the expression of the ACTN3 (p = 0.040) and ACE (p = 0.030) genes with power was verified.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group that includes a wide spectrum of clinically similar diseases manifested by oligoarticular arthritis and axial or peripheral ankylosis. Although axial SpA is predominant in Caucasians and adult-onset patients, juvenile-onset and Latin American patients are characterized by severe peripheral arthritis and particularly foot involvement. The peripheral involvement of SpA can vary from tarsal arthritis to the most severe form named ankylosing tarsitis (AT). Although the cause and etiopathogenesis of axSpA are often studied, the specific characteristics of pSpA are unknown. Several animal models of SpA develop initial tarsitis and foot ankylosis as the main signs, emphasizing the role of foot inflammation in the overall SpA spectrum. In this review, we attempt to highlight the clinical characteristics of foot involvement in SpA and update the knowledge regarding its pathogenesis, focusing on animal models and the role of mechanical forces in inflammation.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and prior inadequate response to or intolerance of 1 or 2 tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi).

Objectives Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We characterized efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in Mexican patients from RA Phase 3 and long-term extension (LTE) studies. Methods Data from Mexican patients with RA and an inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were taken from four Phase 3 studies (pooled across studies) and one open-label LTE study of tofacitinib. Patients received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily, adalimumab (one Phase 3 study) or placebo (four Phase 3 studies) as monotherapy or in combination with conventional synthetic DMARDs. Efficacy up to Month 12 (Phase 3) and Month 36 (LTE) was assessed by American College of Rheumatology 20/50/70 response rates, Disease Activity Score (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index. Safety, including incidence rates (IRs; patients with events/100 patient-years) for adverse events (AEs) of special interest, was assessed throughout the studies. Results 119 and 212 Mexican patients were included in the Phase 3 and LTE analyses, respectively. Tofacitinib-treated patients in Phase 3 had numerically greater improvements in efficacy responses versus placebo at Month 3. Efficacy was sustained in Phase 3 and LTE studies. IRs for AEs of special interest were similar to those with tofacitinib in the global and Latin American RA populations. Conclusions In Mexican patients from the tofacitinib global RA program, tofacitinib efficacy was demonstrated up to Month 12 in Phase 3 studies and Month 36 in the LTE study, with a safety profile consistent with tofacitinib global population.

Background/Aims Upadacitinib (UPA) is a JAK inhibitor under evaluation for PsA treatment. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of UPA vs placebo (PBO) and adalimumab (ADA) in patients with prior inadequate response (IR) or intolerance to ≥ 1 non-biologic DMARD. This research was previously presented at EULAR; published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. Methods Patients with active PsA (≥3 swollen, ≥3 tender joints), active/historical psoriasis, ≤2 non-bDMARDs were randomized 1:1:1:1 to once-daily UPA 15mg (UPA15), UPA 30mg (UPA30), ADA 40mg every other week, or PBO. Primary endpoint: proportion of patients achieving ACR20 for UPA vs PBO at Wk12. Secondary endpoints: change in HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, SF-36-PCS (Wk12), sIGA of Psoriasis 0/1, PASI75, change in Self-Assessment of Psoriasis Symptoms (Wk16), change in modified Sharp/van der Heijde Score (mTSS), proportion patients achieving MDA, resolution of enthesitis (LEI=0) and dactylitis (LDI=0) (Wk24), non-inferiority and superiority vs ADA for ACR20, superiority for HAQ-DI, patient assessment of pain NRS (Wk12). Additional secondary endpoints: ACR50/70 at Wk12 and ACR20 at Wk2. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through Wk24 reported for patients receiving ≥1 dose of study drug. Results 1,705 patients were randomised; 1,704 received study drug (mean age 50.8 yrs, mean duration of PsA diagnosis 6.1 yrs). 82% on ≥ 1 concomitant non-bDMARD. At Wk12, ACR20 rates were 70.6% with UPA15 and 78.5% with UPA30 vs 36.2% with PBO (p < 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO) and 65.0% with ADA (non-inferiority, p < 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs ADA; superiority, p < 0.001 for UPA30 vs ADA). More patients achieved ACR50/70 with UPA15/30 vs PBO and UPA30 vs ADA. Improvements were observed with UPA15/30 vs PBO for all secondary endpoints and for UPA 15/30 vs ADA for HAQ-DI and UPA30 vs ADA for improvement in pain. At Wk24, change in mTSS was 0.25 for PBO, -0.04 for UPA15, 0.03 for UPA30, and 0.01 for ADA (p < 0.001 for UPA15/30 vs PBO). Rates of TEAEs and serious AEs, including serious infections, were similar in PBO, UPA15, and ADA arms and higher with UPA30. Herpes zoster rates were similar for PBO and UPA15/30. No MACE was reported with UPA. One malignancy occurred in both the PBO and UPA15 arms; 3 malignancies were reported in both UPA30 and ADA arms. VTE were reported in 1 PBO patient, 1 UPA30 patient and 2 ADA patients. One death occurred in the PBO arm. Conclusion In this non-bDMARD-IR PsA population UPA15/30 demonstrated improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms, psoriasis, physical function, pain, fatigue and inhibited radiographic progression; improvements observed by Wk2. At Wk12, UPA15/30 were non-inferior to ADA for ACR20, with superiority demonstrated for UPA30. Greater percentages of UPA vs PBO patients achieved stringent disease control measures (MDA, ACR50/70, sIGA 0/1). No new safety signals were identified compared to the safety profile observed in RA. Disclosure I. McInnes: Other; I.McI has received research grants and honoraria from Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Novartis Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB. J. Anderson: Shareholder/stock ownership; J.A. may be a stock/ shareholder of AbbVie Inc. M. Magrey: Consultancies; M.M. has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Janssen. Grants/research support; M.M. has received grants/ research support from Amgen, AbbVie, and UCB Pharma. J.F. Merola: Consultancies; J.F.M. is a consultant for Merck, Abbvie, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Janssen, UCB, Celgene, Sanofi, Regeneron, Arena, Sun Pharma, Biogen, Pfizer, EMD Sorono, Avotres and Leo Pharma. Y. Liu: None. M. Kishimoto: Consultancies; M.K. has received consulting fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Celgene, Pfizer, Gilead, Janssen, and UCB Pharma. Honoraria; M.K. has received honoraria/ speakers fees from AbbVie, Eisai, Celgene, Pfizer, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Ayumi, Janssen, Astellas, and UCB Pharma. S. Jeka: None. C. Pacheco-Tena: None. X. Wang: Shareholder/stock ownership; X.W. may be a shareholder of AbbVie Inc. L. Chen: Shareholder/stock ownership; L.C. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. P. Zueger: Shareholder/stock ownership; P.Z. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. A. Pangan: Shareholder/stock ownership; A.P. may be a stock/shareholder of AbbVie Inc. F. Behrens: Honoraria; F.B. has received honoraria and speakers fees from Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Genzyme, Boehringer, Janssen, MSD, Celgene, Roche and Chugai. Grants/research support; F.B. has received grants/ research support from Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene and Roche.

Introduction Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) to improve their symptoms; however, its diversity and availability have increased notably while scientific support for its effectiveness and adverse effects is still scarce. Objective To describe the prevalence and diversity of CAM in patients with RD in Chihuahua, Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 patients with RD who were interviewed about the use of CAM to treat their disease. The interview included sociodemographic aspects, characteristics of the disease, as well as a description of CAM use, including type, frequency of use, perception of the benefit, communication with the rheumatologist, among others. Results The prevalence of CAM use was reported by 59.2% of patients, which informed a total of 155 different therapies. The herbal CAM group was the most used (31.4%) and included more than 50 different therapies. The use of menthol-based and arnica ointments was highly prevalent (35%). Most patients (62.3%) reported very little or no improvement in their symptoms. Only a fourth of the patients informed the rheumatologist of the use of CAM. The use of CAM was influenced by female sex, university degree, diagnosis delay, lack adherence to the rheumatologist’s treatment, family history of RD, and orthopedic devices. Conclusion The use of CAM in our population is highly prevalent and similar to reports in different populations suggesting a widespread use in many different societies. We found high use of herbal remedies; however, there were many different types suggesting a lack of significant effect. Patients continue using CAM despite a perception of no-effectiveness. Recurrent use of CAM is explained by factors other than its efficacy.

Aims To assess the effect of physical exercise (PE) on the histological and transcriptional characteristics of proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) in BALB/c mice. Methods Following PGIA, mice were subjected to treadmill PE for ten weeks. The tarsal joints were used for histological and genetic analysis through microarray technology. The genes differentially expressed by PE in the arthritic mice were obtained from the microarray experiments. Bioinformatic analysis in the DAVID, STRING, and Cytoscape bioinformatic resources allowed the association of these genes in biological processes and signalling pathways. Results Arthritic mice improved their physical fitness by 42.5% after PE intervention; it induced the differential expression of 2,554 genes. The bioinformatic analysis showed that the downregulated genes (n = 1,371) were significantly associated with cellular processes that mediate the inflammation, including Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK-STAT), Notch, and cytokine receptor interaction signalling pathways. Moreover, the protein interaction network showed that the downregulated inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL) 4, IL5, IL2 receptor alpha (IL2rα), IL2 receptor beta (IL2rβ), chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, and CXCL12 were interacting in several pathways associated with the pathogenesis of arthritis. The upregulated genes (n = 1,183) were associated with processes involved in the remodelling of the extracellular matrix and bone mineralization, as well as with the processes of aerobic metabolism. At the histological level, PE attenuated joint inflammatory infiltrate and cartilage erosion. Conclusion Physical exercise influences parameters intimately linked to inflammatory arthropathies. Research on the effect of PE on the pathogenesis process of arthritis is still necessary for animal and human models. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(1):36–48.

Although low back pain (LBP) is a high-impact health condition, its burden has not been examined from the syndemic perspective.To compare and assess clinical, socioeconomic, and geographic factors associated with LBP prevalence in low-income and upper-middle-income countries using syndemic and syndemogenesis frameworks based on network and cluster analyses.Analyses were performed by adopting network and cluster design, whereby interrelations among the individual and social variables and their combinations were established. The required data was sourced from the databases pertaining to the six Latin-American countries.Database searches yielded a sample of 55,724 individuals (mean age 43.38 years, SD = 17.93), 24.12% of whom were indigenous, and 60.61% were women. The diagnosed with LBP comprised 6.59% of the total population. Network analysis showed higher relationship individuals' variables such as comorbidities, unhealthy habits, low educational level, living in rural areas, and indigenous status were found to be significantly associated with LBP. Cluster analysis showed significant association between LBP prevalence and social variables (e.g. Gender inequality Index, Human Development Index, Income Inequality).LBP is a highly prevalent condition in Latin-American populations with a high impact on the quality of life of young adults. It is particularly debilitating for women, indigenous individuals, and those with low educational level, and is further exacerbated by the presence of comorbidities, especially those in the mental health domain. Thus, the study findings demonstrate that syndemic and syndemogenesis have the potential to widen the health inequities stemming from LBP in vulnerable populations. Key points • Syndemic and syndemogenesis evidence health disparities in Latin-American populations, documenting the complexity of suffering from a disease such as low back pain that is associated with comorbidities, unhealthy habits, and the social and regional context where they live. • The use of network and cluster analyses are useful tools for documenting the complexity and the multifaceted impact in health in large populations as well as the differences between countries. • The variability and impact of socioeconomic indicators (e.g., Gini index) related to low back pain and comorbidities could be felt through the use of cluster analysis, which generates evidence of regional inequality in Latin America. • Populations can be studied from different models (network and cluster analysis) and grouping, presenting new interpretations beyond geographical groupings, such as syndemic and inequity in health.

This article presents a study on the care provided by 11 men from different ethnic, health, and socioeconomic backgrounds to two indigenous Rarámuri males with ankylosing spondylitis. This chronic muscular and bone disease is known to evolve progressively, causing disability and immense suffering to the affected individual. Through anthropological research involving ethnographic description and interviews conducted in an urban setting of the City of Chihuahua in the state of Chihuahua, caring practices performed by men that contest prior assumptions about how men relate to each other in relation to their health and masculinity were encountered. To interpret findings, a “caring of the self” framework, along with elements of the discussion of personhood and masculinities, was used; this led to an analysis made through the elaboration of meaningful coding of patterns of caring practices. The patterns identified in the ethnographic data were organized into four groups, all of which represented caring practices performed by these men. The first three groups involve access to food, money, and infrastructure goods, which have a material nature that holds a positive relation to the well-being of the two Rarámuri males in regard to the implications of their disease. The last group is unique in that it pertains to circumstantial factors that required improvisations in the forms of favors exchanged by these males that also positively related to their well-being

The aim of the study was to describe the oral health and orofacial function of Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their association with clinical and radiological aspects of the disease. Patients with RA received a complete odontological exam, which also included a clinical and radiographic assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The rheumatologic assessment included detailed profiling of the disease and serological and radiographic parameters. The study included 62 RA patients; the median (min–max) age was 51 (18–72) years old and 8.5 (1–39) years of disease duration. The 63.6% of the patients had DAS28 ≥ 3.2, and a median (min–max) of Sharp/van der Heijde score (SvdHS) of 41 (0–214). 98.3% of the patients presented caries, which were severe in 53.3% of the cases. The 73.8% of the patients were missing teeth due to caries, with a median (min–max) of 4 (0–32) teeth missing per patient. Oral hygiene was classified as bad in 49.1% of patients and only 15.3% of them had a healthy periodontium. The TMJ function was abnormal in 98.4% of the patients and 62.9% of them presented moderate or severe TMJ disorder (TMD). The radiographic damage of the TMJ correlated positively with the SvdHS. No correlations were found between disease activity or structural progression and orofacial variables, including periodontitis. There are severe oral and orofacial health problems in RA patients despite having medical attention for their disease. Multidisciplinary management remains an area of opportunity for both the medical specialists and the health system in our country.

Objectives To assess efficacy & safety of intravenous golimumab in pediatric patients with active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis despite methotrexate therapy through 28 weeks of treatment. Methods A multicenter, Phase 3, single arm, open-label trial was conducted using intravenous golimumab at a dose of 80mg/m2 given at weeks 0 & 4, then every 8 weeks thereafter, in pediatric patients ages 2-17 years old with active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis despite methotrexate therapy. Patients received commercial MTX weekly at same BSA-based dose as at time of study entry. All the results below are based on full analysis set which includes all patients who received at least 1 dose of study agent. Results 180 patients were screened (130 enrolled, 127 treated) with the first patient screened on 22Dec2014; last patient first treated 26Dec2017, & last patient’s Wk28 visit was 09Jul2018. Proportion of JIA ACR 30,50,70, & 90 responders at Wk28 was 83.5%,79.5%,70.1%, & 46.5%, respectively. 29.1% of patients met criteria for inactive disease at Wk28. Median change from baseline for JASDAS 10, 27, & 71 was -14.20, -16.60, & -20.32, respectively at Wk28. JADAS 10, 27, & 71 minimal disease activity was met by 15% of patients at Wk28. Proportion of patients experiencing at least 1 treatment-emergent AE through Wk28 was 77.2%. MedDRA system organ class with highest incidence of AEs was Infections & infestations (57.5%);most commonly reported AE upper respiratory tract infection(17.3%), then nasopharyngitis(15.0%).Six patients experienced serious AEs through Wk28: Herpes zoster disseminated, Infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis, Sepsis, Varicella, Mycosis fungoides, & Suicidal ideation. These events resulted in permanent discontinuation of intravenous golimumab, except for Varicella. Conclusion Intravenous golimumab delivered at a dose of 80mg/m2 at weeks 0 & 4, then every 8 weeks thereafter and appears to be effective in these patients with a safety profile similar to other TNF inhibitor therapies. Disclosure of Interests Nicolino Ruperto Grant/research support from: The Gaslini Hospital, where NR works as full-time public employee, has received contributions (> 10.000 USD each) from the following industries in the last 3 years: BMS, Eli-Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, F Hoffmann-La Roche, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sobi. This funding has been reinvested for the research activities of the hospital in a fully independent manner, without any commitment with third parties., Consultant for: Received honoraria for consultancies or speaker bureaus (

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease are inter-related conditions. However, factors predictive of periodontal disease progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA) are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the progression of clinical attachment loss (CAL) in interproximal dental sites of eRA patients. Methods Twenty-eight eRA patients were evaluated for the progression of CAL at 280 interproximal dental sites at 1 year of follow-up. Markers of RA activity (rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein), a marker of bone resorption (Dickkopf-related protein 1), Disease Activity Score 28 and Simple Disease Activity Index were included as potential systemic predictive factors. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, clinical attachment level and Dickkopf-related protein 1 in crevicular fluid at baseline were included as potential local predictive factors. Data were analysed in a hierarchical structure using generalised linear mixed models for progression at each site (> 2 mm) during follow-up. Results C-reactive protein level was the most important predictive systemic factor for the progression of CAL. The mean CAL and a high degree of gingival inflammation in interproximal sites at baseline were important predictive local factors (p p Conclusions Systemic factors, including RA disease activity and baseline periodontal condition, were associated with periodontal progression. Pharmacological treatment may affect periodontal progression in patients with early RA.