Sarcopenia, immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, and nutritional interventions

Introduction: Sarcopenia is defined by a loss of muscle mass and function associated with mortality, decreased physical performance, falls, and disability. Since chronic inflammation and decreased physical activity are risk factors for developing sarcopenia, it is critical to assess the role of sarcopenia in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs). Moreover, nutritional interventions are emerging as key modifiable and affordable options to improve physical performance in sarcopenia. Objective: The aim of this review is to critically summarize current information on the evidence linking nutritional interventions and sarcopenia in IMRDs. Methods: The search and selection of articles was performed in Medline, Dimensions.ai, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, and Trip Database. The results were clustered into three areas: sarcopenia and IMRDs, sarcopenia and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), and nutritional interventions for sarcopenia. Findings: Several cross-sectional studies have shown a higher prevalence of sarcopenia in IMRDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although not fully established, evidence linking sarcopenia and other IMRDs (ankylosing spondylitis and systemic sclerosis) has been also described. For secondary sarcopenia prevention and treatment, bDMARDs' administration proved efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, there is growing evidence linking nutrition to the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Evidence linking unfavourable results in nutritional risk assessment, insufficient intake of protein, vitamin D, antioxidant nutrients, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and sarcopenia have been reported. Conclusion: Given that sarcopenia and IMRDs have strong links, further research is needed to improve patient care

Lipoprotein(A) Concentrations In Rheumatoid Arthritis On Biologic Therapy: Results From The Cardiovascular In Rheumatology [Carma] Study Project

Background Plasma concentrations of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), a lipoprotein with atherogenic and thrombogenic properties, have a strong genetic basis, although high concentrations of Lp(a) have also been reported in the context of inflammation, as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Few studies evaluate the impact of biologic therapies (BT) on Lp(a) in RA, taking into account that with these new therapies a better control of inflammation is achieved. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentrations of Lp(a) in Spanish RA patients on BT attending rheumatology outpatient clinics. Methods Baseline analysis of the CARdiovascular in rheuMAtology project, a 10-year prospective study, evaluating the risk of cardiovascular events in RA and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. RA patients were classified according to treatment: no biologic, anti-tumor necrosis factor, anti-interleukin-6 receptor tocilizumab (TCZ), and other biologic (rituximab or abatacept). A model of linear multivariate regression was built in which the dependent variable was Lp(a) concentration and the explanatory variable was BT. The model was adjusted for confounding factors. Results Seven hundred and seventy-five RA patients were analyzed. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly higher in TCZ-treated patients. Nevertheless, no significant difference in the atherogenic index between TCZ-treated patients and patients without BT was found. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with BT had lower concentrations of Lp(a) than those without BT; however, only TCZ-treated patients achieved statistically significant differences (?: ?0.303, 95% confidence interval: ?0.558 to ?0.047; P = .02). Conclusions RA patients treated with TCZ show lower plasma concentrations of Lp(a) compared with patients without BT.This project has been supported by an unrestricted grant from Abbvie, Spain. The design, analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of the article have been done independently of Abbvie. Dr González-Gay's studies have been supported by grants from “Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias” PI06/0024, PS09/00748, and PI12/00060 and RD12/0009/0013 (RIER) from “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” (ISCIII) (Spain)

Relación entre los polimorfismos genéticos relacionados con el transporte celular, poliglutamación y metabolismo de metotrexato y la respuesta terapéutica en artritis reumatoide

Metotrexato (MTX) es el tratamiento de primera elección en artritis reumatoide (AR). Existe enorme variabilidad en la respuesta terapéutica. Realizamos un estudio en una cohorte de 301 pacientes con AR tratados con MTX en monoterapia con el objetivo de conocer la influencia de las características clínicas y diferentes polimorfismos relacionados con el transporte y vías metabólicas del MTX sobre la respuesta terapéutica. Las variables de desenlace fueron la respuesta (baja actividad y remisión medidas por DAS28PCR) y la toxicidad por MTX. Se estudiaron los SNPs ABCB1_C3435T, GGH_T16C, FPG_G2782A, MTHFR_C677T, MTHFR_A1298C, AMPD1_C34T, ADA_A534G e ITPA_C94A, y variables relacionadas con el paciente, la enfermedad y el tratamiento. En una cohorte representativa de una AR grave, la mitad de los pacientes, especialmente mujeres, fumadores y con mayor gravedad basal, no alcanzaron una respuesta suficiente con la monoterapia. Se registraron acontecimientos adversos, principalmente gastrointestinales, neurológicos y hepáticos, en 50% de los pacientes, que motivaron la suspensión de MTX en 18% del total. La toxicidad se asoció a mujeres, menor edad y comorbilidad. La mayoría de los SNPs estudiados se ha asociado con alguna medida de desenlace, destacando la asociación de MTHFR_1298ACc con pobre respuesta y MTHFR_677TCc con buena respuesta. Algunos SNPs mostraron un efecto protector para la toxicidad, pero se asociaron con frecuencia a toxicidad global (MTHFR_677CTc, GGH_16TCc) y hepática (MTHFR_1298ACc, ADA_534AGc), especialmente en hombres. Los estudios de asociación genética deben tener en cuenta el sexo de los pacientes y otras variables clínicas. El tabaco es el principal factor modificable de respuesta a MTX.Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is a high variability in the therapeutic response. We conducted a case-control study nested in a cohort of 301 RA patients treated with MTX in monotherapy with the aim to explore the influence of clinical characteristics and different polymorphisms related to transport and metabolic pathways of MTX on the therapeutic response. The outcome variables were the response (low activity and remission measured by DAS28PCR) and MTX toxicity. We studied the SNPs ABCB1_C3435T, GGH_T16C, FPG_G2782A, MTHFR_C677T, MTHFR_A1298C, AMPD1_C34T, ADA_A534G and ITPA_C94A, and variables related to the patient, the disease and the treatment. In a cohort representative of severe RA, half of the patients, especially women, smokers and with more baseline severity, did not reach a sufficient response with monotherapy. Adverse events, gastrointestinal, neurological and hepatic mainly, were recorded in 50% of patients, which caused the suspension of MTX in an 18% of the total. Toxicity was associated to women, younger age and comorbidity. Most of the SNPs studied have been associated with some outcome measure, highlighting the association of MTHFR_1298ACc with poor response and MTHFR_677TCc with good response. Some SNPs showed a protective effect for toxicity, but, in general, they were frequently associated with global (MTHFR_677CTc, GGH_16TCc) and hepatic (MTHFR_1298ACc, ADA_534AGc) toxicity, especially in men. Genetic association studies should take into account the sex of patients and other clinical variables. Smoking is the main modifiable risk factor of MTX response

Relación entre los polimorfismos genéticos relacionados con el transporte celular, poliglutamación y metabolismo de metotrexato y la respuesta terapéutica en artritis reumatoide

Metotrexato (MTX) es el tratamiento de primera elección en artritis reumatoide (AR). Existe enorme variabilidad en la respuesta terapéutica. Realizamos un estudio en una cohorte de 301 pacientes con AR tratados con MTX en monoterapia con el objetivo de conocer la influencia de las características clínicas y diferentes polimorfismos relacionados con el transporte y vías metabólicas del MTX sobre la respuesta terapéutica. Las variables de desenlace fueron la respuesta (baja actividad y remisión medidas por DAS28PCR) y la toxicidad por MTX. Se estudiaron los SNPs ABCB1_C3435T, GGH_T16C, FPG_G2782A, MTHFR_C677T, MTHFR_A1298C, AMPD1_C34T, ADA_A534G e ITPA_C94A, y variables relacionadas con el paciente, la enfermedad y el tratamiento. En una cohorte representativa de una AR grave, la mitad de los pacientes, especialmente mujeres, fumadores y con mayor gravedad basal, no alcanzaron una respuesta suficiente con la monoterapia. Se registraron acontecimientos adversos, principalmente gastrointestinales, neurológicos y hepáticos, en 50% de los pacientes, que motivaron la suspensión de MTX en 18% del total. La toxicidad se asoció a mujeres, menor edad y comorbilidad. La mayoría de los SNPs estudiados se ha asociado con alguna medida de desenlace, destacando la asociación de MTHFR_1298ACc con pobre respuesta y MTHFR_677TCc con buena respuesta. Algunos SNPs mostraron un efecto protector para la toxicidad, pero se asociaron con frecuencia a toxicidad global (MTHFR_677CTc, GGH_16TCc) y hepática (MTHFR_1298ACc, ADA_534AGc), especialmente en hombres. Los estudios de asociación genética deben tener en cuenta el sexo de los pacientes y otras variables clínicas. El tabaco es el principal factor modificable de respuesta a MTX.Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is a high variability in the therapeutic response. We conducted a case-control study nested in a cohort of 301 RA patients treated with MTX in monotherapy with the aim to explore the influence of clinical characteristics and different polymorphisms related to transport and metabolic pathways of MTX on the therapeutic response. The outcome variables were the response (low activity and remission measured by DAS28PCR) and MTX toxicity. We studied the SNPs ABCB1_C3435T, GGH_T16C, FPG_G2782A, MTHFR_C677T, MTHFR_A1298C, AMPD1_C34T, ADA_A534G and ITPA_C94A, and variables related to the patient, the disease and the treatment. In a cohort representative of severe RA, half of the patients, especially women, smokers and with more baseline severity, did not reach a sufficient response with monotherapy. Adverse events, gastrointestinal, neurological and hepatic mainly, were recorded in 50% of patients, which caused the suspension of MTX in an 18% of the total. Toxicity was associated to women, younger age and comorbidity. Most of the SNPs studied have been associated with some outcome measure, highlighting the association of MTHFR_1298ACc with poor response and MTHFR_677TCc with good response. Some SNPs showed a protective effect for toxicity, but, in general, they were frequently associated with global (MTHFR_677CTc, GGH_16TCc) and hepatic (MTHFR_1298ACc, ADA_534AGc) toxicity, especially in men. Genetic association studies should take into account the sex of patients and other clinical variables. Smoking is the main modifiable risk factor of MTX response

Biologic Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug attributes in the first lines of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 2015 ACORDAR project

Existen pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) que no responden de la forma deseada a la terapia biológica. Nuestro objetivo fue reconocer los atributos del FAME biológico (FAMEb) que podrían identificar al más adecuado en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la AR. Métodos Para reconocer los atributos que podrían definir el FAMEb, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura acerca de aspectos generales, farmacología, eficacia, seguridad, administración y coste. A continuación, se realizó un proceso Delphi a 2 rondas entre un grupo de reumatólogos expertos en el manejo de la AR para determinar el grado de acuerdo con los atributos identificados, indicando el grado de importancia que se le daba a cada atributo. Se aplicaron 2 criterios para determinar la consistencia de los resultados: 1) sobre la base de la mediana y el rango intercuartílico, y 2) el cumplimiento simultáneo de media, mediana, desviación estándar, rango intercuartílico y coeficiente de variación. Se determinaron también la concordancia y la ratificación final del panel de expertos. Resultados Ochenta y tres reumatólogos españoles completaron las 2 circulaciones del proceso Delphi. Ninguno de los 77 atributos identificados se consideró de baja importancia, 75 de los 77 (97,4%) se consideraron de alta importancia y 76 de los 77 (98,7%) fueron ratificados. Quince tuvieron el apoyo del 100% del grupo de trabajo. Conclusiones Quince atributos tuvieron el apoyo del 100% del grupo de trabajo y podrían considerarse los que definirían el FAMEb ideal en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la AR.To date, between 17% and 35% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond as expected to the initial biological therapy. The objective of this project is to recognize and weigh the attributes of biologic DMARD (bDMARD) to identify the most appropriate for each case, in the first lines of treatment of RA (after inadequate response to at least one synthetic DMARD or previous bDMARD). Methods To recognize the possible attributes that could define the bDMARD, we performed a systematic search of the literature that recognized the possible attributes involving general aspects, pharmacology, efficacy, safety, management, and cost. Then a Delphi process was conducted with two rounds among a group of selected expert rheumatologists in the management of RA indicating the degree of agreement with the attributes identified in the literature. The project was completed between February and September 2015, indicating the degree of importance that was ascribed to each attribute. Two criteria were applied to determine the consistency of results: 1) based on the median and interquartile range; and 2) on the simultaneous compliance with mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range and coefficient of variation. The agreement and final ratification of the expert panel were also determined. Results Eighty-three Spanish rheumatologists participated and completed both rounds of the Delphi process. In no case was the importance of the 77 attributes identified considered to be low; 75 of 77 (97.4%) were considered highly important and 76 of 77 (98.7%) were ratified. Fifteen attributes had the support of 100% of the working group. Conclusions There was a high degree of agreement concerning the selected attributes. Fifteen of them had the support of 100% of the working group and could be considered the definition of the ideal bDMARD in the first lines of RA treatment.Sin financiaciónNo data JCR 20180.363 SJR (2018) Q3, 38/66 RheumatologyNo data IDR 2018UE