Subtle changes in individual joints result in both positive and negative change scores in a patient: results from a clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Radiographic progression in clinical trials is assessed by interpreting changes in total radiographic joint score, and the reliability of those scores depends on an evaluation of sum scores. It is not known how consistently changes in individual joints are identified by independent readers and in independent readings. Patients and 7255 single joints from 178 patients who participated in the Trial of Etanercept and Methothrexate with Radiographic Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) trial were evaluated. Every image was independently scored twice according to the Sharp-van der Heijde method by two independent readers, so that four scores per joint were available. Absolute agreement and consistency of negative and positive erosion change scores across readers and readings were compared on a per-joint level, as well as on a per-patient level. The number of joints showing a change for erosion was very low in this trial: 691/7255 analysed joints had at least one non-zero change score out of four readings. Absolute agreement between readings was remarkably poor: only 12 joints showed a consistently positive or negative change in all four readings. Change scores in opposite directions in the same joint across independent readings were rare (25 joints). Frequency of opposite joint scores in the same patient (mixed change patterns) was reader dependent. Substantial intra and interreader disagreement in scoring change in individual joints is common. Opposite joint scores in the same patient, however, are rare and reader dependent. Notwithstanding these subtle inconsistencies on the individual joint level, the total Sharp score is a useful and discriminatory outcome measur

Comparison of different definitions to classify remission and sustained remission: 1 year TEMPO results

To assess methods to calculate achieving and sustaining remission in a double blind randomised trial in patients with RA who received etanercept, methotrexate, or an etanercept/methotrexate combination. Remission was defined as DAS <1.6, DAS28 <2.6, and ACR70 response. Sustaining remission was analysed in three ways: (a) analysis of sustained DAS remission, DAS28 remission, or ACR70 response continuously for 6 months; (b) analysis of sustained remission appraised through a continuity rewarded scoring system, which is the weighted sum of all intervals in the study in which patients are in DAS or DAS28 remission; or (c) longitudinal modelling of remission odds using generalised estimating equations. Significantly more patients treated with the etanercept/methotrexate combination reached DAS remission (37%) than those treated with either methotrexate (14%) or etanercept (18%) alone (p <0.01). Results for DAS28 and for the ACR70 response were similar. Agreement between DAS remission and DAS28 remission was good, but agreement between either of these and the ACR70 response was less. Patients in DAS or DAS28 remission had a lower level of disease activity (fewer active joints, lower ESR) than those achieving ACR70 response; the converse was seen using pain VAS. The three methods were comparable for sustainability of remission and showed significant advantage for combination therapy, which increased the number and durability of remission periods. DAS and DAS28 remission results were similar for assessing achieving and sustaining remission in RA, frequently differing from patients classified as ACR70 responders. The three methods of examining duration of remission produced comparable result

Олокизумаб, моноклональное антитело к интерлейкину 6, в комбинации с метотрексатом у пациентов с ревматоидным артритом и неадекватным контролем заболевания на фоне терапии ингибиторами фактора некроза опухоли: результаты оценки эффективности и безопасности в рандомизированном контролируемом исследовании III фазы

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of olokizumab (OKZ), a monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine, versus placebo (PBO) in patients with prior inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IRs).Methods In this 24-week multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the patients were randomised in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive subcutaneously administered OKZ 64 mg once every 2 weeks (q2w), OKZ 64 mg once every 4 weeks (q4w) or PBO plus methotrexate. At week 16, the patients on PBO were randomised to receive either OKZ regime. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response at week 12. Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C-reactive protein (DAS28 (CRP)) &lt;3.2 at week 12 was the major secondary efficacy endpoint. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed.Results In 368 patients randomised, ACR20 response rates were 60.9% in OKZ q2w, 59.6% in OKZ q4w and 40.6% in PBO (p&lt;0.01 for both comparisons). Achievement of DAS28 (CRP) &lt;3.2 was significantly different, favouring the OKZ arms. Improvements in efficacy and patientreported outcomes were maintained throughout 24 weeks and were noted after week 16 in patients who switched from PBO.Dose-related treatment-emergent serious adverse events were 7% in OKZ q2w, 3.2% in OKZ q4w and none in the PBO group.Conclusions Direct inhibition of IL-6 with OKZ resulted in significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis compared with PBO in TNFi-IR patients with a similar safety profile as observed for monoclonal antibodies to the IL-6 receptor.Цель исследования – оценить эффективность и безопасность олокизумаба (ОКЗ), моноклонального антитела к интерлейкину (ИЛ) 6, по сравнению с плацебо у больных ревматоидным артритом (РА) с предшествующим неадекватным ответом на ингибиторы фактора некроза опухоли альфа (ФНО α ).Методы.В данном 24-недельном многоцентровом плацебо-контролируемом двойном слепом исследовании пациенты рандомизировались в соотношении 2:2:1 для проведения терапии ОКЗ подкожно в дозе 64 мг 1 раз в 2 нед; ОКЗ в дозе 64 мг 1 раз в 4 нед либо плацебо, в комбинации с метотрексатом. На неделе 16 пациентов, получавших плацебо, рандомизировали для проведения терапии ОКЗ в одном из двух режимов. Первичной конечной точкой являлась доля пациентов, у которых был достигнут ответ по ACR20 (20% улучшение согласно критериям ACR) на неделе 12. Важнейшей из вторичных конечных точек было достижение значения DAS28-CРБ &lt;3,2 на неделе 12. Проводилась оценка безопасности и иммуногенности.Результаты. У 368 рандомизированных пациентов частота ответа по ACR20 составила 60,9% в группе ОКЗ 1 раз в 2 нед, 59,6% в группе ОКЗ 1 раз в 4 нед и 40,6% в группе плацебо (p&lt;0,01 для обоих сравнений). Между группами отмечались значимые различия по частоте достижения DAS28-CРБ &lt;3,2 в пользу групп ОКЗ. Достигнутое улучшение сохранялось на протяжении всех 24 нед, а у пациентов, которым плацебо заменялось на ОКЗ, улучшение выявлялось после недели 16. Частота связанных с терапией серьезных нежелательных явлений составила 7% в группе ОКЗ 1 раз в 2 нед и 3,2% в группе ОКЗ 1 раз в 4 нед, в то время как в группе плацебо их не было.Заключение. Прямое ингибирование ИЛ6 ОКЗ привело к значительному уменьшению выраженности проявлений РА по сравнению с плацебо у пациентов с неадекватным ответом на ингибиторы ФНО α , при этом профиль безопасности был схож с таковым при назначении моноклональных антител к рецептору ИЛ6

Nitration of the Pollen Allergen Bet v 1.0101 Enhances the Presentation of Bet v 1-Derived Peptides by HLA-DR on Human Dendritic Cells

Nitration of pollen derived allergens can occur by NO2 and ozone in polluted air and it has already been shown that nitrated major birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen allergen Bet v 1.0101 (Bet v 1) exhibits an increased potency to trigger an immune response. However, the mechanisms by which nitration might contribute to the induction of allergy are still unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of chemically induced nitration of Bet v 1 on the generation of HLA-DR associated peptides. Human dendritic cells were loaded with unmodified Bet v 1 or nitrated Bet v 1, and the naturally processed HLA-DR associated peptides were subsequently identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nitration of Bet v 1 resulted in enhanced presentation of allergen-derived HLA-DR-associated peptides. Both the copy number of Bet v 1 derived peptides as well as the number of nested clusters was increased. Our study shows that nitration of Bet v 1 alters antigen processing and presentation via HLA-DR, by enhancing both the quality and the quantity of the Bet v 1-specific peptide repertoire. These findings indicate that air pollution can contribute to allergic diseases and might also shed light on the analogous events concerning the nitration of self-proteins

Regulatory T cells and their role in rheumatic diseases: a potential target for novel therapeutic development

Regulatory T cells have an important role in limiting immune reactions and are essential regulators of self-tolerance. Among them, CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells are the best-described subset. In this article, we summarize current knowledge on the phenotype, function, and development of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells. We also review the literature on the role of these T cells in rheumatic diseases and discuss the potential for their use in immunotherapy