32 research outputs found
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 is increased and affects cytokine production in rheumatoid arthritis
Invasion rate and population characteristics of the round goby Neogobius melanostomus: effects of density and invasion history
Round goby Neogobius melanostomus is currently one of the most wide-ranging invasive fish species in Europe and North America. The present study demonstrates how the distribution of round goby has expanded from 2008 to 2013 at a rate of about 30 km yr(-1) along the Danish coastline in the western Baltic Sea. Further analyses showed that fish from an established high-density round goby population were slow-growing and displayed poorer condition (weight at age and hepatosomatic index) compared to fish sampled from recently invaded locations (i.e. at the forefront of the distribution range). The established population revealed a broad age distribution and a 1:1 gender ratio, while fish from a recently invaded site were primarily of intermediate ages with a male-biased gender ratio. Otolith analyses suggested that the oldest individuals from the recently invaded area experienced superior growth conditions only in the most recent years, suggesting immigration into the area as adults. Our results suggest that intraspecific competition for food may cause continued dispersal of the species and that population demographics likely relate to invasion history
Macrophage activity assessed by soluble CD163 in early rheumatoid arthritis:association with disease activity but different response patterns to synthetic and biologic DMARDs
Soluble CD206 Plasma Levels Decreases with Treatment and Reflects Anti-Tnfa Discontinuation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Soluble macrophage-derived CD163 is a marker of disease activity and progression in early rheumatoid arthritis
CXCL13 predicts disease activity in early rheumatoid arthritis and could be an indicator of the therapeutic Âżwindow of opportunityÂż
INTRODUCTION: A key phenomenon in rheumatoid arthritis is the formation of lymphoid follicles in the inflamed synovial membrane. C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) is central in this process as it attracts C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5)-expressing B cells and T follicular helper cells to the follicle. We here examine the role of CXCL13 and its association with disease in patients with treatment-naĂŻve early rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Plasma samples from patients in the OPERA trial were examined for CXCL13 at treatment initiation and after 6Â months of treatment with either methotrexate plus placebo (DMARD) (nâ=â37) or methotrexate plus adalimumab (DMARDâ+âADA) (nâ=â39). Treatment outcome was evaluated after 1 and 2Â years. CXCL13 plasma levels in healthy volunteers (nâ=â38) were also examined. RESULTS: Baseline CXCL13 plasma levels were increased in early rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison with healthy volunteers. Also, plasma CXCL13 correlated positively with disease activity parameters; swollen joint count 28 (rho = 0.34) and 40 (rho = 0.39), visual analog score (rho = 0.38) and simplified disease activity index (rho = 0.25) (all P <0.05). CXCL13 levels decreased a significantly twofold more in the DMARD + ADA group than in the DMARD group. Baseline CXCL13 plasma levels in the DMARD group correlated inversely with disease activity parameters; disease activity score in 28 joints, four variables, C-reactive protein based (DAS28CRP) (rho = 0.58, P <0.05) at 12 months. High baseline CXCL13 was associated with remission (DAS28CRP less than 2.6) after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: In treatment-naĂŻve early rheumatoid arthritis patients, plasma CXCL13 levels were associated with joint inflammation. Furthermore, patients with high baseline plasma CXCL13 levels had an improved chance of remission after 2 years. We propose that high CXCL13 concentrations indicate recent onset of inflammation that may respond better to early aggressive treatment. Thus, high levels of CXCL13 could reflect the âthe window of opportunityâ for optimal treatment effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT00660647. Registered 10 April 200