Transformation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis; from a friend to foe

Swelling and the progressive destruction of articular cartilage are major characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic autoimmune disease that directly affects the synovial joints and often causes severe disability in the affected positions. Recent studies have shown that type B synoviocytes, which are also called fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), as the most commonly and chiefly resident cells, play a crucial role in early-onset and disease progression by producing various mediators. During the pathogenesis of RA, the FLSs’ phenotype is altered, and represent invasive behavior similar to that observed in tumor conditions. Modified and stressful microenvironment by FLSs leads to the recruitment of other immune cells and, eventually, pannus formation. The origins of this cancerous phenotype stem fundamentally from the significant metabolic changes in glucose, lipids, and oxygen metabolism pathways. Moreover, the genetic abnormalities and epigenetic alterations have recently been implicated in cancer-like behaviors of RA FLSs. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms underlying the transformation of FLSs to a cancer-like phenotype during RA. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms may lead to devising more effective and targeted treatment strategies

Efficacy of 16S rRNA variable regions high-resolution melt analysis for bacterial pathogens identification in periprosthetic joint infections

Background: Accurate and rapid identification of microorganisms causing periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are necessary for choosing an appropriate antibiotic therapy. Therefore, molecular techniques are suggested for diagnosis in suspected PJIs. The Broad-range PCR and High-Resolution Melt Analysis (HRMA) were evaluated for the identification of causative organisms of PJIs in this study. Results: For 47 of 63 specimens, both the culture and broad-range PCR were positive. The culture was found to be able of organism�s detection in 74.6 (47/63) of patients. Of 47 positive cultures, 11 (23.4) were polymicrobial and 36 (76.59) were monomicrobial cultures, in which 34 (91.89) cases were detected by HRM assay. The sensitivity, specificity of HRMA vs monomicrobial culture were 91.89, 93.75, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity of total HRMA (mono + poly) vs culture were 82.92, 93.75. Conclusions: HRM assay coupled with broad-range PCR are effective screening, rapid, and relatively cost-effective methods for discrimination of PJIs especially in aiding culture method. Using computer programs such as the Matlab-2018b program for HRM data analysis is also valuable and helpful in diagnosis. © 2021, The Author(s)

Evaluation of TAK-242 (Resatorvid) effects on inflammatory status of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and trauma patients

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) produce lots of inflammatory molecules that trigger immune responses and intensification the inflammation and thereby play important roles in Rheumatoid Arthritis)RA(pathogenesis. Due to the important roles of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in cytokine production and inflammation, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TAK-242 (Resatorvid) on interleukin (IL)1-β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR4 expression and two important proteins of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway (Ikβα and pIkβα) in RA and trauma FLSs. FLSs were isolated from synovial tissues of trauma (n=10) and RA (n=10) patients and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of TAK-242 on the RA FLSs. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression level of IL1-β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR4 genes in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TAK-242 treated FLSs. Furthermore, the treated FLSs were evaluated for protein levels of Ikβα and pIkβα by western blot. The baseline expression of IL1-β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR4 showed no significant differences between healthy and RA FLSs. LPS stimulated FLSs significantly increased mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR4 genes in both the healthy and RA FLSs compared with that of their control groups, and pretreatment with TAK-242 reversed the effect. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated FLSs significantly increased the level of pIkβα in both the healthy and RA FLSs compared with that of their control groups, and pretreatment with TAK-242 reversed the effect. We provide the data that TAK-242 through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway may modulate TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses and could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for RA patients. Copyright © 2021 Karami et al

Iranian joint registry (iranian national hip and knee arthroplasty registry)

Periodic evaluation and monitoring the health and economic outcome of joint replacement surgery is a common and popular process under the territory of joint registries in many countries. In this article we introduce the methodology used for the foundation of the National Iranian Joint Registry (IJR) with a joint collaboration of the Social Security Organization (SSO) and academic research departments considering the requirements of the Iran's Ministry of Health and Education. ©BY THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY

Iranian joint registry (iranian national hip and knee arthroplasty registry)

Periodic evaluation and monitoring the health and economic outcome of joint replacement surgery is a common and popular process under the territory of joint registries in many countries. In this article we introduce the methodology used for the foundation of the National Iranian Joint Registry (IJR) with a joint collaboration of the Social Security Organization (SSO) and academic research departments considering the requirements of the Iran's Ministry of Health and Education. ©BY THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY