Current Rheumatology Reports 

About: Current Rheumatology Reports is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Arthritis & Rheumatology. It has an ISSN identifier of 1523-3774. Over the lifetime, 1748 publications have been published receiving 54188 citations. The journal is also known as: Curr rheumatol rep.

Matrix vesicles and calcification

Abstract: Matrix vesicles (MVs) are extracellular, 100 nM in diameter, membrane-invested particles selectively located at sites of initial calcification in cartilage, bone, and predentin. The first crystals of apatitic bone mineral are formed within MVs close to the inner surfaces of their investing membranes. Matrix vesicle biogenesis occurs by polarized budding and pinching-off of vesicles from specific regions of the outer plasma membranes of differentiating growth plate chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts. Polarized release of MVs into selected areas of developing matrix determines the nonrandom distribution of calcification. Initiation of the first mineral crystals, within MVs (phase 1), is augmented by the activity of MV phosphatases (eg, alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and pyrophosphatase) plus calcium-binding molecules (eg, annexin I and phosphatidyl serine), all of which are concentrated in or near the MV membrane. Phase 2 of biologic mineralization begins with crystal release through the MV membrane, exposing preformed hydroxyapatite crystals to the extracellular fluid. The extracellular fluid normally contains sufficient Ca2+ and PO4 3- to support continuous crystal proliferation, with preformed crystals serving as nuclei (templates) for the formation of new crystals by a process of homologous nucleation. In diseases such as osteoarthritis, crystal deposition arthritis, and atherosclerosis, MVs initiate pathologic calcification, which, in turn, augments disease progression.

Osteoarthritis and cartilage: the role of cytokines.

Abstract: The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis involves multiple etiologies, including mechanical, biochemical, and genetic factors that contribute to the imbalance in the synthesis and destruction of articular cartilage. It is now well documented that interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α are the predominant proinflammatory and catabolic cytokines involved in disease initiation and progression. Other proinflammatory cytokines may amplify or modulate this process, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are often detected, paradoxically, in osteoarthritis tissues, may counteract the tissue destruction and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis with special emphasis on how findings in culture and animal models may be reflected in the human disease process.

Interstitial lung disease in polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Abstract: Interstitial lung disease occurs in approximately one-third of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and has an adverse effect on survival. It is commonly a component of early PM/DM and can precede the onset of muscle or skin disease. Its most common histopathology is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. This is a more benign pattern, with respect to response to immunosuppression and also long-term survival, than the pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The clinical course of PM/DM lung disease is heterogeneous. Progressive and nonprogressive disease needs to be distinguished by clinical and physiologic monitoring to avoid over-treatment. Patients with ongoing functional deterioration mostly benefit from immunosuppression. The experience with corticosteroid monotherapy is discouraging but cyclophosphamide, given as daily oral or intravenous pulse therapy together with corticosteroids, was found to be beneficial in many patients. Other immunosuppressants may be of benefit as well, but the weight of the current evidence supports the use of cyclophosphamide first.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of hyperalgesia and pain.

Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmacologic treatment for pain relief TENS has been used to treat a variety of painful conditions This review updates the basic and clinical science regarding the use of TENS that has been published in the past 3 years (ie, 2005-2008) Basic science studies using animal models of inflammation show changes in the peripheral nervous system, as well as in the spinal cord and descending inhibitory pathways, in response to TENS Translational studies show mechanisms to prevent analgesic tolerance to repeated application of TENS This review also highlights data from recent randomized, placebo-controlled trials and current systematic reviews Clinical trials suggest that adequate dosing, particularly intensity, is critical to obtaining pain relief with TENS Thus, evidence continues to emerge from both basic science and clinical trials supporting the use of TENS for the treatment of a variety of painful conditions while identifying strategies to increase TENS effectiveness

Pathophysiology of psoriasis: recent advances on IL-23 and Th17 cytokines.

Abstract: T helper (Th) 17 cells, a novel T-cell subset, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Interleukin (IL)-23 stimulates survival and proliferation of Th17 cells, and thus serves as a key master cytokine regulator for these diseases. In psoriasis, IL-23 is overproduced by dendritic cells and keratinocytes, and this cytokine stimulates Th17 cells within dermis to make IL-17A and IL-22. IL-22, in particular, drives keratinocyte hyperproliferation in psoriasis. Future targeting of these key cytokines is likely to lead to dramatic clinical improvement in patients with psoriasis. This review focuses on the numerous recent studies on the roles of IL-23 and Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.