Yes / In recent years, imaging has played an increasing role in the clinical management of patients with rheumatic diseases with respect to aiding diagnosis, guiding therapy and monitoring disease progression. These roles have been underpinned by research which has enhanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis and pathophysiology of rheumatology conditions, in addition to their key role in outcome measurement in clinical trials. However, compared to joints, imaging research of muscles is less established, despite the fact that muscle symptoms are very common and debilitating in many rheumatic diseases. Recently, it has been shown that even though patients with rheumatoid arthritis may achieve clinical remission, defined by asymptomatic joints, many remain affected by lingering constitutional systemic symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, weakness and myalgia, which may be attributed to changes in the muscles. Recent improvements in imaging technology, coupled with an increasing clinical interest, has started to ignite new interest in the area. This perspective discusses the rationale for using imaging, particularly ultrasound and MRI, for investigating muscle pathology involved in common inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The muscles associated with rheumatic diseases can be affected in many ways, including myositis—an inflammatory muscle condition, and myopathy secondary to medications, such as glucocorticoids. In addition to non-invasive visual assessment of muscles in these conditions, novel imaging techniques like shear wave elastography and quantitative MRI can provide further useful information regarding the physiological and biomechanical status of the muscle. / This research is funded by the NIHR infrastructure at Leeds.

[Truncated abstract] Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is the most common myopathy in individuals above the age of 50 in the Caucasian population. sIBM is characterised by cytotoxic immune infiltration of skeletal muscle, consisting primarily of CD8+ T-cells and macrophages, as well as a degenerative process, with muscle fibre vacuolation and intracellular filamentous inclusions. The pathogenesis of sIBM is likely to involve a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Whilst the physiological and pathological characteristics of sIBM have been clearly identified, the exact origin and genetic basis of the disease remains unknown. A number of studies show that sIBM is associated with alleles of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p21.3 and specifically with two ancestral haplotypes (AH) in Caucasians – the 8.1AH, defined by HLA-B*0801, HLA-DRB1*0301 and the 35.2AH, defined by HLA-B*3501, HLA-DRB1*0101. Mapping studies subsequently showed that sIBM susceptibility likely originates from a 389kb region of the MHC, spanning from centromeric of PBX2 to telomeric of HLA-DRB1. The central hypothesis of this thesis was that susceptibility to sIBM is conferred by a single allele found within a region defined using the 8.1AH, which is also carried by other haplotypes associated with sIBM. Three patient cohorts from Australia, the U.S.A and Japan were studied. ... Of the 32 alleles genotyped, none were found in all susceptibility haplotypes and one was common, but not unique, to the 8.1AH, 7.2AH and 52.1AH. Five SNPs were also found in two of the three haplotypes, although none were specific to the sIBM susceptibility haplotypes. These data suggest that the 8.1AH is likely to carry an sIBM susceptibility allele independent of the 35.2AH, 7.2AH and 52.1AH. Based on the possible mechanism of action in cellular differentiation and its location within the 8.1AH-defined sIBM susceptibility region reported in 2004, NOTCH4 was a strong candidate for conferring sIBM susceptibility. NOTCH4 coding region polymorphisms were thus investigated in a Caucasian patient cohort to assess any possible role in sIBM susceptibility. While the frequency of some alleles were increased in sIBM patients, the strong linkage disequilibrium throughout the MHC prevented confirmation of any alleles as playing a direct role in sIBM. The 8.1AH-derived sIBM susceptibility region was further refined using recombination mapping. This approach used markers characterised against multiple haplotypes to genotype patients carrying part of the 8.1AH to locate a common, overlapping susceptibility region. Recombination mapping of patients revealed a common overlapping region of the 8.1AH, extending from BTNL2 to HLA-DRB3. The results of the study indicate that 8.1AH-derived susceptibility for sIBM is likely to originate from a 172kb region encompassing HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB3 and part of BTNL2. These genes warrant further investigation in future studies.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2002. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Graduation date: 2004

Aims: To elucidate the aetiopathological mechanisms underlying the IIMs, through a combination of genotyping, serotyping and clinical phenotyping in a large cohort of Caucasian idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of prevalent IIM cases, ascertained through the Adult Onset Myositis Immunogenetic Collaboration, was performed. Cases were confirmed as possessing myositis according to Bohan and Peter (Bohan and Peter 1975a; Bohan and Peter 1975b). IIM clinical subtypes studied included polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and myositis associated with other connective tissue disease (myositis/CTD-overlap). Genotyping of major histocompatibility complex genes, including HLA-B, -DR, -DQ, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), was performed using commercial kits. Serotyping of a comprehensive range of myositis specific/associated antibodies (MSA/MAAs) was undertaken. Results: Clinical subsets are described within the serological groupings, suggesting that the classification of the IIMs appears to be better served by the serotype than by the clinical subgrouping of disease. The IIMs possess HLA class I and II haplotype associations and genetic differences observed between PM and DM are accounted for by serological differences. The TNF-308A association is not independent of HLA class I, due to the strong LD within the MHC, but does form part of a haplotype with these factors. An absence of routinely tested for MSA/MAAs makes cancer associated myositis (CAM) more likely, especially in the DM subgroup. An antibody against a 155 and 140kDa doublet is associated with the development of CAM. Outcome measures in the IIMs show construct validity. HLA-DRB1*07 appears to predict a milder clinical phenotype with less disability. No convincing gene-environmental interaction was found capable of altering disease susceptibility or clinical phenotype. Conclusions: Myositis disease subtypes therefore appear to be defined by specific haplotypes acting as risk factors for the development of various MSAs and MAAs.

No description available.

Objetivos. Analisar prospectivamente os dados de capilaroscopiaperiungueal (CPU) em pacientes com dermatomiosite recém-diagnosticada (DM) e correlacioná-los com citocinas angiogênicas séricas e características clínicas e laboratoriais. Métodos. Vinte e três pacientes com DM com < 12 meses de sintomas foram incluídos no estudo. Para avaliar os níveis de citocinas séricas, os pacientes foram pareados 23 voluntários saudáveis por idade, sexo e etnia. As características da CPU e os parâmetros da atividade da DM foram analisados. Resultados. Foram observados níveis aumentados de angiogenina (ANG) e de fator de crescimento de endotélio vascular-1 (VEGF1) séricos de forma significativa em pacientes com DM em comparação com os controles saudáveis. Os níveis de ANG sérica correlacionaram-se positiva e negativamente, respectivamente, com a densidade capilar e as áreas avasculares. Além disso, a densidade capilar correlacionou-se inversamente com o número de capilares ectasiados, capilares gigantes e áreas avasculares. O número de capilares ectasiados correlacionou-se positivamente com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) do paciente e do médico, a presença de eritema facial, capilares gigantes e micro-hemorragias. Os capilares gigantes apresentaram correlação positiva com EVA do médico e da atividade cutânea, capilares ectasiados, áreas avasculares, micro-hemorragias e capilares em forma de arbustos e correlação negativa com a densidade capilar. Micro-hemorragias correlacionaram-se positivamente com o sinal de \"V do decote\" e EVA do médico. O VEGF1 sérico não mostrou relação com os parâmetros da CPU ou com características clínicas e laboratoriais relacionadas a DM. Além disso, 15 dos 23 pacientes foram avaliados prospectivamente após 3,21 anos. Todos os pacientes tiveram resposta clínica com melhora significativa em todos os parâmetros da CPU, exceto em relação a capilares ectasiados e número de capilares em forma de arbustos. Conclusões. A CPU pode ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a atividade da doença em DM de início recente e a sua correlação com a ANG sérica sugere a participação desta citocina na neoangiogênese da doença / Objectives. To prospectively analyze nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) findings in new-onset dermatomyositis (DM) and to correlate NC findings with serum angiogenic cytokines and DM clinical and laboratory features. Methods. Twenty-three patients with DM who experienced < 12 months of symptoms were included in the study. To assess serum cytokine levels, 23 age-, sexand ethnicity-matched healthy volunteers were used. NC characteristics and DM activity parameters were analyzed. Results. Significantly higher serum angiogenin (ANG) and vascular endothelial growth factor-1 (VEGF1) levels were observed in DM patients than in controls. Capillary density and avascular areas correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with serum levels of ANG. Moreover, the capillary density correlated inversely with the number of enlarged and giant capillaries and avascular areas. The number of enlarged capillaries correlated positively with patient and physician VAS, the presence of a facial rash, giant capillaries and microhemorrhages. Giant capillaries had a positive correlation with physician and cutaneous VAS, enlarged capillaries, avascular areas, microhemorrhages and bushy capillaries and a negative correlation with capillary density. Microhemorrhages correlated positively with the \"V-neck\" sign and physician VAS. VEGF1 showed no relationship with the NC parameters with DMrelated clinical and laboratory features. Additionally, 15 out of 23 patients were assessed prospectively after 3.21 years. All patients had a major clinical response with significant improvement in all NC parameters, except for enlarged and bushy capillaries. Conclusions. The NC may be a useful tool to assess disease activity in recent-onset DM, and it can also reinforce the role of ANG in the angiogenesis of this myopathy

INTRODUÇÃO: Polimiosite (PM) e Dermatomiosite (DM) são miopatias inflamatórias que se caracterizam por fraqueza, atrofia e disfunção muscular, levando a perda de capacidade funcional e de qualidade de vida. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se um treino de força com oclusão vascular (TF-OV) de baixa intensidade é seguro e efetivo em melhorar a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida destes pacientes. MÉTODOS: Treze pacientes com PM ou DM estáveis foram submetidos a um TF-OV parcial e baixa intensidade (30% de 1RM) duas vezes por semana, por 12 semanas. Foram avaliados então as enzimas musculares, a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida e as limitações para atividades diárias antes e após o protocolo de treinamento. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram um aumento da força muscular do leg-press (19,6%, p < 0,001) e do leg-extension (25,2% p < 0,001), além de aumento da massa muscular avaliada pela área de secção transversa do quadríceps (4,57%, p =0,01). Nos testes funcionais, houve melhora do desempenho nos testes timed-stands (15,1%, p < 0,001) e timed-up-and-go (-4,5%, p=0,002). Foi observado melhora dos escores do HAQ e de todos os componentes do SF-36, além de queda significativa do VAS do médico e do paciente (p < 0,05), enquanto que as enzimas musculares permaneceram estáveis (p > 0,05). Por fim, nenhum evento adverso foi relatado. CONCLUSÃO: O TF-OV de baixa intensidade foi seguro e efetivo em melhorar a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com PM e DM estáveis / INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-intensity resistance training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR training) in a cohort of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). METHODS: In total, 13 patients with PM and DM completed a 12-week twice a week low-intensity (that is, 30% onerepetition-maximum (1RM)) resistance exercise training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR). Assessments of muscle strength, physical function, quadriceps cross sectional (CSA) area, health-related quality of life, and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The BFR training program was effective in increasing the maximal dynamic strength in both the leg-press (19.6%, p < 0.001) and leg-extension exercises (25.2% p < 0.001), as well as in the timed-stands (15.1%, p < 0.001) and timed-up-and-go test (-4.5%, P =0.002). Quadriceps CSA was also significantly increased after the intervention (4.57%, p =0.01). Similarly, all of the components of the Short Form-36 Health Survey, the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores, and the patient- and physician reported Visual Analogue Scale were significantly improved after training (p < 0.05). Importantly, no clinical evidence or any other self-reported adverse event were found. Laboratory parameters (creatine kinase and aldolase) were also unchanged (p > 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that a 12-week supervised low-intensity resistance training program associated with partial blood flow restriction may be safe and effective in improving muscle strength and function as well as muscle mass and health-related quality of life in patients with PM and DM

INTRODUÇÃO: Polimiosite (PM) e Dermatomiosite (DM) são miopatias inflamatórias que se caracterizam por fraqueza, atrofia e disfunção muscular, levando a perda de capacidade funcional e de qualidade de vida. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se um treino de força com oclusão vascular (TF-OV) de baixa intensidade é seguro e efetivo em melhorar a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida destes pacientes. MÉTODOS: Treze pacientes com PM ou DM estáveis foram submetidos a um TF-OV parcial e baixa intensidade (30% de 1RM) duas vezes por semana, por 12 semanas. Foram avaliados então as enzimas musculares, a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida e as limitações para atividades diárias antes e após o protocolo de treinamento. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes apresentaram um aumento da força muscular do leg-press (19,6%, p < 0,001) e do leg-extension (25,2% p < 0,001), além de aumento da massa muscular avaliada pela área de secção transversa do quadríceps (4,57%, p =0,01). Nos testes funcionais, houve melhora do desempenho nos testes timed-stands (15,1%, p < 0,001) e timed-up-and-go (-4,5%, p=0,002). Foi observado melhora dos escores do HAQ e de todos os componentes do SF-36, além de queda significativa do VAS do médico e do paciente (p < 0,05), enquanto que as enzimas musculares permaneceram estáveis (p > 0,05). Por fim, nenhum evento adverso foi relatado. CONCLUSÃO: O TF-OV de baixa intensidade foi seguro e efetivo em melhorar a força, a massa e a função muscular, além da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com PM e DM estáveis / INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-intensity resistance training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR training) in a cohort of patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). METHODS: In total, 13 patients with PM and DM completed a 12-week twice a week low-intensity (that is, 30% onerepetition-maximum (1RM)) resistance exercise training program combined with partial blood flow restriction (BFR). Assessments of muscle strength, physical function, quadriceps cross sectional (CSA) area, health-related quality of life, and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The BFR training program was effective in increasing the maximal dynamic strength in both the leg-press (19.6%, p < 0.001) and leg-extension exercises (25.2% p < 0.001), as well as in the timed-stands (15.1%, p < 0.001) and timed-up-and-go test (-4.5%, P =0.002). Quadriceps CSA was also significantly increased after the intervention (4.57%, p =0.01). Similarly, all of the components of the Short Form-36 Health Survey, the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores, and the patient- and physician reported Visual Analogue Scale were significantly improved after training (p < 0.05). Importantly, no clinical evidence or any other self-reported adverse event were found. Laboratory parameters (creatine kinase and aldolase) were also unchanged (p > 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that a 12-week supervised low-intensity resistance training program associated with partial blood flow restriction may be safe and effective in improving muscle strength and function as well as muscle mass and health-related quality of life in patients with PM and DM

No description available.