1. |
- Andersson, Sofia E M, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Activation of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 signaling enhances survivin expression in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2012
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In: PloS one. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 7:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Survivin is known as an inhibitor of apoptosis and a positive regulator of cell division. We have recently identified survivin as a predictor of joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) is expressed in the inflamed joints and has adjuvant properties in arthritis. Studies on 90 RA patients (median age 60.5 years [range, 24-87], disease duration 10.5 years [range, 0-35]) show a strong positive association between the levels of survivin and Flt3L in blood. Here, we present experimental evidence connecting survivin and Flt3L signaling. Treatment of BALB/c mice with Flt3L led to an increase of survivin in the bone marrow and in splenic dendritic cells. Flt3L changed the profile of survivin splice variants, increasing transcription of the short survivin40 in the bone marrow. Treatment with an Flt3 inhibitor reduced total survivin expression in bone marrow and in the dendritic cell population in spleen. Inhibition of survivin transcription in mice, by shRNA lentiviral constructs, reduced the gene expression of Flt3L. We conclude that expression of survivin is a downstream event of Flt3 signaling, which serves as an essential mechanism supporting survival of leukocytes during their differentiation, and maturation of dendritic cells, in RA.
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2. |
- Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events? A prospective nationwide population-based cohort study
- 2017
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In: Arthritis Research and Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 19:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: To investigate the risk of first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA), compared to each other and to the general population (GP). Methods: This is a prospective nationwide cohort study. Cohorts with AS (n = 6448), PsA (n = 16,063) and uSpA (n = 5190) patients and a GP (n = 266,435) cohort, were identified 2001-2009 in the Swedish National Patient and Population registers. The follow-up began 1 January 2006, or 6 months after the first registered spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosis thereafter, and ended at ACS/stroke/VTE event, death, emigration or 31 December 2012. Crude and age- and sex-standardized incidence rates (SIRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for incident ACS, stroke or VTE, respectively. Results: Standardized to the GP cohort, SIRs for ACS were 4.3, 5.4 and 4.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort, respectively, compared to 3.2 in the GP cohort. SIRs for stroke were 5.4, 5.9 and 5.7 events per 1000 person-years at risk in the AS, PsA and uSpA cohort compared to 4.7 in the GP cohort. Corresponding SIRs for VTE were 3.6, 3.2 and 3.5 events per 1000 person-years at risk compared to 2.2 in the GP cohort. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for ACS events were significantly increased in AS (1.54 (1.31-1.82)), PsA (1.76 (1.59-1.95)) and uSpA (1.36 (1.05-1.76)) compared to GP. Age-adjusted HRs for ACS was significantly decreased in female AS patients (0.59 (0.37-0.97)) compared to female PsA patients. Age-and sex-adjusted HRs for stroke events were significantly increased in AS (1.25 (1.06-1.48)) and PsA (1.34 (1.22-1.48)), and nonsignificantly increased in uSpA (1.16 (0.91-1.47)) compared to GP. For VTE the age-and sex-adjusted HRs for AS, PsA and uSpA were equally and significantly increased with about 50% compared to GP. Conclusions: Patients with AS, PsA and uSpA are at increased risk for ACS and stroke events, which emphasizes the importance of identification of and intervention against cardiovascular risk factors in SpA patients. Increased alertness for VTE is warranted in patients with SpA.
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4. |
- Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Comparisons between comorbid conditions and health care consumption in rheumatoid arthritis patients with or without biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs : a register-based study
- 2016
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In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 17:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Symptoms and prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have improved with more intensive therapy, including the biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Real life data concerning how comorbidities are distributed among patients treated or not treated with bDMARDs are scarce. Our objective was to investigate differences in comorbidity and health care consumption in RA patients, with and without bDMARDs.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Southwestern part of Sweden. Patients, aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with RA in secondary health care during 2009-2010, were identified in the regional health care database. Aggregated data of comorbidity and health care consumption were retrieved between 2006 and 2010. RA patients treated with bDMARDs on 31st December 2010 were identified in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ), which includes the biologics register Anti-Rheumatic Therapy in Sweden (ARTIS). Descriptive, comparative, univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with bDMARDs.RESULTS: Seven thousand seven hundred and twelve (7712) RA patients were identified (age 64.8 ± 14.9 years, women 74.3%), of whom 1137 (14.7%) were treated with bDMARDs. Overall, the most common comorbidities were infections (69.2%), hypertension (41.1%), chronic respiratory disease (15.3%), ischemic heart disease (14.0%) and malignancy (13.7%). Patients without bDMARDs were older and had more comorbidity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, older age, cerebrovascular and chronic respiratory disease, heart failure, depression and malignancy were all associated with no present bDMARDs. Infections were associated with bDMARDs. Patients treated with bDMARDs consumed more secondary outpatient care but less visits in primary health care compared to patients without bDMARDs.CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with bDMARDs versus no bDMARDs were younger and had significantly lower period prevalence for most common comorbidities, with the exception of infections. Differences in comorbidities between RA patients with or without bDMARDs should be taken into consideration when evaluating effectiveness and safety of bDMARDs in ordinary care.
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5. |
- Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of extra-articular manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis : Results from a national register-based cohort study
- 2021
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In: Rheumatology (United Kingdom). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 60:6, s. 2725-2734
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To estimate the incidence and strength of association of extra-articular manifestations [EAMs, here: anterior uveitis (AU), IBD and psoriasis] in patients with AS, undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) and PsA, compared with controls. Methods: Three mutually exclusive cohorts of patients aged 18-69 years with AS (n = 8517), uSpA (n = 10 245) and PsA (n = 22 667) were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register 2001-2015. Age-, sex- and geography-matched controls were identified from the Swedish Population Register. Follow-up began 1 January 2006, or six months after the first SpA diagnosis, whichever occurred later, and ended at the first date of the EAM under study, death, emigration, 70 years of age, and 31 December 2016. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios were calculated for each EAM, and stratified by sex and age. Results: Incidence rate ratios for incident AU, IBD and psoriasis were significantly increased in AS (20.2, 6.2, 2.5), uSpA (13.6, 5.7, 3.8) and PsA (2.5, 2.3, n.a) vs controls. Men with AS and uSpA had significantly higher IRs per 1000 person-years at risk for incident AU than women with AS (IR 15.8 vs 11.2) and uSpA (IR 10.1 vs 6.0), whereas no such sex difference was demonstrated in PsA or for the other EAMs. Conclusions: AU, followed by IBD and psoriasis, is the EAM most strongly associated with AS and uSpA. Among the SpA subtypes, AS and uSpA display a largely similar pattern of EAMs, whereas PsA has a considerably weaker association with AU and IBD.
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6. |
- Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Risk of cardiac rhythm disturbances and aortic regurgitation in different spondyloarthritis subtypes in comparison with general population : A register-based study from Sweden
- 2018
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 77:4, s. 541-548
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives To describe the incidence of atrioventricular (AV) block II-III, atrial fibrillation (AF), pacemaker implantation (PM) and aortic regurgitation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared with the general population (GP) and with each other. Methods A prospective nationwide study with cohorts of patients with AS (n=6448), PsA (n=16 063) and uSpA (n=5190) and a GP (n=2 66 435) cohort, identified in 2001-2009 in the Swedish National Patient and Population registers. Follow-up began on 1 January 2006 and ended at event, death, emigration or 31 December 2012. Age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Results The highest incidence rates were noted for AF (5.5-7.4 events per 1000 person-years), followed by PM (1.0-2.0 events per 1000 person-years). HRs for AV block, AF, PM and aortic regurgitation were significantly increased in AS (HRs 2.3, 1.3, 2.1 and 1.9), uSpA (HRs 2.9, 1.3, 1.9 and 2.0) and PsA (HRs 1.5, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8) compared with the GP cohort. The highest HRs were seen for AV block in male uSpA (HR 4.2) and AS (HR 2.5) compared with GP. Compared with PsA, significantly increased HRs were noted for PM (HR 1.5) in AS and for AV block (HR 1.8) in uSpA. Conclusions Patients with SpA are at increased risk of aortic regurgitation, cardiac rhythm disturbances and, as a probable consequence, also PM. Particularly for AF, the most common arrhythmia, increased caution is warranted, whereas AV block should be looked for especially in men with AS or uSpA.
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7. |
- Bergsten, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
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Gender differences in illness perceptions and disease management in patients with gout, results from a questionnaire study in Western Sweden.
- 2023
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In: BMC musculoskeletal disorders. - 1471-2474. ; 24:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims were to examine gender differences in patients with gout with regard to a) self-reported gout severity, b) illness perceptions (IP), c) impact on daily activities and Quality of Life (QoL), d) advice from healthcare professionals, e) having changed dietary- or alcohol habits.Adult patients with gout identified in primary and secondary care in Sweden between 2015 and 2017 (n=1589) were sent a questionnaire about demographics, gout disease severity, IP (using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, (B-IPQ)) and disease management. T-tests, Chi square tests, ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA) and linear regression models were used for gender comparisons.Eight hundred sixty-eight patients responded to the questionnaire. Women, n=177 (20%), experienced more severe gout symptoms (p=0.011), albeit similar frequencies of flares compared to men. Women experienced modest but significantly worse IP with regard to consequences, identity, concerns and emotional response (p<0.05) as well as daily activities such as sleeping (p<0.001) and walking (p=0.042) and QoL (p=0.004). Despite this and a higher frequency of obesity in women (38 vs 21%, P<0.001) and alcohol consumption in men (p<0.001), obese women had received significantly less advice regarding weight reduction (47 vs 65%, p=0.041) compared to obese men. On the other hand, women reported having acted on dietary advice to a larger degree.Despite only modestly worse gout severity and perception, women appear to have been given less information regarding self-management than men. These gender differences should be given attention and addressed in clinical care.
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8. |
- Bjersing, Jan, 1966, et al.
(author)
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Changes in pain and insulin-like growth factor 1 in fibromyalgia during exercise: the involvement of cerebrospinal inflammatory factors and neuropeptides
- 2012
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In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354. ; 14:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain. Impaired growth hormone responses and reduced serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are common in FM. The aim was to examine changes in serum IGF-1, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuropeptides, and cytokines during aerobic exercise in FM patients. Methods: In total, 49 patients (median age, 52 years) with FM were included in the study. They were randomized to either the moderate- to high-intensity Nordic Walking (NW) program (n = 26) or the supervised low-intensity walking (LIW) program (n = 23). Patients participated in blood tests before and after 15 weeks of aerobic exercise. Changes in serum levels of free IGF-1, pain rating on a 0- to 100-mm scale, pain threshold, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were examined. CSF, neuropeptides, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and inflammatory cytokines were determined. Nonparametric tests were used for group comparisons and correlation analyses. Results: Serum free IGF-1 levels did not change during 15 weeks of exercise between the two groups, although the 6MWT significantly improved in the NW group (p = 0.033) when compared with LIW. Pain did not significantly change in any of the groups, but tended to decrease (p = 0.052) over time in the total group. A tendency toward a correlation was noted between baseline IGF-1 and a decrease of pain in response to exercise (r = 0.278; p = 0.059). When adjusted for age, this tendency disappeared. The change in serum free IGF-1 correlated positively with an alteration in CSF substance P (SP) levels (rs = 0.495; p = 0.072), neuropeptide Y (NPY) (rs = 0.802; p = 0.001), and pain threshold (rs = 0.276; p = 0.058). Differing CSF SP levels correlated positively to a change in pain threshold (rs = 0.600; p = 0.023), whereas the shift in CSF MMP-3 inversely correlated with an altered pain threshold (rs = -0.569; p = 0.034). Conclusions: The baseline level of serum free IGF-1 did not change during high or low intensity of aerobic exercise. Changes in IGF-1 correlated positively with a variation in CSF SP, NPY, and pain threshold. These data indicate a beneficial role of IGF-1 during exercise in FM. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT00643006.
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9. |
- Bokarewa, Maria, 1963, et al.
(author)
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Smoking is associated with reduced leptin and neuropeptide Y levels and higher pain experience in patients with fibromyalgia.
- 2014
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In: Mediators of inflammation. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1466-1861 .- 0962-9351. ; 2014
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Smoking deregulates neuroendocrine responses to pain supporting production of neuropeptide Y (NpY) by direct stimulation of nicotinic receptors or by inhibiting adipokine leptin. Present study addressed the effect of cigarette smoking on adipokines and pain parameters, in 62 women with fibromyalgia (FM) pain syndrome with unknown etiology. Pain was characterized by a visual analogue scale, tender point (TP) counts, pressure pain threshold, and neuroendocrine markers NpY and substance P (sP). Levels of IGF-1, leptin, resistin, visfatin, and adiponectin were measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Current smokers (n = 18) had lower levels of leptin compared to ex-smokers (n = 25, P = 0.002), while the expected NpY increase was absent in FM patients. In smokers, this was transcribed in higher VAS-pain (P = 0.04) and TP count (P = 0.03), lower pain threshold (P = 0.01), since NpY levels were directly related to the pain threshold (rho = 0.414) and inversely related to TP counts (rho = -0.375). This study shows that patients with FM have no increase of NpY levels in response to smoking despite the low levels of leptin. Deregulation of the balance between leptin and neuropeptide Y may be one of the essential mechanisms of chronic pain in FM.
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10. |
- Bursill, D., et al.
(author)
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Gout, Hyperuricaemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network (G-CAN) consensus statement regarding labels and definitions of disease states of gout
- 2019
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 78:11, s. 1592-1600
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective There is a lack of standardisation in the terminology used to describe gout. The aim of this project was to develop a consensus statement describing the recommended nomenclature for disease states of gout. Methods A content analysis of gout-related articles from rheumatology and general internal medicine journals published over a 5-year period identified potential disease states and the labels commonly assigned to them. Based on these findings, experts in gout were invited to participate in a Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting to reach agreement on disease state labels and definitions. Results The content analysis identified 13 unique disease states and a total of 63 unique labels. The Delphi exercise (n=76 respondents) and face-to-face meeting (n=35 attendees) established consensus agreement for eight disease state labels and definitions. The agreed labels were as follows: 'asymptomatic hyperuricaemia', 'asymptomatic monosodium urate crystal deposition', 'asymptomatic hyperuricaemia with monosodium urate crystal deposition', 'gout', 'tophaceous gout', 'erosive gout', 'first gout flare' and 'recurrent gout flares'. There was consensus agreement that the label 'gout' should be restricted to current or prior clinically evident disease caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition (gout flare, chronic gouty arthritis or subcutaneous tophus). Conclusion Consensus agreement has been established for the labels and definitions of eight gout disease states, including 'gout' itself. The Gout, Hyperuricaemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network recommends the use of these labels when describing disease states of gout in research and clinical practice.
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11. |
- Bursill, D., et al.
(author)
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Gout, Hyperuricemia, and Crystal-Associated Disease Network Consensus Statement Regarding Labels and Definitions for Disease Elements in Gout
- 2019
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In: Arthritis Care & Research. - : Wiley. - 2151-464X. ; 71:3, s. 427-434
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective The language currently used to describe gout lacks standardization. The aim of this project was to develop a consensus statement on the labels and definitions used to describe the basic disease elements of gout. Methods Experts in gout (n = 130) were invited to participate in a Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting to reach consensus on the labeling and definitions for the basic disease elements of gout. Disease elements and labels in current use were derived from a content analysis of the contemporary medical literature, and the results of this analysis were used for item selection in the Delphi exercise and face-to-face consensus meeting. Results There were 51 respondents to the Delphi exercise and 30 attendees at the face-to-face meeting. Consensus agreement (>= 80%) was achieved for the labels of 8 disease elements through the Delphi exercise; the remaining 3 labels reached consensus agreement through the face-to-face consensus meeting. The agreed labels were monosodium urate crystals, urate, hyperuric(a)emia, tophus, subcutaneous tophus, gout flare, intercritical gout, chronic gouty arthritis, imaging evidence of monosodium urate crystal deposition, gouty bone erosion, and podagra. Participants at the face-to-face meeting achieved consensus agreement for the definitions of all 11 elements and a recommendation that the label "chronic gout" should not be used. Conclusion Consensus agreement was achieved for the labels and definitions of 11 elements representing the fundamental components of gout etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. The Gout, Hyperuricemia, and Crystal-Associated Disease Network recommends the use of these labels when describing the basic disease elements of gout.
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12. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Association between perinatal factors and future risk for gout-a nested case-control study
- 2022
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In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 24:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Increased level of urate is the strongest risk factor for gout development but since only a minority of hyperuricemics are affected by gout, other pathogenic factors must be considered. Low birth weight is associated with future morbidities causing hyperuricemia, such as diabetes and renal disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate if, and to what extent, maternal and perinatal factors, including birth weight, are associated with future risk of being diagnosed with gout. Methods A population-based retrospective nested case-control registry study based on regional and national health care registers in Sweden. All incident cases of gout born in 1973 and onward who had received >= 1 diagnosis of gout from 2000 through 2019 in the region of western Sweden were included. Up to 5 non-gout controls were matched to each case by age, sex, and county at the year of first gout diagnosis. A range of maternal, gestational, and perinatal factors were analyzed for their potential association to future gout development. This included the health of the mother, gestational length, birth weight, number of siblings, and congenital malformations. Results Maternal diabetes, any congenital malformation, and being small for gestational age were factors that significantly increased the risk for future gout development, odds ratio (95% CI) 3.1 (1.3 to 7.4) (p=0.01), 1.33 (1.04 to 1.7) (p=0.02), and 1.75 (1.3 to 2.3) (p<.0001), respectively. Conclusions In this study, maternal diabetes and being small for gestational age increased the risk for future gout development in young adults. As of today, these conditions are becoming more prevalent and may contribute to the ongoing gout epidemic. These results require both confirmation and further delineation of underlying mechanisms.
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13. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Cerebrospinal Flt3 ligand correlates to tau protein levels in primary Sjögren's syndrome.
- 2013
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 42:5, s. 394-399
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands and internal organs including the central nervous system (CNS). The fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is a maturation factor essential for brain homeostasis. Blood levels of Flt3L are increased in inflammatory diseases including the inflamed salivary glands in pSS. The present study evaluated the role of Flt3L in the CNS of patients with pSS and in two non-autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia (FM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method: Levels of Flt3L were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with pSS (n = 15), FM (n = 29), and AD (n = 39) and related to CNS symptoms and to markers of inflammation and degeneration. Results: Levels of CSF Flt3L in pSS and AD were significantly lower than in FM (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Flt3L in pSS correlated to tau proteins [total tau (T-tau), r = 0.679; phosphorylated tau (P-tau), r = 0.646] and to a marker for microglia activation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Similar correlations were present in FM and AD patients. One-third of pSS patients had low levels of CSF Flt3L. This group had decreased levels of amyloid precursor protein metabolites (Aβ40 and Aβ42) in CSF, which was not seen in FM patients. Conclusions: This study shows a strong correlation between CSF Flt3L and tau proteins in pSS patients suggesting ongoing degradation/remodelling in the CNS. In pSS patients, low levels of Flt3L were linked to changes in amyloid turnover and may represent processes similar to those in AD.
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14. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Consequences of Gout and Hyperuricemia : Gikt och hyperurikemi starkt associerade med folksjukdomar
- 2020
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In: Läkartidningen. - 1652-7518. ; 117
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hyperuricemia (HU) and gout are strongly associated with CVD, associations that are most likely due to shared etiologies rather than causality. HU is for example causally related to the metabolic syndrome and in particular to obesity. Gout and HU can both be caused by and lead to decreased kidney function. On the other hand, there are observational data suggesting that HU may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease. Ongoing RCTs with urate and urate lowering therapy (ULT) will help to resolve some of these controversies. Nevertheless, gout is a "curable disease" by ULT, a treatment which in adequate doses may also have positive effect on several associated co-morbidities.
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15. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968
(author)
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Differentiation factor Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand is a modulator of cell responses in autoimmune diseases
- 2012
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) is a receptor on common stem cell progenitors and has a crucial role in hematopoesis, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation in man and mice. The growth factor Flt3 is activated by its soluble ligand, Flt3-L, leading to differentiation of multipotent stem cells and lymphoid progenitors. Flt3-L functions as a differentiation factor for dendritic cells (DC) in the periphery. These properties of the Flt3/Flt3-L system lead us to further investigate the role of the growth factor Flt3-L in rheumatic disease. In paper I, Flt3-L was found to be strongly expressed at the site of inflammation in human RA, the joint. Levels of Flt3-L were significantly higher in the synovial fluid compared to serum in RA patients and levels of Flt3-L in RA synovial fluid were significantly higher compared to synovial fluid from non-inflammatory joint diseases. Furthermore, intra-articular administration of a B-cell line overexpressing Flt3-L resulted in highly erosive arthritis while inoculation of the same B-cell line without hyperexpression of Flt3-L did not induce erosivity and caused arthritis in a minority of cases. Thus, Flt3-L is expressed at the site of inflammation in human RA and facilitates tissue destructive properites in the joint cavity. In paper II, mice with antigen-induced arthritis, mBSA-arthritis, were treated with the Flt3-inhibitor sunitinib. Treatment was started together with mBSA immunization or together with the induction of arthritis. Abrogation of Flt3 signalling reduced the intensity of synovitis and the frequency of bone destruction. Inhibition of Flt3 reduced also the number of differentiated (mature) dendritic cells concomitant with reduction of antibody production and bone metabolism. In addition to this, we investigated the ability of mouse bone marrow cells to migrate towards Flt3-L in a migration assay. Flt3-L was found to be a potent chemoattractant facilitating mobilization of Flt3+ cells from the bone marrow. Thus, the processes of antigen presentation, influx of leukocytes into synovial tissue and bone remodelling are mediated by Flt3 signalling in antigen-induced arthritis. In paper III, Flt3-L in CSF correlated to levels of Tau and pTau of patients with Sjögrens syndrome, fibromyalgia and Alzheimers disease, implying involvement of Flt3L in brain homeostasis. Furthermore, CSF Flt3-L in pSS correlated to a marker for microglia activation, MCP-1. Levels of Flt3-L in CSF were significantly decreased in pSS, and AD, compared to FM. Low levels of Flt3-L were associated to low levels of amyloid degradation peptides in pSS and AD patients. Thus, in CNS of patients with pSS Flt3-L is strongly correlated to neuroaxonal plasticity and microglia activation and reduced levels of CSF-Flt3-L in pSS are linked to changes in tau and amyloid turnover resembling processes ongoing in AD patients. Taken together, these results indicate that Flt3-L is involved in the inflammatory and tissue remodelling processes in joints and neuroaxonal structures of the brain. Flt3/Flt3-L signalling is an essential regulator of antigen-induced processes in autoimmune diseases.
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16. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Factors associated with initiation and persistence of urate-lowering therapy
- 2017
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In: Arthritis Resarch and Therapy. - 1478-6354. ; 19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritic disease and is caused by crystal deposition secondary to persistent hyperuricemia. Etiological treatment with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) has been available since the 1950s but previous studies have demonstrated suboptimal degree of treatment. In recent years we have seen recommendations for ULT earlier in the course of the disease, but there are few contemporary reports reflecting the current situation. Therefore we set out to investigate proportion receiving and persisting with ULT after gout diagnosis and predictors thereof. Method: A population-based cohort study using regional and national population-based registers. Cohort of patients (n = 7709) from western Sweden with incident gout aged 18 years and above from 2011 to 2013. An incident case of gout was defined as having been given a diagnosis of gout (ICD-10 M10, M14.0-14.1) not preceded by a gout diagnosis or a dispensation of ULT during the previous 5 years. Main outcome measures were cumulative incidence and predictors for start of, and persistence with, ULT in gout. Results: Within the first year after first gout diagnosis, 32% received ULT. Male sex, presence of diabetes or cardiovascular comorbidity, reduced kidney function but not diagnosed "end-stage kidney failure"increased the likelihood of receiving ULT. Of those starting ULT a majority (75%) did not persist with ULT treatment within the first 2 years. Age < 50 years, lack of comorbidities, and "normal kidney function"or "end-stage kidney failure"were associated with non-persistence with ULT. Conclusions: Only a minority of patients received ULT and a majority of these did not persist with treatment over the next 2 years. However, the older patients with renal impairment and comorbidities, possibly suffering from a more severe gout disease, were more likely to receive and persist with treatment. There is thus still room for considerable improvement with regards to management of ULT in gout.
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17. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Global epidemiology of gout: prevalence, incidence, treatment patterns and risk factors
- 2020
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In: Nature Reviews Rheumatology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1759-4790 .- 1759-4804. ; 16, s. 380-390
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gout is a chronic crystal deposition disorder in which sustained hyperuricaemia leads to formation and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. The prevalence and incidence of gout are increasing globally, which may be related to changes in the prevalence of gout risk factors (such as obesity) and comorbidities. Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis and occurs when hyperuricaemia, sustained elevation of serum urate levels resulting in supersaturation of body tissues with urate, leads to the formation and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and around the joints. Recent reports of the prevalence and incidence of gout vary widely according to the population studied and methods employed but range from a prevalence of <1% to 6.8% and an incidence of 0.58-2.89 per 1,000 person-years. Gout is more prevalent in men than in women, with increasing age, and in some ethnic groups. Despite rising prevalence and incidence, suboptimal management of gout continues in many countries. Typically, only a third to half of patients with gout receive urate-lowering therapy, which is a definitive, curative treatment, and fewer than a half of patients adhere to treatment. Many gout risk factors exist, including obesity, dietary factors and comorbid conditions. As well as a firmly established increased risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease in those with gout, novel associations of gout with other comorbidities have been reported, including erectile dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnoea, osteoporosis and venous thromboembolism. Discrete patterns of comorbidity clustering in individuals with gout have been described. Increasing prevalence and incidence of obesity and comorbidities are likely to contribute substantially to the rising burden of gout.
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18. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Impact of psoriasis disease activity and other risk factors on serum urate levels in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis-a post-hoc analysis of pooled data from three phase 3 trials with secukinumab
- 2021
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In: Rheumatology Advances in Practice. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2514-1775. ; 5:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. Our aims were to determine if the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score and serum urate (SU) levels were associated at baseline and whether the change in PASI score during 12 weeks of treatment resulted in a significant change in SU, adjusted for relevant confounders. Methods. Data from patients with psoriasis/PsA (n = 1042/204) in three phase 3 randomized control trials treated with secukinumab (dose 300 mg, n = 628) or placebo (n = 414) were pooled. At baseline, values for SU, PASI and the following covariates were assessed: age, sex, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and medication with diuretics. To assess the changes in PASI (DPASI) and SU (Durate), the differences (week 12 minus baseline) in patients receiving the active drug were used. Multivariable linear regression, adjusting for covariates, was used to assess the association between PASI and SU at baseline with all patients pooled and to assess the association between Durate and DPASI over 12 weeks of treatment with secukinumab. Results. The degree of skin involvement of psoriasis showed a statistically significant, albeit modest, association with SU (R-2 = 0.014, P < 0.0001 univariately), whereas known risk factors for hyperuricaemia had a much larger impact cross-sectionally at baseline (R-2 = 0.33, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, a substantial improvement in PASI score resulted in only a modest decrease of SU over 12 weeks of treatment with secukinumab (R-2 = 0.014, P < 0.0001 univariately). Conclusions. There is a statistically significant, albeit modest, association with both extent and change in PASI score and SU in patients with psoriasis, compatible with a potential pathophysiological relationship between urate and psoriasis.
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19. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Incidence and prevalence of gout in Western Sweden
- 2016
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In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The aim of the present study was to describe prevalence and trends in the incidence of gout and patterns of urate-lowering treatment (ULT) in the Western Swedish Health Care Region (WSHCR) from 2002 to 2012. Methods: We used regional and national healthcare registers to estimate the prevalence and incidence of gout in 2012, and trends in incidence for each calendar year from 2005 to 2012. We also investigated the pattern of ULT for gout using the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Results: In 2012, in the population aged 20 years and above, the prevalence of gout was 1.8 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.77 to 1.82) and the incidence was 190 cases (95 % CI 180 to 200) per 100,000 person-years. Applying more strict definitions for a gout case rendered a prevalence of 1.36 % (95 % CI 1.34 to 1.38) and 0.5 (95 % CI 0.49 to 0.51) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The incidence of gout increased steadily and significantly from 2005 to 2012, with an almost 50 % increase in the total population. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of gout in rural compared to urban areas. ULT was dispensed to only 42 % of patients with gout in 2012 who had ever been diagnosed with gout during the preceding 10-year period. Conclusions: Gout is the most common arthritic disease in WSHCR, Sweden, and has increased substantially over the last decade, with only a minority of prevalent cases in 2012 receiving ULT.
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20. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Incident Gout: Risk of Death and Cause-Specific Mortality in Western Sweden: A Prospective, Controlled Inception Cohort Study
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Medicine. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-858X. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundExcess mortality in gout has been attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Considering the decline in CVD mortality in the general population, we wanted to evaluate overall mortality in gout and cause-specific contributions to mortality beyond CVD and temporal trends. MethodsAll incident cases of gout between 2006 and 2015 in western Sweden and 5 population controls per case matched for age, sex, and county were identified. Comorbidities were identified for 5 years preceding the index date. Follow-up ended at death, migration, or end of study on December 2017. Effect of gout on death risk was calculated using COX regression on the whole population and stratified by sex, adjusted for demographics, and comorbidities. Death incidence rates were compared between the two time periods, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015. ResultsWe identified 22,055 cases of incident gout and 98,946 controls, median age (Q1, Q3) 69-68 (57, 79/56, 78) years and 67.6-66.5% males. Except for dementia, all comorbidities were significantly more common at baseline among gout cases. Overall, the risk for death in incident gout was neither increased overall nor in men, but women had a 10% elevated risk. In adjusted models for cause-specific mortality, death from CVD, renal disease, and digestive system diseases were significantly increased in the total gout population while death from dementia, cancer, and lung diseases were significantly decreased. There were no significant differences in overall incident death rate ratios between cases and controls in the two time periods examined. ConclusionsAn increased risk for CVD, renal disease, and diseases of the digestive system in patients with gout highlights the importance of addressing CVD risk factors in gout management. Gout was associated with reduced mortality from dementia, which may have implications on urate lowering therapy and possible effects on dementia risk.
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21. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Inhibition of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 alleviates experimental arthritis by reducing formation of dendritic cells and antigen presentation.
- 2011
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In: Journal of leukocyte biology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1938-3673 .- 0741-5400. ; 90:4, s. 811-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- TKs are intracellular signaling molecules essential for cell homeostasis. Inhibition of TKs is used in treatment of malignancies and diabetes mellitus. The present study evaluated the role of Flt3 in antigen-induced arthritis. Mice were immunized with mBSA, and arthritis was induced by an i.a. injection of mBSA. Treatment with the Flt3 inhibitor sunitinib was started together with mBSA immunization or together with the induction of arthritis. The mBSA-injected joints were evaluated morphologically for signs of synovitis and bone/cartilage destruction. Markers of bone metabolism and antibody responses were measured by ELISA. Maturation of DCs in the bone marrow and spleen was evaluated by flow cytometry. Sunitinib treatment reduced the intensity of synovitis and the incidence of bone destruction. The reduction in bone destruction was seen when the treatment was started at the time of immunization or at the time of arthritis induction. The antiarthritic effect was achieved by inhibition of DCs, reduction of antibody production, and bone metabolism. Inhibition of Flt3 is a potent antiarthritic mechanism reducing antigen presentation, synovial inflammation, and bone resorption. Down-regulation of TKs may be a useful tool in the treatment of human RA.
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22. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Intra-articular fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand expression is a driving force in induction and progression of arthritis.
- 2008
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 3:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: One of the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is hyperplasia and inflammation of the synovial tissue being characterized by in situ occurrence of highly differentiated leukocytes. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) has a crucial role in hematopoiesis, regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Typically, Flt3 is expressed on early myeloid and lymphoid progenitors and is activated by its soluble ligand (Flt3-L). The highly differentiated cellular pattern in the synovium of the RA patients made us hypothesize that Flt3-L, with its ability to induce proliferation and differentiation, could be of importance in induction and/or progression of arthritis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To investigate occurrence of Flt3-L in RA we have measured its levels in matched serum and synovial fluid samples from 130 patients and 107 controls. To analyse the pro-inflammatory role of Flt3-L, we continuously overexpressed this protein locally in healthy mouse joints using homologous B-cell line transfected with Flt3-L gene. Additionally, recombinant Flt3-L was instillated intra-articularly in combination with peptidoglycans, a Toll Like Receptor 2-ligand with stong arthritogenic properties. Our results show significantly higher levels of Flt3-L in the synovial fluid as compared to serum levels in RA subjects (p = 0.0001). In addition, RA synovial fluid levels of Flt-3-L were significantly higher than these obtained from synovial fluids originating from non-inflammatory joint diseases (p = 0.022). Intra-articular administration of B-cell line transfected with Flt3-L gene resulted in highly erosive arthritis while inoculation of the same B-cell line without hyperexpression of Flt3-L did not induce erosivity and only in a minority of cases caused synovial proliferation! Flt3-ligand potentiated peptidoglycan induced arthritis as compared to mice injected with peptidoglycan alone (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicate that Flt3-L is strongly expressed at the site of inflammation in human RA. It exerts both pro-inflammatory and tissue destructive properties once in the joint cavity. Owing to these properties, treatment attempts to neutralize this molecule should be considered in RA.
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23. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Lifestyle factors and comorbidities in gout patients compared to the general population in Western Sweden: results from a questionnaire study.
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 51:5, s. 390-393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to identify lifestyle factors associated with gout in patients with prevalent gout compared to the general population.Adult patients with gout identified in primary and secondary care in Western Sweden between 2015 and 2017 were sent a questionnaire asking about demographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Five age- and gender-matched controls were identified in a random sample of 52348 individuals aged 16-84years who participated in the National Public Health survey in Sweden, year 2015. Logistic regression models were used to compare cases and controls with regard to lifestyle factors and comorbidities.Of the 1589 invited gout patients, 868 (55%) responded. After matching for age and gender, 728 were included in the analysis (82.4% male; mean±sd age 69.3±10.5 years for men and 71.8±9.9 years for women with gout). Male and female gout patients were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese (men 79% vs 66%; women 78.5% vs 65.3%), to have binge-drinking behaviour (men 29.9% vs 11%; women 13.7% vs 2.9%), and to be ex-smokers, compared to controls. Moreover, male gout patients reported lower levels of physical activity, while diabetes and hypertension were more common in both genders with gout than in controls.In this questionnaire study, gout patients reported significantly more obesity and binge-drinking behaviour and less physical activity than controls. This suggests that there are great unmet needs for the management of lifestyle factors, particularly regarding overweight/obesity and binge drinking, in patients with gout.
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24. |
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25. |
- Dehlin, Mats, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Sex and country differences in gout: cross-country comparison between Sweden and the UK.
- 2023
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In: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 52:6, s. 673-682
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Compare characteristics, sex differences, and management of gout in Sweden and the UK.The results from two separate primary care gout surveys from Sweden and the UK were compared. Participants aged ≥18 years with gout were sent a questionnaire asking about lifestyle, gout characteristics, uratelowering therapy (ULT), comorbidities, disability, and disease impact. For sex comparison, participants were pooled across countries.In total, 784 (80% male) participants from Sweden and 500 (87% male) from the UK were included. Swedish patients were significantly older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 72 (12) versus 63 (13) years, (p<0.0001), with more comorbidities, and more frequent use of ULT (48% vs 35%, p=0.0005, age-adjusted). Use of alcohol and diuretics was significantly more common among UK patients, who also reported a higher number of gout flares, mean (SD) 2.2 (1.7) versus 1.6 (3.6), (p=0.003) age-adjusted. Females with gout were older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 67 (13) versus 56 (15), (p<0.0001), more often obese, and reported higher use of diuretics. Furthermore, females reported greater impact of gout, more pain and physical limitations, whereas no sex differences were seen in ULT or flares.In the UK, gout was more frequently associated with modifiable risk factors. People with gout in Sweden were more commonly taking ULT and had lower frequency of gout flares and impact of gout. Females with gout more commonly took diuretics, had higher body mass index, and reported greater physical disability, which should be considered when managing gout in women.
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