TNF Blockade and HMGB1 Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Sundberg Erik, Grundtman Cecilia, af Klint Erik, Lindberg Johan, Ernestam Sofia, Ulfgren Ann-Kristin, Harris Helena Erlandsson, Andersson Ulf
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital
Hypothesis
Does TNF blockade affect the expression of HMGB1 in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Conclusion
TNF-blocking therapy with infliximab does not significantly alter HMGB1 expression in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Supporting Evidence
- HMGB1 expression did not change significantly after infliximab treatment.
- Clinical response to infliximab therapy was not correlated with changes in HMGB1 levels.
- Inflammation signs persisted despite TNF blockade.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a treatment for arthritis changes a specific protein related to inflammation, and it found that the treatment didn't really change that protein's levels.
Methodology
Synovial tissue was sampled from patients before and after infliximab therapy, and HMGB1 expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of patients and the subjective nature of histological scoring.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and only included patients with knee arthritis.
Participant Demographics
Nine patients (7 females, 2 males) with a median age of 57 years and a median disease duration of 6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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