Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
Methotrexate is commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In this Review, the authors discuss the potential hepatotoxicity of methotrexate, with particular consideration of the role of chronic liver disease, and suggest screening and monitoring strategies for patients receiving methotrexate.
A novel strategy for the repair of articular cartilage involves converting fibrocartilage to hyaline cartilage by modifying the cytoskeleton of fibrotic chondrocytes.
An analysis of blood gene-expression signatures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has identified several patterns of expression, some of which are associated with disease activity and features such as the response to rituximab.
New research shows that combining a hydrogel with nanozymes to modify the hypoxic, inflammatory joint environment in rheumatoid arthritis enables stem cells to promote osseointegration.
In this Review, the authors discuss vascular involvement in Behçet syndrome and how the unusual pathogenesis involving an impaired immune-inflammatory response influences the treatment approach, which differs from that of other vasculitides.
Janus kinase inhibitors continue to show promise in a diverse range of indications, but administration of these drugs needs careful consideration of the benefits and risks. Among a plethora of publications in 2022, notable studies explored an important new indication and provided insights into safety concerns.
Electronic health records (EHRs) contain enormous amounts of real-world data that could inform researchers, doctors and patients about many aspects of rheumatology. However, EHRs are not yet fully utilized, mainly because automatic data extraction is difficult. Several studies in 2022 highlight the feasibility and clinical utility of computer-assisted EHR analysis.
In 2022, advances in the prediction of the response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis resulted from gene-expression profiling in synovial biopsy samples, assessment of the expression of interferon-response genes in the blood, and the application of machine learning to patients’ clinical parameters and genetic variance.
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, our knowledge of the effects of vaccines in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases has remained incomplete. In particular, the effects of immunomodulatory therapies on vaccine success are poorly understood. Three notable papers from the past year have helped to fill these knowledge gaps.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a mouse model of Sjögren syndrome and is a potential therapeutic target.
Cartilage calcification is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. In this Review, the authors discuss the molecular mechanisms of calcium crystal formation in chondrocytes, the effects of crystals on cells in the joint, and potential targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other calcification disorders.
New research suggests that A20 expressed in fibroblasts protects against fibrosis (whereas its negative regulator downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) promotes fibrosis), and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the A20–DREAM network.
In this Perspective, the authors propose a model in which an imbalance of threat and soothing systems leads to hyperactivation of the brain’s salience network, which, in conjunction with other mechanisms, contributes to fibromyalgia.
A gut bacterium found in people at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or with early RA is recognized by circulating autoantibodies, and is arthritogenic when it colonizes germ-free mice, suggesting a causal role in RA development.
Inhibition of the DNA damage response kinase ATR prevents B cells from IFNα-mediated acquisition of a systemic lupus erythematosus immunogenic profile.
Research related to the role of the synovium and its cell constituents during the pathogenies of osteoarthritis (OA) has taken a back seat to that of the cartilage and chondrocytes. The influence of synoviocytes in OA is increasingly recognized, but are synoviocytes equal in their contributions to disease progression?
Glycosylation is a common modification that can affect protein stability and interactions. In this Review, the authors discuss the role of glycosylation in rheumatic diseases, as well as the therapeutic potential of glycosylation-based interventions.
The design of effective inhibitors of protein–protein interactions is challenging. In a new study, thermal fluctuation of protein structure was simulated to identify small-molecule candidates that inhibit protein–protein interactions. The application of this technique to other protein–protein interactions might facilitate the replacement of biologic agents with orally available small-molecule drugs.
