Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2016

Type I interferons contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, with each interferon being preferentially produced in different settings by different cells. Could knowing which one is predominant in a given disease — or patient — lead to better therapies?

Statin treatment is a cornerstone in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, but questions remain regarding its effects in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Is there enough evidence supporting the use of statins in these patients?

Autoantibodies against end products of lipid peroxidation have unexpected effects on atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The discovery of their effects could lead to new theories about the role of the adaptive immune system in SLE.

Glucocorticoids are cost-effective drugs that exert strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. However, there is increasing awareness of their potential adverse effects. Although Cushingoid appearance and weight gain have been known for decades, modern measurements of body composition now enable detailed insights into glucocorticoid-induced changes in fat mass and redistribution.

This Review provides an overview of new discoveries that are changing our understanding of the complex role of the human gut microbiota and its metabolites in health and disease, including their effects on rheumatic diseases. Factors that modulate the microbiota, such as diet and probiotics, and advances in pharmacomicrobiomics are also discussed.

This Review discusses the current treatment of the manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome and summarizes ongoing clinical trials. The authors examine the status of biologic therapies, the challenges relating to clinical trial design and potential targets for the future therapies.

Macrophages, which have roles in the pathogenesis and resolution of rheumatoid arthritis, consist of a heterogeneous population of cells with different origins and functions. This Review describes these properties, and considers the potential for therapeutic targeting of specific macrophage subtypes.

Mendelian randomization analysis makes use of random inheritance of genetic variants to limit confounding in tests for causal relationships between risk factors and disease outcomes. This Review considers the current and future applications, as well as the limitations, of Mendelian randomization in rheumatology.