Pathogenesis Of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies Research Articles

TLR7/8 Activation in Immune Cells and Muscle by RNA-Containing Immune Complexes: Role in Inflammation and the Pathogenesis of Myositis.

Activation of endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) is one possible driver of inflammation in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). We investigated the potential contribution of TLR7 and TLR8 to IIM pathogenesis. Activation of TLR7/8 in healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by immune complexes from patients with IIM and lupus was tested. Autoantibody profiling of patient IgG samples was performed using a 1581-antigen array. TLR7 and/or TLR8 activation by RNA molecules associated with autoantibodies was assessed. Gene expression in human myoblasts and satellite cells following treatment with supernatants from TLR7/8-activated PBMCs was evaluated by NanoString. C57BL/6 mice were dosed intramuscularly with the TLR7/8 agonist R848 and single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on the muscle to ascertain the cell types responding to TLR7/8 activation and the downstream effects. Overall, 69 patients with IIM were included with representation of dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM) subsets. Immune complexes from patients with IIM, as well as autoantibody-associated RNAs His-tRNA, Y1, Y4 and U1, activated PBMCs to produce IFN-α and IL-6 via TLR7/8. Several canonical (Ro60, Ro52, HIST1H4A) and novel (IL-36RN) autoreactivities correlated highly with TLR7/8 activation. Supernatants from TLR7/8-activated PBMCs had a negative impact on human myoblasts and satellite cells. Endothelial cells were activated by R848 in mouse muscle in vivo, in addition to immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages. Our results suggest that patients with IIM have autoantibodies in their blood causing TLR7/8 activation, which leads to inflammation in muscles with potential deleterious effects.

Murine models of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are divided into polymyositis and dermatomyositis (DM) with specific cutaneous manifestation. Several myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) have been identified in IIMs and were found to be associated with distinct clinical features, including anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS) and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Moreover, MSA-related clinical features have been identified even within DM. Although MSAs are valuable for the diagnosis of IIMs, the pathogenic roles of these antibodies remain unknown. To investigate the pathogenesis of IIMs, classical murine models of autoimmune myositis, experimental autoimmune myositis, and C protein-induced myositis have been established by immunization with muscle-specific antigens, myosin, and myosin-binding skeletal C protein, respectively. To according to MSA-related autoimmunity, a murine model of ASyS was generated by immunization with a murine recombinant histidyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase, Jo-1, in which muscle and lung inflammation are induced depending on acquired immunity. Furthermore, it was found that the transfer of human Immunoglobulin G (IgGs) from patients with IMNM, comprising anti-signal recognition particles and anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase antibodies, induced complement-mediated myositis in recipient mice. We found that CD8+ T cell-mediated myositis can be established depending on autoimmunity against transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ), an autoantigen for MSAs induced by recombinant human TIF1γ immunization. These new murine models reflecting MSA-associated IIMs will reveal the immunological mechanisms underlying IIMs.

Antigen-driven T cell-macrophage interactions mediate the interface between innate and adaptive immunity in histidyl-tRNA synthetase-induced myositis.

Previous work in humans has demonstrated that both innate and adaptive immune signaling pathways contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), a systemic autoimmune disease targeting muscle as well as extra-muscular organs. To better define interactive signaling networks in IIM, we characterized the cellular phenotype and transcriptomic profiles of muscle-infiltrating cells in our established murine model of histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HRS)-induced myositis. Myositis was induced in wild type (WT) and various congenic/mutant strains of C57BL/6 mice through intramuscular immunization with recombinant HRS. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, flow cytometric, and transcriptomic assessments were used to characterize the functional relationship between muscle-infiltrating cell populations in these strains lacking different components of innate and/or adaptive immune signaling. RAG1 KO mice developed markedly reduced muscle inflammation relative to WT mice, demonstrating a key requirement for T cells in driving HRS-induced myositis. While the reduction of mononuclear cell infiltrates in CD4-Cre.MyD88fl/fl conditional knockout mice and OT-II TCR transgenic mice highlighted roles for both innate and TCR-mediated/adaptive immune signaling in T cells, diminished inflammation in Lyz2-Cre.MyD88fl/fl conditional knockout mice underscored the importance of macrophage/myeloid cell populations in supporting T cell infiltration. Single cell RNA sequencing-based clustering of muscle-infiltrating subpopulations and associated pathway analyses showed that perturbations of T cell signaling/function alter the distribution and phenotype of macrophages, fibroblasts, and other non-lymphoid cell populations contributing to HRS-induced myositis. Overall, HRS-induced myositis reflects the complex interplay between multiple cell types that collectively drive a TH1-predominant, pro-inflammatory tissue phenotype requiring antigen-mediated activation of both MyD88- and TCR-dependent T cell signaling pathways.

The role of neutrophil extracellular traps and proinflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by immune-mediated muscle injury. Abnormal neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can be used as a biomarker of IIM disease activity, but the mechanism of NET involvement in IIMs needs to be elucidated. Important components of NETs, including high-mobility group box 1, DNA, histones, extracellular matrix, serum amyloid A, and S100A8/A9, act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to promote inflammation in IIMs. NETs can act on different cells to release large amounts of cytokines and activate the inflammasome, which can subsequently aggravate the inflammatory response. Based on the idea that NETs may be proinflammatory DAMPs of IIMs, we describe the role of NETs, DAMPs, and their interaction in the pathogenesis of IIMs and discuss the possible targeted treatment strategies in IIMs.

Double Negative B cells are decreased in patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Abstract Background: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by skeletal muscle inflammation, frequently accompanied by extra muscular features associated with specific autoantibodies. The detailed pathogenesis of IIM remains unclear, but evidence suggests autoreactive B cells may play an essential role in this process. However, little is known about changes in peripheral blood B cell subsets in adult IIM patients. Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of B cell subsets among patients with IIM and their clinical correlation with disease activity. Methods: Using a multiparametric flow cytometric approach, we determined the frequencies of B cell subsets in a cohort of 36 patients with IIM and correlated their values with clinical and laboratory data. Results: DN B cells (CD27 −IgD −), which represent an atypical B cell subset associated with various autoimmune diseases, showed a significant decrease in frequencies and a correlation with the MMT8 score. Within the DN subset, the DN1 subpopulation (CD21 +CD11c −) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. There was also a significant decrease in the memory B cell subpopulation (CD27 +CD38 −) and the non-classic memory B cell subpopulation (CD27 −CD38 −CD24 +). A significant increase in naive B cells (CD27 −IgD +) was observed. However, none of the previously described subpopulations correlated with clinical features. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a decrease in frequencies in the double negative B cell subset in adult IIM patients and showed a correlation with clinical features, which suggests that these B cells could be related to disease activity. UNAM-DGAPA-PAPIIT IN212122

The Emerging Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Increasing evidence points towards mitochondria as crucial players in the initiation and progression of auto-immune and degenerative disorders, to which impaired cell metabolism is but a facet of the subjacent etiopathogenesis. This review aims to introduce the reader to essential concepts of mitochondrial abnormalities in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), underscoring inclusion-body myositis and dermatomyositis. Far surpassing the initial simplistic view of being responsible for energy generation, mitochondria have gathered attention regarding their role in inflammatory processes, being able to fuel autoimmunity, as shown by the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) in up to 10% of IIM patients. As cellular respiration takes place, mitochondrial metabolites might help to shape the pro-inflammatory milieu in affected muscle, beyond generating reactive oxygen species, which are well-recognized inducers of damage-associated molecular patterns. A series of mitochondrial components might facilitate the sterile activation of pro-inflammatory cells and the production of several cytokines responsible for enhancing auto-immune responses. Marked variation in the mitochondrial genome has also been reported in IIM patients. As such, we summarize key historical and recent advances linking aberrations and instabilities of mitochondrial DNA to impaired muscle function. Besides discussing mitochondrial dysfunction as an essential part of IIM development, we also highlight possible associations between presence of AMAs and a particular phenotype of IIM, with its own characteristic clinical and radiological pattern. Finally, we present promising treatment approaches targeting mitochondria, while briefly discussing experimental models for gaining deeper insight into the disease process, and ultimately leading to novel drug development.

Targeting intracellular pathways in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A narrative review.

In recent decades, several pieces of evidence have drawn greater attention to the topic of innate immunity, in particular, interferon (IFN) and Interleukin 6 in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Both of these molecules transduce their signal through a receptor coupled with Janus kinases (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STAT). In this review, we discuss the role of the JAK/STAT pathway in IIM, evaluate a possible therapeutic role for JAK inhibitors in this group of diseases, focusing on those with the strongest IFN signature (dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome).

ПОЛИМИОЗИТ: НОВЫЙ ВЗГЛЯД НА СТАРУЮ ПРОБЛЕМУ

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are the group of rare heterogeneous autoimmune diseases of unknown etiology, characterized by inflammatory le-sions of the striated muscles and skin, as well as the development of specific organ pathology. The history of the study idiopathic inflammatory myopathies has more than 100 years. Initially, this group of diseases included only 2 main subtypes: dermatomysitis and polymyositis. The latter was the main subtype of myopathies, it corresponded to 2/3 of the clinical descriptions of this pa-thology available at that time. The discovery of myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies at the end of the 20th century made it possible to significantly expand the understanding of the pathogenesis of idiopathic in-flammatory myopathies. Not only the autoimmune genesis of myopathies was proven, but also their immunological heterogeneity, as well as the existence of clinical and immunological subtypes. Today, with no serological markers, no skin lesions, and no unique histo-logical presentation, polymyositis is a difficult-to-diagnose disease that can of-ten be misdiagnosed in patients with another pathology or subtype of idio-pathic inflammatory myopathies. According to most experts, polymyositis is currently a diagnosis of exclusion and is the rarest subtype of idiopathic in-flammatory myopathies, accounting to no more than 5 % of all cases in this group.

Autoantigenic properties of the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase family in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

ObjectivesAutoantibodies are thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). However, up to 40% of IIM patients, even those with clinical manifestations of anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD), test seronegative to known myositis-specific autoantibodies. We hypothesized the existence of new potential autoantigens among human cytoplasmic aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) in patients with IIM. MethodsPlasma samples from 217 patients with IIM according to 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria, including 50 patients with ASSD, 165 without, and two with unknown ASSD status were identified retrospectively, as well as age and gender-matched sera from 156 population controls, and 219 disease controls. Patients with previously documented ASSD had to test positive for at least one of the five most common anti-aaRS autoantibodies (anti-Jo1, -PL7, -PL12, -EJ, and -OJ) and present with one or more of the following clinical manifestations: interstitial lung disease, myositis, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, fever, or mechanic's hands. Demographics, laboratory, and clinical data of the IIM cohort (ASSD and non-ASSD) were compared. Samples were screened using a multiplex bead array assay for presence of autoantibodies against a panel of 117 recombinant protein variants, representing 33 myositis-related proteins, including all nineteen cytoplasmic aaRS. Prospectively collected clinical data for the IIM cohort were retrieved and compared between groups within the IIM cohort and correlated with the results of the autoantibody screening. Principal component analysis was used to analyze clinical manifestations between ASSD, non-ASSD groups, and individuals with novel anti-aaRS autoantibodies. ResultsWe identified reactivity towards 16 aaRS in 72 of the 217 IIM patients. Twelve patients displayed reactivity against nine novel aaRS. The novel autoantibody specificities were detected in four previously seronegative patients for myositis-specific autoantibodies and eight with previously detected myositis-specific autoantibodies. IIM individuals with novel anti-aaRS autoantibodies (n = 12) all had signs of myositis, and they had either muscle weakness and/or muscle enzyme elevation, 2/12 had mechanic's hands, 3/12 had interstitial lung disease, and 2/12 had arthritis. The individuals with novel anti-aaRS and a pathological muscle biopsy all presented widespread up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I. The reactivities against novel aaRS could be confirmed in ELISA and western blot. Using the multiplex bead array assay, we could confirm previously known reactivities to four of the most common aaRS (Jo1, PL12, PL7, and EJ (n = 45)) and identified patients positive for anti-Zo, -KS, and -HA (n = 10) that were not previously tested. A low frequency of anti-aaRS autoantibodies was also detected in controls. ConclusionOur results suggest that most, if not all, cytoplasmic aaRS may become autoantigenic. Autoantibodies against new aaRS may be found in plasma of patients previously classified as seronegative with potential high clinical relevance.

Autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: Does the endoplasmic reticulum stress response have a role?

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of rare, acquired autoimmune diseases characterized by profound muscle weakness and immune cell invasion into non-necrotic muscle. They are related to the presence of antibodies known as myositis-specific antibodies and myositis-associated antibodies, which are associated with various IIM phenotypes and the clinical prognosis. The possibility of the participation of other pathological mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response in IIM has been proposed. Such mechanisms include the overexpression of major histocompatibility complex class I in myofibers, which correlates with the activation of stress responses of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Taking into account the importance of the ER for the maintenance of homeostasis of the musculoskeletal system in the regulation of proteins, there is probably a relationship between immunological and non-immunological processes and autoimmunity, and an example of this might be IIM. We propose that ER stress and its relief mechanisms could be related to inflammatory mechanisms triggering a humoral response in IIM, suggesting that ER stress might be related to the triggering of IIMs and their auto-antibodies’ production.

Evolving classification and role of muscle biopsy in diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a broad term that includes dermatomyositis, polymyositis, overlap myositis, sporadic inclusion body myositis, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. The understanding of the pathogenesis of IIM is ever-evolving with regular updates in the classification schema. With the recognition of autoantibodies and their detection, the diagnostic algorithms are changing in favor of non-invasive diagnoses. However, muscle biopsy has immensely contributed to our understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies, and the pathologic features of different subtypes are well established. The biopsy also aids in distinguishing myopathies with overlapping clinical features, particularly dystrophies, which can show inflammation on biopsy in some cases. In this article, the various classification schemes of the IIM are reviewed. Also, the pathogenesis and pathology of each type of IIM have been highlighted. This article emphasizes the role of muscle biopsy in the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies.

The Expression of Cytokine Profiles and Related Receptors in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Background: Cytokines play a vital role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Here, we investigated the expression of serum cytokine profiles in untreated IIMs and their correlations with clinical indicators, and further studied the expression of related cytokines receptors in IIMs. Methods: The Human 48-Plex Luminex assay for cytokines was performed in the serum of IIMs, including 93 untreated and 18 follow-up (39 samples) patients, and 32 healthy controls (HC). Mann-Whitney U test with bonferroni adjusted was used to identify the differentially expressed cytokines among groups. Celltalker software was used to identify the receptors of differentially expressed cytokines. The expression of receptors was further validated by published GEO datasets (muscle, blood and skin), RT-qPCR, western blot and flow cytometry. Results: The serum levels of Eotaxin, IL7, IL18, IP10, MCP1, MCSF, MIG and SCGFβ were elevated in the 93 untreated patients. Except for IL7, all other cytokines were decreased after treatment and their levels were positively correlated with clinical indices such as LDH, ESR, CRP, ALT, IgA, AST and IgG while negatively correlated with albumin and MMT8. According to the serum myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs), patients were classified into three groups: anti-ARS (Jo-1, OJ, EJ, PL7, PL12), anti-MDA5 positive, and anti-TIF1γ positive. Compared with HC, the levels of IP10 and MIG were increased in three groups. Moreover, IL18 and MSCF were increased in anti-ARS patients, and CTACK, Eotaxin, IL1Rα, IL7, IL18, MCP1, MCP3, MCSF and SCGFβ were elevated in anti-MDA5 patients. Twenty receptors of the 8 differentially expressed cytokines were matched by celltalker software, among them, IL18R1 and CCR1 were up-regulated in blood, muscle and skin of IIMs from the analysis of GEO published datasets. RT-qPCR and western blot further validated IL18R1 was upregulated in the muscle tissues of dermatomyositis. The number of IL18R1+CD4+ cells was increased while IL18R1+CD8+ cells was decreased in peripheral blood of anti-MDA5 patients. Conclusion: This study showed that cytokine profiles were significantly changed in IIMs, and different MSA groups had unique cytokine expression patterns. The levels of some cytokine were correlated with clinical indices. The IL18 receptor IL18R1 might play important roles in IIMs.

Activation of TLR4 induces inflammatory muscle injury via mTOR and NF-κB pathways in experimental autoimmune myositis mice

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is an autoimmune disease that invades skeletal muscle; however, the etiology of IIM is still poorly understood. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 has been widely reported to take part in the autoimmune inflammation of IIMs. The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, is a key central substance which mediates immune responses and metabolic changes, and also has been confirmed to be involved in the pathogenesis of IIMs. However, the interconnectedness between TLR4 and mTOR in IIM inflammation has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that TLR4 may play an important role in IIM inflammatory muscle injury by regulating mTOR. Mice were divided into four groups: a normal control group, IIM animal model (experimental autoimmune myositis, EAM) group, TAK242 intervention group and rapamycin (RAPA) intervention group. The results of EAM mice showed that TLR4, mTOR, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammatory factors interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA levels were significantly upregulated. These factors were positively correlated with the degree of muscle inflammatory injury. When EAM mice were given the antagonist TAK242 to inhibit the TLR4 pathway, the results demonstrated that both mTOR and NF-κB were downregulated in the muscle of the mice. Muscle staining showed that the inflammatory injury was alleviated and the EAM mouse muscle strength was improved. Then, RAPA was used to inhibit the mTOR pathway, and the inflammatory factors IL-17A and IFN-γ were downregulated in EAM mouse muscle and serum. Consistently, muscle inflammatory injury was significantly reduced, and muscle strength was significantly improved. Our results suggest that TLR4 may regulate inflammatory muscle injury in EAM by activating the mTOR and NF-κB pathways, which provides both an experimental complement for the pathological mechanism of IIM and an encouraging target for the selection of effective treatments.

Contribution of Rare Genetic Variation to Disease Susceptibility in a Large Scandinavian Myositis Cohort.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a heterogeneous group of complex autoimmune conditions characterized by inflammation in skeletal muscle and extramuscular compartments, and interferon (IFN) system activation. We undertook this study to examine the contribution of genetic variation to disease susceptibility and to identify novel avenues for research in IIMs. Targeted DNA sequencing was used to mine coding and potentially regulatory single nucleotide variants from ~1,900 immune-related genes in a Scandinavian case-control cohort of 454 IIM patients and 1,024 healthy controls. Gene-based aggregate testing, together with rare variant- and gene-level enrichment analyses, was implemented to explore genotype-phenotype relations. Gene-based aggregate tests of all variants, including rare variants, identified IFI35 as a potential genetic risk locus for IIMs, suggesting a genetic signature of type I IFN pathway activation. Functional annotation of the IFI35 locus highlighted a regulatory network linked to the skeletal muscle-specific gene PTGES3L, as a potential candidate for IIM pathogenesis. Aggregate genetic associations with AGER and PSMB8 in the major histocompatibility complex locus were detected in the antisynthetase syndrome subgroup, which also showed a less marked genetic signature of the type I IFN pathway. Enrichment analyses indicated a burden of synonymous and noncoding rare variants in IIM patients, suggesting increased disease predisposition associated with these classes of rare variants. Our study suggests the contribution of rare genetic variation to disease susceptibility in IIM and specific patient subgroups, and pinpoints genetic associations consistent with previous findings by gene expression profiling. These features highlight genetic profiles that are potentially relevant to disease pathogenesis.

Programmed Cell Death Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a heterogeneous group of acquired, autoimmune muscle diseases characterized by muscle inflammation and extramuscular involvements. Present literatures have revealed that dysregulated cell death in combination with impaired elimination of dead cells contribute to the release of autoantigens, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and inflammatory cytokines, and result in immune responses and tissue damages in autoimmune diseases, including IIMs. This review summarizes the roles of various forms of programmed cell death pathways in the pathogenesis of IIMs and provides evidence for potential therapeutic targets.

Study of the correlation between the noncanonical pathway of pyroptosis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is complex and unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the noncanonical pathway of pyroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of IIM, and the intervention effect of drugs glyburide and bright blue G (BBG). MethodsAfter the drug intervention, we detected the expression of the caspase-4, caspase-5, caspase-11, GSDMD, pannexin-1, NLRP3 and P2X7R proteins in skeletal muscle tissues from the six groups using Western blotting. We detected the expression of the caspase-11, GSDMD, pannexin-1, NLRP3 and P2X7R mRNAs in skeletal muscle tissues from the six groups using RT-qPCR and detected the serum IL-18 and IL-1β levels in the six groups using ELISAs. ResultLower expression levels of the P2X7R and NLRP3 proteins were observed in the EAM + BBG group than in the EAM1 group (P < 0.05). The expression of NLRP3 in the EAM + glyburide group was lower than in the EAM2 group (P < 0.05). Lower expression levels of the P2X7R and NLRP3 mRNAs were detected in the EAM + BBG group than in the EAM1 group (P < 0.05). NLRP3 was expressed at lower levels in the EAM + glyburide group than in the EAM2 group (P < 0.05). Lower serum IL-1β levels were detected in the EAM + BBG group than in the EAM1 group (P < 0.05), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the EAM + glyburide group were lower than those in the EAM2 group (P < 0.05). ConclusionOur results suggest that the noncanonical pathway of pyroptosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of IIM, and glyburide and BBG exert certain intervention effects on its pathogenesis.

Decreased Serum 25-(OH)-D Level Associated With Muscle Enzyme and Myositis Specific Autoantibodies in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy.

ObjectivesTo determine whether there is serum vitamin D deficiency and the low levels of serum vitamin D are correlated with serological and immunological indexes in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).MethodsA total of 63 newly diagnosed patients with IIM, and 55 age- and sex- matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of 25-(OH)-D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations of 25-(OH)-D levels with disease indicators and T cell subsets were analyzed.ResultThe levels of serum 25-(OH)-D in IIM were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (9.36 ± 5.56 vs 26.56 ± 5.37 ng/ml, p<0.001). The levels of serum liver enzyme ALT and AST and muscle enzyme CK, CKMB, LDH and HBDH were elevated as deficiency of vitamin D. In addition, the serum 25-(OH)-D levels were negatively correlated to ALT (r = -0.408, p = 0.001) and AST (r = -0.338, p = 0.007). The 25-(OH)-D levels in IIM patients in presence of anti-Jo-1 were significantly lower than those in patients without anti-Jo-1 (5.24 ± 3.17 vs 9.32 ± 5.60 ng/ml; p = 0.037). Similar results were found in patients with or without anti-Mi-2 antibody. The serum 25-(OH)-D levels were positively associated with total T (r = 0.203, p = 0.012) and Treg cells (r = 0.331, p = 0.013). The patients with deficient levels of vitamin D were more likely to have heliotrope, gastrointestinal and liver involvement.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency existed in IIM patients, which was significantly correlated with muscle enzyme, presence of anti-Jo-1 and anti-Mi-2 antibody, and the absolute numbers of total T and Treg cells in IIM. It is suggested that vitamin D may play an important role in the immunological pathogenesis of IIM.

The Role of Immune Cells in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are chronic autoimmune disorders involving multiple organs, such as the muscle, skin, lungs and joints. Although the detailed pathogenesis of IIMs remains unclear, immune mechanisms have long been recognised as of key importance. Immune cells contribute to many inflammatory processes via intercellular interactions and secretion of inflammatory factors, and many studies have demonstrated the participation of a variety of immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, in the development of IIMs. Here, we summarise the current knowledge regarding immune cells in IIM patients and discuss their potential roles in IIM pathogenesis.

Altered dynamics of lipid metabolism in muscle cells from patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy is ameliorated by 6months of training.

Regular exercise improves muscle functional capacity and clinical state of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). In our study, we used an in vitro model of human primary muscle cell cultures, derived from IIM patients before and after a 6-month intensive supervised training intervention to assess the impact of disease and exercise on lipid metabolism dynamics. We provide evidence that muscle cells from IIM patients display altered dynamics of lipid metabolism and impaired adaptive response to saturated fatty acid load compared to healthy controls. A 6-month intensive supervised exercise training intervention in patients with IIM mitigated disease effects in their cultured muscle cells, improving or normalizing their capacity to handle lipids. These findings highlight the putative role of intrinsic metabolic defects of skeletal muscle in the pathogenesis of IIM and the positive impact of exercise, maintained in vitro by yet unknown epigenetic mechanisms. Exercise improves skeletal muscle function, clinical state and quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Our aim was to identify disease-related metabolic perturbations and the impact of exercise in skeletal muscle cells of IIM patients. Patients underwent a 6-month intensive supervised training intervention. Muscle function, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were examined and muscle cell cultures were established (m. vastus lateralis; Bergström needle biopsy) before and after training from patients and sedentary age/sex/body mass index-matched controls. [14 C]Palmitate was used to determine fat oxidation and lipid synthesis (thin layer chromatography). Cells were exposed to a chronic (3days) and acute (3h) metabolic challenge (the saturated fatty acid palmitate, 100μm). Reduced oxidative (intermediate metabolites, -49%, P=0.034) and non-oxidative (diglycerides, -38%, P=0.013) lipid metabolism was identified in palmitate-treated muscle cells from IIM patients compared to controls. Three days of palmitate exposure elicited distinct regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPHOS) complex IV and complex V/ATP synthase (P=0.012/0.005) and adipose triglyceride lipase in patients compared to controls (P=0.045) (immunoblotting). Importantly, 6months of training in IIM patients improved lipid metabolism (CO2 , P=0.010; intermediate metabolites, P=0.041) and activation of AMP kinase (P=0.007), and nearly normalized palmitate-induced changes in OxPHOS proteins in myotubes from IIM patients, in parallel with improvements of patients' clinical state. Myotubes from IIM patients displayed altered dynamics of lipid metabolism and impaired response to metabolic challenge with saturated fatty acid. Our observations suggest that metabolic defects intrinsic to skeletal muscle could represent non-immune pathomechanisms, which can contribute to muscle weakness in IIM. A 6-month training intervention mitigated disease effects in muscle cells in vitro, indicating the existence of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.

Interleukin-35 in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

BackgroundInterleukin-35 (IL-35) is a recently described heterodimeric cytokine that belongs to the IL-12 family and consists of p35 (IL-12a) and EBI3 (IL-27b) subunits. The expression of IL-35 in humans is inducible in response to inflammatory stimuli. Increased IL-35 levels were documented in several autoimmune inflammatory diseases, suggesting a possible immunomodulatory role in their pathogenesis. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore a potential role of IL-35 in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) by studying the expression of IL-35 subunits in muscle biopsy samples and by evaluating serum levels of IL-35 and their association with disease activity in IIM patients. MethodsThe expression of IL-35 subunits was studied in serial sections of 9 muscle biopsy samples [4 polymyositis (PM), 5 dermatomyositis (DM)] and in 7 non-inflammatory control muscle biopsies. Serum levels of IL-35 were measured in 23 PM, 28 DM and 15 cancer associated myositis (CAM) patients as well as in 40 healthy controls. Disease activity was evaluated using the Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Tool (MDAAT) and by serum muscle enzymes. ResultsExpression of both IL-35 subunits was evident in the inflammatory infiltrates in IIM muscle biopsies, while no IL-35 expression was observed in control muscle samples. IL-35 serum levels were increased in all IIM patients compared to healthy controls [median 119.5 (range 32.1–1074.5) vs 36.2 (range 1.5–86.5) pg/ml, P < 0.001]. There were no differences in IL-35 serum levels between myositis subgroups (DM, PM or CAM). Serum IL-35 levels correlated significantly with physician's assessment of global (r = 0.29, p = 0.021), muscle (r = 0.30, p = 0.017) and extramuscular (r = 0.30, p = 0.016) disease activity as well as creatine kinase (r = 0.26, p = 0.044) and lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.40, p = 0.003) levels. There was a significant correlation with pulmonary activity in patients with interstitial lung disease (r = 0.39, p = 0.037). Serum IL-35 correlated negatively with duration of treatment (r = −34, p = 0.009). ConclusionsIL-35 is overexpressed in inflammatory infiltrates in muscle tissue and serum in IIM patients and there is correlation with several disease activity parameters. These data suggest potential role of locally produced IL-35 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies.