Research from Osaka Prefecture University broadens understanding of monoclonal antibodies
2007 NOV 19 -- New research, 'Infliximab but not methotrexate induces extra-high levels of VLDL-triglyceride in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,' is the subject of a report. "Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), a pivotal inflammatory cytokine, is known to induce proatherogenic changes in the lipid profile and may increase the cardiovascular risk of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the effects of anti-TNF-alpha antibody (infliximab, IFX) compared with methotrexate (MTX) on lipid profiles in patients with RA We selected retrospectively all patients with refractory RA (n=32) who achieved a successful outcome (DAS-28 score <2.6) in 6 months with IFX treatment, and control groups of age-and sex-matched patients with active RA treated with MTX and healthy participants," researchers in Osaka, Japan report. "We traced fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (TCHO) and triglyceride (TG) for 6 months and used an online dual enzymatic method for simultaneous quantification of cholesterol (CHO) and TG by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Mean C-reactive protein levels (baseline 4.5) fell to below 1 in 6 months. MTX treatment elevated and normalized TCHO and TG levels. IFX treatment, however, preferentially induced extra-high TG levels. HPLC analyses identified similar CHO profiles between patients treated with IFX or MTX, but IFX selectively induced a huge VLDL-TG peak. Statins successfully controlled these extra-high TG levels In patients successfully treated with IFX or MTX, CHO levels were elevated and normalized, but IFX treatment preferentially induced extra-high levels of VLDL-TG," wrote O. Saiki and colleagues, Osaka Prefecture University. The researchers concluded: "Thus, there is differential regulation of the lipid profile between IFX and MTX, necessitating careful attention to TG levels with IFX treatment." Saiki and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Rheumatology (Infliximab but not methotrexate induces extra-high levels of VLDL-triglyceride in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology, 2007;34(10):1997-2004). For additional information, contact O. Saiki, Osaka Prefecture University, Dept. of Rehabilitation, Osaka, Japan. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Rheumatology is: J Rheumatol Publ Co., 920 Yonge St., Suite 115, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3C7, Canada. Keywords: Japan, Osaka, Arthritis, Biotechnology, Drugs, Infliximab, Methotrexate Sodium, Monoclonal Antibodies, Pharmaceuticals, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatology, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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