Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with anti-TNF-alpha agents: A reappraisal

Normalization of A2A and A3 adenosine receptor up‐regulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients by treatment with anti–tumor necrosis factor α but not methotrexate

“…The discovery that tumor necrosis factor ␣ (TNF␣) plays a central role in the initiation and amplification of synovitis (5,6) led to the development of anti-TNF␣ agents that are more effective than classic DMARDs in producing a rapid reduction in disease activity and in preventing radiographic progression (7)(8)(9). Most trials have also shown that the combination of anti-TNF␣ agents with MTX is better than using either drug alone (6).…”

“…In fact, although the etiology and pathogenesis of RA are not fully understood, cytokines such as TNF␣ are known to play a central role in disease progression. The introduction of TNF␣ blocking agents has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to the RA patient by producing a significant improvement in quality of life (5,6). TNF␣ and other inflammatory agents are now known to be under the control of NF-B, suggesting that this transcription factor could be one of the master regulators of inflammatory cytokine production in RA (49).…”

Development of Nephrotic Syndrome in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Certolizumab

“…Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors have become widely accepted and are vital in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases 1 . Their target, TNF-α, promotes inflammation through a variety of mechanisms, including cytokine and chemokine expression, and suppression of regulatory T cells 2 .…”

“…Their target, TNF-α, promotes inflammation through a variety of mechanisms, including cytokine and chemokine expression, and suppression of regulatory T cells 2 . Although an important therapy for many inflammatory diseases, TNF-α inhibitors may contribute to serious adverse effects, including infection, heart failure, and hematologic and nervous system disorders 1 .…”

Tumor necrosis factor α antagonists in the treatment of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…Lek może być stosowany w monoterapii, w przypadku nietolerancji metotreksatu (MTX) lub w połączeniu z MTX u pacjentów, u których stosowanie klasycznych LMPCh jest nieskuteczne [5,13,18,24,25,28].…”