Current Rheumatology Reviews - Volume 21, Issue 2, 2025

Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) following psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or vice versa are uncommon. Due to the complexity of autoimmune diseases and the rarity of such cases, comprehensive global data on the co-occurrence of these conditions are limited. Moreover, the pathophysiology concerning the coexistence of SLE and PsA has yet to be fully understood. Interestingly, the progression of both diseases appears to be significantly influenced by the key interleukin (IL) 17, particularly IL-17A.

Here, we report 7 cases of SLE and PsA coexistence. In 5 of these cases, PsA occurred before the development of SLE, while in the remaining 2 cases, SLE was diagnosed before PsA. The PsA was characterized mainly by peripheral arthritis without any axial involvement, while the manifestations of SLE varied, with 3 developing systematic severe manifestations. Therapeutic challenges were posed in all cases, as treating one condition could worsen the other.

Finally, we review the literature providing the current knowledge on the coexistence of these conditions. Overall, all reported cases emphasize the importance of personalized treatment and careful monitoring for patients with both SLE and PsA.

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted attributes of quercetin, a flavonoid with extensive health-promoting potential. The review navigates through its fundamental properties, encompassing its chemical structure, classification as a flavonoid, and its natural prevalence in various sources. Addressing solubility, stability, and bioavailability challenges, the investigation delves into innovative isolation techniques, including solvent extraction, solid-phase extraction, natural deep eutectic solvents, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, column chromatography, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Transitioning into pharmacological implications, the study unveils quercetin's roles in anti-inflammatory pathways, antioxidant effects, and immune modulation, reflecting its versatile significance in health management. The review highlights its impact on wound healing processes and its potential to mitigate arthritis, elucidating its holistic contributions. Culminating in an exploration of recent studies, the analysis underscores quercetin's remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis activities, reflecting its substantial potential across various ailments. The review concludes by projecting future trajectories, emphasizing prospects for an advanced understanding of quercetin's mechanisms, sustainable extraction techniques, clinical integration, and exploration of synergistic combinations. Collectively, this review investigation underscores quercetin's dynamic role at the intersection of natural compounds and medicinal applications, offering profound implications for well-being and health enhancement.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling autoimmune disease affecting more than 18 million people worldwide and thus becoming one of the important contributors to the global health burden. The majority of the affected are females, especially those above the age of 50, but males and younger adults are equally vulnerable. It is a constellation of genetic and environmental factors that interplay to manifest the joint deformities and disabilities that are the hallmarks of this disease. Painkillers are used alongside disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to minimize the patient’s agony and also to halt the progression of the disease. Worldwide, methotrexate is recommended as the first-line drug, but unexpected resistance is encountered in a significant number of patients. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid with a focus on research studies performed to establish a genetic basis for response fluctuations of methotrexate across different population groups.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the primarily used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). MTX is a safe agent, even when used for years - provided that treatment is regularly monitored and prescribers follow some simple rules, such as prescribing tablets of a single strength only. Proper patient education contributes greatly to safe treatment. The knowledge of important pharmacologic facts, possible interactions, and clinical warning signs also helps to prevent or recognize intoxications early.

Therefore, this review addresses key aspects regarding the safety of MTX. In this respect, it includes adverse events, possible interactions with frequently used drugs and details on the rare but life-threatening intoxication, e.g., due to erroneous daily intake.

Obesity is a growing global health crisis intricately connected to various chronic conditions, including arthritis. This paper explores the intricate web of hormonal changes in the context of obesity and their profound influence on the development and progression of arthritis. Hormones, such as leptin, insulin, cortisol, and estrogen, all altered in obesity, play pivotal roles in inflammation, cartilage degradation, mechanical stress, and pain associated with obesity-related arthritis. Additionally, the mechanical stress placed on weight-bearing joints by excess body weight accelerates joint wear and tear, contributing to arthritis. Genetic factors, shared biomarkers, and pathways further link these conditions. Recognizing these connections is vital for healthcare professionals and individuals facing the challenges of obesity and arthritis, offering insights into strategies for prevention, management, and intervention. This comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between hormonal changes, obesity, and arthritis sheds light on multifaceted mechanisms underlying this intricate relationship.