Lysophosphatidic Acid / Autotaxin Axis in Rheumatoid Lung Disease
France40 participantsStarted 2021-03-03
Plain-language summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune relapsing disease characterized by joint inflammation. Beside arthritis leading to progressive joint damage and loss of function, RA is also associated to extraarticular inflammatory conditions such as interstitial lung disease (ILD). This one develops in 30% of all RA patients with a median survival expectancy of 3 to 10 years once symptomatic. Unfortunately, there is no medical care recommendation so far as the pathophysiology is unknown. However, ILD share many similarities with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Autotaxin (ATX), due to its lysophospholipase activity, produces a bioactive lipid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) under inflammation. LPA has pleiotropic actions inducing cell proliferation, survival, motility and differentiation. Increased ATX and LPA levels have been detected in synovial fluid of RA patients and in IPF patients. ATX is also currently the target for a phase 3 clinical trial in IPF.
Given the previous described role of ATX/LPA axis in arthritis and inflammation-induced bone loss in RA and the similarities between RA-ILD and IPF, the investigators hypothesized that ATX/LPA axis may be also an attractive drug target for this pulmonary condition in RA and therefore that ATX and LPA may be increased in sputum from RA patients with ILD in comparison with sputum from RA patients without ILD.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
General inclusion criteria
* Subject aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 70 years
* Patient with RA with ACPA in the state phase, meeting ACR / EULAR 2010 criteria
* For female subjects:
* Likely to procreate: negative pregnancy test at the inclusion visit and use of an effective method of contraception (hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, vasectomized partner, abstinence) started at least 1 month before inclusion and continued during the entire study.
* Inability to procreate: menopause (absence of a rule for at least 1 year) or hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or tubal ligation.
* Subject having given written consent to participate in the study
* Subject affiliated to the Social Security scheme or benefiting from an equivalent scheme
Additional inclusion criteria for cases (RA patients with PID):
\- PID is defined as damage compatible with the thoracic scanner in thin sections according to international criteria with or without associated clinical signs.
Additional inclusion criteria for control patients (RA patients without symptomatology without PID)
\- No functional lung complaints
Exclusion Criteria:
General exclusion criteria
* Vulnerable patient within the meaning of current French legislation (deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision, under guardianship or curatorship or under the protection of justice)
* Patient not fluent in French
* Woman breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy for the duration of the study
* Patient …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
ATX and LPA levels in sputum from RA patients with ILD in comparison with sputum from RA patients without ILD