Potential Mechanism of Fatigue Induction and Its Management by JAK Inhibitors in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases 2023

pattismith

Senior Member
Messages
3,988
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/JIR.S414739

Abstract​

It is well known that fatigue is a highly disabling symptom commonly observed in inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs).

Fatigue is strongly associated with a poor quality of life and seems to be an independent predictor of job loss and disability in patients with different rheumatic diseases.

Although the pathogenesis of fatigue remains unclear, indirect data suggest the cooperation of the immune system, the central and autonomic nervous system, and the neuroendocrine system in the induction and sustainment of fatigue in chronic diseases.

Fatigue does not correspond with disease activity and its mechanism in IRDs.

It is suggested that it may change over time and vary between individuals.

Abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferons (IFNs), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), TNF, IL-15, IL-17 play a role in both IRDs and subsequent fatigue development.

Some of these cytokines such as IL-6, IFNs, GM-CSF, and common gamma-chain cytokines (IL-15, IL-2, and IL-7) activate the Janus Kinases (JAKs) family of intracellular tyrosine kinases.

Therapy blocking JAKs (JAK inhibitors – JAKi) has been recently proven to be an effective approach for IRDs treatment, more efficient in pain reduction than anti-TNF. Therefore, the administration of JAKi to IRDs patients experiencing fatigue may find rational implications as a therapeutic modulator not only of disease inflammatory symptoms but also fatigue with its components like pain and neuropsychiatric features as well. In this review, we demonstrate the latest information on the mechanisms of fatigue in rheumatic diseases and the potential effect of JAKi on fatigue reduction.
 

pattismith

Senior Member
Messages
3,988
There are models explaining fatigue as evolutionary, complex, and automated behaviour increasing the probability of survival during “danger” like infection or injury.Citation18 The “sickness behaviour” investigated in animals is characterized by inactivity, demotivation, and withdrawal. It is signalled by IL-1β in the brain and resembles chronic fatigue in humans.Citation1 JAKi, at least baricitinib (BARI), was shown to decrease IL-1β and TNF (indirectly), thus intervening in the mechanism of fatigue.Citation19
 

Wishful

Senior Member
Messages
6,116
Location
Alberta
Fatigue could have evolved as a protective mechanism, but it also could simply be "stuff not working optimally".
 
Back