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Vasilescu DM, Phillion AB, Kinose D, Verleden SE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden GM, Van Raemdonck D, Stevenson CS, Hague CJ, Han MK, Cooper JD, Hackett TL, Hogg JC. Comprehensive stereological assessment of the human lung using multiresolution computed tomography. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:1604-1616. [PMID: 32298211 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00803.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of stereology to lung casts and two-dimensional microscopy images is the gold standard for quantification of the human lung anatomy. However, these techniques are labor intensive, involving fixation, embedding, and histological sectioning of samples and thus have prevented comprehensive studies. Our objective was to demonstrate the application of stereology to volumetric multiresolution computed tomography (CT) to efficiently and extensively quantify the human lung anatomy. Nontransplantable donor lungs from individuals with no evidence of respiratory disease (n = 13) were air inflated, frozen at 10 cmH2O, and scanned using CT. Systematic uniform random samples were taken, scanned using micro-CT, and assessed using stereology. The application of stereology to volumetric CT imaging enabled comprehensive quantification of total lung volume, volume fractions of alveolar, alveolar duct, and tissue, mean linear intercept, alveolar surface area, alveolar surface area density, septal wall thickness, alveolar number, number-weighted mean alveolar volume, and the number and morphometry of terminal and transitional bronchioles. With the use of this data set, we found that women and men have the same number of terminal bronchioles (last generation of conducting airways), but men have longer terminal bronchioles, a smaller wall area percentage, and larger lungs due to a greater number of alveoli per acinus. The application of stereology to multiresolution CT imaging enables comprehensive analysis of the human lung parenchyma that identifies differences between men and women. The reported data set of normal donor lungs aged 25-77 yr provides reference data for future studies of chronic lung disease to determine exact changes in tissue pathology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Stereology has been the gold standard to quantify the three-dimensional lung anatomy using two-dimensional microscopy images. However, such techniques are labor intensive. This study provides a method that applies stereology to volumetric computed tomography images of frozen whole human lungs and systematic uniform random samples. The method yielded a comprehensive data set on the small airways and parenchymal lung structures, highlighting morphometric sex differences and providing a reference data set for future pathological studies.
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Verleden SE, Tanabe N, McDonough JE, Vasilescu DM, Xu F, Wuyts WA, Piloni D, De Sadeleer L, Willems S, Mai C, Hostens J, Cooper JD, Verbeken EK, Verschakelen J, Galban CJ, Van Raemdonck DE, Colby TV, Decramer M, Verleden GM, Kaminski N, Hackett TL, Vanaudenaerde BM, Hogg JC. Small airways pathology in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective cohort study. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:573-584. [PMID: 32061334 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(19)30356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The observation that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can have higher than normal expiratory flow rates at low lung volumes led to the conclusion that the airways are spared in IPF. This study aimed to re-examine the hypothesis that airways are spared in IPF using a multiresolution imaging protocol that combines multidetector CT (MDCT), with micro-CT and histology. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study comparing explanted lungs from patients with severe IPF treated by lung transplantation with a cohort of unused donor (control) lungs. The donor control lungs had no known lung disease, comorbidities, or structural lung injury, and were deemed appropriate for transplantation on review of the clinical files. The diagnosis of IPF in the lungs from patients was established by a multidisciplinary consensus committee according to existing guidelines, and was confirmed by video-assisted thoracic surgical biopsy or by pathological examination of the contralateral lung. The control and IPF groups were matched for age, sex, height, and bodyweight. Samples of lung tissue were compared using the multiresolution imaging approach: a cascade of clinical MDCT, micro-CT, and histological imaging. We did two experiments: in experiment 1, all the lungs were randomly sampled; in experiment 2, samples were selected from regions of minimal and established fibrosis. The patients and donors were recruited from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Leuven, Belgium) and the University of Pennsylvania Hospital (Philadelphia, PA, USA). The study took place at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, and the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada). FINDINGS Between Oct 5, 2009, and July 22, 2016, explanted lungs from patients with severe IPF (n=11), were compared with a cohort of unused donor (control) lungs (n=10), providing 240 samples of lung tissue for comparison using the multiresolution imaging approach. The MDCT specimen scans show that the number of visible airways located between the ninth generation (control 69 [SD 22] versus patients with IPF 105 [33], p=0·0023) and 14th generation (control 9 [6] versus patients with IPF 49 [28], p<0·0001) of airway branching are increased in patients with IPF, which we show by micro-CT is due to thickening of their walls and distortion of their lumens. The micro-CT analysis showed that compared with healthy (control) lung anatomy (mean 5·6 terminal bronchioles per mL [SD 1·6]), minimal fibrosis in IPF tissue was associated with a 57% loss of the terminal bronchioles (mean 2·4 terminal bronchioles per mL [SD 1·0]; p<0·0001), the appearance of fibroblastic foci, and infiltration of the tissue by inflammatory immune cells capable of forming lymphoid follicles. Established fibrosis in IPF tissue had a similar reduction (66%) in the number of terminal bronchioles (mean 1·9 terminal bronchioles per mL [SD 1·4]; p<0·0001) and was dominated by increased airspace size, Ashcroft fibrosis score, and volume fractions of tissue and collagen. INTERPRETATION Small airways disease is a feature of IPF, with significant loss of terminal bronchioles occuring within regions of minimal fibrosis. On the basis of these findings, we postulate that the small airways could become a potential therapeutic target in IPF. FUNDING Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, US National Institutes of Health, BC Lung Association, and Genentech.
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Verleden SE, Von Der Thüsen J, Van Herck A, Weynand B, Verbeken E, Verschakelen J, Dubbeldam A, Vanaudenaerde BM, Vos R, Verleden GM. Identification and characterization of chronic lung allograft dysfunction patients with mixed phenotype: A single-center study. Clin Transplant 2020; 34:e13781. [PMID: 31958356 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Patients can change chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) phenotype, especially from BOS to mixed phenotype. Our aim was to further characterize these patients. METHOD Mixed CLAD was defined as a restrictive physiology with persistent CT opacities, after initial bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) diagnosis. The incidence, prognosis, pulmonary function, radiology, pathology, and airway inflammation were compared between patients with restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) and mixed CLAD. RESULT A total of 268 (44%) patients developed CLAD of which 47 (18%) were diagnosed with RAS "ab initio," 215 (80%) with BOS, and 6 (2%) an undefined phenotype. Twenty-five patients developed a mixed CLAD phenotype (24 BOS to mixed and 1 RAS to mixed). Survival after mixed phenotype diagnosis was comparable (P = .39) to RAS. More emphysema patients developed a mixed phenotype (P = .020) compared to RAS ab initio, while mixed CLAD patients had a lower FEV1 (P < .0001) and FEV1 /FVC (P = .0002) at diagnosis compared to RAS ab initio. CT scans in patients with the mixed phenotype demonstrated apical predominance of the opacities (P = .0034) with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis on histopathology. CONCLUSION We further characterized patients with a mixed phenotype of CLAD. Although the survival after diagnosis was comparable to RAS ab initio patients, there was a difference in demography, pulmonary function, radiology, and pathology.
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Lebeer M, Kaes J, Lambrech M, Vanstapel A, Beeckmans H, Ambrocio GP, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden SE, Verbeken EK, Neyrinck AP, Ceulemans LJ, Van Raemdonck DE, Verleden GM, Vos R, Godinas L, Yserbyt J, Dupont LJ, Van Herck A, Sacreas A, Heigl T, Ordies S, Schaevers V, De Leyn P, Coosemans W, Nafteux P, Decaluwé H, Van Veer H, Depypere L, Frick AE, Weynand B, Emonds M, Lievens Y. Total lymphoid irradiation in progressive bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation: a single‐center experience and review of literature. Transpl Int 2019; 33:216-228. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Raskin J, Vanstapel A, Verbeken EK, Beeckmans H, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden SE, Neyrinck AP, Ceulemans LJ, Van Raemdonck DE, Verleden GM, Vos R, Godinas L, Yserbyt J, Dupont LJ, Van Herck A, Sacreas A, Kaes J, Heigl T, Ordies S, Schaevers V, De Leyn P, Coosemans W, Nafteux P, Decaluwé H, Van Veer H, Depypere L, Frick AE, Weynand B, Emonds M. Mortality after lung transplantation: a single‐centre cohort analysis. Transpl Int 2019; 33:130-141. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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McDonough JE, Ahangari F, Li Q, Jain S, Verleden SE, Herazo-Maya J, Vukmirovic M, DeIuliis G, Tzouvelekis A, Tanabe N, Chu F, Yan X, Verschakelen J, Homer RJ, Manatakis DV, Zhang J, Ding J, Maes K, De Sadeleer L, Vos R, Neyrinck A, Benos PV, Bar-Joseph Z, Tantin D, Hogg JC, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA, Kaminski N. Transcriptional regulatory model of fibrosis progression in the human lung. JCI Insight 2019; 4:131597. [PMID: 31600171 PMCID: PMC6948862 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.131597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop a systems biology model of fibrosis progression within the human lung we performed RNA sequencing and microRNA analysis on 95 samples obtained from 10 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 6 control lungs. Extent of fibrosis in each sample was assessed by microCT-measured alveolar surface density (ASD) and confirmed by histology. Regulatory gene expression networks were identified using linear mixed-effect models and dynamic regulatory events miner (DREM). Differential gene expression analysis identified a core set of genes increased or decreased before fibrosis was histologically evident that continued to change with advanced fibrosis. DREM generated a systems biology model (www.sb.cs.cmu.edu/IPFReg) that identified progressively divergent gene expression tracks with microRNAs and transcription factors that specifically regulate mild or advanced fibrosis. We confirmed model predictions by demonstrating that expression of POU2AF1, previously unassociated with lung fibrosis but proposed by the model as regulator, is increased in B lymphocytes in IPF lungs and that POU2AF1-knockout mice were protected from bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Our results reveal distinct regulation of gene expression changes in IPF tissue that remained structurally normal compared with moderate or advanced fibrosis and suggest distinct regulatory mechanisms for each stage.
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Sacreas A, Taupin JL, Emonds MP, Daniëls L, Van Raemdonck DE, Vos R, Verleden GM, Vanaudenaerde BM, Roux A, Verleden SE. Intragraft donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies in phenotypes of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.00847-2019. [PMID: 31439680 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00847-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Circulating anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serum donor-specific antibodies (sDSAs) increase the risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and mortality. Discrepancies between serological and pathological/clinical findings are common. Therefore, we aimed to assess the presence of tissue-bound graft DSAs (gDSAs) in CLAD explant tissue compared with sDSAs. METHODS Tissue cores, obtained from explant lungs of unused donors (n=10) and patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS; n=18) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS; n=18), were scanned with micro-computed tomography before elution of antibodies. Total IgG levels were measured via ELISA. Anti-HLA class I and II IgG gDSAs were identified using Luminex single antigen beads and compared with DSAs found in serum samples. RESULTS Overall, mean fluorescence intensity was higher in RAS eluates compared with BOS and controls (p<0.0001). In BOS, two patients were sDSA+/gDSA+ and two patients were sDSA-/gDSA+. In RAS, four patients were sDSA+/gDSA+, one patient was sDSA+/gDSA- and five patients were sDSA-/gDSA+. Serum and graft results combined, DSAs were more prevalent in RAS compared with BOS (56% versus 22%; p=0.04). There was spatial variability in gDSA detection in one BOS patient and three RAS patients, who were all sDSA-. Total graft IgG levels were higher in RAS than BOS (p<0.0001) and in gDSA+ versus gDSA- (p=0.0008), but not in sDSA+ versus sDSA- (p=0.33). In RAS, total IgG levels correlated with fibrosis (r= -0.39; p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the potential of gDSA assessment as complementary information to sDSA findings. The relevance and applications of gDSAs need further investigation.
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Everaerts S, McDonough JE, Verleden SE, Josipovic I, Boone M, Dubbeldam A, Mathyssen C, Serré J, Dupont LJ, Gayan-Ramirez G, Verschakelen J, Hogg JC, Verleden GM, Vanaudenaerde BM, Janssens W. Airway morphometry in COPD with bronchiectasis: a view on all airway generations. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.02166-2018. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02166-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological processes underlying bronchiectasis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not understood. In COPD, both small and large airways are progressively lost. It is currently not known to what extent the different airway generations of patients with COPD and bronchiectasis are involved.COPD explant lungs with bronchiectasis were compared to COPD explant lungs without bronchiectasis and unused donor lungs as controls. In order to investigate all airway generations, a multimodal imaging approach using different resolutions was conducted. Per group, five lungs were frozen (n=15) and underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging for large airway evaluation, with four tissue cores per lung imaged for measurements of the terminal bronchioles. Two additional lungs per group (n=6) were air-dried for lobar microCT images that allow airway segmentation and three-dimensional quantification of the complete airway tree.COPD lungs with bronchiectasis had significantly more airways compared to COPD lungs without bronchiectasis (p<0.001), with large airway numbers similar to control lungs. This difference was present in both upper and lower lobes. Lack of tapering was present (p=0.010) and larger diameters were demonstrated in lower lobes with bronchiectasis (p=0.010). MicroCT analysis of tissue cores showed similar reductions of tissue percentage, surface density and number of terminal bronchioles in both COPD groups compared to control lungs.Although terminal bronchioles were equally reduced in COPD lungs with and without bronchiectasis, significantly more large and small airways were found in COPD lungs with bronchiectasis.
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Ordies S, Frick AE, Claes S, Schols D, Verleden SE, Van Raemdonck DE, Neyrinck AP, Martens A, Verschakelen JA, Verbeken EK, Vanaudenaerde BM, Vos R, Verleden GM. Prone Positioning During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion Influences Regional Edema Accumulation. J Surg Res 2019; 239:300-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Vos R, Eynde RV, Ruttens D, Verleden SE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Dupont LJ, Yserbyt J, Verbeken EK, Neyrinck AP, Van Raemdonck DE, Verleden GM. Montelukast in chronic lung allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019; 38:516-527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Heigl T, Singh A, Saez-Gimenez B, Kaes J, Van Herck A, Sacreas A, Beeckmans H, Vanstapel A, Verleden SE, Van Raemdonck DE, Verleden G, Vanaudenaerde BM, Hartl D, Vos R. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Lung Transplantation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:900. [PMID: 31080450 PMCID: PMC6497753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous group of immune cells from the myeloid lineage. MDSCs expand in pathological situations, such as chronic infection, cancer, autoimmunity, and allograft rejection. As chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) limits long-term survival after lung transplantation (LTx), MDSCs may play a role in its pathophysiology. We assessed phenotype and frequency of MDSCs in peripheral blood from lung transplant recipients and its relationship to post-transplant complications and immunosuppression. Granulocytic (G)-MDSC were identified and quantified by flow cytometry of blood from 4 control subjects and 20 lung transplant patients (stable n = 6, infection n = 5; CLAD n = 9). G-MDSC functionality was assessed in vitro by their capability to block CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation. More G-MDSC could be assessed using EDTA tubes compared to heparin tubes (p = 0.004). G-MDSC were increased in stable lung transplant recipients vs. non-transplant controls (52.1% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.0095). The infection or CLAD groups had lower G-MDSCs vs. stable recipients (28.2%p = 0.041 and 33.0%; p = 0.088, respectively), but were not different among CLAD phenotypes. G-MDSC tended to correlate with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus levels (r2 = 0.18; r2 = 0.17). CD4 and CD8 cells proliferation decreased by 50 and 80% if co-cultured with MDSCs (1:6 and 1:2 MDSC:T-cell ratio, respectively). In conclusion, circulating MDSCs are measurable, functional and have a G-MDSC phenotype in lung transplant patients. Their frequency is increased in stable patients, decreased during post-transplant complications, and related to level of immunosuppression. This study may pave the way for further investigations of MDSC in the context of lung transplantation.
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Yang JYC, Verleden SE, Zarinsefat A, Vanaudenaerde BM, Vos R, Verleden GM, Sarwal RD, Sigdel TK, Liberto JM, Damm I, Watson D, Sarwal MM. Cell-Free DNA and CXCL10 Derived from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Predict Lung Transplant Survival. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020241. [PMID: 30781765 PMCID: PMC6406976 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard methods for detecting chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and rejection have poor sensitivity and specificity and have conventionally required bronchoscopies and biopsies. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been shown to be increased in various types of allograft injury in transplant recipients and CXCL10 has been reported to be increased in the lung tissue of patients undergoing CLAD. This study used a novel cfDNA and CXCL10 assay to evaluate the noninvasive assessment of CLAD phenotype and prediction of survival from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. A total of 60 BAL samples (20 with bronchiolitis obliterans (BOS), 20 with restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS), and 20 with stable allografts (STA)) were collected from 60 unique lung transplant patients; cfDNA and CXCL10 were measured by the ELISA-based KIT assay. Median cfDNA was significantly higher in BOS patients (6739 genomic equivalents (GE)/mL) versus STA (2920 GE/mL) and RAS (4174 GE/mL) (p < 0.01 all comparisons). Likelihood ratio tests revealed a significant association of overall survival with cfDNA (p = 0.0083), CXCL10 (p = 0.0146), and the interaction of cfDNA and CXCL10 (p = 0.023) based on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Dichotomizing patients based on the median cfDNA level controlled for the mean level of CXCL10 revealed an over two-fold longer median overall survival time in patients with low levels of cfDNA. The KIT assay could predict allograft survival with superior performance compared with traditional biomarkers. These data support the pursuit of larger prospective studies to evaluate the predictive performance of cfDNA and CXCL10 prior to lung allograft failure.
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Vos R, Wuyts WA, Gheysens O, Goffin KE, Schaevers V, Verleden SE, Van Herck A, Sacreas A, Heigl T, McDonough JE, Yserbyt J, Godinas L, Dupont LJ, Neyrinck AP, Van Raemdonck DE, Verbeken EK, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden GM. Pirfenidone in restrictive allograft syndrome after lung transplantation: A case series. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:3045-3059. [PMID: 30019840 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Pirfenidone may attenuate the decline of pulmonary function in restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) after lung transplantation. We retrospectively assessed all lung transplant recipients with RAS who were treated with pirfenidone for at least 3 months (n = 11) in our lung transplant center and report on their long-term outcomes following initiation of pirfenidone. Main outcome parameters included evolution of pulmonary function and overall survival. Pirfenidone appears to attenuate the decline in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Notably, 3 patients were bridged to redo-transplantation with pirfenidone for 11 (5-12) months and are currently alive, while 3 other patients demonstrate long-term stabilization of pulmonary function after 26.6 (range 18.4-46.6) months of treatment. Median overall 3-year survival after RAS diagnosis was 54.5%. Subjective intolerance, mainly anorexia and nausea, necessitating pirfenidone dose de-escalation in 55% of patients, as well as calcineurin dose increase requirements with about 20% are important complications during pirfenidone treatment after lung transplantation. Our findings provide further evidence that pirfenidone appears to be safe and may attenuate the rate of decline in lung function in patients with RAS, but the actual clinical benefit cannot be assessed in the context of this study design and requires further investigation in a larger randomized trial.
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McDonough JE, Kaminski N, Thienpont B, Hogg JC, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA. Gene correlation network analysis to identify regulatory factors in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Thorax 2018; 74:132-140. [PMID: 30366970 PMCID: PMC6467239 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe lung disease characterised by extensive pathological changes. The objective for this study was to identify the gene network and regulators underlying disease pathology in IPF and its association with lung function. METHODS Lung Tissue Research Consortium dataset with 262 IPF and control subjects (GSE47460) was randomly divided into two non-overlapping groups for cross-validated differential gene expression analysis. Consensus weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified overlapping coexpressed gene modules between both IPF groups. Modules were correlated with lung function (diffusion capacity, DLCO; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1; forced vital capacity, FVC) and enrichment analyses used to identify biological function and transcription factors. Module correlation with miRNA data (GSE72967) identified associated regulators. Clinical relevance in IPF was assessed in a peripheral blood gene expression dataset (GSE93606) to identify modules related to survival. RESULTS Correlation network analysis identified 16 modules in IPF. Upregulated modules were associated with cilia, DNA replication and repair, contractile fibres, B-cell and unfolded protein response, and extracellular matrix. Downregulated modules were associated with blood vessels, T-cell and interferon responses, leucocyte activation and degranulation, surfactant metabolism, and cellular metabolic and catabolic processes. Lung function correlated with nine modules (eight with DLCO, five with FVC). Intermodular network of transcription factors and miRNA showed clustering of fibrosis, immune response and contractile modules. The cilia-associated module was able to predict survival (p=0.0097) in an independent peripheral blood IPF cohort. CONCLUSIONS We identified a correlation gene expression network with associated regulators in IPF that provides novel insight into the pathological process of this disease.
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Sacreas A, Yang JYC, Vanaudenaerde BM, Sigdel TK, Liberto JM, Damm I, Verleden GM, Vos R, Verleden SE, Sarwal MM. The common rejection module in chronic rejection post lung transplantation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205107. [PMID: 30289917 PMCID: PMC6173434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Recent studies suggest that similar injury mechanisms are in place across different solid organ transplants, resulting in the identification of a common rejection module (CRM), consisting of 11 genes that are overexpressed during acute and, to a lesser extent, chronic allograft rejection. Objectives We wanted to evaluate the usefulness of the CRM module in identifying acute rejection (AR) and different phenotypes of chronic lung transplant rejection (CLAD), i.e., bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS), using transbronchial brushings, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) samples, and explant tissue. Methods Gene expression measurements for the 11 CRM genes (CD6, TAP1, CXCL10, CXCL9, INPP5D, ISG20, LCK, NKG7, PSMB9, RUNX3, and BASP1) were performed via qRT-PCR in 14 transbronchial brushings (AR, n = 4; no AR, n = 10), 32 BAL samples (stable, n = 13; AR, n = 8; BOS, n = 9; RAS, n = 10), and 44 tissue specimens (unused donor lungs, n = 15; BOS, n = 13; RAS, n = 16). A geometric mean score was calculated to quantitate overall burden of immune injury and a new computational model was built for the most significant genes in lung transplant injury. Results Acute rejection showed a significant difference in almost every gene analysed, validating previous observations from microarray analysis. RAS tissue demonstrated a higher geometric mean score (6.35) compared to donor tissue (4.09, p = 0.018). Analysis of individual CRM genes showed an increased expression of ISG20, CXCL10 and CXCL9 in RAS. In BAL samples, no differences were detected in gene expression or geometric mean scores between the various groups (stable, 5.15; AR, 5.81; BOS, 5.62; RAS, 7.31). A newly modelled 2-gene tissue CRM score did not demonstrate any difference between BOS and RAS (p>0.05). However, the model was able to discriminate RAS from BOS tissue (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.55–0.94, p = 0.025). Conclusion Transcriptional tissue analysis for CRM genes in CLAD can identify acute rejection and distinguish RAS from BOS. The immune activation in RAS seems similar to acute rejection after kidney/liver/heart transplantation.
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McDonough JE, Martens DS, Tanabe N, Ahangari F, Verleden SE, Maes K, Verleden GM, Kaminski N, Hogg JC, Nawrot TS, Wuyts WA, Vanaudenaerde BM. A role for telomere length and chromosomal damage in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2018; 19:132. [PMID: 29986708 PMCID: PMC6038197 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal lung disease characterized by a progressive formation of fibroblastic foci in the interstitium. This disease is strongly associated with telomere dysfunction but the extent of telomere shortening and consequent chromosomal damage within IPF lungs and with regional disease severity remains unknown. METHODS Explanted IPF lungs (n = 10) were collected from transplant surgeries with six samples per lung analysed to capture the regional heterogeneity ranging from mild to severe disease. Non-used donor lungs (n = 6) were collected as "healthy" controls. Structural changes related to disease severity (microCT surface density), relative telomere length (real-time qPCR), and quantitative histology of chromosomal damage (γ-H2A.X) and extracellular matrix (elastin, total collagen, collagen 1, and collagen 3) were measured. A multivariate linear mixed-effects model controlling for subject was used to identify association of disease severity or fibrotic markers with telomere length and chromosomal damage. RESULTS We observed shorter telomere length (p = 0.001) and increased chromosomal damage (p = 0.018) in IPF lungs compared to controls. In IPF lungs, telomere length was associated with total collagen (p < 0.001) but not with structural changes of disease severity. Chromosomal damage was positively associated with increased elastin (p = 0.006) and negatively with structural disease severity (p = 0.046). Extensive γ-H2A.X staining was also present in airway epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Telomere length and chromosomal damage are involved in IPF with regional variation in telomere length and chromosomal damage associated with pathological changes in tissue structure and the extracellular matrix.
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De Sadeleer LJ, Verleden SE, De Dycker E, Yserbyt J, Verschakelen JA, Verbeken EK, Nemery B, Verleden GM, Hermans F, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA. Clinical behaviour of patients exposed to organic dust and diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respirology 2018; 23:1160-1165. [PMID: 29897160 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients experience a worse survival compared with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), organic dust exposure is a known risk factor for both IPF and CHP. METHODS We divided patients diagnosed with IPF, based on their exposure to moulds/birds (absent: group A; present: group B). We retrospectively compared pulmonary function and survival between groups A and B, and a separate CHP cohort (group C). RESULTS A total of 293 patients were included (group A: n = 171, group B: n = 73, group C: n = 49). Demographics and baseline pulmonary function did not differ between groups A and B, but significant differences were seen between groups B and C. Median survival of group B was 84 months, which was longer than group A (43 months, P = 0.002), but lower than group C (157 months, P = 0.04), in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Antifibrotic treatment resulted in a better outcome in group A (hazard ratio (HR): 0.44) and group B (HR: 0.12) without interaction between exposure and antifibrotic use (P = 0.20). Forced vital capacity (FVC) decline was not associated with mould/bird exposure in this cohort. CONCLUSION Group B patients experienced a better outcome compared with (non-exposed) IPF patients, although worse compared with CHP patients. Antifibrotic treatment in group B resulted in a similar beneficial effect compared with group A. Further research is needed to ascertain the diagnostic designation in this exposed usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patient group without other CHP features.
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Everaerts S, Lammertyn EJ, Martens DS, De Sadeleer LJ, Maes K, van Batenburg AA, Goldschmeding R, van Moorsel CHM, Dupont LJ, Wuyts WA, Vos R, Gayan-Ramirez G, Kaminski N, Hogg JC, Janssens W, Verleden GM, Nawrot TS, Verleden SE, McDonough JE, Vanaudenaerde BM. The aging lung: tissue telomere shortening in health and disease. Respir Res 2018; 19:95. [PMID: 29751799 PMCID: PMC5948770 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0794-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telomere shortening has been associated with several lung diseases. However, telomere length is generally measured in peripheral blood leucocytes rather than in lung tissue, where disease occurs. Consequently, telomere dynamics have not been established for the normal human lung nor for diseased lung tissue. We hypothesized an age- and disease-dependent shortening of lung tissue telomeres. Methods At time of (re-)transplantation or autopsy, 70 explant lungs were collected: from unused donors (normal, n = 13) and patients with cystic fibrosis (CF, n = 12), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n = 11), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP, n = 9), bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after prior transplantation (n = 11) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) after prior transplantation (n = 14). Lungs were inflated, frozen and then scanned using CT. Four tissue cores from distinct lung regions were sampled for analysis. Disease severity was evaluated using CT and micro CT imaging. DNA was extracted from the samples and average relative telomere length (RTL) was determined using real-time qPCR. Results The normal lungs showed a decrease in RTL with age (p < 0.0001). Of the diseased lungs, only BOS and RAS showed significant RTL decrease with increasing lung age (p = 0.0220 and p = 0.0272 respectively). Furthermore, we found that RTL showed considerable variability between samples within both normal and diseased lungs. cHP, BOS and RAS lungs had significant shorter RTL in comparison with normal lungs, after adjustment for lung age, sex and BMI (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0051 and p = 0.0301 respectively). When investigating the relation between RTL and regional disease severity in CF, cHP and RAS, no association was found. Conclusion These results show a progressive decline in telomere length with age in normal, BOS and RAS lungs. cHP, BOS and RAS lungs demonstrated shorter RTL compared to normal lungs. Lung tissue RTL does not associate with regional disease severity within the lung. Therefore, tissue RTL does not seem to fully reflect peripheral blood telomere length. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-018-0794-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Verleden SE, Martens A, Ordies S, Neyrinck AP, Van Raemdonck DE, Verleden GM, Vanaudenaerde BM, Vos R. Immediate post-operative broncho-alveolar lavage IL-6 and IL-8 are associated with early outcomes after lung transplantation. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13219. [PMID: 29405435 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies demonstrated that increased cytokine and chemokine levels, either shortly before or after lung transplantation, were associated with post-transplant outcome. However, small patient cohorts were mostly used, focusing on 1 molecule and 1 outcome. In a large single-center cohort, we investigated the predictive value of immediate post-operative broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) expression of IL-6 and IL-8 on multiple key outcomes, including PGD, CLAD, graft survival, as well as several secondary outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients undergoing a first lung transplant in whom routine bronchoscopy with BAL was performed during the first 48 hours post-transplantation were included. IL-6 and IL-8 protein levels were measured in BAL via ELISA. RESULTS A total of 336 patients were included. High IL-6 levels measured within 24 hours of transplantation were associated with longer time on ICU and time to hospital discharge; and increased prevalence of PGD grade 3. Increased IL-8 levels, measured within 24 hours, were associated with PGD3, more ECMO use, higher donor paO2 , younger donor age, but not with other short-or long-term outcome. IL-6 and IL-8 measured between 24 and 48 hours of transplantation were not associated with any outcome parameters. CONCLUSION Recipient BAL IL-6 and IL-8 within 24 hours post-transplant were associated with an increased incidence of PGD3.
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Tanabe N, Vasilescu DM, Kirby M, Coxson HO, Verleden SE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Kinose D, Nakano Y, Paré PD, Hogg JC. Analysis of airway pathology in COPD using a combination of computed tomography, micro-computed tomography and histology. Eur Respir J 2018; 51:51/2/1701245. [PMID: 29444912 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01245-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The small conducting airways are the major site of obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study examined small airway pathology using a novel combination of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), micro-computed tomography (microCT) and histology.Airway branches visible on specimen MDCT were counted and the dimensions of the third- to fifth-generation airways were computed, while the terminal bronchioles (designated TB), preterminal bronchioles (TB-1) and pre-preterminal bronchioles (TB-2) were examined with microCT and histology in eight explanted lungs with end-stage COPD and seven unused donor lungs that served as controls.On MDCT, COPD lungs showed a decrease in the number of 2-2.5 mm diameter airways and the lumen area of fifth-generation airways, while on microCT there was a reduction in the number of terminal bronchioles as well as a decrease in the luminal areas, wall volumes and alveolar attachments to the walls of TB, TB-1 and TB-2 bronchioles. The combination of microCT and histology showed increased B-cell infiltration into the walls of TB-1 and TB-2 bronchioles, and this change was correlated with a reduced number of alveolar attachments in COPD.Small airways disease extends from 2 mm diameter airways to the terminal bronchioles in COPD. Destruction of alveolar attachments may be driven by a B-cell-mediated immune response in the preterminal bronchioles.
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Everaerts S, Lagrou K, Vermeersch K, Dupont LJ, Vanaudenaerde BM, Janssens W. Aspergillus fumigatus Detection and Risk Factors in Patients with COPD-Bronchiectasis Overlap. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020523. [PMID: 29425123 PMCID: PMC5855745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Aspergillus fumigatus in the airways of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with bronchiectasis is currently unclear. We searched for a sensitive and noninvasive method for A. fumigatus detection in the sputum of COPD patients and addressed potential risk factors for its presence. Induced sputum samples of 18 COPD patients and 17 COPD patients with bronchiectasis were analyzed for the presence of A. fumigatus by culture, galactomannan detection, and PCR. Of the patients with COPD–bronchiectasis overlap, 23.5% had a positive culture for A. fumigatus versus 10.5% of COPD patients without bronchiectasis (p = 0.39). The median sputum galactomannan optical density index was significantly higher in patients with COPD and bronchiectasis compared with patients with COPD alone (p = 0.026) and ranged between the levels of healthy controls and A. fumigatus-colonized cystic fibrosis patients. Both the presence of bronchiectasis and the administration of systemic corticosteroids were associated with sputum galactomannan (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0044, respectively) and showed significant interaction (p interaction = 0.022). PCR for Aspergillus was found to be a less sensitive method, but was critically dependent on the extraction technique. The higher sputum galactomannan levels suggest a more abundant presence of A. fumigatus in the airways of patients with COPD–bronchiectasis overlap compared with patients with COPD without bronchiectasis, particularly when systemic corticosteroids are administered.
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Den Hondt M, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verbeken EK, Vranckx JJ. Epithelial grafting of a decellularized whole-tracheal segment: an in vivo experimental model. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2018; 26:753-760. [DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivx442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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De Smet EG, Seys LJM, Verhamme FM, Vanaudenaerde BM, Brusselle GG, Bingle CD, Bracke KR. Association of innate defense proteins BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 with disease severity in COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2017; 13:11-27. [PMID: 29296079 PMCID: PMC5741069 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s144136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs caused by the inhalation of noxious particles and gases. The airway epithelium has a protective function against these harmful agents by maintaining a physical barrier and by secreting defensive proteins, such as bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold-containing (BPIF) proteins, BPIFA1 and BPIFB1. However, inconsistent data regarding BPIFA1 expression in smokers and COPD patients have been reported to date. Therefore, we investigated the expression of BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 in a large cohort of never-smokers and smokers with and without COPD, both on the messenger RNA (mRNA) level in lung tissue and on the protein level in airway epithelium. Furthermore, we examined the correlation between BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 levels, goblet cell hyperplasia, and lung function measurements. BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 mRNA expressions were significantly increased in stage III-IV COPD patients compared with stage II COPD patients and subjects without COPD. In addition, protein levels in COPD patients were significantly increased in comparison with subjects without COPD. BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 levels were inversely correlated with measurements of airflow limitation and positively correlated with goblet cell hyperplasia. In addition, by the use of immunofluorescence double staining, we demonstrated the expression of BPIFB1 in goblet cells. In conclusion, we show that BPIFA1 and BPIFB1 levels are elevated in COPD patients and correlate with disease severity.
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Van Herck A, Verleden SE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Verleden GM, Vos R. Prevention of chronic rejection after lung transplantation. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:5472-5488. [PMID: 29312757 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.11.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Long-term survival after lung transplantation (LTx) is limited by chronic rejection (CR). Therapeutic strategies for CR have been largely unsuccessful, making prevention of CR an important and challenging therapeutic approach. In the current review, we will discuss current clinical evidence regarding prevention of CR after LTx.
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Verleden SE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Emonds MP, Van Raemdonck DE, Neyrinck AP, Verleden GM, Vos R. Donor-specific and -nonspecific HLA antibodies and outcome post lung transplantation. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/5/1701248. [PMID: 29146602 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01248-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) are associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and mortality post lung transplantation, but data concerning prevalence, time of onset, persistence and effects on long-term outcome remain scarce.We assessed the association between HLA antibodies and CLAD-free and graft survival in a cohort of 362 patients. We stratified our analysis according to DSA status, persistence of antibodies and timing of antibodies (pre-transplant, early or late post-transplant).Within our cohort, 61 (17%) patients developed DSAs (mostly against HLA-DQ), which was associated with worse CLAD-free and graft survival (p<0.0001 and p=0.059, respectively). Persistent (hazard ratio (HR) 3.386, 95% CI 1.928-5.948; p<0.0001) as well as transient (HR 2.998, 95% CI 1.406-6.393; p=0.0045) DSAs were associated with shorter CLAD-free survival compared with patients without DSAs. Persistent DSAs (HR 3.071, 95% CI 1.632-5.778; p=0.0005) but not transient DSAs were negatively associated with graft survival compared with patients without DSAs, likely due to the higher incidence of restrictive CLAD. HLA non-DSAs and pre-transplant HLA antibodies had no effect on post-transplant outcome.We demonstrated an important difference in prognosis between persistent and transient DSAs. Moreover, the observed association between DSAs and restrictive CLAD suggests an overlap between antibody-mediated rejection and restrictive CLAD that needs further investigation.
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