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Rosa I, Romano E, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. Autoantibodies as putative biomarkers and triggers of cell dysfunctions in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024:00002281-990000000-00128. [PMID: 39046085 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antinuclear autoantibodies represent a serological hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), with anticentromere, antitopoisomerase-I, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies routinely assessed for diagnosis, clinical subset classification, and prognosis. In addition, an increasing number of autoantibodies have been demonstrated to play a pathogenic role by mediating different SSc manifestations. This review aims to give an overview on autoantibodies as putative biomarkers in SSc and discuss their possible pathogenic role as triggers of cell dysfunctions. RECENT FINDINGS Over the years, different autoantibodies have been proposed as biomarkers aiding in diagnosis, disease subtype classification, disease progression prediction, organ involvement, as well as in understanding treatment response. Increasing literature also indicates functional autoantibodies as direct contributors to SSc pathogenesis by exerting agonistic or antagonistic activities on their specific cognate targets. SUMMARY In SSc, search and validation of novel autoantibodies with higher diagnostic specificity and more accurate predictive values are increasingly needed for early diagnosis and specific follow-up, and to define the best therapeutic option according to different disease subsets. Moreover, since autoantibodies are also emerging as functional pathogenic players, a better unraveling of their possible pathomechanisms becomes essential to identify new targets and develop promising therapeutic agents able to neutralize their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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2
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Kong X, Jiang S, He Q, Shi X, Pu W, Huang Y, Ma Y, Liu Q, Sun D, Huang D, Wu F, Li P, Tu W, Zhao Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Wu W, Tang Y, Zhao X, Zhu Q, Gao J, Xu W, Shui X, Qian F, Wang J. TLR8 aggravates skin inflammation and fibrosis by activating skin fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1710-1719. [PMID: 37665747 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Innate immunity significantly contributes to SSc pathogenesis. TLR8 is an important innate immune mediator that is implicated in autoimmunity and fibrosis. However, the expression, mechanism of action, and pathogenic role of TLR8 in SSc remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of TLR8 in SSc. METHODS The expression of TLR8 was analysed, based on a public dataset, and then verified in skin tissues and skin fibroblasts of SSc patients. The role of TLR8 in inflammation and fibrosis was investigated using a TLR8-overexpression vector, activator (VTX-2337), inhibitor (cu-cpt-8m), and TLR8 siRNA in skin fibroblasts. The pathogenic role of TLR8 in skin inflammation and fibrosis was further validated in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse skin inflammation and fibrosis model. RESULTS TLR8 levels were significantly elevated in SSc skin tissues and myofibroblasts, along with significant activation of the TLR8 pathway. In vitro studies showed that overexpression or activation of TLR8 by a recombinant plasmid or VTX-2337 upregulated IL-6, IL-1β, COL I, COL III and α-SMA in skin fibroblasts. Consistently, both TLR8-siRNA and cu-cpt-8m reversed the phenotypes observed in TLR8-activating fibroblasts. Mechanistically, TLR8 induces skin fibrosis and inflammation in a manner dependent on the MAPK, NF-κB and SMAD2/3 pathways. Subcutaneous injection of cu-cpt-8m significantly alleviated BLM-induced skin inflammation and fibrosis in vivo. CONCLUSION TLR8 might be a promising therapeutic target for improving the treatment strategy for skin inflammation and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhen Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions Regulation and Remodeling, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangguang Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Pu
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Institute for Six-sector Economy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dayan Sun
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Delin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhen Tu
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinhuan Zhao
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihong Xu
- Laboratory Department of Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochuan Shui
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Ma F, Tsou PS, Gharaee-Kermani M, Plazyo O, Xing X, Kirma J, Wasikowski R, Hile GA, Harms PW, Jiang Y, Xing E, Nakamura M, Ochocki D, Brodie WD, Pillai S, Maverakis E, Pellegrini M, Modlin RL, Varga J, Tsoi LC, Lafyatis R, Kahlenberg JM, Billi AC, Khanna D, Gudjonsson JE. Systems-based identification of the Hippo pathway for promoting fibrotic mesenchymal differentiation in systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:210. [PMID: 38172207 PMCID: PMC10764940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by excessive production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis of skin and other internal organs. However, the main cellular participants in SSc skin fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Here using differentiation trajectories at a single cell level, we demonstrate a dual source of extracellular matrix deposition in SSc skin from both myofibroblasts and endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transitioning cells (EndoMT). We further define a central role of Hippo pathway effectors in differentiation and homeostasis of myofibroblast and EndoMT, respectively, and show that myofibroblasts and EndoMTs function as central communication hubs that drive key pro-fibrotic signaling pathways in SSc. Together, our data help characterize myofibroblast differentiation and EndoMT phenotypes in SSc skin, and hint that modulation of the Hippo pathway may contribute in reversing the pro-fibrotic phenotypes in myofibroblasts and EndoMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Ma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mehrnaz Gharaee-Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olesya Plazyo
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianying Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joseph Kirma
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachael Wasikowski
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace A Hile
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanyun Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Enze Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mio Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle Ochocki
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Brodie
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert L Modlin
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Michelle Kahlenberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Liakouli V, Ciancio A, Del Galdo F, Giacomelli R, Ciccia F. Systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease: unmet needs and potential solutions. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:21-32. [PMID: 37923862 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare, complex, systemic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by high morbidity and mortality often resulting from cardiopulmonary complications such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Despite substantial progress in unravelling the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and the increasing number of therapeutic targets tested in clinical trials, there is still no cure for this disease, although several proposed treatments might limit the involvement of specific organs, thereby slowing the natural history of the disease. A specific focus of recent research has been to address the plethora of unmet needs regarding the global management of SSc-related interstitial lung disease, including its pathogenesis, early diagnosis, risk stratification of patients, appropriate treatment regimens and monitoring of treatment response, as well as the definition of progression and predictors of progression and mortality. More refined stratification of patients on the basis of clinical features, molecular signatures, identification of subpopulations with distinct clinical trajectories and implementation of outcome measures for future clinical trials could also improve therapeutic management strategies, helping to avoid poor outcomes related to lung involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Liakouli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ciancio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trusts, Leeds, UK
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Güven YZ, Akay F, Akmaz B, Solmaz D, Gercik Ö, Akar S. Evaluation of retinal microvascular network in patients with systemic sclerosis: An optical cohorence tomography angiography study. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103774. [PMID: 37640203 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the long-term effect of systemic sclerosis on the optic disk and retinal capillary network and to see whether the drugs used in the treatment of SSc affected optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional case-control study included 40 systemic sclerosis patients and 40 healthy individuals. We included only one eye of each patient in the study. Macular layers and angiography scanning were performed with a Zeiss Cirrus 5000 OCTA system. Such values as macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) were obtained. For central vessel and perfusion density (VD, PD), central 6 mm were obtained and were evaluated by dividing it into 3 groups as inner, outer, and full. The FAZ was evaluated through 3 parameters: area, perimeter, circularity index. RESULTS Statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the mean and foveal macular thickness values (p=0.008, p=0.033). Significant differences were also found between the two groups in terms of the VD and PD parameters in all regions except for 1 mm center (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in RNFL and GC-IPL values between two groups. Also, a positive correlation was observed between parapapillary perfusion density values and RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses in SSc group. When the subgroups were compared in terms of vasodilator drug use, the subgroup using vasodilators was seen to have higher mean RNFL and inferior RNFL thicknesses (p=0.045 and p=0.035, respectively). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between parapapillary VD and RNFL values in the SSc subgroup treated with vasodilators. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate microvascular loss in individuals with systemic sclerosis, compared with healthy subjects. Also, it has been determined that OCTA is an important test for screening retinal and optic disk microvascular changes over time in cases of systemic sclerosis and may be used to evaluate the response to vasodilator drugs used in the treatment of SSc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ziya Güven
- Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Fahrettin Akay
- Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Berkay Akmaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Dilek Solmaz
- Department of Rheumatology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Önay Gercik
- Department of Rheumatology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Servet Akar
- Department of Rheumatology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Educating and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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Zirtiloglu S, Alikma MS, Acar OPA, Güven F, Icacan OC, Yigit FU. Evaluation of the Optic Nerve Head Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Systemic Sclerosis Patients. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:1277-1283. [PMID: 36351552 DOI: 10.1055/a-1975-2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify microvascular vessel density in the optic disc using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS); to determine whether there is a difference in values between patients and controls; and to correlate the OCTA measurements with disease activity, damage risk, and drug usage. METHODS Patients aged 20 - 76 years who were followed up after a diagnosis of SS and age- and gender-matched controls. The patients underwent RTVue-XR AngioVue OCTA imaging in this cross-sectional observational study. RESULTS A total of 61 eyes of 61 consecutive SS patients and 60 eyes of 60 controls were investigated. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups regarding the average RNFL (retinal fiber layer) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density (VD) measurements (p = 0.35, p = 0.25, respectively). As the antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer increased, RNFLsuperior (p = 0.01, r = - 0.327), RPCwhole (p = 0.029, r = 0.279), RPCperipapillary (p = 0.037, r = - 0.267), RPCsuperior (p = 0.003, r = - 0.371), and RPCinferior (p = 0.02, r = 0.297) values decreased with statistical significance. The RPCinside values were lower in anti-Scl-70-positive patients compared to patients negative for anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I) (p = 0.021). The RNFLnasal (p = 0.03, r = - 0.278) value decreased as the years of disease increased. The RPCinside value was higher in patients using hydroxychloroquine and calcium channel blockers than those who did not use them (p = 0.021 and p = 0.027, respectively). The RPCwhole, RPCperipapillary, and RPCnasal values were higher, with statistical significance in corticosteroid users than in those patients who did not use corticosteroids (p = 0.043, 0.030, and 0.033, respectively). CONCLUSION There was no significant difference between the patients and control groups regarding the average RPC VD measurements. However, since this is the first study to analyze optic disc vessel density in SS patients, optic nerve blood flow changes in scleroderma with OCTA could be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Zirtiloglu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ozge Pinar Akarsu Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Güven
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozan Cemal Icacan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fadime Ulviye Yigit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Moll G, Luecht C, Gyamfi MA, da Fonseca DLM, Wang P, Zhao H, Gong Z, Chen L, Ashraf MI, Heidecke H, Hackel AM, Dragun D, Budde K, Penack O, Riemekasten G, Cabral-Marques O, Witowski J, Catar R. Autoantibodies from patients with kidney allograft vasculopathy stimulate a proinflammatory switch in endothelial cells and monocytes mediated via GPCR-directed PAR1-TNF-α signaling. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1289744. [PMID: 37965310 PMCID: PMC10642342 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1289744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-HLA-directed regulatory autoantibodies (RABs) are known to target G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and thereby contribute to kidney transplant vasculopathy and failure. However, the detailed underlying signaling mechanisms in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and immune cells need to be clarified in more detail. In this study, we compared the immune stimulatory effects and concomitant intracellular and extracellular signaling mechanisms of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-fractions from kidney transplant patients with allograft vasculopathy (KTx-IgG), to that from patients without vasculopathy, or matched healthy controls (Con-IgG). We found that KTx-IgG from patients with vasculopathy, but not KTx-IgG from patients without vasculopathy or Con-IgG, elicits HMEC activation and subsequent upregulation and secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) from HMECs, which was amplified in the presence of the protease-activated thrombin receptor 1 (PAR1) activator thrombin, but could be omitted by selectively blocking the PAR1 receptor. The amount and activity of the TNF-α secreted by HMECs stimulated with KTx-IgG from patients with vasculopathy was sufficient to induce subsequent THP-1 monocytic cell activation. Furthermore, AP-1/c-FOS, was identified as crucial transcription factor complex controlling the KTx-IgG-induced endothelial TNF-α synthesis, and mircoRNA-let-7f-5p as a regulatory element in modulating the underlying signaling cascade. In conclusion, exposure of HMECs to KTx-IgG from patients with allograft vasculopathy, but not KTx-IgG from patients without vasculopathy or healthy Con-IgG, triggers signaling through the PAR1-AP-1/c-FOS-miRNA-let7-axis, to control TNF-α gene transcription and TNF-α-induced monocyte activation. These observations offer a greater mechanistic understanding of endothelial cells and subsequent immune cell activation in the clinical setting of transplant vasculopathy that can eventually lead to transplant failure, irrespective of alloantigen-directed responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) and Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Luecht
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Adu Gyamfi
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennyson L M da Fonseca
- Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pinchao Wang
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hongfan Zhao
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Zexian Gong
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Duska Dragun
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Otávio Cabral-Marques
- Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, USP School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation 29, USP School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janusz Witowski
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Healthy (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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Tona F, Vadori M, Civieri G, Masiero G, Iop L, Antonelli G, Perazzolo Marra M, Bianco F, Cecere A, Lorenzoni G, Naumova N, Bernava G, Basso D, Plebani M, Cozzi E, Iliceto S. Association of autoantibodies targeting endothelin type-A receptors with no-reflow in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Atherosclerosis 2023; 378:117179. [PMID: 37422357 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.06.970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS No-reflow (NR), where the coronary artery is patent after treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but tissue perfusion is not restored, is associated with worse outcomes. We aimed to investigate the relationship between autoantibodies activating endothelin-1 receptor type A (ETAR-AAs) and NR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in STEMI. METHODS We studied 50 patients (age 59 ± 11 years, 40 males) with STEMI who underwent PPCI within 6 h after the onset of symptoms. Blood samples were obtained from all patients within 12 h following PPCI for ETAR-AA level measurement. The seropositive threshold was provided by the manufacturer (>10 U/ml). NR was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MVO, microvascular obstruction). As a control group, 40 healthy subjects matched for age and sex were recruited from the general population. RESULTS MVO was observed in 24 patients (48%). The prevalence of MVO was higher in patients with ETAR-AAs seropositivity (72% vs. 38%, p = 0.03). ETAR-AAs were higher in patients with MVO (8.9 U/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 6.8-16.2 U/mL) vs. 5.7 U/mL [IQR 4.3-7.7 U/mL], p = 0.003). ETAR-AAs seropositivity was independently associated with MVO (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.1; p = 0.03). We identified ≥6.74 U/mL as the best cut-off for prediction of MVO (sensitivity 79%; specificity 65%; NPV 71%; PPV 74%; accuracy 72%). CONCLUSIONS The ETAR-AAs seropositivity is associated with NR in STEMI patients. These findings may open up new options in the management of myocardial infarction even if confirmation in a larger trial is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy.
| | - Marta Vadori
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Civieri
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Masiero
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | - Martina Perazzolo Marra
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Annagrazia Cecere
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Natalia Naumova
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bernava
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Basso
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cozzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
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Maciejewska M, Sikora M, Stec A, Zaremba M, Maciejewski C, Pawlik K, Rudnicka L. Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) as a Biomarker for Changes in Microcirculation in Individuals with Systemic Sclerosis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023:10.1007/s13555-023-00952-w. [PMID: 37316749 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by tissue fibrosis and microangiopathy. Vascular changes such as a decrease in capillary density diminish blood flow and impair tissue oxygenation. Reliable ways to monitor disease activity and predict disease progression are desired in the process of patient selection for clinical trials and to optimize individual patient outcomes. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a dimeric protein complex that plays an integral role in the body's response to hypoxia. Our study aimed to investigate the potential abnormalities of HIF-1α plasma concentration and its possible association with disease activity and vascular abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS Blood plasma levels of HIF-1α were measured in patients with systemic sclerosis (n = 50) and in healthy individuals (n = 30) using commercially available ELISA test kits. RESULTS The results showed a marked increase in HIF-1α levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (3.042 ng/ml [2.295-7.749]) compared to the control group (1.969 ng/ml [1.531-2.903] p < 0.01). Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (2.803 ng/ml, IQR 2.221-8.799) and limited cutaneous SSc (3.231 ng/ml, IQR 2.566-5.502) exhibited elevated serum HIF-1α levels compared to the control group (p < 0.01). We found a notable increase in HIF-1α plasma concentration in patients with an "active" pattern (6.625 ng/ml, IQR 2.488-11.480) compared to those with either an "early" pattern (2.739, IQR 2.165-3.282, p < 0.05) or a "late" pattern (2.983 ng/ml, IQR 2.229-3.386, p < 0.05). Patients with no history of digital ulcers had significantly higher levels of HIF-1α (4.367 ng/ml, IQR 2.488-9.462) compared to patients with either active digital ulcers (2.832 ng/ml, IQR 2.630-3.094, p < 0.05) or healed digital ulcers (2.668 ng/ml, IQR 2.074-2.983, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that HIF-1α may serve as a biomarker in assessing microcirculatory changes in individuals with systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Maciejewska
- Department of Dermatology, Doctoral School of Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Sikora
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Albert Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cezary Maciejewski
- 1St Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pawlik
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Akbarzadeh R, Müller A, Humrich JY, Riemekasten G. When natural antibodies become pathogenic: autoantibodies targeted against G protein-coupled receptors in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213804. [PMID: 37359516 PMCID: PMC10285309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue, and autoimmune disease with the highest case-specific mortality and complications among rheumatic diseases. It is characterized by complex and variable features such as autoimmunity and inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis, which pose challenges in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Among the large variety of autoantibodies (Abs) present in the sera of patients suffering from SSc, functionally active Abs against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the most abundant integral membrane proteins, have drawn much attention over the last decades. These Abs play an essential role in regulating the immune system, and their functions are dysregulated in diverse pathological conditions. Emerging evidence indicates that functional Abs targeting GPCRs, such as angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and the endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR), are altered in SSc. These Abs are part of a network with several GPCR Abs, such as those directed to the chemokine receptors or coagulative thrombin receptors. In this review, we summarize the effects of Abs against GPCRs in SSc pathologies. Extending the knowledge on pathophysiological roles of Abs against GPCRs could provide insights into a better understanding of GPCR contribution to SSc pathogenesis and therefore help in developing potential therapeutic strategies that intervene with pathological functions of these receptors.
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11
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Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for Non-Invasive Assessment of Microcirculation and Prognostic Correlation with Endothelial Dysfunction, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Non-HLA Antibodies in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062302. [PMID: 36983302 PMCID: PMC10056970 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of allograft vasculopathy and the concomitant elimination of adverse risk factors is essential for improving the long-term prognosis of heart transplant (HTx) recipients with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). The major aim of this pilot study was to conduct a non-invasive imaging evaluation of the HTx patient microcirculation by employing nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) in a well-characterized patient and control cohort, and to correlate these data with endothelial cell function, accompanied by studies of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and non-HLA antibodies in HTx recipients. Ten patients undergoing HTx (mean age of 38 ± 14 years) were recruited for the study and compared to a control group of 12 well-matched healthy volunteers (mean age 35 ± 5 years) with normal body mass index (BMI). Detailed medical records were collected from all individuals. NVC was performed using CapillaryScope 200 MEDL4N microscope. For functional readout and correlation analysis, endothelial cell network formation in conjunction with measurements of patient serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-HLA autoantibodies directed against the angiotensin II type-1-receptor (anti-AT1R-Ab), endothelin-1 type-A-receptor (anti-ETAR-Ab), protease-activated receptor-1 (anti-PAR-1-Ab), and VEGF-A (anti-VEGF-A-Ab) were studied. Our NVC analysis found that the average apical loop diameter of nailfold capillaries was significantly increased in HTx recipients (p = 0.001). In addition, HTx patients with more prominent changes in capillaroscopic patterns were characterized by the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and HTx patients had increased levels of anti-AT1R-ab, anti-ETAR-ab, and anti-VEGF-A-Ab (p = 0.017, p = 0.025, and p = 0.003, respectively). Capillary diameters most strongly correlated with elevated serum levels of troponin T and triglycerides (R = 0.69, p = 0.028 and R = 0.81, p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that an abnormal NVC pattern in HTx patients is associated with traditional CVD risk factors and that NVC is a useful non-invasive tool to conveniently monitor changes in the microvasculature of HTx patients.
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12
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Cabral-Marques O, Moll G, Catar R, Preuß B, Bankamp L, Pecher AC, Henes J, Klein R, Kamalanathan AS, Akbarzadeh R, van Oostveen W, Hohberger B, Endres M, Koolmoes B, Levarht N, Postma R, van Duinen V, van Zonneveld AJ, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Fehres C, Tran F, do Vale FYN, da Silva Souza KB, Filgueiras IS, Schimke LF, Baiocchi GC, de Miranda GC, da Fonseca DLM, Freire PP, Hackel AM, Grasshoff H, Stähle A, Müller A, Dechend R, Yu X, Petersen F, Sotzny F, Sakmar TP, Ochs HD, Schulze-Forster K, Heidecke H, Scheibenbogen C, Shoenfeld Y, Riemekasten G. Autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors: An evolving history in autoimmunity. Report of the 4th international symposium. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103310. [PMID: 36906052 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Functional autoantibodies targeting GPCRs have been associated with multiple disease manifestations in this context. Here we summarize and discuss the relevant findings and concepts presented in the biennial International Meeting on autoantibodies targeting GPCRs (the 4th Symposium), held in Lübeck, Germany, 15-16 September 2022. The symposium focused on the current knowledge of these autoantibodies' role in various diseases, such as cardiovascular, renal, infectious (COVID-19), and autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Beyond their association with disease phenotypes, intense research related to the mechanistic action of these autoantibodies on immune regulation and pathogenesis has been developed, underscoring the role of autoantibodies targeting GPCRs on disease outcomes and etiopathogenesis. The observation repeatedly highlighted that autoantibodies targeting GPCRs could also be present in healthy individuals, suggesting that anti-GPCR autoantibodies play a physiologic role in modeling the course of diseases. Since numerous therapies targeting GPCRs have been developed, including small molecules and monoclonal antibodies designed for treating cancer, infections, metabolic disorders, or inflammatory conditions, anti-GPCR autoantibodies themselves can serve as therapeutic targets to reduce patients' morbidity and mortality, representing a new area for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otávio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Medical Investigation 29, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacy and Postgraduate Program of Health and Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil; Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) and Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), all Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Preuß
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Bankamp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Pecher
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joerg Henes
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reinhild Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A S Kamalanathan
- Centre for BioSeparation Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reza Akbarzadeh
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wieke van Oostveen
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany.; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bryan Koolmoes
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nivine Levarht
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rudmer Postma
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent van Duinen
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeska de Vries-Bouwstra
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Fehres
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Florian Tran
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fernando Yuri Nery do Vale
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Igor Salerno Filgueiras
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lena F Schimke
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Crispim Baiocchi
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Cabral de Miranda
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dennyson Leandro Mathias da Fonseca
- Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Paccielli Freire
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander M Hackel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hanna Grasshoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anja Stähle
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Antje Müller
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A collaboration of Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin, and HELIOS Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel (RCB), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel (RCB), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hans D Ochs
- University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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Specific Autoantibodies and Microvascular Damage Progression Assessed by Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Systemic Sclerosis: Are There Peculiar Associations? An Update. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12010003. [PMID: 36648887 PMCID: PMC9844325 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific autoantibodies and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) findings are serum and morphological diagnostic hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as useful biomarkers which stratify the microvascular progression and prognosis of patients. METHODS The aim of our narrative review is to provide an update and overview of the link between SSc-related autoantibodies, used in clinical practice, and microvascular damage, evaluated by NVC, by exploring the interaction between these players in published studies. A narrative review was conducted by searching relevant keywords related to this field in Pubmed, Medline and EULAR/ACR conference abstracts with a focus on the findings published in the last 5 years. RESULTS Our search yielded 13 clinical studies and 10 pre-clinical studies. Most of the clinical studies (8/13, 61.5%) reported a significant association between SSc-related autoantibodies and NVC patterns: more specifically anti-centromere autoantibodies (ACA) were associated more often with an "Early" NVC pattern, whereas anti-topoisomerase autoantibodies (ATA) more frequently showed an "Active" or "Late" NVC pattern. Five studies, instead, did not find a significant association between specific autoantibodies and NVC findings. Among the pre-clinical studies, SSc-related autoantibodies showed different mechanisms of damage towards both endothelial cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle vascular cells. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and laboratory evidence on SSc-related autoantibodies and microvascular damage shows that these players are interconnected. Further clinical and demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, disease duration, treatment and comorbidities) might play an additional role in the SSc-related microvascular injury whose progression appears to be complex and multifactorial.
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Graßhoff H, Fourlakis K, Comdühr S, Riemekasten G. Autoantibodies as Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092150. [PMID: 36140251 PMCID: PMC9496142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by immune dysregulation evoking the pathophysiological triad of inflammation, fibrosis and vasculopathy. In SSc, several alterations in the B-cell compartment have been described, leading to polyclonal B-cell hyperreactivity, hypergammaglobulinemia and autoantibody production. Autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies promote and maintain pathologic mechanisms. In addition, autoantibodies in SSc are important biomarkers for predicting clinical phenotype and disease progression. Autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies represent potentially promising targets for therapeutic approaches including B-cell-targeting therapies, as well as strategies for unselective and selective removal of autoantibodies. In this review, we present mechanisms of the innate immune system leading to the generation of autoantibodies, alterations of the B-cell compartment in SSc, autoantibodies as biomarkers and autoantibody-mediated pathologies in SSc as well as potential therapeutic approaches to target these.
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15
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Riemekasten G, Distler JH. A broad look into the future of systemic sclerosis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221109404. [PMID: 35966183 PMCID: PMC9373175 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with the key
features of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. This article
focussed on emerging fields based on the authors’ current work and
expertise. The authors provide a hierarchical structure into the
studies of the pathogenesis of SSc starting with the contribution of
environmental factors. Regulatory autoantibodies (abs) are discussed,
which are parts of the human physiology and are specifically
dysregulated in SSc. Abs against the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1
(AT1R) and the endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) are discussed in more
detail. Extracellular vesicles are another novel player to possess
disease processes. Fibroblasts are a key effector cell in SSc.
Therefore, the current review will provide an overview about their
plasticity in the phenotype and function. Promising nuclear receptors
as key regulators of transcriptional programmes will be introduced as
well as epigenetic modifications, which are pivotal to maintain the
profibrotic fibroblast phenotype independent of external stimuli.
Fibroblasts from SSc patients exhibit a specific signalling and
reactivate developmental pathways and stem cell maintenance such as by
employing hedgehog and WNT, which promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast
transition and extracellular matrix generation. Pharmacological
interventions, although for other indications, are already in clinical
use to address pathologic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Altered ocular microvasculature in patients with systemic sclerosis and very early disease of systemic sclerosis using optical coherence tomography angiography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10990. [PMID: 35768479 PMCID: PMC9243093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular hypothesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) would predict microvascular alterations should also affect anatomical regions like ocular microvasculature. The objective of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillary vessel density (VD) in patients with definite SSc and very early disease of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 22 eyes of 22 patients and 22 eyes of 22 healthy subjects were included in this study. Patients were classified into patients with definite SSc and patients with VEDOSS. VD data of the superficial OCT angiogram (OCTA-SCP), deep OCT angiogram (OCTA-DCP) and choriocapillaris (OCTA-CC) were analysed. VD in the OCTA-SCP and OCTA-CC was lower in patients with SSc (p < 0.05). In VEDOSS patients, VD in the OCTA-CC was still reduced compared to controls (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between nailfold capillaroscopy and VD of OCTA-CC (Spearman correlation coefficient (rSp) 0.456, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between skin score and VD of OCTA-SCP (p < 0.05). Ocular perfusion seems to be impaired in patients with SSc and even VEDOSS. VD correlated with disease severity. OCTA could be a new useful diagnostic and predictive parameter for monitoring patients with different stages of the disease.
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Rowaiye OO, Kusztal M, Zabinska M, Bartoszek D, Myszka M, Kościelska-Kasprzak K, Banasik M, Mazanowska O, Klinger M, Krajewska M. Anti-ETAR and suPAR as markers of disease activity in renal ANCA-associated vasculitis. Adv Med Sci 2022; 67:23-28. [PMID: 34781174 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), there is a lack of reliable biomarkers of disease activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and anti-endothelin-1 type A receptor (anti-ETAR) antibodies levels in active phase and remission of AAV. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 60 patients (median age 63.0 years) with renal AAV into this study. Plasma suPAR, urine suPAR (expressed as urine suPAR/creatinine ratio) and serum anti-ETAR antibodies were assayed by ELISA. Disease activity was assessed using Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) and patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on their BVAS scores, namely: active AAV subgroup (BVAS≥1) and remission subgroup (BVAS = 0). Median follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS Patients with active AAV had higher levels of all candidate biomarkers in comparison to those in remission (p < 0.05). C-statistics for plasma suPAR, urine suPAR/creatinine ratio and serum anti-ETAR were 0.807, 0.713 and 0.783, respectively. In multivariable analysis, no clear associations were found between serum anti-ETAR and BVAS, while both plasma suPAR and serum anti-ETAR were independently influenced by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CONCLUSIONS Plasma suPAR better discriminated between active AAV and remission in comparison to urine suPAR/creatinine ratio and serum anti-ETAR antibodies.
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Wang M, Yin X, Li S, Zhang X, Yi M, He C, Li X, Wang W, Zhang S, Liu H. Large‐Conductance Calcium‐Activated Potassium Channel Opener, NS1619, Protects Against Mesenteric Artery Remodeling Induced by Agonistic Autoantibodies Against the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e024046. [PMID: 35156422 PMCID: PMC9245824 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.024046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1‐AAs) extensively exist in patients with hypertensive diseases and have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in the pathophysiological process of vascular remodeling. However, the treatment options are limited. The large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channel is a critical regulator and potential therapeutic target of vascular tone and architecture. We have previously observed that AT1‐AAs have an inhibitory effect on BK channels. However, whether BK channel dysfunction is involved in AT1‐AAs‐induced vascular remodeling and the therapeutic effect of BK channel opener is unclear. Methods and Results In our study, mesenteric arteries from AT1‐AAs‐positive rats exhibited increased wall thickness, narrowing of the arteriolar lumen, and increased collagen accumulation. Patch clamp test results showed that the voltage sensitivity of BK channel declined in mesenteric arteriolar smooth muscle cells from AT1‐AAs‐positive rats. Experiments with freshly isolated mesenteric arteriolar smooth muscle cells showed that AT1‐AAs reduced the opening probability, open levels, open dwell time, and calcium sensitivity of BK channel. Experiments with HEK293T cells transfected with GFP‐ZERO‐BK α‐subunit plasmids suggested a BK channel α‐subunit‐dependent mechanism. BK channel α‐subunit deficient, namely KCNMA1−/− rats showed a phenotype of mesenteric artery remodeling. The administration of NS1619, a specific BK channel opener targeting the α‐subunit, reversed the phenotypic transition and migration induced by AT1‐AAs in cultured mesenteric arteriolar smooth muscle cells. Finally, perfusion of NS1619 significantly relieved the pathological effects induced by AT1‐AAs in vivo. Conclusions In summary, we provide compelling evidence that BK channel α‐subunit dysfunction mediates AT1‐AAs‐induced mesenteric artery remodeling. Preservation of BK channel activity may serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of AT1‐AAs‐induced maladaptive resistance artery remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular DiseaseCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Xiaochen Yin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Shuanglei Li
- Division of Adult Cardiac Surgery Department of Cardiology The Sixth Medical CenterChinese PLA General Hospital Beijing China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Chunyu He
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular DiseaseCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Suli Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular DiseaseCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular DiseaseCapital Medical University Beijing China
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Bankamp L, Preuß B, Pecher AC, Beucke N, Henes J, Klein R. Functionally Active Antibodies to the Angiotensin II Type 1-Receptor Measured by a Luminometric Bioassay Do Not Correlate With Clinical Manifestations in Systemic Sclerosis: A Comparison With Antibodies to Vascular Receptors and Topoisomerase I Detected by ELISA. Front Immunol 2021; 12:786039. [PMID: 34956217 PMCID: PMC8695427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.786039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives 1) To detect functionally active antibodies(abs) to the angiotensin II type-1-receptor (AT1R) by a novel luminometric assay. 2) To assess their prevalence in systemic sclerosis (SSc), other collagen disorders, as well as in further chronic inflammatory disorders including autoimmune, toxic and chronic viral diseases. 3) To compare these abs with anti-AT1R antibodies by ELISA as well as with antibodies to endothelin-type-A receptors (ETA1) and to topoisomerase I (topo-I) with respect to their specificity and clinical relevance. Methods Sera from 98 SSc-patients, 110 patients with other chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders, 97 patients with autoimmune liver diseases, 57 patients with toxic or chronic viral liver diseases and 36 healthy controls were analyzed. A luminometric bioassay was established with Huh-7-cells constitutively expressing the AT1R. Patients’ sera were also tested by commercially available ELISA for anti-AT1R, -ETA1- and by an in-house ELISA for anti–topo-I-abs. Results Fifty-two percent of the SSc-patients had functionally active anti-AT1R-abs with stimulatory (34%) or inhibitory capacity (18%). They were present also in up to 59% of patients with other rheumatic diseases but only 22% of healthy individuals (sensitivity 52%, specificity 53%). The functionally active antibodies detected by the luminometric assay did not correlate with anti-AT1R-, -ETA1- or -topo-I-abs measured by ELISA, but there was a strong correlation between anti-topo-I-, AT1R-, and -ETA1-ab reactivity measured by ELISA. Sensitivities of 55%, 28% and 47% and specificities of 66%, 87%, and 99% were calculated for these anti-AT1R-, -ETA1-, and anti-topo-I-abs, respectively. Functionally active abs did not correlate with disease severity or any organ manifestation. In contrast, abs to topo-I, AT1R, and ETA1 were associated with digital ulcers, pulmonary- and esophageal manifestation. Conclusions Functionally active anti-AT1R-abs can be detected in SSc-patients but do not correlate with disease activity. They are not specific for this disease and occur also in other autoimmune disorders and even viral or toxic diseases. Also, the vascular antibodies detected by ELISA are not SSc-specific but correlated with disease manifestations. In contrast, anti-topo-I-abs were confirmed to be a highly specific biomarker for both, diagnosis and organ manifestations of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bankamp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Beate Preuß
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Pecher
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Beucke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Henes
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Reinhild Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Abstract
From the clinical standpoint, systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis, diffuse fibroproliferative vascular modifications, and autoimmunity. Clinical presentation and course are highly heterogenous and life expectancy variably affected mostly dependent on lung and heart involvement. SSc touches more women than men with differences in disease severity and environmental exposure. Pathogenetic events originate from altered homeostasis favored by genetic predisposition, environmental cues and a variety of endogenous and exogenous triggers. Epigenetic modifications modulate SSc pathogenesis which strikingly associate profound immune-inflammatory dysregulation, abnormal endothelial cell behavior, and cell trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts. SSc myofibroblasts show enhanced survival and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition presenting altered structure and altered physicochemical properties. Additional cell types of likely pathogenic importance are pericytes, platelets, and keratinocytes in conjunction with their relationship with vessel wall cells and fibroblasts. In SSc, the profibrotic milieu is favored by cell signaling initiated in the one hand by transforming growth factor-beta and related cytokines and in the other hand by innate and adaptive type 2 immune responses. Radical oxygen species and invariant receptors sensing danger participate to altered cell behavior. Conventional and SSc-specific T cell subsets modulate both fibroblasts as well as endothelial cell dysfunction. Beside autoantibodies directed against ubiquitous antigens important for enhanced clinical classification, antigen-specific agonistic autoantibodies may have a pathogenic role. Recent studies based on single-cell RNAseq and multi-omics approaches are revealing unforeseen heterogeneity in SSc cell differentiation and functional states. Advances in system biology applied to the wealth of data generated by unbiased screening are allowing to subgroup patients based on distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Deciphering heterogeneity in pathogenic mechanisms will pave the way to highly needed personalized therapeutic approaches.
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21
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Murthy S, Wannick M, Eleftheriadis G, Müller A, Luo J, Busch H, Dalmann A, Riemekasten G, Sadik CD. Immunoglobulin G of systemic sclerosis patients programs a pro-inflammatory and profibrotic phenotype in monocyte-like THP-1 cells. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3012-3022. [PMID: 33230552 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional IgG autoantibodies against diverse G protein-coupled receptors, i.e. antibodies with agonistic or antagonistic activity at these receptors, are abundant in human serum. Their levels are altered in patients with SSc, and autoantibodies against angiotensin II receptor 1 (ATR1) and endothelin receptor A (ETA) have been suggested to drive SSc by inducing the chemokines CXCL8 and CCL18 in the blood. The objective of our study is to profile the effect of IgG in SSc (SSc-IgG) on the production of soluble mediators in monocytic cells. METHODS Monocyte-like THP-1 cells were stimulated with SSc-IgG and their secretome was analysed. Furthermore, the significance of major pro-inflammatory pathways for the induction of CXCL8 and CCL18 in response to SSc-IgG was assessed by a pharmacological approach. RESULTS Stimulation with SSc-IgG significantly alters the secretome of THP-1 cells towards a general pro-inflammatory and profibrotic phenotype, which includes an increase of CCL18 and CXCL8. The consequent expression profiles vary depending on the individual donor of the SSc-IgG. CCL18 and CXCL8 expression is thus regulated differentially, with AP-1 driving the induction of both CCL18 and CXCL8 and the TAK/IKK-β/NF-κB pathway and ERK1/2 driving that of CXCL8. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that SSc-IgG contributes to the generation of the pro-inflammatory/profibrotic tissue milieu characteristic of SSc by its induction of a respective phenotype in monocytes. Furthermore, our results highlight AP-1 as a critical regulator of gene transcription of CCL18 in monocytic cells and as a promising pharmacological therapeutic target for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sripriya Murthy
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Melanie Wannick
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Georgios Eleftheriadis
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Antje Müller
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jiao Luo
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Lübeck Institute for Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anja Dalmann
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian D Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Hysa E, Cutolo CA, Gotelli E, Paolino S, Cimmino MA, Pacini G, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Ocular microvascular damage in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: The pathophysiological role of the immune system. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102796. [PMID: 33722750 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathological eye involvement represents a quite common finding in a broad spectrum of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Ocular signs, often occur as early manifestations in ARDs, ranging from symptoms related to the mild dry eye disease to sight-threatening pathologies, linked to the immune response against retinal and choroidal vessels. Retinovascular damage driven by markedly inflammatory reactivity need a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Immune-complexes formation, complement activation and antibody-mediated endothelial damage seem to play a key role, particularly, in microvascular damage and ocular symptoms, occurring in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Conversely, early alterations of retinal and choroidal vessels in the asymptomatic patient, often detectable coincidentally, might be indicators of widespread vascular injury in other connective tissue diseases. Particularly, endothelin-induced hypoperfusion and pathological peri-choroidal extracellular matrix deposition, might be responsible for the micro-architectural alterations and loss of capillaries detected in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Instead, interferon alpha-mediated microvascular rarefaction, combined with endothelial lesions caused by specific autoantibodies and immune-complexes, appear to play a significant role in retinal vasculopathy associated to inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIM). The immuno-pathophysiological mechanisms of ocular microcirculatory damage associated with the major ARDs will be discussed under the light of the most recent achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Carlo Alberto Cutolo
- Ophtalmology Clinic DiNOGMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marco Amedeo Cimmino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Greta Pacini
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
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Riemekasten G, Petersen F, Heidecke H. What Makes Antibodies Against G Protein-Coupled Receptors so Special? A Novel Concept to Understand Chronic Diseases. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564526. [PMID: 33384684 PMCID: PMC7770155 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expressions of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) on immune and tissue resident cells are the consequence of the cellular environment, which is highly variable. As discussed here, antibodies directed to GPCR (GPCR abs), their levels and correlations to other abs, serve as biomarkers for various diseases. They also could reflect the individual interplay between the environment and the immune system. Thus, GPCR abs could display pathogenic chronic conditions and could help to identify disease-related pathways. Moreover, by acting as ligands to their corresponding receptors, GPCR abs modulate autoimmune as well as non-autoimmune diseases. This article introduces GPCR abs as drivers for diseases by their capability to induce a specific signaling and by determining immune cell homeostasis. The identification of the individual GPCR ab function is challenging but might be pivotal in the comprehension of the aetiology of diseases. This, hopefully, will lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies. This article provides an overview about concepts and recent developments in research. Accordingly, GPCR abs could represent ideal candidates for precision medicine. Here, we introduce the term antibodiom to cover the network of abs with GPCR abs as prominent players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Research Center Borstel, Division of Pulmonary Immune Diseases, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
- Research Center Borstel, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Research Center Borstel, Division of Pulmonary Immune Diseases, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
- Research Center Borstel, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
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24
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Silva IMS, Assersen KB, Willadsen NN, Jepsen J, Artuc M, Steckelings UM. The role of the renin‐angiotensin system in skin physiology and pathophysiology. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:891-901. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Maciel Souza Silva
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research University of Southern Denmark Odense C Denmark
| | - Kasper Bostlund Assersen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research University of Southern Denmark Odense C Denmark
| | - Natalie Nanette Willadsen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research University of Southern Denmark Odense C Denmark
| | - Julie Jepsen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research University of Southern Denmark Odense C Denmark
| | - Metin Artuc
- Department of Dermatology Charité – Medical Faculty Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Ulrike Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research University of Southern Denmark Odense C Denmark
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25
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Wallukat G, Jandrig B, Becker NP, Wendler JJ, Göttel P, Müller J, Schostak M, Schimke I. Autoantibodies directed against α1-adrenergic receptor and endothelin receptor A in patients with prostate cancer. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2020; 11:13. [PMID: 32977857 PMCID: PMC7519497 DOI: 10.1186/s13317-020-00136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For prostate cancer, signaling pathways induced by over-boarding stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) such as the endothelin, α1- and β-adrenergic, muscarinic and angiotensin 1 receptors were accused to support the carcinogenesis. However, excessive receptor stimulation by physiological receptor ligands is minimized by a control system that induces receptor sensitization and down-regulation. This system is missing when so-called "functional autoantibodies" bind to the GPCR (GPCR-AAB). If GPCR-AAB were found in patients with prostate cancer, uncontrolled GPCR stimulation could make these autoantibodies an additional supporter in prostate cancer. METHODS Using the bioassay of spontaneously beating cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, GPCR-AAB were identified, quantified and characterized in the serum of 25 patients (aged 56-78 years, median 70 years) with prostate cancer compared to 10 male patients (aged 48-82 years, median 64) with urinary stone disorders (controls). RESULTS Of the cancer patients, 24 (96%) and 17 (68%), respectively, carried autoantibodies directed against the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AAB) and endothelin receptor A (ETA-AAB). No patient was negative for both GPCR-AAB. In contrast, ETA-AAB and α1-AAB were absent in all (100%) and 9 (90%) of the 10 control patients, respectively. While α1-AAB targeted a specific epitope of the first extracellular loop of the α1-adrenergic receptor subtype A, an epitope of the second extracellular loop of the ETA receptor was identified as a target of ETA-AAB. As demonstrated in vitro, the functional activity of both autoantibodies found in prostate cancer can be neutralized by the aptamer BC007. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesized that α1-AAB and ETA-AAB, which are highly present in prostate cancer patients, could by their functional activity support carcinogenesis by excessive receptor stimulation. The in vitro demonstrated neutralization of α1- and ETA-AAB by the aptamer BC007 could open the door to complement the treatments already available for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Wallukat
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Jandrig
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Johann J Wendler
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Göttel
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Müller
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schostak
- Universitätsklinik für Urologie, Uroonkologie, robotergestützte und fokale Therapie, Otto von Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Schimke
- Berlin Cures GmbH, Knesebeckstraße 59-61, 10719, Berlin, Germany.
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26
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Pearl MH, Chen L, ElChaki R, Elashoff D, Gjertson DW, Rossetti M, Weng PL, Zhang Q, Reed EF, Chambers ET. Endothelin Type A Receptor Antibodies Are Associated With Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibodies, Vascular Inflammation, and Decline in Renal Function in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation. Kidney Int Rep 2020; 5:1925-1936. [PMID: 33163713 PMCID: PMC7609952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autoantibody to angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R-Ab) has been recognized as a non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody relevant in transplantation. Endothelin type A receptor antibody (ETAR-Ab) has been strongly associated with AT1R-Ab, but the data in kidney transplantation are scarce. Methods We examined the relationship of ETAR-Ab and AT1R-Ab with clinical outcomes, biopsy findings, inflammatory cytokines, and HLA donor-specific antibody (DSA) in a cohort of pediatric renal transplant recipients. Sixty-five patients were longitudinally monitored for ETAR-Ab, AT1R-Ab, HLA DSA, interleukin (IL)-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, interferon-γ, IL-17, IL-6, renal dysfunction, hypertension, rejection, and allograft loss during the first 2 years post-transplant. Results Fifteen patients (23%) had AT1R-Ab alone, 1 (2%) had ETAR-Ab alone, 23 (35%) had both ETAR-Ab and AT1R-Ab, and 26 (40%) were negative for both antibodies at all timepoints. Having both ETAR-Ab and AT1R-Ab was associated with >30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.024), arteritis (P = 0.016), and elevated IL-8 levels (P = 0.010), but not rejection, HLA DSA, or allograft loss. Having both antibodies resulted in greater increases in IL-8 compared with AT1R-Ab alone, even when controlled for additional clinical factors, including HLA DSA (P = 0.012). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that, in pediatric kidney transplantation, ETAR-Ab is highly associated with AT1R-Ab, but there are a subset of patients with AT1R-Ab alone. Having both antibodies is significantly associated with arteritis, elevated IL-8, and decline in renal function, and our results suggest possible interaction effects. Better understanding of this interaction may be informative in developing protocols for testing, treatment, and prevention of allograft injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan H Pearl
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lucia Chen
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rim ElChaki
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Elashoff
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David W Gjertson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maura Rossetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Patricia L Weng
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Qiuheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elaine F Reed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eileen Tsai Chambers
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Perelas A, Silver RM, Arrossi AV, Highland KB. Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2020; 8:304-320. [PMID: 32113575 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(19)30480-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease, which is characterised by immune dysregulation and progressive fibrosis that typically affects the skin, with variable internal organ involvement. It is a rare condition that affects mostly young and middle-aged women, resulting in disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Currently, interstitial lung disease is the most common cause of death among patients with systemic sclerosis, with a prevalence of up to 30% and a 10-year mortality of up to 40%. Interstitial lung disease is more common among African Americans and in people with the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis or anti-topoisomerase 1 antibodies. Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease most commonly presents with dyspnoea, cough, and a non-specific interstitial pneumonia pattern on CT scan, with a minority of cases fulfilling the criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia. The standard therapy has traditionally been combinations of immunosuppressants, particularly mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide. These immunosuppressants can be supplemented by targeted biological and antifibrotic therapies, whereas autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and lung transplantation are reserved for refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Perelas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Richard M Silver
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrea V Arrossi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
Discovered in 1987 as a potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the predominant member of the endothelin peptide family, is now recognized as a multifunctional peptide with cytokine-like activity contributing to almost all aspects of physiology and cell function. More than 30 000 scientific articles on endothelin were published over the past 3 decades, leading to the development and subsequent regulatory approval of a new class of therapeutics-the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). This article reviews the history of the discovery of endothelin and its role in genetics, physiology, and disease. Here, we summarize the main clinical trials using ERAs and discuss the role of endothelin in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, preecclampsia, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo syndrome, and heart failure. We also discuss how endothelins contributes to diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as cancer, immune disorders, and allograft rejection (which all involve ETA autoantibodies), and neurological diseases. The application of ERAs, dual endothelin receptor/angiotensin receptor antagonists (DARAs), selective ETB agonists, novel biologics such as receptor-targeting antibodies, or immunization against ETA receptors holds the potential to slow the progression or even reverse chronic noncommunicable diseases. Future clinical studies will show whether targeting endothelin receptors can prevent or reduce disability from disease and improve clinical outcome, quality of life, and survival in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- From Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Japan (M.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.Y.)
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Talotta R, Sarzi-Puttini P, Laska MJ, Atzeni F. Retrotransposons shuttling genetic and epigenetic information from the nuclear to the mitochondrial compartment: Do they play a pathogenetic role in scleroderma? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 49:42-58. [PMID: 31677967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous retroelements are a class of ancient defective viral insertions contained in the genome of host cells, where they account for up to 40% of all DNA. Centuries of co-existence in host genome have led to the development of immunotolerance to endogenous retroelements, most of which are defective and unable to replicate or transcribe functional proteins. However, given their capacity to move across the nuclear and mitochondrial genome and recombine, they could mix phenotypes and give rise to infections that may trigger innate and adaptive immune responses by sensing receptors capable of recognising foreign nucleic acids and proteins. It has recently been suggested that they play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases on the grounds of their partial reactivation or the epigenetic control of host gene transcription. A number of studies have confirmed their contribution to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but there is still a lack of data concerning systemic sclerosis (SSc). Their role in the pathogenesis of SSc can be hypothesised on the basis of mitochondrial and nuclear chromatinic damage, and hyper-activation of the immune pathway involved in antiviral defense. SSc is characterised by genetic and immunological evidence of a viral infection but, as no viral agent has yet been isolated from SSc patients, the hypothesis that partial reactivation of endogenous retroviruses may trigger the disease cannot be excluded and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100 Messina, Italy.
| | - Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital ASST-Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Via G.B Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100 Messina, Italy.
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Korsten P, Müller GA, Rademacher JG, Zeisberg M, Tampe B. Rheopheresis for Digital Ulcers and Raynaud's Phenomenon in Systemic Sclerosis Refractory to Conventional Treatments. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:208. [PMID: 31620442 PMCID: PMC6759692 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is almost universally present in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). RP represents a generalized vasculopathy and potentially lead to digital ulcers (DU), which may be complicated by superinfection, tissue necrosis, and limb loss. We report the analysis of an extracorporeal procedure in a 36-year-old female patient with diffuse SSc with refractory RP and DU despite treatment with diltiazem, candesartan, sildenafil, and intravenous iloprost. We performed rheopheresis (RheoP), a variant of double-filtration plasmapheresis, as a potential new treatment option for refractory patients despite optimal medical therapy. We performed two RheoP per week every 4 weeks for a total of 3 months. Clinical improvement in DU healing occurred with no adverse events directly related to the treatment. While there was no reduction in the number of Raynaud attacks with RheoP, a significant reduction of the duration of attacks from a median of 15 (5-45, 95% CI 10-15) to 7 (3-30, 95% CI 6-10) minutes with an improvement of the Raynaud Condition Score (RCS) improved from 4 to 2. In conclusion, RheoP is a feasible and potentially beneficial treatment modality in patients with refractory RP and DU. We propose that RheoP should be investigated in a larger number of patients in a clinical trial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Korsten
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Forte G, Fadda C, Bocca B, Erre GL, Passiu G, Madeddu R. Association Between Exposure to Heavy Metals and Systemic Sclerosis: the Levels of Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb in Blood and Urine of Patients. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 190:1-10. [PMID: 30215191 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease; exogenous factors-including heavy metals-may have a role in the disease pathogenesis. In this context, a study on the quantification of Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb in blood and urine of 27 SSc patients and 30 controls was carried out. Main findings were that Al was significantly depleted in blood and increased in urine of SSc patients respect to controls; and Pb was found slightly increased in blood and significantly decreased in SSc group. In addition, higher Hg levels in urine were found in SSc subjects with the higher severity of the disease. Females showed the most marked differences in the levels of blood Al, blood Pb, and urine Cd between patients and controls. Smoking, hobby, ingestion of contaminated food, job exposure may contribute to the bodily levels of Al, Hg, Pb in SSc patients. The results indicated that low, chronic, and multiple exposures to heavy metals-also through habits, diet, and environment-may influence the risk for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Forte
- Italian National Institute for Health, Environment and Health Department, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences - Histology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- Italian National Institute for Health, Environment and Health Department, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppe Passiu
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberto Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences - Histology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome, Italy
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Yu S, Hu SCS, Yu HS, Chin YY, Cheng YC, Lee CH. Early sign of microangiopathy in systemic sclerosis: The significance of cold stress test in dynamic laser Doppler flowmetry. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2019; 71:373-378. [DOI: 10.3233/ch-180419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, USA
| | - Stephen Chu-Sung Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Su Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ying Chin
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chun Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hung Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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33
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Dieudé M, Cardinal H, Hébert MJ. Injury derived autoimmunity: Anti-perlecan/LG3 antibodies in transplantation. Hum Immunol 2019; 80:608-613. [PMID: 31029511 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic, immunologic or pharmacological stressors can induce vascular injury and endothelial apoptosis in organ donors, in transplant candidates due to the impact of end stage organ failure on the vasculature, and in association with peri-transplantation events. Vascular injury may shape innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to dysregulation in the balance between tolerance and immunoreactivity to vascular-derived antigens. Mounting evidence shows that the early stages of apoptosis, characterized by the absence of membrane permeabilization, are prone to trigger various modes of intercellular communication allowing neoantigen production, exposure, or both. In this review, we present the evidence for the release of LG3, an immunogenic fragment of perlecan, as a consequence of caspase-3 dependent vascular apoptosis leading to the genesis of anti-LG3 autoantibodies and the consequences of these autoantibodies in native and transplanted kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Dieudé
- Research Centre, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Canada; Université de Montréal, Canada.
| | - Héloïse Cardinal
- Research Centre, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Canada; Université de Montréal, Canada.
| | - Marie-Josée Hébert
- Research Centre, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Canada; Université de Montréal, Canada.
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Cabral-Marques O, Marques A, Giil LM, De Vito R, Rademacher J, Günther J, Lange T, Humrich JY, Klapa S, Schinke S, Schimke LF, Marschner G, Pitann S, Adler S, Dechend R, Müller DN, Braicu I, Sehouli J, Schulze-Forster K, Trippel T, Scheibenbogen C, Staff A, Mertens PR, Löbel M, Mastroianni J, Plattfaut C, Gieseler F, Dragun D, Engelhardt BE, Fernandez-Cabezudo MJ, Ochs HD, Al-Ramadi BK, Lamprecht P, Mueller A, Heidecke H, Riemekasten G. GPCR-specific autoantibody signatures are associated with physiological and pathological immune homeostasis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5224. [PMID: 30523250 PMCID: PMC6283882 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies have been associated with autoimmune diseases. However, studies have identified autoantibodies in healthy donors (HD) who do not develop autoimmune disorders. Here we provide evidence of a network of immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in HD compared to patients with systemic sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and ovarian cancer. Sex, age and pathological conditions affect autoantibody correlation and hierarchical clustering signatures, yet many of the correlations are shared across all groups, indicating alterations to homeostasis. Furthermore, we identify relationships between autoantibodies targeting structurally and functionally related molecules, such as vascular, neuronal or chemokine receptors. Finally, autoantibodies targeting the endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) exhibit chemotactic activity, as demonstrated by neutrophil migration toward HD-IgG in an EDNRA-dependent manner and in the direction of IgG from EDNRA-immunized mice. Our data characterizing the in vivo signatures of anti-GPCR autoantibodies thus suggest that they are a physiological part of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany.
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79106, Germany.
| | - Alexandre Marques
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
- Department of Statistic, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta De Vito
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Judith Rademacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 12203, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, 10178, Germany
| | - Jeannine Günther
- Dept. of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Cell Autoimmunity Group, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Tanja Lange
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Jens Y Humrich
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Sebastian Klapa
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Susanne Schinke
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Lena F Schimke
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Gabriele Marschner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Silke Pitann
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Sabine Adler
- University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a collaboration of Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, 13125, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS-Klinikum Berlin, Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - Dominik N Müller
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a collaboration of Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, 13125, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, 10178, Germany
| | - Ioana Braicu
- Department of Nephrology and Cardiovascular Research, Campus Virchow, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Department of Gynecology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin and Tumor Bank Ovarian Cancer Network (TOC), Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Kai Schulze-Forster
- Department of Urology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- CellTrend GmbH, Luckenwalde, 14943, Germany
| | - Tobias Trippel
- Dept. of Internal Medicine & Cardiology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Annetine Staff
- University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter R Mertens
- University Clinic for Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
| | - Madlen Löbel
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Justin Mastroianni
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU) of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79106, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | - Corinna Plattfaut
- Section Experimental Oncology, University Hospital and Medical School (UKSH), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Frank Gieseler
- Section Experimental Oncology, University Hospital and Medical School (UKSH), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Duska Dragun
- Department of Nephrology and Cardiovascular Research, Campus Virchow, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | | | - Maria J Fernandez-Cabezudo
- Department of Biochemistry College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hans D Ochs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98191, USA
| | - Basel K Al-Ramadi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Antje Mueller
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany
| | - Harald Heidecke
- Department of Urology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, 23538, Germany.
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Nunes JPL, Cunha AC, Meirinhos T, Nunes A, Araújo PM, Godinho AR, Vilela EM, Vaz C. Prevalence of auto-antibodies associated to pulmonary arterial hypertension in scleroderma - A review. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:1186-1201. [PMID: 30316987 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of auto-antibodies associated to pulmonary arterial hypertension in scleroderma patients was reviewed, based on reports cited in two major scientific databases. Data were collected on the following types of antibodies: antinuclear, anti-double-stranded DNA, anticentromere, anti-CENP-A, anti-CENP-B, anti-bicaudal D2, anti-nucleolar, anti-Scl-70 (anti-topoisomerase I), anti-topoisomerase II α, anti-RNP, anti-U1RNP, anti-U3RNP, anti-RNA polymerase III, anti-Th/To, anti-histone, antiphospholipid, anti-PmScl, anti-Sm, anti SSA (anti-Ro),anti SSB (La), anti-Ro52 (TRIM 21), anti-Ku, anti-B23, anti-RuvBL1, anti-RuvBL2, anti-fibrin bound tissue plasminogen activator, anti-endothelial cell, anti-phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex, anti-endothelin-1 type A receptor, anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor, anti‑carbonic anhydrase II, anti-fibroblast, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-4-sulfated N-Acetyl-lactosamine, class I and II anti-human leukocyte antigen. Auto-antibodies were shown by different authors to be associated to this condition, with different prevalence values for each type of auto-antibody. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-centromere antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-U3 RNP antibodies and anti-Th/To antibodies would appear to show a particularly important prevalence in scleroderma patients with pulmonary hypertension, appearing in about 8/10 (antinuclear), 1/ 2 (anti-centromere, anti-phospholipid), and 1/4 (anti-U3RNP, anti-Th/To) of patients. The available evidence points in the direction of a strong association between auto-immune mechanisms and pulmonary hypertension in the setting of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro L Nunes
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.
| | - André C Cunha
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Eduardo M Vilela
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Carlos Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
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Mo C, Zeng Z, Deng Q, Ding Y, Xiao R. Imbalance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cell subsets plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:177-183. [PMID: 30219674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterized by fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy of the skin and internal organs. The etiopathogenesis of SSc remains unclear. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes with an aberrant immune response in SSc is well established. Among T cells, IL-17-producing helper T (Th17) cell and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets have recently been found to play crucial roles in SSc pathogenesis. Generally speaking, Th17 cell subsets up-regulate inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity, which are present in SSc, while Treg cell subsets have an immunosuppressive function and resist the immunological performance of Th17 cells. Up-to-date evidence has pointed out that the imbalance and abnormal functions of Th17/Treg cells may contribute to SSc. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the vital cytokines and signaling pathways that are involved in Th17/Treg differentiation and functions, and their roles in the pathogenesis of SSc, thus providing novel insights about targeting the Th17/Treg balance as a potential therapy for SSc treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Mo
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Qiancheng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Hainan Provincial Dermatology Disease Hospital, 15 LongKun-Nan Road, Haikou 570206, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
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37
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Odler B, Foris V, Gungl A, Müller V, Hassoun PM, Kwapiszewska G, Olschewski H, Kovacs G. Biomarkers for Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Systemic Sclerosis: A Pathophysiological Approach. Front Physiol 2018; 9:587. [PMID: 29971007 PMCID: PMC6018494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are several biomarkers of SSc-PAH, reflecting endothelial physiology, inflammation, immune activation, extracellular matrix, metabolic changes, or cardiac involvement. Biomarkers associated with diagnosis, disease severity and progression have been identified, however, very few have been tested in a prospective setting. Some antinuclear antibodies such as nucleosome antibodies (NUC), anti-centromere antibodies (CENP-A/B) and anti-U3-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U3-RNP) are associated with PAH while anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1-RNP) is associated with a reduced PAH risk. Anti-endothelin receptor and angiotensin-1 receptor antibodies might be good markers of SSc-PAH and progression of pulmonary vasculopathy. Regarding the markers reflecting immune activation and inflammation, there are many inconsistent results. CXCL-4 was associated with SSc progression including PAH and lung fibrosis. Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 was associated with PAH and mortality but is not specific for SSc. Among the metabolites, kynurenine was identified as diagnostic marker for PAH, however, its pathologic role in the disease is unclear. Endostatin, an angiostatic factor, was associated with heart failure and poor prognosis. Established heart related markers, such as N-terminal fragment of A-type natriuretic peptide/brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP, NT-proBNP) or troponin I/T are elevated in SSc-PAH but are not specific for the right ventricle and may be increased to the same extent in left heart disease. Taken together, there is no universal specific biomarker for SSc-PAH, however, there is a pattern of markers that is strongly associated with a risk of vascular complications in SSc patients. Further comprehensive, multicenter and prospective studies are warranted to develop reliable algorithms for detection and prognosis of SSc-PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Odler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vasile Foris
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Gungl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Veronika Müller
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Paul M Hassoun
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Horst Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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38
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Furue M, Mitoma C, Mitoma H, Tsuji G, Chiba T, Nakahara T, Uchi H, Kadono T. Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis-current concept and emerging treatments. Immunol Res 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 28488090 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intractable multifaceted disease with high mortality. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, recent studies have advanced our knowledge on SSc. The cardinal pathological features of SSc are autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. The B cells in SSc are constitutively activated and lead to the production of a plethora of autoantibodies, such as anti-topoisomerase I and anti-centromere antibodies. In addition to these autoantibodies, which are valuable for diagnostic criteria or biomarkers, many other autoantibodies targeting endothelial cells, including endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II type I receptor, are known to be functional and induce activation or apoptosis of endothelial cells. The autoantibody-mediated endothelial cell perturbation facilitates inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, and myofibroblastic transformation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Profibrotic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 4/interleukin 13, and interleukin 6, play a pivotal role in collagen production from myofibroblasts. Specific treatments targeting these causative molecules may improve the clinical outcomes of patients with SSc. In this review, we summarize recent topics on the pathogenesis (autoantibodies, vasculopathy, and fibrosis), animal models, and emerging treatments for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masutaka Furue
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. .,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Chikage Mitoma
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mitoma
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology/Infectious Disease, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahito Chiba
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kadono
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
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39
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Abstract
The number of peer-reviewed articles published during the 2016 solar year and retrieved using the "autoimmunity" key word remained stable while gaining a minimal edge among the immunology articles. Nonetheless, the quality of the publications has been rising significantly and, importantly, acquisitions have become available through scientific journals dedicated to immunology or autoimmunity. Major discoveries have been made in the fields of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmunity of the central nervous system, vasculitis, and seronegative spondyloarthrithritides. Selected examples include the role of IL17-related genes and long noncoding RNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus or the effects of anti-pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in the treatment of this paradigmatic autoimmune condition. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, there have been reports of the role of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) or fibrocytes and T cell interactions with exciting implications. The large number of studies dealing with neuroimmunology pointed to Th17 cells, CD56(bright) NK cells, and low-level TLR2 ligands as involved in multiple sclerosis, along with a high salt intake or the micriobiome-derived Lipid 654. Lastly, we focused on the rare vasculitides to which numerous studies were devoted and suggested that unsuspected cell populations, including monocytes, mucosal-associated invariant T cells, and innate lymphoid cells, may be crucial to ANCA-associated manifestations. This brief and arbitrary discussion of the findings published in 2016 is representative of a promising background for developments that will enormously impact the work of laboratory scientists and physicians at an exponential rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Selmi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, via A. Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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40
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Weigold F, Günther J, Pfeiffenberger M, Cabral-Marques O, Siegert E, Dragun D, Philippe A, Regensburger AK, Recke A, Yu X, Petersen F, Catar R, Biesen R, Hiepe F, Burmester GR, Heidecke H, Riemekasten G. Antibodies against chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 predict progressive deterioration of lung function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:52. [PMID: 29566745 PMCID: PMC5863842 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1545-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 are involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, a key feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is hypothesized that immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies (abs) against these two receptors are present in patients with SSc and are associated with clinical findings. Methods Anti-CXCR3 and anti-CXCR4 ab levels were measured in 449 sera from 327 SSc patients and in 234 sera from healthy donors (HD) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In SSc, ab levels were compared with clinical data in a cross-sectional and longitudinal setting. Protein expression of CXCR3 and CXCR4 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analyzed in 17 SSc patients and 8 HD by flow cytometry. Results Anti-CXCR3 and anti-CXCR4 ab levels were different among SSc subgroups compared with HD and were highest in diffuse SSc patients. The ab levels strongly correlated with each other (r = 0.85). Patients with SSc-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) exhibited higher ab levels which negatively correlated with lung function parameters (e.g., r = −0.5 and r = −0.43 for predicted vital capacity, respectively). However, patients with deterioration of lung function showed lower anti-CXCR3/4 ab levels compared with those with stable disease. Frequencies and median fluorescence intensities (MFI) of CXCR3+ and CXCR4+ PBMCs were lower in SSc patients compared with HD and correlated with the severity of skin and lung fibrosis. They correlated with the severity of skin and lung fibrosis. Conclusions Anti-CXCR3/4 abs and their corresponding receptors are linked with the severity of SSc-ILD. Antibody levels discriminate patients with stable or decreasing lung function and could be used for risk stratification. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1545-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Weigold
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeannine Günther
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Cell Autoimmunity Group, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Elise Siegert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Duska Dragun
- Department of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aurélie Philippe
- Department of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Recke
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Biesen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Hiepe
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany. .,Cell Autoimmunity Group, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. .,Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany.
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41
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Abstract
Dementia in general and Alzheimer’s disease in particular is increasingly seen in association with autoimmunity being causatively or supportively involved in the pathogenesis. Besides classic autoantibodies (AABs) present in dementia patients, there is the new autoantibody class called functional autoantibodies, which is directed against G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs; GPCR-AABs) and are seen as pathogenic players. However, less is known about dementia patients’ burden with functional autoantibodies. We present here for the first time a study analyzing the prevalence of GPCR-AABs in patients with different dementia forms such as unclassified, Lewy body, vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia. We identified the GPCR-AABs’ specific targets on the receptors and introduced a neutralization strategy for GPCR-AABs. Patients with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia carried GPCR-AABs targeting the first loop of the alpha1- and the second loop of the beta2-adrenergic receptors (α1-AABs; β2-AABs). Nearly all vascular dementia patients also carry autoantibodies targeting the endothelin A receptor (ETA-AABs). The majority of patients with Lewy body dementia lacked any of the GPCR-AABs. In vitro, the function of the dementia-associated GPCR-AABs could be neutralized by the aptamer BC007. Due to the presence of GPCR-AABs in dementia patients mainly in those suffering from Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, the orchestra of immune players in these dementia forms, so far preferentially represented by the classic autoantibodies, should be supplemented by functional autoantibodies. As dementia-associated functional autoantibodies could be neutralized by the aptamer BC007, the first step was taken for a new in vivo treatment option in dementia patients who were positive for GPCR-AABs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harald Prüss
- Klinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
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42
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Allanore Y, Distler O, Matucci-Cerinic M, Denton CP. Review: Defining a Unified Vascular Phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:162-170. [DOI: 10.1002/art.40377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Allanore
- Cochin Hospital; INSERM U1016; Paris Descartes University; Paris France
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43
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Liakouli V, Elies J, El-Sherbiny YM, Scarcia M, Grant G, Abignano G, Derrett-Smith EC, Esteves F, Cipriani P, Emery P, Denton CP, Giacomelli R, Mavria G, Del Galdo F. Scleroderma fibroblasts suppress angiogenesis via TGF-β/caveolin-1 dependent secretion of pigment epithelium-derived factor. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 77:431-440. [PMID: 29259049 PMCID: PMC5867407 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by tissue fibrosis and vasculopathy with defective angiogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a major role in tissue fibrosis, including downregulation of caveolin-1 (Cav-1); however, its role in defective angiogenesis is less clear. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a major antiangiogenic factor, is abundantly secreted by SSc fibroblasts. Here, we investigated the effect of TGF-β and Cav-1 on PEDF expression and the role of PEDF in the ability of SSc fibroblasts to modulate angiogenesis. Methods PEDF and Cav-1 expression in fibroblasts and endothelial cells were evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry on human and mouse skin biopsies. PEDF and Cav-1 were silenced in cultured SSc and control fibroblasts using lentiviral short-hairpin RNAs. Organotypic fibroblast–endothelial cell co-cultures and matrigel assays were employed to assess angiogenesis. Results PEDF is highly expressed in myofibroblasts and reticular fibroblasts with low Cav-1 expression in SSc skin biopsies, and it is induced by TGF-β in vitro. SSc fibroblasts suppress angiogenesis in an organotypic model. This model is reproduced by silencing Cav-1 in normal dermal fibroblasts. Conversely, silencing PEDF in SSc fibroblasts rescues their antiangiogenic phenotype. Consistently, transgenic mice with TGF-β receptor hyperactivation show lower Cav-1 and higher PEDF expression levels in skin biopsies accompanied by reduced blood vessel density. Conclusions Our data reveal a new pathway by which TGF-β suppresses angiogenesis in SSc, through decreased fibroblast Cav-1 expression and subsequent PEDF secretion. This pathway may present a promising target for new therapeutic interventions in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Liakouli
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Jacobo Elies
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Yasser Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Margherita Scarcia
- Signal Transduction and Tumour Microenvironment Group, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Gary Grant
- Signal Transduction and Tumour Microenvironment Group, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Giuseppina Abignano
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Rheumatology Department of Lucania, Rheumatology Institute of Lucania (IReL), San Carlo Hospital of Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital of Matera, Potenza, Italy.,Rheumatology Institute of Lucania (IReL), San Carlo Hospital of Potenza, Potenza, Italy
| | - Emma C Derrett-Smith
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue, UCL Medical School Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Filomena Esteves
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Paola Cipriani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue, UCL Medical School Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Georgia Mavria
- Signal Transduction and Tumour Microenvironment Group, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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44
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Functional autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors in rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:648-656. [PMID: 28855694 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2017.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest and most diverse family of integral membrane proteins that participate in different physiological processes such as the regulation of the nervous and immune systems. Besides the endogenous ligands of GPCRs, functional autoantibodies are also able to bind GPCRs to trigger or block intracellular signalling pathways, resulting in agonistic or antagonistic effects, respectively. In this Review, the effects of functional GPCR-targeting autoantibodies on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatic diseases, are discussed. Autoantibodies targeting β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors, which are expressed by cardiac and airway smooth muscle cells, respectively, have an important role in the development of asthma and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, high levels of autoantibodies against the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 as well as those targeting endothelin receptor type A and type 1 angiotensin II receptor have several implications in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Expanding the knowledge of the pathophysiological roles of autoantibodies against GPCRs will shed light on the biology of these receptors and open avenues for new therapeutic approaches.
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45
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Trapiella-Martínez L, Díaz-López JB, Caminal-Montero L, Tolosa-Vilella C, Guillén-Del Castillo A, Colunga-Argüelles D, Rubio-Rivas M, Iniesta-Arandia N, Castillo-Palma MJ, Sáez-Comet L, Egurbide-Arberas MV, Ortego-Centeno N, Freire M, Vargas-Hitos JA, Ríos-Blanco JJ, Todolí-Parra JA, Rodríguez-Carballeira M, Marín-Ballvé A, Chamorro-Fernández AJ, Pla-Salas X, Madroñero-Vuelta AB, Ruiz-Muñóz M, Fonollosa-Pla V, Simeón-Aznar CP. Very early and early systemic sclerosis in the Spanish scleroderma Registry (RESCLE) cohort. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:796-802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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46
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Lu P, Fleischmann R, Curtis C, Ignatenko S, Clarke SH, Desai M, Wong SL, Grebe KM, Black K, Zeng J, Stolzenbach J, Medema JK. Safety and pharmacodynamics of venetoclax (ABT-199) in a randomized single and multiple ascending dose study in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2017; 27:290-302. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203317719334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P Lu
- AbbVie Inc., Worcester, USA
| | - R Fleischmann
- Metroplex Clinical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - C Curtis
- Compass Research Center, Orlando, USA
| | - S Ignatenko
- Charité Research Organisation, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - M Desai
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, USA
| | - S L Wong
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, USA
| | | | | | - J Zeng
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, USA
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47
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Functional autoantibodies directed against cell surface receptors in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex and heterogeneous systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of high serum levels of antibodies targeting a variety of self-antigens. In addition to autoantibodies directed against nuclear antigens, patients with SSc also develop high serum levels of functional autoantibodies that target cell surface receptors when compared to healthy subjects. Following binding to extracellular receptors, these functional autoantibodies trigger the activation of signal transducing pathways, resulting in a stimulatory or suppressive effect. For example, stimulatory autoantibodies toward platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) or antibodies targeting G protein–coupled receptors (e.g., angiotensin II receptor type 1 and endothelin receptor type A) have pleiotropic roles in the pathogenesis of SSc. High levels of these functional autoantibodies dysregulate the response of non-immune cells (e.g., fibroblasts and endothelial cells) as well as innate and adaptive immune cells, including myeloid cells and lymphocytes, respectively. Thus, the immunobiology of such autoantibodies clarifies why patients with SSc develop clinical features such as extensive fibrosis, vasculopathies and abnormal immune responses. Future interventions that modulate the natural production of functional autoantibodies that target cell surface receptors or neutralize such autoantibodies would be essential in reducing morbidity and mortality rates presented by SSc patients.
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48
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Ludwig RJ, Vanhoorelbeke K, Leypoldt F, Kaya Z, Bieber K, McLachlan SM, Komorowski L, Luo J, Cabral-Marques O, Hammers CM, Lindstrom JM, Lamprecht P, Fischer A, Riemekasten G, Tersteeg C, Sondermann P, Rapoport B, Wandinger KP, Probst C, El Beidaq A, Schmidt E, Verkman A, Manz RA, Nimmerjahn F. Mechanisms of Autoantibody-Induced Pathology. Front Immunol 2017; 8:603. [PMID: 28620373 PMCID: PMC5449453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies are frequently observed in healthy individuals. In a minority of these individuals, they lead to manifestation of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Graves' disease. Overall, more than 2.5% of the population is affected by autoantibody-driven autoimmune disease. Pathways leading to autoantibody-induced pathology greatly differ among different diseases, and autoantibodies directed against the same antigen, depending on the targeted epitope, can have diverse effects. To foster knowledge in autoantibody-induced pathology and to encourage development of urgently needed novel therapeutic strategies, we here categorized autoantibodies according to their effects. According to our algorithm, autoantibodies can be classified into the following categories: (1) mimic receptor stimulation, (2) blocking of neural transmission, (3) induction of altered signaling, triggering uncontrolled (4) microthrombosis, (5) cell lysis, (6) neutrophil activation, and (7) induction of inflammation. These mechanisms in relation to disease, as well as principles of autoantibody generation and detection, are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf J. Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karen Vanhoorelbeke
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ziya Kaya
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sandra M. McLachlan
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lars Komorowski
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Affiliated to Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Jon M. Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Tersteeg
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, IRF Life Sciences, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Basil Rapoport
- Thyroid Autoimmune Disease Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Klaus-Peter Wandinger
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical-Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian Probst
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Affiliated to Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Asmaa El Beidaq
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Enno Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alan Verkman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rudolf A. Manz
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Department of Biology, Institute of Genetics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Mostmans Y, Cutolo M, Giddelo C, Decuman S, Melsens K, Declercq H, Vandecasteele E, De Keyser F, Distler O, Gutermuth J, Smith V. The role of endothelial cells in the vasculopathy of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:774-786. [PMID: 28572048 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibroproliferative vasculopathy, immunological abnormalities and progressive fibrosis of multiple organs including the skin. In this study, all English speaking articles concerning the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in SSc vasculopathy and representing biomarkers are systematically reviewed and categorized according to endothelial cell (EC) (dys)function in SSc. METHODS A sensitive search on behalf of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases was developed in Pubmed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify articles on SSc vasculopathy and the role of ECs using the following Mesh terms: (systemic sclerosis OR scleroderma) AND pathogenesis AND (endothelial cells OR marker). All selected papers were read and discussed by two independent reviewers. The selection process was based on title, abstract and full text level. Additionally, both reviewers further searched the reference lists of the articles selected for reading on full text level for supplementary papers. These additional articles went through the same selection process. RESULTS In total 193 resulting articles were selected and the identified biomarkers were categorized according to description of EC (dys)function in SSc. The most representing and reliable biomarkers described by the selected articles were adhesion molecules for EC activation, anti-endothelial cell antibodies for EC apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor VEGFR-2 and endostatin for disturbed angiogenesis, endothelial progenitors cells for defective vasculogenesis, endothelin-1 for disturbed vascular tone control, Von Willebrand factor for coagulopathy and interleukin (IL)-33 for EC-immune system communication. Emerging, relatively new discovered biomarkers described in the selected articles, are VEGF165b, IL-17A and the adipocytokines. Finally, myofibroblasts involved in tissue fibrosis in SSc can derive from ECs or epithelial cells through a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION This systematic review emphasizes the growing evidence that SSc is primarily a vascular disease where EC dysfunction is present and prominent in different aspects of cell survival (activation and apoptosis), angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and where disturbed interactions between ECs and various other cells contribute to SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Mostmans
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Immunology and Allergology (CIA) Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Van Gehuchtenplein 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Giddelo
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Decuman
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Melsens
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Declercq
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E Vandecasteele
- Department of Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - F De Keyser
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - O Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Gutermuth
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Department of Dermatology, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - V Smith
- Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent, Belgium
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50
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Zhang J, Wang M, Liang J, Zhang M, Liu XH, Ma L. The Presence of Anti-Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor Antibodies Adversely Affect Kidney Graft Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14050500. [PMID: 28486415 PMCID: PMC5451951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether anti-angiotensin type 1 receptor antibodies (AT1R-Abs) are related to acute rejection (AR) and kidney graft failure in renal transplantation. We searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ISI Web of Science databases for all studies on the association between anti-angiotensin type 1 receptor antibodies and kidney allograft outcomes updated to November 2016. Reference lists from included articles were also reviewed. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted or calculated using a random-effects model. The potential sources of heterogeneity and publication bias were estimated. Nine studies enrolling 1771 subjects were retrieved in the meta-analysis. AT1R-Abs showed significant associations with increased risk of AR (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.23–2.09). In addition, a significant relationship was found between AT1R-Abs and kidney graft failure compared with AR (RR = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.77–4.26). The results were essentially consistent among subgroups stratified by participant characteristics. These results demonstrated that the AT1R-Abs were associated with an elevated risk of kidney allograft outcomes, especially with kidney graft failure. Large-scale studies are still required to further verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Mingxu Wang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Jun Liang
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Xi'an Honghui Hospital, 555 Friendship Road, Xi'an 710054, China.
| | - Xiao-Hong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an 710061, China.
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