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Han J, Wei FL, Wu HX, Guo LY, Guo S, Han Y, Sun YN, Hou W, Hu ZJ. Clinical evaluation of droplet digital pcr for suspected ascites infection in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:1249-1260. [PMID: 38683274 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is increasingly used in diagnosing clinical pathogens, but its effectiveness in cirrhosis patients with suspected ascites infection remains uncertain. METHODS The diagnostic performance of ddPCR was assessed in 305 ascites samples, utilizing culture and clinical composite standards. The quantitative value and potential clinical impact of ddPCR were further analyzed in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. RESULTS With culture standards, ddPCR demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.5% and specificity of 83.2% for bacterial or fungal detection. After adjustment of clinical composite criteria, specificity increased to 96.4%. Better diagnostic performance for all types of targeted pathogens, particularly fungi, was observed with ddPCR compared to culture, and more polymicrobial infections were detected (30.4% versus 5.7%, p < 0.001). Pathogen loads detected by ddPCR correlated with white blood cell count in ascites and blood, as well as polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) count in ascites, reflecting infection status rapidly. A positive clinical impact of 55.8% (43/77) was observed for ddPCR, which was more significant among patients with PMN count ≤ 250/mm3 in terms of medication adjustment and new diagnosis. ddPCR results for fungal detection were confirmed by clinical symptoms and other microbiological tests, which could guide antifungal therapy and reduce the risk of short-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS ddPCR, with appropriate panel design, has advantages in pathogen detection and clinical management of ascites infection, especially for patients with fungal and polymicrobial infections. Patients with atypical spontaneous bacterial peritonitis benefited more from ddPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Precision Medicine and Transformation Engineering Technology Research Center of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Fei-Li Wei
- Beijing Precision Medicine and Transformation Engineering Technology Research Center of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hao-Xin Wu
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lu-Yao Guo
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shan Guo
- Beijing Precision Medicine and Transformation Engineering Technology Research Center of Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ying Han
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ya-Nan Sun
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Zhong-Jie Hu
- Beijing You'An Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 You An Men Wai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Pan X, Peng J, Zhu R, An N, Pei J. Non-invasive biomarkers of acute rejection in pediatric kidney transplantation: New targets and strategies. Life Sci 2024; 348:122698. [PMID: 38710278 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122698] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for pediatric end-stage renal disease. However, pediatric recipients face unique challenges due to their prolonged need for kidney function to accommodate growth and development. The continual changes in the immune microenvironment during childhood development and the heightened risk of complications from long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs. The overwhelming majority of children may require more than one kidney transplant in their lifetime. Acute rejection (AR) stands as the primary cause of kidney transplant failure in children. While pathologic biopsy remains the "gold standard" for diagnosing renal rejection, its invasive nature raises concerns regarding potential functional impairment and the psychological impact on children due to repeated procedures. In this review, we outline the current research status of novel biomarkers associated with AR in urine and blood after pediatric kidney transplantation. These biomarkers exhibit superior diagnostic and prognostic performance compared to conventional ones, with the added advantages of being less invasive and highly reproducible for long-term graft monitoring. We also integrate the limitations of these novel biomarkers and propose a refined monitoring model to optimize the management of AR in pediatric kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Pan
- Department of Pediatric surgrey, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Jinpu Peng
- Department of Pediatric surgrey, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Pediatric surgrey, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Nini An
- Department of Pediatric surgrey, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Jun Pei
- Department of Pediatric surgrey, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China.
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3
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Jiang S, Zhao D, Wang C, Liu X, Yang Q, Bao X, Dong T, Li G, Gu Y, Ye Y, Sun B, Xu S, Zhou X, Fan L, Tang L. Clinical evaluation of droplet digital PCR in the early identification of suspected sepsis patients in the emergency department: a prospective observational study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1358801. [PMID: 38895732 PMCID: PMC11183271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358801] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the causative agents is essential for clinical management of bloodstream infections (BSIs) that might induce sepsis/septic shock. A considerable number of suspected sepsis patients initially enter the health-care system through an emergency department (ED), hence it is vital to establish an early strategy to recognize sepsis and initiate prompt care in ED. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical value of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay in suspected sepsis patients in the ED. Methods This was a prospective single-centered observational study including patients admitted to the ED from 25 October 2022 to 3 June 2023 with suspected BSIs screened by Modified Shapiro Score (MSS) score. The comparison between ddPCR and blood culture (BC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ddPCR for BSIs. Meanwhile, correlative analysis between ddPCR and the inflammatory and prognostic-related biomarkers were conducted to explore the relevance. Further, the health economic evaluation of the ddPCR was analyzed. Results 258 samples from 228 patients, with BC and ddPCR performed simultaneously, were included in this study. We found that ddPCR results were positive in 48.13% (103 of 214) of episodes, with identification of 132 pathogens. In contrast, BC only detected 18 positives, 88.89% of which were identified by ddPCR. When considering culture-proven BSIs, ddPCR shows an overall sensitivity of 88.89% and specificity of 55.61%, the optimal diagnostic power for quantifying BSI through ddPCR is achieved with a copy cutoff of 155.5. We further found that ddPCR exhibited a high accuracy especially in liver abscess patients. Among all the identified virus by ddPCR, EBV has a substantially higher positive rate with a link to immunosuppression. Moreover, the copies of pathogens in ddPCR were positively correlated with various markers of inflammation, coagulation, immunity as well as prognosis. With high sensitivity and specificity, ddPCR facilitates precision antimicrobial stewardship and reduces health care costs. Conclusions The multiplexed ddPCR delivers precise and quantitative load data on the causal pathogen, offers the ability to monitor the patient's condition and may serve as early warning of sepsis in time-urgent clinical situations as ED. Importance Early detection and effective administration of antibiotics are essential to improve clinical outcomes for those with life-threatening infection in the emergency department. ddPCR, an emerging tool for rapid and sensitive pathogen identification used as a precise bedside test, has developed to address the current challenges of BSI diagnosis and precise treatment. It characterizes sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and absolute quantifications without a standard curve. ddPCR can detect causative pathogens and related resistance genes in patients with suspected BSIs within a span of three hours. In addition, it can identify polymicrobial BSIs and dynamically monitor changes in pathogenic microorganisms in the blood and can be used to evaluate antibiotic efficacy and survival prognosis. Moreover, the copies of pathogens in ddPCR were positively correlated with various markers of inflammation, coagulation, immunity. With high sensitivity and specificity, ddPCR facilitates precision antimicrobial stewardship and reduces health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Jiang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyang Zhao
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxue Wang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiandong Liu
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Bao
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiancao Dong
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gen Li
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gu
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangqin Ye
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingke Sun
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Xu
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Heart Failure Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lieying Fan
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lunxian Tang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Sorbini M, Carradori T, Togliatto GM, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S. Technical Advances in Circulating Cell-Free DNA Detection and Analysis for Personalized Medicine in Patients' Care. Biomolecules 2024; 14:498. [PMID: 38672514 PMCID: PMC11048502 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040498] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) refers to small fragments of DNA molecules released after programmed cell death and necrosis in several body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The discovery of cfDNA has revolutionized the field of non-invasive diagnostics in the oncologic field, in prenatal testing, and in organ transplantation. Despite the potential of cfDNA and the solid results published in the recent literature, several challenges remain, represented by a low abundance, a need for highly sensitive assays, and analytical issues. In this review, the main technical advances in cfDNA analysis are presented and discussed, with a comprehensive examination of the current available methodologies applied in each field. Considering the potential advantages of cfDNA, this biomarker is increasing its consensus among clinicians, as it allows us to monitor patients' conditions in an easy and non-invasive way, offering a more personalized care. Nevertheless, cfDNA analysis is still considered a diagnostic marker to be further validated, and very few centers are implementing its analysis in routine diagnostics. As technical improvements are enhancing the performances of cfDNA analysis, its application will transversally improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sorbini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Tullia Carradori
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Gabriele Maria Togliatto
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
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5
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Peruzzi L, Deaglio S. Rejection markers in kidney transplantation: do new technologies help children? Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:2939-2955. [PMID: 36648536 PMCID: PMC10432336 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights in allorecognition and graft rejection mechanisms revealed a more complex picture than originally considered, involving multiple pathways of both adaptive and innate immune response, supplied by efficient inflammatory synergies. Current pillars of transplant monitoring are serum creatinine, proteinuria, and drug blood levels, which are considered as traditional markers, due to consolidated experience, low cost, and widespread availability. The most diffuse immunological biomarkers are donor-specific antibodies, which are included in routine post-transplant monitoring in many centers, although with some reproducibility issues and interpretation difficulties. Confirmed abnormalities in these traditional biomarkers raise the suspicion for rejection and guide the indication for graft biopsy, which is still considered the gold standard for rejection monitoring. Rapidly evolving new "omic" technologies have led to the identification of several novel biomarkers, which may change the landscape of transplant monitoring should their potential be confirmed. Among them, urinary chemokines and measurement of cell-free DNA of donor origin are perhaps the most promising. However, at the moment, these approaches remain highly expensive and cost-prohibitive in most settings, with limited clinical applicability; approachable costs upon technology investments would speed their integration. In addition, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and the study of blood and urinary extracellular vesicles have the potential for early identification of subclinical rejection with high sensitivity and specificity, good reproducibility, and for gaining predictive value in an affordable cost setting. In the near future, information derived from these new biomarkers is expected to integrate traditional tools in routine use, allowing identification of rejection prior to clinical manifestations and timely therapeutic intervention. This review will discuss traditional, novel, and invasive and non-invasive biomarkers, underlining their strengths, limitations, and present or future applications in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Peruzzi
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Regina Margherita Department, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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6
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Oellerich M, Budde K, Osmanodja B, Bornemann-Kolatzki K, Beck J, Schütz E, Walson PD. Donor-derived cell-free DNA as a diagnostic tool in transplantation. Front Genet 2022; 13:1031894. [PMID: 36339004 PMCID: PMC9634115 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1031894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need to improve personalized immunosuppression in organ transplantation to reduce premature graft loss. Biomarkers are needed to better detect rejection, asymptomatic graft injury, and under-immunosuppression. Assessment of minimal necessary exposure to guide tapering and prevent immune activation is also important. There is robust clinical evidence from a large number of published studies supporting the role of dd-cfDNA for monitoring graft integrity and detection or exclusion of rejection. Dd-cfDNA indicates graft cell death without being rejection specific. It can be determined in plasma through droplet digital PCR using preselected SNPs or next generation sequencing. Changes in recipient cfDNA (e.g., by infection) can affect the results of dd-cfDNA fractional determination. This limitation can be overcome using absolute dd-cfDNA quantification. The combination of fractional and absolute determination including total cfDNA is recommended for meaningful interpretation of the results. The value proposition for the patient includes earlier transplant injury detection and intervention, less full blown rejection risk, an alternative to invasive biopsies, and personalized immunosuppression with potential for improved long-term outcome. Transplant physicians benefit from better immunosuppressive guidance and having an alternative when biopsies are refused or contraindicated. Further advantages are improved biopsy interpretation, less trial and error changes in immunosuppression, and less time dealing with complications. The laboratory medicine specialist can provide more effective services. Hospital management and insurance companies could benefit from more cost-effective surveillance of transplant recipients. Potential cost savings would result from fewer biopsies as a result of the tests’ high negative predictive value, fewer re-transplantations, and less organ failure with return to dialysis. A pathway to implementation and metrics is suggested to measure the effectiveness of dd-cfDNA testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oellerich
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Oellerich,
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bilgin Osmanodja
- Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Julia Beck
- Chronix Biomedical GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Philip D. Walson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Li YQ, Tan GJ, Zhou YQ. Digital PCR and its applications in noninvasive prenatal testing. Brief Funct Genomics 2022; 21:376-386. [PMID: 35923115 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elac024] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, digital PCR (dPCR), as a new nucleic acid absolute quantification technology, has been widely used in clinical research. dPCR does not rely on the standard curve and has a higher tolerance to inhibitors. Therefore, it is more accurate than quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for the absolute quantification of target sequences. In this article, we aim to review the application of dPCR in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We focused on the progress of dPCR in screening and identifying fetal chromosome aneuploidies and monogenic mutations. We introduced some common strategies for dPCR in NIPT and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. In addition, we compared dPCR with qPCR and next-generation sequencing, respectively, and described their superiority and shortcomings in clinical applications. Finally, we envisaged what the future of dPCR might be in NIPT. Although dPCR can provide reproducible results with improved accuracy due to the digital detection system, it is essential to combine the merits of dPCR and other molecular techniques to achieve more effective and accurate prenatal diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Qi Li
- Clinical Laboratory & Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Centre for Maternity and Child Healthcare & Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong-Jun Tan
- Clinical Laboratory & Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Centre for Maternity and Child Healthcare & Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhou
- Clinical Laboratory & Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Centre for Maternity and Child Healthcare & Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China
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8
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Liu SJ, Ma K, Liu LS, Wang K, Zhang YA, Bi ZR, Chen YX, Chen KZ, Wang CX, Qiao SL. Point-of-care non-invasive enzyme-cleavable nanosensors for acute transplant rejection detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 215:114568. [PMID: 35850041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Accurate and non-invasive monitoring of allograft posttransplant is essential for early detection of acute cellular rejection and determines the long-term survival of the graft. Clinically, tissue biopsy is the most effective approach for diagnosing transplant rejection. Nonetheless, the procedure is invasive and potentially triggers organ failure. This work aims to design and apply GzmB-responsive nanosensors (GBRNs) that can readily size-change in graft tissues. Subsequently, we investigate the activity of serine protease granzyme B by generating a direct colorimetric urinary readout for non-invasive detection of transplant rejection in under 1 h. In preclinical heart graft mice models of transplant rejection, GBRNs were cleaved by GzmB and excreted by the kidneys via accurate nanometre-size glomerular filtration. By exploiting the catalytic activity of ultrasmall gold nanoclusters, GBRNs urinalysis promotes ultrasensitive surveillance of rejection episodes with a receiver operator characteristic curve area under the curve of 0.896 as well as a 95% confidence interval of about 0.7701-1.000. Besides, the catalytic activity of gold nanoclusters in urine can be detected at point-of-care testing to predict the immunity responses in mice with insufficient immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, this non-invasive, sensitive, and quantitative method is a robust and informative approach for rapid and routine monitoring of transplant allografts without invasive biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jie Liu
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510020, PR China
| | - Ke Ma
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, PR China
| | - Long-Shan Liu
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510020, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, PR China
| | - Ying-Ao Zhang
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, PR China
| | - Zi-Rong Bi
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510020, PR China
| | - Yan-Xu Chen
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510020, PR China
| | - Ke-Zheng Chen
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, PR China.
| | - Chang-Xi Wang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510020, PR China.
| | - Sheng-Lin Qiao
- Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, PR China.
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9
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Sorbini M, Togliatto G, Mioli F, Simonato E, Marro M, Cappuccio M, Arruga F, Caorsi C, Mansouri M, Magistroni P, Gambella A, Delsedime L, Papotti MG, Solidoro P, Albera C, Boffini M, Rinaldi M, Amoroso A, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S. Validation of a Simple, Rapid, and Cost-Effective Method for Acute Rejection Monitoring in Lung Transplant Recipients. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10546. [PMID: 35755857 PMCID: PMC9221674 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in immunosuppression therapy, acute rejection remains the leading cause of graft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. Donor-derived cell-free DNA is increasingly being considered as a valuable biomarker of acute rejection in several solid organ transplants. We present a technically improved molecular method based on digital PCR that targets the mismatch between the recipient and donor at the HLA-DRB1 locus. Blood samples collected sequentially post-transplantation from a cohort of lung recipients were used to obtain proof-of-principle for the validity of the assay, correlating results with transbronchial biopsies and lung capacity tests. The results revealed an increase in dd-cfDNA during the first 2 weeks after transplantation related to ischemia-reperfusion injury (6.36 ± 5.36%, p < 0.0001). In the absence of complications, donor DNA levels stabilized, while increasing again during acute rejection episodes (7.81 ± 12.7%, p < 0.0001). Respiratory tract infections were also involved in the release of dd-cfDNA (9.14 ± 15.59%, p = 0.0004), with a positive correlation with C-reactive protein levels. Overall, the dd-cfDNA percentages were inversely correlated with the lung function values measured by spirometry. These results confirm the value of dd-cfDNA determination during post-transplant follow-up to monitor acute rejection in lung recipients, achieved using a rapid and inexpensive approach based on the HLA mismatch between donor and recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sorbini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Fiorenza Mioli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Simonato
- Cardiac Surgery Division, Surgical Sciences Department, Heart and Lung Transplant Center, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Marro
- Cardiac Surgery Division, Surgical Sciences Department, Heart and Lung Transplant Center, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Arruga
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiana Caorsi
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Morteza Mansouri
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Magistroni
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Delsedime
- Pathology Unit, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Giulio Papotti
- Pathology Unit, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Solidoro
- Lung Transplantation and Advanced Airways Management, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Albera
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Boffini
- Cardiac Surgery Division, Surgical Sciences Department, Heart and Lung Transplant Center, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Rinaldi
- Cardiac Surgery Division, Surgical Sciences Department, Heart and Lung Transplant Center, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Amoroso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Qian X, Shah P, Agbor-Enoh S. Noninvasive biomarkers in heart transplant: 2020-2021 year in review. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:7-14. [PMID: 34939959 PMCID: PMC8711631 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), the current gold standard for cardiac allograft monitoring is invasive, may have a low sensitivity and is associated with significant variability in histopathologic interpretation. Fortunately, on-going research is identifying noninvasive biomarkers that address some of these limitations. This review provides an update on noninvasive blood-based methods for rejection surveillance and diagnosis in heart transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies highlight good test performance to detect acute rejection for donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and microRNAs (miR). dd-cfDNA is sensitive, nonspecific, and has a high negative predictive value for acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection. Clinical utility trials are being planned to test its role as a rule-out test for acute rejection as compared to the EMB. miRs may have an added advantage as it may phenotype the subtypes of rejection alleviating the need for an EMB or permitting the initiation of targeted therapy while awaiting the results of the EMB. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of noninvasive biomarkers to detect allograft rejection after heart transplant. We provide a perspective of additional studies needed to prove their clinical utility and bring these biomarkers to widescale clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Qian
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
| | - Palak Shah
- Heart Failure, MCS and Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), Bethesda, MD
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), Bethesda, MD
- Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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