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Di Brina ALP, Palmieri O, Cannarozzi AL, Tavano F, Guerra M, Bossa F, Gentile M, Merla A, Biscaglia G, Cuttitta A, Perri F, Latiano A. Focus on Achalasia in the Omics Era. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10148. [PMID: 39337632 PMCID: PMC11431880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810148] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Achalasia is a rare and complex esophageal disease of unknown etiology characterized by difficulty in swallowing due to the lack of opening of the lower esophageal sphincter and the absence of esophageal peristalsis. Recent advancements in technology for analyzing DNA, RNA and biomolecules in high-throughput techniques are offering new opportunities to better understand the etiology and the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying achalasia. Through this narrative review of the scientific literature, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state-of-the-art knowledge on omics of achalasia, with particular attention to those considered relevant to the pathogenesis of the disease. The notion and importance of the multi-omics approach, its limitations and future directions are also introduced, and it is highlighted how the integration of single omics data will lead to new insights into the development of achalasia and offer clinical tools which will allow early diagnosis and better patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Pia Di Brina
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Orazio Palmieri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Anna Lucia Cannarozzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesca Tavano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Maria Guerra
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabrizio Bossa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Marco Gentile
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Antonio Merla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Biscaglia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Antonello Cuttitta
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Francesco Perri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Anna Latiano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.L.P.D.B.); (O.P.); (A.L.C.); (F.T.); (M.G.); (F.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (G.B.); (F.P.)
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Yao L, Liu Z, Chen W, Xu J, Xu X, Xu J, Ma L, Li X, Li Q, Zhou P. Imbalance of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Esophageal Achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 29:486-500. [PMID: 37586778 PMCID: PMC10577470 DOI: 10.5056/jnm21246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Previous studies reveal that immune-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the etiology of esophageal achalasia. However, the understanding of leucocyte phenotype and proportion is limited. This study aim to evaluate the phenotypes of leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells transcriptomes in esophageal achalasia. Methods We performed high-dimensional flow cytometry to identified subsets of peripheral leukocytes, and further validated in lower esophageal sphincter histologically. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the transcriptional changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with achalasia. Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) was used for estimating the immune cell types. A differential gene expression analysis was performed and the differential expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes network, protein-protein interaction network construction. Results An imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells occurred in achalasia. Specifically, neutrophils and CD8+ T cells increased both in peripheral blood and lower esophageal sphincter in achalasia. Eosinophils decreased in peripheral blood but massively infiltrated in lower esophageal sphincter. CIBERSORT analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells RNA sequencing displayed an increased prevalence of CD8+ T cells. 170 dysregulated genes were identified in achalasia, which were enriched in immune cells migration, immune response, etc. Proton pump inhibitor analysis revealed the intersections and gained 7 hub genes in achalasia, which were IL-6, Toll-like receptor 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, complement C3, and complement C1q A chain. Conclusion Patients with achalasia exhibited an imbalance of systematic innate and adaptive immunity, which may play an important role in the development of achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yao
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifeng Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyue Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxin Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyun Ma
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanlin Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghong Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Li Q, Chen W, Wang C, Liu Z, Gu Y, Xu X, Xu J, Jiang T, Xu M, Wang Y, Chen C, Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Yao L, Jin G, Hu Z, Zhou P. Whole-exome sequencing reveals common and rare variants in immunologic and neurological genes implicated in achalasia. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:1478-1487. [PMID: 34197731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic achalasia (IA) is a severe motility disorder characterized by neuronal degeneration in the myenteric plexus, but the etiology remains largely unknown. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 100 IA-affected individuals and 313 non-IA control subjects and validated the results in 230 IA-affected individuals and 1,760 non-IA control subjects. Common missense variants rs1705003 (CUTA, GenBank: NC_000006.11:g.33385953A>G) and rs1126511 (HLA-DPB1, GenBank: NC_000006.11:g.33048466G>T) at 6p21.32 were reproducibly associated with increased risk of IA (rs1126511: OR = 1.83, p = 2.34 × 10-9; rs1705003: OR = 2.37, p = 3.21 × 10-7), meeting exome-wide significance. Both variants can affect the expression of their target genes at the transcript level. An array-based association analysis in 280 affected individuals and 1,121 control subjects determined the same signal at 6p21.32. Further conditional analyses supported that the two missense variants identified in WES-based association study were potential causal variants of IA. For rare variants, the top genes identified by gene-based analysis were significantly enriched in nerve and muscle phenotypic genes in the mouse. Moreover, the functional rare variants in these genes tended to cooccur in IA-affected individuals. In an independent cohort, we successfully validated three rare variants (CREB5, GenBank: NC_000007.13:g.28848865G>T; ESYT3, GenBank: NC_000003.11:g.138183253C>T; and LPIN1, GenBank: NC_000002.11:g.11925128A>G) which heightens the risk of developing IA. Our study identified and validated two common variants and three rare variants associated with IA in immunologic and neurological genes, providing new insight into the etiology of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlin Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weifeng Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211116, China
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyue Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiaxing Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Meidong Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Congcong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yunshi Zhong
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liqing Yao
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center of Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Pinghong Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Hoefsmit EP, Rozeman EA, Haanen JBAG, Blank CU. Susceptible loci associated with autoimmune disease as potential biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune-related adverse events. ESMO Open 2019; 4:e000472. [PMID: 31423333 PMCID: PMC6677983 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-000472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented successes regarding cancer immunotherapy have been achieved, in which therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. The most effective immunotherapy to date is the group of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), targeting, for example, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein (PD-1). TThe combination of these therapies (anti-PD-1 with anti-CTLA-4) induces high response rates, and seem to be increased further when applied in early-stage disease. However, combined CTLA-4 plus PD-1 blockade causes frequent high-grade immune-related adverse events (irAE). To date, research on biological mechanism of irAEs is scarce and no widely accepted biomarkers predicting onset of severe irAEs have been identified. The similarity of irAEs to autoimmune disorders fuels the hypothesis that irAEs may be linked to susceptible genetic loci related to various autoimmune diseases. In this review, we extensively searched for susceptible loci associated with various autoimmune diseases, and pooled them in groups most likely to be associated with CPI-induced irAEs. These sets could be used in future research on predicting irAEs and guide physicians in a more refined and personal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée P Hoefsmit
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa A Rozeman
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian U Blank
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Medical Oncology Department, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Busch A, Žarković M, Lowe C, Jankofsky M, Ganschow R, Buers I, Kurth I, Reutter H, Rutsch F, Hübner CA. Mutations in CRLF1 cause familial achalasia. Clin Genet 2017; 92:104-108. [PMID: 27976805 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We here report a family from Libya with three siblings suffering from early onset achalasia born to healthy parents. We analyzed roughly 5000 disease-associated genes by a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. In the analyzed sibling we identified two heterozygous variants in CRLF1 (cytokine receptor-like factor 1). Mutations in CRLF1 have been associated with autosomal recessive Crisponi or cold-induced sweating syndrome type 1 (CS/CISS1), which among other symptoms also manifests with early onset feeding difficulties. Segregation analysis revealed compound heterozygosity for all affected siblings, while the unaffected mother carried the c.713dupC (p.Pro239Alafs*91) and the unaffected father carried the c.178T>A (p.Cys60Ser) variant. The c.713dupC variant has already been reported in affected CS/CISS1 patients, the pathogenicity of the c.178T>A variant was unclear. As reported previously for pathogenic CRLF1 variants, cytokine receptor-like factor 1 protein secretion from cells transfected with the c.178T>A variant was severely impaired. From these results we conclude that one should consider a CRLF1-related disorder in early onset achalasia even if other CS/CISS1 related symptoms are missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Busch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - M Žarković
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - C Lowe
- Department of General Pediatrics, Münster University Children's Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - M Jankofsky
- Clinic of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - R Ganschow
- Clinic of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - I Buers
- Department of General Pediatrics, Münster University Children's Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - I Kurth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - H Reutter
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - F Rutsch
- Department of General Pediatrics, Münster University Children's Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - C A Hübner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Abstract
This review examines the etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic achalasia. This disease is clinically characterized by dysphagia of solids and liquids due to the presence of simultaneous or absent esophageal contractions and impaired or absent relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. It includes a review of (a) etiology and pathogenesis of this inflammatory process that damage the ganglion cells of the Auerbach plexus that is limited to the esophagus; (b) genetic abnormalities and polymorphisms associated with this disease that may help explain its heterogeneity expressed by the different motility abnormalities of its phenotypes as well as differences in its clinical progression. These different genetic abnormalities may be responsible for the slow progression of types I or II phenotypes; (c) indirect evidence of viruses present in these patients that may initiate its development; (d) the abnormalities of the muscle layer that may be responsible for the dilation of the body of the esophagus that ultimately causes the sigmoid-like esophagus in the very last phase of this disease. This progression to the end-stage phase tends to occur in about 5% of patients. And, (e) the chronic inflammatory abnormalities in the squamous mucosa that may be the cause of the dysplastic and neoplastic changes that may lead to squamous cell carcinoma whose incidence in this disease is increased. These mucosal abnormalities are usually present in patients with markedly dilated body of the esophagus and severe food stasis.
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Furuzawa-Carballeda J, Torres-Landa S, Valdovinos M&A, Coss-Adame E, Martín del Campo LA, Torres-Villalobos G. New insights into the pathophysiology of achalasia and implications for future treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7892-7907. [PMID: 27672286 PMCID: PMC5028805 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i35.7892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic achalasia is an archetype esophageal motor disorder, causing significant impairment of eating ability and reducing quality of life. The pathophysiological underpinnings of this condition are loss of esophageal peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The clinical manifestations include dysphagia for both solids and liquids, regurgitation of esophageal contents, retrosternal chest pain, cough, aspiration, weight loss and heartburn. Even though idiopathic achalasia was first described more than 300 years ago, researchers are only now beginning to unravel its complex etiology and molecular pathology. The most recent findings indicate an autoimmune component, as suggested by the presence of circulating anti-myenteric plexus autoantibodies, and a genetic predisposition, as suggested by observed correlations with other well-defined genetic syndromes such as Allgrove syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 B syndrome. Viral agents (herpes, varicella zoster) have also been proposed as causative and promoting factors. Unfortunately, the therapeutic approaches available today do not resolve the causes of the disease, and only target the consequential changes to the involved tissues, such as destruction of the LES, rather than restoring or modifying the underlying pathology. New therapies should aim to stop the disease at early stages, thereby preventing the consequential changes from developing and inhibiting permanent damage. This review focuses on the known characteristics of idiopathic achalasia that will help promote understanding its pathogenesis and improve therapeutic management to positively impact the patient’s quality of life.
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Gene expression of muscular and neuronal pathways is cooperatively dysregulated in patients with idiopathic achalasia. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31549. [PMID: 27511445 PMCID: PMC4980661 DOI: 10.1038/srep31549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic achalasia is characterized by the absence of peristalsis secondary to loss of neurons in the myenteric plexus that hampers proper relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Achalasia can be considered a multifactorial disorder as it occurs in related individuals and is associated with HLA class II genes, thereby suggesting genetic influence. We used microarray technology and advanced in-silico functional analyses to perform the first genome-wide expression profiling of mRNA in tissue samples from 12 achalasia and 5 control patients. It revealed 1,728 differentially expressed genes, of these, 837 (48.4%) were up-regulated in cases. In particular, genes participating to the smooth muscle contraction biological function were mostly up-regulated. Functional analysis revealed a significant enrichment of neuronal/muscular and neuronal/immunity processes. Upstream regulatory analysis of 180 genes involved in these processes suggested TLR4 and IL18 as critical key-players. Two functional gene networks were significantly over-represented: one involved in organ morphology, skeletal muscle system development and function, and neurological diseases, and the other participating in cell morphology, humoral immune response and cellular movement. These results highlight on pivotal genes that may play critical roles in neuronal/muscular and neuronal/immunity processes, and that may contribute to the onset and development of achalasia.
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Esposito D, Maione F, D’Alessandro A, Sarnelli G, De Palma GD. Endoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2016; 8:30-39. [PMID: 26839644 PMCID: PMC4724029 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v8.i2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, weight loss and respiratory symptoms. The most common form of achalasia is the idiopathic one. Diagnosis largely relies upon endoscopy, barium swallow study, and high resolution esophageal manometry (HRM). Barium swallow and manometry after treatment are also good predictors of success of treatment as it is the residue symptomatology. Short term improvement in the symptomatology of achalasia can be achieved with medical therapy with calcium channel blockers or endoscopic botulin toxin injection. Even though few patients can be cured with only one treatment and repeat procedure might be needed, long term relief from dysphagia can be obtained in about 90% of cases with either surgical interventions such as laparoscopic Heller myotomy or with endoscopic techniques such pneumatic dilatation or, more recently, with per-oral endoscopic myotomy. Age, sex, and manometric type by HRM are also predictors of responsiveness to treatment. Older patients, females and type II achalasia are better after treatment compared to younger patients, males and type III achalasia. Self-expandable metallic stents are an alternative in patients non responding to conventional therapies.
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Abstract
Idiopathic achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder characterized by loss of esophageal peristalsis and insufficient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in response to deglutition. Patients with achalasia commonly complain of dysphagia to solids and liquids, bland regurgitation often unresponsive to an adequate trial of proton pump inhibitor, and chest pain. Weight loss is present in many, but not all patients. Although the precise etiology is unknown, it is often thought to be either autoimmune, viral immune, or neurodegenerative. The diagnosis is based on history of the disease, barium esophagogram, and esophageal motility testing. Endoscopic assessment of the gastroesophageal junction and gastric cardia is necessary to rule out malignancy. Newer diagnostic modalities such as high resolution manometry help in predicting treatment response in achalasia based on esophageal pressure topography patterns identifying three phenotypes of achalasia (I-III) and outcome studies suggest better treatment response with types I and II compared to type III. Although achalasia cannot be permanently cured, excellent outcomes are achieved in over 90 % of patients. Current medical and surgical therapeutic options (pneumatic dilation, endoscopic and surgical myotomy, and pharmacologic agents) aim at reducing the LES pressure and facilitating esophageal emptying by gravity and hydrostatic pressure of retained food and liquids. Either graded pneumatic dilatation or laparoscopic surgical myotomy with a partial fundoplication are recommended as initial therapy guided by patient age, gender, preference, and local institutional expertise. The prognosis in achalasia patients is excellent. Most patients who are appropriately treated have a normal life expectancy but the disease does recur and the patient may need intermittent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah P Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Michael F Vaezi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Wouters MM, Lambrechts D, Becker J, Cleynen I, Tack J, Vigo AG, Ruiz de León A, Urcelay E, Pérez de la Serna J, Rohof W, Annese V, Latiano A, Palmieri O, Mattheisen M, Mueller M, Lang H, Fumagalli U, Laghi L, Zaninotto G, Cuomo R, Sarnelli G, Nöthen MM, Vermeire S, Knapp M, Gockel I, Schumacher J, Boeckxstaens GE. Genetic variation in the lymphotoxin-α (LTA)/tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) locus as a risk factor for idiopathic achalasia. Gut 2014; 63:1401-9. [PMID: 24259423 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-304848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic achalasia is a rare motor disorder of the oesophagus characterised by neuronal loss at the lower oesophageal sphincter. Achalasia is generally accepted as a multifactorial disorder with various genetic and environmental factors being risk-associated. Since genetic factors predisposing to achalasia have been poorly documented, we assessed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes mediating immune response and neuronal function contribute to achalasia susceptibility. METHODS 391 SNPs covering 190 immune and 67 neuronal genes were genotyped in an exploratory cohort from Central Europe (589 achalasia patients, 794 healthy volunteers (HVs)). 24 SNPs (p<0.05) were validated in an Italian (160 achalasia patients, 278 HVs) and Spanish cohort (281 achalasia patients, 296 HVs). 16 SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs1799724 (r(2)>0.2) were genotyped in the exploratory cohort. Genotype distributions of patients (1030) and HVs (1368) were compared using Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS The rs1799724 SNP located between the lymphotoxin-α (LTA) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) genes was significantly associated with achalasia and withstood correction for testing multiple SNPs (p=1.17E-4, OR=1.41 (1.18 to 1.67)). SNPs in high LD with rs1799724 were associated with achalasia. Three SNPs located in myosin-5B, adrenergic receptor-β-2 and interleukin-13 (IL13) showed nominally significant association to achalasia that was strengthened by replication. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence for rs1799724 at the LTA/TNFα locus as a susceptibility factor for idiopathic achalasia. Additional studies are needed to dissect which genetic variants in the LTA/TNFα locus are disease-causing and confirm other variants as potential susceptibility factors for achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira M Wouters
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium Laboratory for Translational Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Becker
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabelle Cleynen
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tack
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana G Vigo
- Immunology and Gastroenterology Departments, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Ruiz de León
- Immunology and Gastroenterology Departments, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Urcelay
- Immunology and Gastroenterology Departments, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Pérez de la Serna
- Immunology and Gastroenterology Departments, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Wout Rohof
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vito Annese
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy Unit of Gastroenterology SOD2, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Latiano
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Orazio Palmieri
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Manuel Mattheisen
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute for Genomic Mathematics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Michaela Mueller
- Department of Gastroenterology, German Clinic of Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uberto Fumagalli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zaninotto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rosario Cuomo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Séverine Vermeire
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Knapp
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ines Gockel
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes Schumacher
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Guy E Boeckxstaens
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Latiano A, Palmieri O, Bossa F, Latiano T, Corritore G, De Santo E, Martino G, Merla A, Valvano MR, Cuttitta A, Mazza T, Annese V, Andriulli A. Impact of genetic polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of idiopathic achalasia: Association with IL33 gene variant. Hum Immunol 2014; 75:364-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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Evsyutina YV, Trukhmanov AS, Ivashkin VT. Family case of achalasia cardia: Case report and review of literature. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:1114-1118. [PMID: 24574786 PMCID: PMC3921537 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i4.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Achalasia cardia is an idiopathic disease that occurs as a result of inflammation and degeneration of myenteric plexi leading to the loss of postganglionic inhibitory neurons required for relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and peristalsis of the esophagus. The main symptoms of achalasia are dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain and weight loss. At present, there are three main hypotheses regarding etiology of achalasia cardia which are under consideration, these are genetic, infectious and autoimmune. Genetic theory is one of the most widely discussed. Case report given below represents an inheritable case of achalasia cardia which was not diagnosed for a long time in an 81-year-old woman and her 58-year-old daughter.
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14
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Abstract
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the oesophagus characterised by loss of enteric neurons leading to absence of peristalsis and impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Although its cause remains largely unknown, ganglionitis resulting from an aberrant immune response triggered by a viral infection has been proposed to underlie the loss of oesophageal neurons, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals. The subsequent stasis of ingested food not only leads to symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss, but also results in an increased risk of oesophageal carcinoma. At present, pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy combined with an anti-reflux procedure are the treatments of choice and have comparable success rates. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy has recently been introduced as a new minimally invasive treatment for achalasia, but there have not yet been any randomised clinical trials comparing this option with pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy E Boeckxstaens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Giovanni Zaninotto
- Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, UOC General Surgery, Sts Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Joel E Richter
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Joy McCann Culverhouse Center for Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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15
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Sarnelli G, D’Alessandro A, Pesce M, Palumbo I, Cuomo R. Genetic contribution to motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2013; 4:65-73. [PMID: 24244875 PMCID: PMC3829454 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract encompass a wide range of different diseases. Esophageal achalasia and functional dyspepsia are representative disorders of impaired motility of the esophagus and stomach, respectively. In spite of their variable prevalence, what both diseases have in common is poor knowledge of their etiology and pathophysiology. There is some evidence showing that there is a genetic predisposition towards these diseases, especially for achalasia. Many authors have investigated the possible genes involved, stressing the autoimmune or the neurological hypothesis, but there is very little data available. Similarly, studies supporting a post-infective etiology, based on an altered immune response in susceptible individuals, need to be validated. Further association studies can help to explain this complex picture and find new therapeutic targets. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of genetics in motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, addressing how genetics contributes to the development of achalasia and functional dyspepsia respectively.
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Quidute ARP, Freitas EVD, Lima TGD, Feitosa AML, Santos JPD, Correia JW. Achalasia and thyroid disease: possible autoimmune connection? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 56:677-82. [PMID: 23329193 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302012000900013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Many cases have been published showing a co-existence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) and other autoimmune diseases. About a quarter of patients with achalasia have a concurrent thyroid disease, most commonly associated with hypothyroidism. Although relatively rare, the association of achalasia and hyperthyroidism requires attention. The physiopathology of Grave's Disease (GD) involves B- and T-mediator lymphocytes, which have an affinity for known thyroid antigens: thyroglobulin, thyroid-peroxidase, and thyrotrophin receptor. Currently, however, the real physiopathogenesis of achalasia continues to be unknown. Some important findings are suggestive of an autoimmune mechanism: significant infiltration of the myoenteric plexus by monocytes, presence of the class II-Human Histocompatibility Complex DQwl antigen and antibodies to myoenteric neurons. The present case reports a patient who, despite testing negative for Chagas' disease, had achalasia, progressed to developing significant wasting and worsening of his quality of life, was later diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. After endoscopic esophageal dilatation and radioiodine ablation of the thyroid gland, there was great improvement in the patient clinical condition.
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