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Yosipovitch G, Kim BS, Kwatra SG, Mollanazar NK, Ständer S, Satoh T, Mendes-Bastos P, Tsai TF, Laws E, Nivens MC, Maloney J, Shi G, Bansal A, Dubost-Brama A. Dupilumab improves pruritus and skin lesions in patients with prurigo nodularis: Pooled results from 2 phase 3 trials (LIBERTY-PN PRIME and PRIME2). JAAD Int 2024; 16:163-174. [PMID: 39006917 PMCID: PMC11246003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.025] [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] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Phase 3 PRIME/PRIME2 trials independently demonstrated efficacy and an acceptable safety profile of dupilumab adults with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis. Objective To obtain a more precise estimate of onset and magnitude of treatment effect using PRIME/PRIME2 pooled data. Methods In PRIME/PRIME2, patients were randomized to dupilumab or placebo for 24 weeks. Pooled analysis assessed proportion of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvement in itch, clear/almost-clear skin, or both; at weeks 12 and 24; overall and by demographic subgroups and changes from baseline to week 24 in symptoms, signs, and quality of life. Results Patients receiving dupilumab (n = 153) vs placebo (n = 158) experienced significant improvements in all tested endpoints. At week 24, 90 (58.8%) dupilumab-treated vs 30 (19.0%) placebo-treated patients achieved clinically meaningful improvement in itch, 71 (46.4%) vs 27 (17.1%) clear/almost clear skin, and 54 (35.3%) vs 14 (8.9%) achieved both (P < .0001 for all). Treatment benefits were independent of baseline demographics. Safety to week 36 was generally consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile. Limitations On-treatment data limited to 24 weeks. Conclusions Pooled analysis confirmed improvements reported in individual trials and revealed earlier effect onset in itch and skin pain. Dupilumab treatment showed benefits across demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Brian S Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Mϋnster, Germany
| | - Takahiro Satoh
- Department of Dermatology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | | | - Tsen-Fang Tsai
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Kwatra SG, Bordeaux ZA, Parthasarathy V, Kollhoff AL, Alajmi A, Pritchard T, Cornman HL, Kambala A, Lee KK, Manjunath J, Ma EZ, Dillen C, Kwatra MM. Efficacy and Safety of Abrocitinib in Prurigo Nodularis and Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2024; 160:717-724. [PMID: 38837144 PMCID: PMC11154357 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.1464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Importance Prurigo nodularis (PN) and chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) are chronic pruritic diseases that dramatically impair quality of life, but therapeutic options are limited. Abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, represents a promising therapy for both conditions. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of 200-mg oral abrocitinib administered once daily in adults with moderate to severe PN or CPUO. Design, Setting, and Participants This phase 2, open-label, nonrandomized controlled trial conducted between September 2021 and July 2022 took place at a single center in the US. A total of 25 adult patients with moderate to severe PN or CPUO were screened. Ten patients with PN and 10 patients with CPUO were enrolled. All 20 patients completed the 12-week treatment period, 18 of whom completed the 4-week follow-up period. Intervention Abrocitinib, 200 mg, by mouth once daily for 12 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy end point was the percent change in weekly Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) scores from baseline to week 12. Key secondary end points included the percentage of patients achieving at least a 4-point reduction in weekly PP-NRS score from baseline to week 12 and the percent change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. Results A total of 10 patients with PN (mean [SD] age, 58.6 [13.1] years; all were female) and 10 patients with CPUO (mean [SD] age, 70.7 [5.6] years; 2 were female) enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) baseline PP-NRS score was 9.2 (1.0) for PN and 8.2 (1.2) for CPUO. PP-NRS scores decreased by 78.3% in PN (95% CI, -118.5 to -38.1; P < .001) and 53.7% in CPUO (95% CI, -98.8 to -8.6; P = .01) by week 12. From baseline to week 12, 8 of 10 patients with PN and 6 of 10 patients with CPUO achieved at least a 4-point improvement on the PP-NRS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in quality of life as demonstrated by percent change in DLQI scores (PN: -53.2% [95% CI, -75.3% to -31.1%]; P = .002; CPUO: -49.0% [95% CI, -89.6% to -8.0%]; P = .02). The most common adverse event among patients was acneiform eruption in 2 of 20 patients (10%). No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this nonrandomized controlled trial suggest that abrocitinib monotherapy may be effective and tolerated well in adults with PN or CPUO. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05038982.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Zachary A. Bordeaux
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Varsha Parthasarathy
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Alexander L. Kollhoff
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ali Alajmi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas Pritchard
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hannah L. Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Anusha Kambala
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Kevin K. Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jaya Manjunath
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Emily Z. Ma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Carly Dillen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Madan M. Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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3
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Thünemann J, Müller S, Steinbrink K, Ständer S, Zeidler C. Chronische Prurigo. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:813-824. [PMID: 38857094 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15317_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie chronische Prurigo (CPG) ist eine neuroinflammatorische Dermatose, die durch langanhaltenden Pruritus von mehr als 6 Wochen, pruriginösen Hautläsionen und wiederholtem Kratzen gekennzeichnet ist. Patienten mit CPG leiden unter erheblichen psychischen Belastungen und deutlich spürbarer Beeinträchtigung ihrer Lebensqualität. Der am häufigsten vorkommende Subtyp der CPG ist die chronisch noduläre Prurigo (CNPG; auch Prurigo nodularis genannt).Neben den klinischen Merkmalen der CPG und der Krankheitslast bietet dieser CME‐Artikel einen Überblick über die bedeutenden Fortschritte im Verständnis der Pathophysiologie, einschließlich der damit verbundenen therapeutischen Optionen der CPG. Dupilumab ist die erste zugelassene Therapie für die moderate und schwere CNPG, die bisher von der Europäischen Arzneimittelagentur (EMA) und der US‐amerikanischen Food & Drug Administration (FDA) zugelassen wurde. Des Weiteren werden weitere Wirkstoffe hervorgehoben, die derzeit in klinischen, randomisierten, placebokontrollierten Phase‐II‐ und Phase‐III‐Studien untersucht werden. Dazu gehören Biologika wie Nemolizumab (Anti‐IL‐31‐RA‐mAk), Vixarelimab/KPL‐716 (Anti‐Oncostatin‐M Rezeptor β‐mAk) und Barzolvolimab/CDX‐0159 (Anti‐KIT‐mAK), Januskinase‐Inhibitoren wie Povorcitinib/INCB054707 und Abrocitinib sowie Opiodmodulatoren wie Nalbuphin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Thünemann
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Kompetenzzentrum chronischer Juckreiz (KCP), Universitätsklinikum Münster
| | - Svenja Müller
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn
| | - Kerstin Steinbrink
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Kompetenzzentrum chronischer Juckreiz (KCP), Universitätsklinikum Münster
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Kompetenzzentrum chronischer Juckreiz (KCP), Universitätsklinikum Münster
| | - Claudia Zeidler
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Kompetenzzentrum chronischer Juckreiz (KCP), Universitätsklinikum Münster
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Thünemann J, Müller S, Steinbrink K, Ständer S, Zeidler C. Chronic Prurigo. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:813-823. [PMID: 38722190 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Chronic prurigo (CPG) is a neuroinflammatory dermatosis characterized by prolonged pruritus lasting more than 6 weeks, pruriginous skin lesions, and repeated scratching. Patients with CPG suffer significantly from psychological distress and a marked impairment in their quality of life. The most common subtype of CPG is chronic nodular prurigo (CNPG, also called prurigo nodularis). In addition to the clinical features of CPG and the burden of disease, this CME article provides an overview of the significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology, including the associated therapeutic options for CPG. Dupilumab is the first approved therapy for moderate and severe CNPG to date from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). It also highlights other agents currently being studied in Phase II and Phase III clinical, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. These include biologics such as nemolizumab (anti-IL-31-RA-mAb), vixarelimab/KPL-716 (anti-Oncostatin-M receptor β-mAb), and barzolvolimab/CDX-0159 (anti-KIT-mAb), as well as Janus kinase inhibitors such as povorcitinib/INCB054707 and abrocitinib, and opioid modulators such as nalbuphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Thünemann
- Department of Dermatology and Competence Center for Chronic Pruritus (KCP), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Svenja Müller
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin Steinbrink
- Department of Dermatology and Competence Center for Chronic Pruritus (KCP), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Competence Center for Chronic Pruritus (KCP), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Zeidler
- Department of Dermatology and Competence Center for Chronic Pruritus (KCP), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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5
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Liao V, Cornman HL, Ma E, Kwatra SG. Prurigo nodularis: new insights into pathogenesis and novel therapeutics. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:798-810. [PMID: 38345154 PMCID: PMC11099982 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by intensely pruritic nodules on the skin. Patients with PN suffer from an intractable itch-scratch cycle leading to impaired sleep, psychosocial distress and a significant disruption in quality of life. The pathogenesis of PN is associated with immune and neural dysregulation, mediated by inflammatory cytokines [such as interleukin (IL)-4, -13, -17, -22 and -31] and neuropeptides (such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide). There is a role for type 2 inflammation in PN in addition to T-helper (Th)17 and Th22-mediated inflammation. The neuroimmune feedback loop in PN involves neuropeptides released from nerve fibres that cause vasodilation and further recruitment of inflammatory cells. Inflammatory cells, particularly mast cells and eosinophils, degranulate and release neurotoxins, as well as nerve growth factor, which may contribute to the neuronal hyperplasia seen in the dermis of patients with PN and neural sensitization. Recent studies have also indicated underlying genetic susceptibility to PN in addition to environmental factors, the existence of various disease endotypes centred around degrees of type 2 inflammation or underlying myelopathy or spinal disc disease, and significant race and ethnicity-based differences, with African Americans having densely fibrotic skin lesions. Dupilumab became the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutic for PN, and there are several other agents currently in development. The anti-IL-31 receptor A inhibitor nemolizumab is in late-stage development with positive phase III data reported. In addition, the oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitors, abrocitinib and povorcitinib, are in phase II trials while a topical JAK1/2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, is in phase III studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah L Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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6
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Yook HJ, Lee JH. Prurigo Nodularis: Pathogenesis and the Horizon of Potential Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5164. [PMID: 38791201 PMCID: PMC11121340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105164] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pruritus that lasts for over 6 weeks can present in various forms, like papules, nodules, and plaque types, with prurigo nodularis (PN) being the most prevalent. The pathogenesis of PN involves the dysregulation of immune cell-neural circuits and is associated with peripheral neuropathies, possibly due to chronic scratching. PN is a persistent and challenging condition, involving complex interactions among the skin, immune system, and nervous system. Lesional skin in PN exhibits the infiltration of diverse immune cells like T cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells, leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines and itch-inducing substances. Activated sensory nerve fibers aggravate pruritus by releasing neurotransmitters, perpetuating a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Traditional treatments often fail, but recent advancements in understanding the inflammatory and itch transmission mechanisms of PN have paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches, which are explored in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, #222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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7
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Olbrich H, Kridin K, Hernández G, Zirpel H, Sadik CD, Terheyden P, Thaçi D, Ludwig RJ, Boch K. Increased cardiovascular risks and mortality in prurigo nodularis: a global cohort study. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105123. [PMID: 38631094 PMCID: PMC11035034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105123] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prurigo nodularis (PN) presents with intensely itchy hard nodules. Despite being limited to the skin, PN was noted to be associated with systemic diseases including diabetes and chronic renal failure. In previous smaller retrospective studies, several cardiac and vascular diseases were found more frequently in patients with PN. However, small cohort sizes, partially discrepant outcomes, missing data, and incomplete risk assessment limit these findings. METHODS Electronic health records (EHR)s of 64,801 patients (59.44% females) with PN and an equal sized propensity-matched control group were retrieved. In these cohorts, the risks to develop cardiac and vascular diseases and mortality following the diagnosis of PN were determined. Sub-analyses included stratification for sex, ethnicity, and treatments. FINDINGS PN was associated with a higher risk for a broad range of acute cardiac events including heart failure and myocardial infarction. For example, the hazard ratio of myocardial infarction was 1.11 (95%-CI: 1.041-1.184, p = 0.0015) following PN diagnosis. Also, all-cause mortality was higher in patients with PN. Further, chronic vascular as well as structural heart diseases, e.g., peripheral arterial disease, chronic ischaemic heart disease and valval disorders were found more frequently following a PN diagnosis. Risks were more pronounced in white and female patients. Having established an increased risk for death and cardiovascular disease, we next addressed if dupilumab that has been recently licenced for use in this indication can modulate these risks. The risk of death but not of any cardiovascular disease was slightly reduced in patients with PN treated with dupilumab as opposed to those treated with systemic therapies other than dupilumab. The study is limited by retrospective data collection and reliance on ICD10-disease classification. INTERPRETATION PN is associated with higher mortality and an increased risk for the development of a wide range of cardiac and vascular diseases. Health care professionals should take this into account when managing patients with PN. FUNDING This work was supported by the University of Lübeck, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the State of Schleswig-Holstein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Olbrich
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Khalaf Kridin
- Unit of Dermatology and Skin Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel; Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Henner Zirpel
- Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Diamant Thaçi
- Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Unit of Dermatology and Skin Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel; Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Boch
- Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Cornman HL, Manjunath J, Reddy SV, Adams J, Rajeh A, Samuel C, Bao A, Zhao R, Ma EZ, Shumsky J, Pritchard TW, Imo BU, Kollhoff AL, Lee KK, Lu W, Yossef S, Kwatra MM, Kwatra SG. Comprehensive plasma cytokine and chemokine profiling in prurigo nodularis reveals endotypes in Type 2 inflammation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8098. [PMID: 38582943 PMCID: PMC10998852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58013-x] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is associated with variability in peripheral blood eosinophil levels and response to T-helper 2 targeted therapies (Th2). Our objective was to determine whether circulating immune profiles with respect to type 2 inflammation differ by race and peripheral blood eosinophil count. Plasma from 56 PN patients and 13 matched healthy controls was assayed for 54 inflammatory biomarkers. We compared biomarker levels between PN and HCs, among PN patients based on absolute eosinophil count, and across racial groups in PN. Eleven biomarkers were elevated in PN versus HCs including interleukin (IL)-12/IL-23p40, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22). Additionally, PN patients with AEC > 0.3 K cells/μL had higher Th2 markers (eotaxin, eotaxin-3, TSLP, MCP-4/CCL13), and African American PN patients had lower eosinophils, eotaxin, and eotaxin-3 versus Caucasian and Asian PN patients (p < 0.05 for all). Dupilumab responders had higher AEC (p < 0.01), were more likely to be Caucasian (p = 0.02) or Asian (p = 0.05) compared to African Americans, and more often had a history of atopy (p = 0.08). This study suggests that blood AEC > 0.3 K and Asian and Caucasian races are associated with Th2 skewed circulating immune profiles and response to Th2 targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaya Manjunath
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Sriya V Reddy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Jackson Adams
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Ahmad Rajeh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Christeen Samuel
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Aaron Bao
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Ryan Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Emily Z Ma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason Shumsky
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Thomas W Pritchard
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brenda Umenita Imo
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Alexander L Kollhoff
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Kevin K Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Weiying Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Selina Yossef
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Madan M Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Patel J, Deng J, Kambala A, Lee KK, Cornman HL, Parthasarathy V, Pritchard T, Chen S, Hernandez AG, Shin S, Oladipo OO, Kwatra MM, Ho WJ, Kwatra SG. Spatial Mass Cytometry-Based Single-Cell Imaging Reveals a Disrupted Epithelial-Immune Axis in Prurigo Nodularis. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00202-1. [PMID: 38522569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that disproportionately affects African Americans and features intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic nodules on the extremities and trunk. PN is understudied compared with other inflammatory skin diseases, with the spatial organization of the cutaneous infiltrate in PN yet to be characterized. In this work, we employ spatial imaging mass cytometry to visualize PN lesional skin inflammation and architecture with single-cell resolution through an unbiased machine learning approach. PN lesional skin has increased expression of caspase 3, NF-kB, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 compared with healthy skin. Keratinocytes in lesional skin are subdivided into CD14+CD33+, CD11c+, CD63+, and caspase 3-positive innate subpopulations. CD14+ macrophage populations expressing phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 correlate positively with patient-reported itch (P = .006). Hierarchical clustering reveals a cluster of patients with PN with greater atopy, increased NF-kB+ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-positive phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-positive monocyte-derived myeloid dendritic cells, and increased vimentin expression (P < .05). Neighborhood analysis finds interactions between CD14+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, monocyte-derived myeloid dendritic cells, and keratinocytes expressing innate immune markers. These findings highlight phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-positive CD14+ macrophages as contributors to itch and suggest an epithelial-immune axis in PN pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Patel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Junwen Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Anusha Kambala
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin K Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hannah L Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Varsha Parthasarathy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas Pritchard
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shihua Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexei G Hernandez
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Shin
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Olusola O Oladipo
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Madan M Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Mass Cytometry Facility, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Maryland Itch Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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10
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Cornman HL, Whang KA, Ma E, Aggarwal P, Kambala A, Reddy SV, Gabriel S, Kwatra SG. Severity, impact on quality of life and mental health burden of pruritus in prurigo nodularis: a cross-sectional study of a diverse patient cohort. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:571-572. [PMID: 38263520 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional study using validated survey instruments, finding severe pruritus, reduced quality of life (QoL) and a significant mental health burden in a diverse cohort of patients with prurigo nodularis (PN) from the USA. Itch severity and QoL scores were comparable to those found in European populations, aside from ItchyQoL scores (higher scores in this US cohort). Black patients reported higher itch intensity scores than White patients. More than 37% of patients met the cutoff for severe depression, but only 26% had a clinical diagnosis of depression. Dermatologists should be aware that PN extends beyond severe pruritus, consider screening for psychiatric comorbidities and address other concerns that affect QoL as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Departments of Dermatology
- Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Marani M, Madan V, Le TK, Deng J, Lee KK, Ma EZ, Kwatra SG. Dysregulation of the Skin-Liver Axis in Prurigo Nodularis: An Integrated Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Population-Based Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:146. [PMID: 38397136 PMCID: PMC10887737 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020146] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pruritus has long been linked to hepatic dysfunction; however, there are limited data characterizing the association between liver disease and prurigo nodularis (PN), a chronic inflammatory skin disease featuring severe pruritis. We thus conducted a cross-sectional analysis of hepatic comorbidities in PN patients using TriNetX, a large global health research network. This analysis revealed that PN patients had a higher risk (p < 0.001) of developing liver cirrhosis, acute and subacute hepatic failure, inflammatory liver disease, chronic hepatitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, portal hypertension, fatty liver, chronic passive congestion of the liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with healthy controls. The cumulative incidence of liver disease was about three times higher in PN patients compared with healthy controls. These findings provided the basis for translational studies to investigate a genetic mechanism for this association. Cutaneous transcriptomic analysis performed on PN patients revealed the dysregulation of genes related to hepatic failure in lesional PN compared with both nonlesional PN and control skin. Similarly, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) revealed a significantly increased (p < 0.05) activation of liver metabolism, chronic hepatic failure, acute hepatic failure, cholestatic liver disease, polycystic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma pathways in lesional PN compared with control skin. A subsequent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified shared single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes AR, EDIL3, MACROD2, PCSK5, RUNX1T1, TENM4, and ZEB2 between PN and liver disease from the FinnGen cohort. Significant dysregulation of the skin-liver axis in PN patients may explain the increased incidence and severity of hepatic comorbidities and help identify future therapeutic targets for PN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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12
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Müller S, Zeidler C, Ständer S. Chronic Prurigo Including Prurigo Nodularis: New Insights and Treatments. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:15-33. [PMID: 37717255 PMCID: PMC10796623 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00818-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic prurigo (CPG) is a neuroinflammatory, fibrotic dermatosis that is defined by the presence of chronic pruritus (itch lasting longer than 6 weeks), scratch-associated pruriginous skin lesions and history of repeated scratching. Patients with CPG experience a significant psychological burden and a notable impairment in their quality of life. Chronic prurigo of nodular type (CNPG; synonym: prurigo nodularis) represents the most common subtype of CPG. As CNPG is representative for all CPG subtypes, we refer in this review to both CNPG and CPG. We provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and assessment of CPG, the burden of disease and the underlying pathophysiology including associated therapeutic targets. The information provided results from a PubMed search for the latest publications and a database search for current clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register [European Medicines Agency]; using the following terms or combinations of terms: 'chronic prurigo', 'prurigo', 'prurigo nodularis', 'pathophysiology', 'therapy', 'biologics', 'treatment'). Dupilumab is the first authorized systemic therapy by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CNPG to date. Topical and systemic agents that are currently under investigation in clinical randomized, placebo-controlled phase II and III trials such as biologics (e.g., nemolizumab, vixarelimab/KPL-716, barzolvolimab/CDX-0159), small molecules (ruxolitinib cream, povorcitinib/INCB054707, abrocitinib) and the opioid modulator nalbuphine are highlighted. In the last past 15 years, several milestones have been reached regarding the disease understanding of CPG such as first transcriptomic analysis, first terminology, first guideline, and first therapy approval in 2022, which contributed to improved medical care of affected patients. The broad range of identified targets, current case observations and initiated trials offers the possibility of more drug approvals in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Müller
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudia Zeidler
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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13
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Cornman HL, Deng J, Kambala A, Parthasarathy V, Reddy SV, Kwatra SG. Clinical utility of peripheral blood laboratory testing in the diagnostic workup of prurigo nodularis: A multicenter cohort study. JAAD Int 2023; 13:74-82. [PMID: 37711338 PMCID: PMC10497789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.015] [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] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with several systemic comorbidities. However, there is lack of evidence supporting specific laboratory testing in the diagnostic workup of PN patients. Objective To characterize the frequency and severity of clinical laboratory abnormalities in PN patients compared to controls. Methods Cross-sectional study of adult patients between October, 2015 and August, 2021 using TriNetX, a global health records database encompassing over 74 million patients. Results A total of 12,157 PN patients were matched to 12,157 controls. Significantly, greater proportions of PN patients had moderate-to-severely decreased hemoglobin, elevated transaminases, decreased albumin, increased bilirubin, increased serum creatinine, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher hemoglobin A1c levels, and alterations in thyroid stimulating hormone. Limitations Our data identifies associated laboratory abnormalities in PN patients but is unable to support a causal relationship. Conclusion PN patients are more likely to have laboratory abnormalities on renal, hepatic, hematologic, endocrine, and metabolic laboratory testing, demonstrating a role for systemic testing in the diagnostic workup of PN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Junwen Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anusha Kambala
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Varsha Parthasarathy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sriya V. Reddy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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14
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Metz M. Targeting Interleukin-31 in Prurigo. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1619-1620. [PMID: 37888922 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2307584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metz
- From the Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology and Allergology - both in Berlin
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15
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Rajeh A, Cornman HL, Gupta A, Szeto MD, Kambala A, Oladipo O, Parthasarathy V, Deng J, Wheelan S, Pritchard T, Kwatra MM, Semenov YR, Gusev A, Yegnasubramanian S, Kwatra SG. Somatic mutations reveal hyperactive Notch signaling and racial disparities in prurigo nodularis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.25.23295810. [PMID: 37808834 PMCID: PMC10557842 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.23295810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects African Americans and is characterized by pruritic skin nodules of unknown etiology. Little is known about genetic alterations in PN pathogenesis, especially relating to somatic events which are often implicated in inflammatory conditions. We thus performed whole-exome sequencing on 54 lesional and nonlesional skin biopsies from 17 PN patients and 10 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients for comparison. Somatic mutational analysis revealed that PN lesional skin harbors pervasive somatic mutations in fibrotic, neurotropic, and cancer-associated genes. Nonsynonymous mutations were most frequent in NOTCH1 and the Notch signaling pathway, a regulator of cellular proliferation and tissue fibrosis, and NOTCH1 mutations were absent in AD. Somatic copy-number analysis, combined with expression data, showed that recurrently deleted and downregulated genes in PN lesional skin are associated with axonal guidance and extension. Follow-up immunofluorescence validation demonstrated increased NOTCH1 expression in PN lesional skin fibroblasts and increased Notch signaling in PN lesional dermis. Finally, multi-center data revealed a significantly increased risk of NOTCH1-associated diseases in PN patients. In characterizing the somatic landscape of PN, we uncover novel insights into its pathophysiology and identify a role for dysregulated Notch signaling in PN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Rajeh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah L Cornman
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anuj Gupta
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mindy D Szeto
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anusha Kambala
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olusola Oladipo
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Varsha Parthasarathy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junwen Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Wheelan
- Present affiliation: National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Pritchard
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Madan M Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yevgeniy R Semenov
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Gusev
- Division of Genetics, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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