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Sun L, Wang J, Yang Q, Guo Y. A comparative study on anti-MOG and anti-AQP4 associated optic neuritis following mild COVID-19: insights from a Chinese single-center experience. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1416493. [PMID: 38988608 PMCID: PMC11233519 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1416493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Research on the relationship between mild COVID-19 and the subsequent development of isolated optic neuritis (ON) with antibodies specific to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-ON) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4-ON) is limited, particularly case-control studies that directly compare these conditions within the same affected population. Methods A retrospective analysis of initial MOG-ON and AQP4-ON cases during the COVID-19 peak and subsequent months. Patients were classified as possible COVID-19 related ON (PCRON) or non-COVID-19 related ON (NCRON). The study compared epidemiology, comorbidities, and clinical features between these groups. Results Patients with MOG-ON tended to develop ON symptoms closer in time to a mild COVID-19 infection compared to those with AQP4-ON (6.87 ± 6.25 weeks vs. 11.06 ± 5.84 weeks; p = 0.038), a significantly higher proportion of patients with MON-ON developing symptoms within 6 weeks after COVID-19 compared to those with AQP4-ON (15/23 [65.2%] vs. 5/17 [29.4%]; p = 0.025). Comparing MOG-ON and AQP4-ON patients, MOG-ON patients were more likely to have a recent infection before ON onset (73.1% vs. 30%; p = 0.007) and had better peak and post-treatment visual acuity (p = 0.01; p < 0.001). In contrast, AQP4-ON patients frequently showed comorbid connective tissue diseases (30.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.004) and antinuclear antibody abnormalities (40.0% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.012). Among MOG-ON patients, PCRON had increased rates of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (AVDs) (53.3% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.036), phospholipid antibody abnormalities (60.0% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.04), and bilateral visual impairment (66.7% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis pinpointed AVDs (OR = 15.21, p = 0.043) and bilateral involvement (OR = 25.15, p = 0.015) as independent factors related to COVID-19 associated MOG-ON, with both being good discriminators for PCRON (AUC = 0.879). No differences were found between the PCRON and NCRON groups in AQP4-ON patients. Conclusion Mild COVID-19 is more likely associated with MOG-ON than AQP4-ON. MOG-ON that develops within 6 weeks following a COVID-19 infection may be associated with the COVID-19 infection. AVDs may have a synergistic effect on MOG-ON in patients with COVID-19, which warrants further investigation. COVID-19 related MOG-ON often affects both eyes, and acute visual function damage can be severe, but generally has a good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Sun
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Guo
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Harahsheh E, Callister M, Hasan S, Gritsch D, Valencia-Sanchez C. Aquaporin-4 IgG neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder onset after Covid-19 vaccination: Systematic review. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 373:577994. [PMID: 36332464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577994] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is rarely reported following Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. We identified 16 cases of new onset NMOSD with positive aquaporin-4 IgG (AQP4-IgG) following COVID-19 vaccination. Transverse myelitis was the most common clinical presentation (75%). Most patients received high dose steroids for acute treatment and maintenance therapy was started in 12 patients (75%). Twelve patients (75%) had improvement of their symptoms at the time of discharge or follow-up. The included cases share similar epidemiology and natural course to non-vaccine related cases. Clinicians should be aware of possible post-vaccination NMOSD to help with earlier diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Harahsheh
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Shemonti Hasan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - David Gritsch
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Cognitive Performance and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050743. [PMID: 35629165 PMCID: PMC9146457 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The frequency of cognitive impairment (CI) reported in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is highly variable, and its relationship with demographic and clinical characteristics is poorly understood. We aimed to describe the cognitive profile of NMOSD patients, and to analyse the cognitive differences according to their serostatus; furthermore, we aimed to assess the relationship between cognition, demographic and clinical characteristics, and other aspects linked to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 41 patients (median age, 44 years; 85% women) from 13 Spanish centres. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected along with a cognitive z-score (Rao’s Battery) and HRQoL patient-centred measures, and their relationship was explored using linear regression. We used the Akaike information criterion to model which characteristics were associated with cognition. Results: Fourteen patients (34%) had CI, and the most affected cognitive domain was visual memory. Cognition was similar in AQP4-IgG-positive and -negative patients. Gender, mood, fatigue, satisfaction with life, and perception of stigma were associated with cognitive performance (adjusted R2 = 0.396, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results highlight the presence of CI and its impact on HRQoL in NMOSD patients. Cognitive and psychological assessments may be crucial to achieve a holistic approach in patient care.
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Aleksi V, Elise K, Koskela TH. Excess use of thyroid hormone treatment among patients with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study in primary health care. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:83. [PMID: 35209937 PMCID: PMC8867865 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-05971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective From previous studies, it is known that the association between fibromyalgia and thyroid autoimmunity diseases exists. On the other hand, it was recently suggested that in many cases thyroid hormone treatment might be unnecessary. The aim of our study is to explore the thyroid hormone treatment among primary health care fibromyalgia patients. Our study is cross-sectional and based on fibromyalgia study from the city of Nokia Health Center. Clinical examination was performed to participants, patients filled five questionnaires and information from electronic patient records was gathered. In addition to other parameters, we studied patient’s thyroid function levels at the beginning of thyroid hormone treatment. Results From those patients participating in the study (n = 103), 34% (n = 33) had thyroid hormone treatment. From those taking thyroid hormone treatment, 48% (n = 16) had information regarding the initial TSH and T4-V levels at the beginning of the treatment. 37% (n = 6) of them had normal thyroid function. Small sample size and data gathered from single health center effects on the generalizability of our findings. However, we suggest further studies to confirm the potential association between fibromyalgia and inappropriate thyroid hormone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinen Aleksi
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo-Building B222, PL100, 33014, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Kosunen Elise
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo-Building B222, PL100, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tuomas H Koskela
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo-Building B222, PL100, 33014, Tampere, Finland.,Centre for General Practice, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Post COVID-19 Infection Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): A Case Report-Based Systematic Review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 60:103697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Cannon AS, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Targeting AhR as a Novel Therapeutic Modality against Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 35008717 PMCID: PMC8745713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) was excluded from consideration as a therapeutic approach due to the potential toxic effects of AhR ligands and the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, Cyp1a1, following AhR activation. However, it is now understood that AhR activation not only serves as an environmental sensor that regulates the effects of environmental toxins, but also as a key immunomodulator where ligands induce a variety of cellular and epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate inflammation. Thus, the emergence of further in-depth research into diverse groups of compounds capable of activating this receptor has prompted reconsideration of its use therapeutically. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of research surrounding AhR and its role in regulating inflammation. Specifically, evidence supporting the potential of targeting this receptor to modulate the immune response in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-based therapies to suppress inflammation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (A.S.C.); (P.S.N.)
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Dow CT. Warm, Sweetened Milk at the Twilight of Immunity - Alzheimer's Disease - Inflammaging, Insulin Resistance, M. paratuberculosis and Immunosenescence. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714179. [PMID: 34421917 PMCID: PMC8375433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This article prosecutes a case against the zoonotic pathogen Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) as a precipitant of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Like the other major neurodegenerative diseases AD is, at its core, a proteinopathy. Aggregated extracellular amyloid protein plaques and intracellular tau protein tangles are the recognized protein pathologies of AD. Autophagy is the cellular housekeeping process that manages protein quality control and recycling, cellular metabolism, and pathogen elimination. Impaired autophagy and cerebral insulin resistance are invariant features of AD. With a backdrop of age-related low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) and heightened immune risk (immunosenescence), infection with MAP subverts glucose metabolism and further exhausts an already exhausted autophagic capacity. Increasingly, a variety of agents have been found to favorably impact AD; they are agents that promote autophagy and reduce insulin resistance. The potpourri of these therapeutic agents: mTOR inhibitors, SIRT1 activators and vaccines are seemingly random until one recognizes that all these agents also suppress intracellular mycobacterial infection. The zoonotic mycobacterial MAP causes a common fatal enteritis in ruminant animals. Humans are exposed to MAP from contaminated food products and from the environment. The enteritis in animals is called paratuberculosis or Johne’s disease; in humans, it is the putative cause of Crohn’s disease. Beyond Crohn’s, MAP is associated with an increasing number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: sarcoidosis, Blau syndrome, autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, MAP has been associated with Parkinson’s disease. India is one county that has extensively studied the human bio-load of MAP; 30% of more than 28,000 tested individuals were found to harbor, or to have harbored, MAP. This article asserts an unfolding realization that MAP infection of humans 1) is widespread in its presence, 2) is wide-ranging in its zoonosis and 3) provides a plausible link connecting MAP to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coad Thomas Dow
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Bo M, Erre GL, Bach H, Slavin YN, Manchia PA, Passiu G, Sechi LA. PtpA and PknG Proteins Secreted by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis are Recognized by Sera from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study. J Inflamm Res 2019; 12:301-308. [PMID: 31819587 PMCID: PMC6899068 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s220960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result from complex interactions between the affected person’s genetic background and environment. Viral and bacterial infections may play a pathogenetic role in RA through different mechanisms of action. We aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies (Abs) directed against two proteins of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in sera of RA subjects, which are crucial for the survival of the pathogen within macrophages. Moreover, we analyzed the correlation of immune response to both proteins with the following homologous peptides: BOLF1305–320, MAP_402718–32 and IRF5424–434 to understand how the synergic role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and MAP infection in genetically predisposed subjects may lead to a possible deregulation of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5). Materials and methods The presence of Abs against protein tyrosine phosphatase A (PtpA) and protein kinase G (PknG) in sera from Sardinian RA patients (n=84) and healthy volunteers (HCs, n=79) was tested by indirect ELISA. Results RA sera showed a remarkably high frequency of reactivity against PtpA in comparison to HCs (48.8% vs 7.6%; p<0.001) and lower but statistically significant responses towards PknG (27.4% vs 10.1%; p=0.0054). We found a significant linear correlation between the number of swollen joints and the concentrations of antibodies against PtpA (p=0.018). Furthermore, a significant bivariate correlation between PtpA and MAP MAP_402718–32 peptide has been found, suggesting that MAP infection may induce a secondary immune response through cross-reaction with IRF5 (R2=0.5). Conclusion PtpA and PknG are strongly recognized in RA which supports the hypothesis that MAP infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, UOC di Reumatologia, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Yael N Slavin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | - Giuseppe Passiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, UOC di Reumatologia, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
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Bo M, Arru G, Niegowska M, Erre GL, Manchia PA, Sechi LA. Association between Lipoprotein Levels and Humoral Reactivity to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E423. [PMID: 31597322 PMCID: PMC6843567 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors such as bacterial infections may play an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate pathogen of ruminants able to use the host's cholesterol for survival into macrophages and has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a molecular mimicry mechanism. Here, we aimed at investigating the correlation between humoral reactivity against MAP and serum lipoprotein levels in subjects at T1DM risk (rT1DM) grouped by geographical background and in patients affected by MS or RA. Our results showed significant differences in HDL, LDL/VLDL and Total Cholesterol (TC) levels between patients and healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Patients positive to anti-MAP Abs (MAP+) had lower HDL levels in comparison with Abs negative (MAP-) subjects, while opposite trends were found for LDL/VLDL concentrations (p < 0.05). TC levels varied between MAP+ and MAP- patients in all three assessed diseases. These findings suggest the implication of anti-MAP Abs in fluctuations of lipoprotein levels highlighting a possible link with cardiovascular disease. Further studies will be needed to confirm these results in larger groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Giannina Arru
- Department of Clinical, Surgical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Magdalena Niegowska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, UOC di Reumatologia, Viale San Pietro 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | | | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Richardson H, Rhodes G, Henrys P, Sedda L, Weightman AJ, Pickup RW. Presence of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Monitored Over Varying Temporal and Spatial Scales in River Catchments: Persistent Routes for Human Exposure. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7050136. [PMID: 31096696 PMCID: PMC6560452 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) was monitored by quantitative PCR over a range of temporal and spatial scales in the River Tywi catchment. This study shows the persistence of Map over a 10-year period with little change, which correlates with the recognised levels of Johne’s disease in British herds over that period (aim 1). Map was quantified within the river at up to 108 cell equivalents L−1 and was shown to be consistently present when monitored over finer timescales (aim 4). Small wastewater treatment plants where the ingress of human-associated Map might be expected had no significant effect (aim 2). Map was found for the first time to be located in natural river foams providing another route for spread via aerosols (aim 5). This study provides evidence for the environmental continuum of Map from the grazing infected animal via rain driven runoff through field drains and streams into main rivers; with detection at a high frequency throughout the year. Should Map need to be monitored in the future, we recommend that weekly or monthly sampling from a fixed location on a river will capture an adequate representation of the flow dynamics of Map in a catchment (aim 3). The human exposure to Map during this process and its impact on human health remains unquantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollian Richardson
- Biomedical and Life Sciences Division, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Mailbox 12, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
| | - Glenn Rhodes
- Lake Ecosystems Group, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Peter Henrys
- Lake Ecosystems Group, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Luigi Sedda
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Andrew J Weightman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales.
| | - Roger W Pickup
- Biomedical and Life Sciences Division, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
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Slavin YN, Bo M, Caggiu E, Sechi G, Arru G, Bach H, Sechi LA. High levels of antibodies against PtpA and PknG secreted by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis are present in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 323:49-52. [PMID: 30196833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the etiological agent of Paratuberculosis in ruminants. Protein tyrosine phosphatase A (PtpA) and protein kinase G (PknG) are secreted proteins necessary for the survival of the pathogen within macrophages. In this study we analyzed if Map was able to grow within astrocytes and investigated on the presence of antibodies against PtpA and PknG proteins in MS and NMOSD patients by ELISA. Map was unable to proliferate in astrocytes after of 72 h post-infection, but we observed a high level of antibodies against both virulence factors, suggesting that these patients have been exposed/infected with Map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael N Slavin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Marco Bo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43 b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Elisa Caggiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43 b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - GianPietro Sechi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Chirurgiche e Sperimentali, Viale San Pietro 8, Università di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Giannina Arru
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Chirurgiche e Sperimentali, Viale San Pietro 8, Università di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Horacio Bach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43 b, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Bo M, Niegowska M, Erre GL, Piras M, Longu MG, Manchia P, Manca M, Passiu G, Sechi LA. Rheumatoid arthritis patient antibodies highly recognize IL-2 in the immune response pathway involving IRF5 and EBV antigens. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1789. [PMID: 29379122 PMCID: PMC5789096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19957-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive joint damage due to largely unknown environmental factors acting in concert with risk alleles conferring genetic susceptibility. A major role has been attributed to viral infections that include past contacts with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and, more recently, to non-protein coding sequences of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) integrated in the human genome. Molecular mimicry between viral and self proteins is supposed to cause the loss of immune tolerance in predisposed hosts. There are evidences that anti-IL-2 antibodies (Abs) are present in subjects affected by autoimmune diseases and may be responsible for alterations in regulatory T cell responses. In this study, we evaluated the levels of Abs against IL-2, viral epitopes and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in 140 RA patients and 137 healthy controls (HCs). Ab reactivity reached the highest levels for IRF5, EBV and IL-2 (56%, 44% and 39%, respectively) in RA with significantly lower values among HCs (7-9%, p < 0.0001), which suggests a possible cross-reaction between IRF5/EBV homologous antigens and shifts in T cell balance disrupted by anti-IL-2 Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Magdalena Niegowska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- UOC Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Azienda-Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Piras
- UOC Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Azienda-Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Longu
- UOC Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Azienda-Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Mario Manca
- Centro Trasfusionale, ASL Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passiu
- UOC Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Azienda-Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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