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Chang CC, Liu TC, Lu CJ, Chiu HC, Lin WN. Explainable machine learning model for identifying key gut microbes and metabolites biomarkers associated with myasthenia gravis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1572-1583. [PMID: 38650589 PMCID: PMC11035017 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.025] [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] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic markers for myasthenia gravis (MG) are limited; thus, innovative approaches are required for supportive diagnosis and personalized care. Gut microbes are associated with MG pathogenesis; however, few studies have adopted machine learning (ML) to identify the associations among MG, gut microbiota, and metabolites. In this study, we developed an explainable ML model to predict biomarkers for MG diagnosis. We enrolled 19 MG patients and 10 non-MG individuals. Stool samples were collected and microbiome assessment was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Untargeted metabolic profiling was conducted to identify fecal amplicon significant variants (ASVs) and metabolites. We developed an explainable ML model in which the top ASVs and metabolites are combined to identify the best predictive performance. This model uses the SHapley Additive exPlanations method to generate both global and personalized explanations. Fecal microbe-metabolite composition differed significantly between groups. The key bacterial families were Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and the top three features were Lachnospiraceae, inosine, and methylhistidine. An ML model trained with the top 1 % ASVs and top 15 % metabolites combined outperformed all other models. Personalized explanations revealed different patterns of microbe-metabolite contributions in patients with MG. The integration of the microbiota-metabolite features and the development of an explainable ML framework can accurately identify MG and provide personalized explanations, revealing the associations between gut microbiota, metabolites, and MG. An online calculator employing this algorithm was developed that provides a streamlined interface for MG diagnosis screening and conducting personalized evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Cheng Chang
- PhD Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chi Liu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jie Lu
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hou-Chang Chiu
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Lin
- PhD Program in Nutrition and Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Chen P, Chen J, Huang H, Liu W. Conventional dendritic cells are more activated in the hyperplastic Thymus of myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 395:578441. [PMID: 39216158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578441] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial to form ectopic germinal centers (GCs) in the hyperplastic thymus (HT), which are typically found in anti-acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. However, the characteristics of such DCs in the HT and their roles in thymic hyperplasia formation remain unclear. METHODS We collected thymic tissue from MG patients and patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The tissues were cut into sections for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence or digested into a single cell suspension for flow cytometry. RESULTS In addition to formation of ectopic GCs, we found that the proportion of the medulla in the thymic parenchyma was higher than that in the cortex (areacortex/areamedulla, 1.279 vs. 0.6576) in the HT of MG patients. The density of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in the HT was 131 ± 64.36 per mm2, whereas in normal thymic tissue, the density was 59.17 ± 22.54 per mm2. The more abundant cDCs expressed co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) strongly. Moreover, the more abundant subset was mainly CD141+ DCs (cDC1s), accounting for an increase from 15% to 29%. However, these increased cDC1s appeared to be unrelated to Hassall's corpuscles and ectopic GCs. CONCLUSION Thymic hyperplasia in MG patients is manifested as an increase in the proportion of the thymic medulla accompanied by increases in the density and functional activation as well as changes in the subset composition of cDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, China; National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, China; National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Nanning, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, China; National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Liu H, Liu G, Guo R, Li S, Chang T. Identification of Potential Key Genes for the Comorbidity of Myasthenia Gravis With Thymoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning. Bioinform Biol Insights 2024; 18:11779322241281652. [PMID: 39345724 PMCID: PMC11437577 DOI: 10.1177/11779322241281652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Thymoma is a key risk factor for myasthenia gravis (MG). The purpose of our study was to investigate the potential key genes responsible for MG patients with thymoma. Methods We obtained MG and thymoma dataset from GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined and functional enrichment analyses were conducted by R packages. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen out the crucial module genes related to thymoma. Candidate genes were obtained by integrating DEGs of MG and module genes. Subsequently, we identified several candidate key genes by machine learning for diagnosing MG patients with thymoma. The nomogram and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were applied to assess the diagnostic value of candidate key genes. Finally, we investigated the infiltration of immunocytes and analyzed the relationship among key genes and immune cells. Results We obtained 337 DEGs in MG dataset and 2150 DEGs in thymoma dataset. Biological function analyses indicated that DEGs of MG and thymoma were enriched in many common pathways. Black module (containing 207 genes) analyzed by WGCNA was considered as the most correlated with thymoma. Then, 12 candidate genes were identified by intersecting with MG DEGs and thymoma module genes as potential causes of thymoma-associated MG pathogenesis. Furthermore, five candidate key genes (JAM3, MS4A4A, MS4A6A, EGR1, and FOS) were screened out through integrating least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Random forest (RF). The nomogram and ROC curves (area under the curve from 0.833 to 0.929) suggested all five candidate key genes had high diagnostic values. Finally, we found that five key genes and immune cell infiltrations presented varying degrees of correlation. Conclusions Our study identified five key potential pathogenic genes that predisposed thymoma to the development of MG, which provided potential diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for MG patients with thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Geyu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rongjing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Yamamoto K, Kuroda T, Kubota S, Matsuoka K, Kosuge S, Momma Y, Miki A, Murakami H. Cushing's syndrome developing myasthenia gravis with takotsubo cardiomyopathy after adrenalectomy: a case report. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:355. [PMID: 39304804 PMCID: PMC11414266 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03866-y] [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: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several cases of autoimmune disease onset after treatment for Cushing's syndrome have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION Herein, we report a case of myasthenia gravis crisis in a 51-year-old woman 2 months after adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing's syndrome accompanied by takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The resolution of excessive endogenous cortisol after adrenalectomy may have triggered the onset of previously latent myasthenia gravis. CONCLUSIONS Observing the similarities in symptoms between myasthenia gravis and adrenal crisis, which can sometimes be challenging to differentiate, is essential. Moreover, the presence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a non-motor manifestation of myasthenic crisis must be noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Yamamoto
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Satomi Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Kaoru Matsuoka
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Shota Kosuge
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Yutaro Momma
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Ayako Miki
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Murakami
- Department of Neurology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8666, Japan
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Vissing J, Atula S, Savolainen M, Mehtälä J, Mehkri L, Olesen TB, Ylisaukko-Oja T, Lindberg-Schager I, Berggren F, Piehl F. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in Denmark, Finland and Sweden: a population-based observational study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:919-926. [PMID: 38538059 PMCID: PMC11420710 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-333097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence and prevalence rates of myasthenia gravis (MG) vary considerably across studies, and mortality risk is rarely addressed. We examined the prevalence and incidence rates, mortality and factors associated with mortality with MG. METHOD This was a registry linkage study based on nationwide health and administrative registries of Denmark, Finland and Sweden (populations of 5.9, 5.6 and 10.5 million, respectively). Patients with MG were identified based on International Classification of Diseases codes from inpatient and outpatient specialised care registries. Yearly prevalence, incidence and mortality rates in relation to the total background population were calculated from 2000 to 2020 (study period). The causes of death and factors associated with mortality were addressed separately. RESULTS The overall incidence of MG was 1.34 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.41), 1.68 (95% CI 1.60 to 1.75) and 1.62 (95% CI 1.56 to 1.68) per 100 000, and the overall prevalence per 100 000 was 18.56 (95% CI 18.31 to 18.81), 20.89 (95% CI 20.62 to 21.16) and 23.42 (95% CI 23.21 to 23.64) in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, respectively. The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.32 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.42) among patients with MG in Denmark, 1.23 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.33) in Finland, and 1.20 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.26) in Sweden, with higher SMR observed in women than men. Annual incidence and prevalence increased over time, whereas the SMR remained stable. The most common causes of death were MG, chronic ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS This population-based study from three Nordic countries highlights the need for improved care of patients with MG, especially young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sari Atula
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Azoulay E, Zuber J, Bousfiha AA, Long Y, Tan Y, Luo S, Essafti M, Annane D. Complement system activation: bridging physiology, pathophysiology, and therapy. Intensive Care Med 2024:10.1007/s00134-024-07611-4. [PMID: 39254734 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-024-07611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The complement system is a set of over 50 proteins that constitutes an essential part of the innate immune system. Complement system activation involves an organized proteolytic cascade. Overactivation of complement system activation is the main pathogenic mechanism of several diseases and contributes to the manifestations of many other conditions. This review describes the normal complement system and the role for complement dysregulation in critical illnesses, notably sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Complement activation is involved in the immune system response to pathogens but, when excessive, can contribute to tissue damage, runaway inflammation, and capillary leakage syndrome. Complement overactivation may play a key role in severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Two diseases whose manifestations are mainly caused by complement overactivation, namely, atypical hemolytic and uremic syndrome (aHUS) and myasthenia gravis, are discussed. A diagnostic algorithm for aHUS is provided. Early complement-inhibiting therapy has been proven effective. When renal transplantation is required, complement-inhibiting drugs can be used prophylactically to prevent aHUS recurrence. Similarly, acetylcholine-receptor autoantibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis involves complement system overactivation and responds to complement inhibition. The two main complement inhibitors used in to date routine are eculizumab and ravulizumab. The main adverse event is Neisseria infection, which is rare and preventable, but can be fatal. The complement system is crucial to health but, when overactivated, can cause or contribute to disease. Effective complement inhibitors are now available, although additional data are required to determine optimal regimens. Further research is also needed to better understand the complement system, develop advanced diagnostic tools, and identify markers that allow the personalization of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Azoulay
- Intensive Care Unit, Saint-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France.
| | - Julien Zuber
- Department of Kidney and Metabolic Diseases, Transplantation and Clinical Immunology, Necker University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Aziz Bousfiha
- Department of Pediatric Infectious and Immunological Diseases, IbnRochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Inflammation and Allergy (LICIA), Casablanca, Morocco
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yun Long
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, PR China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
- Huashan Rare Diseases Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
- National Center for Neurological Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Meriem Essafti
- Intensive Care Department, Mother-Children Center, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Djillali Annane
- Department of Intensive Care, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, Garches, France
- Simone Veil School of Medicine, Versailles-Saint Quentin University, Paris-Saclay University, Versaillles, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire PROMETHEUS & Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire SEPSIS, Paris-Saclay University, Saclay, France
- INSERM, Garches, France
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Wang F, Mei X, Yang Y, Zhang H, Li Z, Zhu L, Deng S, Wang Y. Non-coding RNA and its network in the pathogenesis of Myasthenia Gravis. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1388476. [PMID: 39318549 PMCID: PMC11420011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1388476] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness in patients with this condition. Previous studies have identified several dysfunctions in thymus and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), such as the formation of ectopic germinal centers in the thymus and an imbalance of peripheral T helper cells and regulatory T cells, that contribute to the initiation and development of MG. Recent evidences suggest that noncoding RNA, including miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA may play a significant role in MG progression. Additionally, the network between these noncoding RNAs, such as the competing endogenous RNA regulatory network, has been found to be involved in MG progression. In this review, we summarized the roles of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA, highlighted their potential application as biomarkers in diagnosing MG, and discussed their potential regulatory networks in the abnormal thymus and PBMCs during MG development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoli Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanlu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Senyi Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Konno S, Uchi T, Kihara H, Sugimoto H. Long-Term Bone Density Changes and Fracture Risk in Myasthenia Gravis: Implications for FRAX ® Tool Application. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1793. [PMID: 39273817 PMCID: PMC11394809 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12171793] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients often require long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which may affect bone health. This study aimed to assess long-term changes in bone mineral density (BMD), evaluate osteoporotic fracture incidence, and examine the relationship between MG-specific factors and bone health outcomes over a 10-year period. This single-center, prospective cohort study included 28 MG patients. BMD, T-scores, Z-scores, and bone turnover markers were measured at baseline. FRAX® scores were calculated and adjusted for glucocorticoid dose. Fracture occurrence was monitored for over 10 years. Five (17.9%) patients experienced major osteoporotic fractures during follow-up. The fracture group had significantly lower baseline BMD and T-scores than the no-fracture group. Baseline FRAX® scores for major osteoporotic fracture risk were significantly higher in the fracture group (median 19.0% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.001). The fracture group progressed from osteopenia at baseline to osteoporosis by the end of this study. This study highlights the importance of early and regular bone health assessments in MG patients, particularly those receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy. The FRAX® tool may be valuable for fracture risk stratification in this population. These findings can inform clinical practice and improve long-term management strategies for MG patients who are at risk of osteoporotic fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Konno
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
| | - Takafumi Uchi
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
| | - Hideo Kihara
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
| | - Hideki Sugimoto
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
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Howard JF, Vu T, Li G, Korobko D, Smilowski M, Liu L, Gistelinck F, Steeland S, Noukens J, Van Hoorick B, Podhorna J, Borgions F, Li Y, Utsugisawa K, Wiendl H, De Bleecker JL, Mantegazza R. Subcutaneous efgartigimod PH20 in generalized myasthenia gravis: A phase 3 randomized noninferiority study (ADAPT-SC) and interim analyses of a long-term open-label extension study (ADAPT-SC+). Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00378. [PMID: 39227284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00378] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
ADAPT-SC (NCT04735432) was designed to evaluate noninferiority of subcutaneous (SC) efgartigimod PH20 to intravenous (IV) efgartigimod in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). ADAPT-SC+ (NCT04818671) is an open-label extension study designed to assess long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efgartigimod PH20 SC. Adult participants in ADAPT-SC were randomly assigned to receive a treatment cycle of 4 once-weekly administrations of efgartigimod PH20 SC 1000 mg or efgartigimod IV 10 mg/kg, followed by 7 weeks of follow-up. Primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in total immunoglobulin G (IgG) level at week 4 (1 week after the fourth administration). Secondary efficacy endpoints assessed number and percentage of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) responders and mean change from baseline in total score for each measure. The primary endpoint was met, demonstrating noninferiority in total IgG reduction between efgartigimod PH20 SC 1000 mg and efgartigimod IV 10 mg/kg. Clinically meaningful improvements were seen as early as 1 week following the first administration in both treatment arms, with maximal improvements at week 4. Continued treatment cycles of efgartigimod PH20 SC in ADAPT-SC+ have demonstrated long-term safety and consistent improvements in MG-ADL total score. Findings from ADAPT-SC and ADAPT-SC+ demonstrate similar safety and efficacy as observed in the placebo-controlled ADAPT study. Collectively, these findings support noninferiority between efgartigimod PH20 SC 1000 mg and efgartigimod IV 10 mg/kg, as well as long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efgartigimod PH20 SC for treatment of a broad population of patients with gMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - George Li
- Medsol Clinical Research Center, Port Charlotte, FL, USA
| | - Denis Korobko
- Regional Centre for Multiple Sclerosis and Other Autoimmune System Diseases of the Nervous System, State Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marek Smilowski
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuebing Li
- Neuromuscular Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan L De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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10
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Chen P, Zhou Q, Zhao X, Chen Y, Lin Z, Wang M, Yang Z, Liu W. Extraocular muscle volume on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in patients with myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:379-386. [PMID: 38948953 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28192] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Despite being a prominent feature of myasthenia gravis (MG), extraocular muscle (EOM) has received little attention in clinical research. The aim of this study was to examine EOM volume in patients with MG and controls using time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA). METHODS EOM volumes (overall and individual rectus muscles) were calculated using TOF-MRA images and compared between MG patients (including subgroups) and controls. The correlation between EOM volume and disease duration was examined. Predictive equations for the selected parameters were developed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS EOM volume was lower in MG patients than controls, especially in MG patients with ophthalmoparesis (MG-O). MG-O exhibited a moderate negative correlation between EOM volume and disease duration. Multiple linear regression showed that disease duration and EOM status (ophthalmoparesis or not) account for 48.4% of EOM volume. DISCUSSION Patients with MG show atrophy of the EOMs, especially those with ophthalmoparesis and long disease duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingqian Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- MR Scientific Marketing, Siemens Healthineers Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
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Pane C, Di Stefano V, Cuomo N, Sarnataro A, Vinciguerra C, Bevilacqua L, Brighina F, Rini N, Puorro G, Marsili A, Garibaldi M, Fionda L, Saccà F. A real-life experience with eculizumab and efgartigimod in generalized myasthenia gravis patients. J Neurol 2024; 271:6209-6219. [PMID: 39080054 PMCID: PMC11377599 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12588-7] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Eculizumab, a complement active antibody, and efgartigimod, an Fc fragment that blocks neonatal Fc receptor, are both approved to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) patients. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical response to both treatments in a real-life setting. METHODS We collected baseline and follow-up clinical data using the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG). We included 63 patients, 32 treated with eculizumab and 31 with efgartigimod. Of the efgartigimod-treated patients, 22 were anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR-Ab +) and 9 were AChR-Ab- (3 MuSK-Ab + and 6 seronegative). RESULTS Both treatments showed similar efficacy relative to the MG-ADL scale reduction (p = 0.237). Efgartigimod had a similar effect on both AChR-Ab + and AChR-Ab- (p = 0.280). Eculizumab was superior to efgartigimod relative to the QMG score reduction for the entire dataset (p = 0.003) and was more likely to achieve a clinical response at the QMG compared to efgartigimod (OR 1.373; p = 0.016). Steroid-sparing effect was higher for eculizumab than efgartigimod ( - 16.7 vs - 5.2 mg of the baseline daily dose at follow-up; p = 0.001). Mean speed of prednisone reduction was - 13.1 mg of the daily dose for each month of follow-up for eculizumab-treated patients and - 3.2 for efgartigimod (p = 0.001). We found three serious events, all not related to treatment in the investigator's opinion. One eculizumab-treated patient experienced a severe pneumonia and died despite treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that eculizumab and efgartigimod can be used in clinical practice to reduce disability in gMG patients. Eculizumab-treated patients had a higher QMG response and steroid sparing effect. Efgartigimod may offer a more flexible schedule due to its cyclical use, no need for vaccination, and efficacy in AChR-Ab- patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pane
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND) Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzia Cuomo
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Sarnataro
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Vinciguerra
- Neurology Unit, Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Department, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Liliana Bevilacqua
- Neurology Unit, Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Department, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND) Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicasio Rini
- Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND) Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Puorro
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Marsili
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Centre, Neurology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Fionda
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences (NSRO) Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
- Genesis Department, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli "Federico II University", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Papathanasiou A, Tench CR, Ambrose PA, Sedehizadeh S, Tanasescu R. Pre-thymectomy disease severity predicts outcome in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalised myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2024; 271:6220-6226. [PMID: 39080053 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12592-x] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are only a few studies exploring post-thymectomy outcome in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive generalised myasthenia gravis (MG). OBJECTIVE To assess the predictors of outcome in patients with AChR-Ab-positive generalised MG who underwent thymectomy. METHODS A retrospective study of 53 patients from a single neuroscience centre in the UK. RESULTS The mean disease duration from diagnosis was 6.2 ± 4.3 years. Pre-thymectomy, 37 patients had mild weakness affecting muscles other than ocular muscles, 11 patients had moderate weakness and 5 patients had severe weakness. 27/53 patients had thymoma. Post-thymectomy (mean duration of 5.7 ± 4.2 years), 34 patients (64%) had a good outcome characterised by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Post-Intervention Status of complete stable remission (no symptoms or signs of MG for at least 1 year without any therapy) or pharmacological remission (no symptoms or signs of MG with some form of therapy) or minimal manifestations (no symptoms of functional limitations from MG but weakness on examination of some muscles with or without some form of therapy) on last follow-up visit. Having thymomatous or non-thymomatous MG did not predict the outcome. The only variable that did predict outcome was pre-thymectomy disease severity; patients with mild weakness before thymectomy had a favourable outcome. We found an accuracy of 83% predicting outcome (95% confidence interval (CI) 60%, 100%) with a sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 68%, 94%) and specificity of 81% (95% CI 54%, 96%). CONCLUSION Disease severity before thymectomy predicts outcome in patients with AChR-Ab-positive generalised MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Papathanasiou
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Chris R Tench
- Academic Neurology Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Philip A Ambrose
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Saam Sedehizadeh
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Academic Neurology Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Yung M, Narayanaswami P, Pesa J, Choudhry Z, Jackson L, Deering KL, Sebaaly J, Richardson J, Feldman J, Peters W, Taylor M, Foss A, West B, Shea L, Geonnotti G, Govindarajan R. Patient and care partner perspectives and preferences related to myasthenia gravis treatment: A qualitative study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e70081. [PMID: 39323457 PMCID: PMC11422664 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70081] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Due to the high symptom and treatment burden in myasthenia gravis (MG), understanding patient and care partner perspectives and preferences is crucial. Methods This study used voice analysis and virtual focus groups to understand patient and care partner experiences with MG-related symptoms, treatments, and preferences. The voice analysis via social media listening used artificial intelligence-powered tools to gather and structure public digital conversations on MG. Focus groups included people living with MG and care partners who completed a questionnaire and participated in a 1-h virtual session facilitated using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative data were aggregated, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results The voice analysis examined 11,554 posts from 8321 individuals, discussing MG symptoms, treatments, and burden. Of 7563 symptom-related posts, 5902 (78%) conveyed negative, 1427 (19%) neutral, and 234 (3%) positive sentiment. The most frequently mentioned symptoms were categorized as dysarthria, muscle weakness, and dysphagia. MG treatment sentiment analysis identified 6667 posts (67%) as neutral, 2887 (29%) as negative, and 350 (4%) as positive. For the focus groups, 15 individuals (12 patients and 3 care partners) completed the questionnaire and 14 participated in the virtual focus group sessions. The 15 participants who completed the questionnaire prioritized treatment convenience, symptom control for improved quality of life, and preventing potential MG crises in their current treatment. New treatment expectations included increased effectiveness, less frequent dosing, faster onset, and fewer side effects. Participants were also receptive to wearable medication delivery systems placed on the body and valued direct involvement in treatment decisions. Conclusion Patients and care partners are often negatively impacted by MG symptoms and value convenient and fast-acting treatments that control symptoms with minimal side effects. Considering patient preferences may help optimize treatment decisions and improve patients' overall well-being and satisfaction in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pushpa Narayanaswami
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Zia Choudhry
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLCTitusvilleNew JerseyUSA
| | - Louis Jackson
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLCTitusvilleNew JerseyUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Wesley Peters
- CorEvitas, Part of Thermo Fisher ScientificWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Melina Taylor
- CorEvitas, Part of Thermo Fisher ScientificWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Allison Foss
- Myasthenia Gravis AssociationKansas CityMissouriUSA
| | - Bruce West
- Patient Engagement Research Council (PERC) MemberUSA
| | - Lisa Shea
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLCTitusvilleNew JerseyUSA
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El-Wahsh S, Fraser C, Vucic S, Reddel S. Neuromuscular junction disorders: mimics and chameleons. Pract Neurol 2024:pn-2024-004148. [PMID: 39174301 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2024-004148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders represent a heterogenous group of acquired and congenital disorders that present in variable and distinctive ways. The diagnosis is typically reached through a combination of clinical, serological, pharmacological and electrophysiological evaluation. While the diagnosis can be fairly straightforward in some cases, the overlap with other neurological disorders can make diagnosis challenging, particularly in pure ocular presentations and in seronegative patients. The over-reliance on serological tests and electrophysiological evaluation in isolation can lead to misdiagnosis. In this article, we provide an overview of the NMJ disorders, discuss red flags for the key differential diagnoses (mimics) and report the atypical ways in which NMJ disorders may present (chameleons).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi El-Wahsh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neurology Department, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare Fraser
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neurology Department, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Reddel
- Neurology Department, Concord Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Sha Q, Zhang Z, Li H, Xu Y, Wang J, Du A. Serum metabolomic profile of myasthenia gravis and potential values as biomarkers in disease monitoring. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 562:119873. [PMID: 39019424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119873] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serum metabolites from 19 myasthenia gravis (MG) patients and 15 normal controls were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics, including 6 pre/post-treatment paired MG patients, to assess the value of serum metabolites as biomarkers in monitoring MG. METHOD Differential metabolites between MG patients and normal controls were identified through liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry simultaneously. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were conducted to identify the differential metabolites. Candidate metabolites and pathways associated with MG were selected through a random forest machine learning model. RESULT A total of 310 differential metabolites were identified with a threshold of variable projected importance > 1 and P value < 0.05. Among these, 158 metabolites were upregulated and 152 were downregulated. The random forest machine learning model selected 5 metabolites as potential biomarkers associated with MG: lignoceric acid (AUC=0.944), uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (AUC=0.951), arachidonic acid (AUC=0.951), beta-glycerophosphoric acid (AUC=0.933), and L-Asparagine (AUC=0.877). Further analysis using 6 paired MG patients pre- and post-immunosuppression treatment revealed 25 upregulated and 6 downregulated metabolites in post-treatment serum, which might be relevant to disease intervention. The significance remains elusive due to the limited number of patients. CONCLUSION A subset of differential metabolites was identified in the serum of MG patients, some of which changed with immunosuppressive therapy. Small molecule metabolites may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease monitoring in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Sha
- Department of Neurology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201699, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Zhongxiao Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Hailong Li
- Department of Neurology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201699, China
| | - Yingchen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Ailian Du
- Department of Neurology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201699, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
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16
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García-Sanchoyerto M, Salgueiro M, Ortega J, Rodríguez AA, Parada-Fernández P, Amayra I. Facial and Emotion Recognition Deficits in Myasthenia Gravis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1582. [PMID: 39201141 PMCID: PMC11353744 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161582] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease of autoimmune etiology and chronic evolution. In addition to the muscle weakness and fatigue that characterize MG, in some studies patients show an inferior performance in cognitive tasks and difficulties in recognizing basic emotions from facial expressions. However, it remains unclear if these difficulties are due to anxious-depressive symptoms that these patients present or related to cognitive abilities, such as facial recognition. This study had a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 92 participants, 52 patients with MG and 40 healthy controls. The data collection protocol included measures to assess recognition of facial expressions (BRFT), facial emotional expression (FEEL), and levels of anxiety and depression (HADS). The MG group had worse performance than the control group in recognizing "fear" (p = 0.001; r = 0.344), "happiness" (p = 0.000; r = 0.580), "disgust" (p = 0.000; r = 0.399), "surprise" (p = 0.000; r = 0.602), and "anger" (p = 0.007; r = 0.284). Likewise, the MG group also underperformed in facial recognition (p = 0.001; r = 0.338). These difficulties were not related to their levels of anxiety and depression. Alterations were observed both in the recognition of facial emotions and in facial recognition, without being mediated by emotional variables. These difficulties can influence the interpersonal interaction of patients with MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalen García-Sanchoyerto
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain; (A.A.R.); (I.A.)
| | - Monika Salgueiro
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia, Spain;
| | - Javiera Ortega
- Centro Investigaciones de Psicología y Psicopedagogía [CIPP], Facultad de Psicología y Psicopedagogía, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1107, Argentina;
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
| | - Alicia Aurora Rodríguez
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain; (A.A.R.); (I.A.)
| | - Pamela Parada-Fernández
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Psychology Unit, IMQ AMSA, 48010 Bilbao, Spain;
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Imanol Amayra
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain; (A.A.R.); (I.A.)
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Li L, Li D, Jin J, Xu F, He N, Ren Y, Wang X, Tian L, Chen B, Li X, Chen Z, Zhang L, Qiao L, Wang L, Wang J. FOSL1-mediated LINC01566 negatively regulates CD4 + T-cell activation in myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:197. [PMID: 39113081 PMCID: PMC11308467 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03194-5] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by pathogenic antibodies that target structures of the neuromuscular junction. The evidence suggests that the regulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that is mediated by transcription factors (TFs) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of MG. Nevertheless, the detailed molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in MG remain largely undetermined. METHODS Using microarray analysis, we analyzed the lncRNA levels in MG. By bioinformatics analysis, LINC01566 was found to potentially play an important role in MG. First, qRT‒PCR was performed to verify the LINC1566 expressions in MG patients. Then, fluorescence in situ hybridization was conducted to determine the localization of LINC01566 in CD4 + T cells. Finally, the impact of LINC01566 knockdown or overexpression on CD4 + T-cell function was also analyzed using flow cytometry and CCK-8 assay. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the binding of the TF FOSL1 to the LINC01566 promoter. RESULTS Based on the lncRNA microarray and differential expression analyses, we identified 563 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, 450 DE mRNAs and 19 DE TFs in MG. We then constructed a lncRNA-TF-mRNA network. Through network analysis, we found that LINC01566 may play a crucial role in MG by regulating T-cell-related pathways. Further experiments indicated that LINC01566 is expressed at low levels in MG patients. Functionally, LINC01566 is primarily distributed in the nucleus and can facilitate CD4 + T-cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation. Mechanistically, we hypothesized that LINC01566 may negatively regulate the expressions of DUSP3, CCR2, FADD, SIRPB1, LGALS3 and SIRPB1, which are involved in the T-cell activation pathway, to further influence the cellular proliferation and apoptosis in MG. Moreover, we found that the effect of LINC01566 on CD4 + T cells in MG was mediated by the TF FOSL1, and in vitro experiments indicated that FOSL1 can bind to the promoter region of LINC01566. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our research revealed the protective roles of LINC01566 in clinical samples and cellular experiments, illustrating the potential roles and mechanism by which FOSL1/LINC01566 negatively regulates CD4 + T-cell activation in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Danyang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jingnan Jin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fanfan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ni He
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingjie Ren
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaokun Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Liting Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Biying Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoju Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zihong Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lanxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lukuan Qiao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Jianjian Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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18
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Kong X, Wu T, Cai H, Chen Z, Wang Y, He P, Liu P, Li L, Peng S, Xu F, Wang J, Zhang H, Wang L. Construction of ceRNA network mediated by circRNAs screening from microarray and identification of novel biomarkers for myasthenia gravis. Gene 2024; 918:148463. [PMID: 38631652 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148463] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have revealed that circRNA can serve as ceRNA to participate in multiple autoimmune diseases. Our study aims to explore the key circRNA as ceRNA and biomarker for MG. METHODS We used circRNA microarray to explore differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) from MG and compare with control. Then, we predicted the target miRNA associated with DECs and screened miRNAs by the algorithm of random walk with restart (RWR). Next, we constructed the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulated network (CMMC) to identify the hub objects. Following, we detected the expression of hub-circRNAs by RT-PCR. We verify has_circ_0004183 (circFRMD4) sponging miR-145-5p regulate cells proliferation using luciferase assay and CCK-8. RESULTS We found that the expression level of circFRMD4 and has_circ_0035381 (circPIGB) were upregulated and has_circ_0089153(circ NUP214) had the lowest expression level in MG. Finally, we proved circFRMD4 sponging miR-145-5p regulate Jurkat cells proliferation. CircFRMD4 take part in the genesis and development of MG via circFRMD4/miR145-5p axis. CONCLUSIONS We found that circFRMD4, circPIGB and circNUP214 can be considered as valuable potential novel biomarkers for AchR + MG. CircFRMD4 participate in the development of AchR + MG via targeting binding with miR-145-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Kong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanlu Cai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Peifang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shanshan Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Fanfan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jianjian Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Huixue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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De Bleecker JL, Remiche G, Alonso-Jiménez A, Van Parys V, Bissay V, Delstanche S, Claeys KG. Recommendations for the management of myasthenia gravis in Belgium. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:1371-1383. [PMID: 38649556 PMCID: PMC11266451 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-024-02552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
International guidelines on the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG) have been published but are not tailored to the Belgian situation. This publication presents recommendations from a group of Belgian MG experts for the practical management of MG in Belgium. It includes recommendations for treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) or ocular myasthenia gravis (oMG). Depending on the MG-related antibody a treatment sequence is suggested with therapies that can be added on if the treatment goal is not achieved. Selection of treatments was based on the level of evidence of efficacy, registration and reimbursement status in Belgium, common daily practice and the personal views and experiences of the authors. The paper reflects the situation in February 2024. In addition to the treatment considerations, other relevant aspects in the management of MG are addressed, including comorbidities, drugs aggravating disease symptoms, pregnancy, and vaccination. As many new treatments might potentially come to market, a realistic future perspective on the impact of these treatments on clinical practice is given. In conclusion, these recommendations intend to be a guide for neurologists treating patients with MG in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan L De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ghent and AZ Sint-Lucas, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Gauthier Remiche
- Centre de Référence Neuromusculaire, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB)-Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alicia Alonso-Jiménez
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, Translational Neurosciences, UAntwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vinciane Van Parys
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Bissay
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, NEUR Research Group and Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, KULeuven, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Chae J, Nguyen TT, Oh SY. Quantification of saccadic fatigability and diagnostic efficacy for myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2024; 271:5035-5045. [PMID: 38796801 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12461-7] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The diagnostic challenge of myasthenia gravis (MG) is exacerbated by the variable efficacy of current testing methodologies, necessitating innovative approaches to accurately identify the condition. This study aimed to assess ocular muscle fatigue in patients with MG using video-oculography (VOG) by examining repetitive saccadic eye movements and comparing these metrics to those of healthy control participants. METHODS This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center and involved 62 patients diagnosed with MG (48 with ocular MG and 14 with generalized MG) and a control group of 31 healthy individuals, matched for age and sex. The assessment involved recording saccadic eye movements within a ± 15° range, both horizontally and vertically, at a rate of 15 saccades per minute over a 5-min period, resulting in 75 cycles. Participants were afforded a 3-min rest interval between each set to mitigate cumulative fatigue. The primary outcome was the detection of oculomotor fatigue, assessed through changes in saccadic waveforms, range, peak velocity, latency, and the duration from onset to target, with a focus on comparing the second saccade against the average of the last five saccades. RESULTS In the evaluation of repetitive saccadic movements, patients with MG exhibited a reduced saccadic range and a prolonged duration to reach the target, compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, a significant elevation in the frequency of multistep saccades was observed among MG patients, with a marked rise observed over consecutive trials. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the discriminative performance of multistep saccade frequency, in conjunction with variations in saccadic range and duration from onset to target achievement between the second saccade and the mean of the final five saccades, as effective in distinguishing MG patients from healthy subjects. Although alterations in peak saccadic velocity and latency were less pronounced, they were nevertheless detectable. DISCUSSION The utilization of VOG for repetitive saccadic testing in the diagnosis of MG has demonstrated considerable diagnostic precision. This methodology affords significant accuracy in evaluating ocular muscle fatigue in MG patients, providing class III evidence supportive of its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Chae
- Department of Neurology, Jeonbuk National University College of Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University School of Medicine, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-Gu, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Thanh Tin Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Sun-Young Oh
- Department of Neurology, Jeonbuk National University College of Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University School of Medicine, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-Gu, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.
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21
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Emmert ME, Emmert AS, Goh Q, Cornwall R. Sexual dimorphisms in skeletal muscle: current concepts and research horizons. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 137:274-299. [PMID: 38779763 PMCID: PMC11343095 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00529.2023] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex compositional and functional nature of skeletal muscle makes this organ an essential topic of study for biomedical researchers and clinicians. An additional layer of complexity is added with the consideration of sex as a biological variable. Recent research advances have revealed sexual dimorphisms in developmental biology, muscle homeostasis, adaptive responses, and disorders relating to skeletal muscle. Many of the observed sex differences have hormonal and molecular mechanistic underpinnings, whereas others have yet to be elucidated. Future research is needed to investigate the mechanisms dictating sex-based differences in the various aspects of skeletal muscle. As such, it is necessary that skeletal muscle biologists ensure that both female and male subjects are represented in biomedical and clinical studies to facilitate the successful testing and development of therapeutics for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Emmert
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Andrew S Emmert
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Qingnian Goh
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Roger Cornwall
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
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22
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Kuroiwa R, Shibuya K, Inagaki T, Nara T, Nemoto M, Doi Y, Yasuda M, Uzawa A, Shiko Y, Murata A, Yamanaka Y, Kuwabara S. Reliability and validity of cough peak flow measurements in myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 41:29-34. [PMID: 38870650 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.06.003] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Decreased cough strength in myasthenia gravis (MG) leads to aspiration and increases the risk of MG crisis. The aim of this study was to clarify the reliability and validity of cough peak flow (CPF) measurements in MG. A total of 26 patients with MG who underwent CPF measurements using the peak flow meter by themselves were included. MG symptoms were evaluated by pulmonary function tests and clinical MG assessment scales before and after immune-treatments. The relationship between CPF and pulmonary function tests and MG comprehensive were assessed. The cut-off value of CPF for aspiration risk was determined and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient was more than 0.95 for pre-and post-treatment. Positive correlations were found between CPF and almost all spirometric values as well as between the differences of pre-and post-treatment in CPF and quantitative myasthenia gravis score. The CPF for identifying the aspiration risk was used to calculate the CPF cut-off value of 205 L/min with a sensitivity of 0.77, specificity of 0.90, and AUC of 0.85. The CPF, a convenient measure by patients themselves, has a high reliability in patients with MG, and is a useful biomarker reflecting MG symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Kuroiwa
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Kazumoto Shibuya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inagaki
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeru Nara
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Marie Nemoto
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuka Doi
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Chiba Rehabilitation Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Manato Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiko
- Department of Biostatistics Section, Chiba University Hospital, Clinical Research Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Murata
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yamanaka
- Urayasu Rehabilitation Education Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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23
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Beland B, Perera T, Lee A, Greenfield J, Korngut L, Jewett G. No sex-based differences in odds of starting or time to treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis: A single center cohort study. Muscle Nerve 2024. [PMID: 39054840 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28210] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Females with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) report lower quality of life (QoL) and have more severe disease than males. Sex differences in disease characteristics exist, however whether there are sex differences in the treatment of gMG that may contribute to QoL disparities is unknown. Our objective is to determine whether there are sex differences in the treatment of gMG. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective study of people diagnosed with gMG at the University of Calgary between 1997 and 2021. Primary outcome was proportion starting treatment and secondary outcome was time from diagnosis to treatment initiation. Treatments included pyridostigmine, prednisone, steroid sparing therapies (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil [MMF], methotrexate [MTX], or tacrolimus), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), plasmapheresis, rituximab, eculizumab, cyclosporine, stem cell transplantation, and thymectomy. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine treatment associations with sex, adjusted for time from onset to diagnosis, age at diagnosis, presence of thymoma, and antibody status. RESULTS A total of 179 people with gMG were included (41.9% female). Odds of starting treatment were not statistically associated with sex after adjustment for confounders and correction for multiple testing. Results of the secondary analysis using time to treatment initiation as the outcome were similar. DISCUSSION We found no sex differences in odds of starting treatment or time to treatment initiation that might explain previously observed sex-based differences in QoL. Future work should capture physician and patient treatment preferences that may influence disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Beland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tefani Perera
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Angela Lee
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamie Greenfield
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lawrence Korngut
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gordon Jewett
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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24
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Ryder S. Integrated Applied Clinical Pharmacology in the Advancement of Rare and Ultra-Rare Disease Therapeutics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 39034754 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of safe and effective rare/ultra-rare disease treatments is a focus of many biotherapeutic enterprises. Despite this increased activity, a significant unmet need remains, and the responsibility to meet this need is augmented by enhanced genomic, biologic, medical, analytical, and informatic tools. It is recognized that the development of an effective and safe rare/ultra-rare disease therapeutic faces a number of challenges with an important role noted for clinical pharmacology. Clinical pharmacology is foundationally an integrative discipline which must be embedded in and is interdependent upon understanding the pathogenic biology, clinical presentation, disease progression, and end-point assessment of the disease under study. This manuscript presents an overview and two case examples of this integrative approach, the development of C5-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis and asfotase alpha for the treatment of hypophosphatasia. The two presented case examples show the usefulness of understanding the biological drivers and clinical course of a rare disease, having relevant animal models, procuring informative natural history data, importing assessment tools from relevant alternative areas, and using integrated applied clinical pharmacology to inform target engagement, dose, and the cascade of pharmacodynamic and clinical effects that follow. Learnings from these programs include the importance of assuring cross-validation of assays throughout a development program and continued commitment to understanding the relationship among the array of Pd end points and clinical outcomes. Using an integrative approach, substantive work remains to be done to meet the unmet needs of patients with rare/ultra-rare disease.
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25
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Wang Z, Xu J, Mo L, Zhan R, Zhang J, Liu L, Jiang J, Zhang Y, Bai Y. The Application Potential of the Regulation of Tregs Function by Irisin in the Prevention and Treatment of Immune-Related Diseases. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:3005-3023. [PMID: 39050796 PMCID: PMC11268596 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s465713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Irisin is a muscle factor induced by exercise, generated through the proteolytic cleavage of the membrane protein fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC-5). Numerous studies have shown that irisin plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing systemic inflammatory responses, and providing neuroprotection. Additionally, irisin can exert immunomodulatory functions by regulating regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are a highly differentiated subset of mature T cells that play a key role in maintaining self-immune homeostasis and are closely related to infections, inflammation, immune-related diseases, and tumors. Irisin exerts persistent positive effects on Treg cell functions through various mechanisms, including regulating Treg cell differentiation and proliferation, improving their function, modulating the balance of immune cells, increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing metabolic functions, thereby helping to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent immune-related diseases. As an important myokine, irisin interacts with receptors on the cell membrane, activating multiple intracellular signaling pathways to regulate cell metabolism, proliferation, and function. Although the specific receptor for irisin has not been fully identified, integrins are considered potential receptors. Irisin activates various signaling pathways, including AMPK, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, through integrin receptors, thereby exerting multiple biological effects. These research findings provide important clues for understanding the mechanisms of irisin's action and theoretical basis for its potential applications in metabolic diseases and immunomodulation. This article reviews the relationship between irisin and Tregs, as well as the research progress of irisin in immune-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, type 1 diabetes, sepsis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have revealed that irisin plays an important role in immune regulation by improving the function of Tregs, suggesting its potential application value in the treatment of immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqun Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renshu Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of General Surgery (Thyroid Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
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26
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Chen Y, Liu M, Lu M, Luo L, Han Z, Liu X. Exploring the impact of m 6A modification on immune diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic implication. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1387582. [PMID: 39072324 PMCID: PMC11272477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a chemical modification of RNA and has become a widely discussed topic among scientific researchers in recent years. It is distributed in various organisms, including eukaryotes and bacteria. It has been found that m6A is composed of writers, erasers and readers and is involved in biological functions such as splicing, transport and translation of RNA. The balance of the human immune microenvironment is important for human health abnormalities. Increasing studies have found that m6A affects the development of immune diseases such as inflammatory enteritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by participating in the homeostatic regulation of the immune microenvironment in vivo. In this manuscript, we introduce the composition, biological function, regulation of m6A in the immune microenvironment and its progression in various immune diseases, providing new targets and directions for the treatment of immune diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miao Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linling Luo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xide Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Mantegazza R, Saccà F, Antonini G, Bonifati DM, Evoli A, Habetswallner F, Liguori R, Pegoraro E, Rodolico C, Schenone A, Sgarzi M, Pappagallo G. Therapeutic challenges and unmet needs in the management of myasthenia gravis: an Italian expert opinion. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07577-7. [PMID: 38967883 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07577-7] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune, neurological disorder. Most MG patients have autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Some have autoantibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) or lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), and some are seronegative. Standard of care, which includes anti-cholinesterase drugs, thymectomy, corticosteroids (CS), and off-label use of non-steroidal immunosuppressive drugs (NSISTs), is bounded by potential side effects and limited efficacy in refractory generalized MG (gMG) patients. This highlights the need for new therapeutic approaches for MG. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the complement system, has been recently approved in Italy for refractory gMG. A panel of 11 experts met to discuss unmet therapeutic needs in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, as well as the standard of care for refractory patients. Survival was emphasized as an acute phase outcome. In the chronic phase, persistent remission and early recognition of exacerbations to prevent myasthenic crisis and respiratory failure were considered crucial. Refractory patients require treatments with fast onset of action, improved tolerability, and the ability to slow disease progression and increase life expectancy. The Panel agreed that eculizumab would presumably meet the therapeutic needs of many refractory gMG patients. The panel concluded that the unmet needs of current standard of care treatments for gMG are significant. Evaluating new therapeutic options accurately is essential to find the best balance between efficacy and tolerability for each patient. Collecting real-world data on novel molecules in routine clinical practice is necessary to address unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saccà
- NSRO Department, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Bonifati
- Neurology Unit, Cerebro-Cardiovascular Department, Ca' Foncello Hospital Treviso, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Neuroscience Department, Facolta Di Medicina E Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Institute, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Schenone
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal and Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University and IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manlio Sgarzi
- Department of Neurology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS 1, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pappagallo
- School of Clinical Methodology, IRCCS "Sacred Heart - Don Calabria", Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
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28
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Geenen RWF, Roditi G, Bellin MF, Bertolotto M, Brismar T, Correas JM, Dekkers IA, Heinz-Peer G, Mahnken AH, van der Molen AJ, Quattrocchi CC, Radbuch A, Reimer P, Sebastià M, Stacul F, Romanini L, Clément O. Safe use of contrast media in myasthenia gravis: systematic review and updated European Society of Urogenital Radiology Contrast Media Safety Committee guidelines. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:4561-4566. [PMID: 38092951 PMCID: PMC11213786 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10463-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is uncertain whether modern iodine-based or gadolinium-based contrast media (CM) administration can lead to increased symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis. METHODS A systematic search in Medline was conducted for studies describing the symptomatology of myasthenia gravis patients before and after receiving intravenous (IV) CM and having a matched control group of myasthenia gravis patients who did not receive IV CM. RESULTS Three retrospective studies were selected with a total of 374 myasthenia gravis patients who received iodine-based CM and a total of 313 myasthenia gravis patients who underwent unenhanced CT and served as controls. Pooling of the data from the three retrospective studies showed that in 23 of 374 patients, increased symptoms after iodine-based CM administration were described (6.1%). Increased symptomatology also occurred in 11 of 313 patients after unenhanced CT (3.5%). When looking more deeply into the data of the three studies, conflicting results were found, as two articles did not find any relationship between CM and myasthenia gravis symptoms. The remaining study only found a significant increase in symptomatology within 1 day after CT scanning: seven patients (6.3%) in the contrast-enhanced CT group and one patient (0.6%) in the unenhanced CT group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence on the relationship between CM and myasthenia gravis symptoms. In the vast majority of myasthenia gravis patients, CM are safe. Probably, in less than 5% of the patients, iodine-based CM administration may lead to increased severity of the symptoms within the first 24 h after administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Be aware that intravenous administration of iodine-based contrast media can lead to an increase of symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis within the first 24 h. This can probably happen in less than 5% of the patients. KEY POINTS • It is unclear whether modern contrast media can lead to increased symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients after intravenous administration. • There seems to be a small risk of increased myasthenia gravis symptoms within 24 h after intravenous administration of iodine-based contrast media, probably in less than 5% of the administrations. • Gadolinium-based contrast media are safe for patients with myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy W F Geenen
- Department of Radiology, Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Giles Roditi
- Department of Radiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marie-France Bellin
- BioMaps, Service de Radiologie, University Hospital Bicêtre, AP-HP, University Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Torkel Brismar
- Unit of Radiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jean-Michel Correas
- Service de Radiologie, DMU Imagina, Groupe Hospitalier Necker, AP-HP, Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ilona A Dekkers
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andreas H Mahnken
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Marburg University Hospital, Marburg, Germany
| | - Aart J van der Molen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo C Quattrocchi
- Centre for Medical Sciences-CISMed, University of Trento, Via S. Maria Maddalena 1, 38122, Trento, Italy
| | - Alexander Radbuch
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Clinic Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Reimer
- Department of Radiology, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maria Sebastià
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fulvio Stacul
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale Maggiore, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Clément
- Service de Radiologie, DMU Imagina, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Université Paris-Cité, 20 Rue LeBlanc, 75015, Paris, France.
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Moffatt C, Pillutla P, Soltanzadeh P, Chhetri DK. Heterogeneous Presentations and Serologies in Myasthenia Gravis Patients Presenting with Dysphagia. Laryngoscope 2024. [PMID: 38949061 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31601] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction. MG patients may present de novo with primary otolaryngology complaints, including swallowing dysfunction. This study describes a range of unique presentations and rare diagnostic serologies, which have not previously been fully described. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with primary symptom of dysphagia and subsequently diagnosed with MG. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, swallow studies, serology, imaging, treatment, and response. RESULTS Five patients met the inclusion criteria. Four endorsed dysphagia as primary complaint and one endorsed dysphagia and dysphonia. All patients underwent in-office swallow evaluations that showed vallecular or pyriform sinus residue. Three patients completed modified barium swallow studies that showed pharyngeal weakness and epiglottic dysfunction in all, and upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction in two. One patient with additional symptom of dyspnea was admitted and found to be in myasthenic crisis. Upon serologic evaluation, three patients were positive for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies only, one for muscle-specific-kinase (MuSK) antibodies only, and one for low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) antibodies only. All patients received neurology evaluation and were treated with steroids, pyridostigmine, plasma exchange, or rituximab. In three patients with over 1 year follow-up, symptoms were significantly improved or resolved. CONCLUSION MG is an important differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained pharyngeal dysphagia. While workup can include AChR antibody screening, in seronegative patients with persistent symptoms, additional testing for MuSK and LRP4 may lead to diagnosis and effective treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Moffatt
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Pranati Pillutla
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Payam Soltanzadeh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Dinesh K Chhetri
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
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Tan JY, Tan CY, Gengadharan PN, Shahrizaila N, Goh KJ. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis in Malaysia: A Single-Center Experience. J Clin Neurol 2024; 20:412-421. [PMID: 38951974 PMCID: PMC11220361 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2023.0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myasthenia gravis (MG) is clinically heterogeneous and can be classified into subgroups according to the clinical presentation, antibody status, age at onset, and thymic abnormalities. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of generalized MG (GMG) patients based on these subgroups. METHODS Medical records of MG patients from 1976 to 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with pure ocular MG were excluded. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory features, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS This study included 120 GMG patients. There was a slight preponderance of female patients over male patients (male:female ratio=1:1.3), with the age at onset exhibiting a bimodal distribution. Female patients peaked at a lower age (21-30 years) whereas male patients peaked at a higher age (61-70 years). Most (92%, 105 of 114) patients had positive anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Five patients were also tested for anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, with two showing positivity. Thymectomy was performed in 62 (52%) patients, of which 30 had thymoma, 16 had thymic hyperplasia, 7 had an involuted thymus, and 6 had a normal thymus. There were significantly more female patients (68% vs. 45%, p=0.011) with early-onset disease (<50 years old) and thymic hyperplasia (33% vs. 0%, p<0.025). Most (71%) of the patients had a good outcome based on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America postintervention status. GMG patients with early-onset disease had a significantly better outcome than patients with a late onset in univariate (58% vs. 37%, p=0.041) and multivariate (odds ratio=4.68, 95% confidence interval=1.17-18.64, p=0.029) analyses. CONCLUSIONS Female patients with early-onset MG and thymic hyperplasia had significantly better outcomes, but only early-onset disease was independently associated with a good outcome. These findings are comparable with those of other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ying Tan
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Cheng Yin Tan
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Prasana Nair Gengadharan
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nortina Shahrizaila
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khean Jin Goh
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sorrenti B, Laurini C, Bosco L, Strano CMM, Scarlato M, Gastaldi M, Filippi M, Previtali SC, Falzone YM. Overcoming therapeutic challenges: Successful management of a supposedly triple seronegative, refractory generalized myasthenia gravis patient with efgartigimod. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16306. [PMID: 38716750 PMCID: PMC11236002 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study was undertaken to highlight neonatal Fc receptor inhibition (efgartigimod) as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with refractory seronegative myasthenia gravis (MG) and to emphasize the concept that seronegative MG is greatly constrained by the limitations of currently available diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures. METHODS We describe the first refractory, generalized MG (gMG) patient successfully treated with efgartigimod after testing negative on standard autoantibody detection tests. RESULTS Our patient presented with severe fluctuating bulbar and generalized weakness, resulting in multiple myasthenic crises requiring intubation. After a 28-year medical history of multiple failed lines of treatment, our patient was started on efgartigimod. Over five treatment cycles, a definite improvement in her clinical condition was observed (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class: IIIb to IIb; MG-Activities of Daily Living score: 11 to 0; MG-Quality of Life 15 score: 30 to 0; Quantitative MG score: 28 to 6). Standard autoantibody detection tests failed to detect known pathogenic autoantibodies, but cell-based assay (CBA) identified autoantibodies against clustered adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR). CONCLUSIONS In light of recent approvals of efgartigimod by the European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration exclusively for AChR-positive gMG forms, our case highlights evidence suggesting that such an approach might be shortsighted and could limit therapeutic options for patients with refractory seronegative gMG. Additionally, introducing more sensitive analytical techniques, exemplified by CBA, may help bridge the gap between seronegative and seropositive patients. This represents an urgent unmet need for gMG patients, as the antibody profile dramatically influences the therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Bosco
- Neuroimmunology Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | | | - Marina Scarlato
- Neurorehabilitation UnitQuarenghi Clinical InstituteSan Pellegrino Terme,Italy
| | - Matteo Gastaldi
- Neuroimmunology Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimmunology Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
- Vita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Neurorehabilitation UnitIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Neurophysiology ServiceIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Neuroimmunology Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Neuroimmunology Research UnitIRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
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Mao Z, Nie Q, Xue Z, Li Z. Coexistence of Parkinson's disease and myasthenia gravis: A case report and literature review. Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:282. [PMID: 38800046 PMCID: PMC11117104 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The coexistence of Parkinson's disease (PD) and myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare. When similar symptoms of both diseases overlap, it is challenging to make a concomitant diagnosis of PD and MG. The present study describes the case of a patient with concomitant PD and MG. In addition, a systematic literature review was conducted by searching PubMed and Embase for reports on all patients with concomitant PD and MG, which were then grouped and compared according to different preexisting diseases. Finally, a total of 47 cases of concomitant PD and MG (35 men; 12 women), including the present case, were analyzed. The median age of the patients at first diagnosis was 66.59±9.91 years. The interval between the two diseases varied from 2 months to 22 years. Based on the sequential occurrence of these two diseases, the patients were categorized into three groups: The prePD-MG (30 cases), preMG-PD (12 cases), and coPD-MG (5 cases) groups. In the prePD-MG group, the onset age of MG was older and head drop was more common. In the preMG-PD group, the patients were more likely to have comorbid immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Xue
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Li J, Zheng Y, Zhao Y, Qi K, Lin G, Liu R, Hao H, Wang Z, Yuan Y, Gao F. COVID-19 in patients with myasthenia gravis: a single-center retrospective study in China. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2969-2976. [PMID: 38652194 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07518-4] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a great concern since 2019. Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may be at higher risk of COVID-19 and a more severe disease course. We examined the associations between COVID-19 and MG. METHODS This single-center retrospective cohort study involved 134 patients who were diagnosed with MG from June 2020 to November 2022 and followed up until April 2023. They were divided into a COVID-19 group and non-COVID-19 group. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect factors potentially associating COVID-19 with MG. RESULTS Of the 134 patients with MG, 108 (80.6%) had COVID-19. A higher number of comorbidities was significantly associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 (p = 0.040). A total of 103 patients (95.4%) had mild/moderate COVID-19 symptoms, and 4 patients (3.7%) were severe/critical symptoms (including 2 deaths). Higher age (p = 0.036), use of rituximab (p = 0.037), tumors other than thymoma (p = 0.031), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (p = 0.011), more comorbidities (p = 0.002), and a higher baseline MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL) score (p = 0.006) were risk factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms. The MG-ADL score increased by ≥ 2 points in 16 (15.7%) patients. Dry cough and/or expectoration (p = 0.011), use of oral corticosteroids (p = 0.033), and use of more than one kind of immunosuppressant (p = 0.017) were associated with the increase of the post-COVID-19 MG-ADL score. CONCLUSION Most patients with MG have a mild course of COVID-19. However, patients with older age, many comorbidities, a high MG-ADL score, and use of a variety of immunosuppressants during COVID-19 may be more prone to severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yiming Zheng
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yawen Zhao
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Kang Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Gang Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Hongjun Hao
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Meisel A, Saccà F, Spillane J, Vissing J. Expert consensus recommendations for improving and standardising the assessment of patients with generalised myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16280. [PMID: 38523419 PMCID: PMC11236001 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16280] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular and consistent disease assessment could provide a clearer picture of burden in generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) and improve patient care; however, the use of assessment tools in practice lacks standardisation. This modified Delphi approach was taken to review current evidence on assessment tool use in gMG and develop expert-derived consensus recommendations for good practice. METHODS A European expert panel of 15 experienced gMG neurologists contributed to development of this consensus, four of whom formed a lead Sub-committee. The PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes) framework was used to define six clinical questions on gMG assessment tools, a systematic literature review was conducted, and evidence-based statements were developed. According to a modified Delphi voting process, consensus was reached when ≥70% of the experts rated agreement with a statement as ≥8 on a scale of 1-10. RESULTS Eighteen expert- and evidence-based consensus statements based on six themes were developed. Key recommendations include: consistent use of the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score (MG-ADL) across clinical settings, followed by a simple question (e.g., Patient Acceptable Symptom State [PASS]) or scale to determine patient satisfaction in clinical practice; use of a Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis [QMG] or quality of life [QoL] assessment when the MG-ADL indicates disease worsening; and consideration of symptom state to determine the timing and frequency of recommended assessments. Expert panel consensus was reached on all 18 statements after two voting rounds. CONCLUSIONS This process provided evidence- and expert consensus-based recommendations for the use of objective and subjective assessment tools across gMG research and care to improve management and outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyNeuroscience Clinical Research CenterCharité Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Francesco Saccà
- GENESIS Department, Federico II University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Jennifer Spillane
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUCLH NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular CenterCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
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Di Stefano V, Iacono S, Militello M, Leone O, Rispoli MG, Ferri L, Ajdinaj P, Lanza P, Lupica A, Crescimanno G, Monastero R, Di Muzio A, Brighina F. Comorbidity in myasthenia gravis: multicentric, hospital-based, and controlled study of 178 Italian patients. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3481-3494. [PMID: 38383750 PMCID: PMC11176220 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07368-0] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with fluctuating weakness that causes significant disability and morbidity. Comorbidities may influence the course of MG, particularly in specific subgroups. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of comorbidities in MG patients compared to healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate their distribution according to age at disease onset, sex, and disease severity. METHODS MG patients attending the University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone" in Palermo and "SS Annunziata" Hospital in Chieti were enrolled; HC were enrolled from the general population. Non-parametric statistics and logistic regression were used to assess the association of specific comorbidities according to age at disease onset, sex, disease subtypes, and severity of the disease. RESULTS A total of 356 subjects were included in the study: 178 MG patients (46% F; median age 60 years [51-71]) and 178 sex- and age-matched HC (46% F, median age 59 years [50-66]). Overall, 86% of MG patients and 76% of HC suffered from comorbidities, and MG patients had a higher number of comorbidities compared to HC. Patients with late-onset suffered from more comorbidities than those with early-onset MG. Hypertension was more common in male patients with MG, while thymic hyperplasia, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases were more common in females. Respiratory disorders and thymoma were more common in patients with more severe disease (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION MG patients, particularly those with late onset, showed a higher prevalence of comorbidities than HC. Assessment of comorbidities in MG is an essential issue to identify the appropriate treatment and achieve the best management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iacono
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Militello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Olga Leone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Laura Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Ajdinaj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Placido Lanza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Grazia Crescimanno
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Antonio Di Muzio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Zhu M, Wang Y, Xu X, Guo X, Mao Y, Gao F. Small extracellular vesicle microRNAs in pediatric myasthenia gravis plasma and skeletal muscle. Postgrad Med J 2024; 100:488-495. [PMID: 38449066 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgae015] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) in children remains difficult. Circulating small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-derived miRNAs (sEV-miRNAs) have been recognized as biomarkers of various diseases and can be excreted by different cell types. These biomarker candidates also play a vital role in autoimmune diseases via intercellular communication. METHODS In the present study, we used sEV isolation and purification methods to extract the plasma-derived sEV-miRNAs from children with MG and healthy controls. A small RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the miRNA expression features in plasma-derived sEVs from MG patients. The miRNA expression analysis in vitro was determined using microarray analysis. The enrichment and network analyses of altered sEV-miRNAs were performed using miRNA databases and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery website. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for validation of sEV-miRNA. The diagnostic power of altered sEV-miRNAs was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS Twenty-four sEV-miRNAs with altered expression level were identified between groups by DESeq2 method. The miRNAs were extracted from the sEVs, which were isolated from human primary skeletal muscle cell culture treated with mAb198. The target genes and enriched pathways of sEV-miRNAs partially overlapped between cell supernatant and plasma samples. The significantly downregulated miR-143-3p was validated in quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we report that plasma-derived sEV-miRNAs may act as novel circulating biomarkers and therapeutic targets in pediatric MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xuebin Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xiaotong Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yuchen Mao
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310052, China
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Lin J, Xue B, Li J, Xie D, Weng Y, Zhang X, Li X, Xia J. The relationship between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1406409. [PMID: 38994358 PMCID: PMC11236685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1406409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective There have been reports of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) coexisting with connective tissue disorders. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of NMOSD coexisting with autoimmune diseases (AID). Methods This retrospective study evaluated NMOSD patients with and without AID. The enrolled patients had at least one attack, with duration of more than 1 year. Data on the demographics, clinical features, and laboratory findings were assessed. The Poisson model was used to investigate the risk factors associated with the annualized relapse rate (ARR), whereas the Cox model was used to evaluate the risk factors for the first relapse. Results A total of 180 patients (154 women and 26 men) with NMOSD were identified: 45 had AID and 135 did not. Female patients had a higher prevalence of concomitant AID (p = 0.006) and a greater relapse rate within the first year. There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NMOSD patients with seropositive aquaporin 4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab; log-rank: p = 0.044), had a shorter time to relapse. Patients seropositive for AQP4-Ab (HR = 2.402, 95%CI = 1.092-5.283, p = 0.029) had a higher risk of suffering a first relapse, according to the Cox model. Patients with and without AID showed a similar declining tendency in terms of change in ARR throughout the first 5 years of the disease. The ARR was greater in the first year [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.534, 95%CI = 1.111-2.118] and the first 2 years (IRR = 1.474, 95%CI = 1.056-2.058) in patients with coexisting AID diagnosis prior to the NMOSD onset. Conclusions Patients with NMOSD with coexisting AID had similar characteristics when compared with those without AID. NMOSD patients with AID diagnosed before onset had a higher risk of relapse in the early stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Binbin Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dewei Xie
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiyun Weng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junhui Xia
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Wang Z, Zhang Z, Luo T, Du X, Yang M, Yao Q, Su L, Li Y, Chen X, Huang X, Zhang Y. Increased serum interleukin-41 correlates with disease severity in myasthenia gravis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112275. [PMID: 38759373 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by pathogenic antibodies produced by abnormally activated B cells, resulting in neuromuscular junction transmission dysfunction. Interleukin-41 (IL-41) is a novel immunomodulatory cytokine that has been implicated in various metabolic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The role of IL-41 in MG is still unclear up to now, our study aimed to investigate the level of IL-41 in MG patients and its correlation with clinical features and inflammatory indicators. METHODS Totally, 60 MG patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Baseline data and laboratory parameters were routinely recorded through electronic medical systems. IL-41 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proportions of T-cell and B-cell subsets and natural killer cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The correlation between serum IL-41 and MG related parameters was investigated, and the clinical value of IL-41 in the diagnosis of MG was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS Serum IL-41 levels in MG patients were higher than in HC, and were higher in Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) III + IV group than that in MGFA I + II group. Serum IL-41 was positively correlated with MG-specific activities of daily living scale (MG-ADL), MGFA classification, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and proportion of CD19+ B cells, while it was negatively correlated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and circulatory plasma cells in MG patients. Serum IL-41 levels increased in patients who were treated with efgartigimod during the first cycle of therapy. However, compared to disease initiation, serum IL-41 levels decreased when clinical features steadily improved. ROC analysis showed that IL-41 had a diagnostic value for MG. CONCLUSION The present findings suggested that serum IL-41 was increased in MG patients and was positively associated with the severity of the disease. IL-41 may be essential to the immunopathological mechanism of MG and a potential biomarker for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiancheng Luo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Du
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingjin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luyao Su
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhu G, Ma Y, Zhou H, Nie X, Qi W, Hao L, Guo X. Case report: Rapid clinical improvement in acute exacerbation of MuSK-MG with efgartigimod. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1401972. [PMID: 38911858 PMCID: PMC11190065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1401972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis with positive MuSK antibody often involves the bulbar muscles and is usually refractory to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. For MuSK-MG patients who experience acute exacerbations and do not respond to conventional treatments, there is an urgent need to find more suitable treatment options. With the advent of biologic agents, efgartigimod has shown promising results in the treatment of MG. We report a 65-year-old MuSK-MG patient who presented with impaired eye movements initially, and the symptoms rapidly worsened within a week, affecting the limbs and neck muscles, and had difficulties in chewing and swallowing. Lymphoplasmapheresis did not achieve satisfactory results, but after a cycle of efgartigimod treatment, the patient's symptoms gradually improved and remained in a good clinical state for several months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lei Hao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuming Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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40
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Motte J, Sgodzai M, Schneider-Gold C, Steckel N, Mika T, Hegelmaier T, Borie D, Haghikia A, Mougiakakos D, Schroers R, Gold R. Treatment of concomitant myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome with autologous CD19-targeted CAR T cells. Neuron 2024; 112:1757-1763.e2. [PMID: 38697115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.014] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) are autoimmune disorders affecting neuromuscular transmission. Their combined occurrence is rare, and treatment remains challenging. Two women diagnosed with concomitant MG/LEMS experienced severe, increasing disease activity despite multiple immunotherapies. Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown promise for treating autoimmune diseases. This report details the safe application of anti-CD19 CAR T cells for treating concomitant MG/LEMS. After CAR T cell therapy, both patients experienced rapid clinical recovery and regained full mobility. Deep B cell depletion and normalization of acetylcholine receptor and voltage-gated calcium channel N-type autoantibody levels paralleled major neurological responses. Within 2 months, both patients returned to everyday life, from wheelchair dependency to bicycling and mountain hiking, and remain stable at 6 and 4 months post-CAR T cell infusion, respectively. This report highlights the potential for anti-CD19 CAR T cells to achieve profound clinical effects in the treatment of neuroimmunological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremias Motte
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Melissa Sgodzai
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Nina Steckel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Mika
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Hegelmaier
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Roland Schroers
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, 44892 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany.
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Finocchietti M, Crescioli G, Paoletti O, Brunori P, Sciancalepore F, Tuccori M, Addis A, Vannacci A, Lombardi N, Kirchmayer U. Drug Use Patterns in Myasthenia Gravis: A Real-World Population-Based Cohort Study in Italy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3312. [PMID: 38893023 PMCID: PMC11172965 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113312] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In the context of a comparative study of efficacy and safety of drugs used in rare neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases (CAESAR-call AIFA_FV_2012-13-14), we assessed the use patterns of drugs indicated for myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on administrative healthcare data. For a cohort of MG patients, prevalent and incident use of pyridostigmine (Py) and other indicated drugs in the first year after case identification was evaluated. Prevalent combined use of major therapies (azathioprine (Az), prednisone (Pr), vitamin D (Vd)) stratified by Py use was assessed, and a comparison between therapies at the time of MG identification and during the first year of follow-up was performed. Results: We included 2369 MG patients between 2013 and 2019. Among them, prevalent and incident Py users were 38.4% and 22.0%, respectively. In the first year of follow-up, the use of Pr was observed in 74.5% of Py prevalent users and in 82.0% of Py incident users, respectively; the use of Az was observed in 24.9% and 23.0%, respectively; and the use of Vd was observed in 53.3% and 48.2%, respectively. Among 910 Py prevalent users, 13.1% also used Az, Pr, and Vd, while 15.3% used none of these. Among 938 non-Py users, 2.7% used Az, Pr, and Vd, while 53.8% used none of these. During the first year, an increase in combined therapies was evident in incident Py users. Conclusions: Our results suggest that, for some MG patients, there may be a need for treatments that combine a rapid onset of benefit with long-term and consistent disease control. These issues may be addressed by the new treatments currently being developed. To date, more studies are needed to address the heterogeneity, quality, and generalizability of the existing data and to evaluate patterns of use, efficacy, and safety of new or emerging therapies for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Finocchietti
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, 00147 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (A.A.); (U.K.)
| | - Giada Crescioli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50122 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (A.V.)
- Tuscan Regional Centre of Pharmacovigilance, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Olga Paoletti
- Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, 50141 Florence, Italy;
| | - Paola Brunori
- Neurophysiopathology, Perugia Hospital, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Sciancalepore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Tuccori
- Tuscan Regional Centre of Pharmacovigilance, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Addis
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, 00147 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (A.A.); (U.K.)
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50122 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (A.V.)
- Tuscan Regional Centre of Pharmacovigilance, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Niccolò Lombardi
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50122 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (A.V.)
- Tuscan Regional Centre of Pharmacovigilance, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Ursula Kirchmayer
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, 00147 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (A.A.); (U.K.)
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42
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Hawkes MA, Wijdicks EFM. Improving Outcome in Severe Myasthenia Gravis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:263-270. [PMID: 38560985 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
When progressive and severe, myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome may have the potential for fatal and unfavorable clinical outcomes. Regardless of important differences in their clinical course, the development of weakness of oropharyngeal muscles and respiratory failure with requirement of mechanical ventilation is the main driver of poor prognosis in both conditions. The need for prolonged mechanical ventilation is particularly relevant because it immobilizes the patient and care becomes extraordinarily complex due to daily risks of systemic complications. Additionally, patients with myasthenia gravis often require long-term immunosuppressive treatments with associated toxicity and infectious risks. Unlike myasthenia gravis, the recovery period is prolonged in Guillain-Barré syndrome, but often favorable, even in the more severely affected patients. Outcome, for a large part, is determined by expert neurocritical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano A Hawkes
- Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Eelco F M Wijdicks
- Department of Neurology, Neurocritical Care Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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43
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Fuchs L, Shelly S, Vigiser I, Kolb H, Regev K, Schwartzmann Y, Vaknin-Dembinsky A, Dori A, Karni A. Real-World experience with efgartigimod in patients with myasthenia gravis. J Neurol 2024; 271:3462-3470. [PMID: 38528163 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12293-5] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Recommendations for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG) have been difficult to develop because of limited evidence from large randomized controlled trials. New drugs and treatment approaches have recently been shown to be effective in phase 3 studies in seropositive generalized (g) MG. One such drug is efgartigimod, a human-Fc-fragment of IgG1, with a high affinity for the endosomal FcRn. We conducted a multicenter study to evaluate the real-world clinical and safety effects of efgartigimod in 22 gMG patients. We evaluated the strategies for the timing of re-treatment with it. The participants received a total of 59 efgartigimod -treatment cycles. The median number of cycles was 2 (range 1-6). Twenty patients (86.3%) improved by at least 2 MG-ADL points after the first treatment cycle. The median MG-ADL score at baseline was 6.5 (range: 3-17) and 2.5 (range: 0-9) post-treatment (p < 0.001). A consistent improvement of at least 2 points in the MG-ADL score after each cycle occurs in 18 patients. The effect duration of the treatment was usually between 4 and 12 weeks. Two major clinical patterns of treatment response were found. Treatment with efgartigimod was also associated with significant reductions of prednisone doses Overall, the treatment was safe and associated with only minor adverse events. The single fatality was apparently due tosevere respiratory failure. We found that efgartigimod is clinically effective, may be used as a steroid sparing agent and is generally safe for gMG patients. We recommend a personalized preventive treatment approach until clinical stabilization, followed by discontinuation and periodic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Fuchs
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Shahar Shelly
- Department of Neurology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ifat Vigiser
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Neuroimmunology and MS Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Kolb
- Neuroimmunology and MS Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Regev
- Neuroimmunology and MS Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoel Schwartzmann
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Vaknin-Dembinsky
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Dori
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Arnon Karni
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
- Neuroimmunology and MS Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Fan YF, Tu SJ, Liu Y, Li XM, Liu TJ, Zhou LY. Investigation of the differential susceptibility of extraocular muscles in patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis based on the computerized diplopia test and the Ocular Motor Nerve Palsy Scale. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1353248. [PMID: 38872815 PMCID: PMC11169849 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1353248] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pattern of extraocular muscle involvement in ocular myasthenia gravis varies across different reports, diverging from our own observations. Thus, we employed two novel tools to discern this pattern. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted to collect and organize clinical data from 43 patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis. Each patient underwent both the computerized diplopia test and the Ocular Motor Nerve Palsy Scale assessment to evaluate the involvement of extraocular muscles. Results Among the patients, there were 30 male and 13 female individuals, with a total of 113 affected extraocular muscles identified. Among all the affected extraocular muscles, the involvement of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle accounted for 35.40%, medial rectus muscle 7.7%, lateral rectus muscle 16.81%, superior rectus muscle 13.27%, inferior rectus muscle 12.39%, superior oblique muscle 1.77%, and inferior oblique muscle 2.65% of the total affected extraocular muscles. The positivity rates of the Neostigmine test were 89.19%, AChR antibody detection was 59.38%, and repetitive nerve stimulation was 34.38%. The AChR antibody positive rate among patients with only diplopia was 100%; among those with only ptosis, it was 80%; and among those with both diplopia and ptosis, it was 86.67%. Conclusion The involvement of the extraocular muscles is not uniform. The levator palpebrae superioris exhibits the highest incidence rate, followed by the four rectus muscles and two oblique muscles. The inferior oblique involvement typically occurs when four or more EOMs are affected. Moreover, the levator palpebrae superioris and medial rectus show a higher tendency for bilateral involvement compared with other extraocular muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-fei Fan
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sai-jun Tu
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Ocular Motility Disorder Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Department of Acupuncture, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xue-mei Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tie-juan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ling-yun Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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45
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Ma C, Liu D, Wang B, Yang Y, Zhu R. Advancements and prospects of novel biologicals for myasthenia gravis: toward personalized treatment based on autoantibody specificities. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1370411. [PMID: 38881870 PMCID: PMC11177092 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370411] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease with a prevalence of 150-250 cases per million individuals. Autoantibodies include long-lived antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), mainly of the IgG1 subclass, and IgG4, produced almost exclusively by short-lived plasmablasts, which are prevalent in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that MG patients receiving conventional medication today still do not possess satisfactory symptom control, indicating a substantial disease burden. Subsequently, based on the type of the autoantibody and the pathogenesis, we synthesized the published material to date and reached a conclusion regarding the literature related to personalized targeted therapy for MG. Novel agents for AChR MG have shown their efficacy in clinical research, such as complement inhibitors, FcRn receptor antagonists, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) inhibitors. Rituximab, a representative drug of anti-CD20 therapy, has demonstrated benefits in treatment of MuSK MG patients. Due to the existence of low-affinity antibodies or unidentified antibodies that are inaccessible by existing methods, the treatment for seronegative MG remains complicated; thus, special testing and therapy considerations are necessary. It may be advantageous to initiate the application of novel biologicals at an early stage of the disease. Currently, therapies can also be combined and individualized according to different types of antibodies. With such a wide range of drugs, how to tailor treatment strategies to patients with various conditions and find the most suitable solution for each MG profile are our necessary and urgent aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Benqiao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Liu Y, Dong M, Chu Y, Zhou L, You Y, Pang X, Yang S, Zhang L, Chen L, Zhu L, Xiao J, Wang W, Qin C, Tian D. Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1140-1150. [PMID: 38613216 PMCID: PMC11101238 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003111] [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: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo , CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Minghao Dong
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yunhui Chu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luoqi Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yunfan You
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaowei Pang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luyang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lian Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lifang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Daishi Tian
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Han HJ, Kim SW, Kim H, So J, Lee EJ, Lim YM, Lee JH, Lee MA, Kim BJ, Baek SH, Lee HS, Sohn E, Kim S, Park JS, Kang M, Park HJ, Yoon BA, Kim JK, Seok HY, Kim S, Min JH, Chung YH, Cho JH, Kim JE, Oh SI, Shin HY. Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Its Association With Previous Vaccination in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e150. [PMID: 38742290 PMCID: PMC11091230 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) were more susceptible to poor outcomes owing to respiratory muscle weakness and immunotherapy. Several studies conducted in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic reported higher mortality in patients with MG compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with MG and to compare these parameters between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in South Korea. METHODS This multicenter, retrospective study, which was conducted at 14 tertiary hospitals in South Korea, reviewed the medical records and identified MG patients who contracted COVID-19 between February 2022 and April 2022. The demographic and clinical characteristics associated with MG and vaccination status were collected. The clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection and MG were investigated and compared between the vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. RESULTS Ninety-two patients with MG contracted COVID-19 during the study. Nine (9.8%) patients required hospitalization, 4 (4.3%) of whom were admitted to the intensive care unit. Seventy-five of 92 patients were vaccinated before contracting COVID-19 infection, and 17 were not. During the COVID-19 infection, 6 of 17 (35.3%) unvaccinated patients were hospitalized, whereas 3 of 75 (4.0%) vaccinated patients were hospitalized (P < 0.001). The frequencies of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation were significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients (P = 0.019 and P = 0.032, respectively). The rate of MG deterioration was significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients (P = 0.041). Logistic regression after weighting revealed that the risk of hospitalization and MG deterioration after COVID-19 infection was significantly lower in the vaccinated patients than in the unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the clinical course and prognosis of patients with MG who contracted COVID-19 during the dominance of the omicron variant of COVID-19 may be milder than those at the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccination was unavailable. Vaccination may reduce the morbidity of COVID-19 in patients with MG and effectively prevent MG deterioration induced by COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jo Han
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin So
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Jae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Min Lim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Jo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seol-Hee Baek
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung-Soo Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunhee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sooyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jin-Sung Park
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Minsung Kang
- Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyung Jun Park
- Department of Neurology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeol-A Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Kim
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hung Youl Seok
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sohyeon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Min
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Hak Chung
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Cho
- Department of Neurology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jee-Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Il Oh
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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48
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Altınönder İ, Kaya M, Yentür SP, Çakar A, Durmuş H, Yegen G, Özkan B, Parman Y, Sawalha AH, Saruhan-Direskeneli G. Thymic gene expression analysis reveals a potential link between HIF-1A and Th17/Treg imbalance in thymoma associated myasthenia gravis. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:126. [PMID: 38734662 PMCID: PMC11088784 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03095-7] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated disease frequently associated with thymic changes. Increased T helper 17 (Th17) cell activity and dysfunctional regulatory T (Treg) cells have been demonstrated in subgroups of MG. On the other hand, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has been shown to regulate the Th17/Treg balance by inducing Th17 differentiation while attenuating Treg development. To identify the underlying mechanisms of different thymic pathologies in MG development, we evaluated thymic samples from thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG), MG with hyperplasia (TFH-MG) and thymoma without MG (TOMA) patients. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that TAMG and TFH-MG cells are associated with different functional pathways. A higher RORC/FOXP3 ratio provided evidence for Th17/Treg imbalance in TAMG potentially related to increased HIF1A. The hypoxic microenvironment in thymoma may be a driver of TAMG by increasing HIF1A. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting HIF1A in the development of TAMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlayda Altınönder
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kaya
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Sibel P Yentür
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Arman Çakar
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Gülçin Yegen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Berker Özkan
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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49
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Lu Y, Li J, Yu T, Wu C, You Y, Wang C, Liu X. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37961. [PMID: 38701271 PMCID: PMC11062737 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common autoimmune disease that often involves the skeletal muscle of the whole body and seriously affects patients' quality of life. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of MG has unique advantages, the aim is to evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on MG. METHODS The literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treating MG in PubMed, CochraneLibrary, EMBASE, SCI, China Academic Journals full-text database, China Biology Medicine disc, VIP and Wanfang database were searched through computers from the establishment of the database to December 2022. RESULTS A total of 11 studies were included, involving 658 patients, where 330 in the treatment group and 328 in the control group. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the treatment group performed better than the control group in improving the total clinical response rate (OR = 3.26, 95%[2.04,5.21], P < .01). Additionally, the treatment group outperformed the control group in raising the absolute clinical score (MD = -3.48, 95%CI[-5.17, -1.78], P < .01). However, there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in improving the level of serum interleukin-6 receptor (MD = -1.45,95%CI[-6.85,3.95], P > .05) and OMG quantitative score (MD = -2.16,95%CI[-4.85,0.52], P > .05). The total clinical effective rate was tested for publication bias, which showed that the 2 sides of the funnel plot were asymmetrical, suggesting the possible existence of publication bias. CONCLUSION Acupuncture and moxibustion has a good effect on MG, which is better than conventional Western medicine in improving the total clinical effective rate and absolute clinical score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lu
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlan Wu
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi You
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Changde Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
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50
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Gilhus NE, Andersen H, Andersen LK, Boldingh M, Laakso S, Leopoldsdottir MO, Madsen S, Piehl F, Popperud TH, Punga AR, Schirakow L, Vissing J. Generalized myasthenia gravis with acetylcholine receptor antibodies: A guidance for treatment. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16229. [PMID: 38321574 PMCID: PMC11236053 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16229] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor is a chronic disease causing muscle weakness. Access to novel treatments warrants authoritative treatment recommendations. The Nordic countries have similar, comprehensive health systems, mandatory health registers, and extensive MG research. METHODS MG experts and patient representatives from the five Nordic countries formed a working group to prepare treatment guidance for MG based on a systematic literature search and consensus meetings. RESULTS Pyridostigmine represents the first-line symptomatic treatment, while ambenonium and beta adrenergic agonists are second-line options. Early thymectomy should be undertaken if a thymoma, and in non-thymoma patients up to the age of 50-65 years if not obtaining remission on symptomatic treatment. Most patients need immunosuppressive drug treatment. Combining corticosteroids at the lowest possible dose with azathioprine is recommended, rituximab being an alternative first-line option. Mycophenolate, methotrexate, and tacrolimus represent second-line immunosuppression. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin are used for myasthenic crises and acute exacerbations. Novel complement inhibitors and FcRn blockers are effective and fast-acting treatments with promising safety profiles. Their use depends on local availability, refunding policies, and cost-benefit analyses. Adapted physical training is recommended. Planning of pregnancies with optimal treatment, information, and awareness of neonatal MG is necessary. Social support and adaptation of work and daily life activities are recommended. CONCLUSIONS Successful treatment of MG rests on timely combination of different interventions. Due to spontaneous disease fluctuations, comorbidities, and changes in life conditions, regular long-term specialized follow-up is needed. Most patients do reasonably well but there is room for further improvement. Novel treatments are promising, though subject to restricted access due to costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of NeurologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | | | - Linda Kahr Andersen
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of NeurologyCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Sini Laakso
- Department of Neurology, Brain CenterHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Translational Immunology Research ProgramUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Sidsel Madsen
- The National Rehabilitation Center for Neuromuscular DiseasesAarhusDenmark
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of NeurologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | | | - Anna Rostedt Punga
- Department of Medical SciencesUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Clinical NeurophysiologyUppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
| | | | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of NeurologyCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
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