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Costin C, Khojah A, Ochfeld E, Morgan G, Subramanian S, Klein-Gitelman M, Tan XD, Pachman LM. B Cell Lymphocytosis in Juvenile Dermatomyositis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2626. [PMID: 37627885 PMCID: PMC10453137 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162626] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we determined if B lymphocytosis may serve as a JDM biomarker for disease activity. Children with untreated JDM were divided into two groups based on age-adjusted B cell percentage (determined through flow cytometry): 90 JDM in the normal B cell group and 45 in the high B cell group. We compared through T-testing the age, sex, ethnicity, duration of untreated disease (DUD), disease activity scores for skin (sDAS), muscle (mDAS), total (tDAS), CMAS, and neopterin between these two groups. The patients in the high B cell group had a higher tDAS (p = 0.009), mDAS (p = 0.021), and neopterin (p = 0.0365). Secondary analyses included B cell values over time and BAFF levels in matched patients with JM (juvenile myositis) and concurrent interstitial lung disease (ILD); JM alone and healthy controls Patient B cell percentage and number was significantly higher after 3-6 months of therapy and then significantly lower on completion of therapy (p =< 0.0001). The JM groups had higher BAFF levels than controls 1304 vs. 692 ng/mL (p = 0.0124). This study supports B cell lymphocytosis as a JDM disease-activity biomarker and bolsters the basis for B cell-directed therapies in JDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Costin
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amer Khojah
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24341-6660, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elisa Ochfeld
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gabrielle Morgan
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Saravanan Subramanian
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Marisa Klein-Gitelman
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Xiao-Di Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lauren M. Pachman
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Gudowska-Sawczuk M, Mroczko B. Free Light Chains κ and λ as New Biomarkers of Selected Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119531. [PMID: 37298479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic and prognostic markers are necessary to help in patient diagnosis and the prediction of future clinical events or disease progression. As promising biomarkers of selected diseases, the free light chains (FLCs) κ and λ were considered. Measurements of FLCs are currently used in routine diagnostics of, for example, multiple myeloma, and the usefulness of FLCs as biomarkers of monoclonal gammopathies is well understood. Therefore, this review focuses on the studies concerning FLCs as new potential biomarkers of other disorders in which an inflammatory background has been observed. We performed a bibliometric review of studies indexed in MEDLINE to assess the clinical significance of FLCs. Altered levels of FLCs were observed both in diseases strongly connected with inflammation such as viral infections, tick-borne diseases or rheumatic disorders, and disorders that are moderately associated with immune system reactions, e.g., multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and cancers. Increased concentrations of FLCs appear to be a useful prognostic marker in patients with multiple sclerosis or tick-borne encephalitis. Intensive synthesis of FLCs may also reflect the production of specific antibodies against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, abnormal FLC concentrations might predict the development of diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Markedly elevated levels are also associated with increased risk of hospitalization and death in patients with cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, FLCs have been found to be increased in rheumatic diseases and have been related to disease activity. Furthermore, it has been suggested that inhibition of FLCs would reduce the progression of tumorigenesis in breast cancer or colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis. In conclusion, abnormal levels of κ and λ FLCs, as well as the ratio of κ:λ, are usually the result of disturbances in the synthesis of immunoglobulins as an effect of overactive inflammatory reactions. Therefore, it seems that κ and λ FLCs may be significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of selected diseases. Moreover, the inhibition of FLCs appears to be a promising therapeutical target for the treatment of various disorders where inflammation plays an important role in the development or progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gudowska-Sawczuk
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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Laigle L, Chadli L, Moingeon P. Biomarker-driven development of new therapies for autoimmune diseases: current status and future promises. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:305-314. [PMID: 36680799 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2172404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Auto-immune diseases are complex and heterogeneous. Various types of biomarkers can be used to support precision medicine approaches to autoimmune diseases, ensuring that the right patient receives the most appropriate therapy to improve treatment outcomes. AREAS COVERED We review the recent progress made in modeling several autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, primary Sjogren Syndrome, and Rheumatoid Arthritis following extensive molecular profiling of large cohorts of patients. From this knowledge, BMKs are being identified which support diagnostic as well as patient stratification and prediction of response to treatment. The identification of biomarkers should be initiated early in drug development and properly validated during subsequent clinical trials. To ensure the robustness and reproducibility of biomarkers, the PERMIT Consortium recently established recommendations highlighting the importance of relevant study design, sample size, and appropriate validation of analytical methods. EXPERT OPINION The integration by AI-powered analytics of massive data provided by multi-omics technologies, high-resolution medical imaging and sensors borne by patients will eventually allow the identification of clinically relevant BMKs, likely in the form of combinatorial predictive algorithms, to support future drug development for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loubna Chadli
- Servier Médical, Research and Development, Suresnes, France
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Kuvardin ES, Kholopova IV, Belyakova EA, Grigoryeva IN, Masing AV, Tkachenko OY, Bekhtereva IA, Maslyansky AL, Krivolapov YA, Lapin SV. Diagnostic value of the saliva immunoglobulin free light chains concentrations measured in primary Sjцgren's syndrome. MODERN RHEUMATOLOGY JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.14412/1996-7012-2023-1-24-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Proliferation and hyperactivation of B-lymphocytes in the salivary glands is a feature of primary Sjцgren's syndrome (pSS). Detection in saliva of proteins synthesized by B-lymphocytes may be important in the diagnosis of this disease.Objective: to evaluate the diagnostic value of measuring the concentration of immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC) in saliva in patients with pSS.Material and methods. The cross-sectional study included 24 patients with pSS over the age of 18 years. PSS was diagnosed according to the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. The control group consisted of 11 healthy volunteers. Blood-salivary glands histohematic barrier permeability ratio for albumin, FLC was measured. Quantitative determination of FLC and in blood and saliva was performed by enzyme immunoassay. An immunohistochemical study of biopsies of minor salivary glands (MSG) was carried out with a quantitative assessment of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, CD21+, CD68+, CD138+ cells. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare quantitative traits. Identification of diagnostic thresholds for the concentration of FLC in saliva for the diagnosis of pSS was carried out using the ROC analysis method. An operating characteristic curve was plotted, the area under the curve, indicators of diagnostic specificity, diagnostic sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated.Results and discussion. The obtained values corresponded to the low permeability of the histohematic barrier of the salivary glands for albumin and FLC in patients with pSS and healthy individuals. The median concentrations of FLC ê and ë in the saliva of patients with pSS and healthy volunteers were 1.08 [0.58; 1.91], 1.038 [0.55; 2.03] mg/l and 0.36 [0.32; 0.54], 0.35 [0.21; 0.52] mg/l, respectively. The concentration of FLC in the saliva of patients with pSS was statistically significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.01). The amount of FLC ê and ë in saliva correlated with the rate of unstimulated saliva flow: rs=-0.483 (p=0.02), rs=-0.491 (p=0.017), respectively.A relationship was found between the concentration of ê-chains in saliva and the specific number of CD138+ cells: rs=0.733 (p=0.025). Statistically significant correlations between the concentration of ë-chains and the number of mononuclear cells in the MSG have not been established.Based on the results of ROC analysis, diagnostic thresholds for FLC concentrations in the saliva of patients with pSS were determined. Concentrations of ê- and ë-type FLC in saliva of 0.56 and 0.68 mg/l correspond to area under the curve values of 0.84 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.69–0.98) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71–0.97), sensitivity 79.2% (95% CI 59.5–90.8) and 75% (95% CI 55.1–88), specificity 81.8% (95% CI 52.3–96.8) and 90.9% (95% CI 62.3–99.5), respectively.Salivary FLC concentrations were compared in patients with pSS receiving and not receiving glucocorticoids (GC). The groups did not differ in a statistically significant way in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters. The median daily dose of GC was 10 [5; 10] mg in prednisolone equivalent. There were no significant differences between the concentrations of saliva FLC in patients of these groups.Conclusion. Salivary-fixed FLCs are most likely produced by cells localized in the stroma of the salivary glands. Determination of the concentration of FLC in saliva can be proposed as a diagnostic test for the pSS. The concentration of free ê-chains in saliva can be considered as a surrogate marker of benign B-cell proliferation in the MSG. Therapy with low and medium doses of GC in pSS does not affect the concentration of FLC in saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. S. Kuvardin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - I. V. Kholopova
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - E. A. Belyakova
- North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - I. N. Grigoryeva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - A. V. Masing
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - O. Yu. Tkachenko
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - I. A. Bekhtereva
- North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - A. L. Maslyansky
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - Yu. A. Krivolapov
- North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - S. V. Lapin
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
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Konen FF, Seeliger T, Schwenkenbecher P, Gingele S, Jendretzky KF, Sühs KW, Ernst D, Witte T, Skripuletz T. Saliva Free Light Chains in Patients with Neuro-Sjögren. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102470. [PMID: 36289732 PMCID: PMC9599066 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102470] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by sicca symptoms and various extra-glandular manifestations. The diagnosis of SS requires sicca symptoms, anti-SSA(Ro)-antibody positivity, and/or pathological focus scores on a minor salivary gland biopsy. Previous studies have investigated different biomarkers in order to avoid invasive diagnostic procedures. It was found that kappa and lambda free light chains (KFLC and LFLC) in saliva are specific for SS. Methods: FLC concentrations in saliva and serum were determined in 130 patients—50 with SS and neurological involvement (Neuro-Sjögren) and 80 neurological controls. The EULAR SS disease activity index and patient reported index (ESSPRI) were determined in patients with SS. Results: Patients with SS revealed increased pain and decreased saliva production according to the ESSPRI and Saxon test, respectively, with increasing FLC concentrations in the saliva. No significant differences in serum and salivary protein concentrations were observed between patients with SS and controls. Conclusion: KFLC and LFLC concentrations in saliva are not suitable to distinguish patients with Neuro-Sjögren and neurological control subjects, thus a diagnostic biopsy is still required. The association of salivary KFLC and LFLC concentrations with saliva production and ESSPRI pain score suggests a complex relationship between dryness and pain in patients with SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Felix Konen
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tabea Seeliger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp Schwenkenbecher
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Gingele
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Kurt-Wolfram Sühs
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Diana Ernst
- Department of Immunology & Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Torsten Witte
- Department of Immunology & Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-532-3120
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Napodano C, Pocino K, Gulli F, Rossi E, Rapaccini GL, Marino M, Basile U. Mono/polyclonal free light chains as challenging biomarkers for immunological abnormalities. Adv Clin Chem 2022; 108:155-209. [PMID: 35659060 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Free light chain (FLC) kappa (k) and lambda (λ) consist of low molecular weight proteins produced in excess during immunoglobulin synthesis and secreted into the circulation. In patients with normal renal function, over 99% of FLCs are filtered and reabsorbed. Thus, the presence of FLCs in the serum is directly related to plasma cell activity and the balance between production and renal clearance. FLCs are bioactive molecules that may exist as monoclonal (m) and polyclonal (p) FLCs. These have been detected in several body fluids and may be key indicators of ongoing damage and/or illness. International guidelines now recommend mFLC for screening, diagnosis and monitoring multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. In current clinical practice, FLCs in urine indicate cast nephropathy and other renal injury, whereas their presence in cerebrospinal fluid is important for identifying central nervous system inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Increased pFLCs have also been detected in various conditions characterized by B cell activation, i.e., chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease and HCV infection. Monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by analysis of salivary FLCs presents a significant opportunity in clinical immunology worthy of scientific pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Napodano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, UOC Gastroenterologia Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Krizia Pocino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, UOC Gastroenterologia Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gulli
- Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Rossi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, UOC Gastroenterologia Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Dipartimento di Scienze di laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Pepple S, Arnold J, Vital EM, Rawstron AC, Pease CT, Dass S, Emery P, Md Yusof MY. Predicting Sustained Clinical Response to Rituximab in Moderate to Severe Systemic Manifestations of Primary Sjögren Syndrome. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:689-699. [PMID: 35666029 PMCID: PMC9374056 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess outcomes of repeat rituximab cycles and identify predictors of sustained clinical response in systemic manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). METHODS An observational study was conducted in 40 rituximab-treated patients with pSS. Clinical response was defined as a 3-point or more reduction in the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) at 6 months from baseline. Peripheral blood B cells were measured using highly sensitive flow cytometry. Predictors of sustained response (within two rituximab cycles) were analyzed using penalized logistic regression. RESULTS Thirty-eight out of 40 patients had moderate to severe systemic disease (ESSDAI >5). Main domains were articular (73%), mucocutaneous (23%), hematological (20%), and nervous system (18%). Twenty-eight out of 40 (70%) patients were on concomitant immunosuppressants. One hundred sixty-nine rituximab cycles were administered with a total follow-up of 165 patient-years. In cycle 1 (C1), 29/40 (73%) achieved ESSDAI response. Of C1 responders, 23/29 received retreatment on clinical relapse, and 15/23 (65%) responded. Of the 8/23 patients who lost response, these were due to secondary non-depletion and non-response (2NDNR; 4/23 [17%] as we previously observed in systemic lupus erythematosus with antirituximab antibodies, inefficacy = 2/23, and other side effects = 2/23). Within two cycles, 13/40 (33%) discontinued therapy. In multivariable analysis, concomitant immunosuppressant (odds ratio 7.16 [95% confidence interval: 1.37-37.35]) and achieving complete B-cell depletion (9.78 [1.32-72.25]) in C1 increased odds of response to rituximab. At 5 years, 57% of patients continued on rituximab. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that patients with pSS should be co-prescribed immunosuppressant with rituximab, and treatment should aim to achieve complete depletion. About one in six patients develop 2NDNR in repeat cycles. Humanized or type 2 anti-CD20 antibodies may improve clinical response in extra-glandular pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophanit Pepple
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jack Arnold
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Andrew C Rawstron
- Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Colin T Pease
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Shouvik Dass
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Jiang J, Zhao J, Liu D, Zhang M. Different roles of urinary light chains and serum light chains as potential biomarkers for monitoring disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13385. [PMID: 35602892 PMCID: PMC9121880 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The assessment system for monitoring systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity is complex and lacks reliable laboratory indicators. It is necessary to find rapid and noninvasive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to screen and identify the differentially expressed proteins in urine samples between active SLE and stable SLE and to further explore the expression of light chains. Methods First, we used a label-free quantitative proteomics approach to establish the urine protein expression profile of SLE, and then screened differentially expressed proteins. Subsequently, the expression of overall light chains was examined by immunofixation electrophoresis and immunoturbidimetric methods, respectively. Results Mass spectrometry data analysis found a total of 51 light chain peptides in the urinary protein expression spectrum, of which 27 light chain peptides were differentially expressed between the two groups. The largest difference was IGLV5-45 located in the variable region of the immunoglobulin Lambda light chain. The levels of urinary light chains and serum light chains were both significantly elevated in active SLE, and the levels of urinary light chains increased with the severity of disease activity. Conclusions The measurement of light chains would help to monitor SLE disease activity. Serum light chains had better discriminatory capacity than urinary light chains, while urine light chains were closely related to the severity of disease activity and could be used for dynamically monitoring the progress of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urinary Cellular Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing, China
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9
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Du AX, Gniadecki R, Osman M. Biomarkers of B cell activation in autoimmune connective tissue diseases: More than markers of disease activity. Clin Biochem 2021; 100:1-12. [PMID: 34822848 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
B cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, acting as antigen-presenting cells, producing inflammatory cytokines, and acting as a source of autoantibodies after differentiating into plasma cells. In this review, we aim to summarize and synthesize the literature for the utility of biomarkers of B cell activation (plasma immunoglobulins (Ig), free light chains (FLCs), and beta-2 microglobulin (β2M)) in monitoring inflammatory rheumatic connective tissue diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis (DM), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Clinically, it is quite difficult to gauge prognosis in these conditions as there, historically, have not been many quantitative markers of disease activity available. From our extensive literature review, Ig, FLC, and β2M may function as invaluable prognostic markers of ongoing disease activity, and potentially as biomarkers for response to therapy or disease relapse. They are inexpensive and unsophisticated tests that are vastly underused in the setting of autoimmune disease. However, clinicians still need to be aware of the potential of false positives in times of infection or plasma cell dyscrasia, as these disease states can artificially increase these biomarkers. Ultimately, the utility of serum Ig, FLCs, and β2M is clearly delineated in SS and SLE, and least investigated in DM, and additional prospective studies utilizing these biomarkers, and specific B cell targeted therapies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy X Du
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohamed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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10
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Sandhya P, Kabeerdoss J, Christudoss P, Arulraj R, Mandal SK, Janardana R, Chebbi PP, Ganesan MP, Mahasampath G, Danda D. Salivary free light chains and salivary immunoglobulins as potential non-invasive biomarkers in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Int J Rheum Dis 2021; 25:61-69. [PMID: 34791797 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cells contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Free light chains (FLCs) are generated during the production of immunoglobulins (Igs) and are surrogates of B cell activity. We hypothesized that salivary FLCs and salivary Igs could represent salivary gland inflammation and therefore, serve as biomarkers in pSS. METHODS Patients >18 years old fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 criteria for pSS and age-matched healthy and disease controls (sicca non-pSS, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. FLCs in saliva and serum were measured by immunoturbidimetry. Serum and salivary Igs were measured by nephelometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was determined. The factors influencing the serum and salivary FLCs in pSS were determined using backward linear regression. RESULTS A total of 78 patients with pSS, 76 healthy controls and 62 disease controls were recruited. Median EULAR SS disease activity index (interquartile range) was 1 (3.75). Serum FLCκ and FLCλ, salivary FLCλ, serum and salivary IgG, salivary IgM was significantly higher in the pSS group compared to the controls. Areas under the curve for salivary FLCλ, serum FLCκ, serum and salivary IgG were 0.75, 0.72, 0.78 and 0.77, respectively. Regression analysis showed that salivary FLCκ, salivary FLCλ and salivary IgG were associated with positive salivary gland histopathology. Use of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids was associated with lower values of salivary parameters. CONCLUSION Salivary FLCλ and salivary IgG were significantly different between pSS and control groups and could be potential non-invasive biomarkers in pSS. These findings should be confirmed in larger longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulukool Sandhya
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Jayakanthan Kabeerdoss
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Pamela Christudoss
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Roy Arulraj
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Mandal
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Ramya Janardana
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Pramod Prahlad Chebbi
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | | | - Gowri Mahasampath
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, India
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11
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Lackner A, Bosch P, Zenz S, Horwath-Winter J, Rabensteiner DF, Hermann J, Graninger W, Stradner MH. Go Ask Your Patients! PSS-QoL Reported Perception of Dryness Correlates With Lacrimal and Salivary Flow in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:660580. [PMID: 33937295 PMCID: PMC8081854 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.660580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: The patient perspective is an essential outcome parameter in the quest for effective therapy in primary Sjögren's Syndrome (PSS). The EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) is recommended by EULAR to quantify patient's symptom burden and has been used in several clinical trials. Surprisingly, the patient's perception of dryness quantified with ESSPRI does not correlate with objective measures of salivary or lacrimal flow. Thus, we evaluated a newly developed assessment tool-the Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire (PSS-QoL)-for quantifying symptoms of dryness in comparison with the ESSPRI and objective measurements of salivary and lacrimal flow. Methods: Data of patients from the PSS registry of the Medical University of Graz fulfilling the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for PSS were analyzed. The patient perspective was analyzed by PSS-QoL, ESSPRI, Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Sicca signs were measured with Schirmer's test, unstimulated salivary flow test (USF) and stimulated salivary flow test (SSF). ESSDAI (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index) and EGA (Evaluator Global Assessment, numeric rating scale from 0 to 10) were obtained. In addition, free light chains (FLC) κ and λ, rheumatoid factor (RF) IgM and IgA were determined. Results: Data from 123 PSS patients were analyzed; 91.9% (n = 113) were female, with a mean disease duration of 6.2 (±5.3) years and mean age of 60.1 (±12.4) years. PSS-QoL-dryness revealed significant negative correlations with Schirmer's test (r = -0.31, p < 0.05) and SSF-test (r = -0.390, p < 0.01). In contrast, we found no significant correlation between ESSPRI-dryness and any objective dryness test. Lower perceived dryness was associated with higher immunological activity determined by increased levels of IgG, FLC and RF-IgA. Whereas patients with only subjective signs of dryness had lower immunological activity. Discussion: Patients' perception of dryness assessed by PSS-QoL correlates with objective measurements of salivary gland function while ESSPRI-dryness did not. Based on the PSS-QoL and objective measures of dryness two distinct groups of PSS patients could be distinguished, which may have implications in daily practice and future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Lackner
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Bosch
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Zenz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Josef Hermann
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Winfried Graninger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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12
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Ikemune M, Uchida K, Tsukuda S, Ito T, Nakamaru K, Tomiyama T, Ikeura T, Naganuma M, Okazaki K. Serum free light chain assessment in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. Pancreatology 2021; 21:658-665. [PMID: 33741268 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /Object: Some patients with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), the pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-related disease, have normal serum IgG4. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of measuring serum free light chains (FLCs) in type 1 AIP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven patients with type 1 AIP, and 21 healthy, 17 alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP), 21 idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) and 20 pancreatic cancer (PC) patients were enrolled. Serum IgG4 and FLC concentrations were measured using sFLC Freelite assays on a nephelometric analyzer. RESULTS Active AIP patients have significantly higher serum levels of κ (median 30.97 (12.3-227.0) mg/L) and λFLC (median 20.53 (12.36-102.7) mg/L)) than healthy controls (κFLC; median 12.5 (3.1-52.1) mg/L), λFLC: median 12.45 (5.4-39.5) mg/L) (p < 0.05) correlating with raised serum IgG4, and significantly higher summated FLCs (∑) (median 53.09 (25.0-218.0) mg/L) than ICP patients (median 26.77 (15.0-89.2) mg/L) and healthy controls (median 24.43 (8.5-91.6) mg/L) (p < 0.05). AIP patients (median 1.43 (0.84-3.24)) showed significantly higher κ/λ ratios than ACP (median 0.83 (0.42-1.18)), ICP (median 0.87 (0.47-2.16)), PC patients (median 0.90 (0.48-1.27)) and healthy controls (median 0.963 (0.51-1.32)). There was a correlation between increased κ and λ FLCs levels and the number of affected organs involved in IgG4 related disease. CONCLUSION Patients with type 1 AIP have increased serum k and λ FLC concentrations, Σ FLC, and κ/λ ratios. These novel biomarkers may be useful in the diagnosis of type 1 AIP and in monitoring disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Ikemune
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushige Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koh Nakamaru
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Tsukasa Ikeura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai University Kori Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
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13
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Martín-Nares E, Saavedra-González V, Fagundo-Sierra R, Santinelli-Núñez BE, Romero-Maceda T, Calderón-Vasquez K, Hernandez-Molina G. Serum immunoglobulin free light chains and their association with clinical phenotypes, serology and activity in patients with IgG4-related disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1832. [PMID: 33469111 PMCID: PMC7815906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81321-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical utility of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (sFLC) in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is unknown. Herein we evaluated their association with clinical phenotypes, serology and activity in patients with IgG4-RD. Cross-sectional study that included 45 patients with IgG4-RD, and as controls 25 with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and 15 with sarcoidosis. IgG4-RD patients were classified in clinical phenotypes: pancreato-hepato-biliary, retroperitoneum/aorta, head/neck-limited and Mikulicz/systemic; as well as proliferative vs. fibrotic phenotypes. We assessed the IgG4-RD Responder Index (IgG4-RD RI) at recruitment and measured IgG1, IgG4, κ and λ sFLC serum levels by turbidometry. sFLC levels were similar among IgG4-RD, SS and sarcoidosis groups. Regarding the IgG4-RD patients, the mean age was 49 years, 24 (53.3%) were men and 55.5% had activity. Eight (17.7%) belonged to pancreato-hepato-biliary, 6 (13.3%) to retroperitoneum/aorta, 14 (31.1%) to head/neck-limited, 16 (35.5%) to Mikulicz/systemic phenotypes, whereas 36 (80%) to proliferative and 9 (20%) to fibrotic phenotypes. High κ sFLC, λ sFLC and κ/λ ratio were present in 29 (64.4%), 13 (28.9%) and 13 (28.9%) of IgG4-RD patients, respectively. There were no differences in sFLC among IgG4-RD phenotypes. κ sFLC and κ/λ ratio correlated positively with the number of involved organs and IgG4-RD RI. Patients with renal involvement had higher κ sFLC and λ sFLC. The AUC for κ sFLC and λ sFLC, for renal involvement was 0.78 and 0.72, respectively. Active IgG4-RD had higher levels of κ sFLC and more frequently a high κ/λ ratio. The AUC for κ sFLC and κ/λ ratio for predicting active IgG4-RD was 0.67 and 0.70, respectively. sFLC correlated positively with IgG1 and IgG4 levels. sFLC may be useful as a biomarker of disease activity as well as multiorgan and renal involvement. In particular, a high κ/λ ratio may identify patients with active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martín-Nares
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Dominguez Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vanessa Saavedra-González
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Dominguez Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Reynerio Fagundo-Sierra
- Central Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Teresa Romero-Maceda
- Clinical Laboratory, Tumor Markers Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karla Calderón-Vasquez
- Clinical Laboratory, Tumor Markers Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Hernandez-Molina
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Col. Belisario Dominguez Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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14
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Alunno A, Leone MC, Bartoloni E, Gerli R, Carubbi F. Novel insights on lymphoma and lymphomagenesis in primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Panminerva Med 2020; 63:491-498. [PMID: 33274907 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.20.04079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic inflammatory process mainly affecting the exocrine glands but also burdened by a wide range of extraglandular manifestations. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most severe pSS complication worsening disease prognosis. We summarized original articles published between April 2018 and May 2020 on this topic aiming to highlight novelties on lymphoma and lymphomagenesis. Results have been grouped by epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and predictors of lymphoma. NHL is the most severe complication of pSS and occurs in around 5-10% of patients. Over the last two years, several clinical, serological, and histopathological features have been proposed as predictive for lymphoma in pSS patients, allowing early diagnosis and consequently, better management and prognosis. Individual monitoring for disease activity and possible lymphoma development is a central clue in the evaluation of pSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Alunno
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria C Leone
- Unit of Rheumatology, S. Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Gerli
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Carubbi
- Unit of COVID-19 Medicine, Department of Medicine, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy -
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15
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Visser A, Verstappen GM, van der Vegt B, Vissink A, Bende RJ, Bootsma H, Bos NA, Kroese FGM. Repertoire Analysis of B-Cells Located in Striated Ducts of Salivary Glands of Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1486. [PMID: 32760405 PMCID: PMC7372116 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A major complication of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is development of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) B-cell lymphoma, particularly in salivary glands. These lymphomas express FcRL4 and are characteristically associated with lymphoepithelial lesions. Neoplastic B-cells may be derived from non-neoplastic glandular intraductal B-cells, also virtually all expressing FcRL4. A characteristic feature of MALT lymphomas is the production of rheumatoid factors (RFs), which are largely encoded by stereotypic immunoglobulin variable heavy chain (IGHV) sequences. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relationship between the intraductal and periductal B-cells and whether the intraductal B-cells are selected for RF. RNA was extracted from laser-microdissected infiltrated ductal areas and periductal infiltrates from frozen parotid gland tissue sections of 5 pSS patients. PCR amplified IGHV transcripts were cloned into pCR™4-TOPO vector and subsequently sequenced. Microdissected ducts yielded 96 unique IGHV sequences derived from intraductal B-cells, while 119 unique IGHV sequences were obtained from periductal infiltrates. No major difference in VH-gene usage was observed between intraductal and periductal B-cells. Nearly all (>90%) IGHV sequences derived from both intraductal and periductal B-cells were mutated. Clonal expansions as defined by shared VDJ rearrangements were also present among both intraductal and periductal B-cells: in total 32 clones were found, from which 12 were located within ducts, 15 in periductal areas, and five clones shared members in both areas. We observed 12 IGHV rearrangements encoding for RF sequences from which two were derived from intraductal B-cells and 10 from periductal B-cells. Nine RF sequences were part of a clone. Together these findings indicate that intraductal and periductal B-cells are closely related to each other. Intraductal B-cells are most likely derived from periductal B-cells. We did not obtain evidence that RF-specific B-cells are enriched within the striated ducts. We speculate that in principle any activated B-cell can enter the striated ducts from the periductal infiltrate, irrespective of its antigenic specificity. Within the ducts, these B-cells may receive additional activation and proliferation signals, to further expand at these sites and by acquisition of driver-mutations develop toward lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Visser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M Verstappen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Vissink
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Richard J Bende
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas A Bos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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16
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Basile U, Gulli F, Napodano C, Pocino K, Basile V, Marrapodi R, Colantuono S, Todi L, Marino M, Rapaccini GL, Visentini M. Biomarkers of minimal residual disease in rituximab-treated patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2020; 68:319-329. [PMID: 32333692 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the major risk factor for mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), a small-vessel vasculitis that may evolve into an overt B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Here, we aimed to identify a biomarker signature for the early diagnosis of minimal residual disease (MRD). We assessed free light chains (FLCs), IgM k,and IgM λ heavy/light chain (HLC) pairs, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in sera from 34 patients with MC vasculitis (32 HCV- and 2 HBV-related), treated with low-dose rituximab (RTX). FLCs and IgM HLCs were measured by turbidimetric assay; VEGF by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After RTX, the positive (complete + partial) clinical and laboratory responses were of 85.29% and 50%, respectively; in contrast, the mean levels of FLCs, IgM HLCs, and VEGF were substantially unaffected in most patients and still above the normal range. In those achieving a reduction of FLCs and IgM k and λ chains values within the range of normality, we found that post-treatment free λ chains and IgM k values correlated with clinical and laboratory response. Our results suggest that high levels of FLCs, IgM HLCs, and VEGF could represent the signature of "dormant" B cell clones' activity that could be very useful to identify MRD indicative of possible relapse or worsening outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Basile
- Area Diagnostica di Laboratorio, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - I.R.C.C.S, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gulli
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Laboratorio, Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Napodano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - I.R.C.C.S, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Krizia Pocino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - I.R.C.C.S, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Basile
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Laboratorio, Università di Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marrapodi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Colantuono
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Todi
- Istituto di Patologia generale, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" I.R.C.C.S, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Istituto di Patologia generale, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" I.R.C.C.S, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - I.R.C.C.S, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Visentini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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17
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Gulli F, Napodano C, Marino M, Ciasca G, Pocino K, Basile V, Visentini M, Stefanile A, Todi L, De Spirito M, Rapaccini GL, Basile U. Serum immunoglobulin free light chain levels in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 199:163-171. [PMID: 31618438 PMCID: PMC6954672 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports have highlighted the abnormal increments of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in the course of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), but a comparative analysis among different conditions is still lacking. A strong association between elevated FLC and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia (HCVMC) has been well established. Here, we aimed to analyse serum FLC levels in patients with four different SARD in comparison with HCVMC. Using a turbidimetric assay, free κ and λ chains were quantified in sera from 198 SARD patients (37 rheumatoid arthritis, RA; 47 systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE; 52 anti-phospholipid syndrome, APS; 62 primary Sjogren's syndrome, pSS), 62 HCVMC and 50 healthy blood donors (HD). All patient groups showed increased κ levels when compared to HD: 33·5 ± 2·6 mg/l in HCVMC, 26·7 ± 2·3 mg/l in RA, 29·7 ± 1·9 mg/l in SLE, 23·8 ± 1·1 mg/l in APS, 24·2 ± 1·1 mg/l in pSS; 10·1 ± 0·6 mg/l in HD. Free λ levels displayed a significant increase only for HCVMC (20·4 ± 1·4 mg/l) and SLE (18·4 ± 1·0 mg/l) compared to HD (13·6 ± 0·9 mg/l). The increase of κ compared to λ takes into account a κ /λ ratio of 1·6 for all groups. Our results substantially analyse and strengthen the association between FLC and SARD focusing the questions regarding their role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of human diseases. Unfortunately, the biochemical differences distinguishing normal from pathological FLC have not been identified. Production of different isotypes is probably connected to still-unknown pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gulli
- Dipartimento di Medicina di LaboratorioOspedale Madre Giuseppina VanniniRomeItaly
| | - C. Napodano
- Istituto di Medicina InternaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Area di Gastroenterologia e Oncologia medicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
| | - M. Marino
- Istituto di Patologia GeneraleUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
| | - G. Ciasca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
- Istituto di FisicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - K. Pocino
- Istituto di Medicina InternaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Area di Gastroenterologia e Oncologia medicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
| | - V. Basile
- Dipartimento di Medicina di LaboratorioUniversità di Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - M. Visentini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di PrecisioneUniversità di Roma La SapienzaRomeItaly
| | - A. Stefanile
- Area Diagnostica di LaboratorioFondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli', IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - L. Todi
- Istituto di Patologia GeneraleUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
| | - M. De Spirito
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
- Istituto di FisicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - G. L. Rapaccini
- Istituto di Medicina InternaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Area di Gastroenterologia e Oncologia medicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli' ‐ I.R.C.C.SRomeItaly
| | - U. Basile
- Area Diagnostica di LaboratorioFondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli', IRCCSRomeItaly
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18
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Toward better outcomes in Sjögren's syndrome: The promise of a stratified medicine approach. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2020; 34:101475. [PMID: 32005417 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease defined by its targeted inflammation of the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in dry mouth and eyes in the majority and persistent or recurrent salivary gland enlargement in a minority of those affected. Involvement of major organs, an increased risk of lymphoma, and autoantibodies against ubiquitous cellular ribonucleoproteins define some of its systemic features. Those affected have a high symptom burden and the development of disease-modifying therapies is thus an urgent need. A stratified medicine approach offers promise as a means of targeting specific therapies to patients for whom the mechanism of action is most relevant. Implementation of this approach will require an understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying different patient subsets, and then identifying or developing a drug that targets this pathway. Such therapies would be most effective if implemented early in the disease course before the advent of adverse outcomes or glandular damage. This review will provide a disease overview followed by an analysis of the feasibility of a stratified medicine approach, focusing on the disease heterogeneity, predictors of disease progression and adverse outcomes, and recent advances in the development of relevant outcome measures and new therapies.
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19
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Kuo MT, Fang PC, Chao TL, Chen A, Lai YH, Huang YT, Tseng CY. Tear Proteomics Approach to Monitoring Sjögren Syndrome or Dry Eye Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081932. [PMID: 31010136 PMCID: PMC6514553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sjögren syndrome (SS) or dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most complicated ocular surface diseases. The goal of this study is to elucidate the relationship of the changes in clinical indices of tear film (TF) homeostasis with respect to tear components to allow for SS-DED monitoring and avoid stably controlled SS-DED patients from re-entering a vicious cycle. This prospective case-control study compared stable SS-DED patients with non-SS-DED control from several aspects, including clinical indices for TF homeostasis, 2 DED diagnostic biomarkers (MMP-9 and lactoferrin), and the proteome of flush tears. Compared with non-SS-DED controls, stably controlled SS-DED subjects had less tear secretion and higher ocular surface inflammation, a higher concentration ratio of tear MMP-9/lactoferrin, a more diverse tear proteome, and lower spectral intensities of lipocalin-1, lacritin, and prolactin-inducible protein among the abundant tear proteins. For stable SS-DED patients, the concentration ratio of tear MMP-9/lactoferrin and the corrected lipocalin-1 signal was positively correlated with ocular inflammation and TF stability, respectively. MMP-9 released from stressed ocular surface epithelium and lipocalin-1 secreted from the energetic lacrimal gland are two tear biomarkers responding well to TF homeostasis. The tear proteomics approach through flush tears is a promising method for monitoring SS-DED patients with a standardized sampling procedure and lactoferrin-corrected analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tse Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Chiung Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Tsai-Ling Chao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Alexander Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yi Tseng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
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20
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Napodano C, Pocino K, Rigante D, Stefanile A, Gulli F, Marino M, Basile V, Rapaccini GL, Basile U. Free light chains and autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:484-492. [PMID: 30844547 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The study of free light chains (FLCs) has grown as area of enormous interest for many clinicians with the aim of disclosing the exact biological role and potential use of FLCs in the clinical routine. Moreover, the attention given to immunological functions of FLCs has sparked a new light into their pathogenic contribution in different chronic autoimmune-based inflammatory diseases. The release of intracellular antigens following cell death or ineffective clearance of apoptotic debris, modification of self-antigens, and molecular mimicry may trigger the production of immunoglobulins after activation and polyclonal expansion of B cells, by which FLCs are released. The discovery of polyclonal FLCs as potential biomarkers started with the observation of their increased concentrations in a variety of biological fluids related to patients with autoimmune diseases. This review deals with the use of polyclonal FLCs for identifying severity and monitoring outcome after treatment in some autoimmune diseases, namely systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome, as supported by the fact that levels of FLCs correlate with both B cell activation markers and other specific markers of disease activity. In a near future, following the evidence shown, FLCs might probably work as early prognostic markers of severity and also as indicators of response to treatment or early assessment of relapse in selected autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Napodano
- Area Gastroenterologia e Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Krizia Pocino
- Area Gastroenterologia e Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Stefanile
- Area Diagnostica di Laboratorio, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gulli
- Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Institute of General Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Basile
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, (")Tor Vergata" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Area Gastroenterologia e Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Area Diagnostica di Laboratorio, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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