1
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Singla A, Harun N, Dilling DF, Merchant K, McMahan S, Ingledue R, French A, Corral JA, Korbee L, Kopras EJ, Gupta N. Safety and efficacy of sirolimus in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Respir Investig 2024; 62:216-222. [PMID: 38211546 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.12.009] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a critical need to develop novel therapies for COVID-19. METHODS We conducted a phase 2, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial; hospitalised patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and at least one poor prognostic biomarker, were given sirolimus (6 mg on Day 1 followed by 2 mg daily for 14 days or hospital discharge, whichever happens first) or placebo, in a 2:1 randomization scheme favouring sirolimus. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients alive and free from advanced respiratory support measures at Day 28. RESULTS Between April 2020 and April 2021, 32 patients underwent randomization and 28 received either sirolimus (n = 18) or placebo (n = 10). Mean age was 57 years and 75 % of the subjects were men. Twenty-two subjects had at least one co-existing condition (Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, CHF, or asthma/COPD) associated with worse prognosis. Mean FiO2 requirement was 0.35. There was no difference in the proportion of patients who were alive and free from advanced respiratory support measures in the sirolimus group (n = 15, 83 %) compared with the placebo group (n = 8, 80 %). Although patients in the sirolimus group demonstrated faster improvement in oxygenation and spent less time in the hospital, these differences were not statistically significant. There was no between-group difference in the rate of change in serum biomarkers such as LDH, ferritin, d-dimer or lymphocyte count. There was a decreased risk of thromboembolic complications in patients on sirolimus compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Larger studies are warranted to evaluate the role sirolimus in COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Singla
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Nusrat Harun
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Daniel F Dilling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Loyola University Medical Centre, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Karim Merchant
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Keck Hospital of University of Southern California, IRD Building 7th Floor, 2020 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Susan McMahan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Rebecca Ingledue
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Alexandria French
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Josefina A Corral
- Clinical Research Office, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Leslie Korbee
- Academic Regulatory & Monitoring Services LLC, 7806 Gapstow Bridge, Cincinnati, OH, 45231, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kopras
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Nishant Gupta
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML0564, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Reineke M, Morath C, Speer C, Rudek M, Bundschuh C, Klein JA, Mahler CF, Kälble F, Nusshag C, Beimler J, Zeier M, Bartenschlager R, Schnitzler P, Benning L. Dynamics of torque teno virus load in kidney transplant recipients with indication biopsy and therapeutic modifications of immunosuppression. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1337367. [PMID: 38327708 PMCID: PMC10847215 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1337367] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Following kidney transplantation, lifelong immunosuppressive therapy is essential to prevent graft rejection. On the downside, immunosuppression increases the risk of severe infections, a major cause of death among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). To improve post-transplant outcomes, adequate immunosuppressive therapy is therefore a challenging but vital aspect of clinical practice. Torque teno virus load (TTVL) was shown to reflect immune competence in KTRs, with low TTVL linked to an elevated risk for rejections and high TTVL associated with infections in the first year post-transplantation. Yet, little is known about the dynamics of TTVL after the first year following transplantation and how TTVL changes with respect to short-term modifications in immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, we quantified TTVL in 106 KTRs with 108 clinically indicated biopsies, including 65 biopsies performed >12 months post-transplantation, and correlated TTVL to histopathology. In addition, TTVL was quantified at 7, 30, and 90 days post-biopsy to evaluate how TTVL was affected by changes in immunosuppression resulting from interventions based on histopathological reporting. TTVL was highest in patients biopsied between 1 and 12 months post-transplantation (N = 23, median 2.98 × 107 c/mL) compared with those biopsied within 30 days (N = 20, median 7.35 × 103 c/mL) and > 1 year post-transplantation (N = 65, median 1.41 × 104 c/mL; p < 0.001 for both). Patients with BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) had significantly higher TTVL than patients with rejection (p < 0.01) or other pathologies (p < 0.001). When converted from mycophenolic acid to a mTOR inhibitor following the diagnosis of BKVAN, TTVL decreased significantly between biopsy and 30 and 90 days post-biopsy (p < 0.01 for both). In KTR with high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy for rejection, TTVL increased significantly between biopsy and 30 and 90 days post-biopsy (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Of note, no significant changes were seen in TTVL within 7 days of changes in immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, TTVL varied considerably with time since transplantation and among individuals, with a significant influence of age and BMI on TTVL (p < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, our findings indicate that TTVL reflects changes in immunosuppressive therapy, even in the later stages of post-transplantation. To guide immunosuppressive therapy based on TTVL, one should consider inter- and intraindividual variations, as well as potential confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Reineke
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Morath
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudius Speer
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit Heidelberg, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Rudek
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Bundschuh
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian A.F. Klein
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph F. Mahler
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Kälble
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Nusshag
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Beimler
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Zeier
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Louise Benning
- Department of Nephrology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Massicotte-Azarniouch D, Noel JA, Knoll GA. Epidemiology of Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Semin Nephrol 2024; 44:151494. [PMID: 38538455 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2024.151494] [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] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the ideal treatment modality for patients with end-stage kidney disease, with excellent outcomes post-transplant compared with dialysis. However, kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of infections and cancer because of the need for immunosuppression. Kidney transplant recipients have approximately two to three times greater risk of developing cancer than the general population, and cancer is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Most of the increased risk is driven by viral-mediated cancers such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, anogenital cancers, and Kaposi sarcoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in kidney transplant recipients, likely due to an interaction between ultraviolet radiation exposure and decreased immune surveillance. Occurrence of the more common types of solid organ cancers seen in the general population, such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, is not, or is only mildly, increased post-transplant. Clinical care and future research should focus on prevention and on improving outcomes for important immunosuppression-related malignancies, and treatment options for other cancers occurring in the transplant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Massicotte-Azarniouch
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J Ariana Noel
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Greg A Knoll
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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4
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Zou ZY, Dai LR, Hou YB, Yu CZ, Chen RJ, Chen YY, Liu B, Shi HB, Gong NQ, Chen ZS, Chen S, Chang S, Zhang WJ. Sirolimus in combination with low-dose extended-release tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1281939. [PMID: 38105889 PMCID: PMC10722907 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1281939] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many challenges remain for long-term survival of renal allografts. Once-daily sirolimus (SRL) combined with low-dose extended-release tacrolimus (LER-TAC) may improve medication adherence and reduce the potential nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) compared with standard immunosuppression regimens, thus potentially improving long-term graft survival. Methods This retrospective, observational, single-center, propensity score matching (PSM) study compared conversion to SRL combined with low-dose ER-TAC and mycophenolic acid (MPA) combined with standard-dose TAC in kidney transplant recipients. After PSM, there were 56 patients in each group. Efficacy, safety, and medication adherence were evaluated over 12 months. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of graft and recipient survival and incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (p = 1.000), and none of the recipients developed dnDSA after conversion. The mean eGFR improved in SRL + LER-TAC group after conversion compared to before conversion (51.12 ± 20.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 56.97 ± 19.23 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.05). The medication adherence at 12 months after conversion was superior to before conversion (p = 0.002). Discussion Our findings suggest that an immunosuppressive regimen of SRL combined with low-dose ER-TAC is no less effective and safe than standard immunosuppressive regimens for renal transplant recipients and may improve graft renal function and medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-yu Zou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin-rui Dai
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-bo Hou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen-zhen Yu
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ren-jie Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-yan Chen
- Department of Information Management, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-bo Shi
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Nian-qiao Gong
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-shui Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Chang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei-jie Zhang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, and NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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5
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Wang H, Chen F, Wang S, Li Y, Liu T, Li Y, Deng H, Dong J, Pang J, Song D, Zhang D, Yu J, Wang Y. Evaluation and mechanism study of Pien Tze Huang against EV-A71 infection. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1251731. [PMID: 37954857 PMCID: PMC10637388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1251731] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection, currently lacks specific preventive and therapeutic interventions. Here, we demonstrated that Pien Tze Huang (PZH) could dose-dependently inhibit EV-A71 replication at the cellular level, resulting in significant reductions in EV-A71 virus protein 1 (VP1) expression and viral yields in Vero and human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. More importantly, we confirmed that PZH could protect mice from EV-A71 infection for the first time, with Ribavirin serving as a positive control. PZH treatment reduced EV-A71 VP1 protein expression, viral yields in infected muscles, and improved muscle pathology. Additionally, we conducted a preliminary mechanism study using quantitative proteomics. The results suggested that the suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways may contribute to the anti-EV-A71 activity of PZH. These findings provide strong evidence supporting the potential therapeutic application of PZH for EV-A71 infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqiang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fenbei Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shicong Wang
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Institute for Drug Control, National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Pang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Danqing Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dousheng Zhang
- Institute for Drug Control, National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Fujian Pien Tze Huang Enterprise Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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6
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Pierrotti LC, Clemente WT. New Perspectives in Cytomegalovirus After Transplant: The Role of Immunosuppressant Management. Transplantation 2023; 107:1669-1670. [PMID: 37046377 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ligia C Pierrotti
- Infectious Diseases Division, Hospital das Clinicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wanessa T Clemente
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Liver Transplant Program-Transplant Infectious Diseases. Hospital das Clínicas EBSERH/UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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7
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Hepatic Disorders and COVID-19: From Pathophysiology to Treatment Strategy. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:4291758. [PMID: 36531832 PMCID: PMC9754839 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4291758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and the subsequent development of the COVID-19 pandemic, organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, and brain have been identified as priority organs. Liver diseases are considered a risk factor for high mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, liver damage has been demonstrated in a substantial proportion of patients with COVID-19, especially those with severe clinical symptoms. Furthermore, antiviral medications, immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation, pre-existing hepatic diseases, and chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis have also been implicated in SARS-CoV-2-induced liver injury. As a result, some precautions have been taken to prevent, monitor the virus, and avoid immunocompromised and susceptible individuals, such as liver and kidney transplant recipients, from being infected with SARS-CoV-2, thereby avoiding an increase in mortality. The purpose of this review was to examine the impairment caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of drugs used during the pandemic on the mortality range and therefore the possibility of preventive measures in patients with liver disease.
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8
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Gyftopoulos A, Ziogas IA, Montenovo MI. Liver transplantation during COVID-19: Adaptive measures with future significance. World J Transplant 2022; 12:288-298. [PMID: 36187879 PMCID: PMC9516488 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i9.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the field of liver transplantation, along with many other aspects of healthcare, underwent drastic changes. Despite an initial increase in waitlist mortality and a decrease in both living and deceased donor liver transplantation rates, through the implementation of a series of new measures, the transplant community was able to recover by the summer of 2020. Changes in waitlist prioritization, the gradual implementation of telehealth, and immunosuppressive regimen alterations amidst concerns regarding more severe disease in immunocompromised patients, were among the changes implemented in an attempt by the transplant community to adapt to the pandemic. More recently, with the advent of the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine, a powerful new preventative tool against infection, the pandemic is slowly beginning to subside. The pandemic has certainly brought transplant centers around the world to their limits. Despite the unspeakable tragedy, COVID-19 constitutes a valuable lesson for health systems to be more prepared for potential future health crises and for life-saving transplantation not to fall behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios Gyftopoulos
- School of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 14564, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Ziogas
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Martin I Montenovo
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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Pinchera B, Spirito L, Buonomo AR, Foggia M, Carrano R, Salemi F, Schettino E, Papa F, La Rocca R, Crocetto F, Napolitano L, Villari R, Gentile I. mTOR Inhibitor Use Is Associated With a Favorable Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients of Kidney Transplant: Results of a Retrospective Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852973. [PMID: 35801204 PMCID: PMC9254357 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In solid organ transplant recipients, COVID-19 is associated with a poor prognosis because of immunosuppression. Some studies suggest a potential therapeutic role of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the impact of mTOR employment on the evolution and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Methods We enrolled kidney transplant patients attending the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II in Naples and followed up on these patients from March 2020 to June 2021. We evaluated the risk of acquiring the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the clinical presentation of the disease, and its outcome together with the type of immunosuppressive therapy. Finally, we assessed the impact of mTOR inhibitors on relevant clinical metrics of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results We enrolled 371 patients, of whom 56 (15.1%) contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period of the study. There were no differences observed among the different immunosuppressive therapies concerning the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, the type of immunosuppressive therapy had a significant impact on the outcome of the disease. In detail, patients who received mTOR inhibitors, as part of their immunosuppressive therapy, compared to other regimens had a lower chance of developing a moderate or severe form of the disease (OR = 0.8, 95, CI: (0.21-0.92), P = 0.041). Conclusion In kidney transplant patients, the use of mTOR inhibitors as part of an immunosuppressive regimen is associated with a better prognosis in the case of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Pinchera
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spirito
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Foggia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Carrano
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salemi
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Schettino
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortuna Papa
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto La Rocca
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Napolitano
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Villari
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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10
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In Vitro Study Evaluating the Effect of Different Immunosuppressive Agents on Human Polyomavirus BK Replication. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:2035-2041. [PMID: 35659782 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human polyomavirus BK (BKPyV) is the etiologic agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, a leading cause of kidney transplant dysfunction. Because of the lack of antiviral therapies, immunosuppression minimization is the recommended treatment. This strategy offers suboptimal outcomes and entails a significant risk of rejection. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of different immunosuppressive drugs (leflunomide, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, sirolimus, and everolimus) and their combinations in an in vitro model of BKPyV infection. METHODS Human renal tubular epithelial cells were infected with BKPyV and treated with leflunomide, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, sirolimus, and everolimus, administered alone or in some combination thereof. Viral replication was assessed every 24 hours (up to 72 hours) by BKPyV-specific quantitative real-time polymerized chain reaction for the VIRAL PROTEIN 1 sequence in cell supernatants and by western blot analysis targeting the viral protein 1 and the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase on total protein lysates. Results were described as viral copies/mL and compared between treatments at any prespecified time point of the study. RESULTS The highest inhibitory effects were observed using leflunomide or everolimus plus mycophenolic acid (mean BKPyV replication log reduction 0.28). The antiviral effect of everolimus persisted when it was used in combination with tacrolimus (mean BKPyV replication log reduction 0.27). CONCLUSIONS Our experience confirms that everolimus has anti-BKPyV properties and prompts future research to investigate possible mechanisms of action. It also provides a rational basis for targeted clinical trials evaluating alternative immunosuppressive modification strategies.
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Kakos CD, Ziogas IA, Tsoulfas G. Pediatric transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. World J Transplant 2022; 12:88-99. [PMID: 35663540 PMCID: PMC9136715 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i5.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Children infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seem to have a better prognosis than adults. Nevertheless, pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) has been significantly affected by the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic during the pre-, peri-, and post-transplant period. Undoubtedly, immunosuppression constitutes a real challenge for transplant clinicians as increased immunosuppression may prolong disease recovery, while its decrease can contribute to more severe symptoms. To date, most pediatric SOT recipients infected by SARS-CoV-2 experience mild disease with only scarce reports of life-threatening complications. As a consequence, after an initial drop during the early phase of the pandemic, pediatric SOTs are now performed with the same frequency as during the pre-pandemic period. This review summarizes the currently available evidence regarding pediatric SOT during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioannis A Ziogas
- Surgery Working Group, Society of Junior Doctors, Athens 15123, Greece
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Georgios Tsoulfas
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54622, Greece
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12
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Pinchera B, Spirito L, Ferreri L, Rocca RL, Celentano G, Buonomo AR, Foggia M, Scotto R, Federico S, Gentile I, Carrano R. SARS-CoV-2 in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Real-Life Experience. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:864865. [PMID: 35419375 PMCID: PMC8995796 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.864865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the management of solid organ transplant recipients and on clinical evolution in post-transplantation. Little is known on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patients. The severity and lethality of this disease in solid organ transplant patients are higher thanin the general population. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients followed in our center. Methods In this observational study, we enrolled all kidney transplant recipientsattending the A.O.U. Federico II of Naples from March 2020 to January 2021. For each patient we evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as outcome. Results We enrolled 369 kidney transplant patients (229, male, 62%). Of these, 51 (13.8%) acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection and 29 showed symptomatic disease. Of the 51 patients with the infection, 48 (94.11%) had at least one comorbidity and such comorbidities did not constitute a risk factor for a more severe disease. Hospitalization was necessary for 7 (13.7%) patients. Of these, 2 required low-flow oxygen supplementation, 3 non-invasive/high flow ventilation and 2 invasive ventilation. Finally, 2 patients died. Conclusions Our study shows a lower mortality and hospitalization rate compared to figures available in the literature (4% vs. 13–30% and 14% vs. 32–100%, respectively). Furthermore, the comorbidities examined (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes) did not constitute a risk factor for a more severe disease condition in this patient category. Further studies with larger sample size are necessary to confirm these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Pinchera
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spirito
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Section of Urology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferreri
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto La Rocca
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Section of Urology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Celentano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Section of Urology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Foggia
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Carrano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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13
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Vitale G, Gitto S, Marra F, Morelli MC. From advanced disease to transplantation: an overview of the liver at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:15-24. [PMID: 34245423 PMCID: PMC8271284 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-021-02801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted global health, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. The liver injury appears to be one of the possible systemic manifestations of COVID-19 disease although the mechanisms causing such injury are not entirely clear. At the beginning of the pandemic, patients with chronic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, or special populations, such as liver transplant recipients, were considered at higher risk of complications and poor clinical outcomes. Thus, the national transplant programmes have been severely hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, liver transplant patients are potentially more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to immune suppression, ageing, and metabolic or cardiovascular comorbidities. This review analyses the increasing amounts of data collected in recent months concerning liver cirrhosis and liver transplants to understand if this finding is still relevant with respect to COVID-19 manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, Dipartimento delle insufficienze d’organo e dei trapianti, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Morelli
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, Dipartimento delle insufficienze d’organo e dei trapianti, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
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14
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Yadav DK, Adhikari VP, Ling Q, Liang T. Immunosuppressants in Liver Transplant Recipients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Capability or Catastrophe?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:756922. [PMID: 34859012 PMCID: PMC8632009 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.756922] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The probable impact of a maintenance immunosuppressant (IS) on liver transplant (LT) recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unexplored. Our specific aim was to approximate the prognosis of LT recipients with COVID-19 on the standard maintenance IS. Method: We searched separate databases for the qualified studies in between December 2019 and June 25, 2021. Ultimately, a meta-analysis was carried out using a fixed-effect or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity. Results: In a total of eight studies and 509 LT recipients with COVID-19, the pooled rates of severity and mortality during all the combined immunosuppressive therapies were 22.4 and 19.5%, respectively. Our study sufficiently showed that an immunosuppressive therapy in LT recipients with COVID-19 was significantly associated with a non-severe COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR): 11.49, 95% CI: 4.17–31.65; p < 0.001] and the survival of the patients (OR: 17.64, 95% CI: 12.85–24.22; p < 0.001). Moreover, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) typically had the lowest rate of severity and mortality compared to other ISs such as calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), steroids, and antimetabolites, i.e., severity (13.5 vs. 21.1, 24.7, and 26.3%) and mortality (8.3 vs. 15, 17.2, and 12.1%), respectively. Contrary to the general opinions, our meta-analysis showed comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiopulmonary disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD), age >60, the duration of LT to the diagnosis of COVID-19, primary disease for LT, and obesity were not significantly associated with the severity and mortality in LT recipients with COVID-19 under an immunosuppressive therapy. However, our pooled analysis found that LT recipients with COVID-19 and without comorbidities have a less severe disease and low mortality rate compared to those with both COVID-19 and comorbidities. Conclusions: In conclusion, LT recipients with COVID-19 undergoing immunosuppressive therapies are not significantly associated with the severity and mortality. Therefore, taking the risk of organ rejection into a key consideration, a complete withdrawal of the IS may not be wise. However, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) might be discontinued or replaced from an immunosuppressive regimen with the CNIs- or mTORis-based immunosuppressive therapy in some selected LT recipients with COVID-19, depending upon the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Vishnu Prasad Adhikari
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Sarmiento ME, Chin KL, Lau NS, Aziah I, Ismail N, Norazmi MN, Acosta A, Yaacob NS. Comparative transcriptome profiling of horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas hemocytes in response to lipopolysaccharides. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 117:148-156. [PMID: 34358702 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Horseshoe crabs (HSCs) are living fossil species of marine arthropods with a long evolutionary history spanning approximately 500 million years. Their survival is helped by their innate immune system that comprises cellular and humoral immune components to protect them against invading pathogens. To help understand the genetic mechanisms involved, the present study utilised the Illumina HiSeq platform to perform transcriptomic analysis of hemocytes from the HSC, Tachypleus gigas, that were challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The high-throughput sequencing resulted in 352,077,208 and 386,749,136 raw reads corresponding to 282,490,910 and 305,709,830 high-quality mappable reads for the control and LPS-treated hemocyte samples, respectively. Based on the log-fold change of > 0.3 or < -0.3, 1338 genes were significantly upregulated and 215 genes were significantly downregulated following LPS stimulation. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were further identified to be associated with multiple pathways such as those related to immune defence, stress response, cytoskeleton function and signal transduction. This study provides insights into the underlying molecular and regulatory mechanisms in hemocytes exposed to LPS, which has relevance for the study of the immune response of HSCs to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Sarmiento
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Kai Ling Chin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Nyok Sean Lau
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Ismail Aziah
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Noraznawati Ismail
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nor Norazmi
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Armando Acosta
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nik Soriani Yaacob
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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16
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Maity S, Saha A. Therapeutic Potential of Exploiting Autophagy Cascade Against Coronavirus Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:675419. [PMID: 34054782 PMCID: PMC8160449 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.675419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with nearly 136 million cases and approximately 3 million deaths. Recent studies indicate that like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 also hijacks or usurps various host cell machineries including autophagy for its replication and disease pathogenesis. Double membrane vesicles generated during initiation of autophagy cascade act as a scaffold for the assembly of viral replication complexes and facilitate RNA synthesis. The use of autophagy inhibitors - chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine initially appeared to be as a potential treatment strategy of COVID-19 patients but later remained at the center of debate due to high cytotoxic effects. In the absence of a specific drug or vaccine, there is an urgent need for a safe, potent as well as affordable drug to control the disease spread. Given the intricate connection between autophagy machinery and viral pathogenesis, the question arises whether targeting autophagy pathway might show a path to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review we will discuss about our current knowledge linking autophagy to coronaviruses and how that is being utilized to repurpose autophagy modulators as potential COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhik Saha
- School of Biotechnology, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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17
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Bayesian Model Infers Drug Repurposing Candidates for Treatment of COVID-19. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11062466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 progressed into a global pandemic that has functionally put the world at a standstill and catapulted major healthcare systems into an overburdened state. The dire need for therapeutic strategies to mitigate and successfully treat COVID-19 is now a public health crisis with national security implications for many countries. The current study employed Bayesian networks to a longitudinal proteomic dataset generated from Caco-2 cells transfected with SARS-CoV-2 (isolated from patients returning from Wuhan to Frankfurt). Two different approaches were employed to assess the Bayesian models, a titer-center topology analysis and a drug signature enrichment analysis. Topology analysis identified a set of proteins directly linked to the SAR-CoV2 titer, including ACE2, a SARS-CoV-2 binding receptor, MAOB and CHECK1. Aligning with the topology analysis, MAOB and CHECK1 were also identified within the enriched drug-signatures. Taken together, the data output from this network has identified nodal host proteins that may be connected to 18 chemical compounds, some already marketed, which provides an immediate opportunity to rapidly triage these assets for safety and efficacy against COVID-19.
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18
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Lushin EN, McDermott JK, Truax C, Lourenco LM, Mariski M, Melaragno JI, Potter LM. A multicenter case series documenting Medicare Part D plan denials of immunosuppressant drug coverage for organ transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:889-896. [PMID: 32976706 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Medicare Part D plans make coverage decisions according to FDA-labeled indications and off-label uses endorsed by two CMS-recognized compendia. Patients who rely on Medicare Part D for immunosuppressive drug coverage are at risk for denied coverage when these medications are prescribed off-label. The purpose of this multicenter collaboration was to assemble a case series documenting situations where immunosuppressive therapies prescribed for transplant patients were denied by Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. This case series documents 66 instances in 39 patients where immunosuppressive drug claims were denied coverage due to off-label use not endorsed by the compendia. Patients were recipients of lung (n = 28, 72%), heart (n = 7, 18%), or liver (n = 4, 10%) transplants. Denied claims were for mycophenolate mofetil (n = 22, 33%), azathioprine (n = 18, 27%), sirolimus (n = 15, 23%), mycophenolate sodium (n = 5, 8%), everolimus (n = 5, 8%), and belatacept (n = 1, 1%). Most denials were upheld across all the levels of attempted appeal, including those escalated to a Medicare Administrative Law Judge. This case series demonstrates a critical flaw in the construct of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. The currently referenced compendia are not up to date and do not reflect best practices in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Lushin
- Department of Pharmacy, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Crystal Truax
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Laura M Lourenco
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark Mariski
- Department of Pharmacy, University of California San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | - Jennifer I Melaragno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Lisa M Potter
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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19
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Annaloro C, Serpenti F, Saporiti G, Galassi G, Cavallaro F, Grifoni F, Goldaniga M, Baldini L, Onida F. Viral Infections in HSCT: Detection, Monitoring, Clinical Management, and Immunologic Implications. Front Immunol 2021; 11:569381. [PMID: 33552044 PMCID: PMC7854690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.569381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of an increasing array of investigations, the relationships between viral infections and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are still controversial, and almost exclusively regard DNA viruses. Viral infections per se account for a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality among HSCT recipients, and available antiviral agents have proven to be of limited effectiveness. Therefore, an optimal management of viral infection represents a key point in HSCT strategies. On the other hand, viruses bear the potential of shaping immunologic recovery after HSCT, possibly interfering with control of the underlying disease and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and eventually with HSCT outcome. Moreover, preliminary data are available about the possible role of some virome components as markers of immunologic recovery after HSCT. Lastly, HSCT may exert an immunotherapeutic effect against some viral infections, notably HIV and HTLV-1, and has been considered as an eradicating approach in these indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Annaloro
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Serpenti
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Saporiti
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Galassi
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Cavallaro
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Grifoni
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Goldaniga
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Baldini
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Onida
- Hematology-BMT Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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20
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Colmenero J, Rodríguez-Perálvarez M, Salcedo M, Arias-Milla A, Muñoz-Serrano A, Graus J, Nuño J, Gastaca M, Bustamante-Schneider J, Cachero A, Lladó L, Caballero A, Fernández-Yunquera A, Loinaz C, Fernández I, Fondevila C, Navasa M, Iñarrairaegui M, Castells L, Pascual S, Ramírez P, Vinaixa C, González-Dieguez ML, González-Grande R, Hierro L, Nogueras F, Otero A, Álamo JM, Blanco-Fernández G, Fábrega E, García-Pajares F, Montero JL, Tomé S, De la Rosa G, Pons JA. Epidemiological pattern, incidence, and outcomes of COVID-19 in liver transplant patients. J Hepatol 2021; 74:148-155. [PMID: 32750442 PMCID: PMC7395653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The incidence and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in immunocompromised patients are a matter of debate. METHODS We performed a prospective nationwide study including a consecutive cohort of liver transplant patients with COVID-19 recruited during the Spanish outbreak from 28 February to 7 April, 2020. The primary outcome was severe COVID-19, defined as the need for mechanical ventilation, intensive care, and/or death. Age- and gender-standardised incidence and mortality ratios (SIR and SMR) were calculated using data from the Ministry of Health and the Spanish liver transplant registry. Independent predictors of severe COVID-19 among hospitalised patients were analysed using multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS A total of 111 liver transplant patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (SIR = 191.2 [95% CI 190.3-192.2]). The epidemiological curve and geographic distribution overlapped widely between the liver transplant and general populations. After a median follow-up of 23 days, 96 patients (86.5%) were admitted to hospital and 22 patients (19.8%) required respiratory support. A total of 12 patients were admitted to the ICU (10.8%). The mortality rate was 18%, which was lower than in the matched general population (SMR = 95.5 [95% CI 94.2-96.8]). Overall, 35 patients (31.5%) met criteria of severe COVID-19. Baseline immunosuppression containing mycophenolate was an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 (relative risk = 3.94; 95% CI 1.59-9.74; p = 0.003), particularly at doses higher than 1,000 mg/day (p = 0.003). This deleterious effect was not observed with calcineurin inhibitors or everolimus and complete immunosuppression withdrawal showed no benefit. CONCLUSIONS Being chronically immunosuppressed, liver transplant patients have an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 but their mortality rates are lower than the matched general population. Upon hospital admission, mycophenolate dose reduction or withdrawal could help in preventing severe COVID-19. However, complete immunosuppression withdrawal should be discouraged. LAY SUMMARY In liver transplant patients, chronic immunosuppression increases the risk of acquiring COVID-19 but it could reduce disease severity. Complete immunosuppression withdrawal may not be justified. However, mycophenolate withdrawal or temporary conversion to calcineurin inhibitors or everolimus until disease resolution could be beneficial in hospitalised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Colmenero
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Perálvarez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Magdalena Salcedo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Arias-Milla
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, IDIPHIMSA, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Muñoz-Serrano
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, IDIPHIMSA, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Graus
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Digestive Diseases, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nuño
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikel Gastaca
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Javier Bustamante-Schneider
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Alba Cachero
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Lladó
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Caballero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Fernández-Yunquera
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo Loinaz
- Department of Hepatology/HPB-surgery/Transplantation, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Fernández
- Department of Hepatology/HPB-surgery/Transplantation, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Navasa
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Iñarrairaegui
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lluis Castells
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Pascual
- Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Liver Unit, Department of Surgery, IMIB, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Vinaixa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Luisa González-Dieguez
- Liver Unit and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío González-Grande
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Loreto Hierro
- Department of Paediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Flor Nogueras
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandra Otero
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - José María Álamo
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Gerardo Blanco-Fernández
- Department of HPB surgery and Liver Transplantation, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Badajoz, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Emilio Fábrega
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Digestive Diseases, IDIVAL, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Montero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Santiago Tomé
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gloria De la Rosa
- Registro Español de Trasplante Hepático (RETH) y Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Liver Unit, Department of Surgery, IMIB, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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21
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Lima AS, Pereira BB, Jungmann S, Machado CJ, Correia MITD. RISK FACTORS FOR POST-LIVER TRANSPLANT BILIARY COMPLICATIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF ARTERIAL COMPLICATIONS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 33:e1541. [PMID: 33331436 PMCID: PMC7747483 DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020200003e1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND - Biliary complications (BC) represent the most frequent complication after liver transplantation, up to 34% of cases. AIM To identify modifiable risk factors to biliary complications after liver transplantation, essential to decrease morbidity. METHOD Clinical data, anatomical characteristics of recipient and donors, and transplant operation features of 306 transplants with full arterial patency were collected to identify risk factors associated with BC. RESULTS BC occurred in 22.9% after 126 days (median) post-transplantation. In univariate analyses group 1 (without BC, n=236) and group 2 patients (with BC, n=70) did not differ on their general characteristics. BC were related to recipient age under 40y (p=0.029), CMV infection (p=0.021), biliary disease as transplant indication (p=0.018), lower pre-transplant INR (p=0.009), and bile duct diameter <3 mm (p=0.033). CMV infections occurred sooner in patients with postoperative biliary complications vs. control (p=0.07). In a multivariate analysis, only CMV infection, lower INR, and shorter bile duct diameter correlated with BC. Positive CMV antigenemia correlated with biliary complications, even when titers lied below the treatment threshold. CONCLUSIONS Biliary complications after liver transplantation correlated with low recipient INR before operation, bile duct diameter <3 mm, and positive antigenemia for CMV or disease manifestation. As the only modifiable risk factor, routine preemptive CMV inhibition is suggested to diminish biliary morbidity after liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnaldo Soares Lima
- Alfa Institute of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Jorge Machado
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazi
| | - Maria Isabel Toulson Davison Correia
- Alfa Institute of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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22
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Hellemans R, Abramowicz D. Cytomegalovirus after kidney transplantation in 2020: moving towards personalized prevention. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2020; 37:810-816. [PMID: 33280028 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfaa249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related complications after kidney transplantation remain a substantial challenge. Rather than applying one preventive strategy to all at-risk patients, we can now adapt our strategy at the individual patient level. Antiviral prophylaxis or a strict pre-emptive strategy may be optimal for patients at the highest risk for CMV, while patients at lower risk may benefit particularly from pre-emptive monitoring and the administration of therapy only if needed. CMV-specific T-cell assays may be useful for further refining the pre-transplant determination of CMV risk, and for guiding decisions about antiviral therapy need or duration. An immunosuppressive regimen including a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor reduces CMV risk and may thus be an attractive option in some patients. New antiviral agents may further expand our therapeutic arsenal in the near future, and the prospects of CMV vaccination and adoptive T-cell therapy appear to be on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hellemans
- Department of Nephrology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Daniel Abramowicz
- Department of Nephrology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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23
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Yamazaki T, Shirai H, Tojimbara T. Use of Leflunomide as an Antiviral Agent with Everolimus for BK Virus Nephropathy Patients After Kidney Transplantation: A Case Series. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e927367. [PMID: 33235184 PMCID: PMC7701375 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.927367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Case series Patients: Male, 50-year-old • Male, 37-year-old • Male, 65-year-old • Male, 72-year-old Final Diagnosis: BK nephropathy Symptoms: Renal disfunction Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Transplantology
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Yamazaki
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shirai
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Tojimbara
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Shizuoka, Japan
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24
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Rodriguez-Cubillo B, de la Higuera MAM, Lucena R, Franci EV, Hurtado M, Romero NC, Moreno AR, Valencia D, Velo M, Fornie IS, Sanchez-Fructuoso AI. Should cyclosporine be useful in renal transplant recipients affected by SARS-CoV-2? Am J Transplant 2020; 20:3173-3181. [PMID: 32529737 PMCID: PMC7307110 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Minimization of immunosuppression and administration of antiretrovirals have been recommended for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, outcomes remain poor. Given the likely benefit of cyclosporine because of its antiviral and immunomodulatory effect, we have been using it as a strategy in KTRs diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We studied 29 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who were admitted to our institution with COVID-19 between March 15and April, 24, 2020. Mycophenolate and/or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) were discontinued in all patients. Two therapeutic strategies were compared: Group 1, minimization of calcineurin inhibitors (N = 6); and Group 2, cyclosporine-based therapy (N = 23), with 15 patients switched from tacrolimus. Hydroxychloroquine was considered in both strategies but antivirals in none. Six patients died after respiratory distress (20.6%). Five required mechanical ventilation (17.2%), and 3 could be weaned. Nineteen patients had an uneventful recovery (65.5%). In group 1, 3 of 6 patients died (50%) and 1 of 6 required invasive mechanical ventilation (16.7%). In group 2, 3 of 23 patients died (12.5%). Renal function did not deteriorate and signs of rejection were not observed in any patient on the second treatment regime. In conclusion, immunosuppressant treatment based on cyclosporine could be safe and effective for KTRs diagnosed with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rodriguez-Cubillo
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence Beatriz Rodriguez-Cubillo
| | | | - Rafael Lucena
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena V. Franci
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Hurtado
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniela Valencia
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Velo
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo S. Fornie
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Sanchez-Fructuoso
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, University of Medicine Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Inducing Transient Mixed Chimerism for Allograft Survival Without Maintenance Immunosuppression With Combined Kidney and Bone Marrow Transplantation: Protocol Optimization. Transplantation 2020; 104:1472-1482. [PMID: 31634324 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tolerance induction is an important goal in the field of organ transplantation. We have sequentially modified our conditioning regimen for induction of donor-specific tolerance in recipients of major histocompatibility complex-mismatched combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation (CKBMT). METHODS From December 2011 to May 2017, 8 major histocompatibility complex-mismatched patients received CKBMT. The initial conditioning regimen (protocol 1) consisted of cyclophosphamide (CP), rituximab, rabbit antithymocyte globulin, and thymic irradiation. Tacrolimus and steroids were used for the maintenance of immunosuppression (IS). RESULTS This regimen was complicated by transient acute kidney injury, which has been the major clinical feature of engraftment syndrome and side effects of CP, although one of 2 subjects successfully discontinued his IS for 14 months. The conditioning regimen was modified by reducing the CP dose and adding fludarabine (protocol 2). The final modification was reducing the fludarabine and rabbit antithymocyte globulin doses (protocol 3). Mixed chimerism, detected by the short tandem repeat method, was achieved transiently in all subjects for 3-20 weeks. Among the 3 subjects treated with protocol 2, IS was successfully discontinued for >35 months in one subject, but the other 2 subjects suffered from severe BK virus-associated nephritis. All 3 subjects treated with protocol 3 tolerated the protocol well and have successfully discontinued IS for >4-41 months. Interestingly, de novo donor-specific antibody was not detected in any subject during all the follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS Our clinical trial has shown that long-term renal allograft survival without maintenance IS can be achieved by induction of mixed chimerism following CKBMT.
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26
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Forns X, Navasa M. Liver transplant immunosuppression during the COVID-19 pandemic. GASTROENTEROLOGÍA Y HEPATOLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [PMCID: PMC7605728 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastre.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS CoV-2 infection has produced a pandemic with serious consequences for our health care system. Although liver transplant patients represent only a minority of the population, the hepatologists who follow these patients have tried to coordinate efforts to produce a protocol the management of immunosuppression during SARS Cov-2 infection. Although there are no solid studies to support general recommendations, experiences with other viral infections (hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus) suggest that management of immunosuppression without mycophenolate mofetil or m-Tor inhibitors (drugs that are also associated with leukopenia and lymphopenia) may be beneficial. It is also important to pay attention to possible drug interactions, especially in the case of tacrolimus, with some of the treatments with antiviral effect given in the context of COVID 19 (lopinavir/ritonavir, azithromycin). Finally, the immunosuppressive effect of immunomodulating drugs (tocilizumab and similar) administered to patients with severe lung disease should be taken into account. The mechanisms of action of the different immunosuppressive drugs are reviewed in this article, as well as their potential effect on Cov-2 SARS infection, and suggests guidelines for the management of immunosuppression.
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27
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Cava C, Bertoli G, Castiglioni I. A protein interaction map identifies existing drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:65. [PMID: 32883368 PMCID: PMC7470683 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00444-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging Betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), being the main cell receptor of SARS-CoV-2, plays a role in the entry of the virus into the cell. Currently, there are neither specific antiviral drugs for the treatment or preventive drugs such as vaccines. METHODS We proposed a bioinformatics analysis to test in silico existing drugs as a fast way to identify an efficient therapy. We performed a differential expression analysis in order to identify differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients correlated with ACE-2 and we explored their direct relations with a network approach integrating also drug-gene interactions. The drugs with a central role in the network were also investigated with a molecular docking analysis. RESULTS We found 825 differentially expressed genes correlated with ACE2. The protein-protein interactions among differentially expressed genes identified a network of 474 genes and 1130 interactions. CONCLUSIONS The integration of drug-gene interactions in the network and molecular docking analysis allows us to obtain several drugs with antiviral activity that, alone or in combination with other treatment options, could be considered as therapeutic approaches against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cava
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F. Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate-Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gloria Bertoli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F. Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate-Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Castiglioni
- Department of Physics "Giuseppe Occhialini", University of Milan-Bicocca Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1 - 20126, Milan, Italy
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28
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Sharma R, Zachariah M. BK Virus Nephropathy: Prevalence, Impact and Management Strategies. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2020; 13:187-192. [PMID: 32821148 PMCID: PMC7423353 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s236556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BK virus reactivation as a result of therapeutic immunosuppression following renal transplant can result in BK polyomavirus nephropathy and renal allograft loss. This is a complex and challenging clinical problem with a range of management options and practices reported in literature. The current standard for early diagnosis and treatment is surveillance by measuring viral DNA in blood using qPCR. Immunosuppression reduction is the cornerstone of effective management but is associated with a risk of acute rejection following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Sharma
- School of Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.,Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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29
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Scaldaferri F, Ianiro G, Privitera G, Lopetuso LR, Vetrone LM, Petito V, Pugliese D, Neri M, Cammarota G, Ringel Y, Costamagna G, Gasbarrini A, Boskoski I, Armuzzi A. The Thrilling Journey of SARS-CoV-2 into the Intestine: From Pathogenesis to Future Clinical Implications. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:1306-1314. [PMID: 32720978 PMCID: PMC7454647 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has a direct impact on the gastrointestinal system, as up to 50% of fecal samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients contain detectable viral RNA despite a negative rhino-pharyngeal swab. This finding, together with an intestinal expression of angiotensin conversion enzyme 2 protein, suggests a possible fecal-oral transmission for SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in COVID-19 patients including watery diarrhea, vomiting-particularly in children-nausea, and abdominal pain. Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection presents significant similarities to those of some immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases or rheumatoid arthritis, leading to the hypothesis that targeted therapies used for the treatment of immune-mediated disease could be effective to treat (and possibly prevent) the main complications of COVID-19. In this review, we synthesize the present and future impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gastrointestinal system and on gastroenterology practice, hypothesizing a potential role of the "gut-lung axis" and perhaps of the gut and lung microbiota into the interindividual differential susceptibility to COVID-19 19 disease. Finally, we speculate on the reorganization of outpatient gastroenterology services, which need to consider, among other factors, the major psychological impact of strict lockdown measures on the whole population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Scaldaferri
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Privitera
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Riccardo Lopetuso
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences,"G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maria Vetrone
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Petito
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pugliese
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Neri
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences,"G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Yehuda Ringel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Guido Costamagna
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Boskoski
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- CEMAD, IBD UNIT - Unità Operativa Complessa di Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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30
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Khan SF, Yong MK, Slavin MA, Hughes P, Sasadeusz J. Very late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease with ganciclovir resistance >15 years following renal transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 23:e13441. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadid F. Khan
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michelle K. Yong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Centre for Infections in CancerPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Monica A. Slavin
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Centre for Infections in CancerPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Hughes
- Department of Nephrology Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Joseph Sasadeusz
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
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31
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Dashti-Khavidaki S, Mohammadi K, Khalili H, Abdollahi A. Pharmacotherapeutic considerations in solid organ transplant patients with COVID-19. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:1813-1819. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1790526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Keyhan Mohammadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khalili
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Abdollahi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Noguchi H, Tsuchimoto A, Ueki K, Kaku K, Okabe Y, Nakamura M. Reduced Recurrence of Primary IgA Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Everolimus With Corticosteroid: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study of 135 Transplant Patients. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:3118-3124. [PMID: 32600641 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term kidney allograft survival remains a major clinical challenge. Recurrent glomerulonephritis disease, including recurrence of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), is a significant barrier to long-term kidney allograft survival. We performed a retrospective, observational study to evaluate the role of everolimus (EVR) in the risk of recurrent IgAN. METHODS The study included data from 135 patients aged ≥16 years with biopsy-proven IgAN on native kidneys who underwent a kidney transplant (KT) between December 2002 and December 2018. RESULTS Patients who underwent de novo KT received mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (n = 107) or EVR (n = 28). The mean recipient age in the MMF and EVR groups was 44.9 ± 13.7 and 41.1 ± 10.1, respectively. The median (interquartile range) follow-up period was 90.9 (64.9-115.3) and 21.2 (11.4-30.6) months, respectively (< .0001). All patients received continuous corticosteroid and tacrolimus therapy. The death-censored graft survival rate after KT and the recurrence-free survival rate did not differ significantly between the groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified EVR for de novo KT as an independent predictive factor for recurrence-free survival (P = .024). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that EVR-based regimens with tacrolimus and corticosteroid therapy for de novo KT reduce the recurrence of IgAN compared with MMF-based regimens with tacrolimus and corticosteroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Noguchi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuchimoto
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Ueki
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keizo Kaku
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Okabe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Nowacka-Cieciura E, Karakulska-Prystupiuk E, Żuk-Wasek A, Lisik W, Basak GW, Durlik M. Pure Red Cell Aplasia Related to Parvovirus B19 Infection in Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Recipient: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:2539-2543. [PMID: 32591136 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A 42-year-old woman received a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK). Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus modified release, prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and thymoglobulin as induction. The function of both grafts was good. Eight months after SPK, the patient suffered from weakness and arthralgia. Normocytic anemia with reticulocytopenia was revealed. In a bone marrow examination, giant pronormoblasts were found. Immunohistochemical staining of bone marrow and serum examination were positive for Parvovirus B19 (Parvo B19) confirming diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).The treatment consisted of MMF withdrawal, red-cell transfusions, immunoglobulins subcutaneously (SCIg) and immunosuppression reduction. Rapid improvement was observed with the rise of reticulocyte count and hemoglobin. Two months after the achievement of remission, the low dose of everolimus was added considering the high risk of rejection and antiviral potential of mTOR inhibitors. Three months later, PRCA relapsed. Retherapy with SCIg was still effective. Subsequent SCIg was supplemented due to low reticulocyte count and recurrent herpes zoster. The replication of Parvo B19 was persistent (serum qualitative test). Everolimus was withdrawn after 9 months of therapy due to the recurrence of PRCA and serious infections. The observation period after PRCA diagnosis lasts for 15 months. The patient is in good condition with no anemia and excellent grafts function. In conclusion, pure red cell aplasia related to Parvo B19 infection should be considered in transplant recipients with normocytic anemia and reticulocytopenia. The treatment with immunoglobulin G and immunosuppression reduction is an effective therapy. The role of everolimus in Parvo B19 infection requires future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Nowacka-Cieciura
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Żuk-Wasek
- Microbiology Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Lisik
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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Forns X, Navasa M. Liver transplant immunosuppression during the covid-19 pandemic. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2020; 43:457-463. [PMID: 32646657 PMCID: PMC7290227 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
La infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha producido una pandemia con graves consecuencias sobre nuestro sistema sanitario. Aunque el colectivo de pacientes trasplantados hepáticos representa solo una minoría de la población, los hepatólogos que seguimos a estos pacientes hemos intentado coordinar esfuerzos para protocolizar el manejo de la inmunosupresión durante la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Aunque no hay estudios sólidos que avalen recomendaciones generales, las experiencias con otras infecciones víricas (hepatitis C, citomegalovirus) sugieren que el manejo de la inmunosupresión sin micofenolato mofetilo ni inhibidores m-Tor (fármacos que además se asocian a leucopenia y linfopenia) puede resultar beneficiosa. Es importante además prestar atención a las posibles interacciones farmacológicas, especialmente en el caso de tacrolimus, con algunos de los tratamientos con efecto antiviral que se administran en el contexto de la covid-19 (lopinavir/ritonavir, azitromicina). Finalmente, deberá tenerse en cuenta el efecto inmunosupresor de fármacos inmunomoduladores (tocilizumab y similares) que se administran en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar severa. En el artículo se revisan los mecanismos de actuación de los diferentes fármacos inmunosupresores, su potencial efecto sobre la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y se sugieren unas pautas en el manejo de la inmunosupresión.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Forns
- Unidad de Hepatitis Víricas y Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic. Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, España
| | - Miquel Navasa
- Unidad de Hepatitis Víricas y Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic. Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, España.
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35
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Everolimus for BKV nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients: a prospective, controlled study. J Nephrol 2020; 34:531-538. [PMID: 32533451 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-020-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is no specific therapy for polyoma BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) in kidney transplant recipients, a condition associated with poor outcomes. Everolimus showed promising antiviral effects, but data from prospective studies are limited. Therefore, we converted ten consecutive kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BKVN from standard exposure Calcineurin inhibitors and Mycophenolate to Everolimus and reduced exposure Calcineurin inhibitors. Ten patients not administered Everolimus, on reduced exposure Calcineurin inhibitor and halved MPA doses served as controls. All kidney transplant recipients continued steroid therapy. Each patient underwent kidney graft biopsy, BKV replication by PCR, and de novo DSA determination. During a 3-year follow-up no graft loss occurred in kidney transplant recipients on Everolimus but it was observed in 5/10 controls (P = 0.032). eGFR improved on Everolimus and worsened in controls (between group difference + 25.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI 10.5-40.7, P = 0.002). BKV replication declined in the Everolimus group alone (from 6.4 ± 0.8 to 3.6 ± 1.6 Log 10 genomic copies, P = 0.0001), and we found a significant inverse relationship between eGFR and BKV genomic copy changes (P = 0.022). Average Calcineurin inhibitors trough levels did not differ between the two study groups during follow-up. By multivariable Cox regression analysis, Everolimus treatment resulted the only significant predictor of survival free of a combined endpoint of graft loss and 57% eGFR reduction (P = 0.02). Kidney transplant recipients on Everolimus had a higher survival free of adverse graft outcome (log-rank test, P = 0.009). In conclusion an Everolimus-based immunosuppressive protocol with minimization of Calcineurin inhibitors and antimetabolite discontinuation effectively treated BKVN in kidney transplant recipients.
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Crowhurst T, Koszyca B, Holmes M, Holmes-Liew CL. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a lung transplant recipient presenting with memory impairment: Case report and literature review. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 22:e13293. [PMID: 32291834 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by JC virus (JCV). The disease occurs in the setting of significant immunocompromise and has now been reported in many different settings, although only very rarely after lung transplantation. The mortality rate is high and therapeutic options are limited. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with non-specific memory disturbance at 19 months after lung transplantation for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He had required methylprednisolone for acute allograft rejection but achieved good graft function. Physical examination was unremarkable. CT revealed hypodensity in the left frontal lobe. MR demonstrated significant hyperintense white-matter abnormalities on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, mainly focused on the periventricular region adjacent the frontal horn of the left lateral ventricle. Brain biopsy confirmed PML. The patient had his immunosuppression reduced but then developed antibody-mediated rejection four months later. Despite re-escalation of immunosuppression, he remains neurologically stable on mirtazapine at eight months post-diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS This very rare case highlights the challenges presented by PML, especially in the lung transplant population. It reveals the difficult balance between reducing immunosuppression to protect the brain versus prevention of lung allograft rejection. It clearly highlights the need for improved therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Crowhurst
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,SA Lung Transplant Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Barbara Koszyca
- SA Pathology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mark Holmes
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,SA Lung Transplant Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chien-Li Holmes-Liew
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,SA Lung Transplant Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Alvarez Orellana J, Kwun HJ, Artusi S, Chang Y, Moore PS. Sirolimus and other mTOR inhibitors directly activate latent pathogenic human polyomavirus replication. J Infect Dis 2020; 224:1160-1169. [PMID: 32060513 PMCID: PMC8514189 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human polyomaviruses can reactivate in transplant patients, causing nephropathy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Merkel cell carcinoma, pruritic, rash or trichodysplasia spinulosa. Sirolimus and related mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are transplant immunosuppressants. It is unknown if they directly reactivate polyomavirus replication from latency beyond their general effects on immunosuppression. Methods In vitro expression and turnover of large T (LT) proteins from BK virus, JC virus (JCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7), and trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSV) after drug treatment were determined by immunoblotting, proximity ligation, replicon DNA replication, and whole virus immunofluorescence assays. Results mTOR inhibition increased LT protein expression for all 5 pathogenic polyomaviruses tested. This correlated with LT stabilization, decrease in the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) E3 ligase targeting these LT proteins for degradation, and increase in virus replication for JCV, MCV, TSV, and HPyV7. Treatment with sirolimus, but not the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, at levels routinely achieved in patients, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in viral DNA replication for BKV, MCV, and HPyV7. Conclusions mTOR inhibitors, at therapeutic levels, directly activate polyomavirus replication through a Skp2-dependent mechanism, revealing a proteostatic latency mechanism common to polyomaviruses. Modifying existing drug regimens for transplant patients with polyomavirus-associated diseases may reduce symptomatic polyomavirus replication while maintaining allograft-sparing immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alvarez Orellana
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hyun Jin Kwun
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Sara Artusi
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Centre.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, PA
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38
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One-year Outcome of Everolimus With Standard-dose Tacrolimus Immunosuppression in De Novo ABO-incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective, Single-center, Propensity Score Matching Comparison With Mycophenolate in 42 Transplants. Transplant Direct 2020; 6:e514. [PMID: 32047842 PMCID: PMC6964930 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Despite improvement in immunosuppressive therapy, long-term kidney allograft survival remains a major challenge. The outcomes of therapy with everolimus (EVR) and standard-dose tacrolimus (Tac) have not been compared with those of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and standard-dose Tac in recipients of de novo ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). Methods. This retrospective, observational, single-center, propensity score matching (PSM) study compared the outcomes of EVR and standard-dose Tac with those of MMF and standard-dose Tac following de novo ABOi LDKT. In total, 153 recipients of ABOi LDKT between January 2008 and March 2018 were screened for inclusion in the study. The variables considered for PSM were: recipient age/sex, duration of dialysis, cytomegalovirus mismatch (seronegative recipient and seropositive donor), cause of kidney disease, donor age/sex, and numbers of mismatches (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR). After PSM, there were 21 patients in each group (n = 42 overall). Results. Four patients in the EVR group and 1 patient in the MMF group were withdrawn because of adverse effects. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in 1-year outcomes regarding patient death, graft loss, delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection, infection requiring hospital admission, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. The 1-year protocol biopsy showed that the severity of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy was significantly milder in the EVR group than in the MMF group. Conclusions. The findings suggest that the renal efficacy and safety of EVR and standard-dose Tac in recipients of de novo ABOi LDKT are comparable with those of MMF and standard-dose Tac.
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Hao T, Li Y, Fan S, Li W, Wang S, Li S, Cao R, Zhong W. Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a novel mTOR-targeted anti-EV71 agent. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 175:172-186. [PMID: 31082764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to the limitations of existing anti-EV71 targets, we have been eager to discover a new anti-EV71 agent based on mTOR (the mammalian target of rapamycin), which is an important target for finding antiviral agents based on host cells. Torin2 is a second-generation ATP competitive mTOR kinase inhibitor (IC50 = 0.25 nM). Our research team tested the anti-EV71 activity of Torin2 in vitro for the first time. The result showed that Torin2 had significant anti-EV71 activity (IC50 = 0.01 μM). In this study, thirty novel Torin2 derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-EV71 activity. Among them, 11a, 11b, 11d, 11e and 11m displayed similar activity to Torin2. 11e displayed the most potent activity, with an IC50 value of 0.027 μM, which was closest to Torin2, and displayed potent mTOR kinase inhibitory activity. A molecular modeling study showed that 11e interacted with Val2240 and Lys2187 via hydrogen bonds and had a good match with the receptor. Additionally, a mechanism study showed that most of the compounds had significant inhibition for the mTOR pathway substrates p70S6K and Akt. The water solubility test of compounds with potent activity revealed that 11a and 11m were improved by approximately 5-15-fold compared to Torin2. These data suggest that 11a and 11m may be potential candidates for anti-EV71 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Hao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Yuexiang Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Shiyong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Shixu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Song Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Ruiyuan Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
| | - Wu Zhong
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
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40
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Dalianis T, Eriksson BM, Felldin M, Friman V, Hammarin AL, Herthelius M, Ljungman P, Mölne J, Wennberg L, Swartling L. Management of BK-virus infection - Swedish recommendations. Infect Dis (Lond) 2019; 51:479-484. [PMID: 31012777 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2019.1595130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BK-virus (BKV) associated nephropathy (BKVAN) and BKV associated haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) are complications of BKV infection/reactivation in renal and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients, respectively. The task of how to manage these diseases was given to the chair by the Swedish Reference Group for Antiviral Therapy (RAV). After individual contributions by members of the working group, consensus discussions were held in a meeting on 23 January 2018 arranged by RAV. Thereafter, the recommendations were published in Swedish on November 2018. The current translation to English has been approved by all co-authors. High BKV serum levels suggest an increased risk for BKVAN and potential graft failure. For detection of BKVAN, careful monitoring of BKV DNA levels in serum or plasma is recommended the first year after renal transplantation and when increased creatinine serum levels of unknown cause are observed. Notably, a renal biopsy is mandatory for diagnosis. To reduce the risk for progression of BKVAN, there is no specific treatment, and tailored individual decrease of immunosuppression is recommended. For BKV-HC, BKV monitoring is not recommended, since BK-viruria frequently occurs in HSCT patients and the predictive value of BKV in plasma/serum has not been determined. However, the risk for BKV-HC is higher for patients undergoing myeloablative conditioning, having an unrelated, HLA-mismatched, or a cord blood donor, and awareness of the increased risk and early intervention may benefit the patients. Also for BKV-HC, no specific therapy is available. Symptomatic treatment, e.g. forced diuresis and analgesics could be of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Dalianis
- a Department of Oncology-Pathology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Britt-Marie Eriksson
- b Department of Medical Science, Section of Infectious Diseases , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Marie Felldin
- c Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Vanda Friman
- d Department of Infectious Diseases , Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Anna-Lena Hammarin
- e Unit for Laboratory Development and Technology Transfer , The Public Health Agency of Sweden , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Maria Herthelius
- f Paediatric Nephrology , The Children's and Women's Health Theme, Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Per Ljungman
- g Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Johan Mölne
- h Department of Pathology and Genetics , Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Lars Wennberg
- i Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,j Department of Transplantation Surgery , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Lisa Swartling
- k Department of Infectious Diseases , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
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41
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Rezahosseini O, Drabe CH, Sørensen SS, Rasmussen A, Perch M, Ostrowski SR, Nielsen SD. Torque-Teno virus viral load as a potential endogenous marker of immune function in solid organ transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2019; 33:137-144. [PMID: 30981537 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients receive immunosuppressive therapy to avoid rejection of the transplanted organ. Immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of infections. However, no existing marker reliably reveals the status of the immune function in SOT recipients. Torque-Teno virus or Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) has gained attention as a possible endogenous marker of the immune function. TTV is a non-enveloped, circular single strand DNA virus, and it may be considered a part of the human virome. In a bidirectional relationship, the immune system detects TTV and TTV may also modulate the activity of immune system. These characteristics have made the virus a possible candidate indicator of immune function. In this systematic review, we describe the role and potential function of TTV viral load as an endogenous marker of the immune function and consequently the level of immune suppression in SOT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Rezahosseini
- Viro-immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases 8632, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Heldbjerg Drabe
- Viro-immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases 8632, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Allan Rasmussen
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Perch
- Department of Cardiology, Section for Lung Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sisse Rye Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Dam Nielsen
- Viro-immunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases 8632, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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42
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Loftus MJ, Yong MK, Wilson S, Peleg AY. Fatal disseminated visceral varicella zoster virus infection in a renal transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13062. [PMID: 30756453 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of fatal disseminated varicella zoster virus (VZV) with delayed-onset rash in a 66-year-old female more than 2 years following uncomplicated deceased donor renal transplantation. Whilst on a stable regimen of maintenance immunosuppression, the patient presented with chest and abdominal pain with concomitant hepatitis and pancreatitis. After pursuing multiple other potential causes of her symptoms, the correct diagnosis of VZV was only suspected after the development of a widespread vesicular rash-11 days after her initial symptoms. Despite antiviral therapy and inotropic support in the intensive care unit, the patient died. Simultaneous VZV hepatitis and pancreatitis in solid organ transplant recipients is uncommon. The new inactivated VZV vaccines have the potential to prevent post-transplant infections, with promising early clinical data on safety and efficacy in renal transplant recipients. VZV is an important preventable infection that should be considered in immunocompromised patients, even in the absence of rash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Loftus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle K Yong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Wilson
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anton Y Peleg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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43
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Goo B, Sim WY, Ha ES, Kim MS, Cho CW, Hwang SJ. Preparation of Spray-dried Emulsion of Sirolimus for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Boncheol Goo
- College of Pharmacy; Chungnam National University; Daejeon 305-764 South Korea
| | - Woo-Yong Sim
- College of Pharmacy; Pusan National University; Busan 609-735 South Korea
| | - Eun-Sol Ha
- College of Pharmacy; Pusan National University; Busan 609-735 South Korea
| | - Min-Soo Kim
- College of Pharmacy; Pusan National University; Busan 609-735 South Korea
| | - Cheong-Weon Cho
- College of Pharmacy; Chungnam National University; Daejeon 305-764 South Korea
| | - Sung-Joo Hwang
- College of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Yonsei University; Incheon 406-840 Republic of Korea
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Chou S, Ercolani RJ, Derakhchan K. Antiviral activity of maribavir in combination with other drugs active against human cytomegalovirus. Antiviral Res 2018; 157:128-133. [PMID: 30040968 PMCID: PMC6097806 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL97 kinase inhibitor maribavir is in Phase III clinical trials as antiviral therapy, including use for infections refractory or resistant to standard therapy. To assess its activity in combination with approved and experimental CMV antivirals, and with the mTor inhibitor rapamycin (sirolimus), drug effects were tested by in vitro checkerboard assays and the data were analyzed using a three dimensional model based on an independent effects definition of additive interactions. Baseline virus and representative drug-resistant mutants were tested. According to the volume of synergy at 95% confidence, maribavir showed additive interactions with foscarnet, cidofovir, letermovir and GW275175X when tested against wild type and mutant viruses, strong antagonism with ganciclovir, and strong synergy with rapamycin, the latter suggesting a potentially useful therapeutic combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwen Chou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, USA; Portland Veterans Affairs Health Care System, OR USA.
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The Long Journey of mTOR Inhibitors and the Long Path That Is Still Ahead. Transplantation 2018; 102:S1-S2. [PMID: 29369969 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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