The Kinin System in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Exhibiting Mucocutaneous Lesions: A Clinical Study

Transcriptomic and Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Regulatory Networks and Cellular Heterogeneity in Mouse Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Salivary Glands

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology which primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands resulting in the loss of secretory function. Treatment options for SS have been hampered due to the lack of a better understanding of the underlying gene regulatory circuitry and the interplay between the myriad pathological cellular states that contribute to salivary gland dysfunction. To better elucidate the molecular nature of SS, we have performed RNA-sequencing analysis of the submandibular glands (SMG) of a well-established primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) mouse model. Our comprehensive examination of global gene expression and comparative analyses with additional SS mouse models and human datasets, have identified a number of important pathways and regulatory networks that are relevant in SS pathobiology. To complement these studies, we have performed single-cell RNA sequencing to examine and identify the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the diseased cell populations of the mouse SMG. Interrogation of the single-cell transcriptomes has shed light on the diversity of immune cells that are dysregulated in SS and importantly, revealed an activated state of the salivary gland epithelial cells that contribute to the global immune mediated responses. Overall, our broad studies have not only revealed key pathways, mediators and new biomarkers, but have also uncovered the complex nature of the cellular populations in the SMG that are likely to drive the progression of SS. These newly discovered insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and cellular states of SS will better inform targeted therapeutic discoveries.

Kinins and nitric oxide in patients with chronic chagas disease and systemic arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Chronic Chagas disease (CCHD) associated with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is frequently found in areas where the disease is endemic. The pathogenesis of patients with both pathologies (CCHD-SAH) is unsettled. Nitric Oxide (NO) and Kinins are important players in the myocardial inflammation process in experimental CCHD. No previous study has addressed this question in patients with CCHD, particularly in those with CCHD-SAH. Accordingly, this study was undertaken in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of patients with CCHD-SAH.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with a positive serology for Chagas disease were enrolled; 15 had CCHD alone, 22 had CCHD-SAH (abnormal ECG/Doppler echocardiogram plus a systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg on admission), and 11 had SAH alone. Thirty healthy individuals matched by age and sex served as controls. Plasma High-molecular (Hkg) and low-molecular weight (LKg) kininogens, plasma kallikrein levels (Pkal and Tcal), Kininase II, and plasma NO were measured.

RESULTS

HKg and LKg were lower in CCHD-SAH patients in comparison with other groups (P < .0001). Pkal and Tcal were higher in CCHD-SAH patients in comparison with the other groups (P< .0001). Kininase II levels were similar in SAH, CCHD, and CCHD-SAH patients, but lower in comparison with controls (P< .0001). NO levels were similar in CCHD and CCHD-SAH patients, but higher in comparison with SAH patients and controls (P > .0001).

CONCLUSION

Such findings suggest increased Kinin and NO activity in patients with CCHD-SAH, thus contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition.