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Wang F. Interleukin‑18 binding protein: Biological properties and roles in human and animal immune regulation (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:87. [PMID: 38665423 PMCID: PMC11040224 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is a natural regulatory molecule of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18. It can regulate activity of IL-18 by high affinity binding. The present review aimed to highlight developments, characteristics and functions of IL-18BP. IL-18BP serves biological and anti-pathological roles in treating disease. In humans, it modulates progression of a number of chronic diseases, such as adult-onset Still's disease. The present review summarizes molecular structure, role of IL-18BP in disease and interaction with other proteins in important pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxue Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Animal Disease at the Ministry of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Huhhot 010018, P.R. China
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Kaieda S, Kinoshita T, Chiba A, Miyake S, Hoshino T. IL-18 receptor-α signalling pathway contributes to autoantibody-induced arthritis via neutrophil recruitment and mast cell activation. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:500-508. [PMID: 37285315 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The interleukin (IL)-18 signalling pathway is involved in animal models of collagen-induced arthritis, but the role of this pathway in autoantibody-induced arthritis is poorly understood. An autoantibody-induced arthritis model, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, reflects the effector phase of arthritis and is important in innate immunity including neutrophils and mast cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of the IL-18 signalling pathway in autoantibody-induced arthritis using IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) α-deficient mice. METHODS K/BxN serum transfer arthritis was induced in IL-18Rα-/- and wild-type B6 (controls) mice. The severity of arthritis was graded, and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on paraffin-embedded ankle sections. Total Ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolated from mouse ankle joints was analysed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS IL-18 Rα-/- mice had significantly lower arthritis clinical scores, neutrophil infiltration, and numbers of activated, degranulated mast cells in the arthritic synovium than in controls. IL-1β, which is indispensable for the progression of arthritis, was significantly downregulated in inflamed ankle tissue in IL-18 Rα-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS IL-18/IL-18Rα signalling contributes to the development of autoantibody-induced arthritis by enhancing synovial tissue expression of IL-1β and inducing neutrophil recruitment and mast cell activation. Therefore, inhibition of the IL-18Rα signalling pathway might be a new therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinjiro Kaieda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takashi Kinoshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Asako Chiba
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Miyake
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Hoshino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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Lin K, Wang T, Tang Q, Chen T, Lin M, Jin J, Cao J, Zhang S, Xing Y, Qiao L, Liang Y. IL18R1-Related Molecules as Biomarkers for Asthma Severity and Prognostic Markers for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3320-3331. [PMID: 37733955 PMCID: PMC10563159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
To determine the role of inflammation-related proteins in predicting asthma severity and outcome, 92 inflammation-related proteins were measured in the asthmatic serum using Olink analysis. Different bioinformatics algorithms were developed to cross analyze with the single-cell or transcriptome data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to explore the role of IL18R1 and related genes in asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Olink identified 52 differentially expressed proteins in asthma. They were strongly linked to the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Seven proteins were found in both single-cell RNA and Olink analyses. Among them, IL18R1 was predominantly expressed in mast cells, and the results suggested enhanced communication between mast cells and CD 8+ T cells. IL18R1 was upregulated in serum and induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with uncontrolled or severe asthma. IL18R1 was positively correlated with TNFSF1 and OSM and S100A12. The diagnostic efficacy of these serum IL18R1-related molecules for asthma ranged from 0.839 to 0.921. Moreover, high levels of IL18R1, TNFSF1, OSM, and S100A12 were significantly associated with shorter survival times and worse lung function. IL18R1-related molecules may serve as biomarkers for monitoring uncontrolled or severe asthma and as prognostic markers for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lin
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, Putian, Fujian Province 351100, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Center
for Reproduction and Genetics, School of Gusu, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou
Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Qingqin Tang
- Center
for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Tingsang Chen
- Department
of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, Putian, Fujian Province 351100, China
| | - Meishan Lin
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian University, Putian, Fujian Province 351100, China
| | - Jieyu Jin
- Center
for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Center
for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Center
for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yanru Xing
- Basecare
Medical Device Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Longwei Qiao
- Center
for Reproduction and Genetics, School of Gusu, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou
Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Yuting Liang
- Center
for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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Bakhashab S, Banafea GH, Ahmed F, Alsehli H, AlShaibi HF, Bagatian N, Subhi O, Gauthaman K, Rasool M, Schulten HJ, Pushparaj PN. Characterization of human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells using high-throughput expression profiling and next-generation knowledge discovery platforms. Exp Mol Pathol 2023; 132-133:104867. [PMID: 37634863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident innate immune cells that express the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E and are responsible for host defense and an array of diseases related to immune system. We aimed in this study to characterize the pathways and gene signatures of human cord blood-derived MCs (hCBMCs) in comparison to cells originating from CD34- progenitors using next-generation knowledge discovery methods. CD34+ cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood using magnetic activated cell sorting and differentiated into MCs with rhIL-6 and rhSCF supplementation for 6-8 weeks. The purity of hCBMCs was analyzed by flow cytometry exhibiting the surface markers CD117+CD34-CD45-CD23-FcεR1αdim. Total RNA from hCBMCs and CD34- cells were isolated and hybridized using microarray. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed using iPathway Guide and Pre-Ranked Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Next-generation knowledge discovery platforms revealed MC-specific gene signatures and molecular pathways enriched in hCBMCs and pertain the immunological response repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Bakhashab
- Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ghalya H Banafea
- Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen Alsehli
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Huda F AlShaibi
- Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadia Bagatian
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud Subhi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kalamegam Gauthaman
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Mahmood Rasool
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hans-Juergen Schulten
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
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Parhizgari N, Zarei Ghobadi M, Rezaei F, Maraashi SM, Khatami MR, Mokhtari-Azad T. Transcriptomic analysis of human cytomegalovirus to survey the indirect effects on renal transplant recipients. Transpl Immunol 2023; 78:101746. [PMID: 36796459 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Post-transplant human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) viremia has been linked to adverse "indirect effects" among transplant patients. HCMV-created immunomodulatory mechanisms could be associated with the indirect effects. OBJECTIVE In the present study, the RNA-Seq whole transcriptome of renal transplant (RT) patients was analyzed to seek the underlying pathobiologic pathways associated with the long-term indirect effects of HCMV. METHODS To investigate the activated biological pathways in HCMV infection, total RNA was extracted from PBMCs of 2 RT patients with active HCMV and 2 RT patients without infection and then were sequenced using RNA-Seq. The resulted raw data were analyzed by conventional RNA-Seq software to determine the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). Afterward, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the enriched pathways and biological processes by DEGs. Eventually, the relative expressions of some significant genes were validated in the twenty external RT patients. RESULT The analysis of RNA-Seq data related to RT patients with HCMV active viremia led to the identification of 140 up-regulated and 100 down-regulated DEGs. KEGG pathway analysis revealed the enrichment of DEGs in IL18 signaling, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, signaling by GPCR, Platelet activation, signaling and aggregation, Estrogen signaling pathway and signaling by Wnt due to HCMV infection. The expression levels of six genes involved in enriched pathways including F3, PTX3, ADRA2B, GNG11, GP9, HBEGF were then verified using RT-qPCR. The results were in consistent with RNA-Seq resultsoutcomes. CONCLUSION This study specifies some pathobiological pathways which are activated in HCMV active infection and could be linked to the adverse indirect effects caused by HCMV infection in transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Parhizgari
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Zarei Ghobadi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farhad Rezaei
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mahdi Maraashi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Talat Mokhtari-Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hirooka Y, Nozaki Y. Interleukin-18 in Inflammatory Kidney Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:639103. [PMID: 33732720 PMCID: PMC7956987 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.639103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-18, a member of the IL-1 superfamily, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is structurally similar to IL-1β. IL-18 promotes the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and strongly induces a Th1 response. IL-18 drives the same myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway as IL-1β. In physiological conditions, IL-18 is regulated by the endogenous inhibitor IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), and the activity of IL-18 is balanced. It is reported that in several inflammatory diseases, the IL-18 activity is unbalanced, and IL-18 neutralization by IL-18BP is insufficient. IL-18 acts synergistically with IL-12 to induce the production of IFN-γ as a Th1 cytokine, and IL-18 acts alone to induce the production of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13. In addition, IL-18 alone enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity and FAS ligand expression. The biological and pathological roles of IL-18 have been studied in many diseases. Here we review the knowledge regarding IL-18 signaling and the role of IL-18 in inflammatory kidney diseases. Findings on renal injury in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its association with IL-18 will also be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Hirooka
- Department of Rheumatology, Kindai University Nara Hospital, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuji Nozaki
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Flow Cytometry: From Experimental Design to Its Application in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Respiratory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228830. [PMID: 33266385 PMCID: PMC7700151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of flow cytometry (FCM) have highlighted the importance of incorporating it as a basic analysis tool in laboratories. FCM not only allows the identification of cell subpopulations by detecting the expression of molecules in the cell membrane or cytoplasm, but it can also quantify and identify soluble molecules. The proper functioning of the FCM requires six fundamental systems, from those related to the transport of events to the systems dedicated to the analysis of information. In this review, we have identified the main considerations that every FCM user must know for an optimal antibody panel design, the quality systems that must govern the FCM protocols to guarantee reproducible results in research or clinical laboratories. Finally, we have introduced the current evidence that highlights the relevance of FCM in the investigation and clinical diagnosis of respiratory diseases, establishing important advances in the basic and clinical study of diseases as old as Tuberculosis along with the recent proposals for the monitoring and classification of patients infected with the new SARS-CoV2 virus.
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8
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García Ródenas MDM, Fernández Aracil C, Marco de la Calle FM. Might Basophils Be a Reliable Biomarker in Severe Asthma? Arch Bronconeumol 2020; 57:79-80. [PMID: 32201013 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar García Ródenas
- Servicio de Neumología, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL-Fundación FISABIO), Alicante, España.
| | - Cleofé Fernández Aracil
- Servicio de Neumología, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL-Fundación FISABIO), Alicante, España
| | - Francisco M Marco de la Calle
- Servicio de Inmunología, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Hospital General Universitario Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL-Fundación FISABIO), Alicante, España
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9
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McEntee CP, Finlay CM, Lavelle EC. Divergent Roles for the IL-1 Family in Gastrointestinal Homeostasis and Inflammation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1266. [PMID: 31231388 PMCID: PMC6568214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract are a major cause of morbidity and significant burden from a health and economic perspective in industrialized countries. While the incidence of such conditions has a strong environmental component, in particular dietary composition, epidemiological studies have identified specific hereditary mutations which result in disequilibrium between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors. The IL-1 super-family of cytokines and receptors is highly pleiotropic and plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of several auto-inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. However, the role of this super-family in the etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases remains incompletely resolved despite extensive research. Herein, we highlight the currently accepted paradigms as they pertain to specific IL-1 family members and focus on some recently described non-classical roles for these pathways in the gastrointestinal tract. Finally, we address some of the shortcomings and sources of variance in the field which to date have yielded several conflicting results from similar studies and discuss the potential effect of these factors on data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P McEntee
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conor M Finlay
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ed C Lavelle
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Liu ZQ, Chen WF, Wang Y, Xu XY, Zeng YG, Lee Dillon D, Cheng J, Xu MD, Zhong YS, Zhang YQ, Yao LQ, Zhou PH, Li QL. Mast cell infiltration associated with loss of interstitial cells of Cajal and neuronal degeneration in achalasia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13565. [PMID: 30868687 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achalasia is a motility disorder of unknown etiology. Previous studies supported the hypothesis that autoimmune-mediated inflammatory responses produce inhibitory neuronal degeneration. This study was designed to explore the role of mast cells in achalasia. METHODS We collected information from 116 patients with achalasia who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy between December 2016 and May 2017. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle biopsy was performed in all patients with achalasia, as well as 20 control subjects. The number of mast cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), nNOS-positive cells, and S-100-positive cells in the LES were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pathological and clinical data were compared between groups. KEY RESULTS Compared with controls, the LES of patients with achalasia had significantly fewer ICCs, nNOS-positive cells, and S-100-positive cells and a higher number of mast cells (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, the increased mast cell infiltration was significantly associated with decreased ICCs, nNOS-positive cells, and S-100-positive cells in patients with achalasia (all P < 0.05). Clinically, the number of strongly positive mast cells was highest in patients with type I achalasia and lowest in those with type III achalasia (P < 0.001). In addition, patients with a history of autoimmune disease or viral infection had greater mast cell infiltration in the LES muscle (P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES In patients with achalasia, mast cell infiltration in the LES muscle is increased, in association with loss of ICCs and neuronal degeneration. Mast cells may thereby play a crucial role in the development of achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Qiang Liu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Feng Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Gang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dustin Lee Dillon
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jing Cheng
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Dong Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Shi Zhong
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Qun Zhang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Qing Yao
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping-Hong Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan-Lin Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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