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Shao S, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zeng C, Qin J, Liu Z, Zhang X. Glucocorticoid use and varying doses on the long-term outcomes of offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:2231-2238. [PMID: 38393371 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of non-fluorinated glucocorticoid use and varying doses on the long-term physical, neurological, and social-emotional development outcomes of offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal is to provide guidance on the appropriate dosage of glucocorticoids during pregnancy in SLE patients. We conducted a follow-up study on the offspring of SLE patients who had pregnancies and were admitted to our obstetrics department between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021. Patients who received immunosuppressants and dexamethasone were excluded from the study. The SLE patients were categorized into three groups based on their glucocorticoid use during pregnancy: hormone-free group, ≤ 10 mg/day group, and > 10 mg/day group (equivalent to prednisone). Most patients in the three groups were used hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy. We assessed the physical development status, including weight, height (length), and other relevant factors in three groups. Additionally, we utilized the Age and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) to evaluate the development of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social. The social-emotional development status was assessed using the Age and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE). We standardized the weight, height (length), body mass index, and ASQ-3 domain scores of children of different ages and genders into Z-scores for comparison. The results of this study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the long-term physical development, neurological development, and social-emotional development outcomes of the offspring of SLE patients in three groups. However, while not reaching statistical significance, it was found that the offspring of the > 10 mg/day group had lower height (length) Z-scores and communication Z-scores compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The use of non-fluorinated glucocorticoids during pregnancy and varying doses did not have a significant impact on the long-term physical, neurological, and social-emotional development outcomes of offspring born to SLE patients. However, the offspring of SLE patients treated with glucocorticoids > 10 mg/day during pregnancy may be necessary to strengthen the monitoring of height (length) and communication skills in the long term. What is Known: • Fetal exposure to glucocorticoids can have implications for the development of multiple systems and may persist after birth, potentially increasing the risk of neurological abnormalities and other diseases. • There is limited research on the long-term development of offspring born to SLE patients, especially the patients treated with glucocorticoids. What is New: • The use of non-fluorinated glucocorticoids during pregnancy and varying doses did not have a significant impact on the long-term outcomes of offspring born to SLE patients. • The offspring of SLE patients treated with glucocorticoids >10 mg/day during pregnancy may be necessary to strengthen the monitoring of height (length) and communication skills in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yimin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chaomei Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jiong Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xiaorui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Shao S, Zhang Y, Liu J, Liu Z, Zhang X. The long-term developmental outcomes of children born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus at different parities. Early Hum Dev 2024; 192:106007. [PMID: 38608365 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, China has adjusted its fertility policies to optimize the population structure by implementing the two-child and three-child policies. Some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are considering the possibility of having a second child. The issue is whether the offspring from the second childbirth will have favorable long-term developmental outcomes. OBJECTIVE The research aims to investigate the long-term physical, neurological, and social-emotional development outcomes of children born to mothers with SLE at different parities. This study aims to offer valuable insights and references for SLE patients who are considering subsequent pregnancies and require information about potential developmental outcomes for their future children. METHODS The study conducted a follow-up of children born to SLE mothers who were admitted to the obstetrics department between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021. The SLE patients were categorized into two groups based on their history of live delivery: the primiparity group and the multiparity group. The physical development status, including weight, height (length), and other relevant factors, was evaluated in both groups. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) was utilized to assess the neurological development in five domains, encompassing communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social. Social-emotional development was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE). The weight, height (length), body mass index, and ASQ-3 domain scores were standardized into Z-scores to enable comparison across various ages and genders. RESULTS The study revealed that the weight Z-score and BMI Z-score of the children in the multiparity group were significantly higher compared to those in the primiparity group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of overweight and obesity between the two groups. In terms of neurological developmental outcomes, the Z-scores of the communication and gross motor domains in the ASQ-3 assessment were significantly higher in the multiparity group compared to those in the primiparity group. The proportion of abnormal screening for social and emotional development in the children of the multiparity group was lower than that of the primiparity group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The long-term weight development, communication and gross motor development of children born to SLE patients in the multiparity group were better than those in the primiparity group. However, there was no significant difference in social-emotional development between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yimin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xiaorui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.
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Torell A, Stockfelt M, Larsson G, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Leonard D, Rönnblom L, Saleh M, Sjöwall C, Strevens H, Jönsen A, Bengtsson AA, Trysberg E, Sennström MM, Zickert A, Svenungsson E, Gunnarsson I, Christenson K, Bylund J, Jacobsson B, Rudin A, Lundell AC. Low-density granulocytes are related to shorter pregnancy duration but not to interferon alpha protein blood levels in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:107. [PMID: 37349744 PMCID: PMC10286457 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03092-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased risk of pregnancy complications is seen in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the specific immunopathological drivers are still unclear. Hallmarks of SLE are granulocyte activation, type I interferon (IFN) overproduction, and autoantibodies. Here we examined whether low-density granulocytes (LDG) and granulocyte activation increase during pregnancy, and related the results to IFNα protein levels, autoantibody profile, and gestational age at birth. METHODS Repeated blood samples were collected during pregnancy in trimesters one, two, and three from 69 women with SLE and 27 healthy pregnant women (HC). Nineteen of the SLE women were also sampled late postpartum. LDG proportions and granulocyte activation (CD62L shedding) were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma IFNα protein concentrations were quantified by single molecule array (Simoa) immune assay. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS Women with SLE had higher LDG proportions and increased IFNα protein levels compared to HC throughout pregnancy, but neither LDG fractions nor IFNα levels differed during pregnancy compared to postpartum in SLE. Granulocyte activation status was higher in SLE relative to HC pregnancies, and it was increased during pregnancy compared to after pregnancy in SLE. Higher LDG proportions in SLE were associated with antiphospholipid positivity but not to IFNα protein levels. Finally, higher LDG proportions in trimester three correlated independently with lower gestational age at birth in SLE. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that SLE pregnancy results in increased peripheral granulocyte priming, and that higher LDG proportions late in pregnancy are related to shorter pregnancy duration but not to IFNα blood levels in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Torell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden.
| | - Marit Stockfelt
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Larsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Winsconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dag Leonard
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Muna Saleh
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Helena Strevens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jönsen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders A Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Estelle Trysberg
- Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Majcuk Sennström
- Department of Womens and Childrens Health, Division for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Zickert
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Gunnarsson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Christenson
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bylund
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, 405 30, Sweden
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Shao SM, Zhang YM, Zhang XR. [Research progress on long-term developmental outcomes of offspring of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:415-419. [PMID: 37073848 PMCID: PMC10120341 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2211036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects multiple organs and systems. It is more common in women of childbearing age. Compared with the general population, pregnant women with SLE are at a significantly increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. In addition, the offspring of SLE patients may also be adversely affected by in utero exposure to maternal autoantibodies, cytokines, and drugs. This article summarizes the long-term developmental outcomes of offspring of pregnant women with SLE in terms of the blood system, circulatory system, nervous system, and immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ming Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yi-Min Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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Selldén T, Mårdh CK, Joelsson M, Vikgren J, Johnsson Å, Larsson G, Glinatsi D, Stubendorff K, Svensson K, Gjertsson I, Rudin A, Lundell AC, Ekwall AKH. Radiographic airway abnormalities in untreated early rheumatoid arthritis are associated with peripheral neutrophil activation. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:44. [PMID: 36941690 PMCID: PMC10026468 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03019-5] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the lung for the initiation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unclear. Up to 10% of RA patients develop interstitial lung disease which remains a clinical challenge. Understanding early disease mechanisms is of great importance. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between peripheral neutrophil phenotypes and presence of pulmonary abnormalities (PA) on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in untreated early RA (ueRA). METHODS Clinical data and blood were collected, and HRCT performed at diagnosis on 30 consecutive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) positive ueRA patients. HRCTs were evaluated for the presence of RA-associated parenchymal, airway and/or pleural abnormalities. Expression of phenotype markers on neutrophils were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of calprotectin, ACPA and RF were measured using immunoassays. RESULTS The frequency of having any PA was 60%. Airway abnormalities were present in 50%, parenchymal nodules in 43% and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in 10%. Unsupervised multivariate data analysis showed clustering of any PA with neutrophil activation, parameters of inflammation and RF titres. In univariate analysis, the patients with PA displayed significantly increased CD11b and decreased CD62L expression on neutrophils (1.2-fold, p = 0.014; 0.8-fold, p = 0.012) indicating activation and significantly increased RF IgM titre and CRP (5.7-fold, p = 0.0025; 2.3-fold, p = 0.0035) as compared to no PA. Titres of RF, but not ACPA, correlated with expression of the neutrophil activation marker CD11b. A stratified analysis demonstrated that airway involvement was the PA subtype with the strongest association with neutrophil activation. CONCLUSION We report a strong association between radiographic airway findings and activation of circulating neutrophils in early RA supporting a role of innate immunity and the lung at disease onset. Our results also indicate different contributions of RF and ACPA in the RA pathogenesis.
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Grants
- ALFGBG-942903, 943046 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement
- ALFGBG-942903, 943046 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement
- ALFGBG-942903, 943046 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement
- ALFGBG-942903, 943046 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement
- ALFGBG-942903, 943046 the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement
- R-940577 Swedish Rheumatism Association
- R-940577 Swedish Rheumatism Association
- R-940577 Swedish Rheumatism Association
- GLS-935160, 961518 Gothenburg Society of Medicine
- GLS-935160, 961518 Gothenburg Society of Medicine
- GLS-935160, 961518 Gothenburg Society of Medicine
- GLS-935160, 961518 Gothenburg Society of Medicine
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- VGFOUREG-932185, 940809 Local Research and Development Council in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden
- 2020-06193 Swedish Research Council
- 2020-06193 Swedish Research Council
- 2020-06193 Swedish Research Council
- 2020-06193 Swedish Research Council
- The Rune and Ulla Amlöv foundation
- University of Gothenburg
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilia Selldén
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Carina Kärrman Mårdh
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Joelsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenny Vikgren
- Department of Radiology, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åse Johnsson
- Department of Radiology, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Larsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Daniel Glinatsi
- Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Svensson
- Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Inger Gjertsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Hultgård Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden.
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Li ZJ, Hu HY, Ding ZL, Bian ZW, Xu YH, Wen HT, Qu YL, Wang JD, Huang XL, Li D, Li J, Hu GF. Characteristics of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy and its association with pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective comparative cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:78. [PMID: 35590424 PMCID: PMC9118857 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00954-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease situations are more aggressive in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) than in those with adult-onset SLE (aSLE). However, information on pregnant women with cSLE and its association with pregnancy outcomes is limited. This study aimed to compare pregnancies in patients with cSLE vs. aSLE, and further analyse the characteristics of cSLE in pregnant women and explore its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Altogether, data of 167 pregnancies from 150 women, including 22 pregnancies with cSLE and 145 pregnancies with aSLE, were retrospectively analysed. Characteristics and disease activity were compared between the cSLE and aSLE groups during pregnancy. Associations between cSLE and the risk of active SLE (SLEPDAI > 4), active lupus nephritis (LN), and adverse pregnancy outcomes were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS The cSLE group had a higher incidence of active SLE (12/22 vs. 30/145, P = 0.001) and active LN (11/22 vs. 26/145, P = 0.001) than the aSLE group. In the multivariable analysis, cSLE was a risk factor for active SLE and active LN during pregnancy, with ORs of 4.742 (95%CI 1.678-13.405, P = 0.003) and 4.652 (95%CI 1.630-13.279, P = 0.004), respectively. No significant association between cSLE and the risk of composite adverse gestational outcomes was identified after sequentially adjusting pre-pregnancy characteristics and pregnancy factors (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Disease activity of women with cSLE in pregnancy was more aggressive than that of women with aSLE, which was similar to the characteristics of non-pregnant women with SLE. cSLE might have indirect effects on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes through LN and active disease. Therefore, closely monitoring patients with cSLE during pregnancy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ju Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao-Yue Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zi-Ling Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zi-Wei Bian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying-Hua Xu
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Ting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ya-Li Qu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin-Dong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Li Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Gui-Fang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No.1846, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Bert S, Ward EJ, Nadkarni S. Neutrophils in pregnancy: New insights into innate and adaptive immune regulation. Immunology 2021; 164:665-676. [PMID: 34287859 PMCID: PMC8561097 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunology of pregnancy has been the focus of many studies to better understand how the mother is able to tolerate the presence of a semi-allogeneic fetus. Far from the initial view of pregnancy as a state of immunosuppression, successful fetal development from implantation to birth is now known to be under the control of an intricate balance of immune cells. The balance between pro-inflammatory functions used to promote embryo implantation and placental development and immunosuppressive activity to maintain maternal tolerance of the fetus is an immunological phenotype unique to pregnancy, which is dependent on the time of gestation. Neutrophils are one of a host of innate immune cells detected at the maternal-fetal interface, but very little is known of their function. In this review, we explore the emerging functions of neutrophils during pregnancy and their interactions with and regulation of T cells, a key adaptive immune cell population essential for the establishment of fetal-maternal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bert
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
| | - Eleanor J. Ward
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
| | - Suchita Nadkarni
- William Harvey Research InstituteBarts and the London School of MedicineQueen Mary UniversityLondonUK
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Sarr D, Oliveira LJ, Russ BN, Owino SO, Middii JD, Mwalimu S, Ambasa L, Almutairi F, Vulule J, Rada B, Moore JM. Myeloperoxidase and Other Markers of Neutrophil Activation Associate With Malaria and Malaria/HIV Coinfection in the Human Placenta. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682668. [PMID: 34737733 PMCID: PMC8562302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Placental malaria (PM) is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the placenta, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Neutrophils respond to malaria parasites by phagocytosis, generation of oxidants, and externalization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). NETs drive inflammation in malaria but evidence of NETosis in PM has not been reported. Neutrophil activity in the placenta has not been directly investigated in the context of PM and PM/HIV-co-infection. Methods Using peripheral and placental plasma samples and placental tissue collected from Kenyan women at risk for malaria and HIV infections, we assessed granulocyte levels across all gravidities and markers of neutrophil activation, including NET formation, in primi- and secundigravid women, by ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results Reduced peripheral blood granulocyte numbers are observed with PM and PM/HIV co-infection in association with increasing parasite density and placental leukocyte hemozoin accumulation. In contrast, placental granulocyte levels are unchanged across infection groups, resulting in enhanced placental: peripheral count ratios with PM. Within individuals, PM- women have reduced granulocyte counts in placental relative to peripheral blood; in contrast, PM stabilizes these relative counts, with HIV coinfection tending to elevate placental counts relative to the periphery. In placental blood, indicators of neutrophil activation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PRTN3), are significantly elevated with PM and, more profoundly, with PM/HIV co-infection, in association with placental parasite density and hemozoin-bearing leukocyte accumulation. Another neutrophil marker, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), together with MPO and PRTN3, is elevated with self-reported fever. None of these factors, including the neutrophil chemoattractant, CXCL8, differs in relation to infant birth weight or gestational age. CXCL8 and MPO levels in the peripheral blood do not differ with infection status nor associate with birth outcomes. Indicators of NETosis in the placental plasma do not vary with infection, and while structures consistent with NETs are observed in placental tissue, the results do not support an association with PM. Conclusions Granulocyte levels are differentially regulated in the peripheral and placental blood in the presence and absence of PM. PM, both with and without pre-existing HIV infection, enhances neutrophil activation in the placenta. The impact of local neutrophil activation on placental function and maternal and fetal health remains unclear. Additional investigations exploring how neutrophil activation and NETosis participate in the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnant women are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demba Sarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lilian J. Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Brittany N. Russ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Simon O. Owino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Joab D. Middii
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Kisumu Specialists Hospital Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Stephen Mwalimu
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Ambasa
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- #1 Heartsaved Adult Family Care, Marysville, WA, United States
| | - Faris Almutairi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John Vulule
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
| | - Balázs Rada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Julie M. Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
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The Enigma of Low-Density Granulocytes in Humans: Complexities in the Characterization and Function of LDGs during Disease. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091091. [PMID: 34578124 PMCID: PMC8470838 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-density granulocytes (LDGs) have been characterized as important immune cells during healthy and disease states in humans, including microbial infections, cancer, and autoimmune dysfunction. However, the classification of this cell type is similar to other immune cells (e.g., neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells) and ambiguous functional standards have rendered LDG identification and isolation daunting. Furthermore, most research involving LDGs has mainly focused on adult cells and subjects, leaving increased uncertainty surrounding younger populations, especially in vulnerable neonatal groups where LDG numbers are elevated. This review aims to bring together the current research in the field of LDG biology in the context of immunity to disease, with a focus on infection. In addition, we propose to highlight the gaps in the field that, if filled, could improve upon isolation techniques and functional characterizations for LDGs separate from neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). This will not only enhance understanding of LDGs during disease processes and how they differ from other cell types but will also aid in the interpretation of comparative studies and results with the potential to inform development of novel therapeutics to improve disease states in patients.
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