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Xu S, Chen T, Yu J, Wan L, Zhang J, Chen J, Wei W, Li X. Insights into the regulatory role of epigenetics in moyamoya disease: Current advances and future prospectives. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102281. [PMID: 39188306 PMCID: PMC11345382 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disorder that predominantly affecting East Asian populations. The intricate interplay of distinct and overlapping mechanisms, including genetic associations such as the RNF213-p.R4810K variant, contributes to the steno-occlusive lesions and moyamoya vessels. However, genetic mutations alone do not fully elucidate the occurrence of MMD, suggesting a potential role for epigenetic factors. Accruing evidence has unveiled the regulatory role of epigenetic markers, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), in regulating pivotal cellular and molecular processes implicated in the pathogenesis of MMD by modulating endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The profile of these epigenetic markers in cerebral vasculatures and circulation has been determined to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, in vitro studies have demonstrated the multifaceted effects of modulating specific epigenetic markers on MMD pathogenesis. These findings hold great potential for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, translational studies, and clinical applications. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs, in the context of MMD. Furthermore, we discuss the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangxiang Xu
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tongyu Chen
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jincao Chen
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Sino-Italian Ascula Brain Science Joint Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Halloran PF, Reeve J, Mackova M, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Olymbios M, Campbell P, Melenovsky V, Gong T, Hall S, Stehlik J. Comparing Plasma Donor-derived Cell-free DNA to Gene Expression in Endomyocardial Biopsies in the Trifecta-Heart Study. Transplantation 2024; 108:1931-1942. [PMID: 38538559 PMCID: PMC11335077 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is used to screen for rejection in heart transplants. We launched the Trifecta-Heart study ( ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT04707872), an investigator-initiated, prospective trial, to examine the correlations between genome-wide molecular changes in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) and plasma dd-cfDNA. The present report analyzes the correlation of plasma dd-cfDNA with gene expression in EMBs from 4 vanguard centers and compared these correlations with those in 604 kidney transplant biopsies in the Trifecta-Kidney study ( ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT04239703). METHODS We analyzed 137 consecutive dd-cfDNA-EMB pairs from 70 patients. Plasma %dd-cfDNA was measured by the Prospera test (Natera Inc), and gene expression in EMBs was assessed by Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System using machine-learning algorithms to interpret rejection and injury states. RESULTS Top transcripts correlating with dd-cfDNA were related to genes increased in rejection such as interferon gamma-inducible genes (eg, HLA-DMA ) but also with genes induced by injury and expressed in macrophages (eg, SERPINA1 and HMOX1 ). In gene enrichment analysis, the top dd-cfDNA-correlated genes reflected inflammation and rejection pathways. Dd-cfDNA correlations with rejection genes in EMB were similar to those seen in kidney transplant biopsies, with somewhat stronger correlations for TCMR genes in hearts and ABMR genes in kidneys. However, the correlations with parenchymal injury-induced genes and macrophage genes were much stronger in hearts. CONCLUSIONS In this first analysis of Trifecta-Heart study, dd-cfDNA correlates significantly with molecular rejection but also with injury and macrophage infiltration, reflecting the proinflammatory properties of injured cardiomyocytes. The relationship supports the utility of dd-cfDNA in clinical management of heart transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Martina Mackova
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katelynn S. Madill-Thomsen
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josef Stehlik
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Khush K, Hall S, Kao A, Raval N, Dhingra R, Shah P, Bellumkonda L, Ravichandran A, Van Bakel A, Uriel N, Patel S, Pinney S, DePasquale E, Baran DA, Pinney K, Oreschak K, Kobulnik J, Shen L, Teuteberg J. Surveillance with dual noninvasive testing for acute cellular rejection after heart transplantation: Outcomes from the Surveillance HeartCare Outcomes Registry. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:1409-1421. [PMID: 38759766 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.05.003] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular testing with gene-expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is increasingly used in the surveillance for acute cellular rejection (ACR) after heart transplant. However, the performance of dual testing over each test individually has not been established. Further, the impact of dual noninvasive surveillance on clinical decision-making has not been widely investigated. METHODS We evaluated 2,077 subjects from the Surveillance HeartCare Outcomes Registry registry who were enrolled between 2018 and 2021 and had verified biopsy data and were categorized as dual negative, GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, or dual positive. The incidence of ACR and follow-up testing rates for each group were evaluated. Positive likelihood ratios (LRs+) were calculated, and biopsy rates over time were analyzed. RESULTS The incidence of ACR was 1.5% for dual negative, 1.9% for GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, 4.3% for GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, and 9.2% for dual-positive groups. Follow-up biopsies were performed after 8.8% for dual negative, 14.2% for GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, 22.8% for GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, and 35.4% for dual-positive results. The LR+ for ACR was 1.37, 2.91, and 3.90 for GEP positive, dd-cfDNA positive, and dual-positive testing, respectively. From 2018 to 2021, biopsies performed between 2 and 12-months post-transplant declined from 5.9 to 5.3 biopsies/patient, and second-year biopsy rates declined from 1.5 to 0.9 biopsies/patient. At 2 years, survival was 94.9%, and only 2.7% had graft dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Dual molecular testing demonstrated improved performance for ACR surveillance compared to single molecular testing. The use of dual noninvasive testing was associated with lower biopsy rates over time, excellent survival, and low incidence of graft dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Khush
- Divison of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shelley Hall
- Department of Cardiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Andrew Kao
- Division of Cardiology, St. Luke's Health System Kansas City Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Nirav Raval
- Transplant Institute, AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida
| | - Ravi Dhingra
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program, Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Palak Shah
- Cardiovascular Genomics Center, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Lavanya Bellumkonda
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ashwin Ravichandran
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, St Vincent Heart Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Adrian Van Bakel
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Nir Uriel
- Department of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Snehal Patel
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein, Bronx, New York
| | - Sean Pinney
- Department of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Morningside, New York, New York
| | - Eugene DePasquale
- Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David A Baran
- Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Westin, Florida
| | | | | | | | - Ling Shen
- Biostatistics, CareDx, Brisbane, California
| | - Jeffrey Teuteberg
- Divison of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Farcas AO, Stoica MC, Maier IM, Maier AC, Sin AI. Heart Transplant Rejection: From the Endomyocardial Biopsy to Gene Expression Profiling. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1926. [PMID: 39200392 PMCID: PMC11351478 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081926] [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: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart transplant prolongs life for patients with end-stage heart failure but rejection remains a complication that reduces long-term survival. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status in HT rejection. EMB is an invasive diagnostic tool, consisting in the sampling of a fragment of myocardial tissue from the right ventricular septum using fluoroscopic guidance. This tissue can later be subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical or molecular analysis, providing valuable information for cardiac allograft rejection, but this procedure is not without complications. To increase the accuracy of the rejection diagnosis, EMB requires a systematic evaluation of endocardium, myocardium, interstitium and intramural vessels. There are three types of rejection: hyperacute, acute or chronic, diagnosed by the histopathological evaluation of EMB as well as by new diagnostic methods such as DSA, ddcfDNA and gene expression profiling, the last having a high negative predictive value. More than 50 years after the introduction of EMB in medical practice, it still remains the "gold standard" in monitoring rejection in HT recipients but other new, less invasive diagnostic methods reduce the number of EMBs required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Otilia Farcas
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Cell Biology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Mihai Ciprian Stoica
- Department of Nephrology/Internal Medicine, Mures County Clinical Hospital, 540103 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | - Adrian Cornel Maier
- Emergency Military Hospital, 800150 Galati, Romania;
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Anca Ileana Sin
- Department of Cell Biology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
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5
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Blouin AG, Nelson W, Geraghty D, Askar M, Ye F. Performance Characteristics of Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Engraftment Monitoring and Microchimerism Detection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Practical Approach for Clinical Assay Validation. J Mol Diagn 2024:S1525-1578(24)00181-8. [PMID: 39181323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimerism analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an emerging method for engraftment monitoring after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. A high-sensitivity method is required for the detection of microchimerism (<1% chimerism), which may have clinical utility in early relapse detection, allograft monitoring in organ transplantation, and other allogeneic cellular therapies (such as microtransplantations). As more clinical laboratories adopt this method, a thorough assessment of performance is needed. This study evaluated one such NGS-based assay that uses both single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions as genetic markers. An assessment of accuracy, linearity, sensitivity, and reproducibility was performed. Analytical sensitivity was 0.2% donor for single donor and 0.5% donors for double donors. The assay showed a high degree of reproducibility over a full range of chimerism. Comparison to short-tandem-repeat (STR) PCR showed high concordance; yet <5% chimerism was consistently detected by NGS, but not by STR-PCR. Comparison to real-time quantitative PCR showed high concordance, but with lower correlation in the midrange (40% to 60% chimerism). Overall, the assay showed consistent performance with high sensitivity and accuracy compared with STR-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR across a full range of chimerism in the setting of single-donor and multidonor transplantations. In addition, criteria for quality metrics were established for sequencing performance and data analysis. We conclude with a discussion of considerations for clinical laboratory validation of NGS-based chimerism assay and analysis software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Germaine Blouin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | | | - Daniel Geraghty
- Scisco Genetics Inc., Seattle, Washington; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Medhat Askar
- QU Health Sector and College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Roznik K, Andargie TE, Johnston TS, Gordon O, Wang Y, Akindele NP, Persaud D, Antar AAR, Manabe YC, Zhou W, Ji H, Agbor-Enoh S, Karaba AH, Thompson EA, Cox AL. Emergency Myelopoiesis Distinguishes Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children From Pediatric Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:e305-e317. [PMID: 38299308 PMCID: PMC11326850 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae032] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a hyperinflammatory condition caused by recent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, but the underlying immunological mechanisms driving this distinct syndrome are unknown. METHODS We utilized high-dimensional flow cytometry, cell-free (cf) DNA, and cytokine and chemokine profiling to identify mechanisms of critical illness distinguishing MIS-C from severe acute coronavirus disease 2019 (SAC). RESULTS Compared to SAC, MIS-C patients demonstrated profound innate immune cell death and features of emergency myelopoiesis (EM), an understudied phenomenon observed in severe inflammation. EM signatures were characterized by fewer mature myeloid cells in the periphery and decreased expression of HLA-DR and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells. Interleukin 27 (IL-27), a cytokine known to drive hematopoietic stem cells toward EM, was increased in MIS-C, and correlated with immature cell signatures in MIS-C. Upon recovery, EM signatures decreased and IL-27 plasma levels returned to normal levels. Despite profound lymphopenia, we report a lack of cfDNA released by adaptive immune cells and increased CCR7 expression on T cells indicative of egress out of peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS Immune cell signatures of EM combined with elevated innate immune cell-derived cfDNA levels distinguish MIS-C from SAC in children and provide mechanistic insight into dysregulated immunity contributing toward MIS-C, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Roznik
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Temesgen E Andargie
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - T Scott Johnston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Oren Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore
| | - Nadine Peart Akindele
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Deborah Persaud
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Annukka A R Antar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrew H Karaba
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Elizabeth A Thompson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Andrea L Cox
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Aubert O, Ursule-Dufait C, Brousse R, Gueguen J, Racapé M, Raynaud M, Van Loon E, Pagliazzi A, Huang E, Jordan SC, Chavin KD, Gupta G, Kumar D, Alhamad T, Anand S, Sanchez-Garcia J, Abdalla BA, Hogan J, Garro R, Dadhania DM, Jain P, Mandelbrot DA, Naesens M, Dandamudi R, Dharnidharka VR, Anglicheau D, Lefaucheur C, Loupy A. Cell-free DNA for the detection of kidney allograft rejection. Nat Med 2024; 30:2320-2327. [PMID: 38824959 PMCID: PMC11333280 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03087-3] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is an emerging noninvasive biomarker that has the potential to detect allograft injury. The capacity of dd-cfDNA to detect kidney allograft rejection and its added clinical value beyond standard of care patient monitoring is unclear. We enrolled 2,882 kidney allograft recipients from 14 transplantation centers in Europe and the United States in an observational population-based study. The primary analysis included 1,134 patients. Donor-derived cell-free DNA levels strongly correlated with allograft rejection, including antibody-mediated rejection (P < 0.0001), T cell-mediated rejection (P < 0.0001) and mixed rejection (P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, circulating dd-cfDNA was significantly associated with allograft rejection (odds ratio 2.275; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.902-2.739; P < 0.0001) independently of standard of care patient monitoring parameters. The inclusion of dd-cfDNA to a standard of care prediction model showed improved discrimination (area under the curve 0.777 (95% CI 0.741-0.811) to 0.821 (95% CI 0.784-0.852); P = 0.0011) and calibration. These results were confirmed in the external validation cohorts (n = 1,748) including a cohort of African American patients (n = 439). Finally, dd-cfDNA showed high predictive value to detect subclinical rejection in stable patients. Our study provides insights on the potential value of assessing dd-cfDNA, in addition to standard of care monitoring, to improve the detection of allograft rejection. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05995379 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Aubert
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cindy Ursule-Dufait
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Romain Brousse
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Gueguen
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Maud Racapé
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Marc Raynaud
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Elisabet Van Loon
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angelica Pagliazzi
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Edmund Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stanley C Jordan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth D Chavin
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplant, Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dhiren Kumar
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tarek Alhamad
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sanjiv Anand
- Intermountain Medical Center, Transplant Services, Murray, UT, USA
| | | | - Basmah A Abdalla
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julien Hogan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Rouba Garro
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Children Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Pranjal Jain
- Department of Nephrology, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Didier A Mandelbrot
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raja Dandamudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vikas R Dharnidharka
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U970, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France.
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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8
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Amancherla K, Schlendorf KH, Chow N, Sheng Q, Freedman JE, Rathmell JC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing identifies unique cell-specific gene expression profiles in high-grade cardiac allograft vasculopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.10.602989. [PMID: 39026730 PMCID: PMC11257508 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.10.602989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a diffuse thickening of the intima of the coronary arteries and microvasculature, is the leading cause of late graft failure and mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Diagnosis involves invasive coronary angiography, which carries substantial risk, and minimally-invasive approaches to CAV diagnosis are urgently needed. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we sought to identify cell-specific gene expression profiles in CAV. Methods Whole blood was collected from 22 HT recipients with angiographically-confirmed CAV and 18 HT recipients without CAV. PBMCs were isolated and subjected to single-cell RNA-sequencing using a 10X Genomics microfluidic platform. Downstream analyses focused on differential expression of genes, cell compositional changes, and T cell receptor repertoire analyses. Results Across 40 PBMC samples, we isolated 134,984 cells spanning 8 major clusters and 31 subclusters of cell types. Compositional analyses showed subtle, but significant increases in CD4+ T central memory cells, and CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes in high-grade CAV (CAV-2 and CAV-3) as compared to low-grade or absent CAV. After adjusting for age, gender, and prednisone use, 745 genes were differentially expressed in a cell-specific manner in high-grade CAV. Weighted gene co-expression network analyses showed enrichment for putative pathways involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. There were no significant differences in T cell clonality or diversity with increasing CAV severity. Conclusions Unbiased whole transcriptomic analyses at single-cell resolution identify unique, cell-specific gene expression patterns in CAV, suggesting the potential utility of peripheral gene expression biomarkers in diagnosing CAV.
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9
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Valantine HA, Khush KK. Toward Equitable Heart Transplant Outcomes: Interrupting Danger Signals to Define New Therapeutic Strategies. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2024; 12:1293-1299. [PMID: 38960523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2024.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Department Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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10
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Alharethi R, Knight S, Luikart HI, Wolf-Doty T, Bride DL, Kim DT, Khush KK. Lack of Association Between Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15416. [PMID: 39058520 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of death after heart transplantation (HT). We evaluated donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) as a noninvasive biomarker of CAV development after HT. The INSPIRE registry at the Intermountain Medical Center was queried for stored plasma samples from HT patients with and without CAV. At Stanford University, HT patients with CAV (cases) and without CAV (controls) were enrolled prospectively, and blood samples were collected. All the samples were analyzed for dd-cfDNA using the AlloSure assay (CareDx, Inc.). CAV was defined per the ISHLT 2010 standardized classification system. Univariate associations between patient demographics and clinical characteristics and their CAV grade were tested using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Associations between their dd-cfDNA levels and CAV grades were examined using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. A total of 69 pts were included, and 101 samples were analyzed for dd-cfDNA. The mean age at sample collection was 58.6 ± 13.7 years; 66.7% of the patients were male, and 81% were White. CAV 0, 1, 2, and 3 were present in 37.6%, 22.8%, 22.8%, and 16.8% of included samples, respectively. The median dd-cfDNA level was 0.13% (0.06, 0.33). The median dd-cfDNA level was not significantly different between CAV (-) and CAV (+): 0.09% (0.05%-0.32%) and 0.15% (0.07%-0.33%), respectively, p = 0.25 and with similar results across all CAV grades. In our study, dd-cfDNA levels did not correlate with the presence of CAV and did not differ across CAV grades. As such, dd-cfDNA does not appear to be a reliable noninvasive biomarker for CAV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Alharethi
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, USA
| | - Stacey Knight
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, USA
| | - Helen I Luikart
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Daniel L Bride
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel T Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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11
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DeFilippis EM, Sweigart B, Khush KK, Shah P, Agbor-Enoh S, Valantine HA, Vest AR. Sex-specific patterns of donor-derived cell-free DNA in heart transplant rejection: An analysis from the Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT). J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:1135-1141. [PMID: 38460620 PMCID: PMC11144097 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.03.001] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive methods for surveillance of acute rejection are increasingly used in heart transplantation (HT), including donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA). As other cardiac biomarkers differ by sex, we hypothesized that there may be sex-specific differences in the performance of dd-cfDNA for the detection of acute rejection. The purpose of the current study was to examine patterns of dd-cfDNA seen in quiescence and acute rejection in male and female transplant recipients. METHODS Patients enrolled in the Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation who were ≥18 years at the time of HT were included. Rejection was defined by endomyocardial biopsy with acute cellular rejection (ACR) grade ≥2R and/or antibody-mediated rejection ≥ pAMR 1. dd-cfDNA was quantitated using shotgun sequencing. Median dd-cfDNA levels were compared between sexes during quiescence and rejection. The performance of dd-cfDNA by sex was assessed using area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve. Allograft injury was defined as dd-cfDNA ≥0.25%. RESULTS One hundred fifty-one unique patients (49 female, 32%) were included in the analysis with 1,119 available dd-cfDNA measurements. Baseline characteristics including demographics and comorbidities were not significantly different between sexes. During quiescence, there were no significant sex differences in median dd-cfDNA level (0.04% [IQR 0.00, 0.16] in females vs 0.03% [IQR 0.00, 0.12] in males, p = 0.22). There were no significant sex differences in median dd-cfDNA for ACR (0.33% [0.21, 0.36] in females vs 0.32% [0.21, 1.10] in males, p = 0.57). Overall, median dd-cfDNA levels were higher in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) than ACR but did not significantly differ by sex (0.50% [IQR 0.18, 0.82] in females vs 0.63% [IQR 0.32, 1.95] in males, p = 0.51). Elevated dd-cfDNA detected ACR/AMR with an AUROC of 0.83 in females and 0.89 in males, p-value for comparison = 0.16. CONCLUSIONS There were no significant sex differences in dd-cfDNA levels during quiescence and rejection. Performance characteristics were similar, suggesting similar diagnostic thresholds can be used in men and women for rejection surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia M DeFilippis
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin Sweigart
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Palak Shah
- Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support and Transplant, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Division of Intramural Research, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hannah A Valantine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Amanda R Vest
- Division of Cardiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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12
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Lee DH, Usmani A, Wu R, Wicks T, Noh CY, Burke R, Ravichandran V, Wolf-Doty T, Dumitru I, Oliveira GH, Berman P, Mackie B. Relationship between donor-derived cell-free DNA and tissue-based rejection-related transcripts in heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:1118-1125. [PMID: 38373559 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.02.011] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)-based traditional microscopy remains the gold standard for the detection of cardiac allograft rejection, despite its limitation of inherent subjectivity leading to inter-reader variability. Alternative techniques now exist to surveil for allograft injury and classify rejection. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing is now a validated blood-based assay used to surveil for allograft injury. The molecular microscope diagnostic system (MMDx) utilizes intragraft rejection-associated transcripts (RATs) to classify allograft rejection and identify injury. The use of dd-cfDNA and MMDx together provides objective molecular insight into allograft injury and rejection. The aim of this study was to measure the diagnostic agreement between dd-cfDNA and MMDx and assess the relationship between dd-cfDNA and MMDx-derived RATs, which may provide further insight into the pathophysiology of allograft rejection and injury. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study of 156 EMB evaluated with traditional microscopy and MMDx. All samples were paired with dd-cfDNA from peripheral blood before EMB (up to 9 days). Diagnostic agreement between traditional histopathology, MMDx, and dd-cfDNA (threshold of 0.20%) was compared for assessment of allograft injury. In addition, the relationship between dd-cfDNA and individual RAT expression levels from MMDx was evaluated. RESULTS MMDx characterized allograft tissue as no rejection (62.8%), antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) (26.9%), T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) (5.8%), and mixed ABMR/TCMR (4.5%). For the diagnosis of any type of rejection (TCMR, ABMR, and mixed rejection), there was substantial agreement between MMDx and dd-cfDNA (76.3% agreement). All transcript clusters (group of gene sets designated by MMDx) and individual transcripts considered abnormal from MMDx had significantly elevated dd-cfDNA. In addition, a positive correlation between dd-cfDNA levels and certain MMDx-derived RATs was observed. Tissue transcript clusters were correlated with dd-cfDNA scores, including DSAST, GRIT, HT1, QCMAT, and S4. For individual transcripts, tissue ROBO4 was significantly correlated with dd-cfDNA in both nonrejection and rejection as assessed by MMDx. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we have shown substantial diagnostic agreement between dd-cfDNA and MMDx. Furthermore, based on the findings presented, we postulate a common pathway between the release of dd-cfDNA and expression of ROBO4 (a vascular endothelial-specific gene that stabilizes the vasculature) in the setting of antibody-mediated rejection, which may provide a mechanistic rationale for observed elevations in dd-cfDNA in AMR, compared to acute cellular rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Hyun Lee
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida.
| | - Ahsan Usmani
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Robby Wu
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Tammi Wicks
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Caroline Y Noh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | - Ioana Dumitru
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Guilherme H Oliveira
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Peter Berman
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Benjamin Mackie
- Heart Transplant Program, Transplant Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida; Heart & Vascular Institute, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida.
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13
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Moayedi Y, Teuteberg JJ. Rejection Surveillance After Heart Transplantation: Is Paired Noninvasive Testing the New Gold Standard? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00803. [PMID: 38946033 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Rejection surveillance after heart transplantation has traditionally relied on numerous endomyocardial biopsies, most of which occur during the first posttransplant year. With the introduction of gene expression profiling and, more recently, donor-derived cell-free DNA, a great proportion of surveillance is being performed noninvasively with both tests. Although patients have welcomed the use of paired testing because of the decreased risk and inconvenience, interpretation of both tests can sometimes be challenging, particularly when the test results are discordant. Growing evidence from both single-center experiences and large national databases has given insights that have allowed the field to operationalize dual testing and provide physicians with algorithms to approach paired testing. The increased use of noninvasive testing has also begun to challenge the role of biopsy as the gold standard for graft monitoring, not only for rejection but over the life of the heart transplant. In a growing number of circumstances, cell-free DNA not only may be a better means of assessing rejection but could also redefine how clinicians approach the diagnosis and even treatment of graft injury. As the heart transplant community garners more experience and generates more data, the current paradigms of heart transplant surveillance will continue to be challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasbanoo Moayedi
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Kim G, Trivieri MG. The Growing Tools in the Toolbox for Heart Transplantation. J Card Fail 2024; 30:926-928. [PMID: 38367906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gene Kim
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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15
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Fernandez Valledor A, Moeller CM, Rubinstein G, Rahman S, Oren D, Baranowska J, Lee C, Salazar R, Hennecken C, Rahman A, Elad B, Lotan D, DeFilippis EM, Yunis A, Fried J, Raihkelkar J, Oh KT, Bae D, Lin E, Lee SH, Regan M, Yuzelpolskaya M, Colombo P, Majure DT, Latif F, Clerkin KD, Sayer GT, Uriel N. Clinical Utility of the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System in a Real-World Transplant Cohort: Moving Towards a New Paradigm. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.24.24309444. [PMID: 38978641 PMCID: PMC11230306 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.24309444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the clinical implications of adjunctive molecular gene expression analysis (MMDx ) of biopsy specimens in heart transplant (HT ) recipients with suspected rejection. Introduction Histopathological evaluation remains the standard method for rejection diagnosis in HT. However, the wide interobserver variability combined with a relatively common incidence of "biopsy-negative" rejection has raised concerns about the likelihood of false-negative results. MMDx, which uses gene expression to detect early signs of rejection, is a promising test to further refine the assessment of HT rejection. Methods Single-center prospective study of 418 consecutive for-cause endomyocardial biopsies performed between November 2022 and May 2024. Each biopsy was graded based on histology and assessed for rejection patterns using MMDx. MMDx results were deemed positive if borderline or definitive rejection was present. The impact of MMDx results on clinical management was evaluated. Primary outcomes were 1-year survival and graft dysfunction following MMDx-guided clinical management. Secondary outcomes included changes in donor-specific antibodies, MMDx gene transcripts, and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels. Results We analyzed 418 molecular samples from 237 unique patients. Histology identified rejection in 32 cases (7.7%), while MMDx identified rejection in 95 cases (22.7%). Notably, in 79 of the 95 cases where MMDx identified rejection, histology results were negative, with the majority of these cases being antibody-mediated rejection (62.1%). Samples with rejection on MMDx were more likely to show a combined elevation of dd-cfDNA and peripheral blood gene expression profiling than those with borderline or negative MMDx results (36.7% vs 28.0% vs 10.3%; p<0.001). MMDx results led to the implementation of specific antirejection protocols or changes in immunosuppression in 20.4% of cases, and in 73.4% of cases where histology was negative and MMDx showed rejection. 1-year survival was better in the positive MMDx group where clinical management was guided by MMDx results (87.0% vs 78.6%; log rank p=0.0017). Conclusions In our cohort, MMDx results more frequently indicated rejection than histology, often leading to the initiation of antirejection treatment. Intervention guided by positive MMDx results was associated with improved outcomes. Graphical abstract
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16
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Nikolova A, Agbor-Enoh S, Bos S, Crespo-Leiro M, Ensminger S, Jimenez-Blanco M, Minervini A, Perch M, Segovia J, Vos R, Khush K, Potena L. European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Consensus Statement on the Use of Non-invasive Biomarkers for Cardiothoracic Transplant Rejection Surveillance. Transpl Int 2024; 37:12445. [PMID: 38962472 PMCID: PMC11221358 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12445] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
While allograft rejection (AR) continues to threaten the success of cardiothoracic transplantation, lack of accurate and repeatable surveillance tools to diagnose AR is a major unmet need in the clinical management of cardiothoracic transplant recipients. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) have been the cornerstone of rejection monitoring since the field's incipience, but both suffer from significant limitations, including poor concordance of biopsy interpretation among pathologists. In recent years, novel molecular tools for AR monitoring have emerged and their performance characteristics have been evaluated in multiple studies. An international working group convened by ESOT has reviewed the existing literature and provides a series of recommendations to guide the use of these biomarkers in clinical practice. While acknowledging some caveats, the group recognized that Gene-expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) may be used to rule out rejection in heart transplant recipients, but they are not recommended for cardiac allograft vasculopathy screening. Other traditional biomarkers (NT-proBNP, BNP or troponin) do not have sufficient evidence to support their use to diagnose AR. Regarding lung transplant, dd-cfDNA could be used to rule out clinical rejection and infection, but its use to monitor treatment response is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriana Nikolova
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saskia Bos
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle uponTyne, United Kingdom
- Institute of Transplantation, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle uponTyne, United Kingdom
| | - Marisa Crespo-Leiro
- Cardiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruna (CHUAC), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica A Coruña (INIBIC), Universitade de Coruna (UDC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red—Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/Network Biomedical Research Center—Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), La Coruna, Spain
| | - Stephan Ensminger
- Klinik für Herz- und Thorakale Gefäßchirurgie, Universitäres Herzzentrum Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marta Jimenez-Blanco
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Ramón y Cajal (Madrid), Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red—Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Annamaria Minervini
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Perch
- Department of Cardiology, Section for Lung Transplantation, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Javier Segovia
- Cardiology Department, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana/Puerta de Hierro Health Research Institute—Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red—Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/Network Biomedical Research Center—Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Robin Vos
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, UZ Leuven, and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kiran Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Luciano Potena
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Wang Y, Peng X. Bioinformatics analysis characterizes immune infiltration landscape and identifies potential blood biomarkers for heart transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2024; 84:102036. [PMID: 38499050 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.102036] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac allograft rejection (AR) remains a significant complication following heart transplantation. The primary objective of our study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in AR and identify possible therapeutic targets. METHODS We acquired the GSE87301 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. In GSE87301, a comparison was conducted on blood samples from patients with and without cardiac allograft rejection (AR and NAR) to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis was conducted to identify the pathways that show significant enrichment during AR. Machine learning techniques, including the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) and random forest (RF) algorithms, were employed to identify potential genes for the diagnosis of AR. The diagnostic value was evaluated using a nomogram and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, immune cell infiltration was analyzed to explore any dysregulation of immune cells in AR. RESULTS A total of 114 DEGs were identified from the GSE87301 dataset. These DEGs were mainly found to be enriched in pathways related to the immune system. To identify the signature genes, the LASSO and RF algorithms were used, and four genes, namely ALAS2, HBD, EPB42, and FECH, were identified. The performance of these signature genes was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, which showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values for ALAS2, HBD, EPB42, and FECH were 0.906, 0.881, 0.900, and 0.856, respectively. These findings were further confirmed in the independent datasets and clinical samples. The selection of these specific genes was made to construct a nomogram, which demonstrated excellent diagnostic ability. Additionally, the results of the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that these genes may be involved in immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSION We identified four signature genes (ALAS2, HBD, EPB42, and FECH) as potential peripheral blood diagnostic candidates for AR diagnosis. Additionally, a nomogram was constructed to aid in the diagnosis of heart transplantation. This study offers valuable insights into the identification of candidate genes for heart transplantation using peripheral blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Wang
- Queen Mary College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Xiaoping Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
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18
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Urie RR, Morris A, Farris D, Hughes E, Xiao C, Chen J, Lombard E, Feng J, Li JZ, Goldstein DR, Shea LD. Biomarkers from subcutaneous engineered tissues predict acute rejection of organ allografts. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6178. [PMID: 38748794 PMCID: PMC11095459 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Invasive graft biopsies assess the efficacy of immunosuppression through lagging indicators of transplant rejection. We report on a microporous scaffold implant as a minimally invasive immunological niche to assay rejection before graft injury. Adoptive transfer of T cells into Rag2-/- mice with mismatched allografts induced acute cellular allograft rejection (ACAR), with subsequent validation in wild-type animals. Following murine heart or skin transplantation, scaffold implants accumulate predominantly innate immune cells. The scaffold enables frequent biopsy, and gene expression analyses identified biomarkers of ACAR before clinical signs of graft injury. This gene signature distinguishes ACAR and immunodeficient respiratory infection before injury onset, indicating the specificity of the biomarkers to differentiate ACAR from other inflammatory insult. Overall, this implantable scaffold enables remote evaluation of the early risk of rejection, which could potentially be used to reduce the frequency of routine graft biopsy, reduce toxicities by personalizing immunosuppression, and prolong transplant life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell R. Urie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aaron Morris
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Diana Farris
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chengchuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Judy Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lombard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiane Feng
- Animal Phenotyping Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jun Z. Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel R. Goldstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lonnie D. Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Deshpande SR, Zangwill SD, Richmond ME, Kindel SJ, Schroder JN, Gaglianello N, Bichell DP, Wigger MA, Knecht KR, Thrush PT, Mahle WT, North PE, Simpson PM, Zhang L, Dasgupta M, Tomita-Mitchell A, Mitchell ME. Evaluating threshold for donor fraction cell-free DNA using clinically available assay for rejection in pediatric and adult heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14708. [PMID: 38553812 PMCID: PMC10987078 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14708] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of the study were to assess the performance of a clinically available cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay in a large cohort of pediatric and adult heart transplant recipients and to evaluate performance at specific cut points in detection of rejection. METHODS Observational, non-interventional, prospective study enrolled pediatric and adult heart transplant recipients from seven centers. Biopsy-associated plasma samples were used for cfDNA measurements. Pre-determined cut points were tested for analytic performance. RESULTS A total of 487 samples from 160 subjects were used for the analysis. There were significant differences for df-cfDNA values between rejection [0.21% (IQR 0.12-0.69)] and healthy samples [0.05% (IQR 0.01-0.14), p < .0001]. The pediatric rejection group had a median df-cfDNA value of 0.93% (IQR 0.28-2.84) compared to 0.09% (IQR 0.04-0.23) for healthy samples, p = .005. Overall negative predictive value was 0.94 while it was 0.99 for pediatric patients. Cut points of 0.13% and 0.15% were tested for various types of rejection profiles and were appropriate to rule out rejection. CONCLUSION The study suggests that pediatric patients with rejection show higher levels of circulating df-cfDNA compared to adults and supports the specific cut points for clinical use in pediatric and adult patients with overall acceptable performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriprasad R Deshpande
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Steven D Zangwill
- Division of Cardiology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Marc E Richmond
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven J Kindel
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jacob N Schroder
- Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nunzio Gaglianello
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David P Bichell
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark A Wigger
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kenneth R Knecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Phillip T Thrush
- Department of Cardiology, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William T Mahle
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paula E North
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pippa M Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mahua Dasgupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aoy Tomita-Mitchell
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael E Mitchell
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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20
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Cusi V, Vaida F, Wettersten N, Rodgers N, Tada Y, Gerding B, Urey MA, Greenberg B, Adler ED, Kim PJ. Incidence of Acute Rejection Compared With Endomyocardial Biopsy Complications for Heart Transplant Patients in the Contemporary Era. Transplantation 2024; 108:1220-1227. [PMID: 38098137 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reference standard of detecting acute rejection (AR) in adult heart transplant (HTx) patients is an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). The majority of EMBs are performed in asymptomatic patients. However, the incidence of treated AR compared with EMB complications has not been compared in the contemporary era (2010-current). METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed 2769 EMBs obtained in 326 consecutive HTx patients between August 2019 and August 2022. Variables included surveillance versus for-cause indication, recipient and donor characteristics, EMB procedural data and pathological grades, treatment for AR, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS The overall EMB complications rate was 1.6%. EMBs performed within 1 mo after HTx compared with after 1 mo from HTx showed significantly increased complications (OR, 12.74, P < 0.001). The treated AR rate was 14.2% in the for-cause EMBs and 1.2% in the surveillance EMBs. We found the incidence of AR versus EMB complications was significantly lower in the surveillance compared with the for-cause EMB group (OR, 0.05, P < 0.001). We also found the incidence of EMB complications was higher than treated AR in surveillance EMBs. CONCLUSIONS The yield of surveillance EMBs has declined in the contemporary era, with a higher incidence of EMB complications compared with detected AR. The risk of EMB complications was highest within 1 mo after HTx. Surveillance EMB protocols in the contemporary era may need to be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florin Vaida
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Nicholas Wettersten
- Cardiology Section, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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21
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O'Halloran CP, Tannous P, Arva NC, Thrush PT, Monge M, Joong A, Magnetta DA. Histopathology, mRNA expression profile, and donor-derived cell-free DNA for assessment of rejection in pediatric heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14705. [PMID: 38528753 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14705] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between histopathologic and molecular ("MMDx"®) assessments of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and serum donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) in acute rejection (AR) assessment following pediatric heart transplantation (HT) is unknown. METHODS EMB sent for MMDx and histopathology from November 2021 to September 2022 were reviewed. MMDx and histopathology results were compared. DdcfDNA obtained ≤1 week prior to EMB were compared with histopathology and MMDx results. The discrimination of ddcfDNA for AR was assessed using receiver-operating curves. FINDINGS In this study, 177 EMBs were obtained for histopathology and MMDx, 101 had time-matched ddcfDNA values. MMDx and Histopathology displayed moderate agreement for T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR, Kappa = 0.52, p < .001) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR, Kappa = 0.41, p < .001). Discordant results occurred in 24% of cases, most often with ABMR. Compared with no AR, ddcfDNA values were elevated in cases of AR diagnosed by both histopathology and MMDx (p < .01 for all). Additionally, ddcfDNA values were elevated in injury patterns on MMDx, even when AR was not present (p = .01). DdcfDNA displayed excellent discrimination (AUC 0.83) for AR by MMDx and/or histopathology. Using a threshold of ≥0.135%, ddcfDNA had a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 63%, PPV of 52%, and NPV of 94%. CONCLUSIONS Histopathology and MMDx displayed moderate agreement in diagnosing AR following pediatric HT, with most discrepancies noted in the presence of ABMR. DdcfDNA is elevated with AR, with excellent discrimination and high NPV particularly when utilizing MMDx. A combination of all three tests may be necessary in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor P O'Halloran
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Tannous
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicoleta C Arva
- Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philip T Thrush
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Monge
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anna Joong
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Defne A Magnetta
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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22
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McNamara ME, Jain SS, Oza K, Muralidaran V, Kiliti AJ, McDeed AP, Patil D, Cui Y, Schmidt MO, Riegel AT, Kroemer AH, Wellstein A. Circulating, cell-free methylated DNA indicates cellular sources of allograft injury after liver transplant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588176. [PMID: 38617373 PMCID: PMC11014558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Post-transplant complications reduce allograft and recipient survival. Current approaches for detecting allograft injury non-invasively are limited and do not differentiate between cellular mechanisms. Here, we monitor cellular damages after liver transplants from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments released from dying cells into the circulation. We analyzed 130 blood samples collected from 44 patients at different time points after transplant. Sequence-based methylation of cfDNA fragments were mapped to patterns established to identify cell types in different organs. For liver cell types DNA methylation patterns and multi-omic data integration show distinct enrichment in open chromatin and regulatory regions functionally important for the respective cell types. We find that multi-tissue cellular damages post-transplant recover in patients without allograft injury during the first post-operative week. However, sustained elevation of hepatocyte and biliary epithelial cfDNA beyond the first week indicates early-onset allograft injury. Further, cfDNA composition differentiates amongst causes of allograft injury indicating the potential for non-invasive monitoring and timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. McNamara
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sidharth S. Jain
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kesha Oza
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of General Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vinona Muralidaran
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amber J. Kiliti
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A. Patrick McDeed
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Digvijay Patil
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yuki Cui
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marcel O. Schmidt
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna T. Riegel
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexander H.K. Kroemer
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anton Wellstein
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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23
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Galeone A, Bernabei A, Pesarini G, Raimondi Lucchetti M, Onorati F, Luciani GB. Ten-Year Experience with Endomyocardial Biopsy after Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: Comparison between Trans-Jugular and Trans-Femoral Approach. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:115. [PMID: 38667732 PMCID: PMC11050274 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11040115] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is considered the gold standard for monitoring allograft rejection after heart transplantation. EMB is an invasive procedure that may be performed via a trans-jugular or a trans-femoral approach with a complication rate reported as less than 6%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate after EMBs in heart recipients and to compare the results of EMBs performed via a trans-jugular or a trans-femoral approach. METHODS Medical records of heart recipients undergoing EMBs between January 2012 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. EMB-related complications were classified as major (death, pericardial effusion, hemopericardium, cardiac tamponade requiring a pericardiocentesis or an urgent cardiac surgery, ventricular arrythmias, permanent atrio-ventricular block requiring permanent pacing, hemothorax, pneumothorax and retroperitoneal bleeding) and minor (de novo tricuspid regurgitation, arrhythmias, coronary artery fistula, vascular access site complications). RESULTS A total of 1698 EMBs were performed during the study period at our institution in 212 heart recipients. There were 927 (55%) EMBs performed through a trans-jugular approach (TJ group) and 771 (45%) EMBs performed through a trans-femoral approach (TF group). A total of 60 (3.5%) complications were recorded, including nine (0.5%) major complications (six cardiac tamponades, two pneumothorax and one retroperitoneal bleeding) and 51 (3%) minor complications (seven coronary fistulae, five de novo tricuspid regurgitation, four supraventricular arrythmias and thirty-five vascular access site complications). No difference was found in total (38 [4%] vs. 22 [3%]; p = 0.16) and major (6 [1%} vs. 3 [0.4%]; p = 0.65) complications (32 [3%] vs. 19 [2%]; p = 0.23) between the TJ group and the TF group. No difference was found in male sex, age at time of EMB and time from HT between complicated and not complicated EMBs. CONCLUSIONS EMBs represent a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. In our experience, EMBs performed via a trans-jugular approach are as safe as the trans-femoral approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Galeone
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bernabei
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Gabriele Pesarini
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Marcello Raimondi Lucchetti
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Onorati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Luciani
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
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24
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Shah P, Agbor-Enoh S, Lee S, Andargie TE, Sinha SS, Kong H, Henry L, Park W, McNair E, Tchoukina I, Shah KB, Najjar SS, Hsu S, Rodrigo ME, Jang MK, Marboe C, Berry GJ, Valantine HA. Racial Differences in Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA and Mitochondrial DNA After Heart Transplantation, on Behalf of the GRAfT Investigators. Circ Heart Fail 2024; 17:e011160. [PMID: 38375637 PMCID: PMC11021168 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.123.011160] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black heart transplant patients are at higher risk of acute rejection (AR) and death than White patients. We hypothesized that this risk may be associated with higher levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and cell-free mitochondrial DNA. METHODS The Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation is a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Sequencing was used to quantitate dd-cfDNA and polymerase chain reaction to quantitate cell-free mitochondrial DNA in plasma. AR was defined as ≥2R cellular rejection or ≥1 antibody-mediated rejection. The primary composite outcome was AR, graft dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction <50% and decrease by ≥10%), or death. RESULTS We included 148 patients (65 Black patients and 83 White patients), median age was 56 years and 30% female sex. The incidence of AR was higher in Black patients compared with White patients (43% versus 19%; P=0.002). Antibody-mediated rejection occurred predominantly in Black patients with a prevalence of 20% versus 2% (P<0.001). After transplant, Black patients had higher levels of dd-cfDNA, 0.09% (interquartile range, 0.001-0.30) compared with White patients, 0.05% (interquartile range, 0.001-0.23; P=0.003). Beyond 6 months, Black patients showed a persistent rise in dd-cfDNA with higher levels compared with White patients. Cell-free mitochondrial DNA was higher in Black patients (185 788 copies/mL; interquartile range, 101 252-422 133) compared with White patients (133 841 copies/mL; interquartile range, 75 346-337 990; P<0.001). The primary composite outcome occurred in 43% and 55% of Black patients at 1 and 2 years, compared with 23% and 27% in White patients, P<0.001. In a multivariable model, Black patient race (hazard ratio, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.35-5.04]; P=0.004) and %dd-cfDNA (hazard ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.03-1.28]; P=0.010) were associated with the primary composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS Elevated dd-cfDNA and cell-free mitochondrial DNA after heart transplant may mechanistically be implicated in the higher incidence of AR and worse clinical outcomes in Black transplant recipients. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02423070.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Shah
- Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support & Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), 10 Center Drive, 7S261, Bethesda Maryland, 20982
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), 10 Center Drive, 7S261, Bethesda Maryland, 20982
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore MD
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda MD
| | - Seiyon Lee
- Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax VA
| | - Temesgen E. Andargie
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), 10 Center Drive, 7S261, Bethesda Maryland, 20982
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda MD
| | - Shashank S. Sinha
- Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support & Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
| | - Hyesik Kong
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda MD
| | - Lawrence Henry
- Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support & Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
| | - Woojin Park
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda MD
| | - Erick McNair
- Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support & Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
| | - Inna Tchoukina
- The Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | - Keyur B. Shah
- The Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | - Samer S. Najjar
- Advanced Heart Failure Program, Medstar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC
| | - Steven Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore MD
| | - Maria E. Rodrigo
- Advanced Heart Failure Program, Medstar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC
| | - Moon Kyoo Jang
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), 10 Center Drive, 7S261, Bethesda Maryland, 20982
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda MD
| | - Charles Marboe
- Department of Pathology, New York Presbyterian University Hospital of Cornell and Columbia, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hannah A. Valantine
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), 10 Center Drive, 7S261, Bethesda Maryland, 20982
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
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25
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Fedrigo M, Berry GJ, Coutance G, Reed EF, Lin CY, Giarraputo A, Kransdorf E, Thaunat O, Goddard M, Angelini A, Neil DAH, Bruneval P, Duong Van Huyen JP, Loupy A, Miller DV. Report of the 2022 Banff Heart Concurrent: Focus on non-human leukocyte antigen antibodies in rejection and the pathology of "mixed" rejection. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:533-541. [PMID: 37838218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.10.004] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The Banff Heart Concurrent Session, held as part of the 16th Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology Conference at Banff, Alberta, Canada, on September 21, 2022, focused on 2 major topics: non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies and mixed rejection. Each topic was addressed in a multidisciplinary fashion with clinical, immunological, and pathology perspectives and future developments and prospectives. Following the Banff organization model and principles, the collective aim of the speakers on each topic was to • Determine current knowledge gaps in heart transplant pathology • Identify limitations of current pathology classification systems • Discuss next steps in addressing gaps and refining classification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marny Fedrigo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua Italy
| | - Gerald J Berry
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Guillaume Coutance
- Department of cardiac surgery, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Sorbonne University Medical School, Paris France
| | - Elaine F Reed
- UCLA Immunogenetics Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alessia Giarraputo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua Italy
| | - Evan Kransdorf
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, California, USA
| | - Olivier Thaunat
- Department of Transplantation, Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon France
| | - Martin Goddard
- The Cardiothoracic Transplant Unit Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Angelini
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua Italy
| | - Desley A H Neil
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Bruneval
- Université de Paris Cité, INSERM, PARCC, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | | | - Alexandre Loupy
- Université de Paris Cité, INSERM, PARCC, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, Paris, France
| | - Dylan V Miller
- Utah Transplant Affiliated Hospitals (UTAH) Heart Transplant Network, Intermountain Central Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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26
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Das D, Avssn R, Chittela RK. A phenol-chloroform free method for cfDNA isolation from cell conditioned media: development, optimization and comparative analysis. Anal Biochem 2024; 687:115454. [PMID: 38158107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115454] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The non-invasive invasive nature of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic biomarkers has gained immense popularity in recent years. The clinical utility of cfDNA biomarkers may depend on understanding their origin and biological significance. Apoptosis, necrosis, and/or active release are possible mechanisms of cellular DNA release into the cell-free milieu. In-vitro cell culture models can provide useful insights into cfDNA biology. The yields and quality of cfDNA in the cell conditioned media (CCM) are largely dependent on the extraction method used. Here, we developed a phenol-chloroform-free cfDNA extraction method from CCM and compared it with three others published cfDNA extraction methods and four commercially available kits. Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting two different loci and a fluorescence-based Qubit assay were performed to quantify the extracted cfDNA. The absolute concentration of the extracted cfDNA varies with the target used for the qPCR assay; however, the relative trend remains similar for both qPCR assays. The cfDNA yield from CCM provided by the developed method was found to be either higher or comparable to the other methods used. In conclusion, we developed a safe, rapid and cost-effective cfDNA extraction protocol with minimal hands-on time; with no compromise in cfDNA yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Das
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Rao Avssn
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rajani Kant Chittela
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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27
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Gauthier PT, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Gauthier P, Halloran PF. Distinct Molecular Processes Mediate Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Release From Kidney Transplants in Different Disease States. Transplantation 2024; 108:898-910. [PMID: 38150492 PMCID: PMC10962427 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among all biopsies in the Trifecta-Kidney Study ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04239703), elevated plasma donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) correlated most strongly with molecular antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) but was also elevated in other states: T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), acute kidney injury (AKI), and some apparently normal biopsies. The present study aimed to define the molecular correlates of plasma dd-cfDNA within specific states. METHODS Dd-cfDNA was measured by the Prospera test. Molecular rejection and injury states were defined using the Molecular Microscope system. We studied the correlation between dd-cfDNA and the expression of genes, transcript sets, and classifier scores within specific disease states, and compared AMR, TCMR, and AKI to biopsies classified as normal and no injury (NRNI). RESULTS In all 604 biopsies, dd-cfDNA was elevated in AMR, TCMR, and AKI. Within AMR biopsies, dd-cfDNA correlated with AMR activity and stage. Within AKI, the correlations reflected acute parenchymal injury, including cell cycling. Within biopsies classified as MMDx Normal and archetypal No injury (NRNI), dd-cfDNA still correlated significantly with rejection- and injury-related genes. TCMR activity (eg, the TCMR Prob classifier) correlated with dd-cfDNA, but within TCMR biopsies, top gene correlations were complex and not the top TCMR-selective genes. CONCLUSIONS In kidney transplants, elevated plasma dd-cfDNA is associated with 3 distinct molecular states in the donor tissue: AMR, recent parenchymal injury (including cell cycling), and TCMR, potentially complicated by parenchymal disruption. Moreover, subtle rejection- and injury-related changes in the donor tissue can contribute to dd-cfDNA elevations in transplants considered to have no rejection or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. Gauthier
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katelynn S. Madill-Thomsen
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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28
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Bart NK, Macdonald PS. Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation Post Cardiac Transplantation; Why "Anatomical" and "Functional" Just Won't Cut It. Transplantation 2024; 108:662-668. [PMID: 37578343 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common after cardiac transplantation and results in poorer outcomes. Transplant recipients are at high prohibitive risk for redo surgical procedures because of risks associated with a subsequent sternotomy, immunosuppression, and renal failure. Percutaneous therapies have recently become available and may be an option for transplant recipients. However, transplant recipients have complex geometry, and there is a myriad of causes of TR posttransplant. There is a need for careful patient selection for all percutaneous valve interventions, and this is particularly true in transplant recipients who suffer from right ventricular failure and rejection and may undergo repeated endomyocardial biopsies. Cognizant of the rapid developments in this space, this review article focuses on the causes of TR, treatments, and future therapies in heart transplantation recipients to the transplant cardiologist navigate this complex area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Bart
- Heart Transplant Program, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter S Macdonald
- Heart Transplant Program, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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Alam AH, Van Zyl J, Shakoor HI, Farsakh D, Abdelrehim AB, Maliakkal N, Jamil AK, Patel R, Felius J, McKean S, Hall SA. The impact of active cytomegalovirus infection on donor-derived cell-free DNA testing in heart transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15287. [PMID: 38477177 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15287] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in heart transplant recipients. METHODS In our study, CMV and dd-cfDNA results were prospectively collected on single-organ heart transplant recipients. If the CMV study was positive, a CMV study with dd-cfDNA was repeated 1-3 months later. The primary aim was to compare dd-cfDNA between patients with positive and negative CMV results. RESULTS Of 44 patients enrolled between August 2022 and April 2023, 12 tested positive for CMV infections, 25 were included as controls, and seven patients with a viral infection without CMV were excluded. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between CMV-positive and CMV-negative patients with the exception of a later median time post-transplant in the CMV-positive group (253 days vs. 120 days, p = .03). Dd-cfDNA levels were significantly higher in patients with CMV infections compared to those without (p < .001) with more patients in the CMV positive group showing dd-cfDNA results ≥.12% (75% vs. 8%, p < .001) and ≥.20% (58% vs. 8%, p = .002). Each 1 log10 copy/ml reduction in CMV viral load from visit 1 to visit 2 was associated with a.23% reduction in log10 dd-cfDNA (p = .002). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that active CMV infections may raise dd-cfDNA levels in patients following heart transplantation. Larger studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit H Alam
- Division of Cardiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Johanna Van Zyl
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Hira I Shakoor
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dana Farsakh
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ahmad B Abdelrehim
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Neville Maliakkal
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Aayla K Jamil
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Raksha Patel
- Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Joost Felius
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Staci McKean
- Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shelley A Hall
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
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30
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Dlouha D, Huckova P, Rohlova E, Vymetalova J, Novakova S, Hubacek JA. Monitoring of plasma circulating donor DNA reflects cardiac graft injury: Report of two cases. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:50. [PMID: 38357233 PMCID: PMC10865169 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1738] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The current standard for graft rejection surveillance is endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), an invasive procedure with rare but potentially serious complications. Detection of circulating donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) is an option for noninvasive monitoring of graft injury and rejection. A 63-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman were monitored by EMB for allograft rejection. A total of 48 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with a minor allele frequency range of 0.4-0.5 were screened to distinguish donor and recipient DNA based on homozygosity, and digital droplet PCR was used to analyze ddcfDNA concentrations. Both subjects suffered rejection within the first 6 months after transplantation. The maximal ddcfDNA level of 270 copies (cp)/ml during EMB-confirmed acute cellular rejection (ACR; mild grade 1R/2, patient 1), and the maximal concentration of 1,846 cp/ml in the case of EMB-confirmed antibody-mediated rejection (AMR; grade 1+; patient 2), was detected. Individual monitoring of ddcfDNA dynamics from the 1st to the 6th month posttransplant reflected cardiac graft injury in patients suffering ACR or AMR, meaning that ddcfDNA may serve as a noninvasive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Dlouha
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Huckova
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Rohlova
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Science, BIOCEV, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jevgenija Vymetalova
- Cardio Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Novakova
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav A. Hubacek
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
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Korutla L, Hoffman JR, Rostami S, Hu R, Korutla V, Markmann C, Mullan C, Sotolongo A, Habertheuer A, Romano C, Acker M, Sen S, Agarwal D, Jayaraman A, Li B, Davis ME, Naji A, Vallabhajosyula P. Circulating T cell specific extracellular vesicle profiles in cardiac allograft acute cellular rejection. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:419-435. [PMID: 38295008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.10.021] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
There is a critical need for biomarkers of acute cellular rejection (ACR) in organ transplantation. We hypothesized that ACR leads to changes in donor-reactive T cell small extracellular vesicle (sEV) profiles in transplant recipient circulation that match the kinetics of alloreactive T cell activation. In rodent heart transplantation, circulating T cell sEV quantities (P < .0001) and their protein and mRNA cargoes showed time-specific expression of alloreactive and regulatory markers heralding early ACR in allogeneic transplant recipients but not in syngeneic transplant recipients. Next generation sequencing of their microRNA cargoes identified novel candidate biomarkers of ACR, which were validated by stem loop quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n = 10). Circulating T cell sEVs enriched from allogeneic transplant recipients mediated targeted cytotoxicity of donor cardiomyocytes by apoptosis assay (P < .0001). Translation of the concept and EV methodologies to clinical heart transplantation demonstrated similar upregulation of circulating T cell sEV profiles at time points of grade 2 ACR (n = 3 patients). Furthermore, T cell receptor sequencing of T cell sEV mRNA cargo demonstrated expression of T cell clones with intact complementarity determining region 3 signals. These data support the diagnostic potential of T cell sEVs as noninvasive biomarker of ACR and suggest their potential functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxminarayana Korutla
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica R Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan Rostami
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Hu
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Varun Korutla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caroline Markmann
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clancy Mullan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alex Sotolongo
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andreas Habertheuer
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Division of Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Connie Romano
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Acker
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sounok Sen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Divyansh Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arun Jayaraman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michael E Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ali Naji
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Prashanth Vallabhajosyula
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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32
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Goldberg JF, Mehta A, Bahniwal RK, Agbor-Enoh S, Shah P. A gentler approach to monitor for heart transplant rejection. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1349376. [PMID: 38380175 PMCID: PMC10876874 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1349376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite developments in circulating biomarker and imaging technology in the assessment of cardiovascular disease, the surveillance and diagnosis of heart transplant rejection has continued to rely on histopathologic interpretation of the endomyocardial biopsy. Increasing evidence shows the utility of molecular evaluations, such as donor-specific antibodies and donor-derived cell-free DNA, as well as advanced imaging techniques, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, in the assessment of rejection, resulting in the elimination of many surveillance endomyocardial biopsies. As non-invasive technologies in heart transplant rejection continue to evolve and are incorporated into practice, they may supplant endomyocardial biopsy even when rejection is suspected, allowing for more precise and expeditious rejection therapy. This review describes the current and near-future states for the evaluation of heart transplant rejection, both in the settings of rejection surveillance and rejection diagnosis. As biomarkers of rejection continue to evolve, rejection risk prediction may allow for a more personalized approach to immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason F. Goldberg
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA, United States
- Department of Children's Cardiology, Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | - Aditya Mehta
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | | | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Palak Shah
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA, United States
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33
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Borkowski P, Singh N, Borkowska N. Advancements in Heart Transplantation: Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA as Next-Generation Biomarker. Cureus 2024; 16:e54018. [PMID: 38476807 PMCID: PMC10930105 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure, particularly in its advanced stages, significantly impacts quality of life. Despite progress in Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) and invasive treatments, heart transplantation (HT) remains the primary option for severe cases. However, complications such as graft rejection present significant challenges that necessitate effective monitoring. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the gold standard for detecting rejection, but its invasive nature, associated risks, and healthcare costs have shifted interest in non-invasive techniques. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has gained attention as a promising non-invasive biomarker for monitoring graft rejection. Compared to EMB, dd-cfDNA detects graft rejection early and enables clinicians to adjust immunosuppression promptly. Despite its advantages, dd-cfDNA testing faces challenges, such as the need for specialized technology and potential inaccuracies due to other clinical conditions. Additionally, dd-cfDNA cannot yet differentiate between types of graft rejection, and its effectiveness in chronic rejection remains unclear. Research is ongoing to set precise standards for dd-cfDNA levels, which would enhance its diagnostic accuracy and help in clinical decisions. The article also points to the future of HT monitoring, which may involve combining dd-cfDNA with other biomarkers and integrating artificial intelligence to improve diagnostic capabilities and personalize patient care. Furthermore, it emphasizes both global and racial inequalities in dd-cfDNA testing and the ethical issues related to its use in transplant medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Borkowski
- Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Nikita Singh
- Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Natalia Borkowska
- Pediatrics, SPZOZ (Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej) Krotoszyn, Krotoszyn, POL
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Watanabe K, Arva NC, Robinson JD, Rigsby C, Markl M, Sojka M, Tannous P, Arzu J, Husain N. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in detection of progressive graft dysfunction in pediatric heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14652. [PMID: 38063266 PMCID: PMC10872936 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft failure (CGF) in pediatric heart transplant (PHT) is multifactorial and may present with findings of fibrosis and microvessel disease (MVD) on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). There is no optimal CGF surveillance method. We evaluated associations between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and historical/EMB correlates of CGF to assess CMR's utility as a surveillance method. METHODS Retrospective analysis of PHT undergoing comprehensive CMR between September 2015 and January 2022 was performed. EMB within 6 months was graded for fibrosis (scale 0-5) and MVD (number of capillaries with stenotic wall thickening per field of view). Correlation analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Forty-seven PHT with median age at CMR of 15.7 years (11.6, 19.3) and time from transplant of 6.4 years (4.1, 11.0) were studied. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was present in 11/44 (22.0%) and historical rejection in 14/41 (34.2%). CAV was associated with higher global T2 (49.0 vs. 47.0 ms; p = 0.038) and peak T2 (57.0 vs. 53.0 ms; p = 0.013) on CMR. Historical rejection was associated with higher global T2 (49.0 vs. 47.0 ms; p = 0.007) and peak T2 (57.0 vs. 53.0 ms; p = 0.03) as well as global extracellular volume (31.0 vs. 26.3%; p = 0.03). Higher fibrosis score on EMB correlated with smaller indexed left ventricular mass (rho = -0.34; p = 0.019) and greater degree of MVD with lower indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (rho = -0.35; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION Adverse ventricular remodeling and abnormal myocardial characteristics on CMR are present in PHT with CAV, historical rejection, as well as greater fibrosis and MVD on EMB. CMR has the potential use for screening of CGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kae Watanabe
- Lille Frank Abercrombie Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicoleta C. Arva
- Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Joshua D. Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Cynthia Rigsby
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael Markl
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Melanie Sojka
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Paul Tannous
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jennifer Arzu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Nazia Husain
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Martini L, Mandoli GE, Pastore MC, Pagliaro A, Bernazzali S, Maccherini M, Henein M, Cameli M. Heart transplantation and biomarkers: a review about their usefulness in clinical practice. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1336011. [PMID: 38327491 PMCID: PMC10847311 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1336011] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced heart failure (AdvHF) can only be treated definitively by heart transplantation (HTx), yet problems such right ventricle dysfunction (RVD), rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and primary graft dysfunction (PGD) are linked to a poor prognosis. As a result, numerous biomarkers have been investigated in an effort to identify and prevent certain diseases sooner. We looked at both established biomarkers, such as NT-proBNP, hs-troponins, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and newer ones, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), donor specific antibodies (DSA), gene expression profile (GEP), donor-derived cell free DNA (dd-cfDNA), microRNA (miRNA), and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2). These biomarkers are typically linked to complications from HTX. We also highlight the relationships between each biomarker and one or more problems, as well as their applicability in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Martini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - G. E. Mandoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M. C. Pastore
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - A. Pagliaro
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - S. Bernazzali
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - M. Maccherini
- Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Department, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - M. Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - M. Cameli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Noda K, Snyder ME, Xu Q, Peters D, McDyer JF, Zeevi A, Sanchez PG. Single center study investigating the clinical association of donor-derived cell-free DNA with acute outcomes in lung transplantation. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2024; 2:1339814. [PMID: 38993874 PMCID: PMC11235270 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1339814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Background Circulating donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels have been proposed as a potential tool for the diagnosis of graft injury. In this study, we prospectively investigated dd-cfDNA plasma levels and their association with severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and graft rejection after lung transplant. Methods A total of 40 subjects undergoing de-novo lung transplants at our institution were recruited in this study. Blood samples were collected at various time points before and after lung transplant for 1 year. Dd-cfDNA in samples was determined using AlloSure assay (CareDx Inc.). The correlation of the value of %dd-cfDNA was investigated with the incidence of PGD, acute cellular rejection (ACR), and donor-specific antibody. Results We observed a rapid increase of %dd-cfDNA in the blood of recipients after lung transplantation compared to baseline. The levels of dd-cfDNA decreased during the first two weeks. The peak was observed within 72 h after transplantation. The peak values of %dd-cfDNA varied among subjects and did not correlate with severe PGD incidence. We observed an association between levels of %dd-cfDNA from blood collected at the time of transbronchial biopsy and the histological diagnosis of ACR at 3 weeks. Conclusion Our data show that circulating dd-cfDNA levels are associated with ACR early after transplantation but not with severe PGD. Plasma levels of dd-cfDNA may be a less invasive tool to estimate graft rejection after lung transplantation however larger studies are still necessary to better identify thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Noda
- Division of Lung Transplant and Lung Failure, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark E. Snyder
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Qingyong Xu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David Peters
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Human Genetics and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John F. McDyer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pablo G. Sanchez
- Division of Lung Transplant and Lung Failure, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Srivastava PK, Kittleson MM. Modern advances in heart transplantation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 82:147-156. [PMID: 38244826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.012] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) is the only definitive therapy for patients with end stage heart disease. With the increasing global prevalence of heart failure, the demand for HTx has continued to grow and outpace supply. In this paper, we will review advances in the field of HTx along the clinical journey of a HTx recipient. Starting with the sensitized patient, we discuss current methods to define sensitization, and assays to help identify clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies. Desensitization strategies targeting all levels of the adaptive immune system are discussed with emphasis on novel techniques such as anti-CD 38 blockade and use of the Immunoglobulin G-Degrading Enzyme of Streptococcus Pyogenes. We next discuss donor procurement and the resurgence of donation after circulatory death as a viable strategy to significantly and safely increase the donor pool. Post-transplant, we evaluate non-invasive surveillance techniques including gene expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA. Last, we discuss the ground-breaking developments in the field of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyaksh K Srivastava
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Michelle M Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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Stead TS, Brydges HT, Laspro M, Onuh OC, Chaya BF, Rabbani PS, Lu CP, Ceradini DJ, Gelb BE, Rodriguez ED. Minimally and Non-invasive Approaches to Rejection Identification in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100790. [PMID: 37625211 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100790] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rejection is common and pernicious following Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA). Current monitoring and diagnostic modalities include the clinical exam which is subjective and biopsy with dermatohistopathologic Banff grading, which is subjective and invasive. We reviewed literature exploring non- and minimally invasive modalities for diagnosing and monitoring rejection (NIMMs) in VCA. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were queried, 3125 unique articles were reviewed, yielding 26 included studies exploring 17 distinct NIMMs. Broadly, NIMMs involved Imaging, Liquid Biomarkers, Epidermal Sampling, Clinical Grading Scales, and Introduction of Additional Donor Tissue. RESULTS Serum biomarkers including MMP3 and donor-derived microparticles rose with rejection onset. Epidermal sampling non-invasively enabled measurement of cytokine & gene expression profiles implicated in rejection. Both hold promise for monitoring. Clinical grading scales were useful diagnostically as was reflection confocal microscopy. Introducing additional donor tissue showed promise for preemptively identifying rejection but requires additional allograft tissue burden for the recipient. CONCLUSION NIMMs have the potential to dramatically improve monitoring and diagnosis in VCA. Many modalities show promise however, additional research is needed and a multimodal algorithmic approach should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor S Stead
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Hilliard T Brydges
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Matteo Laspro
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ogechukwu C Onuh
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bachar F Chaya
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Piul S Rabbani
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Catherine P Lu
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Ceradini
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bruce E Gelb
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Eduardo D Rodriguez
- Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States of America
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Truby LK, Maamari D, Saha A, Farr M, Abdulrahim J, Billia F, Peltz M, Khush KK, Wang TJ. Towards Allograft Longevity: Leveraging Omics Technologies to Improve Heart Transplant Outcomes. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2023; 20:493-503. [PMID: 37966542 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-023-00631-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heart transplantation (HT) remains the optimal therapy for patients living with end-stage heart disease. Despite recent improvements in peri-transplant management, the median survival after HT has remained relatively static, and complications of HT, including infection, rejection, and allograft dysfunction, continue to impact quality of life and long-term survival. RECENT FINDINGS Omics technologies are becoming increasingly accessible and can identify novel biomarkers for, and reveal the underlying biology of, several disease states. While some technologies, such as gene expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), are routinely used in the clinical care of HT recipients, a number of emerging platforms, including pharmacogenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, hold great potential for identifying biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis and management of post-transplant complications. Omics-based assays can improve patient and allograft longevity by facilitating a personalized and precision approach to post-HT care. The following article is a contemporary review of the current and future opportunities to leverage omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in the field of HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Truby
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Dimitri Maamari
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amit Saha
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Maryjane Farr
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | | | | | - Matthias Peltz
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Thomas J Wang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
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Mehlman Y, Valledor AF, Moeller C, Rubinstein G, Lotan D, Rahman S, Oh KT, Bae D, DeFilippis EM, Lin EF, Lee SH, Raikhelkar JK, Fried J, Theodoropoulos K, Colombo PC, Yuzefpolskaya M, Latif F, Clerkin KJ, Sayer GT, Uriel N. The utilization of molecular microscope in management of heart transplant recipients in the era of noninvasive monitoring. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e15131. [PMID: 37897211 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15131] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monitoring for graft rejection is a fundamental tenet of post-transplant follow-up. In heart transplantation (HT) in particular, rejection has been traditionally assessed with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). EMB has potential complications and noted limitations, including interobserver variability in interpretation. Additional tests, such as basic cardiac biomarkers, cardiac imaging, gene expression profiling (GEP) scores, donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and the novel molecular microscope diagnostic system (MMDx) have become critical tools in rejection surveillance beyond standard EMB. METHODS This paper describes an illustrative case followed by a review of MMDx within the context of other noninvasive screening modalities for rejection. CONCLUSIONS We suggest MMDx be used to assist with early detection of rejection in cases of discordance between EMB and other noninvasive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Mehlman
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Fernendez Valledor
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cathrine Moeller
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gal Rubinstein
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dor Lotan
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Salwa Rahman
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kyung T Oh
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Bae
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ersilia M DeFilippis
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Edward F Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sun Hi Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jayant K Raikhelkar
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justin Fried
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kleanthis Theodoropoulos
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paolo C Colombo
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melana Yuzefpolskaya
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Farhana Latif
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin J Clerkin
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel T Sayer
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nir Uriel
- Division of Cardiology, Center for Advanced Cardiac Care, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Alam A, Van Zyl J, McKean S, Abdelrehim A, Patel R, Milligan G, Hall S. Rejection! Or is it? Correlation among molecular microscope diagnostic system, histopathology and clinical judgement following heart transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2023; 81:101924. [PMID: 37648034 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101924] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about clinical decision making among discordant findings concerning for rejection with endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx) and Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) in patients following heart transplantation. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-eight corresponding EMBx and MMDx specimens from 135 adult heart transplant patients were retrospectively reviewed. Rejection was classified as t-cell mediated rejection ≥2R and/or antibody mediated rejection ≥1. Clinical decision making among concordant and discordant cases of EMBx and MMDx results were reviewed. RESULTS Patient characteristics were comparable between concordant and discordant patient groups (median age 60 yrs., 76% male, and 71% White). A total of 167/228 specimens (73%) were concordant for no rejection with 98% agreement in clinical decision making and 25/228 (11%) concordant for rejection with 64% agreement in clinical decision making. Among the 36/228 (16%) discordant samples, clinical decision-making agreed on treatment for rejection in five of the MMDx samples and three of the EMBx samples. CONCLUSIONS MMDx can be an additional tool to diagnose rejection not detected by the traditional EMBx and influence clinical decision making in guiding appropriate treatment. Ongoing investigation into the clinical utility of MMDx is warranted to determine the significance of discordant findings among diagnostic modalities when assessing for rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Alam
- New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Staci McKean
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Raksha Patel
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Shelley Hall
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Lawson AA, Watanabe K, Griffin L, Laternser C, Markl M, Rigsby CK, Sojka M, Robinson JD, Husain N. Late-gadolinium enhancement is common in older pediatric heart transplant recipients and is associated with lower ejection fraction. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2023; 25:61. [PMID: 37932797 PMCID: PMC10626738 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-023-00971-8] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft failure and cumulative rejection history in pediatric heart transplant recipients (PHTR) are associated with myocardial fibrosis on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a validated, non-invasive method to detect myocardial fibrosis via the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). In adult heart transplant recipients, LGE is associated with increased risk of future adverse clinical events including hospitalization and death. We describe the prevalence, pattern, and extent of LGE on CMR in a cohort of PHTR and its associations with recipient and graft characteristics. METHODS This was a retrospective study of consecutive PHTR who underwent CMR over a 6-year period at a single center. Two independent reviewers assessed the presence and distribution of left ventricular (LV) LGE using the American Heart Association (AHA) 17-segment model. LGE quantification was performed on studies with visible fibrosis (LGE+). Patient demographics, clinical history, and CMR-derived volumetry and ejection fractions were obtained. RESULTS Eighty-one CMR studies were performed on 59 unique PHTR. Mean age at CMR was 14.8 ± 6.2 years; mean time since transplant was 7.3 ± 5.0 years. The CMR indication was routine surveillance (without a clinical concern based on laboratory parameters, echocardiography, or cardiac catheterization) in 63% (51/81) of studies. LGE was present in 36% (29/81) of PHTR. In these LGE + studies, patterns included inferoseptal in 76% of LGE + studies (22/29), lateral wall in 41% (12/29), and diffuse, involving > 4 AHA segments, in 21% (6/29). The mean LV LGE burden as a percentage of myocardial mass was 18.0 ± 9.0%. When reviewing only the initial CMR per PHTR (n = 59), LGE + patients were older (16.7 ± 2.9 vs. 12.8 ± 4.6 years, p = 0.001), with greater time since transplant (8.3 ± 5.4 vs. 5.7 ± 3.9 years, p = 0.041). These patients demonstrated higher LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) (34.7 ± 11.7 vs. 28.7 ± 6.1 ml/m2, p = 0.011) and decreased LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (56.2 ± 8.1 vs. 60.6 ± 5.3%, p = 0.015). There were no significant differences in history of moderate/severe rejection (p = 0.196) or cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) (p = 0.709). CONCLUSIONS LV LGE was present in approximately one third of PHTR, more commonly in older patients with longer time since transplantation. Grafts with LGE have lower LVEF. CMR-derived LGE may aid in surveillance of chronic graft failure in PHTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Lawson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Kae Watanabe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay Griffin
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Laternser
- Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Markl
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cynthia K Rigsby
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melanie Sojka
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua D Robinson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nazia Husain
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Wu Z, Miao X, Jiang Y, Kong D, Liu H, Xie W, Shi B, Gong W. Cardiomyocytic cyclic GMP-AMP synthase is critical for the induction of experimental cardiac graft rejection. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 166:e406-e427. [PMID: 37061907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During cardiac transplantation, cellular injury and DNA damage can result in the accumulation of cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which can activate the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway and thus induce multiple proinflammatory responses. However, the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in cardiac transplantation remains unclear. This study explored the role of cardiomyocytic cGAS in mouse heart transplantation during the ischemia/reperfusion and rejection processes. METHODS AND RESULTS Cytosolic dsDNA accumulation and cGAS-STING signaling pathway component upregulation were observed in the grafts posttransplantation. The use of cGAS-deficient donor tissues led to significantly prolonged graft survival. The underlying mechanisms involved decreased expression and phosphorylation of downstream proteins, including TANK binding kinase 1 and nuclear factor κB. In parallel, notably diminished expression levels of various proinflammatory cytokines were observed. Accordingly, substantially decreased proportions of macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+) and CD8+ T cells were observed in the spleen. The activation of CD8+ T cells (CD8+CD69+) within the graft and the proportion of effector memory (CD44highCD62Llow) lymphocytes in the spleen were notably decreased. Treatment with the cGAS inhibitor Ru.521 led to significantly prolonged graft survival. CONCLUSIONS Cardiomyocytic cGAS plays a critical role by sensing cytosolic dsDNA during cardiac transplantation and could serve as a potential therapeutic target to prevent graft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelai Wu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Miao
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuancong Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Deqiang Kong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixun Xie
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingfeng Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou City, China.
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Battle R, Pritchard D, Peacock S, Hastie C, Worthington J, Jordan S, McCaughlan JA, Barnardo M, Cope R, Collins C, Diaz-Burlinson N, Rosser C, Foster L, Kallon D, Shaw O, Briggs D, Turner D, Anand A, Akbarzad-Yousefi A, Sage D. BSHI and BTS UK guideline on the detection of alloantibodies in solid organ (and islet) transplantation. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50 Suppl 2:3-63. [PMID: 37919251 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation represents the best (and in many cases only) treatment option for patients with end-stage organ failure. The effectiveness and functioning life of these transplants has improved each decade due to surgical and clinical advances, and accurate histocompatibility assessment. Patient exposure to alloantigen from another individual is a common occurrence and takes place through pregnancies, blood transfusions or previous transplantation. Such exposure to alloantigen's can lead to the formation of circulating alloreactive antibodies which can be deleterious to solid organ transplant outcome. The purpose of these guidelines is to update to the previous BSHI/BTS guidelines 2016 on the relevance, assessment, and management of alloantibodies within solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Battle
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sarah Peacock
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Sue Jordan
- National Blood Service Tooting, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Barnardo
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Cope
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Luke Foster
- Birmingham Blood Donor Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Olivia Shaw
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - David Turner
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arthi Anand
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Contento J, Cleveland V, Ehtiati T, Olivieri L, Kanter J. A phantom for targeted endomyocardial biopsy training. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2023; 102:1109-1113. [PMID: 37855199 PMCID: PMC10842507 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.30862] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) of the right ventricular (RV) septal surface during cardiac catheterization is the standard method to assess cardiac allograft rejection, heart failure, or inflammatory cardiomyopathies. We developed methodology using a three-dimensional (3D) printed phantom to provide proof of concept for using biplane overlay technology for targeted EMB. A standard bioptome and steerable sheath were used to discern feasibility of biopsy for seven regions of the RV septum guided by 3D overlay. This novel biopsy phantom can help train operators in biopsy techniques, and biplane overlay technology has the potential to advance targeted EMB in transplant and cardiomyopathy populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincent Cleveland
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Tina Ehtiati
- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, PA
| | - Laura Olivieri
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joshua Kanter
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
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Vilalta A. Cost and Use Trends of Endomyocardial Biopsy in Heart Transplant Patients: A 4-Year Claims Data Analysis. Transplant Proc 2023; 55:2186-2190. [PMID: 37805375 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated patterns of utilization, complications, and costs of endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) in heart transplant patients. METHODS The IBM Treatment Pathways tool was used to analyze claims data selected from IBM's MarketScan de-identified Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant dataset. Differences in EMB paid amounts and utilization patterns were assessed for commercial payers and Medicare (2016-2019). The type, frequency, and overall cost of complications of the EMB procedure in these patients were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 8,170 records (6,385 commercial payers and 1,785 Medicare) of heart transplant patients with evidence of EMB procedures performed between 2016 and 2019 were identified in the database. In 2019, the median paid amount for an outpatient EMB in a heart transplant patient was US $7,918 (commercial) and US $2,980 (Medicare). Heart transplant patients received between 4.6 and 6.8 (median; Medicare, commercial) EMBs the first year after the transplant. Approximately 25% of EMB procedures were associated with complications. In 2019, the total median cost of EMB complications per patient was US $9,049. CONCLUSIONS Analysis showed that the paid amount for the EMB procedure increased by almost 25% from 2016 to 2019 for commercial payers. Given the high frequency of complications after the EMB procedure and the associated cost of the complications, it is estimated that the median paid amounts are closer to US $10,000 per patient per EMB. Given the number of EMBs provided, the associated risks, and the paid amount trends, non-invasive alternatives to EMB should be considered for the surveillance of heart transplant patients.
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Andargie TE, Roznik K, Redekar N, Hill T, Zhou W, Apalara Z, Kong H, Gordon O, Meda R, Park W, Johnston TS, Wang Y, Brady S, Ji H, Yanovski JA, Jang MK, Lee CM, Karaba AH, Cox AL, Agbor-Enoh S. Cell-free DNA reveals distinct pathology of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e171729. [PMID: 37651206 PMCID: PMC10617770 DOI: 10.1172/jci171729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition induced by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes pediatric COVID-19 (pCOVID-19). The relationship of the systemic tissue injury to the pathophysiology of MIS-C is poorly defined. We leveraged the high sensitivity of epigenomics analyses of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and plasma cytokine measurements to identify the spectrum of tissue injury and glean mechanistic insights. Compared with pediatric healthy controls (pHCs) and patients with pCOVID-19, patients with MIS-C had higher levels of cfDNA primarily derived from innate immune cells, megakaryocyte-erythroid precursor cells, and nonhematopoietic tissues such as hepatocytes, cardiac myocytes, and kidney cells. Nonhematopoietic tissue cfDNA levels demonstrated significant interindividual variability, consistent with the heterogenous clinical presentation of MIS-C. In contrast, adaptive immune cell-derived cfDNA levels were comparable in MIS-C and pCOVID-19 patients. Indeed, the cfDNA of innate immune cells in patients with MIS-C correlated with the levels of innate immune inflammatory cytokines and nonhematopoietic tissue-derived cfDNA, suggesting a primarily innate immunity-mediated response to account for the multisystem pathology. These data provide insight into the pathogenesis of MIS-C and support the value of cfDNA as a sensitive biomarker to map tissue injury in MIS-C and likely other multiorgan inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen E. Andargie
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Katerina Roznik
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neelam Redekar
- Integrated Data Sciences Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tom Hill
- Integrated Data Sciences Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zainab Apalara
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - Hyesik Kong
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - Oren Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rohan Meda
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - Woojin Park
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - Trevor S. Johnston
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheila Brady
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jack A. Yanovski
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Moon K. Jang
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - Clarence M. Lee
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Andrew H. Karaba
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT) and Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. GFAfT is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Böhmer J, Wasslavik C, Andersson D, Ståhlberg A, Jonsson M, Wåhlander H, Karason K, Sunnegårdh J, Nilsson S, Asp J, Dellgren G, Ricksten A. Absolute Quantification of Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA in Pediatric and Adult Patients After Heart Transplantation: A Prospective Study. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11260. [PMID: 37965628 PMCID: PMC10641041 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In this prospective study we investigated a cohort after heart transplantation with a novel PCR-based approach with focus on treated rejection. Blood samples were collected coincidentally to biopsies, and both absolute levels of dd-cfDNA and donor fraction were reported using digital PCR. 52 patients (11 children and 41 adults) were enrolled (NCT03477383, clinicaltrials.gov), and 557 plasma samples were analyzed. 13 treated rejection episodes >14 days after transplantation were observed in 7 patients. Donor fraction showed a median of 0.08% in the cohort and was significantly elevated during rejection (median 0.19%, p < 0.0001), using a cut-off of 0.1%, the sensitivity/specificity were 92%/56% (AUC ROC-curve: 0.78). Absolute levels of dd-cfDNA showed a median of 8.8 copies/mL and were significantly elevated during rejection (median 23, p = 0.0001). Using a cut-off of 7.5 copies/mL, the sensitivity/specificity were 92%/43% for donor fraction (AUC ROC-curve: 0.75). The results support the feasibility of this approach in analyzing dd-cfDNA after heart transplantation. The obtained values are well aligned with results from other trials. The possibility to quantify absolute levels adds important value to the differentiation between ongoing graft damage and quiescent situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böhmer
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Daniel Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marianne Jonsson
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wåhlander
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristjan Karason
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Sunnegårdh
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia Asp
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Dellgren
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Ricksten
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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49
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Baran DA. Anything But a Biopsy: The Quest for Noninvasive Alternatives in Heart Transplantation. Transplantation 2023; 107:1875-1876. [PMID: 37143200 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Baran
- Department of Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and MCS, Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Weston, FL
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50
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Teszak T, Bödör C, Hegyi L, Levay L, Nagy B, Fintha A, Merkely B, Sax B. Local laboratory-run donor-derived cell-free DNA assay for rejection surveillance in heart transplantation-first six months of clinical experience. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e15078. [PMID: 37489087 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15078] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a blood biomarker detecting graft injury with high negative predictive value. While non-invasive strategies for heart transplant (HTx) rejection surveillance are widely adopted in the United States with centralized testing, data on the feasibility of dd-cfDNA assay at the local level are lacking. Here, we report the first 6 months of experience with a local laboratory-run dd-cfDNA assay in the routine clinical surveillance setting. METHODS Twenty-six HTx patients with stable graft function were transitioned from endomyocardial biopsy-based (EMB) to dd-cfDNA-led rejection surveillance using a commercially available next-generation sequencing-based assay. RESULTS In the 90 samples analyzed, dd-cfDNA fraction remained continuously low in most patients, thus 88% of surveillance EMBs could be safely avoided. In the case of ≥.25% dd-cfDNA, EMB was performed. There was no missed rejection. CONCLUSION Our data show the feasibility to analyze dd-cfDNA at the local level and successful implementation of this non-invasive surveillance method into clinical practice, thus considerably reducing the frequency of invasive surveillance EMBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Teszak
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos Hegyi
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Levay
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Nagy
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Fintha
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Sax
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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