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Athanassiou P, Athanassiou L. Current Treatment Approach, Emerging Therapies and New Horizons in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1496. [PMID: 37511872 PMCID: PMC10381582 DOI: 10.3390/life13071496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the prototype of systemic autoimmune diseases is characterized by extreme heterogeneity with a variable clinical course. Renal involvement may be observed and affects the outcome. Hydroxychloroquine should be administered to every lupus patient irrespective of organ involvement. Conventional immunosuppressive therapy includes corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclosporine and tacrolimus. However, despite conventional immunosuppressive treatment, flares occur and broad immunosuppression is accompanied by multiple side effects. Flare occurrence, target organ involvement, side effects of broad immunosuppression and increased knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in SLE pathogenesis as well as the availability of biologic agents has led to the application of biologic agents in SLE management. Biologic agents targeting various pathogenetic paths have been applied. B cell targeting agents have been used successfully. Belimumab, a B cell targeting agent, has been approved for the treatment of SLE. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 targeting agent is also used in SLE. Anifrolumab, an interferon I receptor-targeting agent has beneficial effects on SLE. In conclusion, biologic treatment is applied in SLE and should be further evaluated with the aim of a good treatment response and a significant improvement in quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lambros Athanassiou
- Department of Rheumatology, Asclepeion Hospital, Voula, GR16673 Athens, Greece
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2
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Kostik M, Kalashnikova E, Rinat R, Isupova E, Gaidar E, Soloviev AA, Masalova V, Snegireva L, Kornishina T, Abramova N, Suspitsin E, Sorokina L, Kaneva M, Dubko MF, Lubimova N, Kuchuinskaya E, Kalashnikova O, Chasnyk V. Rituximab Biosimilar BCD020 Shows Superior Efficacy above Conventional Non-Biologics Treatment in Pediatric Lupus Nephritis: The Data of Retrospective Cohort Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051503. [PMID: 37239173 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children, determining the outcomes of the disease. There are no standardized treatment protocols for pediatric LN, and the role of biologics has not yet been conclusively defined. OBJECTIVES analyze the safety and efficacy of rituximab biosimilar BCD020 in pediatric patients with lupus nephritis. METHODS in a retrospective cohort study, the data from the case histories of 25 patients with LN (10 boys and 15 girls) with an onset age of 13 (9-16) years, who failed conventional non-biologic treatment or developed corticosteroid dependence/toxicity, were included. The diagnosis was made using Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria. Rituximab biosimilar BCD020 was prescribed in a dosage of 375 mg/m2 every week (2-4 infusions) with repeated courses every 6-12 months (2-4 infusions) according to disease activity, B-cell depletion, and IgG levels. The dynamics of clinical and laboratory data, the activity of the disease by SLEDAI, and corticosteroid doses were assessed at the onset and during the rituximab trial. RESULTS The main patient's characteristics were: Pre-rituximab non-biologic conventional treatment included: cyclophosphamide 15 (60%), MMF 8 (32%), azathioprine 3 (12%), hydroxychloroquine 12 (48%), and pulse therapy of methylprednisolone followed by oral methylprednisolone 25 (100%). The time before rituximab was 7.0 (3.0-24.0) months, and the whole observation period was 7.0 (0; 24) months. The initial pre-rituximab treatment slightly reduced SLEDAI levels and the proportion of patients with LN. A significant reduction of SLEDAI, the anti-dsDNA level, proteinuria, hematuria, C4 complement, ESR, and the median corticosteroid dose by 80% from the initial value, as well as the proportion of patients without corticosteroids, was observed after rituximab administration. Two deaths were observed due to catastrophic SLE with macrophage activation syndrome, accompanied by a severe infection (invasive aspergillosis, n = 2). Three patients developed serious adverse events: pneumonia (n = 2), transient agranulocytosis (n = 1) after the third rituximab infusion, and meningitis, caused by Listeria monocytosis, after the first rituximab infusion. Eight patients received antibacterial treatment for different respiratory infections without hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab biosimilar BCD020 showed effectiveness in LN, whereas previous non-biologic treatment was insufficiently effective. Randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab and evaluate the benefits when compared with conventional SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Kostik
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elvira Kalashnikova
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Raupov Rinat
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Eugenia Isupova
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Gaidar
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton A Soloviev
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vera Masalova
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ludmila Snegireva
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana Kornishina
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Abramova
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Suspitsin
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- N.N. Petrov National Research Center of Oncology, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Lubov Sorokina
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria Kaneva
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Margarita F Dubko
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Lubimova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Olga Kalashnikova
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav Chasnyk
- Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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3
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Kalashnikova EM, Raupov RK, Lyubimova NA, Kuchinskaya EM, Masalova VV, Isupova EA, Gaidar EV, Dubko MF, Snegireva LS, Sorokina LS, Kornishina TL, Kaneva MA, Chikova IA, Likhacheva TS, Kolobova OL, Kalashnikova OV, Chasnyk VG, Kostik MM. The experience of rituximab therapy in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: the preliminary results of two-center cohort study. ROSSIYSKIY VESTNIK PERINATOLOGII I PEDIATRII (RUSSIAN BULLETIN OF PERINATOLOGY AND PEDIATRICS) 2023. [DOI: 10.21508/1027-4065-2023-68-1-74-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an immunopathological disease which is characterized by a poor prognosis. Biologics applied in the disease treatment allow reducing the corticosteroid toxicity and controlling the disease.Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.Material and methods. The retrospective study included data of 48 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with rituximab. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed based on the SLICC classification criteria. Patients were assessed at baseline disease status, at the time of rituximab initiation and follow-up. The indications for the rituximab were: lupus nephritis, CNS involvement, and hematological involvement resistant to the standard therapy, and in cases of severe corticosteroid toxicity.Results. During rituximab therapy the significant decrease of the SELENA–SLEDAI activity index was observed. There was a significant decrease of the level of antibodies against dsDNA, normalization of the levels of hemoglobin, ESR, complement C4. The proportion of patients with cytopenia decreased up to their complete absence in patients receiving therapy for three years. The number of patients with active lupus nephritis decreased from 16 at the time of rituximab initiation to 1 after 3 years of therapy. Significant dynamics of proteinuria and hematuria was noted, except for 1 patient. The daily dose of corticosteroids was reduced by 90% from baseline in patients treated for 3 years. Serious adverse events included three deaths in patients with high systemic lupus erythematosus activity with uncontrolled macrophage activation syndrome associated with infections. Various infectious complications, hypogammaglobulinemia, which required replacement therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin, were also recorded.Conclusion. Rituximab can be considered as an option for the treatment of severe forms of systemic lupus erythematosus which are resistant to standard therapy. Further studies are required to evaluate efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. K. Raupov
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University; Turner National Medical Research Center for Children’s Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery
| | | | | | | | | | - E. V. Gaidar
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
| | - M. F. Dubko
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
| | | | | | | | - M. A. Kaneva
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M. M. Kostik
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University; Almazov National Medical Research Center
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4
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Moroni G, Calatroni M, Ponticelli C. Severe lupus nephritis in the present days. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:984613. [PMID: 37675028 PMCID: PMC10479763 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.984613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite improvement in patient and renal prognosis, the disease continued to be associated with a high rate of end stage kidney disease. Along the last decades, it seems that the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have progressively changed. The forms with renal insufficiency at presentation seem to have progressively reduced in developed countries in favour of more mild clinical presentations with urinary abnormalities only. To this clinical change does not correspond a less severe histological lesions, in fact, the extent of active lesions at kidney biopsy are unchanged, whereas chronic lesions are becoming less frequent and less severe. Meanwhile, new types of severe LN defined by the variable association of demographic, clinical, histological characteristics at diagnosis or during the follow-up are gradually emerging and require attention in assessing the therapy and prognosis. During the last years, randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy of new drugs in association with standard therapy to improve the rate of short- and medium-term renal response. One of the advantages is that these results were obtained with reduced dosage of corticosteroids whose protracted use is associated with increase of chronic organ damage. Optimization of therapeutical strategies, tailored on the demographic clinical and histological characteristics, with combination of old and new drugs are urgently needed for severe LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Moroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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5
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Abstract
It is now two decades since Rituximab was first used in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. There have been many challenges but in spite of failing to meet its primary endpoints in two clinical trials it is widely used for many aspects of lupus, its side-effects and the possibility that combining it with Benlysta may be of value. We also consider the proposal that it may provide a useful initial therapy. In this review, we consider the place of Rituximab in the treatment of lupus and anticipate how developments in fully-humanized anti-CD20 monoclonals may well extend the "therapeutic life" of B-cell depletion as a viable treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leandro
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David A Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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6
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Stolyar L, Lahita RG, Panush RS. Rituximab use as induction therapy for lupus nephritis: a systematic review. Lupus 2020; 29:892-912. [PMID: 32486934 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320928412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rituximab (RTX) has important usage in rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. There remains a need for more, better, and safer treatments for patients with lupus nephritis (LN). RTX has been trialed in such patients without definitive conclusions about its effectiveness. As a role for RTX has not been clearly established for LN, we carried out a systematic review and analysis. METHODS We identified 31 studies of RTX for class I-VI LN, and assessed complete renal response (CRR) and partial renal response (PRR) using criteria including serum creatinine, proteinuria, and urinary sediment. Due to differences in the pediatric presentation of the disease, studies focusing on pediatric patients were excluded. RESULTS One randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed superiority of RTX+cyclophosphamide (CYC) versus CYC alone (64% vs. 21% CRR and 19% vs. 36% PRR). Six prospective and retrospective studies utilizing RTX monotherapy found 66% CRR or PRR in all patients. Eleven studies that investigated RTX in combination with CYC or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) also found 66% CRR or PRR in all patients. In total, the CRR for Caucasian, East Asian, and Hispanic patients were 77%, 38%, and 28%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RTX appeared to benefit certain LN patients, but most studies were not randomized or properly controlled, were heterogeneous in design, subjects, and LN types, and were not comparable, and must therefore be interpreted cautiously. RTX alone may not deplete B cells sufficiently for the perturbations of LN. In addition, RTX may induce responses differently among patients of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Furthermore, there were wide variations in the baseline characteristics of the patients, namely LN class, time course of disease, age, and prior immunosuppressive use. We suggest a prospective RCT in patients aged 18-65 years with class IV LN. Ideally, the patients would not have received prior immunosuppression and would better represent different ethnicities. The treatment groups would be RTX, RTX+belimumab, CYC, and MMF groups, with pulse-dose steroids during induction followed by maintenance steroids and MMF. The CRR and PRR would be assessed at 12 and 24 months. This or a similar study might clarify RTX's role in the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Stolyar
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Robert G Lahita
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Centre, Paterson, USA
| | - Richard S Panush
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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7
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Chauhan K, Mehta AA. Rituximab in kidney disease and transplant. Animal Model Exp Med 2019; 2:76-82. [PMID: 31392300 PMCID: PMC6600632 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 antigen of B-cells. It depletes the level of mature B-cells by various mechanisms such as mediation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and B-cell apoptosis. Rituximab is a USFDA approved drug for clinical use in non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma (NHL), rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), granulomatosis with polyangiitis and pemphigus vulgaris. It is also known for its "off label" use in renal disease and renal transplant worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms by which it exerts its effect in the aforementioned condition remain unclear but may be related to its long-term effects on plasma cell development and the impact on B-cell modulation of T cell responses. This review discusses the current use of rituximab in renal disease and renal transplantation, and its potential role in novel therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Chauhan
- Medical ServicesTorrent PharmaceuticalsAhmedabadIndia
| | - Anita A. Mehta
- Department of PharmacologyL. M. College of PharmacyAhmedabadGujaratIndia
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8
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Mehta J, Beukelman T. Biologic Agents in the Treatment of Childhood-Onset Rheumatic Disease. J Pediatr 2017; 189:31-39. [PMID: 28711176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Timothy Beukelman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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9
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Raufi AG, Scott S, Darwish O, Harley K, Kahlon K, Desai S, Lu Y, Tran MH. Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Secondary to Lupus Nephritis, Responsive to Eculizumab. Hematol Rep 2016; 8:6625. [PMID: 27781079 PMCID: PMC5062623 DOI: 10.4081/hr.2016.6625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the spectrum of disease manifestations associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus, lupus nephritis is particularly concerning due to the potential for
renal failure. This autoimmune attack may not, however, be limited to the kidney and
is increasingly being recognized as a trigger for atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
(aHUS). Atypical HUS falls under the spectrum of the thrombotic microangiopathies
(TMAs) – a group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic
anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end organ damage. Although plasma exchange is
considered first-line therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – a TMA
classically associated with autoimmune depletion of ADAMTS-13 – aHUS
demonstrates less reliable responsiveness to this modality. Instead, use of the late
complement inhibitor Eculizumab has emerged as an effective modality for the
management of such patients. Diagnosis of aHUS, however, is largely clinically based,
relying heavily upon a multidisciplinary approach. Herein we present the case of a
patient with atypical HUS successfully treated with Eculizumab in the setting of
Class IV-G (A) lupus nephritis and hypocomplementemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Raufi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shruti Scott
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Omar Darwish
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Harley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kanwarpal Kahlon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sheetal Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yuxin Lu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Minh-Ha Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California , Irvine, CA, USA
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10
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs, including the skin, joints, the central nervous system and the kidneys. Women of childbearing age and certain racial groups are typically predisposed to developing the condition. Rare, inherited, single-gene complement deficiencies are strongly associated with SLE, but the disease is inherited in a polygenic manner in most patients. Genetic interactions with environmental factors, particularly UV light exposure, Epstein-Barr virus infection and hormonal factors, might initiate the disease, resulting in immune dysregulation at the level of cytokines, T cells, B cells and macrophages. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and remains challenging because of the heterogeneity of SLE. Classification criteria have aided clinical trials, but, despite this, only one drug (that is, belimumab) has been approved for use in SLE in the past 60 years. The 10-year mortality has improved and toxic adverse effects of older medications such as cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids have been partially offset by newer drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoid-sparing regimes. However, further improvements have been hampered by the adverse effects of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement and late diagnosis. Adding to this burden is the increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease in SLE together with the risk of infection made worse by immunosuppressive therapy. Challenges remain with treatment-resistant disease and symptoms such as fatigue. Newer therapies may bring hope of better outcomes, and the refinement to stem cell and genetic techniques might offer a cure in the future.
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11
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Abd Rahman AN, Tett SE, Abdul Gafor HA, McWhinney BC, Staatz CE. Exposure-effect relationship of mycophenolic acid and prednisolone in adult patients with lupus nephritis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 80:1064-75. [PMID: 25959850 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to examine relationships between total and unbound mycophenolic acid (MPA) and prednisolone exposure and clinical outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis. METHODS Six blood samples were drawn pre- and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose and total and unbound MPA and prednisolone pre-dose (C0 ), maximum concentration (Cmax ) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were determined using non-compartmental analysis in 25 patients. The analyses evaluated drug exposures in relation to treatment response since starting MPA and drug-related adverse events. RESULTS Dose-normalized AUC varied 10-, 8-, 7- and 19-fold for total MPA, unbound MPA, total prednisolone and unbound prednisolone, respectively. Median values (95% CI) of total MPA AUC(0,8 h) (21.5 [15.0, 42.0] vs. 11.2 [4.8, 30.0] mg l(-1) h, P= 0.048) and Cmax (11.9 [6.7, 26.3] vs. 6.1 [1.6, 9.2] mg l(-1) , P = 0.016) were significantly higher in responders than non-responders. Anaemia was significantly associated with higher total (37.8 [14.1, 77.5] vs. 18.5 [11.7, 32.7] mg l(-1) h, P = 0.038) and unbound MPA AUC(0,12 h) (751 [214, 830] vs. 227 [151, 389] mg l(-1) h, P = 0.004). Unbound prednisolone AUC(0,24 h) was significantly higher in patients with Cushingoid appearance (unbound: 1372 [1242, 1774] vs. 846 [528, 1049] nmol l(-1) h, P = 0.019) than in those without. Poorer treatment response was observed in patients with lowest tertile exposure to both total MPA and prednisolone as compared with patients with middle and higher tertile exposure (17% vs. 74%, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a potential role for therapeutic drug monitoring in individualizing immunosuppressant therapy in patients with lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azrin N Abd Rahman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Susan E Tett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Halim A Abdul Gafor
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Brett C McWhinney
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christine E Staatz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Zhao J, Wang H, Huang Y, Zhang H, Wang S, Gaskin F, Yang N, Fu SM. Lupus nephritis: glycogen synthase kinase 3β promotion of renal damage through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in lupus-prone mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1036-44. [PMID: 25512114 DOI: 10.1002/art.38993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) has been demonstrated to be involved in immune and inflammatory responses via multiple signaling pathways, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GSK-3β in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis in 2 mouse models. METHODS Thiadiazolidinone 8 (TDZD-8), a selective inhibitor of GSK-3β, was administered intraperitoneally to 12-week-old MRL/lpr mice for 8 weeks or to 22-week-old (NZB × NZW)F1 mice for 12 weeks. The expression of GSK-3β and NLRP3 inflammasome components was analyzed. Proteinuria, biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels, and renal pathology were examined. In vitro, the effect of GSK-3β-directed small interfering RNA (siRNA) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation was evaluated in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from the mice and in the J774A.1 macrophage cell line. RESULTS The incidence of severe proteinuria and renal inflammation was significantly attenuated in both models, with a significant reduction in anti-dsDNA antibody production, immune complex deposition in the kidney, and circulating proinflammatory cytokine levels. TDZD-8 inhibited the activation of GSK-3β and caspase 1, with a concomitant decrease in interleukin-1β (IL-1β) synthesis. In vitro, GSK-3β siRNA transfection of mouse BMMs and the J774A.1 cell line with GSK-3β siRNA inhibited the expression of GSK-3β, the activation of caspase 1, and the production of IL-1β. CONCLUSION These results show that GSK-3β promotes lupus nephritis at least partly by activating the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway. The linking of GSK-3β to the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway is a novel observation in our study. Our results suggest that the GSK-3β/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for lupus in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijun Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Pathogenesis of renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus--the role of autoantibodies and lymphocytes subset abnormalities. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:7917-31. [PMID: 25860947 PMCID: PMC4425058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16047917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality. Autoantibodies and aberrations in lymphocyte subsets have putative roles in the pathogenesis of SLE and LN, and might reflect disease activity and are amenable to immunosuppressive treatments. Anti-DNA is one of the well-studied autoantibodies, which correlates with disease activity and has direct nephritogenic effects on resident renal cells and various glomerular components. Other important autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of LN include anti-C1q, anti-α-actinin and anti-nucleosome antibodies. Changes in naive and memory B cells and plasma cells have been observed in SLE and LN patients. These B cell subsets exert diverse effects during pathogenesis of LN such as production of autoantibodies, secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and presentation of auto-antigens to effector cells. Aberration of T lymphocytes, especially the T-helper subsets, is also highly pertinent in the development of LN. In this context, important T helper subsets include Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, TReg and follicular T-helper cells. The growing knowledge on these autoantibodies and lymphocyte subset abnormalities will enhance our understanding of SLE and LN, and hence help devise better strategies for disease monitoring and treatment.
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically diverse and potentially life-threatening auto-immune disease that can affect almost any organ system. Although much is still unknown regarding its pathogenesis, B cell abnormalities are thought to be central. A high relapse rate along with the toxicity associated with conventional treatments signify the need for more tailored approaches in this very heterogeneous disease. Both its mechanism targeting B cells and a relatively large number of case series and observational studies have suggested that the B cell-depleting agent rituximab could be a potent SLE drug. However, two randomized controlled trials failed to meet efficacy endpoints. Nevertheless, rituximab has continued to be used as an off-label alternative mainly in patients refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment. This article will review the current role of rituximab in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Linder Ekö
- Unit for Clinical Therapy Research, Inflammatory Diseases (ClinTRID), Karolinska Institute, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden,
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Nakayamada S, Iwata S, Tanaka Y. Relevance of lymphocyte subsets to B cell-targeted therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Rheum Dis 2015; 18:208-18. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakayamada
- The First Department of Internal Medicine; School of Medicine; University of Occupational and Environmental Health; Kitakyushu Japan
| | - Shigeru Iwata
- The First Department of Internal Medicine; School of Medicine; University of Occupational and Environmental Health; Kitakyushu Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine; School of Medicine; University of Occupational and Environmental Health; Kitakyushu Japan
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Beckwith H, Lightstone L. Rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. Nephron Clin Pract 2014; 128:250-4. [PMID: 25471633 DOI: 10.1159/000368585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) have high associated morbidity and mortality. Side effects, particularly from long-term corticosteroid usage, limit patient adherence, with subsequent impacts on treatment efficacy. In addition, a subset of patients with SLE/LN fails to respond to current standard immunotherapy. There is an urgent need to develop steroid-sparing treatment regimens as well as novel therapies for the management of refractory disease. Rituximab is a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody directed against the B cell CD20 receptor. It has been used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over 30 years and has an excellent safety profile. Recent work has demonstrated a role for B cell depletion therapy in the management of autoimmune disease, and the efficacy of rituximab in many observational studies in SLE and LN has been noted. Unfortunately, two large randomised controlled trials evaluating rituximab for the treatment of renal and non-renal lupus failed to meet their primary endpoints. Reasons for this have been discussed extensively within the medical community with a general consensus that trial design (steroid use, trial size and endpoints used) was the principal reason for the failures. Despite the lack of trial evidence, clinical experience means many physicians firmly believe in the value of rituximab in SLE/LN treatment and have continued to use it in their clinical practice. Recent work has demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab as a steroid-sparing agent and as an alternative therapeutic option for refractory SLE/LN. There are two further rituximab randomised controlled trials planned/started in LN – one using a steroid-minimising regimen with rituximab for induction and one evaluating rituximab for LN refractory to 6 months standard of care treatment. Rituximab remains a problematic drug in lupus and LN – it is a biologically plausible agent with a huge amount of supportive anecdotal clinical data. Yet the completed trials have been negative to date despite clinical experience strongly suggesting efficacy. It is hoped that the two new trials will determine the role for rituximab, at least in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Beckwith
- Imperial AHSC Lupus Centre, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Al Rayes H, Touma Z. Profile of epratuzumab and its potential in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2014; 8:2303-10. [PMID: 25429203 PMCID: PMC4242126 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s49778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a fascinating, emerging field. Research has recently provided us with a better understanding of the immunologic alterations of SLE, leading to the creation of immunomodulatory agents designed to disrupt specific cell targets and pro-inflammatory pathways. Despite the improvement in the prognosis of SLE in the last 50 years with the use of immunosuppressive therapy such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, cytotoxicity remains a major complication of these medications and the need for more specific targeted immunotherapy is increasing. Early recognition and treatment of SLE with targeted immunotherapy has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of disease flare-ups and complications. In this review, we will explore the role of B-cells in the pathogenesis of SLE highlighting current insights into SLE development and management. In addition, we will discuss epratuzumab’s role in the treatment of SLE. Epratuzumab is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody that targets CD22 on B-cell and its role in B-cell modulation, migration, function, and inhibition of B-cell receptor signaling. Epratuzumab is currently in a Phase III study evaluating its efficacy in the management of moderate to severe SLE. All published trials on epratuzumab have shown great promise with safe profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Al Rayes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahi Touma
- University of Toronto Lupus Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Recent clinical trials have provided evidence for the efficacy of low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil as induction treatment for patients with proliferative lupus nephritis in comparative trials with standard-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide. Trials of maintenance treatments have had more variable results, but suggest that the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil may be similar to that of quarterly standard-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide and somewhat more efficacious than azathioprine. Differential responses to mycophenolate mofetil based on ethnicity suggest that it may be more effective in black and Hispanic patients. Rituximab was not efficacious as an adjunct to induction treatment with mycophenolate mofetil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Ward
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Rossi EA, Chang CH, Goldenberg DM. Anti-CD22/CD20 Bispecific antibody with enhanced trogocytosis for treatment of Lupus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98315. [PMID: 24841238 PMCID: PMC4026529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The humanized anti-CD22 antibody, epratuzumab, has demonstrated therapeutic activity in clinical trials of lymphoma, leukemia and autoimmune diseases, treating currently over 1500 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemias, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Because epratuzumab reduces on average only 35% of circulating B cells in patients, and has minimal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and negligible complement-dependent cytotoxicity when evaluated in vitro, its therapeutic activity may not result completely from B-cell depletion. We reported recently that epratuzumab mediates Fc/FcR-dependent membrane transfer from B cells to effector cells via trogocytosis, resulting in a substantial reduction of multiple BCR modulators, including CD22, CD19, CD21, and CD79b, as well as key cell adhesion molecules, including CD44, CD62L, and β7 integrin, on the surface of B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from normal donors or SLE patients. Rituximab has clinical activity in lupus, but failed to achieve primary endpoints in a Phase III trial. This is the first study of trogocytosis mediated by bispecific antibodies targeting neighboring cell-surface proteins, CD22, CD20, and CD19, as demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We show that, compared to epratuzumab, a bispecific hexavalent antibody comprising epratuzumab and veltuzumab (humanized anti-CD20 mAb) exhibits enhanced trogocytosis resulting in major reductions in B-cell surface levels of CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD79b, CD44, CD62L and β7-integrin, and with considerably less immunocompromising B-cell depletion that would result with anti-CD20 mAbs such as veltuzumab or rituximab, given either alone or in combination with epratuzumab. A CD22/CD19 bispecific hexavalent antibody, which exhibited enhanced trogocytosis of some antigens and minimal B-cell depletion, may also be therapeutically useful. The bispecific antibody is a candidate for improved treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases, offering advantages over administration of the two parental antibodies in combination.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/pharmacology
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Immunological Synapses/metabolism
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Rituximab
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund A. Rossi
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Chien-Hsing Chang
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - David M. Goldenberg
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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AlE’ed A, AlSonbul A, Al-Mayouf SM. Safety and efficacy of combined cyclophosphamide and rituximab treatment in recalcitrant childhood lupus. Rheumatol Int 2013; 34:529-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2896-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Cucchiari D, Graziani G, Ponticelli C. The dialysis scenario in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013; 29:1507-13. [PMID: 25053848 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although prognosis of lupus nephritis has improved over time, a substantial amount of lupus patients still reach end-stage renal disease and require dialysis. Treatment of these patients can be challenging, since the disease poses a number of problems that can portend a poor prognosis, such as infections, lupus reactivations, vascular access thrombosis and cardiovascular complications. Consensus is lacking among investigators about the real incidence of these complications and related diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the choice of the type of dialysis treatment and the overall prognosis are still a matter of debate. In this paper, we have reviewed the currently available literature in an attempt to answer the most controversial issues about the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cucchiari
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Giorgio Graziani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Claudio Ponticelli
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, MI, Italy
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