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Galosi E, Pirone C, Ceccarelli F, Esposito N, Falco P, Leopizzi M, Di Maio V, Tramontana L, De Stefano G, Di Pietro G, Di Stefano G, Garufi C, Leone C, Natalucci F, Orefice V, Alessandri C, Spinelli FR, Truini A, Conti F. Clinical, histologic, and immunologic signatures of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024. [PMID: 38981675 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12644] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often causes damage to small nerve fibers, leading to distressing painful and autonomic symptoms. Despite this, Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) remains an underrecognized complication for SLE patients. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess SFN in patients with SLE and to explore its correlations with immunologic disease features and clinical manifestations. METHODS We recruited 50 SLE patients (1 male to 12.5 females, aged 20-80 years) reporting painful disturbances. We conducted a comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological evaluation, using Nerve Conduction Studies and Quantitative Sensory Testing. Additionally, we carried out an extensive laboratory assessment of disease-related serological parameters. We also performed a thorough skin biopsy analysis, investigating somatic and autonomic innervation while detecting complement and inflammatory cell infiltrates within the skin. RESULTS Out of 50 patients, 19 were diagnosed with SFN, primarily characterized by a non-length-dependent distribution; 7 had a mixed neuropathy, with both large and small fiber involvement. Patients with SFN were younger than patients with a mixed neuropathy (p = .0143); furthermore, they were more likely to have a history of hypocomplementemia (p = .0058) and to be treated with cyclosporine A (p = .0053) compared to patients without neuropathy. However, there were no significant differences in painful and autonomic symptoms between patients with and without SFN. DISCUSSION This study highlights the relevant frequency of SFN with a non-length-dependent distribution among SLE patients experiencing painful symptoms. Indeed, SFN emerges as an early manifestation of SLE-related neuropathy and is closely associated with hypocomplementemia, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of the complement system. Moreover, SFN may be influenced by disease-modifying therapies. However, the precise role of SFN in shaping painful and autonomic symptoms in patients with SLE remains to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Pirone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Leopizzi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Maio
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tramontana
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Garufi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Natalucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Orefice
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Alessandri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Spinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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He X, Zhu X, Tang Z, Gairy K, Juliao P, Wu Z, Han S. Hospital Healthcare Resource Utilization and Associated Hospital Costs of Patients With Lupus Nephritis in China: A National Administrative Claim Database Study. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 43:101001. [PMID: 38850589 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101001] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess hospital healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated hospital costs of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) in China and compare these outcomes with a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort (SLE with/without LN) as well as exploring the effect of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). METHODS This retrospective administrative claims-based analysis identified patients with SLE and SLE with LN from China using diagnosis codes and keywords. Patients with LN were subcategorized by presence of ESKD. Outcomes included all-cause and disease-specific HCRU (defined as healthcare visits including inpatient and outpatient visits) and medical costs (in 2022 US dollars). RESULTS In total, 3645 patients with SLE were included, of whom 404 (11%) had LN. Among those with LN, 142 (35%) had ESKD. Median (interquartile range) all-cause healthcare visits per patient per month (PPPM) was significantly greater for patients with LN (2.08 [4.01]) vs SLE (0.92 [1.64]; P < .0001). Patients with LN and ESKD (3.00 [4.18]) had numerically more all-cause healthcare visits PPPM compared with LN patients without ESKD (1.50 [3.45]). Median all-cause costs PPPM were significantly greater among patients with LN ($287.46 [477.15]) vs SLE ($113.09 [267.39]; P < .0001) and numerically higher for patients with LN and ESKD ($466.29 [958.90]) vs LN without ESKD ($223.50 [319.56]). CONCLUSIONS Chinese patients with LN had greater HCRU and hospital healthcare costs compared with the general SLE cohort. This burden was higher for those with ESKD. These data highlight the substantial HCRU among patients with LN in China, especially those with ESKD, suggesting the need for early diagnosis and timely management of LN to mitigate the economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GSK, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhu
- International Research Center for Medicinal Administration, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliu Tang
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GSK, Shanghai, China
| | - Kerry Gairy
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GSK, Brentford, England, UK
| | | | - Zongxi Wu
- Data Statistics Department, Beijing Brainpower Pharma Consulting Co. Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Han
- International Research Center for Medicinal Administration, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Fernández-Cladera Y, García-González M, Hernández-Díaz M, Gómez-Bernal F, Quevedo-Abeledo JC, González-Rivero AF, de Vera-González A, Gómez-Moreno C, González-Gay MÁ, Ferraz-Amaro I. Relationship of Hematological Profiles with the Serum Complement System in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biomedicines 2024; 12:967. [PMID: 38790929 PMCID: PMC11117834 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder identified by hematological abnormalities including anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Complement system disturbance is implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this work, we aim to study how a full assessment of the complement system, which includes the evaluation of its three pathways, relates to blood cell counts in a population of patients with SLE. New-generation functional assays of the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways of the complement system were conducted in 284 patients with SLE. Additionally, serum levels of inactive molecules (C1q, C2, C3, C4, factor D) and activated molecules (C3a), as well as regulators (C1-inhibitor and factor H), were evaluated. Complete blood cell counts were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to study the relationship of hematological profiles with this full characterization of the complement system. After multivariable adjustments that included age, sex, SLICC-DI (damage), and SLEDAI (activity) scores, as well as the use of aspirin, prednisone, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil, several relationships were observed between the C pathways and the individual products and blood cells profile. Lower values of C1q and C2 were associated with lower hemoglobin levels. Lower leukocyte counts showed significantly lower values of C4, C1 inhibitor, C3, factor D, and alternative pathway functional levels. Neutrophil counts showed significant negative relationships only with the alternative pathway and C1-inh. In the case of lymphocytes, associations were found, especially with functional tests of the classical and alternative pathways, as well as with C2, C4, C3, and C3a. On the contrary, for platelets, significance was only observed, after multivariable adjustment, with lower C2 concentrations. In conclusion, the serum complement system and hematological profile in SLE are independently linked, after adjustment for disease activity and damage. These relationships are basically negative and are predominantly found in lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Fernández-Cladera
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (Y.F.-C.); (F.G.-B.); (A.F.G.-R.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | - María García-González
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (M.H.-D.)
| | - Marta Hernández-Díaz
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (M.H.-D.)
| | - Fuensanta Gómez-Bernal
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (Y.F.-C.); (F.G.-B.); (A.F.G.-R.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | | | - Agustín F. González-Rivero
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (Y.F.-C.); (F.G.-B.); (A.F.G.-R.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | - Antonia de Vera-González
- Division of Central Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (Y.F.-C.); (F.G.-B.); (A.F.G.-R.); (A.d.V.-G.)
| | - Cristina Gómez-Moreno
- School of Nursing, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Miguel Á. González-Gay
- Division of Rheumatology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Iván Ferraz-Amaro
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (M.H.-D.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain
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Mariaselvam CM, Seth G, Kavadichanda C, Boukouaci W, Wu CL, Costes B, Thabah MM, Krishnamoorthy R, Leboyer M, Negi VS, Tamouza R. Low C4A copy numbers and higher HERV gene insertion contributes to increased risk of SLE, with absence of association with disease phenotype and disease activity. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09475-8. [PMID: 38594415 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Low copy numbers (CNs) of C4 genes are associated with systemic autoimmune disorders and affects autoantibody diversity and disease subgroups. The primary objective of this study was to characterize diversity of complement (C4) and C4-Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) gene copy numbers in SLE. We also sought to assess the association of C4 and C4-HERV CNs with serum complement levels, autoantibodies, disease phenotypes and activity. Finally, we checked the association of C4 and HERV CNs with specific HLA alleles. Genomic DNA from 70 SLE and 90 healthy controls of south Indian Tamil origin were included. Demographic, clinical and serological data was collected in a predetermined proforma. CNs of C4A and C4B genes and the frequency of insertion of 6.4kb HERV within C4 gene (C4AL, C4BL) was determined using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). A four digit high resolution HLA genotyping was done using next generation sequencing. In our cohort, the total C4 gene copies ranged from 2 to 6. Compared to controls, presence of two or less copies of C4A gene was associated with SLE risk (p = 0.005; OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.29-6.22). Higher frequency of HERV insertion in C4A than in C4B increases such risk (p = 0.000; OR = 12.67; 95% CI = 2.80-115.3). AL-AL-AL-BS genotype was significantly higher in controls than SLE (9%vs1%, p = 0.04; OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.00-0.16). Distribution of HLA alleles was not different in SLE compared to controls as well as in SLE subjects with ≤ 2 copies and > 2 copies of C4A, but HLA allele distribution was diverse in subjects with C4B ≤ 2 copies and > 2 copies. Finally, there was no correlation between the C4 and the C4-HERV diversity and complement levels, autoantibodies, disease phenotypes and activity. In conclusion, our data show that, low C4A copy number and higher insertion of HERV-K in C4A increases the risk for SLE. C4 and C4-HERV CNs did not correlate with serum complements, autoantibodies, disease phenotypes and activity in SLE. Further validation in a larger homogenous SLE cohort is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mary Mariaselvam
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605 006, India.
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France.
| | - Gaurav Seth
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Chengappa Kavadichanda
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Wahid Boukouaci
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Ching-Lien Wu
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Bruno Costes
- IMRB, INSERM U955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Molly Mary Thabah
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Rajagopal Krishnamoorthy
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
| | - Vir Singh Negi
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605 006, India
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- AP-HP, DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT, Fondation FondaMental, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM UMR 955, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, F-94010, France
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5
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Ambler WG, Kaplan MJ. Vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:251-265. [PMID: 38172627 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00797-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are frequently present in patients with SLE, they do not explain the high burden of premature vascular disease. Profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation seems to be the primary driver of accelerated vascular damage in SLE. In particular, evidence suggests that dysregulation of type 1 interferon (IFN-I) and aberrant neutrophils have key roles in the pathogenesis of vascular damage. IFN-I promotes endothelial dysfunction directly via effects on endothelial cells and indirectly via priming of immune cells that contribute to vascular damage. SLE neutrophils are vasculopathic in part because of their increased ability to form immunostimulatory neutrophil extracellular traps. Despite improvements in clinical care, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with SLE, and treatments that improve vascular outcomes are urgently needed. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of vascular injury in inflammatory conditions such as SLE could also have implications for common cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and may ultimately lead to personalized therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Ambler
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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6
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D’Sa S, Vos JMI, Barcellini W, Wardęcki M, Perrin L, Barker G, Zilberstein M, Storek M, Chow T, Röth A. Safety, tolerability, and activity of the active C1s antibody riliprubart in cold agglutinin disease: a phase 1b study. Blood 2024; 143:713-720. [PMID: 38085846 PMCID: PMC10900135 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022153] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cold agglutinin disease is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized by complement pathway-mediated hemolysis. Riliprubart (SAR445088, BIVV020), a second-generation classical complement inhibitor, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits only the activated form of C1s. This Phase 1b study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and effect on hemolysis of riliprubart in adult patients with cold agglutinin disease. On day 1, 12 patients received a single IV dose of either 30 mg/kg (n = 6) or 15 mg/kg (n = 6) of riliprubart and were subsequently followed for 15 weeks. Riliprubart was generally well tolerated; there were no treatment-emergent serious adverse events, or treatment-emergent adverse events leading to death or permanent study discontinuation. There were no reports of serious infections, encapsulated bacterial infections including meningococcal infections, hypersensitivity, or thromboembolic events. Rapid improvements in hemoglobin (day 5) and bilirubin (day 1) were observed in both treatment cohorts. Mean hemoglobin levels were maintained at >11.0 g/dL from day 29 and mean levels of bilirubin were normalized by day 29; both responses were maintained throughout the study. Improvements in clinical markers closely correlated with a sustained reduction in the 50% hemolytic complement (CH50) throughout the study. Mean C4 levels, an in vivo marker of treatment activity, increased 1 week after treatment with either dose of riliprubart and were sustained throughout the study. In conclusion, a single IV dose of riliprubart was well tolerated, and led to rapid classical complement inhibition, control of hemolysis, and improvement in anemia, all of which were sustained over 15 weeks. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT04269551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley D’Sa
- UCLH Centre for Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia and Related Conditions, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine M. I. Vos
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, and Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Röth
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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7
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Lindelöf L, Rantapää-Dahlqvist S, Lundtoft C, Sandling JK, Leonard D, Sayadi A, Rönnblom L, Enocsson H, Sjöwall C, Jönsen A, Bengtsson AA, Hong MG, Diaz-Gallo LM, Bianchi M, Kozyrev SV, Lindblad-Toh K, Nilsson Ekdahl K, Nilsson B, Gunnarsson I, Svenungsson E, Eriksson O. A survey of ficolin-3 activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus reveals a link to hematological disease manifestations and autoantibody profile. J Autoimmun 2024; 143:103166. [PMID: 38219652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103166] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The complement system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), but most studies have focused on the classical pathway. Ficolin-3 is the main initiator of the lectin pathway of complement in humans, but its role in systemic autoimmune disease has not been conclusively determined. Here, we combined biochemical and genetic approaches to assess the contribution of ficolin-3 to SLE risk and disease manifestations. Ficolin-3 activity was measured by a functional assay in serum or plasma samples from Swedish SLE patients (n = 786) and controls matched for age and sex (n = 566). Genetic variants in an extended 300 kb genomic region spanning the FCN3 locus were analyzed for their association with ficolin-3 activity and SLE manifestations in a Swedish multicenter cohort (n = 985). Patients with ficolin-3 activity in the highest tertile showed a strong enrichment in an SLE cluster defined by anti-Sm/DNA/nucleosome antibodies (OR 3.0, p < 0.001) and had increased rates of hematological disease (OR 1.4, p = 0.078) and lymphopenia (OR = 1.6, p = 0.039). Genetic variants associated with low ficolin-3 activity mapped to an extended haplotype in high linkage disequilibrium upstream of the FCN3 gene. Patients carrying the lead genetic variant associated with low ficolin-3 activity had a lower frequency of hematological disease (OR 0.67, p = 0.018) and lymphopenia (OR 0.63, p = 0.031) and fewer autoantibodies (p = 0.0019). Loss-of-function variants in the FCN3 gene were not associated with SLE, but four (0.5 %) SLE patients developed acquired ficolin-3 deficiency where ficolin-3 activity in serum was depleted following diagnosis of SLE. Taken together, our results provide genetic and biochemical evidence that implicate the lectin pathway in hematological SLE manifestations. We also identify lectin pathway activation through ficolin-3 as a factor that contributes to the autoantibody response in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Lindelöf
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Christian Lundtoft
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna K Sandling
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Leonard
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Sayadi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Enocsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jönsen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders A Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mun-Gwan Hong
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lina-Marcela Diaz-Gallo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matteo Bianchi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergey V Kozyrev
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristina Nilsson Ekdahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Linnaeus Center for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Iva Gunnarsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oskar Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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8
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Martz CD, Webb-Detiege T, Danila MI, Chae DH. Sociodemographic profiles and organ damage accural in the Black Women's Experience Living with Lupus study. Lupus 2024; 33:17-25. [PMID: 38048450 PMCID: PMC10777614 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231218923] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Black/African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience greater organ damage and at younger ages than white women. The objective of this study was to advance research on SLE inequities by identifying sociodemographic risk profiles associated with organ damage accrual specifically among Black/African American women. METHODS Latent profile analysis was conducted among 438 Black/African American women with SLE living in Atlanta, GA and enrolled in the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study (May 2015 to April 2017). Proportional hazard and Poisson regression models examined prospective associations between sociodemographic profiles and the timing and degree of organ damage accrual over 2 years. RESULTS Four profiles emerged: (1) "Younger/Lower SES with Uncontrolled SLE" (44.8%), (2) "Older/Lower SES with Uncontrolled SLE" (23.3%), (3) "Mid-SES with Controlled SLE" (19.6%), and (4) "Higher SES with Controlled SLE" (11.2%). Approximately 42% of participants experienced new organ damage during the follow-up period. Proportional hazard models indicated that "Older/Lower SES with Uncontrolled SLE" participants were at greatest risk of new organ damage (HR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.39, 4.19), followed by "Younger/Lower SES with Uncontrolled SLE" participants (HR = 1.56; 95% CI = 0.92, 2.67), compared to those in the "Higher SES with Controlled SLE" profile. Poisson regression models revealed that these two groups also exhibited greater organ damage accrual (b = 0.98, SE = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.52, 1.44 and b = 0.72, SE = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.27, 1.17, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Black/African American women with fewer socioeconomic resources and uncontrolled SLE are at greatest risk for increasing disease severity over time. Social inequities likely contribute to racial inequities in SLE progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor D Martz
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tamika Webb-Detiege
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
- The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Maria I Danila
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David H Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Larsen ML, Troldborg A, Toonen EJM, Hurler L, Prohaszka Z, Cervenak L, Gudmann Hansen A, Thiel S. Differentiating between activation via the lectin or the classical complement pathway in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:18-25. [PMID: 37407023 PMCID: PMC10711355 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad070] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement activation is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and can proceed through the classical (CP), lectin (LP), or alternative pathway (AP). When managing SLE patients, pathway-specific complement activation is rarely monitored as clinical assays are unavailable. In this study, we aim to differentiate between CP- or LP-mediated complement activation in SLE patients by quantifying pathway-specific protein complexes, namely C1s/C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) (CP-specific activation) and MASP-1/C1-INH (LP-specific activation). Levels for both complexes were assessed in 156 SLE patients and 50 controls using two newly developed ELISAs. We investigated whether pathway-specific complement activation was associated with disease activity and lupus nephritis (LN). Disease activity stratification was performed using SLEDAI scores assessed at inclusion. C1s/C1-INH concentrations were significantly increased in active SLE patients (SLEDAI ≥6) when compared with SLE patients with low disease activity (SLEDAI <6, P < 0.01) and correlated with SLEDAI score (r = .29, P < 0.01). In active LN, MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were significantly increased compared with nonactive LN (P = 0.02). No differences in MASP-1/C1-INH plasma concentrations were observed between active SLE patients and patients with low disease activity (P = 0.11) nor did we observe a significant correlation with disease activity (r = 0.12, P = 0.15). Our data suggest that the CP and the LP are activated in SLE. The CP is activated in active SLE disease, whereas activation of the LP might be more specific to disease manifestations like LN. Our results warrant further research into specific complement pathway activation in SLE patients to potentially improve specific-targeted and tailored-treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lamm Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Lisa Hurler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Prohaszka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University-Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Rojo R, Calvo Alén J, Prada Á, Valor S, Roy G, López-Hoyos M, Cervera R, Sánchez Mateos P, Jurado Roger A. Recommendations for the use of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in the diagnosis and follow-up of systemic lupus erythematosus - A proposal from an expert panel. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103479. [PMID: 37967782 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103479] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Anti-dsDNA autoantibodies are listed as one of the classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are relatively effective indicators for monitoring disease activity and treatment response. Therefore, clinicians rely on them to diagnose and adjust medication and treatment strategies for SLE patients. However, the use of anti-dsDNA antibodies is not free from controversy. Part of this controversy stems from the fact that anti-dsDNA antibodies are found in several disorders, besides SLE. In addition to this, anti-dsDNA antibodies are a heterogeneous group of antibodies, and their determination still lacks proper standardization. Moreover, anti-dsDNA testing specificity and diagnostic performance change depending on the population under study. These and other issues result in inconsistency and encumber the clinical use of anti-dsDNA antibodies. A panel of medical laboratory and clinical experts on SLE discussed such issues based on their clinical experience in a first meeting, establishing a series of recommendations. The proceedings of this first meeting, plus an exhaustive review of the literature, were used to compose a paper draft. The panel subsequently discussed and refined this draft in a second meeting, the result of which is this paper. This document is relevant to clinical laboratories as it guides to improving diagnosis and monitoring of SLE. Simultaneously, it will help laboratories compile more informative reports, not limited to a mere number. It is also relevant to clinical doctors who wish to better understand laboratory methods so that they can do a more efficient, better-aimed laboratory test ordering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Rojo
- Specialist Consultant at the Immunology Department of the University Hospital of A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jaime Calvo Alén
- Head of the Rheumatology Department at the Araba University Hospital, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Álvaro Prada
- Head of Section at the Immunology Laboratory of the University Hospital of Donostia, Spain
| | | | - Garbiñe Roy
- Head of the Autoimmunity Section at the Immunology Department of the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Hoyos
- Head of the Immunology Department at the Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL University Hospital, Santander. Full Professor, Molecular Biology Department at the University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Head of the Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Paloma Sánchez Mateos
- Full Professor at the Complutense University, and Specialist Consultant at the Immunology Department of the Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Jurado Roger
- Head of Section at the Immunology and Allergology Department of the Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
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11
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Riva N, Brstilo L, Sancho-Araiz A, Molina M, Savransky A, Roffé G, Sanz M, Tenembaum S, Katsicas MM, Trocóniz IF, Schaiquevich P. Population Pharmacodynamic Modelling of the CD19+ Suppression Effects of Rituximab in Paediatric Patients with Neurological and Autoimmune Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2534. [PMID: 38004515 PMCID: PMC10674351 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited pharmacotherapy and the failure of conventional treatments in complex pathologies in children lead to increased off-label use of rituximab. We aimed to characterize the time course of CD19+ B lymphocytes (CD19+) under treatment with intravenous rituximab in children with neurologic and autoimmune diseases and to evaluate the impact of covariates (i.e., demographics, diagnosis and substitution between innovator and biosimilar product) on rituximab pharmacodynamics and disease activity. METHODS Pre- and post-drug infusion CD19+ in peripheral blood were prospectively registered. A population pharmacodynamic model describing the time course of CD19+ was developed with NONMEM v7.4. Simulations of three different rituximab regimens were performed to assess the impact on CD19+. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of clinical response recorded through disease activity scores. RESULTS 281 measurements of CD19+ lymphocyte counts obtained from 63 children with neurologic (n = 36) and autoimmune (n = 27) diseases were available. The time course of CD19+ was described with a turn-over model in which the balance between synthesis and degradation rates is disrupted by rituximab, increasing the latter process. The model predicts half-lives (percent coefficient of variation, CV(%)) of rituximab and CD19+ of 11.6 days (17%) and 173.3 days (22%), respectively. No statistically significant effect was found between any of the studied covariates and model parameters (p > 0.05). Simulations of different regimens showed no clinically significant differences in terms of CD19+ repopulation times. A trend towards a lack of clinical response was observed in patients with lower CD19+ repopulation times and higher areas under the CD19+ versus time curve. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab pharmacodynamics was described in a real-world setting in children suffering from autoimmune and neurologic diseases. Diagnosis, substitution between innovator rituximab and its biosimilars or type of regimen did not affect rituximab-induced depletion of CD19+ nor the clinical response in this cohort of patients. According to this study, rituximab frequency and dosage may be chosen based on clinical convenience or safety reasons without affecting CD19+ repopulation times. Further studies in larger populations are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Riva
- Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.S.-A.); (I.F.T.)
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (L.B.); (M.M.); (P.S.)
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425 FQB, Argentina
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lucas Brstilo
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (L.B.); (M.M.); (P.S.)
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425 FQB, Argentina
| | - Aymara Sancho-Araiz
- Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.S.-A.); (I.F.T.)
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (L.B.); (M.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Manuel Molina
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (L.B.); (M.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Andrea Savransky
- Neurology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Georgina Roffé
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (G.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Marianela Sanz
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (G.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Silvia Tenembaum
- Neurology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Maria M. Katsicas
- Immunology and Rheumatology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina;
| | - Iñaki F. Trocóniz
- Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.S.-A.); (I.F.T.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, DATAI, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires C1245 CABA, Argentina; (L.B.); (M.M.); (P.S.)
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1425 FQB, Argentina
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12
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Kareem S, Jacob A, Mathew J, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. Complement: Functions, location and implications. Immunology 2023; 170:180-192. [PMID: 37222083 PMCID: PMC10524990 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system, an arm of the innate immune system plays a critical role in both health and disease. The complement system is highly complex with dual possibilities, helping or hurting the host, depending on the location and local microenvironment. The traditionally known functions of complement include surveillance, pathogen recognition, immune complex trafficking, processing and pathogen elimination. The noncanonical functions of the complement system include their roles in development, differentiation, local homeostasis and other cellular functions. Complement proteins are present in both, the plasma and on the membranes. Complement activation occurs both extra- and intracellularly, which leads to considerable pleiotropy in their activity. In order to design more desirable and effective therapies, it is important to understand the different functions of complement, and its location-based and tissue-specific responses. This manuscript will provide a brief overview into the complex nature of the complement cascade, outlining some of their complement-independent functions, their effects at different locale, and their implication in disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Kareem
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Alexander Jacob
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - John Mathew
- Department of Rheumatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Richard J Quigg
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Jessy J Alexander
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
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13
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Humayun S, Bali A, Avula S, Naik R. Disseminated Gonococcal Infection With Dermatitis-Arthritis Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e44991. [PMID: 37822430 PMCID: PMC10564561 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44991] [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] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by gram-negative diplococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Disseminated gonorrhea is diagnosed infrequently, partly due to low suspicion at the time of presentation, and at times, due to overlapping symptoms associated with non-infectious conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this article, we present a 42-year-old sexually active female with knee pain and swelling, fever, and rash. Knee aspirate showed the presence of monosodium urate crystals, and the synovial culture grew gram-negative diplococci, requiring multiple joint washouts. The urine nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) was indeterminate. She was treated with high-dose intravenous ceftriaxone for one week post-joint washout with rapid improvement in her condition and resolution of the rash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Humayun
- Internal Medicine, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes-Barre, USA
| | - Atul Bali
- Internal Medicine / Nephrology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, USA
- Internal Medicine / Nephrology, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes-Barre, USA
- Medicine, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, USA
| | - Sreekant Avula
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Rochester, USA
| | - Roopa Naik
- Medicine, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, USA
- Internal Medicine / Hospital Medicine, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes-Barre, USA
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14
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Martz CD, Wang Y, Chung KW, Jiakponnah NN, I Danila M, Webb-Detiege T, Allen AM, Chae DH. Incident racial discrimination predicts elevated C-Reactive protein in the Black Women's experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) study. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 112:77-84. [PMID: 37286173 PMCID: PMC10919347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.004] [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] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial discrimination is a distinct health threat that increases disease risk among Black Americans. Psychosocial stress may compromise health through inflammatory mechanisms. This study examines incident experiences of racial discrimination and changes in the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) over a two-year period among Black women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-an inflammatory autoimmune disease sensitive to psychosocial stress and characterized by stark racial inequities in outcomes. METHODS Data are from the Black Women's Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study. Participants (n = 380) from metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia were enrolled from April 2015 to May 2017. Incident racial discrimination was assessed bi-annually via self-report using the Experiences of Discrimination measure. CRP was assessed annually over a two-year period. Latent change score analyses modeled longitudinal within-person associations between incident racial discrimination and change in log-transformed CRP from baseline to Year 2. RESULTS Incident experiences of racial discrimination were associated with elevated log-CRP across the two-year study period (b = 0.039, SE = 0.017, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.071). For each domain of incident racial discrimination experienced, CRP increased 3.98%. CONCLUSION This study contributes to growing evidence on the biological consequences of racism and is the first to document an association between incident racial discrimination and changes in inflammation among Black women with SLE. Racial inequities in SLE outcomes and other diseases driven by inflammatory pathways may be explained in part through experiences of racial discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor D Martz
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23(rd) Street, Stop G1800, RLP 2.602, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| | - Yijie Wang
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Drive, Human Ecology, 13C, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Kara W Chung
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Nwanyieze N Jiakponnah
- Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, Suite 8513, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Maria I Danila
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 510 20(th) Street South #834, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Tamika Webb-Detiege
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Health, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121, United States; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA 70121, United States
| | - Amani M Allen
- Divisions of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - David H Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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15
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Huang B, Feng D, Niu X, Huang W, Hao S. Serum RGC-32 in children with systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11047. [PMID: 37422503 PMCID: PMC10329644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38092-y] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be more severe than adult patients. Early diagnosis and accurate evaluation of the disease are very important for the patients. Response gene to complement-32 (RGC-32) protein is the downstream regulator of C5b-9 complex which is the terminal pathway of complement activation. Complement system plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. RGC-32 in patients with SLE has not been reported yet. We aimed to examine the clinical value of RGC-32 in children with SLE. A total of 40 children with SLE and another 40 healthy children were enrolled for this study. Clinical data were obtained prospectively. Serum RGC-32 was determined by ELISA. We found that serum RGC-32 was significantly elevated in children with SLE than that in the healthy group. Serum RGC-32 was significantly higher in the children with moderately/severely active SLE than that in the children with no/mildly active SLE. Furthermore, serum RGC-32 level correlated positively with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ferritin and correlated negatively with white blood cell counts and C3. RGC-32 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. RGC-32 might become a good biomarker in the diagnosis and evaluation of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxue Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaoling Niu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Wenyan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Sheng Hao
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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16
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Mousavi MJ, Alizadeh A, Ghotloo S. Interference of B lymphocyte tolerance by prolactin in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16977. [PMID: 37332964 PMCID: PMC10276217 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16977] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are the most common rheumatic autoimmune diseases/disorders (RADs) that affect autologous connective tissues as a result of the breakdown of the self-tolerance mechanisms of the immune system. Prolactin, a glycoprotein hormone, has been known for its crucial role in the pathogenesis of these rheumatic autoimmune diseases. In addition to regulating lymphocyte proliferation and antibody synthesis, prolactin is also responsible for regulating cytokine production. Moreover, it contributes to the breakdown of central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms of B lymphocytes. Given the crucial role of prolactin in the pathogenesis of the mentioned RADs, prolactin may contribute to their pathogenesis by the breakdown of tolerance. In the present study, the key role of prolactin to the breakdown of B lymphocyte tolerance and its possible implication for the pathogenesis of these diseases is discussed. Current literature supports prolactin's role in the breakdown of B lymphocyte central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms, such apoptosis, receptor editing, and also anergy. Therefore, prolactin may contribute to the pathogenesis of RADs by the breakdown of B lymphocyte tolerance. However, more investigations, particularly in RA and SSc animal models, are required to precisely address the pathologic role of prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Student Research and Technology Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Department of Hematology, School of Para-Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Ardalan Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ghotloo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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17
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Coss SL, Zhou D, Chua GT, Aziz RA, Hoffman RP, Wu YL, Ardoin SP, Atkinson JP, Yu CY. The complement system and human autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2023; 137:102979. [PMID: 36535812 PMCID: PMC10276174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic deficiencies of early components of the classical complement activation pathway (especially C1q, r, s, and C4) are the strongest monogenic causal factors for the prototypic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their prevalence is extremely rare. In contrast, isotype genetic deficiency of C4A and acquired deficiency of C1q by autoantibodies are frequent among patients with SLE. Here we review the genetic basis of complement deficiencies in autoimmune disease, discuss the complex genetic diversity seen in complement C4 and its association with autoimmune disease, provide guidance as to when clinicians should suspect and test for complement deficiencies, and outline the current understanding of the mechanisms relating complement deficiencies to autoimmunity. We focus primarily on SLE, as the role of complement in SLE is well-established, but will also discuss other informative diseases such as inflammatory arthritis and myositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Coss
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Danlei Zhou
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gilbert T Chua
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rabheh Abdul Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert P Hoffman
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yee Ling Wu
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Stacy P Ardoin
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John P Atkinson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chack-Yung Yu
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Allam NT, Ali MA, El-Abed DM, Zahran AM. Serum beta2-microglobulin level in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Relation to disease activity. THE EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGIST 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Van Laethem F, Donaty L, Tchernonog E, Lacheretz-Szablewski V, Russello J, Buthiau D, Almeras M, Moreaux J, Bret C. LAIR1, an ITIM-Containing Receptor Involved in Immune Disorders and in Hematological Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416136. [PMID: 36555775 PMCID: PMC9788452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor 1 (LAIR1, CD305) belongs to the family of immune-inhibitory receptors and is widely expressed on hematopoietic mature cells, particularly on immune cells. Four different types of ligands of LAIR1 have been described, including collagens, suggesting a potential immune-regulatory function on the extracellular matrix. By modulating cytokine secretion and cellular functions, LAIR1 displays distinct patterns of expression among NK cell and T/B lymphocyte subsets during their differentiation and cellular activation and plays a major negative immunoregulatory role. Beyond its implications in physiology, the activity of LAIR1 can be inappropriately involved in various autoimmune or inflammatory disorders and has been implicated in cancer physiopathology, including hematological neoplasms. Its action as an inhibitory receptor can result in the dysregulation of immune cellular responses and in immune escape within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, when expressed by tumor cells, LAIR1 can modulate their proliferation or invasion properties, with contradictory pro- or anti-tumoral effects depending on tumor type. In this review, we will focus on its role in normal physiological conditions, as well as during pathological situations, including hematological malignancies. We will also discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting LAIR1 for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases and cancer settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucie Donaty
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Vanessa Lacheretz-Szablewski
- Department of Biopathology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Jennifer Russello
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34396 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Bret
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34396 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-0467-337-031
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Infante B, Mercuri S, Dello Strologo A, Franzin R, Catalano V, Troise D, Cataldo E, Pontrelli P, Alfieri C, Binda V, Frontini G, Netti GS, Ranieri E, Gesualdo L, Castellano G, Stallone G. Unraveling the Link between Interferon-α and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From the Molecular Mechanisms to Target Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415998. [PMID: 36555640 PMCID: PMC9783870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical expressions. The kidney is often affected, usually within 5 years of the onset of SLE, and lupus nephropathy (LN) carries a high risk for increased morbidity. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease is accompanied by complex disturbances affecting the immune system with inflammation and tissue damage due to loss of tolerance to nuclear antigens and the deposition of immune complexes in tissues. Several studies have reported that in human SLE, there is an important role of the Type-I-interferons (INF) system suggested by the upregulation of INF-inducible genes observed in serial gene expression microarray studies. This review aims to describe the transduction pathways of Type-I-interferons, in particular INFα, and its immune-regulatory function in the pathogenesis of SLE and, in particular, in LN. In addition, recent novelties concerning biologic therapy in LN will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Infante
- Unit of Nephology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Silvia Mercuri
- Unit of Nephology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Andrea Dello Strologo
- Unit of Nephology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rossana Franzin
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Catalano
- Unit of Clinical Pathology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Dario Troise
- Unit of Nephology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Cataldo
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Pontrelli
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Alfieri
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Binda
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Frontini
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stefano Netti
- Unit of Clinical Pathology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Elena Ranieri
- Unit of Clinical Pathology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castellano
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0255034551; Fax: +39-0255034550
| | - Giovanni Stallone
- Unit of Nephology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Advanced Research Center on Kidney Aging (A.R.K.A.), Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Overview on the role of complement-specific autoantibodies in diseases. Mol Immunol 2022; 151:52-60. [PMID: 36084516 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.08.011] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is recognized as a major pathogenic or contributing factor in an ever-growing number of diseases. In addition to inherited factors, autoantibodies to complement proteins have been detected in various systemic and organ-specific disorders. These include antibodies directed against complement components, regulators and receptors, but also protein complexes such as autoantibodies against complement convertases. In some cases, the autoantibodies are relatively well characterized and a pathogenic role is incurred and their detection has diagnostic value. In other cases, the relevance of the autoantibodies is rather unclear. This review summarizes what we know of complement specific autoantibodies in diseases and identifies unresolved questions regarding their functional effect and relevance.
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22
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Chen K, Deng Y, Shang S, Tang L, Li Q, Bai X, Chen X. Complement factor B inhibitor LNP023 improves lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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The inflammatory signature in monocytes of Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, revealed by the integrated Reactome and drug target analysis. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1215-1229. [PMID: 36040684 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The innate immune regulation, especially by the type I IFN signature in the CD14+ monocytes, is known to be critical in the pathogenesis of autoimmune Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). OBJECTIVE Since patients with one condition can be overlapped with another, this study is to identify shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SjS and SLE compared to healthy controls (HCs) and refine transcriptomic profiles with the integrated Reactome and gene-drug network analysis for an anti-inflammation therapy. METHODS CD14+ monocytes were purified from whole blood of SjS and SLE patients (females, ages from 32 to 62) and subject to bulk RNA-sequencing, followed by data analyses for comparison with HC monocytes (females, ages 30 and 33). Functional categorizations, using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Reactome pathway analysis, were performed and DEGs associated with therapeutic drugs were identified from the Drug Repurposing Hub (DHUB) database. RESULTS The GO analysis revealed that DEGs in the inflammatory response and the cellular response to cytokine were highly enriched in both conditions. A propensity toward M1 macrophage differentiation appears to be prominent in SjS while the Response to Virus was significant in SLE monocytes. Through the Reactome pathway analysis, DEGs in the IFN signaling and the cytokine signaling in immune system were most significantly enriched in both. Upregulation of NGF-induced transcription activity in SjS and the complement cascade activity in SLE were also noted. Multiple anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase and angiotensin-I-converting- enzyme were associated with the DEGs in these conditions. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our analysis indicates distinct inflammatory transcriptomic profiles shared in SjS and SLE monocytes. Comprehensive characterizations of the data from these conditions will ultimately allow differential diagnosis of each condition and identification of therapeutic targets.
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Association of complement component 4 with neuroimmune abnormalities in the subventricular zone in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105840. [PMID: 35995342 PMCID: PMC9582995 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An early inflammatory insult is the most recognized risk factor associated with neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders, even more so than genetic variants. Notably, complement component 4 (C4), a molecule involved in inflammatory responses, has been strongly associated with schizophrenia (SZ) and its role in other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism (ASD), is an area of active investigation. However, while C4 in SZ has been implicated in the context of synaptic pruning, little is known about its neuroinflammatory role. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is a region heavily involved in neurodevelopment and neuroimmune interactions through the lifespan; thus, it is a region wherein C4 may play a vital role in disease pathology. Using in situ hybridization with radioactive riboprobes and RNAscope, we identified robust astrocytic expression of C4 in the SVZ and in the septum pellucidum. C4 was also expressed in ependyma, neurons, and Ki67+ progenitor cells. Examination of mRNA levels showed elevated C4 in both ASD and SZ, with higher expression in SZ compared to controls. Targeted transcriptomic analysis of inflammatory pathways revealed a strong association of complement system genes with SZ, and to a lesser extent, ASD, as well as generalized immune dysregulation without a strong association with known infectious pathways. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that ASD DEGs were enriched in adaptive immune system functions such as Th cell differentiation, while SZ DEGs were enriched in innate immune system functions, including NF-κB and toll like receptor signaling. Moreover, the number of Ki67+ cells was significantly higher in ASD compared to SZ and controls. Taken together, these results support a role for C4 into inflammatory-neuroimmune dysregulation observed in SZ and ASD pathology.
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Reddy VR, Pepper RJ, Shah K, Cambridge G, Henderson SR, Klein C, Kell L, Taylor SJ, Isenberg DA, Cragg MS, Leandro MJ. Disparity in peripheral and renal B-cell depletion with rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus: an opportunity for obinutuzumab? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:2894-2904. [PMID: 34788412 PMCID: PMC9258539 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate key factors that may contribute to the variability of rituximab-mediated peripheral and renal B cell depletion (BCD) in SLE. METHODS We analysed: (i) CD19+ B cell counts in patients with SLE before and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after treatment with rituximab, comparing them with RA patients; (ii) the presence of B cells in renal biopsies after rituximab therapy; (iii) whether the duration of BCD correlated with patient demographics and B cell expression of CD20 and FcγRIIb; and (iv) the effect of B cell activation factor (BAFF) on the efficiency of rituximab and obinutuzumab at inducing BCD in whole blood assays, in vitro. RESULTS In SLE (n = 71), the duration of BCD was shorter compared with RA (n = 27). B cells were detectable in renal biopsy samples (n = 6) after treatment with rituximab in all patients with poor response while peripheral blood B cells remained low or undetectable in the same patients. There were no significant relationships between peripheral BCD and patient age, disease duration, serum C3 levels or the level of expression of B cell surface proteins CD20 and FcγRIIb. Obinutuzumab was more efficient than rituximab at inducing BCD in whole blood assays, regardless of excess BAFF. CONCLUSIONS BCD in SLE is less efficient than in RA. Renal B cell presence following rituximab treatment was associated with poor outcomes. No significant relationships between any measured B cell related, clinical or laboratory parameters and the efficiency of BCD by rituximab was found. Obinutuzumab was superior to rituximab at inducing BCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Reddy
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - Ruth J Pepper
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Department of Renal Medicine (formerly Centre for Nephrology), Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kavina Shah
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - Geraldine Cambridge
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - Scott R Henderson
- Department of Renal Medicine (formerly Centre for Nephrology), Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christian Klein
- Cancer Immunotherapy Discovery, Oncology Discovery & Translational AreaRoche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Loren Kell
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - Samuel J Taylor
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - David A Isenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria J Leandro
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Centre for Rheumatology and Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, University College London
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Intertwined pathways of complement activation command the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Transl Res 2022; 245:18-29. [PMID: 35296451 PMCID: PMC9167748 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the origin of autoimmunity and systemic lupus erythematosus. Both genetic deficiency of complement components and excessive activation are involved in primary and secondary renal diseases, including lupus nephritis. Among the pathways, the classical pathway has long been accepted as the main pathway of complement activation in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, more recent studies have shown the contribution of factors B and D which implies the involvement of the alternative pathway. While there is evidence on the role of the lectin pathway in systemic lupus erythematosus, it is yet to be demonstrated whether this pathway is protective or harmful in lupus nephritis. Complement is being explored for the development of disease biomarkers and therapeutic targeting. In the current review we discuss the involvement of complement in lupus nephritis.
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Choi MY, Costenbader KH. Understanding the Concept of Pre-Clinical Autoimmunity: Prediction and Prevention of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Identifying Risk Factors and Developing Strategies Against Disease Development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890522. [PMID: 35720390 PMCID: PMC9203849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that preceding the diagnosis or classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), patients undergo a preclinical phase of disease where markers of inflammation and autoimmunity are already present. Not surprisingly then, even though SLE management has improved over the years, many patients will already have irreversible disease-related organ damage by time they have been diagnosed with SLE. By gaining a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of preclinical SLE, we can potentially identify patients earlier in the disease course who are at-risk of transitioning to full-blown SLE and implement preventative strategies. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of SLE preclinical pathogenesis and propose a screening and preventative strategy that involves the use of promising biomarkers of early disease, modification of lifestyle and environmental risk factors, and initiation of preventative therapies, as examined in other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Y Choi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Irfan SA, Ali AA, Shabbir N, Altaf H, Ahmed A, Thamara Kunnath J, Divya Boorle NVL, Miguel AK, Loh CC, Gandrakota N, Ali Baig MM. Effects of Vitamin D on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity and Autoimmunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2022; 14:e25896. [PMID: 35844337 PMCID: PMC9278795 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the role of vitamin D on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its effects on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), C3, C4, and fatigue in patients with SLE. A systemic search was conducted using three electronic databases, i.e., PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Review Manager 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark) was employed for statistical analysis. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. A random-effect model was used to pool the studies, and the result was reported in the standard mean difference (SMD) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Six randomized controlled trials were selected. Five outcomes were assessed (SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, and fatigue) to evaluate the role of vitamin D in SLE patients. A significant decrease in SLEDAI (SMD = -0.85 (-1.12, -0.58); p < 0.00001; I2 = 42%) and a non-significant decrease in anti-dsDNA (SMD = -0.09 (-0.03, 0.12); p = 0.42; I2 = 0%) was noted. A significant increase in levels of C3 (SMD = 0.30 (0.09, 0.51); p = 0.006; I2 = 0%) and fatigue (SMD = -1.27 (-2.38, -0.16); p = 0.02; I2 = 56%) was noted when vitamin D was used. Insignificant difference was observed in C4 (SMD = 0.20 (-0.02, 0.41); p = 0.07; I2 = 0%). Vitamin D in SLE patients showed a significant decrease in SLEDAI scores and a significant increase in C3 levels. The effect of vitamin D on fatigue was inconclusive. No significant difference in anti-dsDNA and C4 levels was noted.
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Choi MY, Hahn J, Malspeis S, Stevens EF, Karlson EW, Sparks JA, Yoshida K, Kubzansky L, Costenbader KH. Association of a Combination of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors With Reduced Risk of Incident Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:274-283. [PMID: 34313398 PMCID: PMC8792100 DOI: 10.1002/art.41935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While previous studies have demonstrated an association between individual factors related to lifestyle and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is unclear how the combination of these factors might affect the risk of incident SLE. This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate whether a combination of healthy lifestyle factors is associated with a lower risk of incident SLE and its subtypes (anti-double-stranded DNA [anti-dsDNA]-positive and anti-dsDNA-negative SLE). METHODS The study included 185,962 women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII cohorts, among whom there were 203 incident cases of SLE (96 with anti-dsDNA-positive SLE, 107 with anti-dsDNA-negative SLE) during 4,649,477 person-years of follow-up. The Healthy Lifestyle Index Score (HLIS) was calculated at baseline and approximately every 2 years during follow-up, with scores assigned for 5 healthy lifestyle factors: alcohol consumption, body mass index, smoking, diet, and exercise. A time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the risk of SLE. In addition, the percentage of partial population attributable risk (PAR%) of SLE development was calculated. RESULTS A higher HLIS was associated with a lower risk of SLE overall (HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.71-0.94]) and a lower risk of anti-dsDNA-positive SLE (HR 0.78 [95% CI 0.63-0.95]). Women with ≥4 healthy lifestyle factors had the lowest risk of SLE overall (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.70) and lowest risk of anti-dsDNA-positive SLE (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.75) as compared to women with only 1 healthy behavior or no healthy behaviors. The PAR% of SLE development was 47.7% (95% CI 23.1-66.6%), assuming that the entire population had adhered to at least 4 healthy lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the risk of developing SLE, a disease in which significant evidence of genetic involvement has been established, might be reduced by nearly 50% with adherence to modifiable healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Y Choi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jill Hahn
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan Malspeis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emma F Stevens
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Karlson
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kazuki Yoshida
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Kubzansky
- Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Treves G, Qazi M. Extensive Workup on Early-Onset Fibromyalgia: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e21714. [PMID: 35242479 PMCID: PMC8884524 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This case report details a unique case of fibromyalgia manifested at a very early age, and the patient’s suffering as a result of mis- and under-diagnosis of her condition for over a decade. For most of her life, the patient has had seemingly unrelated bouts of pain, neurological conditions, and psychiatric disturbances, and has seen numerous specialists for these conditions to no avail. The lengthy history discussion and physical examination findings, detailed in this report, revealed a progressive disease course. Providing the patient with drafts of the compiled history and data has encouraged her to reseek specialist care. With this revealed history, physical examination information, and lab results, progress has been made to diagnose and treat the patient’s numerous conditions. In addition to the unique fibromyalgia presentation, the case report provides compelling justification for physicians to consider broad differential diagnoses, engage in patient-centered discussion about treatment progression, and to strengthen and maintain the patient-provider relationship.
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Keramat S, Karahan O, Patel M, Fazeli B. Acute phase reactant proteins in Buerger's disease: Is it a systemic disease? Vascular 2022; 31:473-476. [PMID: 35050803 DOI: 10.1177/17085381211069715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was evaluating acute phase reactant (APR) proteins including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), fibrinogen, complement C3, hepcidin, and albumin in patients suffering from Buerger's disease (BD) compared to controls.Methods: The APRs were evaluated in 92 cases of BD patients and 90 healthy age and sex matched controls of blood from Iran and Turkey. The diagnosis was done according to Shionoya's criteria. However, patients with age less than 40 were included, instead of those less than 50. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography or CT angiography. The patients were categorized into active and quiescent phases of the disease according to clinical manifestation. Patients with rest pain, non-healing ulcer, and gangrene were categorized in the active phase of the disease and the patients with unchanged claudication for more than 6 months without trophic lesions or gangrene were categorized in the quiescent phase of the disease.Results: The serum level of PTX3, hsCRP, fibrinogen, C3, and hepcidin in BD was significantly higher than controls (p < 0.004). Also, albumin in the BD group was significantly lower than controls (p < 0.001). In patients that categorized in the active phase, fibrinogen, C3, and hsCRP were significantly higher and albumin was significantly lower compared to patients in the quiescent phase. No significant difference was found between the level of PTX3 and hepcidin in the patients in active and quiescent phases of the disease.Conclusion: The pattern of the level of APRs in BD seems more likely systemic inflammatory disorder than atherosclerosis obliterans. More clinical trials for evaluating the efficacy of anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids as a part of management of BD are required. Also, according to low level of albumin in TAO, a protein rich diet might be beneficial for BD patients in the active phase of their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Keramat
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Oguz Karahan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical School of Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya/Antalya, Turkey
| | - Malay Patel
- Vascular-Endovascular Surgeon, Apollo-CVHF Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Bahare Fazeli
- Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Angiology, L.Sacco Hospital, Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Organization, Milan, Italy
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Disease criteria of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); the potential role of non-criteria autoantibodies. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100143. [PMID: 35072035 PMCID: PMC8761754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with SLE show a broad spectrum of more than 200 autoantibodies. They can be pathogenic, predictive, prognostic or even an epiphenomenon. Here, we discuss different autoantibodies that have not been included in EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria. Most of them have been addressed to monitor and detect disease activity and not specifically as classification criteria. Indeed, markers to assess disease activity fluctuate as compared with classification criteria and their validation is different. The development of new methods will probably bring new clinical associations and be evaluated as potential classification criteria. Most of the autoantibodies described in SLE are of utility in monitoring disease activity. The validation of activity biomarkers is different from classification criteria biomarkers. The new methods coming into the clinical routine will bring new associations and potentially classification criteria.
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Hussain K, Gauto-Mariotti E, Cattoni HM, Arif AW, Richardson C, Manadan A, Yadav N. A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Valvular Heart Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Its Association With Antiphospholipid Antibodies. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:e525-e532. [PMID: 32558678 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a known cardiac manifestation of systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This systematic review aims to pool data from studies to estimate the frequency of valvular lesions in SLE patients. It also aims to demonstrate the association between VHD in SLE and antiphospholipid antibodies positivity. METHODS We included 27 studies after identifying relevant abstracts from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from the time of inception of database to 2019. Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language case-control and cohort studies. Three reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for assessing risk for bias. RESULTS For VHD in SLE patients, the most commonly involved valve was the mitral valve, with 19.7% lesions being mitral regurgitation. In terms of morphological lesions, valve thickening (11.06%) and vegetations (11.76%) were among the most prevalent. Other commonly encountered lesions were mitral valve prolapse and tricuspid regurgitation in 9.25% and 10.86% of patients, respectively. A meta-analysis of 21 studies with 2163 SLE patients, of which 23.3% had valvular lesions, showed a significant association of anticardiolipin antibodies positivity with VHD (relative risk, 1.55; confidence interval, 1.10-2.18). CONCLUSIONS Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with VHD, and it should be considered a clinical manifestation of SLE in the absence of other valvular pathologies. There is a clear association between VHD in SLE and immunoglobulin G anticardiolipin antibodies positivity. This association suggests that this subgroup of SLE patients might benefit from a screening echocardiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kifah Hussain
- From the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Neha Yadav
- From the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago
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Toll-like Receptor Signaling Inhibitory Peptide Improves Inflammation in Animal Model and Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312764. [PMID: 34884569 PMCID: PMC8657918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a major role in the innate immune system. Several studies have shown the regulatory effects of TLR-mediated pathways on immune and inflammatory diseases. Dysregulated functions of TLRs within the endosomal compartment, including TLR7/9 trafficking, may cause systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TLR signaling pathways are fine-tuned by Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adapters, leading to interferon (IFN)-α production. This study describes a TLR inhibitor peptide 1 (TIP1) that primarily suppresses the downstream signaling mediated by TIR domain-containing adapters in an animal model of lupus and patients with SLE. The expression of most downstream proteins of the TLR7/9/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/IFN regulatory factor 7 signaling was downregulated in major tissues such as the kidney, spleen, and lymph nodes of treated mice. Furthermore, the pathological analysis of the kidney tissue confirmed that TIP1 could improve inflammation in MRL/lpr mice. TIP1 treatment downregulated many downstream proteins associated with TLR signaling, such as MyD88, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and IFN-α, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with SLE. In conclusion, our data suggest that TIP1 can serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of SLE.
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Wilson CS, Stocks BT, Hoopes EM, Rhoads JP, McNew KL, Major AS, Moore DJ. Metabolic preconditioning in CD4+ T cells restores inducible immune tolerance in lupus-prone mice. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e143245. [PMID: 34403367 PMCID: PMC8525586 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.143245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune disease has presented an insurmountable barrier to restoration of durable immune tolerance. Previous studies indicate that chronic therapy with metabolic inhibitors can reduce autoimmune inflammation, but it remains unknown whether acute metabolic modulation enables permanent immune tolerance to be established. In an animal model of lupus, we determined that targeting glucose metabolism with 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) and mitochondrial metabolism with metformin enables endogenous immune tolerance mechanisms to respond to tolerance induction. A 2-week course of 2DG and metformin, when combined with tolerance-inducing therapy anti-CD45RB, prevented renal deposition of autoantibodies for 6 months after initial treatment and restored tolerance induction to allografts in lupus-prone mice. The restoration of durable immune tolerance was linked to changes in T cell surface glycosylation patterns, illustrating a role for glycoregulation in immune tolerance. These findings indicate that metabolic therapy may be applied as a powerful preconditioning to reinvigorate tolerance mechanisms in autoimmune and transplant settings that resist current immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blair T Stocks
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; and
| | - Emilee M Hoopes
- Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics
| | | | - Kelsey L McNew
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; and
| | - Amy S Major
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; and.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel J Moore
- Ian Burr Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; and
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Bawazir YM, Bahlas S, Jali I, Mukhtar DA, Almohammmadi N, Mustafa M. Association Between Hypocomplementemia (C3 and C4) and MRI Findings in Different Neuropsychiatric Lupus Syndromes in a Tertiary Hospital. Cureus 2021; 13:e17939. [PMID: 34548991 PMCID: PMC8437204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and correlate them with the complements level. Methodology This is a retrospective chart review study involving 187 lupus patients attending the rheumatology clinic during the period between 2010 and 2020. Out of the 187 patients, only 49 patients were diagnosed to have neuropsychiatric lupus manifestation and underwent MRI study. Results We included 49 neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients with a mean age of 35.33 years; most of them were Saudi (51%), with disease duration between -six and nine years (40.8%). In regard to MRI brain findings, 51% had abnormal findings, most commonly white matter changes in 42.9% followed by contrast enhancement in 36.7% and mild volume loss in 16.3%. Regarding the complement level, 21 (42.9%) patients had a low C3 level and 35 (71.4%) had a low C4 level. Lastly, following the main objective, C3 and C4 do not have a statistically significant relationship with white matter lesion given the sample of this data (p = 0.589 and p = 0.657, respectively). Conclusion MRI provides a significant clinical information to evaluate neuropsychiatric lupus manifestations. These clinical data can be correlated with immunological findings, which can help in the early diagnosis and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser M Bawazir
- Rheumatology/Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Sami Bahlas
- Rheumatology/Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ibtisam Jali
- Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | | | | | - Mohammad Mustafa
- Rheumatology/Internal Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, SAU
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Askanase AD, Wright D, Zhao E, Zhu J, Bilyk R, Furie RA. Post Hoc Biomarker Analyses from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for Persistently Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Rheumatol Ther 2021; 8:1871-1886. [PMID: 34478124 PMCID: PMC8572274 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted post hoc analyses of biomarker results from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) in patients with persistently active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) despite treatment with moderate-dose glucocorticoids. METHODS Adults with active SLE and moderate to severe rash and/or arthritis were enrolled in the primary study. Patients had active SLE despite treatment with stable glucocorticoids, antimalarials, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or immunosuppressants. Patients were randomly assigned to 80 U of RCI or placebo subcutaneously every other day for 4 weeks and then twice weekly through week 24. Blood samples were analyzed for serum cytokines and complement proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent or Luminex assays and for circulating leukocytes using flow cytometry. Biomarker levels were reported as percentages of the baseline and were further evaluated in subgroups stratified by baseline SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores (< 10 vs. ≥ 10), baseline anti-double-stranded DNA levels (< 15 IU/mL vs. ≥ 15 IU/mL), and BILAG-based Combined Lupus Assessment (BICLA) responses at week 20 and 24. RESULTS RCI treatment resulted in reduced levels of B cell-activating factor and interleukin-6 cytokines in all subgroups compared with placebo. RCI treatment also resulted in lower levels of CD19+ B cells and CD19+IgD-CD27-CD95+ atypical activated memory B cells than did placebo in the higher baseline disease activity subgroups and in BICLA non-responders. Furthermore, RCI treatment led to greater increases in complement component (C)3 and C4 levels than did placebo in the higher baseline disease activity subgroups and in BICLA responders. CONCLUSIONS RCI may reduce inflammation through B cell immunomodulation in patients with persistently active SLE, particularly in those with higher disease activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02953821.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca D Askanase
- Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 3-3450, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Dale Wright
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | - Enxu Zhao
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | - Julie Zhu
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | - Roman Bilyk
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
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Chiganer EH, Lessa CF, Di Pace JL, Perassolo MB, Carnero Contentti E, Alessandro L, Correale J, Farfan MF, Galiana GL, Sánchez Benavides M, Pacello F, Stagno M, Cardozo A, Nacimiento Cantero MB, Elizaur López JG, Delgadillo PD, Melgarejo P, Acosta Colman I, Vázquez Báez MA, Correa Díaz EP, Jácome Sánchez EC, Alva Linares M, Zamora Tehozol EA, Fragoso-Loyo HE, Quintanilla-González L, Batún-Garrido JADJ, Sato EI, do Reis-Neto ET, Carreño Nigro MA, Hryb JP. Transverse Myelitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in a Large Cohort of Latin American Patients. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:S204-S211. [PMID: 32028309 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an infrequent but severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of study was to describe clinical features and prognostic factors of patients with SLE-related ATM. METHODS In this medical records review study, data were collected from 60 patients from 16 centers seen between 1996 and 2017 who met diagnostic criteria for SLE and myelitis as defined by the American College of Rheumatology/Systemic International Collaborating Clinics and the Working Group of the Transverse Myelitis Consortium, respectively. Objective neurological impairment was measured with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) and European Database for Multiple Sclerosis Grade Scale (EGS). RESULTS Among patients included, 95% (n = 57) were female, and the average age was 31.6 ± 9.6 years. Myelitis developed after diagnosis of SLE in 60% (n = 36). Symmetrical paraparesis with hypoesthesia, flaccidity, sphincter dysfunction, AIS = A/B, and EGS ≥ 8 was the most common presentation. Intravenous methylprednisolone was used in 95% (n = 57), and 78.3% (n = 47) received intravenous cyclophosphamide. Sensory/motor recovery at 6 months was observed in 75% (42 of 56), but only in 16.1% (9 of 56) was complete. Hypoglycorrhachia and EGS ≥ 7 in the nadir were associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome at 6 months (p < 0.05). A relapse rate during follow-up was observed in 30.4% (17 of 56). Hypoglycorrhachia and hypocomplementemia seem to be protective factors for relapse. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was associated with time delay to relapse. CONCLUSIONS Systemic lupus erythematosus-related ATM may occur at any time of SLE course, leading to significant disability despite treatment. Relapses are infrequent and intravenous cyclophosphamide seems to delay it. Hypoglycorrhachia, hypocomplementemia, and EGS at nadir are the most important prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucas Alessandro
- Department of Neurology, Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia, Buenos Aires
| | - Jorge Correale
- Department of Neurology, Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia, Buenos Aires
| | | | | | | | - Franco Pacello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Galán y Rocha, Paysandu, Uruguay
| | - Mauro Stagno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Galán y Rocha, Paysandu, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabel Acosta Colman
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Clínicas Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Asuncion, Paraguay
| | | | | | | | - Magaly Alva Linares
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Hilda Esther Fragoso-Loyo
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City
| | - Lauro Quintanilla-González
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City
| | | | - Emilia Inoue Sato
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Khan A, Shang N, Petukhova L, Zhang J, Shen Y, Hebbring SJ, Moncrieffe H, Kottyan LC, Namjou-Khales B, Knevel R, Raychaudhuri S, Karlson EW, Harley JB, Stanaway IB, Crosslin D, Denny JC, Elkind MS, Gharavi AG, Hripcsak G, Weng C, Kiryluk K. Medical Records-Based Genetic Studies of the Complement System. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:2031-2047. [PMID: 33941608 PMCID: PMC8455263 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variants in complement genes have been associated with a wide range of human disease states, but well-powered genetic association studies of complement activation have not been performed in large multiethnic cohorts. METHODS We performed medical records-based genome-wide and phenome-wide association studies for plasma C3 and C4 levels among participants of the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network. RESULTS In a GWAS for C3 levels in 3949 individuals, we detected two genome-wide significant loci: chr.1q31.3 (CFH locus; rs3753396-A; β=0.20; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.25; P=1.52x10-11) and chr.19p13.3 (C3 locus; rs11569470-G; β=0.19; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.24; P=1.29x10-8). These two loci explained approximately 2% of variance in C3 levels. GWAS for C4 levels involved 3998 individuals and revealed a genome-wide significant locus at chr.6p21.32 (C4 locus; rs3135353-C; β=0.40; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.45; P=4.58x10-35). This locus explained approximately 13% of variance in C4 levels. The multiallelic copy number variant analysis defined two structural genomic C4 variants with large effect on blood C4 levels: C4-BS (β=-0.36; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.30; P=2.98x10-22) and C4-AL-BS (β=0.25; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.29; P=8.11x10-23). Overall, C4 levels were strongly correlated with copy numbers of C4A and C4B genes. In comprehensive phenome-wide association studies involving 102,138 eMERGE participants, we cataloged a full spectrum of autoimmune, cardiometabolic, and kidney diseases genetically related to systemic complement activation. CONCLUSIONS We discovered genetic determinants of plasma C3 and C4 levels using eMERGE genomic data linked to electronic medical records. Genetic variants regulating C3 and C4 levels have large effects and multiple clinical correlations across the spectrum of complement-related diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atlas Khan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ning Shang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Lynn Petukhova
- Department of Dermatology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jun Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yufeng Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Scott J. Hebbring
- Center for Human Genetics, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Halima Moncrieffe
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Leah C. Kottyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Bahram Namjou-Khales
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rachel Knevel
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Soumya Raychaudhuri
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth W. Karlson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John B. Harley
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ian B. Stanaway
- Department of Biomedical Informatics Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David Crosslin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joshua C. Denny
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mitchell S.V. Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ali G. Gharavi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - George Hripcsak
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Krzysztof Kiryluk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Jacob A, Nina Peralta L, Pegues D, Okamura K, Chang A, McSkimming D, Alexander J. Exercise alleviates symptoms of CNS lupus. Brain Res 2021; 1765:147478. [PMID: 33852888 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147478] [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: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a global health problem where 20-80% patients display cognitive problems and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment of lupus remains a clinical challenge. Exercise improves experimental lupus nephritis. However, the effects of exercise in CNS lupus remains unknown. This study investigates the effects of controlled exercise (CE) that consisted of treadmill walking (5 m/min for 10 min everyday) on experimental CNS lupus using the well-established mouse model, MRL/lpr mice. The MRL/lpr mice were subjected to CE from 8 weeks (preclinical) to 16 weeks (disease). Multiplex gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in neurite growth, proliferation and synaptic plasticity, and a decrease in inflammatory genes including complement proteins, NFkB, chemokines and cytokines in exercised mice compared to the unmanipulated, age-matched controls. The loss of blood-brain barrier integrity, astrogliosis and edema seen in MRL/lpr mice were reduced with exercise. Exercised mice performed better in behavioral assessments such as open field, nesting, and tail suspension test. For the first time our results show that a supervised, well-regulated and controlled exercise regimen alleviates CNS lupus and could potentially serve as an intervention strategy to improve the quality of life. Exercise could also serve as an adjunct therapy for lupus and other neuroinflammatory diseases, thereby reducing the need for the current therapies with toxic side effects. The validity of the findings and a safe exercise regimen needs to be established by additional studies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jacob
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14086, USA
| | | | - Deja Pegues
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14086, USA
| | - Kazuki Okamura
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14086, USA
| | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Jessy Alexander
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14086, USA.
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Chen R, Ma L, Lv P, Lin J, Li C, Yan Y, Jin X, Dai X, Ji Z, Chen H, Ma L, Sun Y, Jiang L. Serum complement 3 is a potential biomarker for assessing disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:63. [PMID: 33627173 PMCID: PMC7903686 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare disease, lacking convenient and feasible biomarkers to identify disease activity. We aimed to evaluate the value of complements in distinguishing active TA. METHODS Consecutive patients were enrolled from the prospective East China TA cohort from April 2008 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to their baseline Kerr score. The value of complements and other biomarkers in identifying disease activity were analysed with cluster analysis, ROC curves, and combined tests. An independent group of patients from July 2019 to December 2019 were employed to validate the results. RESULTS Of the enrolled 519 patients, 406 (72.2%) cases were identified as active disease. Higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and complement 3 (C3) levels were observed in the active group. Elevated C3 (≥ 1.085 g/L) had a high value to identify active TA with a sensitivity of 69.9%, specificity of 66.7%, and AUC of 0.715. Combining the CRP (≥ 10.65 g/L; sensitivity, 50.7%; specificity, 82.4%) and C3, the sensitivity could be improved to 85.1% in parallel test and the specificity could be improved to 94.1% in serial test. Validation was further performed to confirm the value of C3 for disease activity assessment. The accuracy of the parallel test of CRP and C3 in external validation with independent 53 TA cases was 72.73% with the AUC of 0.721. CONCLUSION Elevated C3 could effectively evaluate the disease activity of TA, and C3 combining with CRP could further improve the disease activity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingying Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Lv
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaolun Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuejuan Jin
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zongfei Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Fudan University, No.180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Salivary Immunoglobulin Gamma-3 Chain C Is a Promising Noninvasive Biomarker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031374. [PMID: 33573068 PMCID: PMC7866502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to characterize the salivary protein components and identify biomarkers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry was performed to determine the alterations of salivary proteins between patients with SLE and healthy controls, and the concentrations of the candidate proteins were measured through Western blot analysis and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The 10 differentially expressed protein spots were immunoglobulin gamma-3 chain C region (IGHG3), immunoglobulin alpha-1 chain C region, protein S100A8, lactoferrin, leukemia-associated protein 7, and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase. The patients with SLE exhibited enhanced salivary IGHG3 (3.9 ± 2.15 pg/mL) and lactoferrin (4.7 ± 1.8 pg/mL) levels compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (1.8 ± 1.01 pg/mL and 3.2 ± 1.6 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) or healthy controls (2.2 ± 1.64 pg/mL and 2.2 ± 1.7 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). The salivary IGHG3 levels correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.26, p = 0.01), anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody levels (r = 0.25, p = 0.01), and nephritis (r = 0.28, p = 0.01). The proteomic analysis revealed that the salivary IGHG3 levels were associated with SLE and lupus disease activity, suggesting that salivary IGHG3 may be a promising noninvasive biomarker for SLE.
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Shah K, Cragg M, Leandro M, Reddy V. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Biologicals 2021; 69:1-14. [PMID: 33288390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition with a wide spectrum of disease manifestations and severities, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The aetiopathogenesis of SLE is complex. Young women and certain ethnicities are commonly affected, suggesting a significant hormonal and genetic influence. Diverse immunological abnormalities have been described. A characteristic abnormality is the presence of autoantibodies, implicating a central role for B cells in disease pathogenesis and/or perpetuation. Whilst conventional therapies have improved outcomes, a great unmet need remains. Recently, biological therapies are being explored. B-cell depletion therapy with rituximab has been in use off-label for nearly two decades. Inconsistent results between uncontrolled and controlled studies have raised doubts about its efficacy. In this review, we will focus on B cell abnormalities and the rationale behind B-cell depletion therapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb), rituximab, will be explored including an evaluation of clinical and trial experience. Finally, we will discuss the mechanistic basis for considering alternative anti-CD20 mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavina Shah
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Division of Medicine, Rayne Building 4th Floor, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom.
| | - Mark Cragg
- Centre for Cancer Immunology MP127, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria Leandro
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Division of Medicine, Rayne Building 4th Floor, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom.
| | - Venkat Reddy
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London Division of Medicine, Rayne Building 4th Floor, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom.
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Hosszu KK, Valentino A, Peerschke EI, Ghebrehiwet B. SLE: Novel Postulates for Therapeutic Options. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583853. [PMID: 33117397 PMCID: PMC7575694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic deficiency in C1q is a strong susceptibility factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are two major hypotheses that potentially explain the role of C1q in SLE. The first postulates that C1q deficiency abrogates apoptotic cell clearance, leading to persistently high loads of potentially immunogenic self-antigens that trigger autoimmune responses. While C1q undoubtedly plays an important role in apoptotic clearance, an essential biological process such as removal of self- waste is so critical for host survival that multiple ligand-receptor combinations do fortunately exist to ensure that proper disposal of apoptotic debris is accomplished even in the absence of C1q. The second hypothesis is based on the observation that locally synthesized C1q plays a critical role in regulating the earliest stages of monocyte to dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and function. Indeed, circulating C1q has been shown to keep monocytes in a pre-dendritic state by silencing key molecular players and ensuring that unwarranted DC-driven immune responses do not occur. Monocytes are also able to display macromolecular C1 on their surface, representing a novel mechanism for the recognition of circulating "danger." Translation of this danger signal in turn, provides the requisite "license" to trigger a differentiation pathway that leads to adaptive immune response. Based on this evidence, the second hypothesis proposes that deficiency in C1q dysregulates monocyte-to-DC differentiation and causes inefficient or defective maintenance of self-tolerance. The fact that C1q receptors (cC1qR and gC1qR) are also expressed on the surface of both monocytes and DCs, suggests that C1q/C1qR may regulate DC differentiation and function through specific cell-signaling pathways. While their primary ligand is C1q, C1qRs can also independently recognize a vast array of plasma proteins as well as pathogen-associated molecular ligands, indicating that these molecules may collaborate in antigen recognition and processing, and thus regulate DC-differentiation. This review will therefore focus on the role of C1q and C1qRs in SLE and explore the gC1qR/C1q axis as a potential target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga K Hosszu
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alisa Valentino
- Department of Lab Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ellinor I Peerschke
- Department of Lab Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Berhane Ghebrehiwet
- The Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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45
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Lv M, Cui C, Chen P, Li Z. Identification of osteoporosis markers through bioinformatic functional analysis of serum proteome. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22172. [PMID: 32991410 PMCID: PMC7523818 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a severe chronic skeletal disorder that increases the risks of disability and mortality; however, the mechanism of this disease and the protein markers for prognosis of osteoporosis have not been well characterized. This study aims to characterize the imbalanced serum proteostasis, the disturbed pathways, and potential serum markers in osteoporosis by using a set of bioinformatic analyses. In the present study, the large-scale proteomics datasets (PXD006464) were adopted from the Proteome Xchange database and processed with MaxQuant. The differentially expressed serum proteins were identified. The biological process and molecular function were analyzed. The protein-protein interactions and subnetwork modules were constructed. The signaling pathways were enriched. We identified 209 upregulated and 230 downregulated serum proteins. The bioinformatic analyses revealed a highly overlapped functional protein classification and the gene ontology terms between the upregulated and downregulated protein groups. Protein-protein interactions and pathway analyses showed a high enrichment in protein synthesis, inflammation, and immune response in the upregulated proteins, and cell adhesion and cytoskeleton regulation in the downregulated proteins. Our findings greatly expand the current view of the roles of serum proteins in osteoporosis and shed light on the understanding of its underlying mechanisms and the discovery of serum proteins as potential markers for the prognosis of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Lv
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Chuanlong Cui
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Peng Chen
- No. 5 Region, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ziqi Li
- Department of Joint Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- Traumatology and Orthopedics Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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46
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Hayashi M, Abe K, Fujita M, Takahashi A, Sekine H, Ohira H. Association between serum ficolin-1 level and disease progression in primary biliary cholangitis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238300. [PMID: 32915797 PMCID: PMC7485786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) in the complement system contribute to homeostasis as mediators of complement activation. The contribution of PRMs to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is unknown. In the current study, we aimed to assess the association between PRMs and the clinical findings of PBC. A total of 122 PBC patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. We measured four different PRMs (mannose-binding lectin [MBL], ficolin-1, ficolin-2 and ficolin-3) using stored sera, and retrospectively analyzed the associations between PRMs and laboratory findings, histological findings, and the development of cirrhosis-related conditions. Ficolin-1 levels were significantly higher in the PBC patients than in the healthy controls (152 ng/mL vs 102 ng/mL, P = 0.034), but no significant differences were observed regarding MBL, ficolin-2, and ficolin-3 levels. Ficolin-1 was significantly correlated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Low ficolin-1 levels were significantly associated with the development of cirrhosis-related conditions independent for histological stage and ALP levels (hazard ratio: 0.933; 95% confidence interval: 0.875-0.994; P = 0.032). Patients with low levels of ficolin-1 (< 77 ng/mL) had a significantly increased rate of developing cirrhosis-related conditions. Low ficolin-1 levels were associated with disease progression independent of histological stage and ALP levels in patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hideharu Sekine
- Department of Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Talotta R, Robertson E. Autoimmunity as the comet tail of COVID-19 pandemic. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:3621-3644. [PMID: 32953841 PMCID: PMC7479552 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i17.3621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can give rise to different clinical manifestations that are directly related to viral tissue damage or indirectly induced by the antiviral immune response. Hyper-activation of the immune system in an attempt to eradicate the infection may trigger autoimmunity. Several immune-mediated disorders have been described in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. These include cutaneous rashes and vasculitis, autoimmune cytopenia, anti-phospholipid syndrome, central or peripheral neuropathy, myositis and myocarditis. On the other hand, rheumatic patients were reported to have similar coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence, morbidity and mortality rates compared to general population. This opinion review will summarize the crucial immunologic steps which occur during SARS-CoV-2-infection that may link autoimmunity to COVID-19 and provides an opportunity for further discussion regarding this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Talotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, AOU “Gaetano Martino”, University of Messina, Messina 98100, Italy
| | - Erle Robertson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, United States
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48
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Shukla A, Gaur P. Hereditary C1 inhibitor deficiency associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2020; 29:1456-1460. [PMID: 32659156 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320935980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report a family with two children (the elder son and younger daughter) diagnosed with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the father diagnosed with hereditary angioedema. Serum C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) levels were low, and clinical exome next-generation sequencing detected a frameshift mutation in the SERPING-1 gene in all three patients. The mother had neither of the clinical phenotypes. The son had cutaneous symptoms, fever and polyarthralgia, along with lupus nephritis, and thus required rituximab therapy as well as mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose steroids to control disease activity. The daughter had a milder disease, with cutaneous manifestation, fever and polyarthralgia, and which was controlled with mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine and low-dose steroids. Both children had never experienced angioedema. The father had a long history of self-limiting, non-life-threatening irregular episodes of subcutaneous angioedema and abdomen pain. He was not on any regular medication for these symptoms. We searched the literature for evidence of hereditary C1-INH deficiency associated with monogenic SLE or SLE-like-phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Shukla
- Niruj Rheumatology Clinic, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyanka Gaur
- Niruj Rheumatology Clinic, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Skopelja-Gardner S, Colonna L, Hermanson P, Sun X, Tanaka L, Tai J, Nguyen Y, Snyder JM, Alpers CE, Hudkins KL, Salant DJ, Peng Y, Elkon KB. Complement Deficiencies Result in Surrogate Pathways of Complement Activation in Novel Polygenic Lupus-like Models of Kidney Injury. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 204:2627-2640. [PMID: 32238460 PMCID: PMC7365257 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in lupus patients, but the mechanisms of kidney damage remain unclear. In this study, we introduce, to our knowledge, novel models of LN designed to resemble the polygenic nature of human lupus by embodying three key genetic alterations: the Sle1 interval leading to anti-chromatin autoantibodies; Mfge8-/- , leading to defective clearance of apoptotic cells; and either C1q-/- or C3-/- , leading to low complement levels. We report that proliferative glomerulonephritis arose only in the presence of all three abnormalities (i.e., in Sle1.Mfge8 -/- C1q -/- and Sle1.Mfge8 -/- C3 -/- triple-mutant [TM] strains [C1q -/-TM and C3-/- TM, respectively]), with structural kidney changes resembling those in LN patients. Unexpectedly, both TM strains had significant increases in autoantibody titers, Ag spread, and IgG deposition in the kidneys. Despite the early complement component deficiencies, we observed assembly of the pathogenic terminal complement membrane attack complex in both TM strains. In C1q-/- TM mice, colocalization of MASP-2 and C3 in both the glomeruli and tubules indicated that the lectin pathway likely contributed to complement activation and tissue injury in this strain. Interestingly, enhanced thrombin activation in C3-/- TM mice and reduction of kidney injury following attenuation of thrombin generation by argatroban in a serum-transfer nephrotoxic model identified thrombin as a surrogate pathway for complement activation in C3-deficient mice. These novel mouse models of human lupus inform the requirements for nephritis and provide targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucrezia Colonna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Payton Hermanson
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Xizhang Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Lena Tanaka
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Joyce Tai
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Yenly Nguyen
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jessica M Snyder
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Charles E Alpers
- Department of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Kelly L Hudkins
- Department of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - David J Salant
- Division of Nephrology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215; and
| | - YuFeng Peng
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109;
| | - Keith B Elkon
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109;
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
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50
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Assessment of lung glucose uptake in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus pulmonary arterial hypertension: a quantitative FDG-PET imaging study. Ann Nucl Med 2020; 34:407-414. [PMID: 32314147 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-020-01461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE-PAH) patients and its lung pathology shares similarity to idiopathic PAH (IPAH) with distinctive inflammatory feature. FDG-PET reports glucose metabolism from both hyperproliferative and inflammatory cellular elements of vascular pathology in PAH. We explored the application of FDG-PET in reporting SLE-PAH pulmonary vascular pathology. METHODS Sixty-minute dynamic FDG-PET imaging was applied in 14 SLE-PAH patients, 20 IPAH patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Patlak analysis was used to quantify lung FDG uptake (influx rate Ki). RESULTS Mean lung FDG uptake in SLE-PAH (Ki 0.00714 ± 0.000602 mL/g/min) was significantly higher than that of the healthy volunteers (Ki 0.000262 ± 0.000168 mL/g/min) (p < 0.05). SLE-PAH patients with SLE disease activity score SLEDAI ≥ 5 demonstrated significantly increased lung FDG uptake (Ki 0.001075 ± 0.00055 mL/g/min) than those with SLEDAI < 5 (Ki 0.000233 ± 0.00017 mL/g/min) (p = 0.0038) and IPAH (Ki 0.000524 ± 0.000314 mL/g/min) (p = 0.0025). Lung FDG uptake in SLE-PAH correlated with SLEDAI score and plasma complement C3 and C4 levels (Ki vs SLEDAI, r = 0.607, p = 0.021; Ki vs C3, r = - 0.568, p = 0.034; Ki vs C4, r = - 0.661, p = 0.010). There were no significantly correlations between lung FDG uptake and pulmonary vascular haemodynamics and 6 min walking distance in both IPAH and SLE-PAH patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that increased lung FDG uptake in SLE-PAH patients correlates with SLE disease activity (SLEDAI) and immune/inflammatory status (C3 and C4). FDG-PET imaging may be developed as a potential intrapulmonary disease activity marker in SLE-PAH patients.
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