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Hecker M, Fitzner B, Koczan D, Klehmet J, Grothe M, Schwab M, Winkelmann A, Meister S, Dudesek A, Ludwig-Portugall I, Eulitz K, Zettl UK. Differential gene expression in B cells and T helper cells following high-dose glucocorticoid therapy for multiple sclerosis relapse. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116721. [PMID: 38749180 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116721] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite remarkable advances in the therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS), patients with MS may still experience relapses. High-dose short-term methylprednisolone (MP) remains the standard treatment in the acute management of MS relapses due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, there is a lack of studies on the cell type-specific transcriptome changes that are induced by this synthetic glucocorticoid (GC). Moreover, it is not well understood why some patients do not benefit adequately from MP therapy. METHODS We collected peripheral blood from MS patients in relapse immediately before and after ∼3-5 days of therapy with MP at 4 study centers. CD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells were then isolated for profiling the transcriptome with high-density arrays. The patients' improvement of neurological symptoms was evaluated after ∼2 weeks by the treating physicians. We finally analyzed the data to identify genes that were differentially expressed in response to the therapy and whose expression differed between clinical responders and non-responders. RESULTS After MP treatment, a total of 33 genes in B cells and 55 genes in T helper cells were significantly up- or downregulated. The gene lists overlap in 10 genes and contain genes that have already been described as GC-responsive genes in the literature on other cell types and diseases. Their differential expression points to a rapid and coordinated modulation of multiple signaling pathways that influence transcription. Genes that were previously suggested as potential prognostic biomarkers of the clinical response to MP therapy could not be confirmed in our data. However, a greater increase in the expression of genes encoding proteins with antimicrobial activity was detected in CD4+ T cells from non-responders compared to responders. CONCLUSION Our study delved into the cell type-specific effects of MP at the transcriptional level. The data suggest a therapy-induced ectopic expression of some genes (e.g., AZU1, ELANE and MPO), especially in non-responders. The biological consequences of this remain to be explored in greater depth. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical recovery from relapses in patients with MS will help to optimize future treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hecker
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Brit Fitzner
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Koczan
- Institute of Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Juliane Klehmet
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Jüdisches Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Grothe
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Winkelmann
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Stefanie Meister
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ales Dudesek
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Thränhardt P, Veselaj A, Friedli C, Wagner F, Marti S, Diem L, Hammer H, Radojewski P, Wiest R, Chan A, Hoepner R, Salmen A. Sex differences in multiple sclerosis relapse presentation and outcome: a retrospective, monocentric study of 134 relapse events. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241237853. [PMID: 38532803 PMCID: PMC10964455 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241237853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Reporting of sex-specific analyses in multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse. Disability accrual results from relapses (relapse-associated worsening) and independent thereof (progression independent of relapses). Objectives A population of MS patients during relapse treated per standard of care was analyzed for sex differences and short-term relapse outcome (3-6 months) as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change. Design Single-center retrospective study. Methods We analyzed 134 MS relapses between March 2016 and August 2020. All events required relapse treatment (steroids and/or plasma exchange). Demographic, disease, and paraclinical characteristics [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] were displayed separated by sex. Multivariable linear regression was run to identify factors associated with short-term EDSS change. Results Mean age at relapse was 38.4 years (95% confidence interval: 36.3-40.4) with a proportion of 71.6% women in our cohort. Smoking was more than twice as prevalent in men (65.8%) than women (32.3%). In- and after-relapse EDSSs were higher in men [men: 3.3 (2.8-3.9), women: 2.7 (2.4-3.0); men: 3.0 (1.3-3.6); women: 1.8 (1.5-2.1)] despite similar relapse intervention. Paraclinical parameters revealed no sex differences. Our primary model identified female sex, younger age, and higher EDSS at relapse to be associated with EDSS improvement. A higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) quotient (CSF/serum) was associated with poorer short-term outcome [mean days between first relapse treatment and last EDSS assessment 130.2 (79.3-181.0)]. Conclusion Sex and gender differences are important in outcome analyses of MS relapses. Effective treatment regimens need to respect putative markers for a worse outcome to modify long-term prognosis such as clinical and demographic variables, complemented by intrathecal IgG synthesis. Prospective trials should be designed to address these differences and confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Thränhardt
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Admirim Veselaj
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Friedli
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Franca Wagner
- University Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging Center, Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Marti
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lara Diem
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helly Hammer
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Radojewski
- University Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging Center, Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Wiest
- University Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging Center, Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Hoepner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anke Salmen
- Department of Neurology, St Josef-Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, Bochum 44791, GermanyDepartment of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Seyedmirzaei H, Salabat D, KamaliZonouzi S, Teixeira AL, Rezaei N. Risk of MS relapse and deterioration after COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105472. [PMID: 38316078 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper respiratory viral infections have long been considered triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and exacerbation. The possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on MS relapse and deterioration remain controversial. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to find relevant studies assessing changes in relapse rates or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) following COVID-19 in people with MS. Meta-analyses were performed, and to investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. RESULTS We included 14 studies in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that COVID-19 was not associated with a rise in relapse rate (risk ratio (RR): 0.97, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.67, 1.41, p-value: 0.87) or a rise in EDSS (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.09, 95 % CI: -0.22, 0.03, p-value: 0.13). The analysis of EDSS changes indicated a significant heterogeneity (I2: 55 %, p-value: 0.01). Other analyses were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased risk of relapse and clinical deterioration in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Seyedmirzaei
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program (INRP), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dorsa Salabat
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara KamaliZonouzi
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Almuklass AM, Gosty GT, Alotaibi EB, Alharbi BT, AlShayea RA, Aba Alkhail AB, Abaalkhail MB. Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Disease Severity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e46873. [PMID: 37954739 PMCID: PMC10638286 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Several factors, including sex, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, and age of onset, have been identified as predictors of disease severity. This study investigated the association between the aforementioned factors and MS severity, measured by the number of hospital visits and admissions, length of stay, and frequency of methylprednisolone use. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional analysis used data obtained from BESTCare at the King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). A total of 272 patients with MS and their demographic and clinical characteristics were included. RESULTS The study population consisted of 68.75% (n = 187) females and 31.25% (n = 85) males. The regression analyses indicated that disease duration was a significant predictor of the number of hospital visits and admissions (p < 0.01). The study found a significant association between BMI (unstandardized beta (B) = -0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.47, -0.02, p = 0.033), age at diagnosis (unstandardized beta (B) = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.31, p = 0.048), and length of hospital stay. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between disease duration and the number of methylprednisolone doses (unstandardized beta (B) = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.89, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION Disease duration was found to be a significant predictor of hospital visits, admissions, and methylprednisolone use, while sex and BMI did not contribute to the variation in these outcomes. However, BMI and age of onset were significantly associated with length of hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awad M Almuklass
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
- Department of Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ghidaa T Gosty
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Eman B Alotaibi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bushra T Alharbi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Reem A AlShayea
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed B Aba Alkhail
- Department of Neurology, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
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Marriott JJ, Ekuma O, Fransoo R, Marrie RA. Switching to second line MS disease-modifying therapies is associated with decreased relapse rate. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1243589. [PMID: 37745666 PMCID: PMC10511745 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1243589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives While randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for determining treatment efficacy, they do not capture the effectiveness of treatment during real-world use. We aimed to evaluate the association between demographics and multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) exposure, including treatment adherence and switches between different DMTs, on the risk of subsequent MS relapse. Methods All persons with relapsing-onset MS (pwRMS) living in Manitoba between 1999 and 2014 were identified from provincial healthcare databases using a validated case definition. Use of DMTs was abstracted from the provincial drug database covering all residents of Manitoba, including use of any DMT, stopping/starting any DMT, switches between different DMTs and adherence as defined by cumulative medication possession ratios (CUMMPRs) of 50, 70, 80 and 90%. Time to first-treated relapse was used as the outcome of interest in logistic regression and Cox-proportional hazards regression models adjusting for demographic covariates including age and year of diagnosis, sex, socioeconomic status and number of medical comorbidities. Results 1780 pwRMS were identified, including 1,510 who were on DMT at some point in the study period. While total DMT exposure was not associated with the time to subsequent treated relapse, individuals who switched between more than 2 DMTs had higher post-switch rates of relapse. Switching to second-line DMTs was associated with a longer time to treated relapse in comparison to those who remained on a first-line DMT (HR 0.44; 95%CI: 0.32-0.62, p < 0.0001). Discussion Switching to high-efficacy DMTs reduces the rates of subsequent MS relapse at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- James John Marriott
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Okechukwu Ekuma
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Randall Fransoo
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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