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Zhou J, Diao M. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and pregnancy: a mini-review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2339-2346. [PMID: 38594407 PMCID: PMC11147845 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07478-2] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM) is a slow progressive, rare cystic lung disease in women of reproductive age, associated with infiltration of the lung by atypical smooth muscle like cells, leading to the cystic destruction of the lung parenchyma. As LAM exclusively affects women of childbearing age, it can arise or exacerbate during pregnancy. Many patients with LAM are discouraged from pregnancy, although there is not much objective evidence effect on fertility. Patients diagnosed with LAM during pregnancy experience worse outcomes, so the safety of pregnancy is a vexing problem. What was worse, treatment strategies are limited on the effects of LAM on pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy could be considered in LAM patients. Successful delivery in women with LAM depends on the condition of the LAM, which is in turn dependent on obstetricians and respiratory physicians. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical features and the treatment strategies of LAM during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieshu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Diao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Champion ML, Maier JG, Bushman ET, Barney JB, Casey BM, Sinkey RG. Systematic Review of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Outcomes in Pregnancy and a Proposed Management Guideline. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1508-e1520. [PMID: 36898409 PMCID: PMC10582203 DOI: 10.1055/a-2051-8395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, multisystem disease that primarily affects women of reproductive age. Disease progression has been linked to estrogen exposure, and as such many patients are advised to avoid pregnancy. Data are limited regarding the interaction between LAM and pregnancy, and as such we performed a systematic review to summarize available literature reporting outcomes of pregnancies complicated by maternal LAM. STUDY DESIGN This was a systematic review including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, case reports, clinical practice guidelines, and quality improvement studies with full-text manuscripts or abstracts in the English language with primary data on pregnant or postpartum patients with LAM. The primary outcome was maternal outcomes during pregnancy as well as pregnancy outcomes. Secondary outcomes were neonatal outcomes and long-term maternal outcomes. This search occurred in July 2020 and included MEDLINE, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Risk of bias was ascertained using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Our systematic review was registered with PROSPERO as protocol number CRD 42020191402. RESULTS A total of 175 publications were identified in our initial search; ultimately 31 studies were included. Six (19%) studies were retrospective cohort studies and 25 (81%) studies were case reports. Patients diagnosed during pregnancy had worse pregnancy outcomes compared to those diagnosed with LAM prior to pregnancy. Multiple studies reported a significant risk of pneumothoraces during pregnancy. Other significant risks included preterm delivery, chylothoraces, and pulmonary function deterioration. A proposed strategy for preconception counseling and antenatal management is provided. CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed with LAM during pregnancy generally experience worse outcomes including recurrent pneumothoraces and preterm delivery as compared to patients with a LAM diagnosis prior to pregnancy. Given that there are limited studies available, and that the majority are low-quality evidence and subject to bias, further investigation of the interaction between LAM and pregnancy is warranted to guide patient care and counseling. KEY POINTS · Data are limited on the effects of lymphangioleiomyomatosis on pregnancy outcomes.. · We performed a systematic review to summarize pregnancy outcomes complicated by LAM.. · Patients diagnosed with LAM during pregnancy experience worse outcomes..
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Affiliation(s)
- Macie L. Champion
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women’s Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Julia G. Maier
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women’s Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Elisa T. Bushman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women’s Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joseph B. Barney
- Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Brian M. Casey
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women’s Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rachel G. Sinkey
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women’s Reproductive Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gamberini MR, Finotti A, Gambari R. Increased Expression of α-Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) mRNA in Erythroid Precursor Cells Isolated from β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Sirolimus (Rapamycin). J Clin Med 2024; 13:2479. [PMID: 38731008 PMCID: PMC11084795 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: in β-thalassemia, important clinical complications are caused by the presence of free α-globin chains in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. These free α-globin chains are present in excess as a result of the lack of β-globin chains to bind with; they tend to aggregate and precipitate, causing deleterious effects and overall cytotoxicity, maturation arrest of the erythroid cells and, ultimately, ineffective erythropoiesis. The chaperone protein α-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) reversibly binds with free α-globin; the resulting AHSP-αHb complex prevents aggregation and precipitation. Sirolimus (rapamycin) has been previously demonstrated to induce expression of fetal hemoglobin and decrease the excess of free α-globin chain in the erythroid cells of β-thalassemia patients. The objective of this study was to verify whether sirolimus is also able to upregulate AHSP expression in erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. Methods: the expression of AHSP genes was analyzed by measuring the AHSP mRNA content by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the AHSP protein production by Western blotting. Results: AHSP gene expression was found to be higher in ErPCs of β-thalassemia patients in comparison to ErPCs isolated from healthy subjects. In addition, AHSP expression was further induced by treatment of β-thalassemia ErPCs with sirolimus. Finally, AHSP mRNA was expressed at an increased level in ErPCs of sirolimus-treated β-thalassemia patients participating in the NCT03877809 Sirthalaclin clinical trial. Conclusions: this exploratory study suggests that AHSP expression should be considered as an endpoint in clinical trials based on sirolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Gambari R, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gamberini MR, Prosdocimi M. The Long Scientific Journey of Sirolimus (Rapamycin): From the Soil of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) to Applied Research and Clinical Trials on β-Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1202. [PMID: 37759601 PMCID: PMC10525103 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, we present the fascinating story of rapamycin (sirolimus), a drug able to induce γ-globin gene expression and increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in erythroid cells, including primary erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. For this reason, rapamycin is considered of great interest for the treatment of β-thalassemia. In fact, high levels of HbF are known to be highly beneficial for β-thalassemia patients. The story of rapamycin discovery began in 1964, with METEI, the Medical Expedition to Easter Island (Rapa Nui). During this expedition, samples of the soil from different parts of the island were collected and, from this material, an antibiotic-producing microorganism (Streptomyces hygroscopicus) was identified. Rapamycin was extracted from the mycelium with organic solvents, isolated, and demonstrated to be very active as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Later, rapamycin was demonstrated to inhibit the in vitro cell growth of tumor cell lines. More importantly, rapamycin was found to be an immunosuppressive agent applicable to prevent kidney rejection after transplantation. More recently, rapamycin was found to be a potent inducer of HbF both in vitro using ErPCs isolated from β-thalassemia patients, in vivo using experimental mice, and in patients treated with this compound. These studies were the basis for proposing clinical trials on β-thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
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Gamberini MR, Zuccato C, Zurlo M, Cosenza LC, Finotti A, Gambari R. Effects of Sirolimus Treatment on Fetal Hemoglobin Production and Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Case Report Study. Hematol Rep 2023; 15:432-439. [PMID: 37489374 PMCID: PMC10366771 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep15030044] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of monogenic hereditary hematological disorders caused by deletions and/or mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). For β-thalassemia, sirolimus has been under clinical consideration in two trials (NCT03877809 and NCT04247750). A reduced immune response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been reported in organ recipient patients treated with the immunosuppressant sirolimus. Therefore, there was some concern regarding the fact that monotherapy with sirolimus would reduce the antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In the representative clinical case reported in this study, sirolimus treatment induced the expected increase of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) but did not prevent the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after vaccination with mRNA-1273 (Moderna). In our opinion, this case report should stimulate further studies on β-thalassemia patients under sirolimus monotherapy in order to confirm the safety (or even the positive effects) of sirolimus with respect to the humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In addition, considering the extensive use of sirolimus for the treatment of other human pathologies (for instance, in organ transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune cytopenia, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis), this case report study might be of general interest, as large numbers of patients are currently under sirolimus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Unità Operativa Interdipartimentale di Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Arcispedale S. Anna di Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Pascalau NA, Radu AF, Cseppento DCN, Andronie-Cioara FL, Jurcau A, Mos C, Bungau AF, Bungau SG. An Evidence-Based Update on the Potential Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040607. [PMID: 37108993 PMCID: PMC10141996 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) represents an uncommon disorder characterized by cystic lung destruction and chronic respiratory failure. Lung damage caused by various mechanisms may represent a hypothesis for studying the association between LAM and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the most prevalent autoinflammatory rheumatic disease and may affect the lungs as an extra-articular manifestation. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, the pathophysiology of both disorders includes dysregulated immunological function, abnormal cellular development, and inflammation. Current research suggests a potential relationship between RA and LAM, as some RA patients have been reported to develop LAM. However, the association of RA and LAM raises important therapeutic dilemmas. For this reason, the trajectory of a patient who was identified in our medical records as suffering from both LAM and RA, treated with many novel molecules and biological therapy, but with a negative outcome due to respiratory and multiorgan failure, has been exemplified. The delay in the diagnosis of LAM is due to a correlation between RA and LAM, worsening the vital prognosis and also hindering pulmonary transplantation. In addition, extensive research is essential for understanding the potential connection between these two disorders and discovering any similar mechanisms involved that may underlie their occurrence. This may contribute to the development of new therapeutic options that target shared pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RA and LAM.
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Zurlo M, Nicoli F, Proietto D, Dallan B, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gasparello J, Papi C, d'Aversa E, Borgatti M, Scapoli C, Finotti A, Gambari R. Effects of Sirolimus treatment on patients with β-Thalassemia: Lymphocyte immunophenotype and biological activity of memory CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:353-364. [PMID: 36625233 PMCID: PMC9889681 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17655] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have been proposed to improve vaccine responses, especially in the elderly. Accordingly, testing mTOR inhibitors (such as Sirolimus) and other geroprotective drugs might be considered a key strategy to improve overall health resilience of aged populations. In this respect, Sirolimus (also known as rapamycin) is of great interest, in consideration of the fact that it is extensively used in routine therapy and in clinical studies for the treatment of several diseases. Recently, Sirolimus has been considered in laboratory and clinical studies aimed to find novel protocols for the therapy of hemoglobinopathies (e.g. β-Thalassemia). The objective of the present study was to analyse the activity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in β-Thalassemia patients treated with Sirolimus, taking advantages from the availability of cellular samples of the NCT03877809 clinical trial. The approach was to verify IFN-γ releases following stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to stimulatory CEF and CEFTA peptide pools, stimulatory for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. The main results of the present study are that treatment of β-Thalassemia patients with Sirolimus has a positive impact on the biological activity and number of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells releasing IFN-γ following stimulation with antigenic stimuli present in immunological memory. These data are to our knowledge novel and in our opinion of interest, in consideration of the fact that β-Thalassemia patients are considered prone to immune deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Francesco Nicoli
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Davide Proietto
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Beatrice Dallan
- Department of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Elisabetta d'Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biology and EvolutionUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly,Center Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago for the Research on ThalassemiaUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
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Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Papi C, D'Aversa E, Breveglieri G, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Borgatti M, Scapoli C, Stievano A, Fortini M, Ramazzotti E, Marchetti N, Prosdocimi M, Gamberini MR, Gambari R. Expression of γ-globin genes in β-thalassemia patients treated with sirolimus: results from a pilot clinical trial (Sirthalaclin). Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221100648. [PMID: 35755297 PMCID: PMC9218916 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221100648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: β-thalassemia is caused by autosomal mutations in the β-globin gene, which induce the absence or low-level synthesis of β-globin in erythroid cells. It is widely accepted that a high production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is beneficial for patients with β-thalassemia. Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin, is a lipophilic macrolide isolated from a strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus that serves as a strong HbF inducer in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we report biochemical, molecular, and clinical results of a sirolimus-based NCT03877809 clinical trial (a personalized medicine approach for β-thalassemia transfusion-dependent patients: testing sirolimus in a first pilot clinical trial, Sirthalaclin). Methods: Accumulation of γ-globin mRNA was analyzed using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while the hemoglobin pattern was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The immunophenotype was analyzed using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), with antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD19, CD25 (for analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells), or CD71 and CD235a (for analysis of in vitro cultured erythroid precursors). Results: The results were obtained in eight patients with the β+/β+ and β+/β0 genotypes, who were treated with a starting dosage of 1 mg/day sirolimus for 24–48 weeks. The first finding of this study was that the expression of γ-globin mRNA increased in the blood and erythroid precursor cells isolated from β-thalassemia patients treated with low-dose sirolimus. This trial also led to the important finding that sirolimus influences erythropoiesis and reduces biochemical markers associated with ineffective erythropoiesis (excess free α-globin chains, bilirubin, soluble transferrin receptor, and ferritin). A decrease in the transfusion demand index was observed in most (7/8) of the patients. The drug was well tolerated, with minor effects on the immunophenotype, and an only side effect of frequently occurring stomatitis. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that low doses of sirolimus modify hematopoiesis and induce increased expression of γ-globin genes in a subset of patients with β-thalassemia. Further clinical trials are warranted, possibly including testing of the drug in patients with less severe forms of the disease and exploring combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zuccato
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biologia ed Evoluzione, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Stievano
- Unità Operativa Interdipartimentale di Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Arcispedale S. Anna di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Fortini
- Unità Operativa Interdipartimentale di Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Arcispedale S. Anna di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eric Ramazzotti
- Laboratorio Unico Metropolitano, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda USL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Marchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Agrarie, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Unità Operativa Interdipartimentale di Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Arcispedale S. Anna di Ferrara, via Aldo Moro, 8, Ferrara 44124, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara, 74, Ferrara 44121, Italy
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Zurlo M, Nicoli F, Borgatti M, Finotti A, Gambari R. Possible effects of sirolimus treatment on the long‑term efficacy of COVID‑19 vaccination in patients with β‑thalassemia: A theoretical perspective. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:33. [PMID: 35059731 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‑CoV‑2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has posed a major challenge for global health. In order to successfully combat SARS‑CoV‑2, the development of effective COVID‑19 vaccines is crucial. In this context, recent studies have highlighted a high COVID‑19 mortality rate in patients affected by β‑thalassemia, probably due to their co‑existent immune deficiencies. In addition to a role in the severity of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and in the mortality rate of COVID‑19‑infected patients with thalassemia, immunosuppression is expected to deeply affect the effectivity of anti‑COVID‑19 vaccines. In the context of the interplay between thalassemia‑associated immunosuppression and the effectiveness of COVID‑19 vaccines, the employment of immunomodulatory molecules is hypothesized. For instance, short‑term treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (such as everolimus and sirolimus) has been found to improve responses to influenza vaccination in adults, with benefits possibly persisting for a year following treatment. Recently, sirolimus has been considered for the therapy of hemoglobinopathies (including β‑thalassemia). Sirolimus induces the expression of fetal hemoglobin (and this may contribute to the amelioration of the clinical parameters of patients with β‑thalassemia) and induces autophagy (thereby reducing the excessive levels of α‑globin). It may also finally contribute to the mobilization of erythroid cells from the bone marrow (thereby reducing anemia). In the present study, the authors present the hypothesis that sirolimus treatment, in addition to its beneficial effects on erythroid‑related parameters, may play a crucial role in sustaining the effects of COVID‑19 vaccination in patients with β‑thalassemia. This hypothesis is based on several publications demonstrating the effects of sirolimus treatment on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Lampronti I, Borgatti M, Scapoli C, Gambari R, Finotti A. Treatment of Erythroid Precursor Cells from β-Thalassemia Patients with Cinchona Alkaloids: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13433. [PMID: 34948226 PMCID: PMC8706579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemias are among the most common inherited hemoglobinopathies worldwide and are the result of autosomal mutations in the gene encoding β-globin, causing an absence or low-level production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is considered to be of key importance for the development of therapeutic protocols for β-thalassemia and novel HbF inducers need to be proposed for pre-clinical development. The main purpose on this study was to analyze Cinchona alkaloids (cinchonidine, quinidine and cinchonine) as natural HbF-inducing agents in human erythroid cells. The analytical methods employed were Reverse Transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) (for quantification of γ-globin mRNA) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (for analysis of the hemoglobin pattern). After an initial analysis using the K562 cell line as an experimental model system, showing induction of hemoglobin and γ-globin mRNA, we verified whether the two more active compounds, cinchonidine and quinidine, were able to induce HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from β-thalassemia patients. The data obtained demonstrate that cinchonidine and quinidine are potent inducers of γ-globin mRNA and HbF in erythroid progenitor cells isolated from nine β-thalassemia patients. In addition, both compounds were found to synergize with the HbF inducer sirolimus for maximal production of HbF. The data obtained strongly indicate that these compounds deserve consideration in the development of pre-clinical approaches for therapeutic protocols of β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zuccato
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Section of Biology and Evolution, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (I.L.); (M.B.)
- Research Laboratory “Elio Zago” on the Pharmacologic and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassemia (Thal-LAB), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (C.I.B.), 34148 Trieste, Italy
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Shoji T, Niida Y, Osawa T, Matsumoto R, Sakurai K, Suzuki M, Matsuno Y, Konno S. Resolution of multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia with everolimus in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex. Respir Med Case Rep 2021; 34:101526. [PMID: 34703757 PMCID: PMC8524238 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2021.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A woman with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) presented with TSC2 gene mutation and various manifestations, including epilepsy, renal angiomyolipomas (AML), and pathologically confirmed multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH). With oral administration of everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, MMPH and AML were markedly reduced. Further, after starting treatment with everolimus, serum levels of surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D, which reflect type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, decreased to the normal range. At the time of writing of this manuscript, 6 years after starting everolimus, MMPH lesions did not relapse and SP-A/D remained the low levels. This is the first case of everolimus efficacy shown for histologically confirmed MMPH in genetically determined TSC patient, with time course of serum SP-A and SP-D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuaki Shoji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yo Niida
- Center for Clinical Genomics, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Osawa
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryuji Matsumoto
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kotaro Sakurai
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masaru Suzuki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Satoshi Konno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Corresponding author. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7 Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan.
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Rebaine Y, Nasser M, Girerd B, Leroux C, Cottin V. Tuberous sclerosis complex for the pulmonologist. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/200348. [PMID: 34348978 PMCID: PMC9488995 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0348-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder affecting almost all organs with no sex predominance. TSC has an autosomal-dominant inheritance and is caused by a heterozygous mutation in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene leading to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). TSC is associated with several pulmonary manifestations including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH) and chylous effusions. LAM is a multisystem disorder characterised by cystic destruction of lung parenchyma, and may occur in either the setting of TSC (TSC-LAM) or sporadically (S-LAM). LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with TSC at childbearing age and is considered a nonmalignant metastatic neoplasm of unknown origin. TSC-LAM is generally milder and, unlike S-LAM, may occur in males. It manifests as multiple, bilateral, diffuse and thin-walled cysts with normal intervening lung parenchyma on chest computed tomography. LAM is complicated by spontaneous pneumothoraces in up to 70% of patients, with a high recurrence rate. mTOR inhibitors are the treatment of choice for LAM with moderately impaired lung function or chylous effusion. MMPH, manifesting as multiple solid and ground-glass nodules on high-resolution computed tomography, is usually harmless with no need for treatment. Tuberous sclerosis complex is associated with diverse pulmonary manifestations including LAM, multiple micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia and chylous effusions. LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with tuberous sclerosis complex.https://bit.ly/3iLqZ08
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rebaine
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Division of Pulmonology, Dept of Medicine, Hôpital Charles-LeMoyne, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mouhamad Nasser
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Barbara Girerd
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,AP-HP, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Caroline Leroux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INRAE, UMR754, Member of ERN-LUNG, RespiFil, OrphaLung, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cottin
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France .,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INRAE, UMR754, Member of ERN-LUNG, RespiFil, OrphaLung, Lyon, France
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Swol J, Würflein D, Böhm J, Ficker JH. Two most common diagnoses among myriads of cystic lung diseases. Hippokratia 2021; 25:83-86. [PMID: 35937517 PMCID: PMC9347339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse cystic lung diseases are a group of heterogeneous pathophysiological processes and include neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies. This manuscript focuses on manifestations of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Description of the cases: Three female patients with LAM and one with PLCH are described. Stress dyspnea was a key symptom. There were similar cyst patterns in more than one lung lobe with a slow, progressive course. Histopathology confirmed the LAM diagnosis resulting from the nodular proliferate and the cyst wall that strongly expressed Human Melanoma Black-45 (HMB-45). A typical constellation for PLCH was demonstrated in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). It was found to be disseminated and relatively thick-walled cysts, mainly in the upper and middle parts. An individualized therapy was applied. Three patients with mild symptoms were followed up, including HRCT evaluations. Sirolimus was administered to one patient with a severe manifestation of LAM. CONCLUSION LAM and PLCH are rare. High-resolution computed tomography is an essential diagnostic tool. Lung emphysema as misdiagnosis should be avoided. The characteristics of pulmonary cysts, the cyst's wall regularity, and identification of associated pulmonary lesions, should be evaluated. A promising new therapy concept are mTOR inhibitors are, especially in LAM. The most important recommendation in PLCH is the cessation of cigarette smoking. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (2):83-86.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Swol
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - D Würflein
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - J Böhm
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - J H Ficker
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
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