Phenotypic intrafamilial variability including H syndrome and Rosai-Dorfman disease associated with the same c.1088G > A mutation in the SLC29A3 gene

Aberrant expression of solute carrier family transporters in placentas associated with pregnancy complications

INTRODUCTION

Solute carrier family transporters (SLCs), crucial for nutrient and trace element uptake in the placenta, play a significant role in fetal growth and development. Their dysregulation is associated with various pregnancy disorders. However, a comprehensive understanding of their role and regulation in placental function and pregnancy complications is still a largely unexplored area, making this study novel and significant.

METHODS

We performed a rigorous meta-analysis of publicly available NCBI GEO microarray and RNA-Seq datasets followed by bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed SLCs in PE and IUGR. The identified SLCs were then validated using qPCR on PE placental samples, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis of preeclampsia (PE) and Intrauterine Growth restriction (IUGR) datasets revealed significant associations between specific SLC transporters with disease pathology, identified by studying differentially expressed SLCs. Subsequent validation using qPCR on placental samples confirmed considerable downregulation of SLC6A8, SLC16A10, SLC25A3, and SLC29A3, highlighting their dysregulation in the pathogenesis of PE and IUGR.

DISCUSSION

The significant downregulation of SLC6A8, SLC16A10, SLC25A3, and SLC29A3 observed by bioinformatics analyses and validated by qPCR indicates atypical expression of these SLCs in gestational disorders. Our findings underscore the potential contribution of multiple SLC gene families to the development of placental pathologies associated with diverse pregnancy complications.

Uncommon Fibroinflammatory Sinonasal Tract Lesions: Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis, and Rosai-Dorfman Disease

Fibroinflammatory lesions of the sinonasal tract include inflammatory polyps (chronic rhinosinusitis), various infectious, sarcoidosis, and NK/T-cell lymphoma as examples of the most commonly encountered lesions. However, the differential diagnosis includes several less frequently encountered entities, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss), eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis considered part of IgG4-related disease, and Rosai-Dorfman disease. This review focuses on these latter entities providing an update on clinical, laboratory, imaging, histology, and ancillary testing employed to reach an actionable diagnosis.

Rheumatological manifestations of H syndrome

H syndrome (HS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterised by cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, sclerodermatous thickening, and multisystemic involvement. It results from mutations in the SLC29A3 gene encoding the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3, leading to impaired histiocyte apoptosis and unchecked proliferation. We report the case of a 24-year-old Moroccan male who had a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. He developed hyperpigmented skin patches with hypertrichosis and induration. Musculoskeletal findings included bilateral hallux valgus, pes planus, reducible flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints, and restricted ankle dorsiflexion. Additional findings consist of lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, hypogonadism, and ophthalmic manifestations. Investigations showed elevated sedimentation rate, anaemia, and osteopaenia. Ankle ultrasound revealed calcaneal enthesopathy and subcutaneous infiltration. In reporting this case, we aim to highlight the significant rheumatological involvement that can arise in patients with H syndrome and explore potential treatment options to improve the musculoskeletal findings.

A novel start-loss mutation of the SLC29A3 gene in a consanguineous family with H syndrome: clinical characteristics, in silico analysis and literature review

BACKGROUND

The SLC29A3 gene, which encodes a nucleoside transporter protein, is primarily located in intracellular membranes. The mutations in this gene can give rise to various clinical manifestations, including H syndrome, dysosteosclerosis, Faisalabad histiocytosis, and pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes. The aim of this study is to present two Iranian patients with H syndrome and to describe a novel start-loss mutation in SLC29A3 gene.

METHODS

In this study, we employed whole-exome sequencing (WES) as a method to identify genetic variations that contribute to the development of H syndrome in a 16-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother. These siblings were part of an Iranian family with consanguineous parents. To confirmed the pathogenicity of the identified variant, we utilized in-silico tools and cross-referenced various databases to confirm its novelty. Additionally, we conducted a co-segregation study and verified the presence of the variant in the parents of the affected patients through Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

In our study, we identified a novel start-loss mutation (c.2T > A, p.Met1Lys) in the SLC29A3 gene, which was found in both of two patients. Co-segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited from the parents. To evaluate the potential pathogenicity and novelty of this mutation, we consulted various databases. Additionally, we employed bioinformatics tools to predict the three-dimensional structure of the mutant SLC29A3 protein. These analyses were conducted with the aim of providing valuable insights into the functional implications of the identified mutation on the structure and function of the SLC29A3 protein.

CONCLUSION

Our study contributes to the expanding body of evidence supporting the association between mutations in the SLC29A3 gene and H syndrome. The molecular analysis of diseases related to SLC29A3 is crucial in understanding the range of variability and raising awareness of H syndrome, with the ultimate goal of facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The discovery of this novel biallelic variant in the probands further underscores the significance of utilizing genetic testing approaches, such as WES, as dependable diagnostic tools for individuals with this particular condition.

H syndrome: A histiocytosis-lymphadenopathy plus syndrome. A comprehensive review of the literature

H syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis that falls under the histiocytosis-lymphadenopathy plus syndrome. The term "H syndrome" includes manifestations such as hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, hepatosplenomegaly, heart anomalies, hearing loss, hypogonadism, low height, and occasionally hyperglycemia. The syndrome is associated with mutations in the SLC29A3 gene, which encodes the human equilibrative transporter 3 present in endosomes, lysosomes, and mitochondria. The generalized and ubiquitous presence of affected lysosomes and mitochondria contributes to the systemic and phenotypically heterogeneous manifestations of the syndrome. H syndrome manifestations are cutaneous, systemic, and organ-specific. The pathognomonic signs are hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation in the inner thighs and shins. However, not all patients present with these symptoms. H syndrome management involves a multidisciplinary approach to address specific symptoms and complications. The prognosis of H syndrome depends on several factors, including the extent and severity of clinical manifestations, the presence of complications, and timely diagnosis and management. Further studies are needed to explore the association between prognosis and the different mutations encountered in H syndrome.

Rheumatological complaints in H syndrome: from inflammatory profiling to target treatment in a case study

BACKGROUND

H Syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the SLC29A3 gene. It is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, many of which are related to the immune-rheumatological field. These include scleroderma-like skin changes, deforming arthritis, and enlarged lymph nodes. The condition also features cardiac and endocrine defects, as well as hearing loss, for which the immune pathogenesis appears less clear. Immunomodulatory medications have been shown to improve many symptoms in recent experiences.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old girl was referred to our institute after being diagnosed with H syndrome. Her medical history was characterized by the development of finger and toe deformities, which developed since the first years of life and progressively worsened with clinodactyly. At 6 years of age, she was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus without typical autoantibodies and with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. She also complained of frequent episodes of lymphadenopathy, sometimes with colliquation and growth retardation due to pancreatic insufficiency. It wasn't until the genetic diagnosis of H syndrome that the continual increase in acute phase reactants was noticed, suggesting that an immunological pathogenesis may be the source of her problems. During her visit to our institute, she reported serious pain in both feet and hands and difficulty walking due to knee arthritis and muscle contractures. Conventional therapy with steroid injection in affected joints and methotrexate only led to partial improvement. After a thorough assessment of her inflammatory profile showing a high interferon score, the girl received treatment with baricitinib. Furthermore, based on recent data showing that SLC29A3 deficiency results in interferon production because of Toll-like Receptor 7 activation in lysosomes, hydroxychloroquine was also added. The combination of the two drugs resulted for the first time in a rapid and persistent normalization of inflammatory markers, paralleled by a dramatic improvement in symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the results of inhibiting IFN inflammation in H syndrome and discuss how JAK inhibitors and antimalarials might represent a mechanistically based treatment for this orphan drug disorder.

Isolated bilateral orbital and paranasal Rosai-Dorfman disease affecting two brothers: a case report and a systematic literature review

A systematic literature review revealed 88 Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) cases affecting the orbit. We present a review of the literature on orbital RDD in addition to two brothers with isolated bilateral extra-nodal orbital RDD cases associated with G-6PD deficiency. The disease manifested as asymmetric extensive orbital and paranasal sinus infiltration, with orbital bone destruction. Orbital mass debulking and steroids improved the condition in both patients. This is the most extensive case series of orbital RDD reported, including clinical manifestation, imaging, pathologic results, management, and outcome. Vigilant follow-up is essential to monitor for potential malignant transformation, systemic manifestations, potential vision loss, or life-threatening recurrences.

Monogenic autoinflammatory disease-associated cardiac damage

INTRODUCTION

Autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) constitute several disorders that are characterized by the presence of recurrent episodes of unprovoked inflammation due to dysregulated innate immune system in the absence of autoantibodies or infections. Most of them have a strong genetic background, with mutations in single genes involved in inflammation referred to monogenic AIDs. In this article, we will review the cardiac manifestations in various monogenic AIDs.

AREAS COVERED

Various cardiac manifestations can be seen in various monogenic AIDs, including pericarditis, valvular diseases, coronary diseases, cardiomyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension, especially in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Monogenic AIDs can manifest a variety of cardiac lesions, the most common of which is pericardial effusion, which may be local pericardial inflammation secondary to systemic inflammatory responses. While, the pathogenesis and incidence are still unclear. More research is still needed to explore the relationship between monogenic AIDs and cardiac damage for better understanding these diseases.

A meta-analysis of cases of Rosai Dorfman disease reported on the African continent and a description of two cases from a tertiary academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease (RDD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by the accumulation of activated histiocytes within affected tissues. The original haematopathological description of RDD has links to the late South African born haematopathologist, Ronald Dorfman, with a descriptive account of two cases of the disease treated at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital are described herein. Alongside the two case descriptions is a meta-analysis of 149 published cases from the African continent. Sequential literature searches were performed on Google Scholar and PubMed with the search terms "sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy", "Rosai-Dorfman disease", "Rosai-Dorfman Destombes" and "lymphadenopathy" together with the name of each individual country on the African continent, from Algeria to Zimbabwe. All possible cases of RDD reported in published literature from Africa were captured on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet recording details, where available, of demographics, nodal (nodal groups) or extra-nodal disease as well as treatment. Of the 54 African countries on the continent, published data was available from half of these countries (n=27). Nigeria (35), Tunisia (25) and South Africa (23) contributed the majority of cases for data collection with a clear paucity of reportable information available from Central Africa. Of the 149 cases from the African continent, the majority were from patients aged ten years and younger with a decrease in reported cases in patients with increasing age. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.66 years [95% CI: 21.81-29.51] with a median age of diagnosis of 24.5 years. The youngest patient in the series was 3 months old and the oldest patient aged 72 (range 71.75 years, IQR 31). The cases reported were fairly split between males and females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.07: 1. HIV seropositivity was reported in seven patients (4.8%) and no HIV results were available in 104 patients (71.2%). Disease presentation was split between nodal disease in 43% of patients (n=64), Extra nodal (EN) disease in 32.9% (n=32), mixed (nodal/EN) disease in 11.4% (n=17) and unknown in 12.8% (n=19). Fever was present in 18.1% (n=27) of cases. Hepatic enlargement was noted in nine patients (6%) and splenic enlargement in four patients (2.7%). Commonly ascribed sites of EN disease, in descending order, were skin and soft tissue, ocular, ear/nose/throat (ENT), abdominal organ(s), bone, lung/pleura, brain parenchyma (including dura), endocrine glands, spine, breast, pericardium, pseudotumour formation (unspecified site), joint(s), peripheral nerves and genitourinary tract disease. The upfront administration of glucocorticosteroids was seen in the majority of cases. Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes, although a rare disorder, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with massive bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and is confirmed with accompanying pathological changes on microscopic and immunohistochemical examination of biopsy specimens. The role of infection, particularly HIV infection, is considered to be a possible contributor to the pathogenesis of RDD and HIV testing in patients from areas of high HIV endemicity with co-existing RDD should be undertaken. Consideration for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in patients with generalized significant lymphadenopathy still remains an important differential for massive lymphadenopathy and requires confirmation by appropriate microbiological investigations. The treatment landscape in RDD is limited in many resource-poor settings, with the upfront use of glucocorticosteroids employed routinely in the majority of cases.

The SLC29A3 variant, neutrophilic dermatosis, and hyperferritinemia imitate systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a Saudi child: a case report

Genetic defects of SLC29A3 result in a wide range of syndromic histiocytosis that encompasses H syndrome. Patients with SLC29A3 variants typically have hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, hepatosplenomegaly, sensorineural hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and hypogonadism. Herein, we identify a novel phenotype in a girl presenting with clinical and laboratory findings similar to systemic juvenile arthritis and hyperferritinemia. Exome sequencing identified a homozygous variant in SLC29A3 (NM_018344.5: c.707C>T [p.T236M]). Our patient did not show the cardinal features of the broad spectrum of SLC29A3-related disorders. She demonstrated remarkable improvement in her clinical and laboratory manifestations after starting interleukin-1 blockade (Anakinra). Recent research suggests that SLC29A3-related disorders are accompanied with autoinflammation and autoimmunity due to an overactive inflammasome pathway, which is most likely induced by mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction. Hence, our findings may expand the phenotypic features of the SLC29A3 variant. Patients with the SLC29A3 variant and systemic inflammation may benefit from interleukin-1 blockade as a therapeutic option.

OCT2 expression in histiocytoses

Diagnosis of histiocytosis can be difficult and one of the biggest challenges is to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic histiocytes on histology alone. Recently, OCT2 nuclear expression was reported in Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). Our purpose was to expand the testing of OCT2 on a broader variety of sporadic or H syndrome-related histiocytoses. Cases of histiocytoses were retrieved from the files of Ambroise Paré Pathology Department. All slides and molecular analyses were reviewed, and staining was completed with immunohistochemistry for OCT2. A total of 156 samples from different localizations were tested. Among sporadic cases, 52 patients had RDD, and 10 patients had mixed histiocytosis combining RDD with Erdheim Chester disease (ECD, n = 8), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH, n = 2) or juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG, n = 1). All these patients were positive for OCT2 in RDD characteristic histiocytes. Twenty-three patients had ECD and all but two (91% - 21/23) were negative for OCT2. By contrast, OCT2 was positive in 11/27 (41%) LCH and 6/16 (38%) JXG. Among the 10 samples of H syndrome-associated histiocytosis, 3 had typical RDD histology, 6 had unclassified histiocytosis, and one had mixed RDD-LCH; all were positive for OCT2. On 16 samples of granulomatous lymphadenitis, OCT2 was negative in epithelioid histiocytes. Our study shows that OCT2 has a sensitivity of 100% for RDD cases and mixed histiocytoses with an RDD component. It is negative in 92% of ECD but expressed in at least 38% of LCH, JXG, and C group histiocytoses. Finally, OCT2 is positive in all H syndrome-related histiocytoses, independent of their histology.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease between Proliferation and Neoplasia

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder of histiocytes with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and peculiar morphologic features (accumulation of histiocytes with emperipolesis). Typically, the patient with RDD shows bilateral painless, massive cervical lymphadenopathy associated with B symptoms. Approximately 43% of patients presented with extranodal involvement. According to the 2016 revised histiocytosis classification, RDD belongs to the R group, including familial and sporadic form (classical nodal, extranodal, unclassified, or RDD associated with neoplasia or immune disease). Sporadic RDD is often self-limited. Most RDD needs only local therapies. Nevertheless, a small subpopulation of patients may be refractory to conventional therapy and die of the disease. Recent studies consider RDD a clonal neoplastic process, as approximately 1/3 of these patients harbor gene mutations involving the MAPK/ERK pathway, e.g., NRAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, and, rarely, the BRAF mutation. In addition to typical histiocytic markers (S100/fascin/CD68/CD163, etc.), recent studies show that the histiocytes in RDD also express BCL-1 and OCT2, which might be important in pathogenesis. Additionally, the heterozygous germline mutation involving the FAS gene TNFRSF6 is identified in some RDD patients with an autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome type Ia. SLC29A3 germline mutation is associated with familial or Faisalabad histiocytosis and H syndrome.