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Li Y, Wu IXY, Wang X, Song J, Chen Q, Zhang W. Immunological parameters of maternal peripheral blood as predictors of future pregnancy outcomes in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1444-1456. [PMID: 38511530 PMCID: PMC11168276 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14832] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL), affecting approximately 1%-5% of women, exhibits a strong association with various maternal factors, particularly immune disorders. However, accurately predicting pregnancy outcomes based on the complex interactions and synergistic effects of various immune parameters without an automated algorithm remains challenging. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this historical cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of URPL patients treated at Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China, between January 2020 and October 2022. The primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy and miscarriage. Predictors included complement, autoantibodies, peripheral lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, thromboelastography findings, and serum lipids. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed for model development. The model's performance, discriminatory, and clinical applicability were assessed using area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, respectively. Additionally, models were visualized by constructing dynamic and static nomograms. RESULTS In total, 502 patients with URPL were enrolled, of whom 291 (58%) achieved clinical pregnancy and 211 (42%) experienced miscarriage. Notable differences in complement, peripheral lymphocytes, and serum lipids were observed between the two outcome groups. Moreover, URPL patients with elevated peripheral NK cells (absolute counts and proportion), decreased complement levels, and dyslipidemia demonstrated a significantly increased risk of miscarriage. Four models were developed in this study, of which Model 2 demonstrated superior performance with only seven predictors, achieving an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.99) and an accuracy of 0.92. A web-based platform was established to visually present model 2 and to facilitate its utilization by clinicians in outpatient settings (available from: https://yingrongli.shinyapps.io/liyingrong/). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the implementation of such prediction models could serve as valuable tools for providing comprehensive information and facilitating clinicians in their decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Li
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Irene X. Y. Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Xiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical EpidemiologyCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jinlu Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of General MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- International Collaborative Research Center for Medical MetabolomicsXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical EpidemiologyCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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Balduit A, Agostinis C, Mangogna A, Zito G, Stampalija T, Ricci G, Bulla R. Systematic review of the complement components as potential biomarkers of pre-eclampsia: pitfalls and opportunities. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1419540. [PMID: 38983853 PMCID: PMC11232388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1419540] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system (C) is a crucial component of the innate immune system. An increasing body of research has progressively shed light on the pivotal role of C in immunological tolerance at the feto-maternal interface. Excessive C activation or impaired C regulation may determine the onset of pregnancy-related pathological conditions, including pre-eclampsia (PE). Thus, several studies have investigated the presence of C components or split products in blood matrixes (i.e., plasma, serum), urine, and amniotic fluid in PE. In the current study, we systematically reviewed the currently available scientific literature reporting measurements of C components as circulating biomarkers in PE, based on a literature search using Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase databases. A total of 41 out of 456 studies were selected after full-text analysis. Fourteen studies (34.1%) were identified as measuring the blood concentrations of the classical pathway, 5 (12.1%) for the lectin pathway, 28 (68.3%) for the alternative pathway, 17 (41.5%) for the terminal pathway components, and 16 (39%) for C regulators. Retrieved results consistently reported C4, C3, and factor H reduction, and increased circulating levels of C4d, Bb, factor D, C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 in PE compared to normal pregnancies, depicting an overall scenario of excessive C activation and aberrant C regulation. With evidence of C activation and dysregulation, C-targeted therapy is an intriguing perspective in PE management. Moreover, we also discussed emerging pitfalls in C analysis, mainly due to a lack of experimental uniformity and biased cohort selection among different studies and laboratories, aiming to raise a more comprehensive awareness for future standardization. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024503070.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balduit
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Vivarelli M, Barratt J, Beck LH, Fakhouri F, Gale DP, Goicoechea de Jorge E, Mosca M, Noris M, Pickering MC, Susztak K, Thurman JM, Cheung M, King JM, Jadoul M, Winkelmayer WC, Smith RJH. The role of complement in kidney disease: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference. Kidney Int 2024:S0085-2538(24)00389-2. [PMID: 38844295 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.05.015] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Uncontrolled complement activation can cause or contribute to glomerular injury in multiple kidney diseases. Although complement activation plays a causal role in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy, over the past decade, a rapidly accumulating body of evidence has shown a role for complement activation in multiple other kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and several glomerulonephritides. The number of available complement inhibitor therapies has also increased during the same period. In 2022, Kidney Diseases: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) convened a Controversies Conference, "The Role of Complement in Kidney Disease," to address the expanding role of complement dysregulation in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of various glomerular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, and other forms of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Conference participants reviewed the evidence for complement playing a primary causal or secondary role in progression for several disease states and considered how evidence of complement involvement might inform management. Participating patients with various complement-mediated diseases and caregivers described concerns related to life planning, implications surrounding genetic testing, and the need for inclusive implementation of effective novel therapies into clinical practice. The value of biomarkers in monitoring disease course and the role of the glomerular microenvironment in complement response were examined, and key gaps in knowledge and research priorities were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vivarelli
- Laboratory of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laurence H Beck
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France; INSERM UMR S1064, Nantes, France
| | - Daniel P Gale
- Centre for Kidney and Bladder Health, University College London, UK
| | - Elena Goicoechea de Jorge
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Area of Chronic Diseases and Transplantation, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mosca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Ranica, Italy
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | - Katalin Susztak
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Michel Jadoul
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wolfgang C Winkelmayer
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard J H Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
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Zen M, Tonello M, Favaro M, Del Ross T, Calligaro A, Giollo A, Vesentini F, Gennaio IA, Arru F, Ruffatti A, Doria A. Antiphospholipid antibody carriers and patients with quiescent antiphospholipid syndrome show persistent subclinical complement activation. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1733-1738. [PMID: 37774001 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead517] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complement activation has been advocated as one mechanism by which aPLs can induce thrombosis. In patients with catastrophic APS or re-thrombosis, enhanced complement activation has been shown, even in the quiescent phase of the disease. We aimed to assess complement activation and to investigate its association with clinical variables in aPL-positive patients with a favourable disease course. METHODS Subjects with at least two consecutive positive aPL results obtained ≥12 weeks apart were enrolled. They were subjects without a history of thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity (aPL carriers), patients with pregnancy morbidity alone, i.e. obstetric APS patients (OAPS patients), and/or patients with arterial, venous, or small-vessel thrombotic APS (TAPS patients); for enrolment, all patients were required to have been free of symptoms for ≥2 years. Patients affected with systemic autoimmune diseases were excluded. Healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were included as controls. Plasma C5a and C5b-9 levels were assessed by commercially available ELISA assays. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation were applied. RESULTS Thirty-seven OAPS patients, 38 TAPS patients, 42 aPL carriers and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled. The median C5a and C5b-9 levels were significantly higher in quiescent aPL-positive patients (OAPS, TAPS, aPL carriers) compared with controls: C5a ng/ml 10.61 [interquartile range (IQR) 6.87-15.46] vs 4.06 (2.66-7.35), P < 0.001; C5b-9 ng/ml 283.95 (175.8-439.40) vs 165.90 (124.23-236.8), P < 0.001. Similar C5a and C5b-9 levels were observed in OAPS and TAPS patients and aPL carriers. A positive correlation between the median C5b-9 levels and the number of aPL-positive tests was found (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION The persistence of aPL antibodies is associated with a persistent subclinical activation of the complement cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Tonello
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Favaro
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Teresa Del Ross
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonia Calligaro
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giollo
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Vesentini
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilenia Anna Gennaio
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Arru
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Amelia Ruffatti
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Raschi E, Borghi MO, Tedesco F, Meroni PL. Antiphospholipid syndrome pathogenesis in 2023: an update of new mechanisms or just a reconsideration of the old ones? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI4-SI13. [PMID: 38320591 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead603] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibodies against phospholipid (aPL)-binding proteins, in particular, beta 2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI), are diagnostic/classification and pathogenic antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). β2GPI-aPL recognize their target on endothelium and trigger a pro-thrombotic phenotype which is amplified by circulating monocytes, platelets and neutrophils. Complement activation is required as supported by the lack of aPL-mediated effects in animal models when the complement cascade is blocked. The final result is a localized clot. A strong generalized inflammatory response is associated with catastrophic APS, the clinical variant characterized by systemic thrombotic microangiopathy. A two-hit hypothesis was suggested to explain why persistent aPL are associated with acute events only when a second hit allows antibody/complement binding by modulating β2GPI tissue presentation. β2GPI/β2GPI-aPL are also responsible for obstetric APS, being the molecule physiologically present in placental/decidual tissues. Additional mechanisms mediated by aPL with different characteristics have been reported, but their diagnostic/prognostic value is still a matter of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Raschi
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Andreoli L, Regola F, Caproli A, Crisafulli F, Fredi M, Lazzaroni MG, Nalli C, Piantoni S, Zatti S, Franceschini F, Tincani A. Pregnancy in antiphospholipid syndrome: what should a rheumatologist know? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI86-SI95. [PMID: 38320595 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead537] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the management of reproductive issues in women who have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or are carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The importance of aPL detection during preconception counselling relies on their pathogenic potential for placental insufficiency and related obstetric complications. The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes can be minimized by individualized risk stratification and tailored treatment aimed at preventing placental insufficiency. Combination therapy of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and heparin is the mainstay of prophylaxis during pregnancy; immunomodulation, especially with hydroxychloroquine, should be considered in refractory cases. Supplementary ultrasound surveillance is useful to detect fetal growth restriction and correctly tailor the time of delivery. The individual aPL profile must be considered in the stratification of thrombotic risk, such as during assisted reproduction techniques requiring hormonal ovarian stimulation or during the follow-up after pregnancy in order to prevent the first vascular event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Regola
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessia Caproli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Crisafulli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria-Grazia Lazzaroni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Nalli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sonia Zatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit - ERN ReCONNET, ASST Spedali Civili; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Cole MA, Gerber GF, Chaturvedi S. Complement biomarkers in the antiphospholipid syndrome - Approaches to quantification and implications for clinical management. Clin Immunol 2023; 257:109828. [PMID: 37913840 PMCID: PMC10759159 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109828] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Complement is a major driver of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and a promising therapeutic target in refractory and catastrophic APS. Complement testing in APS is largely limited to research settings, and reliable, rapid-turnaround biomarkers are needed to predict those at risk for adverse clinical outcomes and most likely to benefit from complement inhibition. We review complement biomarkers and their association with thrombosis and obstetric outcomes, including: (i) complement proteins and activation fragments in the fluid phase; (ii) assays that evaluate complement on cell membranes (e.g. in vivo cell-bound complement fragments, hemolytic assays, and ex vivo 'functional' cell-based assays, and (iii) sequencing of complement genes. Current studies highlight the inconsistencies in testing both between studies and various aPL/APS subgroups, suggesting that either cell-based testing or multiplex panels employing a combination of biomarkers simultaneously may be most clinically relevant. Standardization of complement assays is needed to ensure reproducibility and establish clinically relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cole
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gloria F Gerber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shruti Chaturvedi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Pappa M, Ntouros PA, Papanikolaou C, Sfikakis PP, Souliotis VL, Tektonidou MG. Augmented oxidative stress, accumulation of DNA damage and impaired DNA repair mechanisms in thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Clin Immunol 2023; 254:109693. [PMID: 37454866 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109693] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disorder with complex pathogenesis. Studies have shown that oxidative stress may contribute to APS pathophysiology. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from thrombotic Primary APS (thrPAPS) patients and age/sex-matched healthy controls (HC), as well as a control group of asymptomatic antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positive individuals without APS (aPL+/non-APS), we examined oxidative stress, abasic (apurinic/apyrimidinic) sites, and DNA damage response (DDR)-associated parameters, including endogenous DNA damage (single- and double-strand breaks) and DNA repair mechanisms, namely nucleotide excision repair (NER) and double-strand breaks repair (DSB/R). We found that thrPAPS patients exhibited significantly higher levels of endogenous DNA damage, increased oxidative stress and abasic sites, as well as lower NER and DSB/R capacities versus HC (all P < 0.001) and versus aPL+/non-APS subjects (all P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that oxidative stress and decreased DNA repair mechanisms contribute to the accumulation of endogenous DNA damage in PBMCs from thrPAPS patients and, if further validated, may be exploited as therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pappa
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis A Ntouros
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis L Souliotis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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9
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Zhang P, Yang X, Fang X, Xu C, Gao C, Xia Z. Anti-C1q antibodies in lupus nephritis children with glomerular microthrombosis. Nephrology (Carlton) 2023. [PMID: 37485575 DOI: 10.1111/nep.14194] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Glomerular microthrombosis (GMT) was a common vascular lesion in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies (a-β2GP1) and anti-complement 1q antibodies (a-C1q) antibodies and to investigate the possible mechanism of GMT in children with LN. METHODS The subjects were 191 children with LN diagnosed by renal biopsy in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2020. The patients were divided into GMT group and non-GMT group. The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, renal pathology, prognosis of the two groups and the relationship between a-β2GP1 and a-C1q antibodies were observed. RESULTS In 191 children with LN, 52 cases (27.23%) presented with GMT. The value of C3, haemoglobin (Hb), estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) in GMT group were lower than that of non-GMT group (p < .05, p < .01). The value of serum creatinine (Scr), 24 h proteinuria (PRO), urine red blood cells (RBC), N-acetyl-β-d-glucosidase (NAG) and retinol-binding protein (RBP), a-C1q, a-β2GP1, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and renal histopathological activity index (AI) score in GMT group were higher than that of non-GMT group (p < .05, p < .01). The positive proportions of serum a-C1q and a-β2GP1 in GMT group were higher than those in non-GMT group (p < .05). According to Spearman correlation analysis, a-C1q was positively correlated with AI score, SLEDAI, a-β2GP1, GMT, LN-III and LN-IV. Hb, eGFR and a-C1q Ab were associated with the formation of GMT in children with LN. The complete proteinuria remission and renal survival in GMT group were significantly lower than those in non-GMT group (p < .05, p < .01). CONCLUSION LN children with GMT had more severe clinical manifestations and renal pathologic damages, and poor outcome. Serum a-C1q level was positively correlated with a-β2GP1, and a-β2GP1 may be involved in the formation of GMT in children with LN, which might involve in the activation of complement classical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlin Gao
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengkun Xia
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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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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11
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Ghosh M, Rana S. The anaphylatoxin C5a: Structure, function, signaling, physiology, disease, and therapeutics. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110081. [PMID: 36989901 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is one of the oldest known tightly regulated host defense systems evolved for efficiently functioning cell-based immune systems and antibodies. Essentially, the complement system acts as a pivot between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The complement system collectively represents a cocktail of ∼50 cell-bound/soluble glycoproteins directly involved in controlling infection and inflammation. Activation of the complement cascade generates complement fragments like C3a, C4a, and C5a as anaphylatoxins. C5a is the most potent proinflammatory anaphylatoxin, which is involved in inflammatory signaling in a myriad of tissues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of human C5a in the context of its structure and signaling under several pathophysiological conditions, including the current and future therapeutic applications targeting C5a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaswini Ghosh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050, India
| | - Soumendra Rana
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050, India.
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12
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Grossi C, Capitani N, Benagiano M, Baldari CT, Della Bella C, Macor P, Tedesco F, Borghi MO, Maugeri N, D’Elios MM, Meroni PL. Beta 2 glycoprotein I and neutrophil extracellular traps: Potential bridge between innate and adaptive immunity in anti-phospholipid syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1076167. [PMID: 36700193 PMCID: PMC9868732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1076167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent vascular thrombosis and miscarriages in the absence of known causes. Antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins (aPL) are pathogenic players in both clotting and pregnancy APS manifestations. There is sound evidence that antibodies specific for beta2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) trigger thrombotic and pregnancy complications by interacting with the molecule on the membranes of different cell types of the coagulation cascade, and in placenta tissues. In addition to the humoral response against β2GPI, both peripheral and tissue CD4+ β2GPI-specific T cells have been reported in primary APS as well as in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated APS. While adaptive immunity plays a clear role in APS, it is still debated whether innate immunity is involved as well. Acute systemic inflammation does not seem to be present in the syndrome, however, there is sound evidence that complement activation is crucial in animal models and can be found also in patients. Furthermore, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been documented in arterial and venous thrombi with different etiology, including clots in APS models. Keeping in mind that β2GPI is a pleiotropic glycoprotein, acting as scavenger molecule for infectious agents and apoptotic/damaged body constituents and that self-molecules externalized through NETs formation may become immunogenic autoantigens, we demonstrated β2GPI on NETs, and its ability to stimulate CD4+β2GPI-specific T cells. The aim of this review is to elucidate the role of β2GPI in the cross-talk between the innate and adaptive immunity in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Grossi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marisa Benagiano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Della Bella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Milan, Italy,Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Norma Maugeri
- Autoimmunity and Vascular Inflammation Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Milco D’Elios
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,*Correspondence: Pier Luigi Meroni, ; ; Mario Milco D’Elios,
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Pier Luigi Meroni, ; ; Mario Milco D’Elios,
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13
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Smith-Jackson K, Harrison RA. Alternative pathway activation in pregnancy, a measured amount "complements" a successful pregnancy, too much results in adverse events. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:298-319. [PMID: 36377667 PMCID: PMC10100418 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13169] [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
During pregnancy, the maternal host must adapt in order to enable growth of the fetus. These changes affect all organ systems and are designed both to protect the fetus and to minimize risk to the mother. One of the most prominent adaptations involves the immune system. The semi-allogenic fetoplacental unit has non-self components and must be protected against attack from the host. This requires both attenuation of adaptive immunity and protection from innate immune defense mechanisms. One of the key innate immune players is complement, and it is important that the fetoplacental unit is not identified as non-self and subjected to complement attack. Adaptation of the complement response must, however, be managed in such a way that maternal protection against infection is not compromised. As the complement system also plays a significant facilitating role in many of the stages of a normal pregnancy, it is also important that any necessary adaptation to accommodate the semi-allogenic aspects of the fetoplacental unit does not compromise this. In this review, both the physiological role of the alternative pathway of complement in facilitating a normal pregnancy, and its detrimental participation in pregnancy-specific disorders, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Smith-Jackson
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,The National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre (NRCTC), Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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14
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Past COVID-19: The Impact on IVF Outcomes Based on Follicular Fluid Lipid Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010010. [PMID: 36613453 PMCID: PMC9820085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010010] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid is an important component of follicle growth and development. Negative effects of COVID-19 on follicular function are still open. The aim of this work was to study the features of the lipid profile of follicular fluid and evaluate the results of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in women after COVID-19 to identify biomarkers with prognostic potential. The study involved samples of follicular fluid collected from 237 women. Changes in the lipid composition of the follicular fluid of patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild and severe forms before entering the IVF program and women who did not have COVID-19 were studied by mass spectrometry. Several lipids were identified that significantly changed their level. On the basis of these findings, models were developed for predicting the threat of miscarriage in patients who had a severe course of COVID-19 and models for predicting the success of the IVF procedure, depending on the severity of COVID-19. Of practical interest is the possibility of using the developed predictive models in working with patients who have undergone COVID-19 before entering the IVF program. The results of the study suggest that the onset of pregnancy and its outcome after severe COVID-19 may be associated with changes in lipid metabolism in the follicular fluid.
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15
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Naranjo L, Stojanovich L, Djokovic A, Andreoli L, Tincani A, Maślińska M, Sciascia S, Infantino M, Garcinuño S, Kostyra-Grabczak K, Manfredi M, Regola F, Stanisavljevic N, Milanovic M, Saponjski J, Roccatello D, Cecchi I, Radin M, Benucci M, Pleguezuelo D, Serrano M, Shoenfeld Y, Serrano A. Circulating immune-complexes of IgG/IgM bound to B2-glycoprotein-I associated with complement consumption and thrombocytopenia in antiphospholipid syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:957201. [PMID: 36172349 PMCID: PMC9511106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.957201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events and/or gestational morbidity in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). In a previous single center study, APS-related clinical manifestations that were not included in the classification criteria (livedo reticularis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) were associated with the presence of circulating immune-complexes (CIC) formed by beta-2-glycoprotein-I (B2GP1) and anti-B2GP1 antibodies (B2-CIC). We have performed a multicenter study on APS features associated with the presence of B2-CIC. Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional and observational study was conducted on 303 patients recruited from six European hospitals who fulfilled APS classification criteria: 165 patients had primary APS and 138 APS associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases (mainly systemic lupus erythematosus, N=112). Prevalence of B2-CIC (IgG/IgM isotypes) and its association with clinical manifestations and biomarkers related to the disease activity were evaluated. Results B2-CIC prevalence in APS patients was 39.3%. B2-CIC-positive patients with thrombotic APS presented a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia (OR: 2.32, p=0.007), heart valve thickening and dysfunction (OR: 9.06, p=0.015) and triple aPL positivity (OR: 1.83, p=0.027), as well as lower levels of C3, C4 and platelets (p-values: <0.001, <0.001 and 0.001) compared to B2-CIC-negative patients. B2-CIC of IgM isotype were significantly more prevalent in gestational than thrombotic APS. Conclusions Patients with thrombotic events and positive for B2-CIC had lower platelet count and complement levels than those who were negative, suggesting a greater degree of platelet activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Naranjo
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aleksandra Djokovic
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine , University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Maślińska
- Early Arthritis Clinic, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Savino Sciascia
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Infantino
- Immunology and Allergy Laboratory, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Garcinuño
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kinga Kostyra-Grabczak
- Early Arthritis Clinic, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariangela Manfredi
- Immunology and Allergy Laboratory, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Regola
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Natasa Stanisavljevic
- Internal Medicine, University Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine , University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milomir Milanovic
- Internal Medicine Department, Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovica Saponjski
- Cardiology Department, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dario Roccatello
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Irene Cecchi
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Radin
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Benucci
- Rheumatology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniel Pleguezuelo
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Serrano,
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Antonio Serrano
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Belmonte B, Mangogna A, Gulino A, Cancila V, Morello G, Agostinis C, Bulla R, Ricci G, Fraggetta F, Botto M, Garred P, Tedesco F. Distinct Roles of Classical and Lectin Pathways of Complement in Preeclamptic Placentae. Front Immunol 2022; 13:882298. [PMID: 35711467 PMCID: PMC9197446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.882298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by defective vascular remodeling in maternal decidua responsible for reduced blood flow leading to functional and structural alterations in the placenta. We have investigated the contribution of the complement system to decidual vascular changes and showed that trophoblasts surrounding unremodeled vessels prevalent in preeclamptic decidua fail to express C1q that are clearly detected in cells around remodeled vessels predominant in control placenta. The critical role of C1q is supported by the finding that decidual trophoblasts of female C1qa-/- pregnant mice mated to C1qa+/+ male mice surrounding remodeled vessels express C1q of paternal origin. Unlike C1qa-/- pregnant mice, heterozygous C1qa+/- and wild type pregnant mice share a high percentage of remodeled vessels. C1q was also found in decidual vessels and stroma of normal placentae and the staining was stronger in preeclamptic placentae. Failure to detect placental deposition of C1r and C1s associated with C1q rules out complement activation through the classical pathway. Conversely, the intense staining of decidual endothelial cells and villous trophoblast for ficolin-3, MASP-1 and MASP-2 supports the activation of the lectin pathway that proceeds with the cleavage of C4 and C3 and the assembly of the terminal complex. These data extend to humans our previous findings of complement activation through the lectin pathway in an animal model of pre-eclampsia and provide evidence for an important contribution of C1q in decidual vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) Catania, “Gravina” Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gulino
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Fraggetta
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) Catania, “Gravina” Hospital, Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Marina Botto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial Lupus Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesco Tedesco,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the recent available evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes, and management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and summarize potential future research perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS Accumulating evidence has further expanded our understanding of the disease, including new data about the incidence and prevalence of APS, novel pathways supporting the role of thrombo-inflammation in APS including platelet, monocyte and endothelial cell activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, complement activation, neutrophil extracellular trap release, and type I interferon gene expression that could yield to new potential treatment targets, better identification of criteria and non-criteria clinical phenotypes, antiphospholipid antibody profiles and their associations with clinical outcomes, prognostic tools, and treatment strategies based on recent evidence-based recommendations for patients with thrombotic and obstetric APS, with or without systemic lupus erythematosus. Ongoing research efforts and international collaborations enhance our knowledge of this rare and often devastating syndrome and help improve patient care and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Xourgia
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, Rheumatology UnitJoint Academic Rheumatology Program - EULAR Centre of Excellence'Laiko' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma str, 11527, FirstAthens, Greece.
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Xi F, Cai Y, Lv M, Jiang Y, Zhou F, Chen Y, Jiang L, Luo Q. Anticardiolipin Positivity Is Highly Associated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Women With Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2021; 26:1076029620974455. [PMID: 33296221 PMCID: PMC7731596 DOI: 10.1177/1076029620974455] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes of women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity and assess risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with aPL positivity were enrolled prospectively in China from January 2017 to March 2020. Treatment of low-dose aspirin and low molecular weight heparin were given. Pregnancy outcomes and coagulation function were recorded and compared with normal pregnancies. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). 270 pregnant women, including 44 diagnosed as Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), 91 as non-criteria APS (NCAPS) and 135 normal cases as control, were enrolled in the study. The live birth rate in aPL carriers and APS group was 97% and 95.5%, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcomes did not show significant difference between aPL carriers and normal pregnancies, and between APS and NCAPS, except for IUGR. The incidence of IUGR was significantly higher in aPL carriers than normal pregnancies, and in APS patients than NCAPS (P < 0.05). After controlling for age, in vitro fertilization (IVF), pregnancy losses related to APS and treatment, anticardiolipin (aCL) positivity was the only variable significantly associated with IUGR, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.601 (95% CI, 1.205-17.573). Better pregnant outcomes of aPL positive women, include APS and NCAPS, were achieved in our study with treatment based on low-dose aspirin (LDA) plus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The incidence of IUGR was still higher in them, and aCL positivity was the only one risk factor associated with IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xi
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuliang Cai
- Department of Obstetrics, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Min Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Zhou
- Departments of TCM Gynecology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Zhao H, Wei X, Yang X. A novel update on vitamin D in recurrent pregnancy loss (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:382. [PMID: 33760145 PMCID: PMC7986007 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is usually characterized as ≥3 miscarriages before 20 weeks of gestation. Patients with RPL may have autoimmune abnormalities or alloimmune problems. Vitamin D has a major function on the mechanism of immunomodulation at the maternal-fetal interface. However, whether vitamin D can be used as an effective method to treat patients with RPL requires investigation. It has been reported that vitamin D could prevent the occurrence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) by reducing the expression levels of anti-β2 glycoprotein and tissue factor in RPL cases with APS. In addition, there is an opposite relationship between vitamin D and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in autoimmune thyroid disease cases with RPL. Vitamin D changes the ratio of T helper (Th) 1/Th2 and regulatory T cell/Th17 to a certain extent, as well as affects the activity of natural killer cells and the production of cytokines to reduce the incidence of RPL. The objective of the current review was to address the research progress of vitamin D in RPL in recent years, which could facilitate the use of vitamin D treatment to enhance the pregnancy outcome of RPL. Collectively, it was suggested that vitamin D may be used as an important and effective immunotherapeutic agent for patients with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Organ Transplant, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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20
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Rosina S, Chighizola CB, Ravelli A, Cimaz R. Pediatric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: from Pathogenesis to Clinical Management. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2021; 23:10. [PMID: 33511497 PMCID: PMC7843475 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) might exert important clinical implications in pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). RECENT FINDINGS aPL are traditionally regarded as the main pathogenic players in APS, inducing thrombosis via the interaction with fluid-phase and cellular components of coagulation. Recent APS research has focused on the role of β2 glycoprotein I, which bridges innate immunity and coagulation. In pediatric populations, aPL should be screened in appropriate clinical settings, such as thrombosis, multiple-organ dysfunction, or concomitant systemic autoimmune diseases. Children positive for aPL tests often present non-thrombotic non-criteria manifestations or asymptomatic aPL positivity. In utero aPL exposure has been suggested to result in developmental disabilities, warranting long-term follow-up. The knowledge of the multifaceted nature of pediatric APS should be implemented to reduce the risk of underdiagnosing/undertreating this condition. Hopefully, recent pathogenic insights will open new windows of opportunity in the management of pediatric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rosina
- Clinica Pediatrica e Reumatologia, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, Cusano Milanino, 20095, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Ravelli
- Clinica Pediatrica e Reumatologia, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Rolando Cimaz
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,RECAP_RD, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, ASST G. Pini & CTO, Milan, Italy
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21
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Grosso G, Sandholm K, Antovic A, Gunnarsson I, Zickert A, Vikerfors A, Truedsson L, Bruzelius M, Nilsson B, Nilsson-Ekdahl K, Svenungsson E. The Complex Relationship between C4b-Binding Protein, Warfarin, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies. Thromb Haemost 2021; 121:1299-1309. [PMID: 33412597 DOI: 10.1055/a-1347-5655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low levels of total C4b-binding protein (C4BPt), a circulating inhibitor of the classical/lectin complement pathways, were observed in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and during warfarin treatment. OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations between aPL and C4BPt in patients with persistently positive (++) aPL, with/without clinical manifestations and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in controls. Furthermore, we explored the impact of anticoagulation on C4BPt and in relation to complement activation. METHODS In a cross-sectional design we investigated defined subgroups: primary (p) antiphospholipid syndrome (APS, N = 67), aPL++ individuals without clinical manifestations (aPL carriers, N = 15), SLE-aPL++ (N = 118, among them, secondary [s] APS, N = 56), aPL negative (-) SLE (SLE-aPL-, N = 291), and 322 controls. Clinical characteristics, including treatment, were tabulated. C4BPt was determined with a magnetic bead method. Complement proteins (C1q, C2, C3, C4, C3a, C3dg, sC5b-9, factor I [FI]) were measured. A mediation analysis was performed to decompose the total effect of aPL++ on C4BPt into the direct and indirect effects of aPL++ through warfarin. RESULTS Overall, C4BPt is 20% decreased in aPL++ patients, regardless of SLE, APS, clinical manifestations, and aPL profile. C4BPt levels associate positively with complement proteins C1q, C2, C3, and C4, and negatively with complement activation product C3dg. In the SLE group, warfarin treatment contributes to approximately half of the C4BPt reduction (9%) CONCLUSION: Both aPLs and warfarin are associated with C4BPt reduction. Complement activation in aPL++ patients may partly be explained by impaired inhibition through depressed C4BPt levels. Further studies are needed to understand the clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Grosso
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Sandholm
- Linnaeus Center for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Aleksandra Antovic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iva Gunnarsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Zickert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lennart Truedsson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Bruzelius
- Department of Haematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina Nilsson-Ekdahl
- Linnaeus Center for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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The Weight of IgA Anti-β2glycoprotein I in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome Pathogenesis: Closing the Gap of Seronegative Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238972. [PMID: 33255963 PMCID: PMC7730063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific value of IgA Anti-β2glycoprotein I antibodies (aB2GP1) in the diagnosis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is still controversial and a matter of active debate. The relevance of the IgA aB2GP1 isotype in the pathophysiology of APS has been increasingly studied in the last years. There is well know that subjects with multiple positive APS tests are at increased risk of thrombosis and/or miscarriage. However, these antibodies are not included in the 2006 APS classification criteria. Since 2010 the task force of the Galveston International Congress on APS recommends testing IgA aB2GP1 isotype in patients with APS clinical criteria in the absence of criteria antibodies. In this review, we summarize the molecular and clinical “state of the art” of the IgA aB2GP in the context of APS. We also discuss some of the characteristics that may help to evaluate the real value of the IgA aB2GP1 determination in basic research and clinical practice. The scientific community should be aware of the importance of clarifying the role of IgA aB2GP1 in the APS diagnosis.
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23
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Chighizola CB, Lonati PA, Trespidi L, Meroni PL, Tedesco F. The Complement System in the Pathophysiology of Pregnancy and in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2084. [PMID: 32973817 PMCID: PMC7481445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays a double role in pregnancy exerting both protective and damaging effects at placental level. Complement activation at fetal-maternal interface participates in protection against infectious agents and helps remove apoptotic and necrotic cells. Locally synthesized C1q contributes to the physiologic vascular remodeling of spiral arteries characterized by loss of smooth muscle cells and transformation into large dilated vessels. Complement activation triggered by the inflammatory process induced by embryo implantation can damage trophoblast and other decidual cells that may lead to pregnancy complications if the cells are not protected by the complement regulators CD55, CD46, and CD59 expressed on cell surface. However, uncontrolled complement activation induces placental alterations resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This may occur in pathological conditions characterized by placental localization of complement fixing antibodies directed against beta2-glycoprotein 1, as in patients with anti-phospholipid syndrome, or circulating immune complexes deposited in placenta, as in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. In other diseases, such as preeclampsia, the mechanism of complement activation responsible for complement deposits in placenta is unclear. Conflicting results have been reported on the relevance of complement assays as diagnostic and prognostic tools to assess complement involvement in pregnant patients with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Adele Lonati
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Trespidi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thrombo-inflammatory disease that is primarily treated with anticoagulation. Better understanding the inflammatory aspects of APS could lead to safer, more effective, and more personalized therapeutic options. To this end, we sought to understand recent literature related to the role of neutrophils and, in particular, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in APS. RECENT FINDINGS Expression of genes associated with type I interferons, endothelial adhesion, and pregnancy regulation are increased in APS neutrophils. APS neutrophils have a reduced threshold for NET release, which likely potentiates thrombotic events and perhaps especially large-vein thrombosis. Neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species also appear to play a role in APS pathogenesis. There are new approaches for preventing and disrupting NETs that could potentially be leveraged to reduce the risk of APS-associated thrombosis. Neutrophils and NETs contribute to APS pathophysiology. More precisely understanding their roles at a mechanistic level should help identify new therapeutic targets for inhibiting NET formation, enhancing NET dissolution, and altering neutrophil adhesion. Such approaches may ultimately lead to better clinical management of APS patients and thereby reduce the chronic burden of this disease.
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25
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Durigutto P, Macor P, Pozzi N, Agostinis C, Bossi F, Meroni PL, Grossi C, Borghi MO, Planer W, Garred P, Tedesco F. Complement Activation and Thrombin Generation by MBL Bound to β2-Glycoprotein I. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1385-1392. [PMID: 32759297 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
β2-Glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) is an abundant plasma glycoprotein with unknown physiological function and is currently recognized as the main target of antiphospholipid Abs responsible for complement activation and vascular thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In this study, we provide evidence that mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to β2-GPI in Ca++ and a dose-dependent manner and that this interaction activates complement and promotes complement-dependent thrombin generation. Surprisingly, a significant binding was observed between MBL and isolated domains II and IV of β2-GPI, whereas the carbohydrate chains, domain I and domain V, were not involved in the interaction, documenting a noncanonical binding mode between MBL and β2-GPI. Importantly, this interaction may occur on endothelial cells because binding of MBL to β2-GPI was detected on the surface of HUVECs, and colocalization of MBL with β2-GPI was observed on the endothelium of a biopsy specimen of a femoral artery from an APS patient. Because β2-GPI-mediated MBL-dependent thrombin generation was increased after priming the endothelium with TNF-α, our data suggests that this mechanism could play an important yet unrecognized role under physiological conditions and may be upregulated in pathological situations. Moreover, the complement activation and the procoagulant effects of the β2-GPI/MBL complex may contribute to amplify similar activities of anti-β2-GPI Abs in APS and possibly act independently of Abs, raising the issue of developing appropriate therapies to avoid recurrences and disability in patients at risk for these clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Durigutto
- Laboratorio di Immuno-Reumatologia, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Pozzi
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Istituto Materno-Infantile, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fleur Bossi
- Istituto Materno-Infantile, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Laboratorio di Immuno-Reumatologia, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Grossi
- Laboratorio di Immuno-Reumatologia, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria O Borghi
- Laboratorio di Immuno-Reumatologia, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; and
| | - William Planer
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104
| | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Laboratorio di Immuno-Reumatologia, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy;
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26
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Marziale A, Bettacchioli E, Picart G, Nafai S, Galinat H, Meroni PL, Frostegard J, Alarcon-Riquelme ME, Renaudineau Y. Antiphospholipid autoantibody detection is important in all patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2020; 115:102524. [PMID: 32693965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid (aPL) autoantibodies are uncommon in systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). However, the European PRECISESADS study provides the opportunity to better characterize this rare association. The study was composed of 1818 patients with SADs including 453 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 359 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 385 with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 367 with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), 94 with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and 160 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Assays used for aPL determination include the lupus anticoagulant (LAC) analysis using the dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) assay plus anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and anti-aβ2GPI autoantibodies of IgG and IgM isotype. Information regarding clinical and biological characteristics of SAD patients was available. Among SAD patients, the prevalence of aPL differs significantly between two groups: SLE (57.6%) and non-SLE SADs (13.7%, p < 10-4). Next, association between aPL plus thrombosis and miscarriage were observed in both SLE and non-SLE patients. Thrombosis was best predicted in SLE patients by dRVVT (OR = 6.1; IC95:3.5-10.3) and miscarriage by aCL±β2GPI IgG (OR = 2.5; IC95:1.2-5.2); while in non-SLE SADs the best predictors were aCL±β2GPI IgG for thrombosis (OR = 6.6; IC95:2.4-18.4) and aCL±β2GPI IgM for miscarriage (OR = 2.9; IC95:1.2-6.8). In the case of multiple positivity of aPL, the risk for thrombosis and miscarriage was increased. Central nervous system involvement characterized the SLE patients, in contrast to pulmonary and skin fibrosis, valve lesions, hypertension, elevated creatinemia, C4 fraction reduction, platelet reduction and inflammation that characterized the non-SLE SAD patients. Anti-PL determination remains important in SADs patients and should not be restricted to only SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Marziale
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France.
| | | | - Gael Picart
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France.
| | - Salma Nafai
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France.
| | - Hubert Galinat
- Department of Hematology and Hemostasis, CHRU Cavale Blanche, Brest, France.
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Johan Frostegard
- Section of Immunology and Chronic Disease, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Marta E Alarcon-Riquelme
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, 18016, Spain.
| | - Yves Renaudineau
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CHRU Morvan, Brest, France; UMR1227, Lymphocytes B et Autoimmunité, Université de Brest, INSERM, CHU de Brest, Brest, France.
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27
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Chighizola CB, Sciascia S, Andreoli L, Meroni PL. Beyond current concepts in anti-phospholipid syndrome: The 16th International Congress on Anti-phospholipid Antibodies (ICAPA) in Manchester. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102615. [PMID: 32663623 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy; Unit of Allergology, Immunology and Rheumatology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Savino Sciascia
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases/Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy; Unit of Allergology, Immunology and Rheumatology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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28
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Beltagy A, Trespidi L, Gerosa M, Ossola MW, Meroni PL, Chighizola CB. Anti-phospholipid antibodies and reproductive failures. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13258. [PMID: 32347616 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) recapitulates the link between autoimmunity and pregnancy failure: Acquired anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) play a pathogenic role in pregnancy complications. The diagnosis of obstetric APS can easily be pursued when women present with laboratory and clinical features fulfilling the international classification criteria. Standard therapeutic approach to obstetric APS consists in the association of anti-platelet agents and anticoagulants. Most patients achieve a live birth thanks to conventional treatment; however, approximately 20% fail to respond and are managed with additional therapeutic tools added on the top of conventional treatment. Surely, a refinement of risk stratification tools would allow early identification of high-risk pregnancies that warrant tailored treatment. In real life, obstetricians and rheumatologists face complex diagnostic scenarios including women with pregnancy morbidities other than those mentioned in classification criteria such as one or two early losses and premature birth after 34 weeks due to preeclampsia or placental insufficiency, women with low-titer aPL not fulfilling criteria laboratory requirements, women with positive non-criteria aPL, asymptomatic aPL carriers, and infertile women found to be aPL-positive. This review focuses on some of the several unanswered questions related to diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects in obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Beltagy
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Laura Trespidi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, ASST G. Pini & CTO, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Wally Ossola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia B Chighizola
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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29
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McDonnell T, Wincup C, Buchholz I, Pericleous C, Giles I, Ripoll V, Cohen H, Delcea M, Rahman A. The role of beta-2-glycoprotein I in health and disease associating structure with function: More than just APS. Blood Rev 2020; 39:100610. [PMID: 31471128 PMCID: PMC7014586 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.100610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Beta-2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) plays a number of essential roles throughout the body. β2GPI, C-reactive protein and thrombomodulin are the only three proteins that possess the dual capability to up and down regulate the complement and coagulation systems depending upon external stimulus. Clinically, β2GPI is the primary antigen in the autoimmune condition antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which is typically characterised by pregnancy morbidity and vascular thrombosis. This protein is also capable of adopting at least two distinct structural forms, but it has been argued that several other intermediate forms may exist. Thus, β2GPI is a unique protein with a key role in haemostasis, homeostasis and immunity. In this review, we examine the genetics, structure and function of β2GPI in the body and how these factors may influence its contribution to disease pathogenesis. We also consider the clinical implications of β2GPI in the diagnosis of APS and as a potentially novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas McDonnell
- Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK.
| | - Chris Wincup
- Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Ina Buchholz
- Nanostructure Group, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Charis Pericleous
- Imperial College London, Imperial College Vascular Sciences, National Heart & Lung Institute, ICTEM, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Ian Giles
- Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Vera Ripoll
- Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Hannah Cohen
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mihaela Delcea
- Nanostructure Group, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anisur Rahman
- Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK
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30
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Cyprian F, Lefkou E, Varoudi K, Girardi G. Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D in Pregnancy and Beyond. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2739. [PMID: 31824513 PMCID: PMC6883724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its role in calcium homeostasis and bone formation, a modulatory role of the active form of vitamin D on cells of the immune system, particularly T lymphocytes, has been described. The effects of vitamin D on the production and action of several cytokines has been intensively investigated in recent years. In this connection, deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT), and multiple sclerosis (MS). In a successful pregnancy, the maternal immune response needs to adapt to accommodate the semiallogeneic fetus. Disturbances in maternal tolerance are implicated in infertility and pregnancy complications such as miscarriages (RM) and preeclampsia (PE). It is well-known that a subset of T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Tregs) exhibit potent suppressive activity, and have a crucial role in curtailing the destructive response of the immune system during pregnancy, and preventing autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women, despite the widespread use of prenatal vitamins, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as RM, PE, intrauterine growth restriction have been linked to hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy. Research has shown that autoimmune diseases have a significant prevalence within the female population, and women with autoimmune disorders are at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Provocatively, dysregulation of T cells plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes where these pathologies are also associated with vitamin D deficiency. This article reviews the immunomodulatory role of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases and pregnancy. In particular, we will describe the role of vitamin D from conception until delivery, including the health of the offspring. This review highlights an observational study where hypovitaminosis D was correlated with decreased fertility, increased disease activity, placental insufficiency, and preeclampsia in women with APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Cyprian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleftheria Lefkou
- Institute of Obstetric Hematology, Perigenesis, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Varoudi
- Institute of Obstetric Hematology, Perigenesis, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Guillermina Girardi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Sun Y, Zhao J, Zhang P, Wu C, Jiang N, Zhou J, Zhang S, Wu Q, Wang Q, Li M, Zeng X. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of microvascular involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: a longitudinal single-center study in China. Lupus 2019; 28:1558-1565. [PMID: 31635555 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319882506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors of microvascular involvement and survival in Chinese patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome. METHODS In this single-center, retrospective study, we enrolled 112 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and follow-up records were collected. RESULTS A total of 112 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome were studied. Microvascular involvement was identified in 21 patients (18.75%). Patients with microvascular involvement experienced fewer episodes of arterial or venous thrombosis (28.6% vs. 84.6%) and a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia (85.7% vs. 54.9%), respectively. Low complement and elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels were observed more frequently in the microvascular group compared with the non-microvascular group (complement 38.1% vs. 18.7%; high-sensitivity CRP 71.4% vs. 31.9%, respectively). Anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies were more prevalent in patients with microvascular involvement than in patients without (66.7% vs. 33.0%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio = 4.523, 95% confidence interval 1.139-17.962), elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels (odds ratio = 6.385, 95% confidence interval 1.969-20.704), and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody positivity (odds ratio = 5.042, 95% confidence interval 1.555-16.352) were independent risk factors for microvascular involvement. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival was significantly poorer in patients with microvascular involvement compared with patients without (p = 0.0278). CONCLUSIONS In addition to arterial and venous thrombosis, antiphospholipid syndrome can affect the microvasculature of select organs. It is thus important for clinicians to be aware that antiphospholipid syndrome-associated microvascular involvement has a unique pathogenesis and can be a life-threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - X Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Immunologic Diseases, Ministry of Science & Technology, Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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32
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Tabacco S, Giannini A, Garufi C, Botta A, Salvi S, Del Sordo G, Benedetti Panici P, Lanzone A, De Carolis S. Complementemia in pregnancies with antiphospholipid syndrome. Lupus 2019; 28:1503-1509. [PMID: 31623520 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319882507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Prognosis of pregnancies in women with antiphospholipid syndrome has dramatically improved over the past two decades using conventional treatment with low molecular weight heparin and low-dose aspirin. However, despite this regimen, 10-15% of antiphospholipid syndrome patients experience pregnancy losses. Several studies have been performed in order to identify risk factors predictive of complications. Thrombosis has been generally accepted as the key pathogenetic mechanism underlying pregnancy morbidity. However, the thrombogenic state alone is not able to explain all the different mechanisms leading to pregnancy failure. In fact, emerging evidence shows that complement pathway could play an important role in mediating clinical events in antiphospholipid syndrome. However, the exact mechanism through which complement mediates antiphospholipid syndrome complications remains unknown. Low complement levels (C3 and C4) are associated with poor pregnancy outcome in women with antiphospholipid syndrome in different studies. Hypocomplementemia could be indicated as an early predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome, available at the beginning of pregnancy for starting, if necessary, additional treatment to conventional therapy. However, future studies need to better understand the impact of low complement level on antiphospholipid syndrome pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tabacco
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Giannini
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Garufi
- Lupus Clinic, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Botta
- UOC di Patologia Ostetrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - S Salvi
- UOC di Patologia Ostetrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - G Del Sordo
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - P Benedetti Panici
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lanzone
- UOC di Patologia Ostetrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia.,Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - S De Carolis
- UOC di Patologia Ostetrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia.,Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
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33
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Scambi C, Ugolini S, Tonello M, Bortolami O, De Franceschi L, Castagna A, Lotti V, Corbella M, Raffaelli R, Caramaschi P, Mattia E, Biasi D, Ruffatti A. Complement activation in the plasma and placentas of women with different subsets of antiphospholipid syndrome. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13185. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Scambi
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Sara Ugolini
- Department of Medicine Section of Internal Medicine University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Marta Tonello
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Padua Padua Italy
| | - Oscar Bortolami
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | | | | | - Virginia Lotti
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Michela Corbella
- Department of Medicine University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Ricciarda Raffaelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Paola Caramaschi
- Department of Medicine University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Elena Mattia
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Padua Padua Italy
| | - Domenico Biasi
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Amelia Ruffatti
- Department of Medicine Rheumatology Unit University Hospital of Padua Padua Italy
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34
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Zhang Y, Jin S. Mitigating placental injuries through up-regulating DAF in experimental APS mice: new mechanism of progesterone. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 197:376-386. [PMID: 31091357 PMCID: PMC6693963 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent pathological pregnancy, arterial or venous thrombosis in the presence of anti-phospholipid antibody (aPL). Complement activation is recognized as an intermediate link leading to placental thrombosis and placental inflammation in APS model mice. Decay accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), MAC-inhibitory protein (MAC-IP, CD59) and membrane co-factor protein (MCP, CD46) are important complement inhibitory proteins (CIPs) highly expressed in normal placenta to curb excessive complement activation and its mediated injuries. Anti-β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibody is an important aPL. We found that placental DAF and CD46 decreased in β2GPI passively immunized APS model mice, accompanied by C3 deposition, neutrophil infiltration and increased proinflammatory cytokine levels detected in its placenta. Progesterone supplement can up-regulate DAF but not CD46 expression, curb C3 activation and decrease proinflammatory cytokines levels to reduce fetal loss frequency. Progesterone receptor antagonist (mifepristone) or knock-down DAF with specific siRNA, above the protective effects of progesterone, were significantly weakened. Another sex hormone, oestrogen, has no significant effect on placental DAF and C3 contents and fetal loss frequency in the APS mice model. This may be an important mechanism by which progesterone induces maternal-fetal immune tolerance. At the same time, it may provide evidence for the use of progesterone in APS abortion patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei ProvinceHubeiChina
| | - S. Jin
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei ProvinceHubeiChina
- First Clinical Medical CollegeHubei University of Chinese MedicineHubeiChina
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35
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Complement and Coagulation: Cross Talk Through Time. Transfus Med Rev 2019; 33:199-206. [PMID: 31672340 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Two complex protein defense systems-complement and coagulation-are based on amplifying enzyme cascades triggered by specific local stimuli. Excess systemic activation of either system is pathologic and is normally prevented by a family of regulatory proteins. The 2 systems are ancient biological processes which share a common origin that predates vertebrate evolution. Recent research has uncovered multiple opportunities for cross talk between complement and coagulation including proteins traditionally viewed as coagulation factors that activate and regulate complement, and proteins traditionally seen as part of the complement system that participate in coagulation. Ten examples of cross talk between the 2 systems are described. The mutual engagement of both systems is increasingly recognized to occur in human diseases. Three conditions-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and the antiphospholipid syndrome-provide examples of the importance of interactions between complement and coagulation in human biology. A better understanding of the mutual engagement of these 2 ancient defense systems is expected to result in improved diagnostics and new treatments for systemic diseases.
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36
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Lazzaroni MG, Fredi M, Andreoli L, Chighizola CB, Del Ross T, Gerosa M, Kuzenko A, Raimondo MG, Lojacono A, Ramazzotto F, Zatti S, Trespidi L, Meroni PL, Pengo V, Ruffatti A, Tincani A. Triple Antiphospholipid (aPL) Antibodies Positivity Is Associated With Pregnancy Complications in aPL Carriers: A Multicenter Study on 62 Pregnancies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1948. [PMID: 31475009 PMCID: PMC6702797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are risk factors for thrombosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). The management of the so called “aPL carriers” (subjects with aPL positivity without the clinical criteria manifestations of APS) is still undefined. This study aims at retrospectively evaluating the outcomes and the factors associated with APO and maternal complications in 62 pregnant aPL carriers. Methods: Medical records of pregnant women regularly attending the Pregnancy Clinic of 3 Rheumatology centers from January 1994 to December 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with concomitant autoimmune diseases or other causes of pregnancy complications were excluded. Results: An aPL-related event was recorded in 8 out of 62 patients (12.9%) during pregnancy: 2 thrombosis and 6 APO. At univariate analysis, factors associated with pregnancy complications were acquired risk factors (p:0.008), non-criteria aPL manifestations (p:0.024), lupus-like manifestations (p:0.013), and triple positive aPL profile (p:0.001). At multivariate analysis, only the association with a triple aPL profile was confirmed (p:0.01, OR 21.3, CI 95% 1.84–247). Patients with triple aPL positivity had a higher rate of pregnancy complications, despite they were more frequently receiving combined treatment of low dose aspirin (LDA) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic dose. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of risk stratification in pregnant aPL carriers, in terms of both immunologic and non-immunologic features. Combination treatment with LDA and LMWH did not prevent APO in some cases, especially in carriers of triple aPL positivity. Triple positive aPL carriers may deserve additional therapeutic strategies during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Lazzaroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Rheumatology Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Del Ross
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, ASST Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Kuzenko
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria-Gabriella Raimondo
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, ASST Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Lojacono
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Sonia Zatti
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Trespidi
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Meroni
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pengo
- Cardiology Clinic, Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Thrombosis Centre, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Amelia Ruffatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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37
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Eculizumab in refractory catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: a case report and systematic review of the literature. Clin Exp Med 2019; 19:281-288. [PMID: 31214910 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-019-00565-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare disorder, characterized by the development of multiple vascular thrombosis over a short period of time, in patients with persistently detectable antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). The vascular occlusions predominantly affect small vessels. The overall mortality is 36.9%, despite the recent progress in the therapeutic approach. It has been shown that aPLs are able to induce a hypercoagulability state through different mechanisms of action, including complement activation, which in turn plays a key role in the pathogenesis of some thrombotic microangiopathies. Consequently, complement inhibition may be proposed as a targeted intervention to effectively prevent the progression of the microthrombotic storm. The employment of the complement inhibitor eculizumab has been proposed in CAPS on the basis of occasional reports and expert opinion. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman with a CAPS refractory to conventional therapies, who was successfully treated with eculizumab. The administration of this anti-C5 monoclonal antibody aborted the acute progressive thrombotic events and prevented further clinical episodes of thrombosis in the following year. We also faced our case to a systematic literature review, by analyzing all reported cases of CAPS in which eculizumab was added to conventional therapy. Even if further investigation is needed, our results suggest that the inhibition of one mechanism of aPL-induced organ damage may be an add-on treatment for this condition.
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38
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Savelli SL, Roubey RAS, Kitzmiller KJ, Zhou D, Nagaraja HN, Mulvihill E, Barbar-Smiley F, Ardoin SP, Wu YL, Yu CY. Opposite Profiles of Complement in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Among Patients With Antiphospholipid Antibodies (aPL). Front Immunol 2019; 10:885. [PMID: 31134052 PMCID: PMC6514053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
APS is the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with thromboses and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Among patients with SLE, one-third have aPL and 10–15% have a manifestation of secondary APS. Animal studies suggested that complement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and pregnancy loss in APS. We performed a cross-sectional study on complement proteins and genes in 525 patients with aPL. Among them, 237 experienced thromboses and 293 had SLE; 111 had both SLE and thromboses, and 106 had neither SLE nor thrombosis. Complement protein levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion for C4, C3 and factor H; and by functional ELISA for mannan binding lectin (MBL). Total C4, C4A and C4B gene copy numbers (GCN) were measured by TaqMan-based realtime PCR. Two to six copies of C4 genes are frequently present in a diploid genome, and each copy may code for an acidic C4A or a basic C4B protein. We observed significantly (a) higher protein levels of total C4, C4A, C4B, C3, and anticardiolipin (ACLA) IgG, (b) increased frequencies of lupus anticoagulant and males, and (c) decreased levels of complement factor H, MBL and ACLA-IgM among patients with thrombosis than those without thrombosis (N = 288). We also observed significantly lower GCNs of total C4 and C4A among aPL-positive patients with both SLE and thrombosis than others. By contrast, aPL-positive subjects with SLE had significantly reduced protein levels of C3, total C4, C4A, C4B and ACLA-IgG, and higher frequency of females than those without SLE. Patients with thrombosis but without SLE (N = 126), and patients with SLE but without thrombosis (N = 182) had the greatest differences in mean protein levels of C3 (p = 2.6 × 10−6), C4 (p = 2.2 × 10−9) and ACLA-IgG (p = 1.2 × 10−5). RPL occurred in 23.7% of female patients and thrombotic SLE patients had the highest frequency of RPL (41.0%; p = 3.8 × 10−10). Compared with non-RPL females, RPL had significantly higher frequency of thrombosis and elevated C4 protein levels. Female patients with homozygous C4A deficiency all experienced RPL (p = 0.0001) but the opposite was true for patients with homozygous C4B deficiency (p = 0.017). These results provide new insights and biomarkers for diagnosis and management of APS and SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Savelli
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robert A S Roubey
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn J Kitzmiller
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Danlei Zhou
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Haikady N Nagaraja
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Evan Mulvihill
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Fatima Barbar-Smiley
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Stacy P Ardoin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yee Ling Wu
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Chack-Yung Yu
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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39
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Lonati PA, Scavone M, Gerosa M, Borghi MO, Pregnolato F, Curreli D, Podda G, Femia EA, Barcellini W, Cattaneo M, Tedesco F, Meroni PL. Blood Cell-Bound C4d as a Marker of Complement Activation in Patients With the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Front Immunol 2019; 10:773. [PMID: 31031764 PMCID: PMC6474283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a chronic and disabling condition characterized by recurrent thrombosis and miscarriages mediated by antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins (aPL), such as beta2glycoprotein I (β2GPI). Complement is involved in APS animal models and complement deposits have been documented in placenta and thrombotic vessels despite normal serum levels. Analysis of circulating blood cells coated with C4d displays higher sensitivity than the conventional assays that measure soluble native complement components and their unstable activation products in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As C4d-coated blood cell count has been reported to be more sensitive than serum levels of complement components and their activation products in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, we decided to evaluate the percentage of C4d positive B lymphocytes (BC4d), erythrocytes (EC4d), and platelets (PC4d) in primary APS patients and asymptomatic aPL positive carriers as marker of complement activation in APS. We assessed by flow cytometry the percentages of BC4d, EC4d, and PC4d in primary APS (PAPS; n. 23), 8 asymptomatic aPL positive carriers, 11 APS-associated SLE (SAPS), 17 aPL positive SLE, 16 aPL negative SLE, 8 aPL negative patients with previous thrombosis, 11 immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients, and 26 healthy subjects. In addition, we used an in vitro model to evaluate the ability of a monoclonal anti-β2GPI antibody (MBB2) to bind to normal resting or activated platelets and fix complement. EC4d and PC4d percentages were significantly higher in PAPS and aPL carriers as well as aPL positive SLE and SAPS than in aPL negative controls. The highest values were found in PAPS and in SAPS. The EC4d and PC4d percentages were significantly correlated with serum C3/C4 and anti-β2GPI/anti-cardiolipin IgG. In vitro studies showed that MBB2 bound to activated platelets only and induced C4d deposition. The detection of the activation product C4d on circulating erythrocytes and platelets supports the role of complement activation in APS. Complement may represent a new therapeutic target for better treatment and prevention of disability of APS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Adele Lonati
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariangela Scavone
- Unità di Medicina II, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Orietta Borghi
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pregnolato
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Curreli
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Podda
- Unità di Medicina II, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eti Alessandra Femia
- Unità di Medicina II, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- UOC Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cattaneo
- Unità di Medicina II, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Della Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Immunorheumatology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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40
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Chaturvedi S, Brodsky RA, McCrae KR. Complement in the Pathophysiology of the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Front Immunol 2019; 10:449. [PMID: 30923524 PMCID: PMC6426753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Complement is a system of enzymes and regulatory proteins of the innate immune system that plays a key role in the inflammatory response to pathogenic stimuli. The complement and coagulation pathways are closely linked, and expanding data indicate that complement may be activated in patients with aPL and function as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of aPL-associated clinical events. Complement activation by aPL generates C5a, which induces neutrophil tissue factor-dependent procoagulant activity. Beta-2-glycoprotein I, the primary antigen for pathogenic aPL, has complement regulatory effects in vitro. Moreover, aPL induce fetal loss in wild-type mice but not in mice deficient in specific complement components (C3, C5). Antiphospholipid antibodies also induce thrombosis in wild type mice and this effect is attenuated in C3 or C6 deficient mice, or in the presence of a C5 inhibitor. Increased levels of complement activation products have been demonstrated in sera of patients with aPL, though the association with clinical events remains unclear. Eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, has successfully been used to treat catastrophic APS and prevent APS-related thrombotic microangiopathy in the setting of renal transplant. However, the mechanisms of complement activation in APS, its role in the pathogenesis of aPL related complications in humans, and the potential of complement inhibition as a therapeutic target in APS require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Chaturvedi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Keith R McCrae
- Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Ruffatti A, Favaro M, Calligaro A, Zambon A, Del Ross T. Management of pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibodies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:347-358. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1565995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Ruffatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Favaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonia Calligaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zambon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Teresa Del Ross
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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