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Lee S, Yoo I, Cheon Y, Ka H. Complement system molecules: Expression and regulation at the maternal-conceptus interface during pregnancy in pigs. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 159:105229. [PMID: 39004297 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The complement system, composed of complement components and complement control proteins, plays an essential role in innate immunity. Complement system molecules are expressed at the maternal-conceptus interface, and inappropriate activation of the complement system is associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes in humans and rodents. However, the expression, regulation, and function of the complement system at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs have not been studied. In this study, we investigated the expression, localization, and regulation of complement system molecules at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs. Complement components and complement control proteins were expressed in the endometrium, early-stage conceptus, and chorioallantoic tissues during pregnancy. The expression of complement components acting on the early stage of complement activation increased in the endometrium on Day 15 of pregnancy, with greater levels on that day compared with the estrous cycle. Localization of several complement components and complement control proteins was cell-type specific in the endometrium. The expression of C1QC, C2, C3, C4A, CFI, ITGB2, MASP1, and SERPING1 was increased by IFNG in endometrial explant tissues. Furthermore, cleaved C3 fragments were detected in endometrial tissues and uterine flushings on Day 15 of the estrous cycle and Day 15 of pregnancy, with greater levels on Day 15 of pregnancy. These results suggest that complement system molecules in pigs expressed at the maternal-conceptus interface play important roles in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by regulating innate immunity and modulating the maternal immune environment during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyung Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea.
| | - Inkyu Yoo
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Yugyeong Cheon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakhyun Ka
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Davalieva K, Bozhinovski G, Kiprijanovska S, Kubelka-Sabit K, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. Proteomics Analysis of Human Chorionic Villi Reveals Dysregulated Pathways That Contribute to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Proteomics Clin Appl 2024:e202400020. [PMID: 39182192 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202400020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) represents a common disorder with consequences on family and society. As more than half of the RPL cases do not have a clearly identified cause, uncovering the mechanisms behind the idiopathic RPL is urgently needed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS acquisition coupled with ion mobility, we compared the proteome of chorionic villi from 13 RPL cases with 10 age and gestational week-matched elective pregnancies. Transcriptional levels of selected candidate biomarkers were determined in chorionic villi of 35 RPL cases and 25 controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS Statistically significant difference in abundance (Benjamini-Hochberg [B-H] p ≤ 0.05) and fold change ≥1.5 showed 128 proteins. Bioinformatics analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, platelet activation, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, and ferroptosis as pathways with the highest significance. Correlation with transcriptome datasets revealed a weak statistically significant positive correlation with 45% of the co-differentially expressed proteins/genes displaying the same regulation trend. The transcription levels of neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL), dihydrolipoyllysine-residue succinyltransferase component of 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex_mitochondrial (DLST), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were significantly increased in the RPL, consistent with the proteomics findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our data suggests alteration of several pathways as potential causes of idiopathic RPL from the fetal side and opens the way for investigations concerning clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Gjorgji Bozhinovski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Sanja Kiprijanovska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
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3
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Jelicic I, Kovacic V, Luketin M, Mikacic M, Skaro DB. Atypical HUS with multiple complement system mutations triggered by synthetic psychoactive drug abuse: a case report. J Nephrol 2023; 36:2371-2373. [PMID: 37145269 PMCID: PMC10161151 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01646-4] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare disorder with an estimated annual incidence of about two cases per million in the adult population. It is caused by the overactivation of the alternative pathway of the complement system. The disease can be triggered by many factors, including pregnancy, viral diseases, and sepsis; approximately 30% of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome cases are caused by unknown processes. We present a case of a patient with C3-complement system mutations and aHUS triggered by the use of a new synthetic psychoactive drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Jelicic
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Vedran Kovacic
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Emergency and Intensive Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000, Split, Croatia.
| | - Mirko Luketin
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Mikacic
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Emergency and Intensive Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Dijana Boric Skaro
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
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4
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Rydberg V, Aradottir SS, Kristoffersson AC, Svitacheva N, Karpman D. Genetic investigation of Nordic patients with complement-mediated kidney diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254759. [PMID: 37744338 PMCID: PMC10513385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254759] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Complement activation in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerulonephropathy (C3G) and immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) may be associated with rare genetic variants. Here we describe gene variants in the Swedish and Norwegian populations. Methods Patients with these diagnoses (N=141) were referred for genetic screening. Sanger or next-generation sequencing were performed to identify genetic variants in 16 genes associated with these conditions. Nonsynonymous genetic variants are described when they have a minor allele frequency of <1% or were previously reported as being disease-associated. Results In patients with aHUS (n=94, one also had IC-MPGN) 68 different genetic variants or deletions were identified in 60 patients, of which 18 were novel. Thirty-two patients had more than one genetic variant. In patients with C3G (n=40) 29 genetic variants, deletions or duplications were identified in 15 patients, of which 9 were novel. Eight patients had more than one variant. In patients with IC-MPGN (n=7) five genetic variants were identified in five patients. Factor H variants were the most frequent in aHUS and C3 variants in C3G. Seventeen variants occurred in more than one condition. Conclusion Genetic screening of patients with aHUS, C3G and IC-MPGN is of paramount importance for diagnostics and treatment. In this study, we describe genetic assessment of Nordic patients in which 26 novel variants were found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Diana Karpman
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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5
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Jandal A, Zhong W, Gopal D, Horner V, Frater-Rubsam L, Djamali A, Bhutani G. What lies in-between: C3 glomerulopathy with non-hemolytic renal microangiopathy and an ultra-rare C3 variant. Am J Med Sci 2023; 365:286-293. [PMID: 36473547 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We report a 36-year-old female with mixed nephritic-nephrotic syndrome and recurrent pancreatitis. Kidney biopsy showed a crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with dominant C3 staining on immunofluorescence (IF) but only scant deposits on electron microscopy (EM) and instead, evidence of severe acute and chronic microangiopathy - endothelial swelling, sub-endothelial fluff, and segmental basement membrane remodeling. Her serum C3 was normal, Factor Ba, and serum Membrane attack complex (sMAC) levels were elevated, and Properdin was low. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous ultra rare C3 variant of unknown significance (c.4838G>T, p.Gly1613Val) as well as a heterozygous deletion of CFHR3-CFHR1. She showed an initial response to terminal complement blockade with eculizumab, but her renal disease progressed in the next year. Notably, our patient never demonstrated microangiopathic hemolysis, yet pancreatitis of unclear etiology recurred periodically. Our case suggests the existence of a "C3G/aHUS overlap" clinicopathologic syndrome and highlights the challenges of treating complement-mediated kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jandal
- Divsion of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Deepak Gopal
- Divsion of Gastroenterology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Vanessa Horner
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States
| | - Leah Frater-Rubsam
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Divsion of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Gauri Bhutani
- Divsion of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.
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6
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de Jong S, Tang J, Clark SJ. Age-related macular degeneration: A disease of extracellular complement amplification. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:279-297. [PMID: 36223117 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment in the Western World, and with the aging world population, its incidence is increasing. As of today, for the majority of patients, no treatment exists. Multiple genetic and biochemical studies have shown a strong association with components in the complement system and AMD, and evidence suggests a major role of remodeling of the extracellular matrix underlying the outer blood/retinal barrier. As part of the innate immune system, the complement cascade acts as a first-line defense against pathogens, and upon activation, its amplification loop ensures a strong, rapid, and sustained response. Excessive activation, however, can lead to host tissue damage and cause complement-associated diseases like AMD. AMD patients present with aberrant activation of the alternative pathway, especially in ocular tissues but also on a systemic level. Here, we review the latest findings of complement activation in AMD, and we will discuss in vivo observations made in human tissue, cellular models, the potential synergy of different AMD-associated pathways, and conclude on current clinical trials and the future outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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7
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Kernan KF, Ghaloul-Gonzalez L, Vockley J, Lamb J, Hollingshead D, Chandran U, Sethi R, Park HJ, Berg RA, Wessel D, Pollack MM, Meert KL, Hall MW, Newth CJL, Lin JC, Doctor A, Shanley T, Cornell T, Harrison RE, Zuppa AF, Banks R, Reeder RW, Holubkov R, Notterman DA, Dean JM, Carcillo JA. Prevalence of Pathogenic and Potentially Pathogenic Inborn Error of Immunity Associated Variants in Children with Severe Sepsis. J Clin Immunol 2022; 42:350-364. [PMID: 34973142 PMCID: PMC8720168 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Our understanding of inborn errors of immunity is increasing; however, their contribution to pediatric sepsis is unknown. Methods We used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to characterize variants in genes related to monogenic immunologic disorders in 330 children admitted to intensive care for severe sepsis. We defined candidate variants as rare variants classified as pathogenic or potentially pathogenic in QIAGEN’s Human Gene Mutation Database or novel null variants in a disease-consistent inheritance pattern. We investigated variant correlation with infection and inflammatory phenotype. Results More than one in two children overall and three of four African American children had immunodeficiency-associated variants. Children with variants had increased odds of isolating a blood or urinary pathogen (blood: OR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.12–7.10, p = 0.023, urine: OR: 8.23, 95% CI: 1.06–64.11, p = 0.016) and demonstrating increased inflammation with hyperferritinemia (ferritin \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\ge 500$$\end{document}≥500 ng/mL, OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.28–3.66, p = 0.004), lymphopenia (lymphocyte count < 1000/µL, OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.06 – 2.60, p = 0.027), thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150,000/µL, OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12–2.76, p = 0.013), and CRP greater than 10 mg/dl (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10–2.68, p = 0.017). They also had increased odds of requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO, OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.21–14.5, p = 0.019). Conclusion Herein, we describe the genetic findings in this severe pediatric sepsis cohort and their microbiologic and immunologic significance, providing evidence for the phenotypic effect of these variants and rationale for screening children with life-threatening infections for potential inborn errors of immunity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10875-021-01183-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate F Kernan
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Center for Critical Care Nephrology and Clinical Research Investigation and Systems Modeling of Acute Illness Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Lina Ghaloul-Gonzalez
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jerry Vockley
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Janette Lamb
- Genomics Core Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Uma Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahil Sethi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert A Berg
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Wessel
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Murray M Pollack
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathleen L Meert
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Mark W Hall
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital Immune Surveillance Laboratory, and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher J L Newth
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John C Lin
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Allan Doctor
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tom Shanley
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tim Cornell
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Stanford University, CA, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Rick E Harrison
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children's Hospital at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Athena F Zuppa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Russel Banks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ron W Reeder
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Richard Holubkov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniel A Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - J Michael Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joseph A Carcillo
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Center for Critical Care Nephrology and Clinical Research Investigation and Systems Modeling of Acute Illness Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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8
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Xiang H, Wang C, Pan H, Hu Q, Wang R, Xu Z, Li T, Su Y, Ma X, Cao Y, Wang B. Exome-Sequencing Identifies Novel Genes Associated with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in a Chinese Cohort. Front Genet 2021; 12:746082. [PMID: 34925444 PMCID: PMC8674582 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.746082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common reproductive problem affecting around 5% of couples worldwide. At present, about half of RPL cases remained unexplained. Previous studies have suggested an important role for genetic determinants in the etiology of RPL. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis on 100 unrelated Han Chinese women with a history of two or more spontaneous abortions. We identified 6736 rare deleterious nonsynonymous variants across all patients. To focus on possible candidate genes, we generated a list of 95 highly relevant genes that were functionally associated with miscarriage according to human and mouse model studies, and found 35 heterozygous variants of 28 RPL-associated genes in 32 patients. Four genes (FOXA2, FGA, F13A1, and KHDC3L) were identified as being strong candidates. The FOXA2 nonsense variant was for the first time reported here in women with RPL. FOXA2 knockdown in HEK-293T cells significantly diminished the mRNA and protein expression levels of LIF, a pivotal factor for maternal receptivity and blastocyst implantation. The other genes, with 29 variants, were involved in angiogenesis, the immune response and inflammation, cell growth and proliferation, which are functionally important processes for implantation and pregnancy. Our study identified several potential causal genetic variants in women with RPL by WES, highlighting the important role of genes controlling coagulation, confirming the pathogenic role of KHDC3L and identifying FOXA2 as a newly identified causal gene in women with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifen Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Ruyi Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Zuying Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Yezhou Su
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
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9
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Proteomics and enriched biological processes in Antiphospholipid syndrome: A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102982. [PMID: 34718168 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Identification of differentially expressed proteins in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a developing area of research for unique profiles of this pathology. Advances in technologies of mass spectrometry brings improvements in proteomics and results in assessment of soluble or cellular proteins which could be candidates for clinical biomarkers of primary APS. The use of blood as a source of proteins ease the acquisition of samples for proteomics analyses and later for disease diagnosis. We performed a systematic review to explore the proteomics studies carried out in circulating released proteins (serum, plasma) or cellular proteins (monocytes and platelets) of APS patients. The study groups differentiate among clinical APS cases with the aim to translate molecular findings to disease stratification and to improve APS diagnosis and prognosis. These studies also include the unravelling of new autoantibodies in non-criteria APS or how post-translational protein modifications provides clues about the pathological mechanisms of antigen-autoantibody recognition. Herein, we identified 82 proteins that were dysregulated in APS across eleven studies. Enrichment analysis revealed its connection to cellular activation and degranulation that eventually leads to thrombosis as the main biological process highlighted by these studies. Validation of APS-relevant proteins by functional and mechanistic studies will be essential for patient stratification and the development of targeted therapies for every clinical subtype of APS.
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10
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Zhang L, Zhang Q, Wang H, Feng P, Yang G, Yang L. Effects of early pregnancy on the complement system in the ovine thymus. Vet Res Commun 2021; 46:137-145. [PMID: 34559379 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is crucial for the innate immune system, and complement activation is related to abnormal pregnancy in mice and humans. It is hypothesized that the complement system participates in maternal thymic immune regulation during early pregnancy in sheep. In this study, maternal thymuses were sampled on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation in sheep. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to analyze the expression of the complement components C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C3, C4a, C5b and C9 in the maternal thymus. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of C1r, C1s, C2, C3 and C4a was inhibited by early pregnancy, and the pregnancy recognition signal induced upregulation of C1q, C5b and C9 expression at day 16 of gestation. Furthermore, C3 protein was mostly located in epithelial reticular cells and thymic corpuscles, which may be involved in immune regulation. In summary, early pregnancy inhibits the complement system in the maternal thymus, which may be essential for the maternal immune regulation and successful pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Qiongao Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Haichao Wang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Gengxin Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China.
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11
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de Jong S, Gagliardi G, Garanto A, de Breuk A, Lechanteur YTE, Katti S, van den Heuvel LP, Volokhina EB, den Hollander AI. Implications of genetic variation in the complement system in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100952. [PMID: 33610747 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. While AMD is a multifactorial disease, the complement system was identified as one of the main pathways contributing to disease risk. The strong link between the complement system and AMD was demonstrated by genetic associations, and by elevated complement activation in local eye tissue and in the systemic circulation of AMD patients. Several complement inhibitors have been and are being explored in clinical trials, but thus far with limited success, leaving the majority of AMD patients without treatment options to date. This indicates that there is still a gap of knowledge regarding the functional implications of the complement system in AMD pathogenesis and how to bring these towards clinical translation. Many different experimental set-ups and disease models have been used to study complement activation in vivo and in vitro, and recently emerging patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and genome-editing techniques open new opportunities to study AMD disease mechanisms and test new therapeutic strategies in the future. In this review we provide an extensive overview of methods employed to understand the molecular processes of complement activation in AMD pathogenesis. We discuss the findings, advantages and challenges of each approach and conclude with an outlook on how recent, exciting developments can fill in current knowledge gaps and can aid in the development of effective complement-targeting therapeutic strategies in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giuliana Gagliardi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anita de Breuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yara T E Lechanteur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Suresh Katti
- Gemini Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lambert P van den Heuvel
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elena B Volokhina
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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12
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Girardi G, Lingo JJ, Fleming SD, Regal JF. Essential Role of Complement in Pregnancy: From Implantation to Parturition and Beyond. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1681. [PMID: 32849586 PMCID: PMC7411130 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement cascade was identified over 100 years ago, yet investigation of its role in pregnancy remains an area of intense research. Complement inhibitors at the maternal-fetal interface prevent inappropriate complement activation to protect the fetus. However, this versatile proteolytic cascade also favorably influences numerous stages of pregnancy, including implantation, fetal development, and labor. Inappropriate complement activation in pregnancy can have adverse lifelong sequelae for both mother and child. This review summarizes the current understanding of complement activation during all stages of pregnancy. In addition, consequences of complement dysregulation during adverse pregnancy outcomes from miscarriage, preeclampsia, and pre-term birth are examined. Finally, future research directions into complement activation during pregnancy are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina Girardi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joshua J Lingo
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Sherry D Fleming
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Jean F Regal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
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13
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Association of Complement Factor D and H Polymorphisms with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010017. [PMID: 31861421 PMCID: PMC6981708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses prior to 20 weeks of gestation, and the incidence of RPL is estimated at 1% of all pregnancies. While the etiologies of RPL are diverse, immune function is considered to be an important cause of RPL. In particular, the complement system is essential for stable development of the placenta and fetus. Moreover, complement factor D (CFD) and complement factor H (CFH) are important regulators of the complement system and are associated with diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, we investigated whether polymorphisms of CFD and CFH are associated with RPL in 412 women with RPL and 384 control women. Genotyping of three polymorphisms (CFD rs2230216, CFH rs1065489, and CFH rs1061170) was performed by TaqMan probe real-time PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association of three polymorphisms with RPL was evaluated by statistical analysis. The GT/TC genotype combination of CFH rs1065489 G>T/CFH rs1061170 T>C was associated with a decreased risk of RPL occurrence compared with reference genotypes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.439; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.238–0.810; p = 0.008), and this association remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate (FDR) correction (p = 0.040). In addition, the CFH rs1065489G>T polymorphism is associated with homocysteine and prolactin level and CFH rs1061170 TC genotype is related to uric acid and triglycerides level in RPL patients. Therefore, those factors could be possible clinical risk factors in RPL patients.
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14
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Pillay Y, Moodley J, Naicker T. The role of the complement system in HIV infection and preeclampsia. Inflamm Res 2019; 68:459-469. [PMID: 31028431 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-019-01240-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system is a key component of the innate immune system that plays a vital role in host defense, maintains homeostasis and acts as a mediator of the adaptive immune response. The complement system could possibly play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and preeclampsia (PE), both of which represent major causes of maternal death in South Africa. RECENT FINDINGS The relationship between PE and HIV infection is unclear as PE represents an exaggerated immune response, while HIV infection is associated with a decline in immune activity. Although the complement system works to clear and neutralize HIV, it could also enhance the infectivity of HIV by various other mechanisms. It has been suggested that the dysregulation of the complement system is associated with the development of PE. CONCLUSION There is currently a paucity of information on the combined effect of the complement system in HIV-associated PE. This review highlights the role of the complement system in the duality of HIV infection and PE and provides new insights into this relationship whilst also elucidating potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazira Pillay
- Optics and Imaging Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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15
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Lokki AI, Heikkinen-Eloranta JK, Laivuori H. The Immunogenetic Conundrum of Preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2630. [PMID: 30483272 PMCID: PMC6243043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is an immunological challenge to the mother. The fetal tissues including the placenta must be protected from activation of the maternal immune system. On the other hand, the placental tissue sheds into the maternal circulation and must be adequately identified and phagocytized by the maternal immune system. During a healthy pregnancy, numerous immunosuppressive processes take place that allow the allograft fetus to thrive under exposure to humoral and cellular components of the maternal immune system. Breakdown of immune tolerance may result in sterile inflammation and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, a vascular disease of the pregnancy with unpredictable course and symptoms from several organs. Immunological incompatibility between mother and fetus is strongly indicated in preeclampsia. Recently, genetic factors linking immunological pathways to predisposition to preeclampsia have been identified. In this mini-review genetic variation in immunological factors are discussed in the context of preeclampsia. Specifically, we explore immunogenetic and immunomodulary mechanisms contributing to loss of tolerance, inflammation, and autoimmunity in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Inkeri Lokki
- Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hannele Laivuori
- Medical and Clinical genetics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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