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Du S, Zhao L, Wu J, Shi X, Liu R. FOXP3 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han Chinese population. Ann Med 2024; 56:2363937. [PMID: 38848045 PMCID: PMC11164044 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2363937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXP3 is a transcription factor that regulates the development and function of Treg, playing an essential role in preventing autoimmune diseases. Variation in FOXP3 can impair the function of Treg cells, thus destroying their inhibitory capacity and leading to autoimmune diseases. This paper investigated whether the three SNPs in the FOXP3 gene (-3279 C/A, -924 A/G and -6054 del/ATT) are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility in the Han Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study cohort comprised 122 SLE patients and 268 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP). Furthermore, we examined the potential clinical manifestations associated with FOXP3 polymorphisms in SLE patients. RESULTS The results showed that the -3279 (C > A) was significantly associated with the SLE risk in a homozygote (OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.23-8.52, p = .013, AA vs. CC), dominant (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.07-2.65, p = .025, AC + AA vs. CC), recessive (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.12-7.55, p = .023, AA vs. AC + CC) and allelic (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.18-2.53, p = .005, A vs. C) models. In addition, -924 (A > G) was positively associated with SLE risk in the heterozygote (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.04-2.66, p = .033, AG vs. AA) and dominant (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01-2.49, p = .042, AG + GG vs. AA) models, whereas -6054 (del > ATT) was not associated with SLE. Moreover, the immunological index analysis suggested that decreased complement C4 occurred more frequently in SLE patients carrying the minor allele (A) -3279 (C > A) than those not (p = .005). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that -3279 (C > A) and -924 (A > G) were associated with an increased risk of SLE and the immunological index, indicating that the FOXP3 variation is potentially related to the occurrence and development of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shushu Du
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Qingpu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jiaming Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Rongzeng Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Xin J, Wang T, Hou B, Lu X, Han N, He Y, Zhang D, Wang X, Wei C, Jia Z. Tongxinluo capsule as a multi-functional traditional Chinese medicine in treating cardiovascular disease: A review of components, pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33309. [PMID: 39040283 PMCID: PMC11261786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most significant diseases that pose a threat to human health. The innovative traditional Chinese medicine Tongxinluo Capsule, developed under the guidance of the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, has good clinical efficacy in various cardiovascular diseases, this medicine has effects such as blood protection, vascular protection, myocardial protection, stabilizing vulnerable plaques, and vasodilation. However, CVDs are a multifactorial disease, and their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of action and clinical application of Tongxinluo Capsule in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases is beneficial for exerting its therapeutic effect from multiple components, targets, and pathways. At the same time, it provides broader treatment ideas for other difficult to treat diseases in the cardiovascular event chain, and has significant theoretical and clinical significance for improving the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xin
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Bin Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Xuan Lu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Ningxin Han
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yanling He
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Cong Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of TCM (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Affiliated Yiling Hospital of Hebei Medical University, High-level TCM Key Disciplines of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine—Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050091, Hebei, China
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3
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Tan E, Lee SSM, Poh KK, Xu C, Sia CH. Electrocardiographic manifestations of cardiac disorders in rheumatological conditions. Singapore Med J 2024; 65:410-414. [PMID: 38973190 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2024-084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Tan
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samuel Shang Ming Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kian-Keong Poh
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuanhui Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Wang T, Peng G, Liang H, Zhao B. Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. Cureus 2024; 16:e60495. [PMID: 38764705 PMCID: PMC11101603 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60495] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an emerging cardiovascular biomarker. Subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess LV systolic function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and investigate its association with EAT in RA patients without clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods 60 RA patients without manifestations of CVD and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls have been recruited for the study. We assessed LV systolic function and EAT in all subjects using conventional echocardiography and 2D-STE. EAT was measured as the relative echo-free region between the free wall of the right ventricle and the visceral layer of the pericardium at end-systole. Results Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was decreased and EAT was increased in the RA group compared to the control group. GLS was reduced as EAT increased in RA patients (r=-0.273, P=0.035). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a weakened correlation between EAT and GLS.Age and disease activity scores28 were independent factors influencing GLS in RA. Conclusion RA patients have significantly thickened EAT compared with controls. 2D-STE can detect early LV myocardial systolic dysfunction in RA, as shown by lower GLS. Accumulation of EAT is associated with lower GLS, but older age and higher disease activity may play a greater role in LV myocardial systolic dysfunction in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinglin Wang
- Department of Echocardiography, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, CHN
| | - Gehong Peng
- Department of Echocardiography, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, CHN
| | - Hongyu Liang
- Department of Echocardiography, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, CHN
| | - Bingxu Zhao
- Department of Echocardiography, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, CHN
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Peyronnel C, Kessler J, Bobillier-Chaumont Devaux S, Houdayer C, Tournier M, Chouk M, Wendling D, Martin H, Totoson P, Demougeot C. A treadmill exercise reduced cardiac fibrosis, inflammation and vulnerability to ischemia-reperfusion in rat pristane-induced arthritis. Life Sci 2024; 341:122503. [PMID: 38354974 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To explore cardiac structural and functional parameters and myocardial sensitivity to ischemia in a rat model of chronic arthritis, pristane-induced arthritis (PIA), and to investigate the effects of a running exercise protocol on cardiac disorders related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MAIN METHODS 3 groups of male Dark Agouti rats were formed: Controls, PIA and PIA-Exercise. The PIA-Exercise group was subjected to an individualized treadmill running protocol during the remission phase. At acute and chronic phases of PIA, cardiac structure was analyzed by histology. Cardiac function was explored in isolated hearts to measure left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), cardiac compliance and infarct size before and after ischemia/reperfusion. Cardiac inflammation was evaluated through VCAM-1 mRNA expression by RT-qPCR. Plasma irisin levels were measured by ELISA. KEY FINDINGS PIA rats exhibited myocardial hypertrophy fibrosis and inflammation at the 2 inflammatory phases of the model. At chronic phase only, LVDP and cardiac compliance were lower in PIA compared to controls. As compared to sedentary PIA, exercise did not change cardiac function but reduced fibrosis, inflammation, infarct size, and arthritis severity and increased irisin levels. Cardiac inflammation positively correlated with fibrosis, while irisin levels negatively correlated with cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. SIGNIFICANCE In the PIA model that recapitulated most cardiac disorders of RA, a daily program of treadmill running alleviated cardiac fibrosis and inflammation and improved resistance to ischemia. These data provide arguments to promote the practice of exercise in RA patients for cardiac diseases prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Peyronnel
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - J Kessler
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France; Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Louis Pasteur, F-39100 Dole, France
| | | | - C Houdayer
- Université de Franche-Comté, INSERM, UMR LINC 1322, DImaCell, Dispositif d'Imagerie Cellulaire, Besançon F-25030, France
| | - M Tournier
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - M Chouk
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France; Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Jean Minjoz, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - D Wendling
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Jean Minjoz, F-25000 Besançon, France; Université de Franche-Comté, EPILAB, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - H Martin
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - P Totoson
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France.
| | - C Demougeot
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT 1098, F-25000 Besançon, France
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Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Lundstrom K, Adilović M, Aljabali AAA, Tambuwala MM, Serrano-Aroca Á, Uversky VN. Autoimmune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103508. [PMID: 38160960 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The complicated relationships between autoimmunity, COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccinations are described, giving insight into their intricacies. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-Ro/SSA, rheumatoid factor, lupus anticoagulant, and antibodies against interferon (IFN)-I have all been consistently found in COVID-19 patients, indicating a high prevalence of autoimmune reactions following viral exposure. Furthermore, the discovery of human proteins with structural similarities to SARS-CoV-2 peptides as possible autoantigens highlights the complex interplay between the virus and the immune system in initiating autoimmunity. An updated summary of the current status of COVID-19 vaccines is presented. We present probable pathways underpinning the genesis of COVID-19 autoimmunity, such as bystander activation caused by hyperinflammatory conditions, viral persistence, and the creation of neutrophil extracellular traps. These pathways provide important insights into the development of autoimmune-related symptoms ranging from organ-specific to systemic autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses, demonstrating the wide influence of COVID-19 on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | | | - Muhamed Adilović
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Cai D, Zheng Z, Hu J, Fu Y, Song Y, Lian J. Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and the risk of valvular heart disease: a Mendelian randomization study. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:533-541. [PMID: 37505304 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06693-7] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have suggested that immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are associated with a higher risk of valvular heart disease (VHD). But the potential causal association is not clear. Therefore, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association of IMIDs with VHD risk. METHODS A two-sample MR analysis was performed to confirm the causal association of several common IMIDs (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE; rheumatoid arthritis, RA; multiple sclerosis, MS; ankylosing spondylitis, AS; psoriasis, PSO; inflammatory bowel disease, IBD) with the risk of VHD. The exposure data is derived from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and outcome data come from the FinnGen database (47,003 cases and 182,971 controls). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were performed to assess the causal association. The study design applied univariable MR and multivariable MR. RESULTS The MR analysis indicated that several genetically predicted IMIDs increased the risk of VHD, including SLE (odds ratio (OR) = 1.014; 95% confidence interval (CI) = < 1.001,1.028 > ; p = 0.036), RA (OR = 1.017; 95% CI = < 1.002,1.031 > ; p = 0.025), and IBD (OR = 1.018; 95% CI = < 1.002,1.033 > ; p = 0.023). Multivariable MR indicated that the adverse effect of these IMIDs on VHD was dampened to varying degrees after adjusting for smoking, obesity, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. CONCLUSION Our findings support the first genetic evidence of the causality of genetically predicted IMIDs with the risk of developing into VHD. Our results deliver a viewpoint that further active intervention needs to be explored to mitigate VHD risk in patients with SLE, RA, and IBD. Key Points • Genetically predicted systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are causally associated with valvular heart disease (VHD). • To reduce the risk of VHD in patients with SLE, RA, and IBD, active interventions should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihui Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zequn Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiale Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongfei Song
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangfang Lian
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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Brookins A, Waters DM, Gitto L. Sudden Death Due to Coronary Vasculitis: An Unexpected Autopsy Finding and Unusual Association With Thymic Hyperplasia. Cureus 2024; 16:e51531. [PMID: 38304663 PMCID: PMC10833439 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51531] [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] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
A 43-year-old Asian woman was found unresponsive on the sidewalk, prompting a call to 911. Upon transportation to the hospital, no signs of trauma were evident, but her condition deteriorated, leading to her eventual passing. An autopsy revealed a complete occlusion of the right coronary artery due to segmental coronary artery vasculitis. Without details of the individual's social or medical history, the specific type of coronary vasculitis couldn't be determined. The internal examination also showed thymic hyperplasia of unknown origin. While there is no conclusive evidence, a potential link between thymic hyperplasia, immune dysregulation, and coronary artery vasculitis is discussed, considering the case and existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryel Brookins
- Pathology, Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Chicago, USA
| | - David M Waters
- Pathology, Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Chicago, USA
| | - Lorenzo Gitto
- Pathology, Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Chicago, USA
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Jonker T, Barnett P, Boink GJJ, Christoffels VM. Role of Genetic Variation in Transcriptional Regulatory Elements in Heart Rhythm. Cells 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 38201209 PMCID: PMC10777909 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010004] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias has been a field of intense investigation. Research initially focused on rare hereditary arrhythmias, but over the last two decades, the role of genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in heart rate, rhythm, and arrhythmias has been taken into consideration as well. In particular, genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of genomic loci associated with quantitative electrocardiographic traits, atrial fibrillation, and less common arrhythmias such as Brugada syndrome. A significant number of associated variants have been found to systematically localize in non-coding regulatory elements that control the tissue-specific and temporal transcription of genes encoding transcription factors, ion channels, and other proteins. However, the identification of causal variants and the mechanism underlying their impact on phenotype has proven difficult due to the complex tissue-specific, time-resolved, condition-dependent, and combinatorial function of regulatory elements, as well as their modest conservation across different model species. In this review, we discuss research efforts aimed at identifying and characterizing-trait-associated variant regulatory elements and the molecular mechanisms underlying their impact on heart rate or rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Jonker
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
| | - Gerard J. J. Boink
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M. Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
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Mezzetti E, Costantino A, Leoni M, Pieretti R, Di Paolo M, Frati P, Maiese A, Fineschi V. Autoimmune Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Summary for Forensic Practice. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1364. [PMID: 37629654 PMCID: PMC10456745 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081364] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune heart disease is a non-random condition characterised by immune system-mediated aggression against cardiac tissue. Cardiac changes often exhibit nonspecific features and, if unrecognised, can result in fatal outcomes even among seemingly healthy young individuals. In the absence of reliable medical history, the primary challenge lies in differentiating between the various cardiopathies. Numerous immunohistochemical and genetic studies have endeavoured to characterise distinct types of cardiopathies, facilitating their differentiation during autopsy examinations. However, the presence of a standardised protocol that forensic pathologists can employ to guide their investigations would be beneficial. Hence, this summary aims to present the spectrum of autoimmune cardiopathies, including emerging insights such as SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiopathies, and proposes the utilisation of practical tools, such as blood markers, to aid forensic pathologists in their routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Mezzetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Andrea Costantino
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Matteo Leoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Rebecca Pieretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (V.F.)
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (V.F.)
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Javed F, Leung S. The rise and fall of troponin in a patient with polymyositis. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e255312. [PMID: 37336623 PMCID: PMC10314443 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255312] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Troponins are an excellent sensitive marker for myocardial ischaemic damage. However, there are several non-ischaemic cardiac and non-cardiac reasons for troponin elevation. Many cases of troponin T elevation and some troponin I cases have been reported in the literature due to inflammatory muscle disease. Here, we report a woman in her 50s who initially presents with fatigue and weakness, and is found to have elevated troponin T. The patient was appropriately worked up for cardiac causes with ECG and echocardiogram. She had positive antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and myositis panel. The elevation of troponins was attributed to polymyositis and treated with methotrexate and prednisone with recovery of patient's symptoms. This article emphasises the struggle of diagnosis in a patient with no reported medical history, having low to moderate risk of silent myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Javed
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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