1
|
Drahos J, Boateng-Kuffour A, Calvert M, Levine L, Dongha N, Li N, Pakbaz Z, Shah F, Martin AP. Health-Related Quality-of-Life Impacts Associated with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia in the USA and UK: A Qualitative Assessment. THE PATIENT 2024; 17:421-439. [PMID: 38530509 PMCID: PMC11189963 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-024-00678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals living with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) experience reduced health-related quality of life due to fatigue and chronic pain, which cause disruptions to daily life. Currently, limited qualitative data exist that describe these impacts. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the ways in which symptoms and current treatments of TDT impact health-related quality of life, to holistically describe the humanistic burden of TDT, and to identify the unmet needs of individuals living with TDT. METHODS Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with TDT and caregivers of adolescents (aged 12‒17 years) with TDT participated in semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews were conducted in the USA and UK and lasted approximately 60 minutes. After transcription, the interviews were analyzed thematically using a framework approach. RESULTS A total of ten interviews/focus group discussions (six interviews and four focus group discussions) were conducted with 14 adults with TDT and two caregivers of adolescents with TDT. A framework analysis revealed five themes describing health-related quality of life (negative impacts on daily activities, social life, family life, work and education, and psychological well-being) and three themes describing the lived experience of TDT (impact of red blood cell transfusions and iron chelation therapy, treatment, and stigma). Physical, psychological, and treatment-related factors contributed to negative impacts on daily activities, social and family life, and work and education. Concerns about reduced lifespan, relationships and family planning, and financial independence were detrimental to participants' mental well-being. Participants reported having high resilience to the many physical and psychological challenges of living with TDT. A lack of TDT-specific knowledge among healthcare professionals, particularly regarding chronic pain associated with the disease, left some participants feeling ignored or undermined. Additionally, many participants experienced stigma and were reluctant to disclose their disease to others. CONCLUSIONS Individuals living with TDT experience substantial negative impacts on health-related quality of life that disrupt their daily lives, disruptions that are intensified by inadequate healthcare interactions, demanding treatment schedules, and stigma. Our study highlights the unmet needs of individuals living with TDT, especially for alternative treatments that reduce or eliminate the need for red blood cell transfusions and iron chelation therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Drahos
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
| | | | - Melanie Calvert
- Centre for Patient-Reported Outcomes Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration, West Midlands, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Precision Transplant and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Nanxin Li
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Zahra Pakbaz
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Corbacioglu S, Frangoul H, Locatelli F, Hobbs W, Walters M. Defining curative endpoints for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia in the era of gene therapy and gene editing. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:422-429. [PMID: 38100154 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a monogenic disease that results in varying degrees of anemia. In the most severe form, known as transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT), the clinical hallmarks are ineffective erythropoiesis and a requirement of regular, life-long red blood cell transfusions, with the development of secondary clinical complications such as iron overload, end-organ damage, and a risk of early mortality. With the exception of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, current treatments for TDT address disease symptoms and not the underlying cause of disease. Recently, a growing number of gene addition and gene editing-based treatments for patients with TDT with the potential to provide a one-time functional cure have entered clinical trials. A key challenge in the design and evaluation of these trials is selecting endpoints to evaluate if these novel genetic therapies have a curative versus an ameliorative effect. Here, we present an overview of the pathophysiology of TDT, review emerging gene addition or gene editing therapeutic approaches for TDT currently in clinical trials, and identify a series of endpoints that can quantify therapeutic effects, including a curative outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Haydar Frangoul
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and the Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Franco Locatelli
- IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino, Gesù Rome, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - William Hobbs
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Walters
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Settakorn K, Hantrakool S, Petiwathayakorn T, Hutachok N, Tantiworawit A, Charoenkwan P, Chalortham N, Chompupoung A, Paradee N, Koonyosying P, Srichairatanakool S. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of oral green tea epigallocatechin 3-gallate on erythropoiesis and oxidative stress in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1248742. [PMID: 38328786 PMCID: PMC10848917 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1248742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia patients suffer from ineffective erythropoiesis and increased red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis. Blood transfusion, erythropoietic enhancement, and antioxidant supplementation can ameliorate chronic anemia. Green tea extract (GTE) is comprised of catechin derivatives, of which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant, presenting free-radical scavenging, iron-chelating, and erythropoiesis-protective effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of GTE tablets on the primary outcome of erythropoiesis and oxidative stress parameters in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) patients. Twenty-seven TDT patients were randomly divided into placebo and GTE tablet (50 and 100 mg EGCG equivalent) groups and assigned to consume the product once daily for 60 days. Blood was collected for analysis of hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters. Accordingly, consumption of GTE tablets improved blood hemoglobin levels when compared with the placebo; however, there were more responders to the GTE tablets. Interestingly, amounts of nonheme iron in RBC membranes tended to decrease in both GTE tablet groups when compared with the placebo. Importantly, consumption of GTE tablets lowered plasma levels of erythroferrone (p < 0.05) and reduced bilirubin non-significantly and dose-independently. Thus, GTE tablets could improve RBC hemolysis and modulate erythropoiesis regulators in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kornvipa Settakorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sasinee Hantrakool
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Thalassemia and Hematology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Nuntouchaporn Hutachok
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Adisak Tantiworawit
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Thalassemia and Hematology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pimlak Charoenkwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nopphadol Chalortham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Narisara Paradee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pimpisid Koonyosying
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hodroj MH, Akiki N, Bou-Fakhredin R, Taher AT. Beta-thalassemia: is cure still a dream? Minerva Med 2023; 114:850-860. [PMID: 37534831 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.23.08501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a monogenic disorder characterized by decreased hemoglobin production, resulting in chronic anemia. There are several factors affecting the clinical presentation of patients with β-thalassemia, and several complications such as iron overload or ineffective erythropoiesis have been linked to this disease. Until nowadays, several conservative therapies namely blood transfusions, iron chelation, and the FDA-approved drug Luspatercept have been adopted alongside other debatable permanent cures. Other clinical trials are being conducted to develop better and safer management techniques for these patients. This review will discuss the different treatment strategies of β-thalassemia including novel therapies, besides all possible curative therapies that are being developed for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Hodroj
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie Akiki
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon -
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ravikumar Y, Koonyosying P, Srichairatanakool S, Ponpandian LN, Kumaravelu J, Srichairatanakool S. In Silico Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Analysis of Potential Histone Lysine Methyl Transferase Inhibitors for Managing β-Thalassemia. Molecules 2023; 28:7266. [PMID: 37959685 PMCID: PMC10650625 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217266] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A decreased hemoglobin synthesis is contemplated as a pathological indication of β-thalassemia. Recent studies show that EPZ035544 from Epizyme could induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels due to its proven capability to inhibit euchromatin histone lysine methyl transferase (EHMT2). Therefore, the development of EHMT2 inhibitors is considered promising in managing β-thalassemia. Our strategy to find novel compounds that are EHMT2 inhibitors relies on the virtual screening of ligands that have a structural similarity to N2-[4-methoxy-3-(2,3,4,7-tetrahydro-1H-azepin-5-yl) phenyl]-N4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidine-2,4-diamine (F80) using the PubChem database. In silico docking studies using Autodock Vina were employed to screen a library of 985 compounds and evaluate their binding ability with EHMT2. The selection of hit compounds was based on the docking score and mode of interaction with the protein. The top two ranked compounds were selected for further investigations, including pharmacokinetic properties analysis and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). Based on the obtained docking score and interaction analysis, N-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-4,6-diphenylpyrimidin-2-amine (TP1) and 2-N-[4-methoxy-3-(5-methoxy-3H-indol-2-yl)phenyl]-4-N,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine (TP2) were found to be promising candidates, and TP1 exhibited better stability in the MDS study compared to TP2. In summary, our approach helps identify potential EHMT2 inhibitors, and further validation using in vitro and in vivo experiments could certainly enable this molecule to be used as a therapeutic drug in managing β-thalassemia disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuvaraj Ravikumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.R.); (P.K.)
| | - Pimpisid Koonyosying
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.R.); (P.K.)
| | - Sirichai Srichairatanakool
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | | | - Jayanthi Kumaravelu
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Agharam Road Selaiyur, Chennai 600073, India
| | - Somdet Srichairatanakool
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.R.); (P.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roccotelli D, Grande D, Cicco G, Palma A, Longo MC, Albano F, Vitucci A, Musto P. Real-life experience with luspatercept in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:2965-2967. [PMID: 37498329 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Roccotelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenica Grande
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Gerolamo Cicco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Palma
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies (CERIRETE), AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria C Longo
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies (CERIRETE), AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelantonio Vitucci
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies (CERIRETE), AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Musto
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies (CERIRETE), AOUC Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koctekin B, Dogan B, Erdem R, Buber H, Kurtoglu E, Karakus V. Investigation of the color discrimination ability using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test and structural changes by SS-OCT in patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 43:103716. [PMID: 37481147 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103716] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to examine the color discrimination ability of patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβ-T) in detail using the Farnsworth Munsell (FM) 100-hue test and to evaluate structural changes by swept source-optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective, sectional study included 40 patients (79 eyes) with TDβ-T and 21 controls (42 eyes). The volunteers underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and SS-OCT (DRI-OCT, Triton) imaging. Excluded were those with congenital color vision defects detected with the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic test. The patients' color vision was examined using the FM 100-hue test. The total error score (TES), the blue-yellow local error score (b-y LES), and the red-green local error score (r-g LES) were calculated. p <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The mean age was 30.34±6.94 years in the patient group and 32.26±6.43 years in the control group (p = 0.078). The patient group had a significantly lower hemoglobin level (9.25±0.87 g/dL vs. 14±1.79 g/dL, p <0.001) and a significantly higher ferritin level (2665.56±2658.05 μg/L vs. 52.87±69.59 μg/L, p<0.001) compared to the control group. The mean TES, b-y LES, and r-g LES were higher in the patients than in the controls (64.84±30.18 vs. 28.45±16.55, p<0.001, 34.21±17.54 vs. 15.67±10.07, p <0.001, and 29.32±15.72 vs. 12.12±7.94, p<0.001, respectively). The patients had a higher b-y LES than r-g LES (34.21±17.54 vs. 29.32±15.72, p = 0.015). Choroidal thickness was lower in the patients than in the controls (284.34±63.55 µm vs. 324.98±88.05 µm, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION We found that the color discrimination ability of the patients with TDβ-T was reduced in both the r-g and b-y color axes compared to the controls, and their color discrimination ability in the b-y color axis was more affected than in the r-g axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belkis Koctekin
- University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Transfusion Center, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Berna Dogan
- University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Erdem
- University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Hematology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Buber
- University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Erdal Kurtoglu
- Kolan Hospital Group, Sisli Kolan International Department of Hematology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Karakus
- University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Hematology, Antalya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tariq Z, Qadeer MI, Anjum I, Hano C, Anjum S. Thalassemia and Nanotheragnostics: Advanced Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040450. [PMID: 37185525 PMCID: PMC10136341 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations, which lead to abnormal or reduced production of hemoglobin. Ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, hepcidin suppression, and iron overload are common manifestations that vary according to genotypes and dictate, which diagnosis and therapeutic modalities, including transfusion therapy, iron chelation therapy, HbF induction, gene therapy, and editing, are performed. These conventional therapeutic methods have proven to be effective, yet have several disadvantages, specifically iron toxicity, associated with them; therefore, there are demands for advanced therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology-based applications, such as the use of nanoparticles and nanomedicines for theragnostic purposes have emerged that are simple, convenient, and cost-effective methods. The therapeutic potential of various nanoparticles has been explored by developing artificial hemoglobin, nano-based iron chelating agents, and nanocarriers for globin gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9. Au, Ag, carbon, graphene, silicon, porous nanoparticles, dendrimers, hydrogels, quantum dots, etc., have been used in electrochemical biosensors development for diagnosis of thalassemia, quantification of hemoglobin in these patients, and analysis of conventional iron chelating agents. This review summarizes the potential of nanotechnology in the development of various theragnostic approaches to determine thalassemia-causing gene mutations using various nano-based biosensors along with the employment of efficacious nano-based therapeutic procedures, in contrast to conventional therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | | | - Iram Anjum
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Christophe Hano
- Department of Chemical Biology, Eure & Loir Campus, University of Orleans, 28000 Chartres, France
| | - Sumaira Anjum
- Department of Biotechnology, Kinnaird College for Women, 92-Jail Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
CRISPR Gene Therapy: A Promising One-Time Therapeutic Approach for Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia—CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for β-Thalassemia. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/thalassrep13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder that results from genetic changes in the β-globin gene, leading to the reduced or absent synthesis of β-globin. For several decades, the only curative treatment option for β-thalassemia has been allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Nonetheless, rapid progress in genome modification technologies holds great potential for treating this disease and will soon change the current standard of care for β-thalassemia. For instance, the emergence of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing platform has opened the door for precision gene editing and can serve as an effective molecular treatment for a multitude of genetic diseases. Investigational studies were carried out to treat β-thalassemia patients utilizing CRISPR-based CTX001 therapy targeting the fetal hemoglobin silencer BCL11A to restore γ-globin expression in place of deficient β-globin. The results of recently carried out clinical trials provide hope of CTX001 being a promising one-time therapeutic option to treat β-hemoglobinopathies. This review provides an insight into the key scientific steps that led to the development and application of novel CRISPR/Cas9–based gene therapies as a promising therapeutic platform for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). Despite the resulting ethical, moral, and social challenges, CRISPR provides an excellent treatment option against hemoglobin-associated genetic diseases.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tie Y, Tang F, Peng D, Zhang Y, Shi H. TGF-beta signal transduction: biology, function and therapy for diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:45. [PMID: 36534225 PMCID: PMC9761655 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a crucial cytokine that get increasing concern in recent years to treat human diseases. This signal controls multiple cellular responses during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis through canonical and/or noncanonical signaling pathways. Dysregulated TGF-β signal plays an essential role in contributing to fibrosis via promoting the extracellular matrix deposition, and tumor progression via inducing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, and neovascularization at the advanced stage of cancer. Besides, the dysregulation of TGF-beta signal also involves in other human diseases including anemia, inflammatory disease, wound healing and cardiovascular disease et al. Therefore, this signal is proposed to be a promising therapeutic target in these diseases. Recently, multiple strategies targeting TGF-β signals including neutralizing antibodies, ligand traps, small-molecule receptor kinase inhibitors targeting ligand-receptor signaling pathways, antisense oligonucleotides to disrupt the production of TGF-β at the transcriptional level, and vaccine are under evaluation of safety and efficacy for the forementioned diseases in clinical trials. Here, in this review, we firstly summarized the biology and function of TGF-β in physiological and pathological conditions, elaborated TGF-β associated signal transduction. And then, we analyzed the current advances in preclinical studies and clinical strategies targeting TGF-β signal transduction to treat diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Fan Tang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041 China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Orthopaedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Peng
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Ye Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Huashan Shi
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041 China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shash H. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Panoramic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101496. [PMID: 36295656 PMCID: PMC9608723 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) has been considered less severe than its transfusion-dependent variants. The most common forms of NTDT include β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease. Patients with NTDT develop several clinical complications, despite their regular transfusion independence. Ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload, and hypercoagulability are pathophysiological factors that lead to morbidities in these patients. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis of NTDT is essential to ascertaining early interventions. Currently, several conventional management options are available, with guidelines suggested by the Thalassemia International Federation, and novel therapies are being developed in light of the advancement of the understanding of this disease. This review aimed to increase clinicians’ awareness of NTDT, from its basic medical definition and genetics to its pathophysiology. Specific complications to NTDT were reviewed, along with the risk factors for its development. The indications of different therapeutic options were outlined, and recent advancements were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwazen Shash
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ferroptosis, a Rising Force against Renal Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7686956. [PMID: 36275899 PMCID: PMC9581688 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7686956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload, oxidative stress, imbalance in lipid repair, and mitochondria-specific pathological manifestations. Growing number of molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways have been found to be involved in ferroptosis progression, including iron metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. It is worth noting that ferroptosis is involved in the progression of fibrotic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and inhibition of ferroptosis has acquired beneficial outcomes in rodent models, while studies on ferroptosis and renal fibrosis remains limited. Recent studies have revealed that targeting ferroptosis can effectively mitigate chronic kidney injury and renal fibrosis. Moreover, myofibroblasts suffer from ferroptosis during fiber and extracellular matrix deposition in the fibrotic cascade reaction and pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis shows great therapeutic effect on renal fibrosis. Here, we summarize the latest molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis from high-quality studies and review its therapeutic potential in renal fibrosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Prosdocimi M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Gambari R. A Rational Approach to Drug Repositioning in β-thalassemia: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin by Established Drugs. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:150. [PMID: 36110836 PMCID: PMC9453112 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17845.3] [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] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning and the relevance of orphan drug designation for β-thalassemia is reviewed. Drug repositioning and similar terms ('drug repurposing', 'drug reprofiling', 'drug redirecting', 'drug rescue', 'drug re-tasking' and/or 'drug rediscovery') have gained great attention, especially in the field or rare diseases (RDs), and represent relevant novel drug development strategies to be considered together with the "off-label" use of pharmaceutical products under clinical trial regimen. The most significant advantage of drug repositioning over traditional drug development is that the repositioned drug has already passed a significant number of short- and long-term toxicity tests, as well as it has already undergone pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. The established safety of repositioned drugs is known to significantly reduce the probability of project failure. Furthermore, development of repurposed drugs can shorten much of the time needed to bring a drug to market. Finally, patent filing of repurposed drugs is expected to catch the attention of pharmaceutical industries interested in the development of therapeutic protocols for RDs. Repurposed molecules that could be proposed as potential drugs for β-thalassemia, will be reported, with some of the most solid examples, including sirolimus (rapamycin) that recently has been tested in a pilot clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prosdocimi
- Rare Partners srl Impresa Sociale, Via G.Boccaccio 20, 20123 Milano, Italy,
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prosdocimi M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Gambari R. A Rational Approach to Drug Repositioning in β-thalassemia: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin by Established Drugs. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:150. [PMID: 36110836 PMCID: PMC9453112 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17845.1] [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: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning and the relevance of orphan drug designation for β-thalassemia is reviewed. Drug repositioning and similar terms ('drug repurposing', 'drug reprofiling', 'drug redirecting', 'drug rescue', 'drug re-tasking' and/or 'drug rediscovery') have gained great attention, especially in the field or rare diseases (RDs), and represent relevant novel drug development strategies to be considered together with the "off-label" use of pharmaceutical products under clinical trial regimen. The most significant advantage of drug repositioning over traditional drug development is that the repositioned drug has already passed a significant number of short- and long-term toxicity tests, as well as it has already undergone pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. The established safety of repositioned drugs is known to significantly reduce the probability of project failure. Furthermore, development of repurposed drugs can shorten much of the time needed to bring a drug to market. Finally, patent filing of repurposed drugs is expected to catch the attention of pharmaceutical industries interested in the development of therapeutic protocols for RDs. Repurposed molecules that could be proposed as potential drugs for β-thalassemia, will be reported, with some of the most solid examples, including sirolimus (rapamycin) that recently has been tested in a pilot clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prosdocimi
- Rare Partners srl Impresa Sociale, Via G.Boccaccio 20, 20123 Milano, Italy,
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prosdocimi M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Gambari R. A Rational Approach to Drug Repositioning in β-thalassemia: Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin by Established Drugs. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:150. [PMID: 36110836 PMCID: PMC9453112 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17845.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning and the relevance of orphan drug designation for β-thalassemia is reviewed. Drug repositioning and similar terms ('drug repurposing', 'drug reprofiling', 'drug redirecting', 'drug rescue', 'drug re-tasking' and/or 'drug rediscovery') have gained great attention, especially in the field or rare diseases (RDs), and represent relevant novel drug development strategies to be considered together with the "off-label" use of pharmaceutical products under clinical trial regimen. The most significant advantage of drug repositioning over traditional drug development is that the repositioned drug has already passed a significant number of short- and long-term toxicity tests, as well as it has already undergone pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies. The established safety of repositioned drugs is known to significantly reduce the probability of project failure. Furthermore, development of repurposed drugs can shorten much of the time needed to bring a drug to market. Finally, patent filing of repurposed drugs is expected to catch the attention of pharmaceutical industries interested in the development of therapeutic protocols for RDs. Repurposed molecules that could be proposed as potential drugs for β-thalassemia, will be reported, with some of the most solid examples, including sirolimus (rapamycin) that recently has been tested in a pilot clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prosdocimi
- Rare Partners srl Impresa Sociale, Via G.Boccaccio 20, 20123 Milano, Italy,
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Association of Beta-Thalassaemia and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2022; 2022:4655249. [PMID: 35646403 PMCID: PMC9135550 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4655249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassaemic syndromes are among the most common haemoglobinopathies and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Because of the various treatments, a secondary endocrinopathy due to iron overload—haemosiderosis—can occur, causing hypopituitarism leading to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and infertility. We present a case of secondary amenorrhoea in a patient with beta-thalassaemia and a history of multiple therapies in her adolescence, such as multiple transfusions, chemotherapy, and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, who presented with HH and premature ovarian insufficiency.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rana S, Prabhakar N. Iron disorders and hepcidin. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:454-468. [PMID: 34755647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element due to its role in a wide variety of physiological processes. Iron homeostasis is crucial to prevent iron overload disorders as well as iron deficiency anemia. The liver synthesized peptide hormone hepcidin is a master regulator of systemic iron metabolism. Given its role in overall health, measurement of hepcidin can be used as a predictive marker in disease states. In addition, hepcidin-targeting drugs appear beneficial as therapeutic agents. This review emphasizes recent development on analytical techniques (immunochemical, mass spectrometry and biosensors) and therapeutic approaches (hepcidin agonists, stimulators and antagonists). These insights highlight hepcidin as a potential biomarker as well as an aid in the development of new drugs for iron disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Rana
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Nirmal Prabhakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| |
Collapse
|