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Gholizadeh Ghozloujeh Z, Singh T, Jhaveri KD, Shah S, Lerma E, Abdipour A, Norouzi S. Lupus nephritis: management challenges during pregnancy. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2024; 4:1390783. [PMID: 38895665 PMCID: PMC11183321 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2024.1390783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN), a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), leads to significant kidney inflammation and damage and drastically increases mortality risk. Predominantly impacting women in their reproductive years, LN poses specific risks during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, growth restrictions, stillbirth, and preterm delivery, exacerbated by lupus activity, specific antibodies, and pre-existing conditions like hypertension. Effective management of LN during pregnancy is crucial and involves carefully balancing disease control with the safety of the fetus. This includes pre-conception counseling and a multidisciplinary approach among specialists to navigate the complexities LN patients face during pregnancy, such as distinguishing LN flare-ups from pregnancy-induced conditions. This review focuses on exploring the complex dynamics between pregnancy and LN, emphasizing the management difficulties and the heightened risks pregnant women with LN encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Gholizadeh Ghozloujeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Tripti Singh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kenar D. Jhaveri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Silvi Shah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Edgar Lerma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Advocate Christ Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Oak Lawn, IL, United States
| | - Amir Abdipour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Sayna Norouzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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Ma S, Qiu Y, Zhang C. Cytoskeleton Rearrangement in Podocytopathies: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:647. [PMID: 38203817 PMCID: PMC10779434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010647] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Podocyte injury can disrupt the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB), leading to podocytopathies that emphasize podocytes as the glomerulus's key organizer. The coordinated cytoskeleton is essential for supporting the elegant structure and complete functions of podocytes. Therefore, cytoskeleton rearrangement is closely related to the pathogenesis of podocytopathies. In podocytopathies, the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton refers to significant alterations in a string of slit diaphragm (SD) and focal adhesion proteins such as the signaling node nephrin, calcium influx via transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6), and regulation of the Rho family, eventually leading to the disorganization of the original cytoskeletal architecture. Thus, it is imperative to focus on these proteins and signaling pathways to probe the cytoskeleton rearrangement in podocytopathies. In this review, we describe podocytopathies and the podocyte cytoskeleton, then discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement in podocytopathies and summarize the effects of currently existing drugs on regulating the podocyte cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; (S.M.); (Y.Q.)
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Kale A, Shelke V, Lei Y, Gaikwad AB, Anders HJ. Voclosporin: Unique Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicity Profile, and Possible Options for Implementation into the Management of Lupus Nephritis. Cells 2023; 12:2440. [PMID: 37887284 PMCID: PMC10605893 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202440] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) can suppress allo- and autoimmunity by suppressing T cell function but also have anti-proteinuric effects by stabilizing the cellular components of the kidney's filtration barrier. Therefore, CNI are used in autoimmune kidney diseases with proteinuria. However, the traditional CNI, cyclosporine A and tacrolimus, have a narrow therapeutic range, need monitoring of drug levels, and their use is associated with nephrotoxicity and metabolic alterations. Voclosporin (VOC), a novel CNI, no longer requires drug level monitoring and seems to lack these adverse effects, although hypertension and drug-drug interactions still occur. VOC demonstrated efficacy superior to standard-of-care in controlling active lupus nephritis in the phase 2 AURA-LV and the phase 3 AURORA-1 trials and was approved for the treatment of active lupus nephritis. However, how to implement VOC into the current and changing treatment landscape of lupus nephritis is still debated. Here, we review the unique chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity profile of VOC, summarize the efficacy and safety data from the AURA-LV and AURORA-1 trials, and discuss the following four possible options to implement VOC into the management of lupus nephritis, namely regarding B cell-targeting therapy with belimumab (BEL). These include: 1. patient stratification to either VOC or BEL, 2. VOC/BEL combination therapy, 3. VOC-BEL sequential therapy, or 4. alternative options for the rapid antiproteinuric effect of VOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajinath Kale
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India; (A.K.); (V.S.); (A.B.G.)
| | - Vishwadeep Shelke
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India; (A.K.); (V.S.); (A.B.G.)
| | - Yutian Lei
- Division of Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 333031 Munich, Germany;
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, Rajasthan, India; (A.K.); (V.S.); (A.B.G.)
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Vivarelli M, Gibson K, Sinha A, Boyer O. Childhood nephrotic syndrome. Lancet 2023; 402:809-824. [PMID: 37659779 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in children. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of its treatment, and steroid response is the main prognostic factor. Most children respond to a cycle of oral steroids, and are defined as having steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Among the children who do not respond, defined as having steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, most respond to second-line immunosuppression, mainly with calcineurin inhibitors, and children in whom a response is not observed are described as multidrug resistant. The pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome remains elusive. In cases of immune-mediated origin, dysregulation of immune cells and production of circulating factors that damage the glomerular filtration barrier have been described. Conversely, up to a third of cases of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome have a monogenic origin. Multidrug resistant nephrotic syndrome often leads to kidney failure and can cause relapse after kidney transplant. Although steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome does not affect renal function, most children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome have a relapsing course that requires repeated steroid cycles with significant side-effects. To minimise morbidity, some patients require steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents, including levamisole, mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and cyclophosphamide. Close monitoring and preventive measures are warranted at onset and during relapse to prevent acute complications (eg, hypovolaemia, acute kidney injury, infections, and thrombosis), whereas long-term management requires minimising treatment-related side-effects. A subset of patients have active disease into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology, Laboratory of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Keisha Gibson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aditi Sinha
- Division of Nephrology, Indian Council of Medical Research Center for Advanced Research in Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Olivia Boyer
- Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rénales Héréditaires de l'Enfant et de l'Adulte, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Oh SJ, Park K, Sonn SK, Oh GT, Lee MS. Pancreatic β-cell mitophagy as an adaptive response to metabolic stress and the underlying mechanism that involves lysosomal Ca 2+ release. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1922-1932. [PMID: 37653033 PMCID: PMC10545665 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy is an excellent example of selective autophagy that eliminates damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria, and it is crucial for the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and function. The critical roles of autophagy in pancreatic β-cell structure and function have been clearly shown. Furthermore, morphological abnormalities and decreased function of mitochondria have been observed in autophagy-deficient β-cells, suggesting the importance of β-cell mitophagy. However, the role of authentic mitophagy in β-cell function has not been clearly demonstrated, as mice with pancreatic β-cell-specific disruption of Parkin, one of the most important players in mitophagy, did not exhibit apparent abnormalities in β-cell function or glucose homeostasis. Instead, the role of mitophagy in pancreatic β-cells has been investigated using β-cell-specific Tfeb-knockout mice (TfebΔβ-cell mice); Tfeb is a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis or autophagy gene expression and participates in mitophagy. TfebΔβ-cell mice were unable to adaptively increase mitophagy or mitochondrial complex activity in response to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic stress. Consequently, TfebΔβ-cell mice exhibited impaired β-cell responses and further exacerbated metabolic deterioration after HFD feeding. TFEB was activated by mitochondrial or metabolic stress-induced lysosomal Ca2+ release, which led to calcineurin activation and mitophagy. After lysosomal Ca2+ release, depleted lysosomal Ca2+ stores were replenished by ER Ca2+ through ER→lysosomal Ca2+ refilling, which supplemented the low lysosomal Ca2+ capacity. The importance of mitophagy in β-cell function was also demonstrated in mice that developed β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance after treatment with a calcineurin inhibitor that hampered TFEB activation and mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jin Oh
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 31151, Korea
| | - Kihyoun Park
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 31151, Korea
| | - Seong Keun Sonn
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03767, Korea
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03767, Korea
| | - Myung-Shik Lee
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, 31151, Korea.
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Kate A, Shanbhag SS, Donthineni PR, Amescua G, Quinones VLP, Basu S. Role of topical and systemic immunosuppression in aqueous-deficient dry eye disease. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:1176-1189. [PMID: 37026249 PMCID: PMC10276741 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2818_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression in aqueous-deficient dry eye disease (ADDE) is required not only to improve the symptoms and signs but also to prevent further progression of the disease and its sight-threatening sequelae. This immunomodulation can be achieved through topical and/or systemic medications, and the choice of one drug over the other is determined by the underlying systemic disease. These immunosuppressive agents require a minimum of 6-8 weeks to achieve their beneficial effect, and during this time, the patient is usually placed on topical corticosteroids. Antimetabolites such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil, along with calcineurin inhibitors, are commonly used as first-line medications. The latter have a pivotal role in immunomodulation since T cells contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of ocular surface inflammation in dry eye disease. Alkylating agents are largely limited to controlling acute exacerbations with pulse doses of cyclophosphamide. Biologic agents, such as rituximab, are particularly useful in patients with refractory disease. Each group of drugs has its own side-effect profiles and requires a stringent monitoring schedule that must be followed to prevent systemic morbidity. A customized combination of topical and systemic medications is usually required to achieve adequate control, and this review aims to help the clinician choose the most appropriate modality and monitoring regimen for a given case of ADDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Kate
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institue, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Swapna S Shanbhag
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institue, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
| | - Pragnya R Donthineni
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institue, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
| | - Guillermo Amescua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham 27705, NC, USA
| | - Victor L Perez Quinones
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sayan Basu
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institue, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Targeting protein phosphatases in cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disorders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:273-294. [PMID: 36693907 PMCID: PMC9872771 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatases act as key regulators of multiple important cellular processes and are attractive therapeutic targets for various diseases. Although extensive effort has been dedicated to phosphatase-targeted drug discovery, early expeditions for competitive phosphatase inhibitors were plagued by druggability issues, leading to the stigmatization of phosphatases as difficult targets. Despite challenges, persistent efforts have led to the identification of several drug-like, non-competitive modulators of some of these enzymes - including SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase and protein phosphatase 1 - reigniting interest in therapeutic targeting of phosphatases. Here, we discuss recent progress in phosphatase drug discovery, with emphasis on the development of selective modulators that exhibit biological activity. The roles and regulation of protein phosphatases in immune cells and their potential as powerful targets for immuno-oncology and autoimmunity indications are assessed.
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Synthetic Pharmacotherapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Potential Mechanisms of Action, Efficacy, and Safety. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 59:medicina59010056. [PMID: 36676680 PMCID: PMC9866503 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) aims to decrease disease activity, progression, systemic compromise, and mortality. Among the pharmacological alternatives, there are chemically synthesized drugs whose efficacy has been evaluated, but which have the potential to generate adverse events that may compromise adherence and response to treatment. Therapy selection and monitoring will depend on patient characteristics and the safety profile of each drug. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the most important synthetic drugs used in the treatment of SLE, including the current treatment options (mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide), review their mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and, most importantly, provide monitoring parameters that should be considered while the patient is receiving the pharmacotherapy.
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Moroni G, Calatroni M, Ponticelli C. Severe lupus nephritis in the present days. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:984613. [PMID: 37675028 PMCID: PMC10479763 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.984613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite improvement in patient and renal prognosis, the disease continued to be associated with a high rate of end stage kidney disease. Along the last decades, it seems that the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have progressively changed. The forms with renal insufficiency at presentation seem to have progressively reduced in developed countries in favour of more mild clinical presentations with urinary abnormalities only. To this clinical change does not correspond a less severe histological lesions, in fact, the extent of active lesions at kidney biopsy are unchanged, whereas chronic lesions are becoming less frequent and less severe. Meanwhile, new types of severe LN defined by the variable association of demographic, clinical, histological characteristics at diagnosis or during the follow-up are gradually emerging and require attention in assessing the therapy and prognosis. During the last years, randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy of new drugs in association with standard therapy to improve the rate of short- and medium-term renal response. One of the advantages is that these results were obtained with reduced dosage of corticosteroids whose protracted use is associated with increase of chronic organ damage. Optimization of therapeutical strategies, tailored on the demographic clinical and histological characteristics, with combination of old and new drugs are urgently needed for severe LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Moroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Non-Immunologic Causes of Late Death-Censored Kidney Graft Failure: A Personalized Approach. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081271. [PMID: 36013220 PMCID: PMC9410103 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous advances in surgical and immunosuppressive protocols, the long-term survival of transplanted kidneys is still far from being satisfactory. Antibody-mediated rejection, recurrent autoimmune diseases, and death with functioning graft are the most frequent causes of late-kidney allograft failure. However, in addition to these complications, a number of other non-immunologic events may impair the function of transplanted kidneys and directly or indirectly lead to their failure. In this narrative review, we will list and discuss the most important nonimmune causes of late death-censored kidney graft failure, including quality of the donated kidney, adherence to prescriptions, drug toxicities, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, new onset diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and lifestyle of the renal transplant recipient. For each of these risk factors, we will report the etiopathogenesis and the potential consequences on graft function, keeping in mind that in many cases, two or more risk factors may negatively interact together.
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Gelder T, Lerma E, Engelke K, Huizinga RB. Voclosporin: a novel calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of lupus nephritis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:515-529. [PMID: 35763288 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2092470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Standard-of-care immunosuppressive therapies achieve poor complete renal response (CRR) rates, with considerable toxicity. This article reviews voclosporin, a novel oral calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) approved for treatment of adults with active LN by the US Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) in January 2021. AREAS COVERED : This review summarizes the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of voclosporin, and its efficacy and safety in LN, based on literature review covering PubMed searches, manufacturers' websites and documents produced by the FDA. EXPERT OPINION : Voclosporin is a CNI with a consistent pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship resulting from enhanced calcineurin binding and reduced drug and metabolite load. This profile permits therapeutic efficacy in LN at a dose associated with relatively low calcineurin inhibition, and therefore a potentially improved safety profile. Pivotal trials demonstrated a significant benefit of adding voclosporin to standard therapy, with rapid reduction in proteinuria, and a clinically meaningful and significantly higher CRR rate at 1 year. At approved doses for LN, potential advantages of voclosporin versus historical experience with CNIs include lack of need for therapeutic drug monitoring, benign metabolic, lipid and electrolyte profile, and no impact on mycophenolate mofetil levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teun Gelder
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Edgar Lerma
- Section of Nephrology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine/Advocate Christ Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
Despite improvements in patient and renal death rates following the introduction of potent immunosuppressive drugs in earlier decades, a sizeable fraction of patients with lupus nephritis is burdened with suboptimal or delayed responses, relapses, chronic use of glucocorticoids and accrual of renal (chronic renal insufficiency) and extra-renal organ damage. The recently approved combinatory treatments comprising belimumab or voclosporin added to conventional agents, especially mycophenolate, hold promise for further improving disease outcomes and enabling a faster steroid tapering, thus being relevant to the treat-to-target context. However, it remains uncertain whether these dual regimens should become the first-line choice for all patients or instead be prioritized to certain subgroups. In the present article, we summarize the existing lupus nephritis management recommendations, followed by a critical appraisal of the randomized trials of belimumab and voclosporin, as well as the available data on obinutuzumab and other novel compounds under development. We conclude that pending the identification of accurate clinical, histological, or translational predictors for guiding personalized decisions, it is of utmost importance that lupus nephritis patients are monitored closely with appropriate treatment adjustments aiming at a prompt, deep response to ensure long-term preservation of kidney function.
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