Effective Anti-TNF-α Therapy Can Induce Rapid Resolution and Sustained Decrease of Gastroduodenal Mucosal Amyloid Deposits in Reactive Amyloidosis Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

bDMARD can prevent the progression of AA amyloidosis to end-stage renal disease

INTRODUCTION

AA amyloidosis (AA) can be the consequence of any chronic inflammatory disease. AA is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases (cid+AA), autoinflammatory syndromes (auto+AA) or AA of unknown origin or idiopathic AA (idio+AA). The major organ manifestation is renal AA that can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and multiple organ failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a monocentric retrospective analysis of the renal outcome and survival of patients with cid+AA (n=34), auto+AA (n=24) and idio+AA (n=25) who were treated with cytokine-inhibiting biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

RESULTS

83 patients with renal AA were identified and followed for a mean observational period of 4.82 years. C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid alpha and proteinuria were significantly reduced with bDMARD therapy. Progression to ESRD was prevented in 60% (cid+AA), 88% (auto+AA) and 81% (idio+AA) of patients. Tocilizumab was given to 34 patients with cid+AA and idio+AA and was more effective in reducing CRP and progression to ESRD and death compared with other bDMARDs.

CONCLUSIONS

bDMARDs reduce systemic inflammation in various diseases, leading to a reduction of proteinuria and prevention of ESRD. Importantly, tocilizumab was more effective than other bDMARDs in controlling systemic inflammation in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and idiopathic AA, leading to better renal and overall survival.

Kidney Transplantation in Patients With AA Amyloidosis: Outcomes in a French Multicenter Cohort

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Outcomes of kidney transplantation for patients with renal AA amyloidosis are uncertain, with reports of poor survival and high rates of disease recurrence. However, the data are inconclusive and mostly based on studies from the early 2000s and earlier.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

We searched the French national transplant database to identify all patients with renal AA amyloidosis who underwent kidney transplantation between 2008 and 2018.

EXPOSURES

Age, cause of amyloidosis, use of biotherapies, and C-reactive protein levels.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes were all-cause mortality and allograft loss. We also reported amyloidosis allograft recurrence, occurrence of acute rejection episodes, as well as infectious, cardiovascular, and neoplastic disease events.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Kaplan-Meier estimator for mortality and cumulative incidence function method for allograft loss. Factors associated with patient and allograft survival were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model and a cause-specific hazards model, respectively.

RESULTS

86 patients who received kidney transplants for AA amyloidosis at 26 French centers were included. The median age was 49.4 years (IQR, 39.7-61.1). The main cause of amyloidosis was familial Mediterranean fever (37 cases; 43%). 16 (18.6%) patients received biotherapy after transplantation. Patient survival rates were 94.0% (95% CI, 89.1-99.2) at 1 year and 85.5% (77.8-94.0) at 5 years after transplantation. Cumulative incidences of allograft loss were 10.5% (4.0-17.0) at 1 year and 13.0% (5.8-20.1) at 5 years after transplantation. Histologically proven AA amyloidosis recurrence occurred in 5 transplants (5.8%). An infection requiring hospitalization developed in 55.8% of cases, and there was a 27.9% incidence of acute allograft rejection. Multivariable analysis showed that C-reactive protein concentration at the time of transplantation was associated with patient survival (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P=0.01) and allograft survival (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.10-2.57; P=0.02).

LIMITATIONS

The study lacked a control group, and the effect of biotherapies on transplantation outcomes could not be explored.

CONCLUSIONS

This relatively contemporary cohort of patients who received a kidney transplant for AA amyloidosis experienced favorable rates of survival and lower recurrence rates than previously reported. These data support the practice of treating these patients with kidney transplantation for end-stage kidney disease.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

AA amyloidosis is a severe and rare disease. Kidney involvement is frequent and leads to end-stage kidney disease. Because of the involvement of other organs, these patients are often frail, which has raised concerns about their suitability for kidney transplantation. We reviewed all patients with AA amyloidosis nephropathy who underwent kidney transplantation in France in the recent era (2008-2018) and found that the outcomes after kidney transplantation were favorable, with 85.5% of patients still alive 5 years after transplantation, a survival rate that is comparable to the outcomes of patients receiving a transplant for other forms of kidney diseases. Recurrence of amyloidosis in the transplanted kidney was infrequent (5.8%). These data support the practice of kidney transplantation for patients with AA amyloidosis who experience kidney failure.

Renal AA amyloidosis: presentation, diagnosis, and current therapeutic options: a review

Amyloid A amyloidosis is thought to be the second most common form of systemic amyloidosis behind amyloidosis secondary to monoclonal Ig. It is the result of deposition of insoluble fibrils in the extracellular space of tissues and organs derived from the precursor protein serum amyloid A, an acute phase reactant synthesized excessively in the setting of chronic inflammation. The kidney is the most frequent organ involved. Most patients present with proteinuria and kidney failure. The diagnosis is made through tissue biopsy with involvement of the glomeruli in most cases, but also often of the vessels and the tubulointerstitial compartment. The treatment usually targets the underlying etiology and consists increasingly of blocking the inflammatory cascade of cytokines with interleukin-1 inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors to reduce serum amyloid A protein formation. This strategy has also shown efficacy in cases where an underlying etiology cannot be readily identified and has significantly improved the prognosis of this entity. In addition, there has been increased interest at developing effective therapies able to clear amyloid deposits from tissues, albeit with mitigated results so far.

Targeting TNF-α for COVID-19: Recent Advanced and Controversies

Recent advances in the pathophysiologic understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggests that cytokine release syndrome (CRS) has an association with the severity of disease, which is characterized by increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-2, IL-7, and IL-10. Hence, managing CRS has been recommended for rescuing severe COVID-19 patients. TNF-α, one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines commonly upregulated in acute lung injury, triggers CRS and facilitates SARS-CoV-2 interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). TNF-α inhibitors, therefore, may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for attenuating disease progression in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Below, we review the possibilities and challenges of targeting the TNF-α pathway in COVID-19 treatment.

Biologic therapy for amyloid A amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis treated with interleukin 6 therapy: Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Secondary amyloidosis is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is histologically characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in target organs, such as the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Controlling the inflammatory response is essential to prevent organ dysfunction in amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to RA, and no clear treatment strategy exists.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

A 66-year-old woman with RA, who had been treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for 1 year, presented with recurrent abdominal pain and prolonged diarrhea. Endoscopy showed chronic inflammation, and colon tissue histology confirmed AA amyloidosis.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

After tocilizumab therapy was begun, her diarrhea and abdominal pain subsided, and articular symptoms improved. Biologic drugs for RA have been used in patients with secondary AA amyloidosis, including tumor necrosis factor and Janus kinase inhibitors, interleukin 6 blockers, and a T cell modulator. Here, we systematically review existing case reports and compare the outcomes of RA-related AA amyloidosis after treatment with various drugs.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that biologic drugs like tocilizumab might be treatments of choice for AA amyloidosis secondary to RA.

Tocilizumab preserves renal function in rheumatoid arthritis with AA amyloidosis and end-stage kidney disease: Two case reports

Case 1: A 59-year-old Japanese woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 36 years was admitted for evaluation of deteriorating renal function. Her serum creatine was 4.2 mg/dL, and proteinuria was 6.5 g daily. Renal and duodenal biopsy revealed AA amyloidosis. After treatment with tocilizumab (a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody), proteinuria decreased to 1.1 g daily. The patient’s renal function subsequently remained stable for 8 years. Case 2: A 71-year-old Japanese man with RA for 30 years was admitted due to deterioration of renal function. Serum creatine was 2.9 mg/dL, and urinary protein excretion was 0.06 g daily. Renal and duodenal biopsy identified AA amyloidosis. Tocilizumab was initiated, and his renal function remained stable for 6 years. The 2^nd duodenal biopsy showed a marked decrease of AA amyloid deposits. Conclusion: These two cases suggest that tocilizumab may preserve renal function in the setting of end-stage kidney disease and shift the point of no return for RA patients with AA amyloidosis and renal dysfunction.

Rituximab Therapy in Renal Amyloidosis Secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Secondary amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a late and serious complication of poorly controlled, chronic inflammatory diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with poorly controlled, longstanding disease and those with extra-articular manifestations are under risk for the development of AA amyloidosis. Although new drugs have proven to be significantly effective in the treatment of secondary AA amyloidosis, no treatment modality has proven to be ideal. To date, only in small case series preliminary clinical improvement have been shown with rituximab therapy for AA amyloidosis secondary to RA that is refractory to TNF-α inhibitors (TNF-i) therapy. In these case series, we assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy for patients with RA and secondary amyloidosis. Hacettepe University Biologic Registry was developed at 2005. The data of the RA patients who were prescribed a biological drug were recorded regularly. Patients with biopsy proven AA amyloidosis patients were screened. Of 1022 RA patients under biologic therapy, 0.7% patients had clinically apparent histologically confirmed amyloidosis. Four of seven patients who were prescribed rituximab at least one infusion enrolled to those case series. Two of four patients showed significant clinical improvement and one of them also had decrease in proteinuria and the other one had stable renal function and proteinuria. The main goal for the treatment of AA amyloidosis is to control the activity of the underlying disorder. In this study, we showed that rituximab may be an effective treatment in RA patients with amyloidosis who were unresponsive to conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or TNFi.

AA amyloidosis - Benefits and prospects of IL-6 inhibitors

AA amyloidosis may develop in patients with active chronic inflammation. Serum amyloid A (SAA), the precursor of the AA protein, is strongly amplified in the liver under the stimulation of inflammation-associated cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF, and IL-1. Sustained inflammation, aging, and polymorphisms in the SAA1.3 genotype are dependent risk factors for the formation of AA amyloidosis. The most rational treatment strategy for AA amyloidosis is to inhibit the production of SAA. Treatments for AA amyloidosis involving biologics have recently been emphasized. TNF inhibitors and abatacept reduce SAA levels; however, complete normalization is not always achieved. IL-6 inhibitors may normalize SAA levels in most patients in whom a sufficient concentration of medication is maintained in the blood. Therefore, treatments with IL-6 inhibitors represent an excellent therapeutic strategy for AA amyloidosis and have been verified by recent studies.

Long-term follow-up of secondary amyloidosis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy: A STROBE-compliant observational study

There are no treatment modalities, which were proven to prevent the deposition of amyloid, proteinuria, and loss of renal function due to amyloidosis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNFs) were shown to decrease the production of serum amyloid A protein.We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-TNFs in secondary (AA) amyloidosis patients treated in a single center.Thirty-seven patients with AA amyloidosis were started an anti-TNF for AA amyloidosis between March 2001 and June 2008 and followed until May 2016 unless deceased. They were surveyed for the endpoints of death, development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), switch to another agent due to worsening of amyloidosis and adverse events.Among the 37 patients, 12 (32%) had died, 9 (24%) had ESRD, and 8 (22%) had started another group of biologic due to worsening of amyloidosis indicated by an increase in proteinuria, 5 (14%) patients are still doing well with anti-TNFs, and 3 (8%) are off treatment at the end of a median follow-up of 10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.5-10.5) years since the start of anti-TNFs and 10 (IQR: 8-13) years since the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis. Most common serious adverse events were sepsis and thrombotic events observed in 8 and 4 patients, respectively.Treatment with anti-TNFs may be associated with a higher survival rate compared with historic cohorts of AA amyloidosis, especially when started early with a lower serum creatinine level at baseline. Caution is needed regarding serious adverse events, especially infections.

Tocilizumab in the treatment of twelve cases with aa amyloidosis secondary to familial mediterranean fever

Background

There is no established treatment of AA amyloidosis, a long-term complication of various chronic inflammatory diseases associated with increased mortality, such as familial Mediterranian fever (FMF). Recently there are few reports pointing out that tocilizumab(TCZ), an anti IL-6 agent may be effective in AA amyloidosis resistant to conventional treatments. We report our data on the effect of TCZ in patients with FMF complicated with AA amyloidosis.

Methods

FMF patients with histologically proven AA amyloidosis, treated with TCZ (8 mg/kg per month) were followed monthly and the changes in creatinine, creatinine clearance, the amount of 24-hour urinary protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were noted throughout the treatment period. Adverse effects of the treatment were closely monitored.

Results

TCZ was given to 12 patients (6 F, 6 M) who also continued to receive colchicine (1.9 ± 0.4 mg/day). Coexisting diseases were ankylosing spondylitis(4) and Crohn’s disease(1). The mean age was 35.2 ± 10.0 years and the mean follow-up on TCZ was 17.5 ± 14.7 months. The renal functions remained stable (mean creatinine from 1.1 ± 0.9 mg/dl to 1.0 ± 0.6 mg/dl), while a significant decrease in acute phase response (the mean CRP from 18.1 ± 19.5 mg/L to 5.8 ± 7.1 mg/L and ESR from 48.7 ± 31.0 mm/h to 28.7 ± 28.3 mm/h) was observed and the mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion reduced from 6537.6 ± 6526.0 mg/dl to 4745.5 ± 5462.7 mg/dl. Two patients whose renal functions were impaired prior to TCZ therapy improved significantly on this regimen. No infusion reaction was observed. None of the patients experienced any FMF attack under TCZ treatment with the exception of 2, one of whom had less frequent attacks while the other had episodes of erysipelas-like erythema.

Conclusıon

Tocilizumab improved the acute phase response and the renal function in this group of patients and was generally well tolerated. Besides improving the renal function TCZ seemed to control the recurrence of FMF attacks too. Further studies are warrented to test the efficacy and safety of TCZ in AA amyloidosis secondary to FMF as well as other inflammatory conditions.

Effects of Biologic Agents in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Amyloidosis Treated with Hemodialysis

Objective Our objective was to examine the safety and effects of therapy with biologics on the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis on hemodialysis (HD). Methods Twenty-eight patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis participated in the study. The survival was calculated from the date of HD initiation until the time of death, or up to end of June 2015 for the patients who were still alive. HD initiation was according to the program of HD initiation for systemic amyloidosis patients associated with RA. Results Ten patients had been treated with biologics before HD initiation for a mean of 28.2 months (biologic group), while 18 had not (non-biologic group). HD was initiated in patients with similar characteristics except for the tender joint count, swollen joint count, and disease activity score (DAS)28-C-reactive protein (CRP). History of biologics showed that etanercept was frequently used for 8 patients as the first biologic. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate according to a Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.939) and or associated risk of death in an age-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (p=0.758) between both groups. Infections were significantly more frequent causes of death in the biologic group than in the non-biologic group (p=0.021). However, treatment with biologics improved the DAS28-CRP score (p=0.004). Conclusion Under the limited conditions of AA amyloidosis treated with HD, the use of biologics might affect infection and thus may not improve the prognosis. Strict infection control is necessary for the use of biologics with HD to improve the prognosis.

Serum amyloid A as a marker of persistent inflammation and an indicator of cardiovascular and renal involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein, involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentration of SAA in RA patients, with reference to other inflammatory parameters and markers of extra-articular involvement.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 140 RA patients, low/moderate disease activity (L/MDA) in 98 (70%) patients and high disease activity (HDA) in 42 (30%). Comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessment was performed with evaluation of electrocardiogram and carotid intima-media thickness.

RESULTS

The mean SAA concentration [327.0 (263.4) mg/L] was increased highly above the normal value, even in patients with L/MDA. Simultaneously, SAA was significantly higher in patients with HDA versus L/MDA. The mean SAA concentration was significantly higher in patients treated with glucocorticoids, was inversely associated with QTc duration, and was markedly higher in patients with atherosclerotic plaques, emphasizing increased CV risk. SAA was significantly higher in patients with increased cystatin-C level.

CONCLUSIONS

In RA patients, high serum SAA concentration was strongly associated with activity of the disease and risk of CV and renal involvement. Recurrent assessment of SAA may facilitate searching patients with persistent inflammation and risk of extra-articular complications.

Comparison of the clinical utility of tocilizumab and anti-TNF therapy in AA amyloidosis complicating rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

Anti-cytokine therapy is reportedly useful in amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis complicating rheumatic diseases. However, to date no studies have directly compared the utility of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibition to that of interleukin-6. The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the clinical utility of tocilizumab (TCZ) and anti-TNF (TNF inhibitor) therapy.

METHODS

We studied 42 patients treated with anti-cytokine agents at our hospital: 31 had received a single agent, ten had received two agents and one had received three agents. Patients were divided into a TCZ group (22 patients) and a TNF inhibitor group (32 patients). The main parameters compared were treatment retention rate, serum amyloid A (SAA) profile, renal function profile and clinical disease activity index.

RESULTS

The 5-year retention rates were 90.4 (TCZ group) and 34.3 % (TNF inhibitor group) (p = 0.0154, log-rank test). The median SAA fell from 219.2 μg/mL at treatment initiation to 5.0 μg/mL at last observation (TCZ), and from 143.6 to 38.1 μg/mL (TNF inhibitor) (p = 0.0194). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was improved in 72.7 (TCZ) and 34.4 % (TNF inhibitor) of patients (p = 0.0062). The rates of clinical remission or low disease activity at last observation for the TCZ and TNF inhibitor groups were 72.7 and 40.7 % (p = 0.0201), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, we conclude that TCZ was of greater clinical utility than anti-TNF therapy in our patients with AA amyloidosis complicating rheumatic diseases.

Marked and rapid regression of hepatic amyloid deposition in a patient with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis after high-dose melphalan therapy with stem cell transplantation

A 52-year-old woman with a high serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level underwent a liver biopsy, which showed diffuse heavy deposition of Aκ amyloid, and was diagnosed as having immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Although she received high-dose melphalan with stem cell transplantation and achieved a hematologic complete response (CR), her ALP level began to increase one year after treatment. Further examinations revealed that she was still in a CR state with dominant bone-type ALP, and re-biopsied liver specimens demonstrated marked regression of amyliod deposition, providing important evidence that the turnover of hepatic amyloid proteins can actually occur more rapidly than previously thought.

Turkish experience in rheumatoid arthritis patients with clinical apparent amyloid deposition

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the frequency of clinical apparent amyloid deposition, clinical features and outcome in our rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Medical records of 1415 RA patients were examined. During routine follow-up, RA patients with proteinuria on urinalysis, underwent rectal biopsy.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (0.78%) were diagnosed with clinical apparent amyloid deposition. While the mean annual incidence of AA amyloidosis between 2001 and 2005 was 0.2%, it was 0.13% between 2006 and 2011. At initial presentation, three RA-related AA amyloidosis patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency, four had only nephrotic-range proteinuria, three had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria, and one had non-nephrotic-range proteinuria and renal insufficiency. The mean age in RA patients with AA amyloidosis was 60.8 years and disease duration was 12 years. Ten of 11 cases had positive rheumatoid factor. Two RA patients with AA amyloidosis who had been diagnosed in the pre-anti-TNF era died. Of the rest nine patients with AA amyloidosis, eight were administered anti-TNF therapy and one was given rituximab. In four patients, anti-TNF therapy led to disappearance of clinical features, decrement in proteinuria and resulted in improvement of or at least stabilization of renal functions. One patient using anti-TNF therapy died because of tuberculosis. One patient discontinued anti-TNF therapy and developed end-stage renal disease. Two patients have been started to be given anti-TNF therapy recently. In one patient who was given rituximab, there was regression of proteinuria and improvement in renal functions.

CONCLUSIONS

We diagnosed a 0.78% frequency of AA amyloidosis in RA. It seems that - other than the risks of infection, tuberculosis - anti-TNF drugs seem to be effective on RA disease activity and also have renoprotective effects in RA patients with AA amyloidosis.

Cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis

RA can manifest in a variety of cardiac complications, including pericarditis, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, and amyloidosis. Subclinical involvement is higher than anticipated. CVD is also prevalent in patients with RA, with onset in early disease. Several disease-specific risk factors, like seropositivity, disease activity, and medications, are implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD in RA. Cardiovascular risk assessment in RA varies from the general population. Some traditional risk factors like BMI and lipid levels apply differently to the RA population. Statins are useful in managing dyslipidemia in RA. There is good evidence to support cardiovascular risk reduction with methotrexate and TNF-I use if good disease control is achieved.

Study on the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with AA amyloidosis

OBJECTIVES

Although treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has progressed by the use of biologics, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is still an intractable complication in patients with RA. In the present study, safety and efficacy of 1-year treatment with an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) on RA and AA amyloidosis were estimated.

METHODS

TCZ (8 mg/kg every 4 weeks) was administered to five RA patients complicated with AA amyloidosis. The primary end point was improvement in renal dysfunction and the secondary end point was CDAI at 1 year after the treatment.

RESULTS

An improvement in the renal dysfunction, including urinary protein secretion, was found, in four patients including two patients who were refractory to etanercept, with a remarkable decrease of SAA concentration, and the progression of organ dysfunction was prevented at 1 year in all patients treated with TCZ. The mean clinical disease activity index decreased from 33.9 to 4.7 (p = 0.012) in five patients treated with TCZ for 1 year. Three non-serious adverse events were observed in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TCZ ameliorates renal dysfunction in RA patients complicated with AA amyloidosis who are refractory to conventional therapies, thereby suggesting that TCZ has a potential to regulate AA amyloidosis.

Steady turnover of amyloid fibril proteins in gastric mucosa after liver transplantation in familial amyloid polyneuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Our previous study demonstrated marked regression of amyloid deposits in abdominal fat tissues of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) patients treated with liver transplantation (LT). To determine whether similar changes in deposited amyloid can also occur in other organs, we examined gastric mucosal amyloid before and after LT in FAP patients with ATTRV30M.

METHODS

We histopathologically and biochemically investigated gastric mucosal amyloid before and after LT in six FAP patients with ATTRV30M.The amounts of amyloid deposits in biopsied gastric mucosa were determined by microscopy, and the proportion of wild-type transthyretin (TTR) in extracted amyloid fibril proteins was assayed by liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry. Similar examinations were also performed in 21 untreated FAP patients and 13 transplanted patients with ATTRV30M.

RESULTS

The amount of deposited amyloid was not markedly different before and after LT in six patients. However, the composition ratios of wild-type TTR in gastric mucosal amyloid increased markedly from 20.0% ± 11.4% before LT to 43.2% ± 13.8% after LT. In addition, the ratio of wild-type TTR in all transplanted patients was significantly higher than that in untransplanted patients (72.7% ± 25.5%, 23.8% ± 14.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the components of amyloid fibril proteins in gastric mucosa of transplanted FAP patients are different from those in untreated patients: a significant portion of preexisting ATTRV30M-derived amyloid seemed to be replaced by wild-type TTR-derived amyloid postoperatively, indicating that continuous turnover of amyloid deposits can occur in all organs in transplanted FAP patients. It was also confirmed that wild-type TTR plays an important role in the pathogenesis of postoperative amyloid deposition in transplanted FAP patients.

Distribution of amyloid deposits in the kidneys of a patient with reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

We previously reported that the amount of amyloid A (AA) amyloid deposited in renal biopsy specimens was highly correlated with parameters of renal function. However, the distribution of amyloid deposits throughout the kidneys of these patients, and the degree of renal abnormality, remained unclear. Therefore, we describe the features of reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an autopsied patient.

Case presentation

The present report case is a 50-year-old female with RA and reactive amyloidosis. She was diagnosed as RA in 1978. Diagnosis of AA amylodosis was made by renal biopsy in 1991 for the reason of proteinuria. Because of the pancreatitis, she was died in 2006 and autopsy was performed. Renal tissues from autopsy specimens were evaluated for their proportions of amyloid-positive areas. A total of 6 specimens (three tissue blocks from each kidney obtained at autopsy) were evaluated in this study. The size of each block was approximately 20 mm × 20 mm. One section of whole tissue was photographed in each case. The borders of the amyloid-positive areas in each specimen were traced in each photograph, excluding any tissue-free spaces. The total amyloid-positive area was measured, and the percentage area of amyloid per whole-tissue section (percent (%) area of amyloid deposition) was calculated. The distribution of amyloid deposits in the kidneys was examined. The significance of differences in the mean percent (%) area of amyloid deposition between the right and left sides and among three long-axis levels (upper, middle and lower) were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of p <0.05.

Conclusion

The area of amyloid deposition in these samples was about 7-11%, and the degree of variability among them seemed to be small. It also shows a comparison of amyloid deposition between the right and left sides and between the long axis samples for quadruplicate determinations; no significant differences were evident, and thus the percent (%) area of amyloid deposition throughout the whole kidneys appeared to be uniform in this patient.

Significant association between renal function and amyloid-positive area in renal biopsy specimens in AL amyloidosis

Background

The kidney is a major target organ for systemic amyloidosis that often affects the kidney including proteinura, and elevated serum creatinine (Cr). The correlation between amount of amyloid deposits and clinical parameters is not known. The aim of this study was to clarify correlation the amyloid area in all renal biopsy specimen and clinical parameters.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with an established diagnosis of AL amyloidosis participated in the study. All patients showed amyloid deposits in renal biopsies. We retrospectively investigated the correlation between clinical data and amyloid occupied area in whole renal biopsy specimens.

Results

The area occupied by amyloid was less than 10% in 57 of the 58 patients, and was under 2% in 40. For statistical analyses, %amyloid-positive areas were transformed to common logarithmic values (Log₁₀%amyloid). Cr showed significant correlation with Log₁₀%amyloid and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed the significant negative correlation. Patient age, cleatinine clearance (Ccr), blood urea nitorogen, and urinary protein was not significantly correlated with Log₁₀%amyloid. The correlation with other clinical factors such as sex, and serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, immunoglobulins, compliments was evaluated. None of these factors significantly correlated with Log₁₀%amyloid. According to sex- and age- adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, Log₁₀%amyloid had significant positive association with Cr and significant negative association with eGFR.

Conclusion

There is significant association between amyloid-positive area in renal tissue and renal function, especially Cr and eGFR. The level of Cr and eGFR may be a marker of amount of amyloid in renal tissue.

Effectiveness of etanercept vs cyclophosphamide as treatment for patients with amyloid A amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of an alkylating agent with that of a biologic agent in the treatment of patients with amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis secondary to RA and to assess the association of the serum AA (SAA) 1.3 allele with treatment.

METHODS

CYC and etanercept (ETN) were administered to 62 and 24 RA patients, respectively, who were confirmed with biopsy as having AA amyloidosis. We evaluated whether the SAA1.3 allele, a factor indicating genetic risk and poor prognosis of Japanese RA patients with AA amyloidosis, influenced treatments and retrospectively analysed the effectiveness of both agents via statistical methods.

RESULTS

Two treatment groups were similar, except for the SAA1.3 genotype (P = 0.015) and duration of AA amyloidosis since diagnosis (P < 0.001). Also, patients given ETN had somewhat worse renal function, i.e. 24-h proteinuria (P = 0.02), at the initiation of treatment. ETN demonstrated greater effectiveness than CYC, as shown by significantly improved levels of serum CRP and serum albumin (both P < 0.01) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; P = 0.032). ETN improved survival (P = 0.025), and the hazard ratios for the risk of death endpoint with eGFR and 24-h proteinuria were significant by P = 0.024 and P = 0.025, respectively. The SAA1.3 allele did not affect the response to medications in AA amyloidosis secondary to RA.

CONCLUSION

ETN treatment was more effective than CYC treatment, and CRP, albumin and eGFR may be valuable biomarkers for analysis. The SAA1.3 allele was not a factor affecting treatment in Japanese patients with AA amyloidosis secondary to RA.

Treatment with Biologic Agents Improves the Prognosis of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Amyloidosis

Objective.

Reactive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is a serious and life-threatening systemic complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the safety of therapy with anti-tumor necrosis factor and anti-interleukin 6 biologic agents in RA patients with reactive AA amyloidosis, together with prognosis and hemodialysis (HD)-free survival, in comparison with patients with AA amyloidosis without such therapy.

Methods.

One hundred thirty-three patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis participated in the study. Clinical data were assessed from patient records at the time of amyloid detection and administration of biologics. Survival was calculated from the date when amyloid was first demonstrated histologically or the date when biologic therapy was started until the time of death or to the end of 2010 for surviving patients. Patients who had started HD were selected for inclusion only after the presence of amyloid was demonstrated.

Results.

Fifty-three patients were treated with biologic agents (biologic group) and 80 were not (nonbiologic group). Survival rate was significantly higher in the biologic group than in the nonbiologic group. Nine patients in the biologics group and 33 in the nonbiologic group started HD. Biologic therapy had a tendency for reduced risk of initiation of HD without any statistical significance.

Conclusion.

Patients with amyloidosis have a higher mortality rate, but the use of biologic agents can reduce risk of death. The use of biologics may not significantly influence the HD-free survival rate.

Significant association between renal function and area of amyloid deposition in kidney biopsy specimens in reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis

The kidney is a major target organ for systemic amyloidosis, resulting in proteinuria and an elevated serum creatinine level. In patients with reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a correlation between the amount of amyloid deposits and clinical parameters is not known. The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between various factors including renal function and the area of amyloid deposition in these patients. Fifty-eight patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis were studied. We retrospectively investigated the correlation between clinical data and the area occupied by amyloid in renal biopsy specimens. All the patients showed amyloid deposits in renal tissues, and the percentage of the area occupied by amyloid was <10% in 54 of them. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and membranous nephropathy were frequently combined with renal amyloidosis. For statistical analyses, the percentage of the area occupied by amyloid was transformed to a common logarithmic value (Log(10) % amyloid), as the histograms showed a log-normal distribution. Log(10) % amyloid was found to be correlated with age, creatinine (Cr) level, creatinine clearance (Ccr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multiple linear regression analyses were then performed to examine the sex- and age-adjusted association between Log(10) % amyloid and each of the clinical variables. Cr, Ccr, BUN, UA, CRP, and eGFR were significantly correlated with Log(10) % amyloid, but urinary protein was not. There was a significant correlation between the area of amyloid deposition in renal tissue and parameters of renal function, especially Cr and Ccr. If amyloid deposition in renal tissue can be arrested or prevented, then it may be possible to maintain renal function at an acceptable level.

Complete reversal of nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis with use of infliximab in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease and ankylosing spondylitis

A 30-year-old woman was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in January 2006. One year later, she presented because of severe back pain and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In February 2008, the patient, while still under standard treatment for ulcerative colitis and AS, was admitted because of massive proteinuria and related symptoms. Nephrotic syndrome was observed and renal biopsy revealed amyloid deposits. After treatment with infliximab, nephrotic syndrome disappeared. We aim to present a case of secondary amyloidosis complicating ulcerative colitis and associated spondyloarthropathy.

[Use of etanercept in amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, a report of two cases]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common causes of AA amyloidosis. Most patients are asymptomatic and only when there are large deposits in certain organs, functional problems arise. We report two patients with amyloidosis secondary to RA, with renal and intestinal involvement, who responded to treatment with etanercept.

Association between clinical parameters and amyloid-positive area in gastroduodenal biopsy in reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Our study was aimed to clarify an association between gastrointestinal (GI) amyloid-positive area and various kinds of factors including renal function in reactive amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-five patients with an established diagnosis of reactive AA amyloidosis participated in the study between January 1989 and December 2009. Each patient satisfied the 1987 American Rheumatism Association criteria for RA. All patients showed amyloid deposits in both of GI and renal tissues. The average amyloid-deposited area was 2.2% in renal tissues and 3.7% in GI tissues although the difference was not statistically significant. Twenty-two patients out of 25 patients showed less than 5% of amyloidosis in renal tissues and nineteen patients showed 5% of amyloidosis in GI tissues. In 5 out of a total of 25 cases, the amyloid-deposited area in GI tissues was lesser than that in renal tissues. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, thin basement membrane disease (TBMD) and membranous nephropathy were frequently combined with renal amyloidosis. For statistical analyses, renal and GI tissues of % amyloid-positive areas were transformed to common logarithmic values (Log(10)%amyloid), since the histograms showed log-normal distribution. Clinical data were assessed by patient record at the time of GI biopsy. The correlation between Log(10)%GI-amyloid and age, creatinine (Cr), creatinine clearance (Ccr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not significantly associated with Log(10)%GI-amyloid in crude correlation analyses and also in sex- and age-adjusted linear regression analyses. Although GI biopsy was not correlated with clinical factors, GI amyloid-positive areas were larger than renal amyloid-positive areas. Endoscopic screening of the upper GI tract is common in Japan, and amyloid-deposited area in GI tissues was sufficient to use for the diagnosis of amyloidosis compared with renal tissues in terms of convenience and sensitivity.

Fatal acute pancreatitis associated with reactive AA amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis with end-stage renal disease: a report of three cases

We report three cases of fatal pancreatitis associated with systemic AA amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All of the patients showed end-stage renal failure, and hemodialysis was introduced during the course of treatment. Autopsy was performed on two of the three patients, and this revealed amyloid deposition on the vascular walls in the pancreas. It was strongly suggested that the acute pancreatitis in all three patients was attributable to deposition of amyloid in vascular and pancreatic tissues. Acute pancreatitis is considered to be a rare complication of end-stage amyloidosis associated with RA, and is frequently fatal. It is important to treat RA patients intensively to avoid such deposition of amyloid.