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Meijboom R, York EN, Kampaite A, Harris MA, White N, Valdés Hernández MDC, Thrippleton MJ, MacDougall NJJ, Connick P, Hunt DPJ, Chandran S, Waldman AD. Patterns of brain atrophy in recently-diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288967. [PMID: 37506096 PMCID: PMC10381059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is thought to lead to neurodegeneration, resulting in progressive disability. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain provides non-invasive measures of atrophy over time, a key marker of neurodegeneration. This study investigates regional neurodegeneration of the brain in recently-diagnosed RRMS using volumetry and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RRMS patients (N = 354) underwent 3T structural MRI <6 months after diagnosis and 1-year follow-up, as part of the Scottish multicentre 'FutureMS' study. MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer to derive volumetrics, and FSL for VBM (grey matter (GM) only), to establish regional patterns of change in GM and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) over time throughout the brain. Volumetric analyses showed a decrease over time (q<0.05) in bilateral cortical GM and NAWM, cerebellar GM, brainstem, amygdala, basal ganglia, hippocampus, accumbens, thalamus and ventral diencephalon. Additionally, NAWM and GM volume decreased respectively in the following cortical regions, frontal: 14 out of 26 regions and 16/26; temporal: 18/18 and 15/18; parietal: 14/14 and 11/14; occipital: 7/8 and 8/8. Left GM and NAWM asymmetry was observed in the frontal lobe. GM VBM analysis showed three major clusters of decrease over time: 1) temporal and subcortical areas, 2) cerebellum, 3) anterior cingulum and supplementary motor cortex; and four smaller clusters within the occipital lobe. Widespread GM and NAWM atrophy was observed in this large recently-diagnosed RRMS cohort, particularly in the brainstem, cerebellar GM, and subcortical and occipital-temporal regions; indicative of neurodegeneration across tissue types, and in accord with limited previous studies in early disease. Volumetric and VBM results emphasise different features of longitudinal lobar and loco-regional change, however identify consistent atrophy patterns across individuals. Atrophy measures targeted to specific brain regions may provide improved markers of neurodegeneration, and potential future imaging stratifiers and endpoints for clinical decision making and therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth N York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Agniete Kampaite
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew A Harris
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole White
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Del C Valdés Hernández
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - N J J MacDougall
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Connick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David P J Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adam D Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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2
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York EN, Thrippleton MJ, Meijboom R, Hunt DPJ, Waldman AD. Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac088. [PMID: 35652121 PMCID: PMC9149789 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin-sensitive MRI such as magnetization transfer imaging has been widely used in multiple sclerosis. The influence of methodology and differences in disease subtype on imaging findings is, however, not well established. Here, we systematically review magnetization transfer brain imaging findings in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We examine how methodological differences, disease effects and their interaction influence magnetization transfer imaging measures. Articles published before 06/01/2021 were retrieved from online databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) with search terms including 'magnetization transfer' and 'brain' for systematic review, according to a pre-defined protocol. Only studies that used human in vivo quantitative magnetization transfer imaging in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (with or without healthy controls) were included. Additional data from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects acquired in other studies comprising mixed disease subtypes were included in meta-analyses. Data including sample size, MRI acquisition protocol parameters, treatments and clinical findings were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. Where possible, effect sizes were calculated for meta-analyses to determine magnetization transfer (i) differences between patients and healthy controls; (ii) longitudinal change and (iii) relationships with clinical disability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Eighty-six studies met inclusion criteria. MRI acquisition parameters varied widely, and were also underreported. The majority of studies examined the magnetization transfer ratio in white matter, but magnetization transfer metrics, brain regions examined and results were heterogeneous. The analysis demonstrated a risk of bias due to selective reporting and small sample sizes. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis across all brain compartments revealed magnetization transfer ratio was 1.17 per cent units (95% CI -1.42 to -0.91) lower in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis than healthy controls (z-value: -8.99, P < 0.001, 46 studies). Linear mixed-model analysis did not show a significant longitudinal change in magnetization transfer ratio across all brain regions [β = 0.12 (-0.56 to 0.80), t-value = 0.35, P = 0.724, 14 studies] or normal-appearing white matter alone [β = 0.037 (-0.14 to 0.22), t-value = 0.41, P = 0.68, eight studies]. There was a significant negative association between the magnetization transfer ratio and clinical disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale [r = -0.32 (95% CI -0.46 to -0.17); z-value = -4.33, P < 0.001, 13 studies]. Evidence suggests that magnetization transfer imaging metrics are sensitive to pathological brain changes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, although effect sizes were small in comparison to inter-study variability. Recommendations include: better harmonized magnetization transfer acquisition protocols with detailed methodological reporting standards; larger, well-phenotyped cohorts, including healthy controls; and, further exploration of techniques such as magnetization transfer saturation or inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David P. J. Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic,
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam D. Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Ng Kee Kwong KC, Mollison D, Meijboom R, York EN, Kampaite A, Martin SJ, Hunt DPJ, Thrippleton MJ, Chandran S, Waldman AD. Rim lesions are demonstrated in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using 3 T-based susceptibility-weighted imaging in a multi-institutional setting. Neuroradiology 2022; 64:109-117. [PMID: 34664112 PMCID: PMC8724059 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rim lesions, characterised by a paramagnetic rim on susceptibility-based MRI, have been suggested to reflect chronic inflammatory demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Here, we assess, through susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), the prevalence, longitudinal volume evolution and clinical associations of rim lesions in subjects with early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). METHODS Subjects (n = 44) with recently diagnosed RRMS underwent 3 T MRI at baseline (M0) and 1 year (M12) as part of a multi-centre study. SWI was acquired at M12 using a 3D segmented gradient-echo echo-planar imaging sequence. Rim lesions identified on SWI were manually segmented on FLAIR images at both time points for volumetric analysis. RESULTS Twelve subjects (27%) had at least one rim lesion at M12. A linear mixed-effects model, with 'subject' as a random factor, revealed mixed evidence for the difference in longitudinal volume change between rim lesions and non-rim lesions (p = 0.0350 and p = 0.0556 for subjects with and without rim lesions, respectively). All 25 rim lesions identified showed T1-weighted hypointense signal. Subjects with and without rim lesions did not differ significantly with respect to age, disease duration or clinical measures of disability (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION We demonstrate that rim lesions are detectable in early-stage RRMS on 3 T MRI across multiple centres, although their relationship to lesion enlargement is equivocal in this small cohort. Identification of SWI rims was subjective. Agreed criteria for defining rim lesions and their further validation as a biomarker of chronic inflammation are required for translation of SWI into routine MS clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koy Chong Ng Kee Kwong
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Daisy Mollison
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Elizabeth N. York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Agniete Kampaite
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | | | - David P. J. Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Michael J. Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
| | - Adam D. Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB UK
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4
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Ng Kee Kwong KC, Mollison D, Meijboom R, York EN, Kampaite A, Martin SJ, Hunt DPJ, Thrippleton MJ, Chandran S, Waldman AD. Correction to: Rim lesions are demonstrated in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using 3 T‑based susceptibility‑weighted imaging in a multi‑institutional setting. Neuroradiology 2021; 64:211. [PMID: 34738181 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02844-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koy Chong Ng Kee Kwong
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Daisy Mollison
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Elizabeth N York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Agniete Kampaite
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | - David P J Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Adam D Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
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5
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York EN, Martin SJ, Meijboom R, Thrippleton MJ, Bastin ME, Carter E, Overell J, Connick P, Chandran S, Waldman AD, Hunt DPJ. MRI-derived g-ratio and lesion severity in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab249. [PMID: 34877533 PMCID: PMC8643503 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin loss is associated with axonal damage in established multiple sclerosis. This relationship is challenging to study in vivo in early disease. Here, we ask whether myelin loss is associated with axonal damage at diagnosis by combining non-invasive neuroimaging and blood biomarkers. We performed quantitative microstructural MRI and single-molecule ELISA plasma neurofilament measurement in 73 patients with newly diagnosed, immunotherapy naïve relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Myelin integrity was evaluated using aggregate g-ratios, derived from magnetization transfer saturation and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging diffusion data. We found significantly higher g-ratios within cerebral white matter lesions (suggesting myelin loss) compared with normal-appearing white matter (0.61 versus 0.57, difference 0.036, 95% CI: 0.029-0.043, P < 0.001). Lesion volume (Spearman's rho rs= 0.38, P < 0.001) and g-ratio (rs= 0.24, P < 0.05) correlated independently with plasma neurofilament. In patients with substantial lesion load (n = 38), those with higher g-ratio (defined as greater than median) were more likely to have abnormally elevated plasma neurofilament than those with normal g-ratio (defined as less than median) [11/23 (48%) versus 2/15 (13%), P < 0.05]. These data suggest that, even at multiple sclerosis diagnosis, reduced myelin integrity is associated with axonal damage. MRI-derived g-ratio may provide useful additional information regarding lesion severity and help to identify individuals with a high degree of axonal damage at disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Sarah-Jane Martin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G51 4LB, UK
| | - Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | - Mark E Bastin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Edwin Carter
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - James Overell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G51 4LB, UK
| | - Peter Connick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Adam D Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - David P J Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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6
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Martin SJ, Hunt DPJ. Assessment of Comprehensibility of Industry Conflicts of Interest and Disclosures by Multiple Sclerosis Researchers at Medical Conferences. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e212167. [PMID: 33797555 PMCID: PMC8019098 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study uses length of disclosure slide display times and slide word counts to assess the comprehensibility of industry conflicts of interest (COI) disclosures by researchers presenting at the world’s largest multiple sclerosis (MS) conference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jane Martin
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Anne Rowling Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David P. J. Hunt
- Anne Rowling Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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7
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Fernandes PM, O'Neill M, Kearns PKA, Pizzo S, Watters C, Baird S, MacDougall NJJ, Hunt DPJ. Impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave on the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register population. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:276. [PMID: 33585703 PMCID: PMC7848856 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16349.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major current concern, in particular the risk of death. Here we describe the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 infections (Mar 2020-July 2020) on the Scottish MS Register (SMSR) population, a cohort of 4702 individuals with MS, all newly diagnosed in the past decade. Methods: We established a clinician alert system, linking the SMSR with the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS). This allows identification of patients within this cohort who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The SMSR was also linked to death records from National Records Scotland. Results: Of 4702 people with MS, 246 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR tests were performed, of which 17 were positive. The proportion of positive tests were similar to the general Scotland population (Observed PCR confirmed cases = 17, expected = 17.5, O/E = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.60 – 1.56,
p=.90). Between 1
st March – 31
st July 2020 12 individuals on the SMSR died, 5 of which were linked to COVID-19 (1 PCR confirmed, 4 clinical diagnoses without PCR confirmation). This number of COVID-19-related deaths was higher than expected (observed deaths = 5, expected deaths = 1.2, O/E = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.48 – 8.94,
p=.01). All COVID-19-related deaths in the SMSR occurred in individuals with advanced disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≥7), and no deaths occurred in patients receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT) therapies. Conclusion: In this nationally comprehensive cohort of MS patients diagnosed in Scotland within the past 10 years, we observed similar rates of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general Scottish population, but a small number of excess COVID-19 related deaths. These deaths occurred in individuals with advanced disability who were not receiving DMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Fernandes
- Anne Rowling Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martin O'Neill
- Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Patrick K A Kearns
- Anne Rowling Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sinforosa Pizzo
- Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chrissie Watters
- Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stuart Baird
- Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Niall J J MacDougall
- Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - David P J Hunt
- Anne Rowling Clinic, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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McGlasson S, Wiseman S, Wardlaw J, Dhaun N, Hunt DPJ. Neurological Disease in Lupus: Toward a Personalized Medicine Approach. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1146. [PMID: 29928273 PMCID: PMC5997834 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain and nervous system are important targets for immune-mediated damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), resulting in a complex spectrum of neurological syndromes. Defining nervous system disease in lupus poses significant challenges. Among the difficulties to be addressed are a diversity of clinical manifestations and a lack of understanding of their mechanistic basis. However, despite these challenges, progress has been made in the identification of pathways which contribute to neurological disease in SLE. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of neurological disease in lupus will inform both classification and approaches to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McGlasson
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart Wiseman
- The UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Wardlaw
- The UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neeraj Dhaun
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David P. J. Hunt
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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9
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McGlasson S, Rannikmäe K, Bevan S, Logan C, Bicknell LS, Jury A, Jackson AP, Markus HS, Sudlow C, Hunt DPJ. Rare variants of the 3'-5' DNA exonuclease TREX1 in early onset small vessel stroke. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:106. [PMID: 29387804 PMCID: PMC5717473 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.12631.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Monoallelic and biallelic mutations in the exonuclease TREX1 cause monogenic small vessel diseases (SVD). Given recent evidence for genetic and pathophysiological overlap between monogenic and polygenic forms of SVD, evaluation of TREX1 in small vessel stroke is warranted. Methods: We sequenced the TREX1 gene in an exploratory cohort of patients with lacunar stroke (Edinburgh Stroke Study, n=290 lacunar stroke cases). We subsequently performed a fully blinded case-control study of early onset MRI-confirmed small vessel stroke within the UK Young Lacunar Stroke Resource (990 cases, 939 controls). Results: No patients with canonical disease-causing mutations of TREX1 were identified in cases or controls. Analysis of an exploratory cohort identified a potential association between rare variants of TREX1 and patients with lacunar stroke. However, subsequent controlled and blinded evaluation of TREX1 in a larger and MRI-confirmed patient cohort, the UK Young Lacunar Stroke Resource, identified heterozygous rare variants in 2.1% of cases and 2.3% of controls. No association was observed with stroke risk (odds ratio = 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.65 p=0.74). Similarly no association was seen with rare TREX1 variants with predicted deleterious effects on enzyme function (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-2.61 p=0.91). Conclusions: No patients with early-onset lacunar stroke had genetic evidence of a TREX1-associated monogenic microangiopathy. These results show no evidence of association between rare variants of TREX1 and early onset lacunar stroke. This includes rare variants that significantly affect protein and enzyme function. Routine sequencing of the TREX1 gene in patients with early onset lacunar stroke is therefore unlikely to be of diagnostic utility, in the absence of syndromic features or family history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McGlasson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kristiina Rannikmäe
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Steven Bevan
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge University, Cambridge, CB2 2PY , UK.,Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Clare Logan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Louise S Bicknell
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alexa Jury
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | | | - Andrew P Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge University, Cambridge, CB2 2PY , UK
| | - Cathie Sudlow
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David P J Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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10
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Kavanagh D, McGlasson S, Jury A, Williams J, Scolding N, Bellamy C, Gunther C, Ritchie D, Gale DP, Kanwar YS, Challis R, Buist H, Overell J, Weller B, Flossmann O, Blunden M, Meyer EP, Krucker T, Evans SJW, Campbell IL, Jackson AP, Chandran S, Hunt DPJ. Type I interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy by a dose-dependent toxic effect on the microvasculature. Blood 2016; 128:2824-2833. [PMID: 27663672 PMCID: PMC5159705 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-05-715987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many drugs have been reported to cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), yet evidence supporting a direct association is often weak. In particular, TMA has been reported in association with recombinant type I interferon (IFN) therapies, with recent concern regarding the use of IFN in multiple sclerosis patients. However, a causal association has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we adopt a combined clinical and experimental approach to provide evidence of such an association between type I IFN and TMA. We show that the clinical phenotype of cases referred to a national center is uniformly consistent with a direct dose-dependent drug-induced TMA. We then show that dose-dependent microvascular disease is seen in a transgenic mouse model of IFN toxicity. This includes specific microvascular pathological changes seen in patient biopsies and is dependent on transcriptional activation of the IFN response through the type I interferon α/β receptor (IFNAR). Together our clinical and experimental findings provide evidence of a causal link between type I IFN and TMA. As such, recombinant type I IFN therapies should be stopped at the earliest stage in patients who develop this complication, with implications for risk mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kavanagh
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah McGlasson
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Alexa Jury
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Jac Williams
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Scolding
- Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bellamy
- Department of Renal Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Gunther
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Diane Ritchie
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P Gale
- Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yashpal S Kanwar
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Rachel Challis
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Buist
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - James Overell
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda Weller
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Blunden
- Barts and the London National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric P Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephen J W Evans
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Iain L Campbell
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David P J Hunt
- Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine and
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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11
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Hamid S, Elsone L, Mutch K, Hunt DPJ, Murray K, Reid JM, Jacob A. Tonic spasms and short myelitis in an elderly woman--unique onset of neuromyelitis optica. Pract Neurol 2015; 15:463-5. [PMID: 26245509 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica typically presents at a median age of 40-50 years. The myelitis is usually of acute onset, long (>3 vertebral segments) and causes severe sensorimotor and bladder and bowel disturbances. We describe a 73-year-old Caucasian woman with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica whose index event was intermittent paroxysmal tonic spasms (and no other myelitis features) that recurred for 6 months and was associated with a short spinal cord lesion on MRI. This case reiterates recent observations that neuromyelitis optica can occur in older persons, and its myelitis can be 'short' and clinically mild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahd Hamid
- Neurology Department, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Liene Elsone
- Neurology Department, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kerry Mutch
- Neurology Department, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - David P J Hunt
- Neurology Department, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Katy Murray
- Neurology Department, Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John M Reid
- Department of Neurology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Anu Jacob
- Neurology Department, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Hare NC, Hunt DPJ, Venugopal K, Ho GT, Beez T, Lees CW, Gibson R, Weller B, Satsangi J. Multiple sclerosis in the context of TNF blockade and inflammatory bowel disease. QJM 2014; 107:51-5. [PMID: 22240391 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcr237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N C Hare
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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13
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Sajic M, Hunt DPJ, Lee W, Compston DAS, Schweimer JV, Gregson NA, Chandran S, Smith KJ. Mesenchymal stem cells lack efficacy in the treatment of experimental autoimmune neuritis despite in vitro inhibition of T-cell proliferation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30708. [PMID: 22359549 PMCID: PMC3281026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells have been demonstrated to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis, prompting clinical trials in multiple sclerosis which are currently ongoing. An important question is whether this therapeutic effect generalises to other autoimmune neurological diseases. We performed two trials of efficacy of MSCs in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) in Lewis (LEW/Han (M)Hsd) rats, a model of human autoimmune inflammatory neuropathies. No differences between the groups were found in clinical, histological or electrophysiological outcome measures. This was despite the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to inhibit proliferation of CD4+ T-cells in vitro. Therefore the efficacy of MSCs observed in autoimmune CNS demyelination models do not necessarily generalise to the treatment of other forms of neurological autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sajic
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David P. J. Hunt
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Woojin Lee
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Judith V. Schweimer
- Department of Neuroimmunology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norman A. Gregson
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth J. Smith
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Hunt DPJ, Jahoda C, Chandran S. Multipotent skin-derived precursors: from biology to clinical translation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2009; 20:522-30. [PMID: 19896826 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) are a novel population of neural crest-related precursor cells that can be isolated from embryonic and adult skin. SKPs are capable of generating neuronal, glial and mesodermal progeny. Fate mapping and microdissection experiments have demonstrated a neural crest origin of SKPs within defined niches in adult skin. The finding that SKP derivatives such as Schwann cells and neuronal cells have in vitro and in vivo function raises the possibility of SKPs being both an experimental and therapeutic resource for disease modelling and regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the increased understanding of the developmental and anatomical origins of SKPs and the biotechnological potential of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P J Hunt
- Euan MacDonald Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellors Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom.
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15
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Hunt DPJ, Irvine KA, Webber DJ, Compston DAS, Blakemore WF, Chandran S. Effects of direct transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cells into the demyelinated spinal cord. Cell Transplant 2008; 17:865-73. [PMID: 19044212 DOI: 10.3727/096368908786516738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult bone marrow contains a population of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), defined by plastic adherence, expression of stromal cell surface markers, and differentiation into mesenchymal lineages. There has been much interest in the possible therapeutic use of MSCs in the treatment of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. One therapeutic possibility is that these cells may be able to remyelinate when directly injected into the demyelinated spinal cord. Here we examine the effects of direct transplantation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs into a model of focal spinal cord demyelination induced by ethidium bromide. We demonstrate that direct intralesional injection of undifferentiated MSCs does not lead to remyelination. Furthermore, we report that transplanted MSCs migrate into areas of normal tissue, deposit collagen, and are associated with axonal damage. These findings support the need for further experimental evaluation of the safety and efficacy of direct parenchymal injection of MSCs into demyelinated lesions and highlight an important issue regarding potential clinical consequences of culture heterogeneity of MSCs between centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P J Hunt
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Forvie Site, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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16
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Hunt DPJ, Morris PN, Sterling J, Anderson JA, Joannides A, Jahoda C, Compston A, Chandran S. A highly enriched niche of precursor cells with neuronal and glial potential within the hair follicle dermal papilla of adult skin. Stem Cells 2007; 26:163-72. [PMID: 17901404 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) are multipotent neural crest-related stem cells that grow as self-renewing spheres and are capable of generating neurons and myelinating glial cells. SKPs are of clinical interest because they are accessible and potentially autologous. However, although spheres can be readily isolated from embryonic and neonatal skin, SKP frequency falls away sharply in adulthood, and primary sphere generation from adult human skin is more problematic. In addition, the culture-initiating cell population is undefined and heterogeneous, limiting experimental studies addressing important aspects of these cells such as the behavior of endogenous precursors in vivo and the molecular mechanisms of neural generation. Using a combined fate-mapping and microdissection approach, we identified and characterized a highly enriched niche of neural crest-derived sphere-forming cells within the dermal papilla of the hair follicle of adult skin. We demonstrated that the dermal papilla of the rodent vibrissal follicle is 1,000-fold enriched for sphere-forming neural crest-derived cells compared with whole facial skin. These "papillaspheres" share a phenotypic and developmental profile similar to that of SKPs, can be readily expanded in vitro, and are able to generate both neuronal and glial cells in response to appropriate cues. We demonstrate that papillaspheres can be efficiently generated and expanded from adult human facial skin by microdissection of a single hair follicle. This strategy of targeting a highly enriched niche of sphere-forming cells provides a novel and efficient method for generating neuronal and glial cells from an accessible adult somatic source that is both defined and minimally invasive.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P J Hunt
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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17
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Hunt DPJ, Weil R, Nicholson AG, Burke MM, Du Bois RM, Wells AU. Pulmonary capillaritis and its relationship to development of emphysema in hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2006; 23:70-2. [PMID: 16933473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare disorder characterised by complement activation and the presence of C1q precipitins together with a syndrome of urticarial vasculitis, angioedema, arthralgia, ocular inflammation, glomerulonephritis and obstructive lung disease. The pathophysiology of the obstructive airways disease is poorly understood. We report a 46 year-old woman with HUVS who developed progressive obstructive airways disease. Lung biopsy early in the course of her disease revealed pulmonary capillaritis. The disease progressed despite treatment with steroids and cyclosporin and the patient eventually underwent successful double lung transplantation. The explanted lung showed the coexistence of a patchy active vasculitis with severe panacinar emphysema. This is the first description of the histopathological process of HUVS in an explanted lung. Through analysis of serial histopathological specimens and clinical data we show the evolution of pulmonary capillaritis to emphysema, and demonstrate that active vasculitis can coexist with emphysema in patients with HUVS and obstructive airways disease. We suggest that there is a role for ongoing immunosuppressive therapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P J Hunt
- Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, Emmanuel Kaye Building, Manresa Rd, London, UK.
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18
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Abstract
A 50 year old woman with a previous diagnosis of epilepsy presented to the emergency department with a generalised seizure. Her admission ECG showed QT prolongation secondary to bradycardia and a subsequent seizure in the department demonstrated that these events were secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion during episodes of torsades de pointes. This case illustrates how long QT syndrome can masquerade convincingly as epilepsy, delaying treatment and exposing the patient to a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Careful ECG analysis is recommended for all patients presenting with seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P J Hunt
- The Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
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19
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Hunt DPJ, Freeman A, Morris LS, Burnet NG, Bird K, Davies TW, Laskey RA, Coleman N. Early recurrence of benign meningioma correlates with expression of mini-chromosome maintenance-2 protein. Br J Neurosurg 2002; 16:10-5. [PMID: 11928726 DOI: 10.1080/02688690120114174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the potential utility of monoclonal antibodies against mini-chromosome maintenance-2 protein (Mcm2) in predicting meningioma recurrence. MCM proteins are members of the DNA-binding prereplicative complex and are essential for eukaryotic DNA replication. They are present throughout the cell cycle, but are down-regulated in quiescence and cell differentiation, making them specific markers of proliferating cells. We analysed 10 benign meningiomas that subsequently recurred within a 5-year period, together with 20 matched non-recurrent benign meningiomas. There was no significant correlation between histological subtype, mitotic count or Ki-67 labelling index and tumour recurrence. We observed that whilst the average Mcm2 labelling index (LI) of the tumour section as a whole (LI(Ave)) is not significantly different between recurrent and nonrecurrent meningiomas, the Mcm2 labelling index in the area of highest proliferative activity within the tumour section (LI(Max)) is significantly higher in recurrent meningiomas (p < 0.0001). Seven out of the 10 recurrent meningiomas displayed a Mcm2 LI((Max) greater than 30%, compared to 0 out of 20 for non-recurrent tumours. In conclusion, these results suggest that analysis of Mcm2 expression may facilitate identification of patients with a high risk of meningioma recurrence, for whom adjuvant radiotherapy may be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P J Hunt
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK
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