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Gastoldi S, Aiello S, Galbusera M, Breno M, Alberti M, Bresin E, Mele C, Piras R, Liguori L, Santarsiero D, Benigni A, Remuzzi G, Noris M. An ex vivo test to investigate genetic factors conferring susceptibility to atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112257. [PMID: 36845135 PMCID: PMC9949374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Comprehensive genetic analysis is essential to clinical care of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to reinforce diagnosis, and to guide treatment. However, the characterization of complement gene variants remains challenging owing to the complexity of functional studies with mutant proteins. This study was designed: 1) To identify a tool for rapid functional determination of complement gene variants; 2) To uncover inherited complement dysregulation in aHUS patients who do not carry identified gene variants. Methods To address the above goals, we employed an ex-vivo assay of serum-induced C5b-9 formation on ADP-activated endothelial cells in 223 subjects from 60 aHUS pedigrees (66 patients and 157 unaffected relatives). Results Sera taken from all aHUS patients in remission induced more C5b-9 deposition than control sera, independently from the presence of complement gene abnormalities. To avoid the possible confounding effects of chronic complement dysregulation related to aHUS status, and considering the incomplete penetrance for all aHUS-associated genes, we used serum from unaffected relatives. In control studies, 92.7% of unaffected relatives with known pathogenic variants exhibited positive serum-induced C5b-9 formation test, documenting a high sensitivity of the assay to identify functional variants. The test was also specific, indeed it was negative in all non-carrier relatives and in relatives with variants non-segregating with aHUS. All but one variants in aHUS-associated genes predicted in-silico as likely pathogenic or of uncertain significance (VUS) or likely benign resulted as pathogenic in the C5b-9 assay. At variance, variants in putative candidate genes did not exhibit a functional effect, with the exception of a CFHR5 variant. The C5b-9 assay in relatives was helpful in defining the relative functional effect of rare variants in 6 pedigrees in which the proband carried more than one genetic abnormality. Finally, for 12 patients without identified rare variants, the C5b-9 test in parents unmasked a genetic liability inherited from an unaffected parent. Discussion In conclusion, the serum-induced C5b-9 formation test in unaffected relatives of aHUS patients may be a tool for rapid functional evaluation of rare complement gene variants. When combined with exome sequencing the assay might be of help in variant selection, to identify new aHUS-associated genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gastoldi
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sistiana Aiello
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Matteo Breno
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Alberti
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Bresin
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rossella Piras
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Lucia Liguori
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Donata Santarsiero
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Abstract
The complement and hemostatic systems are complex systems, and both involve enzymatic cascades, regulators, and cell components-platelets, endothelial cells, and immune cells. The two systems are ancestrally related and are defense mechanisms that limit infection by pathogens and halt bleeding at the site of vascular injury. Recent research has uncovered multiple functional interactions between complement and hemostasis. On one side, there are proteins considered as complement factors that activate hemostasis, and on the other side, there are coagulation proteins that modulate complement. In addition, complement and coagulation and their regulatory proteins strongly interact each other to modulate endothelial, platelet and leukocyte function and phenotype, creating a potentially devastating amplifying system that must be closely regulated to avoid unwanted damage and\or disseminated thrombosis. In view of its ability to amplify all complement activity through the C3b-dependent amplification loop, the alternative pathway of complement may play a crucial role in this context. In this review, we will focus on available and emerging evidence on the role of the alternative pathway of complement in regulating hemostasis and vice-versa, and on how dysregulation of either system can lead to severe thromboinflammatory events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Galbusera M, Santarsiero D, Gastoldi S, Schubart A, Vivarelli M, Bresin E, Benigni A, Noris M, Remuzzi G. POS-037 ACTIVATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY OF COMPLEMENT FAVORS THROMBUS FORMATION ON MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN ACUTE HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME INDUCED BY SHIGA-LIKE-TOXIN PRODUCING E.COLI (STEC-HUS). Kidney Int Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Perico L, Morigi M, Galbusera M, Pezzotta A, Gastoldi S, Imberti B, Perna A, Ruggenenti P, Donadelli R, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein 1 Activates Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Complement System Leading to Platelet Aggregation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:827146. [PMID: 35320941 PMCID: PMC8936079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.827146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular thrombosis is associated with multiorgan failure and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although thrombotic complications may be ascribed to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect and replicate in endothelial cells, it has been poorly investigated whether, in the complexity of viral infection in the human host, specific viral elements alone can induce endothelial damage. Detection of circulating spike protein in the sera of severe COVID-19 patients was evaluated by ELISA. In vitro experiments were performed on human microvascular endothelial cells from the derma and lung exposed to SARS-CoV-2-derived spike protein 1 (S1). The expression of adhesive molecules was studied by immunofluorescence and leukocyte adhesion and platelet aggregation were assessed under flow conditions. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and AMPK expression were investigated by Western Blot analysis. In addition, S1-treated endothelial cells were incubated with anti-ACE2 blocking antibody, AMPK agonist, or complement inhibitors. Our results show that significant levels of spike protein were found in the 30.4% of severe COVID-19 patients. In vitro, the activation of endothelial cells with S1 protein, via ACE2, impaired AMPK signalling, leading to robust leukocyte recruitment due to increased adhesive molecule expression and thrombomodulin loss. This S1-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype led to exuberant C3 and C5b-9 deposition on endothelial cells, along with C3a and C5a generation that further amplified S1-induced complement activation. Functional blockade of ACE2 or complement inhibition halted S1-induced platelet aggregates by limiting von Willebrand factor and P-selectin exocytosis and expression on endothelial cells. Overall, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-derived S1 is sufficient in itself to propagate inflammatory and thrombogenic processes in the microvasculature, amplified by the complement system, recapitulating the thromboembolic complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Morigi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Barbara Imberti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Perna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggenenti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ariela Benigni,
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Ruggenenti P, Di Marco F, Cortinovis M, Lorini L, Sala S, Novelli L, Raimondi F, Gastoldi S, Galbusera M, Donadelli R, Mele C, Piras R, Noris M, Portalupi V, Cappelletti L, Carrara C, Tomatis F, Bernardi S, Perna A, Peracchi T, Diadei O, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. Eculizumab in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring continuous positive airway pressure ventilator support: Retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261113. [PMID: 34928990 PMCID: PMC8687582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complement activation contributes to lung dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed whether C5 blockade with eculizumab could improve disease outcome. Methods In this single-centre, academic, unblinded study two 900 mg eculizumab doses were added-on standard therapy in ten COVID-19 patients admitted from February 2020 to April 2020 and receiving Continuous-Positive-Airway-Pressure (CPAP) ventilator support from ≤24 hours. We compared their outcomes with those of 65 contemporary similar controls. Primary outcome was respiratory rate at one week of ventilator support. Secondary outcomes included the combined endpoint of mortality and discharge with chronic complications. Results Baseline characteristics of eculizumab-treated patients and controls were similar. At baseline, sC5b-9 levels, ex vivo C5b-9 and thrombi deposition were increased. Ex vivo tests normalised in eculizumab-treated patients, but not in controls. In eculizumab-treated patients respiratory rate decreased from 26.8±7.3 breaths/min at baseline to 20.3±3.8 and 18.0±4.8 breaths/min at one and two weeks, respectively (p<0.05 for both), but did not change in controls. Between-group changes differed significantly at both time-points (p<0.01). Changes in respiratory rate correlated with concomitant changes in ex vivo C5b-9 deposits at one (rs = 0.706, p = 0.010) and two (rs = 0.751, p = 0.032) weeks. Over a median (IQR) period of 47.0 (14.0–121.0) days, four eculizumab-treated patients died or had chronic complications versus 52 controls [HRCrude (95% CI): 0.26 (0.09–0.72), p = 0.010]. Between-group difference was significant even after adjustment for age, sex and baseline serum creatinine [HRAdjusted (95% CI): 0.30 (0.10–0.84), p = 0.023]. Six patients and 13 controls were discharged without complications [HRCrude (95% CI): 2.88 (1.08–7.70), p = 0.035]. Eculizumab was tolerated well. The main study limitations were the relatively small sample size and the non-randomised design. Conclusions In patients with severe COVID-19, eculizumab safely improved respiratory dysfunction and decreased the combined endpoint of mortality and discharge with chronic complications. Findings need confirmation in randomised controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Ruggenenti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fabiano Di Marco
- Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Cortinovis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Lorini
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvia Sala
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Novelli
- Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federico Raimondi
- Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rossella Piras
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Valentina Portalupi
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Laura Cappelletti
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Camillo Carrara
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Tomatis
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- School of Nephrology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bernardi
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
- School of Nephrology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Perna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Tobia Peracchi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Olimpia Diadei
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Curtò D, Tomatis F, Gastoldi S, Galbusera M, Noris M, Raimondi F, Lorini FL, Falanga A, Marchetti M, Remuzzi G, Ruggenenti P. Case Report: Effects of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Convalescent Antibodies Obtained With Double Filtration Plasmapheresis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:711915. [PMID: 34276706 PMCID: PMC8278474 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.711915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive antibody therapy has been used to treat outbreaks of viral disease, including the ongoing pandemic of severe respiratory acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19. However, the real benefits of the procedure are unclear. We infused a concentrated solution of neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies obtained from a convalescent donor with a single session of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) into a 56-year-old woman with long history of unremitting, severe COVID-19. She was unable to establish an adequate antiviral immune response because of previous chemotherapy, including the infusion of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, administered to treat a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The disease promptly recovered despite evidence of no endogenous anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production. The observation that passive antibody therapy might prove particularly effective in immunodepressed COVID-19 patients requires evaluation in prospective randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Curtò
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Tomatis
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federico Raimondi
- Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Anna Falanga
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,School of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marchetti
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggenenti
- Departments of Renal Medicine, Rare Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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Piras R, Iatropoulos P, Bresin E, Todeschini M, Gastoldi S, Valoti E, Alberti M, Mele C, Galbusera M, Cuccarolo P, Benigni A, Remuzzi G, Noris M. Molecular Studies and an ex vivo Complement Assay on Endothelium Highlight the Genetic Complexity of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: The Case of a Pedigree With a Null CD46 Variant. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:579418. [PMID: 33224962 PMCID: PMC7670076 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.579418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an ultra-rare disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment and is associated with dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway on the microvascular endothelium. Outcomes have improved greatly with pharmacologic complement C5 blockade. Abnormalities in complement genes (CFH, CD46, CFI, CFB, C3, and THBD), CFH–CFHR genomic rearrangements, and anti-FH antibodies have been reported in 40–60% of cases. The penetrance of aHUS is incomplete in carriers of complement gene abnormalities; and multiple hits, including the CFH–H3 and CD46GGAAC risk haplotypes and the CFHR1*B risk allele, as well as environmental factors, contribute to disease development. Here, we investigated the determinants of penetrance of aHUS associated with CD46 genetic abnormalities. We studied 485 aHUS patients and found CD46 rare variants (RVs) in about 10%. The c.286+2T>G RV was the most prevalent (13/485) and was associated with <30% penetrance. We conducted an in-depth study of a large pedigree including a proband who is heterozygous for the c.286+2T>G RV who experienced a severe form of aHUS and developed end-stage renal failure. The father and paternal uncle with the same variant in homozygosity and six heterozygous relatives are unaffected. Flow cytometry analysis showed about 50% reduction of CD46 expression on blood mononuclear cells from the heterozygous proband and over 90% reduction in cells from the proband's unaffected homozygous father and aunt. Further genetic studies did not reveal RVs in known aHUS-associated genes or common genetic modifiers that segregated with the disease. Importantly, a specific ex vivo test showed excessive complement deposition on endothelial cells exposed to sera from the proband, and also from his mother and maternal uncle, who do not carry the c.286+2T>G RV, indicating that they share a circulating defect that results in complement dysregulation on the endothelium. These results highlight the complexity of the genetics of aHUS and indicate that CD46 deficiency may not be enough to induce aHUS. We hypothesize that the proband inherited from his mother a genetic abnormality in a complement circulating factor that has not been identified yet, which synergized with the CD46 RV in predisposing him to the aHUS phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Piras
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paraskevas Iatropoulos
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Bresin
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Todeschini
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valoti
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Alberti
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paola Cuccarolo
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò,' Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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Galbusera M, Noris M, Gastoldi S, Bresin E, Mele C, Breno M, Cuccarolo P, Alberti M, Valoti E, Piras R, Donadelli R, Vivarelli M, Murer L, Pecoraro C, Ferrari E, Perna A, Benigni A, Portalupi V, Remuzzi G. An Ex Vivo Test of Complement Activation on Endothelium for Individualized Eculizumab Therapy in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Am J Kidney Dis 2019; 74:56-72. [PMID: 30851964 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Although primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with abnormalities in complement genes and antibodies to complement factor H, the role of complement in secondary aHUS remains debatable. We evaluated the usefulness of an ex vivo test to: (1) detect complement activation within the endothelium in primary and secondary aHUS, (2) differentiate active disease from remission, (3) monitor the effectiveness of eculizumab therapy, and (4) identify relapses during eculizumab dosage tapering and after discontinuation of treatment. STUDY DESIGN Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 121 patients with primary aHUS and 28 with secondary aHUS. Serum samples were collected during acute episodes, following remission, and during eculizumab treatment and were assessed using a serum-induced ex vivo C5b-9 endothelial deposition test. RESULTS Serum-induced C5b-9 deposition on cultured microvascular endothelium was quantified by calculating the endothelial area covered by C5b-9 staining; values were expressed as percentage of C5b-9 deposits induced by a serum pool from healthy controls. Testing with adenosine diphosphate-activated endothelium demonstrated elevated C5b-9 deposits for all untreated patients with aHUS independent of disease activity, while testing with unstimulated endothelium demonstrated deposits only in active disease. Similar findings were observed in secondary aHUS. Serum-induced C5b-9 deposits on activated and unstimulated endothelium normalized during eculizumab treatment. 96% (22/23) of patients receiving eculizumab at extended 3- or 4-week dosing intervals demonstrated normal C5b-9 deposits on activated endothelium, despite most patients having CH50Eq (serum complement activity) > 20 UEq/mL, indicating that adequate complement control was achieved even with incomplete blockade of circulating C5. During eculizumab dosage tapering or after treatment discontinuation, all patients experiencing relapses versus only 6% (1/17) of those in stable remission had elevated C5b-9 deposits on unstimulated endothelium. LIMITATIONS The C5b-9 endothelial deposition test can be performed in only specialized laboratories. Findings on eculizumab dosage tapering need to be confirmed with longitudinal monitoring of C5b-9 deposition. CONCLUSIONS The C5b-9 endothelial deposition assay may represent an advance in our ability to monitor aHUS activity and individualize therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Galbusera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Bresin
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Matteo Breno
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paola Cuccarolo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Alberti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valoti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rossella Piras
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Murer
- Unit of Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Carmine Pecoraro
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferrari
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Perna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Valentina Portalupi
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; L. Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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9
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Donadelli R, Banterla F, Galbusera M, Capoferri C, Bucchioni S, Gastoldi S, Nosari S, Monteferrante G, Ruggeri Z, Bresin E, Scheiflinger F, Rossi E, Martinez C, Coppo R, Remuzzi G, Noris M. In-vitro and in-vivo consequences of mutations in the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease ADAMTS13 in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Thromb Haemost 2017. [DOI: 10.1160/th06-05-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease characterized by microvascular thrombosis, often associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease ADAMTS13.We investigated the spectrum of ADAMTS13 gene mutations in patients with TTP and congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency to establish the consequences on ADAMTS13 processing and activity. We describe five missense (V88M, G1239V, R1060W, R1123C and R1219W), 1 nonsense (W1016Stop) and 1 insertion (82_83insT) mutations. In two patients no mutation was identified despite undetectable protease activity. Expression in HEK293 mammalian cells (V88M, G1239V, R1123C and R1219W) documented that three missense mutants were not secreted, whereas theV88M was secreted at low levels and with reduced activity. We also provide evidence that impaired secretion of ADAMTS13 mutants observed in vitro translates into severely reduced ADAMTS13 antigen levels in patients in vivo. To evaluate whether the small amounts of mutant protease present in the circulation of patients had VWF cleaving activity, WT and mutant rADAMTS13 were stably expressed in Drosophila S2 cells under the influence of the Drosophila BiP protein signal sequence, which allows protein secretion. Drosophila expression system showed a 40–60% protease activity in the mutants. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exons and intron boundaries were found in patients, suggesting that the interplay of SNPs could at least in part account for ADAMTS13 functional abnormalities in patients without mutations. In conclusion, defective secretion and impaired activity of the mutants concur to determine an almost complete deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity in patients with a homozygous or two heterozygous ADAMTS13 mutations.
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10
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Gastoldi S, Daina E, Belotti D, Pogliani E, Perseghin P, Scalzulli P, Paolini R, Marcenò R, Remuzzi G, Galbusera M, Bresin E. Rituximab as pre-emptive treatment in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and evidence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. Thromb Haemost 2017. [DOI: 10.1160/th07-12-0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and severe disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, neurological and renal involvement associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. Persistence of high titers of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies predisposes to relapsing TTP. Since relapses are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, the optimal therapeutic option should be a pre-emptive treatment able to deplete anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies and avoid relapses. Five patients who presented with persistence of undetectable ADAMTS13 activity and high titers of autoantibodies, were treated with rituximab as pre-emptive therapy during remission. Four of them were affected by relapsing TTP and one was treated after the first episode. ADAMTS13 activity ranging from 15% to 75% with disappearance of inhibitors was achieved after three months in all patients, and persisted >20% without inhibitors at six months. In three patients disease-free status is still ongoing after 29, 24 and six months, respectively. Relapses were documented in two patients during follow-up: in one patient remission lasted 51 months; while in the other patient relapse occurred after 13 months. Results demonstrated that rituximab used as pre-emptive treatment may be effective in maintaining a sustained remission in patients with anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in whom other treatments failed to limit the production of inhibitors, and suggests that re-treatment with rituximab should be considered when ADAMTS13 activity decreases and inhibitors reappear into the circulation, to avoid a new relapse.
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11
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Noris M, Galbusera M, Donadelli R, Bettoni S, Gastoldi S, Tentori C, Spartà G, Bresin E, Mele C, Alberti M, AlonsoTortajada A, Yebenes H, Remuzzi G. Interaction between multimeric VWF and complement: A fresh look to the pathophysiology of microvascular thrombosis. Mol Immunol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Bettoni S, Galbusera M, Gastoldi S, Donadelli R, Tentori C, Spartà G, Bresin E, Mele C, Alberti M, Tortajada A, Yebenes H, Remuzzi G, Noris M. Interaction between Multimeric von Willebrand Factor and Complement: A Fresh Look to the Pathophysiology of Microvascular Thrombosis. J Immunol 2017; 199:1021-1040. [PMID: 28652401 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
von Willebrand factor (VWF), a multimeric protein with a central role in hemostasis, has been shown to interact with complement components. However, results are contrasting and inconclusive. By studying 20 patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) who cannot cleave VWF multimers because of genetic ADAMTS13 deficiency, we investigated the mechanism through which VWF modulates complement and its pathophysiological implications for human diseases. Using assays of ex vivo serum-induced C3 and C5b-9 deposits on endothelial cells, we documented that in cTTP, complement is activated via the alternative pathway (AP) on the cell surface. This abnormality was corrected by restoring ADAMTS13 activity in cTTP serum, which prevented VWF multimer accumulation on endothelial cells, or by an anti-VWF Ab. In mechanistic studies we found that VWF interacts with C3b through its three type A domains and initiates AP activation, although assembly of active C5 convertase and formation of the terminal complement products C5a and C5b-9 occur only on the VWF-A2 domain. Finally, we documented that in the condition of ADAMTS13 deficiency, VWF-mediated formation of terminal complement products, particularly C5a, alters the endothelial antithrombogenic properties and induces microvascular thrombosis in a perfusion system. Altogether, the results demonstrated that VWF provides a platform for the activation of the AP of complement, which profoundly alters the phenotype of microvascular endothelial cells. These findings link hemostasis-thrombosis with the AP of complement and open new therapeutic perspectives in cTTP and in general in thrombotic and inflammatory disorders associated with endothelium perturbation, VWF release, and complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bettoni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Tentori
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Spartà
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Bresin
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Caterina Mele
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Alberti
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
| | - Agustin Tortajada
- Department of Immunology, Complutense University, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugo Yebenes
- Departamento de Medicina Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy; .,Unità di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; and.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare "Aldo e Cele Daccò," 24020 Ranica Bergamo, Italy
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13
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Coppo R, Bonaudo R, Peruzzi RL, Amore A, Brunati A, Romagnoli R, Salizzoni M, Galbusera M, Gotti E, Daina E, Noris M, Remuzzi G. Liver transplantation for aHUS: still needed in the eculizumab era? Pediatr Nephrol 2016; 31:759-68. [PMID: 26604087 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-015-3278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of disease recurrence after a kidney transplant is high in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and mutations in the complement factor H (FH) gene (CFH). Since FH is mostly produced by the liver, a kidney transplant does not correct the genetic defect. The anti-C5 antibody eculizumab prevents post-transplant aHUS recurrence, but it does not cure the disease. Combined liver-kidney transplantation has been performed in few patients with CFH mutations based on the rationale that liver replacement provides a source of normal FH. METHODS We report the 9-year follow-up of a child with aHUS and a CFH mutation, including clinical data, extensive genetic characterization, and complement profile in the circulation and at endothelial level. The outcome of kidney and liver transplants performed separately 3 years apart are reported. RESULTS The patient showed incomplete response to plasma, with relapsing episodes, progression to end-stage renal disease, and endothelial-restricted complement dysregulation. Eculizumab prophylaxis post-kidney transplant did not achieve sustained remission, leaving the child at risk of disease recurrence. A liver graft given 3 years after the kidney transplant completely abrogated endothelial complement activation and allowed eculizumab withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS Liver transplant may definitely cure aHUS and represents an option for patients with suboptimal response to eculizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Coppo
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Regina Margherita Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Bonaudo
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Regina Margherita Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - R Licia Peruzzi
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Regina Margherita Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Amore
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Regina Margherita Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Brunati
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery Unit 2U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Renato Romagnoli
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery Unit 2U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Salizzoni
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery Unit 2U, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Villa Camozzi, 3-24020, Ranica (Bergamo), Italy.,Centro Anna Maria Astori, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Eliana Gotti
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Erica Daina
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Villa Camozzi, 3-24020, Ranica (Bergamo), Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Villa Camozzi, 3-24020, Ranica (Bergamo), Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Villa Camozzi, 3-24020, Ranica (Bergamo), Italy.,Centro Anna Maria Astori, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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14
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Pecoraro C, Ferretti AVS, Rurali E, Galbusera M, Noris M, Remuzzi G. Treatment of Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura With Eculizumab. Am J Kidney Dis 2015; 66:1067-70. [PMID: 26409664 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 12-year-old boy was hospitalized for hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury, and generalized seizures. The childhood onset, severely decreased kidney function, absence of prodromal diarrhea, negative test results for Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli, elevated plasma levels of the terminal complement complex sC5b-9, and ex vivo testing in endothelial cells showing serum-induced complement activation were all consistent with a diagnosis of complement-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Before plasma ADAMTS13 (von Willebrand factor protease) activity results were available, the patient was treated with the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab, and treatment was followed by prompt disease remission. However, results of ADAMT13 activity level tests and gene screening revealed a severe deficiency associated with 2 heterozygous mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene, fully consistent with a diagnosis of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Screening for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome-associated genes failed to show a mutation and an assay for plasma anti-factor H antibodies gave negative results both before and after eculizumab treatment initiation. The patient's clinical evolution suggests that complement activation plays a role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and provides unexpected new insights into the treatment of this life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Pecoraro
- Paediatric Nephrology Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Erica Rurali
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", Ranica, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", Ranica, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", Ranica, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", Ranica, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
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15
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Rurali E, Banterla F, Donadelli R, Bresin E, Galbusera M, Gastoldi S, Peyvandi F, Underwood M, Remuzzi G, Noris M. ADAMTS13 Secretion and Residual Activity among Patients with Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with and without Renal Impairment. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 10:2002-12. [PMID: 26342041 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.01700215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Acute renal impairment is observed in 11%-23% of patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and deficiency of a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs 13 (ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor [VWF] multimers), a substantial percentage of whom develop CKD during follow-up. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Here we investigated whether, in 18 patients with congenital recruited from 1996 to 2013 who fulfilled inclusion criteria, acute renal involvement occurred during bouts segregated with lower secretion and activity levels of ADAMTS13 mutants. We performed expression studies and a sensitive recombinant VWF (rVWF) A1-A2-A3 cleavage test (detection limit, 0.78% of normal ADAMTS13 activity). RESULTS A higher risk of acute renal impairment during bouts was observed in patients with childhood (<18 years) onset (odds ratio [OR], 24.6 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11 to 542.44]) or a relapsing (≥1 episode per year) disease (OR, 54.6 [95% CI, 2.25 to 1326.28]) than in patients with adulthood onset or long-lasting remission, respectively. Whatever the age at onset, patients with acute renal impairment had mutations different from those in patients without renal involvement. Moreover, mutations in patients with acute renal impairment compared with those in patients without renal involvement caused lower in vitro rADAMTS13 secretion (1.33% versus 12.5%; P<0.001) and residual activity (0.11% versus 3.47%; P=0.003). rADAMTS13 secretion ≤3.75% and residual activity ≤0.4% best discriminated patients with renal impairment (receiver-operating characteristic curve sensitivity, 100% and 100%; specificity, 100% and 83.3%, respectively; logistic regression OR, 325 [95% CI, 6 to 18339] and 91.7 [95% CI, 3.2 to 2623.5], respectively). All mutations found in patients with childhood onset or relapsing disease were associated with acute renal impairment during bouts, confirming the link between acute renal impairment and early onset or a relapsing course. ADAMTS13 activity levels in vivo, measured in patients' serum by rVWF A1-A2-A3 cleavage test, correlated with in vitro rADAMTS13 mutant activity (r=0.95; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In congenital TTP, renal impairment and relapsing disease might be predicted by measurements of in vitro rADAMTS13 secretion and activity levels and in vivo serum ADAMTS13 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Rurali
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Banterla
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Bresin
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano and Luigi Villa Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Mary Underwood
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano and Luigi Villa Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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Gastoldi S, Charo IF, Dairaghi D, Bekker P, Schall TJ, Benigni A, Noris M, Remuzzi G, Galbusera M. SP004INHIBITION OF THE C5A RECEPTOR BY CCX168 MARKEDLY REDUCES THE THROMBOGENIC POTENTIAL OF SERUM FROM PATIENTS WITH ATYPICAL HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv187.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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17
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Buelli S, Perico L, Galbusera M, Abbate M, Morigi M, Novelli R, Gagliardini E, Tentori C, Rottoli D, Sabadini E, Saito T, Kawano M, Saeki T, Zoja C, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. Mitochondrial-dependent Autoimmunity in Membranous Nephropathy of IgG4-related Disease. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:456-66. [PMID: 26137589 PMCID: PMC4485911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of glomerular lesions of membranous nephropathy (MN), including seldom-reported IgG4-related disease, is still elusive. Unlike in idiopathic MN where IgG4 prevails, in this patient IgG3 was predominant in glomerular deposits in the absence of circulating anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies, suggesting a distinct pathologic process. Here we documented that IgG4 retrieved from the serum of our propositus reacted against carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) at the podocyte surface. In patient's biopsy, glomerular CAII staining increased and co-localized with subepithelial IgG4 deposits along the capillary walls. Patient's IgG4 caused a drop in cell pH followed by mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive ROS production and cytoskeletal reorganization in cultured podocytes. These events promoted mitochondrial superoxide-dismutase-2 (SOD2) externalization on the plasma membrane, becoming recognizable by complement-binding IgG3 anti-SOD2. Among patients with IgG4-related disease only sera of those with IgG4 anti-CAII antibodies caused low intracellular pH and mitochondrial alterations underlying SOD2 externalization. Circulating IgG4 anti-CAII can cause podocyte injury through processes of intracellular acidification, mitochondrial oxidative stress and neoantigen induction in patients with IgG4 related disease. The onset of MN in a subset of patients could be due to IgG4 antibodies recognizing CAII with consequent exposure of mitochondrial neoantigen in the context of multifactorial pathogenesis of disease. In a patient with IgG4-related disease, glomerular CAII increases and colocalizes with IgG4 deposits. IgG4 from patient's serum reacts against CAII expressed by podocytes. IgG4 causes acidification, mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS-dependent cytoskeletal alterations in cultured podocytes. IgG4 induces the externalization on the plasma membrane of clustered SOD2, becoming recognizable by complement-binding IgG3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Buelli
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Perico
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mauro Abbate
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Morigi
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Gagliardini
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Tentori
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Rottoli
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ettore Sabadini
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Takao Saito
- General Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kawano
- Department of Rheumatology, University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takako Saeki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Red Cross Hospital, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy ; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
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Subías M, Tortajada A, Gastoldi S, Galbusera M, López-Perrote A, Lopez LDJ, González-Fernández FA, Villegas-Martínez A, Dominguez M, Llorca O, Noris M, Morgan BP, Rodríguez de Córdoba S. A novel antibody against human factor B that blocks formation of the C3bB proconvertase and inhibits complement activation in disease models. J Immunol 2014; 193:5567-75. [PMID: 25355917 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The alternative pathway (AP) is critical for the efficient activation of complement regardless of the trigger. It is also a major player in pathogenesis, as illustrated by the long list of diseases in which AP activation contributes to pathology. Its relevance to human disease is further emphasized by the high prevalence of pathogenic inherited defects and acquired autoantibodies disrupting components and regulators of the AP C3-convertase. Because pharmacological downmodulation of the AP emerges as a broad-spectrum treatment alternative, there is a powerful interest in developing new molecules to block formation and/or activity of the AP C3-convertase. In this paper, we describe the generation of a novel mAb targeting human factor B (FB). mAb FB48.4.2, recognizing with high affinity an evolutionary-conserved epitope in the Ba fragment of FB, very efficiently inhibited formation of the AP C3-proconvertase by blocking the interaction between FB and C3b. In vitro assays using rabbit and sheep erythrocytes demonstrated that FB28.4.2 was a potent AP inhibitor that blocked complement-mediated hemolysis in several species. Using ex vivo models of disease we demonstrated that FB28.4.2 protected paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria erythrocytes from complement-mediated hemolysis and inhibited both C3 fragment and C5b-9 deposition on ADP-activated HMEC-1 cells, an experimental model for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Moreover, i.v. injection of FB28.4.2 in rats blocked complement activation in rat serum and prevented the passive induction of experimental autoimmune Myasthenia gravis. As a whole, these data demonstrate the potential value of FB28.4.2 for the treatment of disorders associated with AP complement dysregulation in man and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Subías
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Agustín Tortajada
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- IRCCS - Mario Negri Instituto for Pharmacological Research "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo 24020, Italy; "Centro Anna Maria Astori" Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo 24126, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS - Mario Negri Instituto for Pharmacological Research "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo 24020, Italy; "Centro Anna Maria Astori" Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo 24126, Italy
| | - Andrés López-Perrote
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Lucia de Juana Lopez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | | | | | - Mercedes Dominguez
- Servicio de Inmunología Microbiana, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación Carlos III, Madrid 28220, Spain; and
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS - Mario Negri Instituto for Pharmacological Research "Mario Negri," Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò," Ranica, Bergamo 24020, Italy; "Centro Anna Maria Astori" Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo 24126, Italy
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28040, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid 28040, Spain;
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19
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Rurali E, Noris M, Chianca A, Donadelli R, Banterla F, Galbusera M, Gherardi G, Gastoldi S, Parvanova A, Iliev I, Bossi A, Haefliger C, Trevisan R, Remuzzi G, Ruggenenti P. ADAMTS13 predicts renal and cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients and response to therapy. Diabetes 2013; 62:3599-609. [PMID: 23733198 PMCID: PMC3781447 DOI: 10.2337/db13-0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In patients with diabetes, impaired ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) proteolysis of highly thrombogenic von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers may accelerate renal and cardiovascular complications. Restoring physiological VWF handling might contribute to ACE inhibitors' (ACEi) reno- and cardioprotective effects. To assess how Pro618Ala ADAMTS13 variants and related proteolytic activity interact with ACEi therapy in predicting renal and cardiovascular complications, we genotyped 1,163 normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients from BErgamo NEphrologic DIabetes Complications Trial (BENEDICT). Interaction between Pro618Ala and ACEi was significant in predicting both renal and combined renal and cardiovascular events. The risk for renal or combined events versus reference Ala carriers on ACEi progressively increased from Pro/Pro homozygotes on ACEi (hazard ratio 2.80 [95% CI 0.849-9.216] and 1.58 [0.737-3.379], respectively) to Pro/Pro homozygotes on non-ACEi (4.77 [1.484-15.357] and 1.99 [0.944-4.187]) to Ala carriers on non-ACEi (8.50 [2.416-29.962] and 4.00 [1.739-9.207]). In a substudy, serum ADAMTS13 activity was significantly lower in Ala carriers than in Pro/Pro homozygotes and in case subjects with renal, cardiovascular, or combined events than in diabetic control subjects without events. ADAMTS13 activity significantly and negatively correlated with all outcomes. In patients with diabetes, ADAMTS13 618Ala variant associated with less proteolytic activity, higher risk of chronic complications, and better response to ACEi therapy. Screening for Pro618Ala polymorphism may help identify patients with diabetes at highest risk who may benefit the most from early reno- and cardioprotective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Rurali
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
- Corresponding author: Marina Noris,
| | | | - Roberta Donadelli
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Banterla
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giulia Gherardi
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Aneliya Parvanova
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilian Iliev
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
| | - Antonio Bossi
- Unit of Diabetology, Treviglio Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Trevisan
- Unit of Diabetology, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggenenti
- IRCCS—Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Bergamo, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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20
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Alberti M, Valoti E, Piras R, Bresin E, Galbusera M, Tripodo C, Thaiss F, Remuzzi G, Noris M. Two patients with history of STEC-HUS, posttransplant recurrence and complement gene mutations. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:2201-6. [PMID: 23731345 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disease of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. About 90% of cases are secondary to infections by Escherichia coli strains producing Shiga-like toxins (STEC-HUS), while 10% are associated with mutations in genes encoding proteins of complement system (aHUS). We describe two patients with a clinical history of STEC-HUS, who developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) soon after disease onset. They received a kidney transplant but lost the graft for HUS recurrence, a complication more commonly observed in aHUS. Before planning a second renal transplantation, the two patients underwent genetic screening for aHUS-associated mutations that revealed the presence of a heterozygous CFI mutation in patient #1 and a heterozygous MCP mutation in patient #2, and also in her mother who donated the kidney. This finding argues that the two cases originally diagnosed as STEC-HUS had indeed aHUS triggered by STEC infection on a genetic background of impaired complement regulation. Complement gene sequencing should be performed before kidney transplantation in patients who developed ESRD following STEC-HUS since they may be undiagnosed cases of aHUS, at risk of posttransplant recurrence. Furthermore, genetic analysis of donors is mandatory before living-related transplantation to exclude carriers of HUS-predisposing mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alberti
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Clinical Research Center for Rare Disease Aldo e Cele Daccò and Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
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21
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Gastoldi S, Noris M, Macor P, Tedesco F, Banterla F, Bresin E, Donadelli R, Remuzzi G, Galbusera M. C5a/C5aR interaction mediates complement activation and thrombosis on endothelial cells in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Immunobiology 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Cravedi P, Abbate M, Gagliardini E, Galbusera M, Buelli S, Sabadini E, Marasà M, Beck LH, Salant DJ, Benigni A, D'Agati V, Remuzzi G. Membranous nephropathy associated with IgG4-related disease. Am J Kidney Dis 2011; 58:272-5. [PMID: 21658826 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related systemic disease is a rare condition characterized by high levels of circulating IgG4 and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltrates in various organs, including the pancreas, salivary glands, biliary tract, liver, lung, and kidney. We describe a case of a 54-year-old man with IgG4-related systemic disease presenting with autoimmune pancreatitis and Mikulicz disease. Steroid therapy decreased circulating IgG4 levels and promoted regression of clinical signs. Thereafter, an increase in serum IgG4 values was followed by the occurrence of nephrotic-range proteinuria. Kidney biopsy showed membranous nephropathy with no IgG4-positive cell infiltrates. A search for circulating immune complexes was negative, and antibodies against M-type phospholipase A(2) receptor could not be detected. Western blot analyses identified circulating IgG3 reacting with superoxide dismutase 2. This case suggests that membranous nephropathy represents an additional renal manifestation of IgG4-related systemic disease, with a pathogenesis possibly associated with neoproduction of autoantibodies targeting podocyte antigen(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cravedi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò, Ranica, Italy
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23
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Morigi M, Galbusera M, Gastoldi S, Locatelli M, Buelli S, Pezzotta A, Pagani C, Noris M, Gobbi M, Stravalaci M, Rottoli D, Tedesco F, Remuzzi G, Zoja C. Alternative pathway activation of complement by Shiga toxin promotes exuberant C3a formation that triggers microvascular thrombosis. J Immunol 2011; 187:172-80. [PMID: 21642543 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E.coli O157:H7 has become a global threat to public health; it is a primary cause of diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disorder of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure with thrombi occluding renal microcirculation. In this study, we explored whether Stx triggers complement-dependent microvascular thrombosis in in vitro and in vivo experimental settings of HUS. Stx induced on human microvascular endothelial cell surface the expression of P-selectin, which bound and activated C3 via the alternative pathway, leading to thrombus formation under flow. In the search for mechanisms linking complement activation and thrombosis, we found that exuberant complement activation in response to Stx generated an increased amount of C3a that caused further endothelial P-selectin expression, thrombomodulin (TM) loss, and thrombus formation. In a murine model of HUS obtained by coinjection of Stx2 and LPS and characterized by thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction, upregulation of glomerular endothelial P-selectin was associated with C3 and fibrin(ogen) deposits, platelet clumps, and reduced TM expression. Treatment with anti-P-selectin Ab limited glomerular C3 accumulation. Factor B-deficient mice after Stx2/LPS exhibited less thrombocytopenia and were protected against glomerular abnormalities and renal function impairment, indicating the involvement of complement activation via the alternative pathway in the glomerular thrombotic process in HUS mice. The functional role of C3a was documented by data showing that glomerular fibrin(ogen), platelet clumps, and TM loss were markedly decreased in HUS mice receiving C3aR antagonist. These results identify Stx-induced complement activation, via P-selectin, as a key mechanism of C3a-dependent microvascular thrombosis in diarrhea-associated HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Morigi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
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Abstract
Bleeding is a common and potentially serious complication of acute and chronic renal failure. The pathogenesis of bleeding in uremia is multifactorial; however, the major role is played by abnormalities in platelet-platelet and platelet-vessel wall interaction. Platelet dysfunction is partially due to uremic toxins present in circulating blood. Despite decreased platelet function, abnormalities of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis predispose the uremic patients to a hypercoagulable state carrying the risk of cardiovascular and thrombotic complications. Dialysis improves platelet abnormalities and reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of hemorrhage. Hemodialysis can even contribute to the bleeding through the continuous platelet activation induced by the interaction between blood and artificial surfaces and the use of anticoagulants. Correction of anemia improves hemostasis in uremic patients. Therapeutic management of bleeding in patients with uremia is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Gavazzeni 11, Bergamo, Italy
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Ruiz-Torres MP, Casiraghi F, Galbusera M, Macconi D, Gastoldi S, Todeschini M, Porrati F, Belotti D, Pogliani EM, Noris M, Remuzzi G. Complement activation: the missing link between ADAMTS-13 deficiency and microvascular thrombosis of thrombotic microangiopathies. Thromb Haemost 2009; 93:443-52. [PMID: 15735793 DOI: 10.1160/th04-07-0450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial injury is the central factor in the events leading to thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA); however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Here we investigate the role of neutrophils (PMNs) and of complement activation in inducing microvascular damage and loss of thromboresistance in TMA associated with ADAMTS-13 deficiency. PMNs isolated during the acute phase of the disease released excessive amounts of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), N-derived oxidants and proteinases and induced damage and thromboresistance loss in human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) ex vivo. Endothelial cytotoxicity and thromboresistance loss was also induced by TMA serum. Complement-derived products were responsible for the above effects: in fact, TMA serum caused C3 and Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) deposition on HMEC-1 and its cytotoxic effect was abolished by complement inhibition. TMA serum caused surface expression of P-selectin on HMEC-1 which may promote PMN adhesion and resulted in increased PMN cytotoxicity, indicating that complement may have a role in PMN activation. In addition, TMA serum stimulated control PMNs to release ROS and proteinases, and to cause endothelial cell cytotoxicity. All of the above effects were abrogated by complement inactivation. These data document for the first time that complement-initiated PMN activation and endothelial injury may have a crucial role in microvascular thrombosis of TMA associated with ADAMTS-13 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Piedad Ruiz-Torres
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Center for Research on Organ Transplantation, Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi, Villa Camozzi-Ranica (BG), Italy
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26
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Buelli S, Gastoldi S, Morigi M, Galbusera M, Locatelli M, Rottoli D, Pezzotta A, Pagani C, Noris M, Remuzzi G, Zoja C. Complement (C) activation contributes to microvascular thrombosis in Shiga toxin-associated HUS. Mol Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.05.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Trionfini P, Tomasoni S, Galbusera M, Motto D, Longaretti L, Corna D, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer restores plasma ADAMTS13 antigen and activity in ADAMTS13 knockout mice. Gene Ther 2009; 16:1373-9. [PMID: 19675594 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
ADAMTS13 is a plasma metalloprotease that regulates the size of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. Genetic or acquired deficiency of ADAMTS13 causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in humans. Plasma infusion is the treatment of choice for patients with congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency. However, this practice exposes patients to the risk of infections, allergies and fluid volume overload. The search for alternative treatments is required. Here, we tested the ability of systemically administered adenovirus encoding human ADAMTS13 to restore the deficient protein in the circulation of Adamts13(-/-) mice. Injection of the adenovirus efficiently transduced the liver, kidney, lung, heart and spleen, resulting in the secretion of ADAMTS13 into plasma. A reduced area of thrombi was observed when blood from Ad-ADAMTS13-treated mice was perfused over a collagen-coated surface in a parallel plate flow chamber compared with blood of Ad-betaGal-treated controls. The secreted ADAMTS13 protein was functionally active even after 2 months from injection. The data provide the proof of principle for developing a novel therapy for the correction of ADAMTS13 deficiency in patients with hereditary TTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Trionfini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Bresin E, Gastoldi S, Daina E, Belotti D, Pogliani E, Perseghin P, Scalzulli PR, Paolini R, Marcenò R, Remuzzi G, Galbusera M. Rituximab as pre-emptive treatment in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and evidence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. Thromb Haemost 2009; 101:233-238. [PMID: 19190804] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and severe disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, neurological and renal involvement associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. Persistence of high titers of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies predisposes to relapsing TTP. Since relapses are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, the optimal therapeutic option should be a pre-emptive treatment able to deplete anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies and avoid relapses. Five patients who presented with persistence of undetectable ADAMTS13 activity and high titers of autoantibodies, were treated with rituximab as pre-emptive therapy during remission. Four of them were affected by relapsing TTP and one was treated after the first episode. ADAMTS13 activity ranging from 15% to 75% with disappearance of inhibitors was achieved after three months in all patients, and persisted >20% without inhibitors at six months. In three patients disease-free status is still ongoing after 29, 24 and six months, respectively. Relapses were documented in two patients during follow-up: in one patient remission lasted 51 months; while in the other patient relapse occurred after 13 months. Results demonstrated that rituximab used as pre-emptive treatment may be effective in maintaining a sustained remission in patients with anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in whom other treatments failed to limit the production of inhibitors, and suggests that re-treatment with rituximab should be considered when ADAMTS13 activity decreases and inhibitors reappear into the circulation, to avoid a new relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bresin
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò, 24020 Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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30
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Benigni A, Caroli C, Longaretti L, Gagliardini E, Zoja C, Galbusera M, Moioli D, Romagnani P, Tincani A, Andreoli L, Remuzzi G. Involvement of renal tubular Toll-like receptor 9 in the development of tubulointerstitial injury in systemic lupus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:1569-78. [PMID: 17469139 DOI: 10.1002/art.22524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9), a receptor for CpG DNA, has been implicated in the activation of immune cells in lupus. We undertook this study to determine whether the expression of TLR-9 in resident renal cells in lupus nephritis is related to the development of tubulointerstitial injury. METHODS TLR-9 was analyzed in selectively retrieved renal tissue from (NZB x NZW)F1 mice at different stages of disease by laser capture microdissection combined with real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and in renal biopsy specimens from lupus nephritis patients by immunohistochemistry. We investigated for the molecular component responsible for TLR-9 activation by cultured proximal tubular cells in serum from patients with lupus. RESULTS Renal tissue from NZB x NZW mice displayed robust TLR-9 expression localized to proximal tubular cells. TLR-9 levels correlated with proteinuria and tubulointerstitial injury to the extent that a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, while reducing proteinuria and renal structural damage, prevented tubular TLR-9 generation in lupus mice. Consistently, exaggerated TLR-9 staining was found in proximal tubular cells of lupus patients, which correlated with tubulointerstitial damage. DNA-containing immune complexes purified from sera of patients with lupus induced TLR-9 in cultured proximal tubular cells. This was prevented by CCGG-rich short oligonucleotides, specific antagonists of CpG DNA, indicating that the DNA component of immune complexes was required for TLR-9 stimulation. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that tubular TLR-9 activation has a pathogenetic role in tubulointerstitial inflammation and damage in experimental and human lupus nephritis, and they indicate a novel target for future therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/pathology
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NZB
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Nephritis, Interstitial/etiology
- Nephritis, Interstitial/genetics
- Nephritis, Interstitial/metabolism
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Purines/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Roscovitine
- Toll-Like Receptor 9/genetics
- Toll-Like Receptor 9/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariela Benigni
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy.
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31
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Donadelli R, Banterla F, Galbusera M, Capoferri C, Bucchioni S, Gastoldi S, Nosari S, Monteferrante G, Ruggeri ZM, Bresin E, Scheiflinger F, Rossi E, Martinez C, Coppo R, Remuzzi G, Noris M. In-vitro and in-vivo consequences of mutations in the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease ADAMTS13 in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Thromb Haemost 2006; 96:454-64. [PMID: 17003922] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease characterized by microvascular thrombosis, often associated with deficiency of the vonWillebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease ADAMTS13. We investigated the spectrum of ADAMTS13 gene mutations in patients with TTP and congenital ADAMTS13 deficiency to establish the consequences on ADAMTS13 processing and activity. We describe five missense (V88M, G1239V, R1060W, R1123C and R1219W), 1 nonsense (W1016Stop) and 1 insertion (82_83insT) mutations. In two patients no mutation was identified despite undetectable protease activity. Expression in HEK293 mammalian cells (V88M, G1239V, R1123C and R1219W) documented that three missense mutants were not secreted, whereas theV88M was secreted at low levels and with reduced activity. We also provide evidence that impaired secretion of ADAMTS13 mutants observed in vitro translates into severely reduced ADAMTS13 antigen levels in patients in vivo. To evaluate whether the small amounts of mutant protease present in the circulation of patients had VWF cleaving activity, WT and mutant rADAMTS13 were stably expressed in Drosophila S2 cells under the influence of the Drosophila BiP protein signal sequence, which allows protein secretion. Drosophila expression system showed a 40-60% protease activity in the mutants. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exons and intron boundaries were found in patients, suggesting that the interplay of SNPs could at least in part account for ADAMTS13 functional abnormalities in patients without mutations. In conclusion, defective secretion and impaired activity of the mutants concur to determine an almost complete deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity in patients with a homozygous or two heterozygous ADAMTS13 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Donadelli
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, Villa Camozzi, Via Camozzi, 3, 24020 Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially life-threatening disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and formation of microthrombi in several organs. The disease may manifest once in a lifetime or may relapse after complete recovery of the initial episode; in these recurrent cases, death or neurological sequelae are common final outcomes. Accumulation of unusually large (UL) von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers was described in the plasma of patients with TTP. Such ULVWF multimers are synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes and are secreted into the blood upon stimulation. However, in healthy individuals ULVWF multimers do not normally circulate because they are rapidly reduced into smaller multimers soon after their secretion due to cleavage by a plasma metalloprotease, ADAMTS13. Deficiency of ADAMTS13 has been reported consistently in patients with TTP. Such defect may be constitutive, due to homozygous or double heterozygous mutations in the corresponding gene, or acquired, due to the presence of circulating inhibitory antibodies. It follows that in TTP patients, the absent or severely depressed plasma ADAMTS13 activity limits the cleavage of ULVWF multimers, which remain anchored to the endothelial cells in long strings. Particularly under conditions of high shear stress, the multimers may promote the adhesion of circulating platelets, initiating thrombus formation. The clinical implications of these findings to the diagnosis and treatment of TTP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Galbusera M, Bresin E, Noris M, Gastoldi S, Belotti D, Capoferri C, Daina E, Perseghin P, Scheiflinger F, Fakhouri F, Grünfeld JP, Pogliani E, Remuzzi G. Rituximab prevents recurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report. Blood 2005; 106:925-8. [PMID: 15827129 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-12-4885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder of small vessels that is associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor–cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. The presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies is considered a factor predisposing to relapses. Despite close monitoring and intensive plasma treatment, in these patients acute episodes are still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates, and the optimal therapeutic option should be prevention of relapses. This study was conducted in a patient with recurrent TTP due to high titers of ADAMTS13 inhibitors, who used to have 2 relapses of TTP a year. The study compared the standard treatment plasma exchange with rituximab. Results documented that plasma exchange had only a small transient effect on ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors; on the contrary, prophylaxis with rituximab was associated with disappearance of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies, a progressive recovery of protease activity, and it allowed the patient to maintain a disease-free state during a more than 2-year follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Gavazzeni, 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy
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Galbusera M, Buelli S, Gastoldi S, Macconi D, Angioletti S, Testa C, Remuzzi G, Morigi M. Activation of porcine endothelium in response to xenogeneic serum causes thrombosis independently of platelet activation. Xenotransplantation 2005; 12:110-20. [PMID: 15693841 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2005.00203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial cell activation and microvascular thrombosis are hallmarks of hyperacute xenograft rejection. However, the molecular determinants of platelet-endothelial interaction and thrombus formation are poorly understood. This study investigated whether: (i) xenogeneic human serum (HS), as a source of xenoreactive antibodies and complement, activates porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) to promote thrombus formation under high shear stress; (ii) the endothelial adhesive proteins vitronectin receptor and P-selectin are involved in the von Willebrand factor (VWF)-platelet interaction during the thrombotic process under flow; (iii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) are activated by complement and served as intracellular signals for adhesive protein up-regulation. METHODS The PAEC were pre-exposed for 90 min in static conditions to medium plus 10, 20, and 50% HS or 20% porcine serum (PS), as control, then cells were perfused at 50 dynes/cm2 in a parallel plate flow chamber with human blood and area occupied by thrombi was measured. The role of complement in HS-induced thrombus formation was assessed by incubating PAEC with 20% HS in the presence of soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) before blood perfusion. The effect of platelet activation was assessed using human blood treated or not with ADP and then flowed over PAEC pre-exposed to 20% HS or 20% PS as control. To identify the endothelial adhesive proteins involved in thrombus formation PAEC treated with 20% HS were then incubated with anti-vitronectin receptor antibody, anti-P-selectin antibody or P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), the soluble ligand of P-selectin, before the adhesion assay. Confocal microscopy was used to detect changes in endothelial adhesive protein expression. VWF interaction with platelet receptors GPIb and alphaIIbbeta3 was assessed adding aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA) and anti-alphaIIbbeta3 antibody to blood before perfusion. The ROS involvement in xenogeneic serum-induced thrombus formation was determined studying the intracellular production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The effect of antioxidants and metal chelators on HS-induced thrombus formation was evaluated treating PAEC with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU) before and during incubation with 20% HS followed by blood perfusion. The effect of antioxidants and sCR1 on ROS generation was investigated treating PAEC with PDTC or DMTU before and during incubation with 20% HS. Intracellular ROS generation was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy using the probe dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR-123). RESULTS Human serum but not PS caused thrombus formation on PAEC under high shear stress. Blockade of complement activation by sCR1 prevented xenogeneic serum-induced thrombus formation. Activated platelets did not promote thrombus formation on resting endothelium, and did not further increase platelet deposition on xenogeneic serum-treated PAEC. Vitronectin receptor and P-selectin were up-regulated on the endothelial surface by HS. Their functional blockade by specific antibodies prevented platelet deposition and thrombus formation. H2O2 production significantly increased when PAEC were exposed to the xenogeneic condition. Antioxidants and sCR1 completely prevented thrombus formation by reducing excessive ROS production and the expression of vitronectin receptor and P-selectin. CONCLUSIONS Xenogeneic complement induces endothelial cell activation and thrombosis which is independent of platelet activation. Complement deposition elicits a rapid generation of ROS that lead to overexpression of endothelial adhesive molecules instrumental for platelet deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Gavazzeni, Bergamo, Italy
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35
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Morigi M, Buelli S, Angioletti S, Zanchi C, Longaretti L, Zoja C, Galbusera M, Gastoldi S, Mundel P, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. In response to protein load podocytes reorganize cytoskeleton and modulate endothelin-1 gene: implication for permselective dysfunction of chronic nephropathies. Am J Pathol 2005; 166:1309-20. [PMID: 15855633 PMCID: PMC1606387 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)62350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Effacement of podocyte foot processes occurs in many proteinuric nephropathies and is accompanied by rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we studied whether protein overload affects intracellular pathways, leading to cytoskeletal architecture changes and ultimately to podocyte dysfunction. Mouse podocytes bound and endocytosed both albumin and IgG via receptor-specific mechanisms. Protein overload caused redistribution of F-actin fibers instrumental to up-regulation of the prepro-endothelin (ET)-1 gene and production of the corresponding peptide. Increased DNA-binding activity for nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and Ap-1 nuclear proteins was measured in nuclear extracts of podocytes exposed to excess proteins. Both Y27632, which inhibits Rho kinase-dependent stress fiber formation, and jasplakinolide, an F-actin stabilizer, decreased NF-kappaB and Ap-1 activity and reduced ET-1 expression. This suggested a role for the cytoskeleton, through activated Rho, in the regulation of the ET-1 peptide. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an integrin-associated nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, was phosphorylated by albumin treatment via Rho kinase-triggered actin reorganization. FAK activation led to NF-kappaB- and Ap-1-dependent ET-1 expression. These data suggest that reorganization of the actin cytoskeletal network in response to protein load is implicated in modulation of the ET-1 gene via Rho kinase-dependent FAK activation of NF-kappaB and Ap-1 in differentiated podocytes. Increased ET-1 generation might alter glomerular permselectivity and amplify the noxious effect of protein overload on dysfunctional podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Morigi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy.
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36
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Rieger M, Mannucci PM, Kremer Hovinga JA, Herzog A, Gerstenbauer G, Konetschny C, Zimmermann K, Scharrer I, Peyvandi F, Galbusera M, Remuzzi G, Böhm M, Plaimauer B, Lämmle B, Scheiflinger F. ADAMTS13 autoantibodies in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies and other immunomediated diseases. Blood 2005; 106:1262-7. [PMID: 15890682 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-11-4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies neutralizing human ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif), the metalloprotease that physiologically cleaves von Willebrand factor, are a major cause of severe deficiency of the protease and of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). We evaluated prevalence of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in 59 patients with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) and in 160 patients with immunologic or thrombocytopenic diseases different from TTP, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against ADAMTS13 were found in 97% of untreated patients with acute acquired TMA who had plasma levels of ADAMTS13 activity below 10%. The corresponding prevalence of IgM antibodies was 11%. In contrast, anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies of G or M isotypes were detected in 20% of patients with TMA with ADAMTS13 activity above 10%. The ELISA was more sensitive than the standard functional inhibitor assay for detecting antibodies against ADAMTS13. Patients with thrombocytopenia from various causes (n = 50), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 40), and the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS; n = 55) had prevalences of IgG antibodies of 8%, 13%, and 5% respectively, only slightly higher than the prevalence in 111 healthy donors (4%). A rather high prevalence of anti-ADAMTS13 IgM antibodies was found in patients with SLE and APS (18% each). The clinical significance of IgM antibodies in these groups is unclear. In conclusion, the ELISA method detected anti-ADAMTS13 IgG antibodies in a very large proportion of patients with acquired TMA associated with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, and was more sensitive than the inhibitor assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Rieger
- Baxter BioScience, Biomedical Reserach Center, Orth, Austria
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37
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Noris M, Bucchioni S, Galbusera M, Donadelli R, Bresin E, Castelletti F, Caprioli J, Brioschi S, Scheiflinger F, Remuzzi G. Complement factor H mutation in familial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with ADAMTS13 deficiency and renal involvement. J Am Soc Nephrol 2005; 16:1177-83. [PMID: 15800115 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2005010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disorder of small vessels that is associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS13, which favors platelet adhesion and aggregation in the microcirculation. The disease manifests mainly with central nervous system symptoms, but cases of renal insufficiency have been reported. Presented are findings of the genetic basis of phenotype heterogeneity in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in two sisters within one family. The patients had ADAMTS13 deficiency as a result of two heterozygous mutations (causing V88M and G1239V changes). In addition, a heterozygous mutation (causing an S890I change) in factor H of complement was found in the patient who developed chronic renal failure but not in her sister, who presented with exclusive neurologic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, Aldo e Cele Daccò, Villa Camozzi-Ranica, Via Gavazzeni 11, 24125 Bergamo, Italy
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38
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Abstract
Patients with end-stage renal disease suffer from complex hemostatic disorders. Uremic patients show a bleeding diathesis that is mainly due to abnormalities of primary hemostasis; in particular, platelet dysfunction and impaired platelet-vessel wall interaction. However, despite decreased platelet function, these patients have a high prevalence of cardiovascular and thrombotic complications. Platelet dysfunction in uremic patients is partially due to uremic toxins present in circulating blood. Dialysis improves platelet abnormalities and reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of hemorrhage. Hemodialysis can even contribute to the bleeding through the continuous platelet activation induced by the interaction between blood and artificial surfaces. Thrombocytopenia, glomerular thrombosis, and thrombi in small arteries and glomerular capillaries are common pathological features in many renal diseases. Platelets are also involved directly in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases through a variety of mechanisms, including release of active molecules, by enhancing immune complex deposition, and by altering glomerular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Boccardo
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Tripodi A, Chantarangkul V, Böhm M, Budde U, Dong JF, Friedman KD, Galbusera M, Girma JP, Moake J, Rick ME, Studt JD, Turecek PL, Mannucci PM. Measurement of von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS-13): results of an international collaborative study involving 11 methods testing the same set of coded plasmas. J Thromb Haemost 2004; 2:1601-9. [PMID: 15333037 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2004.00879.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADAMTS-13 is a von Willebrand factor (VFW)-cleaving protease. Its congenital or acquired deficiency is associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and more rarely with the hemolytic uremic syndrome. We report on a survey evaluating 11 methods for ADAMTS-13 measurement performed in different labs. DESIGN Two plasmas, one normal and one from a patient with familial TTP, were mixed at the co-ordinating center to prepare 6 plasmas with 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 80% and 100% ADAMTS-13 levels. Each plasma was aliquoted and assembled into sets of 60 (coded from 1 to 60), each containing 10 copies of the original 6 plasmas. Plasmas were frozen and shipped in dry ice to 10 labs with a common frozen reference plasma. Laboratories were asked to measure ADAMTS-13 with their methods. Results were sent to the coordinating center for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the 10 methods performed under static conditions 9 were quantitative and one was semiquantitative. One method performed under flow conditions evaluated the extent of cleavage of endothelial cell-derived ultralarge VWF string-like structures and expressed results as deficient, normal, or borderline. Linearity (expected-vs-observed levels), assessed as the squared correlation coefficient, ranged from 0.98 to 0.39. Reproducibility, expressed as the coefficient of variation for repeated measurements, ranged from < 10% to 83%. The majority of methods were able to discriminate between different ADAMTS-13 levels. The majority were able to detect the plasma with 0% level and some of them to discriminate between 0% and 10%. Overall the best performance was observed for three methods measuring cleaved VWF by ristocetin cofactor, collagen binding, and immunoblotting of degraded multimers of VWF substrate, respectively. The poor interlaboratory agreement of results was hardly affected by the use of the common standard. The method performed under flow conditions identified the plasmas with 0%, 10%, 20% and 40% activity as deficient in 7, 5, 1 and 3 of the 10 replicate measurements. The plasmas with 80% and 100% were identified as normal in all of the 10 replicate measurements. CONCLUSIONS The survey shows varied performance, but supports an optimistic view about the reliability of current methods for ADAMTS-13.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tripodi
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University and IRCCS Maggiore Hospital, Milan, Italy
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40
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Ruiz-Torres MP, Casighari F, Noris M, Macconi D, Galbusera M, Remuzzi G. [Mechanisms of endothelial damage in thrombotic microangiopathy]. Nefrologia 2003; 23 Suppl 3:25-7. [PMID: 12901188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M P Ruiz-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Ctra. Barcelona, km. 33,600 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid
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Remuzzi G, Galbusera M, Noris M, Canciani MT, Daina E, Bresin E, Contaretti S, Caprioli J, Gamba S, Ruggenenti P, Perico N, Mannucci PM. von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) is deficient in recurrent and familial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Blood 2002; 100:778-85. [PMID: 12130486 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2001-12-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether measurement of ADAMTS13 activity may enable physicians to distinguish thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is still a controversial issue. Our aim was to clarify whether patients with normal or deficient ADAMTS13 activity could be distinguished in terms of disease manifestations and multimeric patterns of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF). ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen, and multimeric pattern were evaluated in patients with recurrent and familial TTP (n = 20) and HUS (n = 29). Results of the collagen-binding assay of ADAMTS13 activity were confirmed in selected samples by testing the capacity of plasma to cleave recombinant VWF A1-A2-A3. Most patients with TTP had complete or partial deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity during the acute phase, and in some the defect persisted at remission. However, complete ADAMTS13 deficiency was also found in 5 of 9 patients with HUS during the acute phase and in 5 patients during remission. HUS patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency could not be distinguished clinically from those with normal ADAMTS13. In a subgroup of patients with TTP or HUS, the ADAMTS13 defect was inherited, as documented by half-normal levels of ADAMTS13 in their asymptomatic parents, consistent with the heterozygous carrier state. In patients with TTP and HUS there was indirect evidence of increased VWF fragmentation, and this occurred also in patients with ADAMTS13 deficiency. In conclusion, deficient ADAMTS13 activity does not distinguish TTP from HUS, at least in the recurrent and familial forms, and it is not the only determinant of VWF abnormalities in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, Aldo e Cele Daccò, Villa Camozzi-Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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42
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Morigi M, Galbusera M, Binda E, Imberti B, Gastoldi S, Remuzzi A, Zoja C, Remuzzi G. Verotoxin-1-induced up-regulation of adhesive molecules renders microvascular endothelial cells thrombogenic at high shear stress. Blood 2001; 98:1828-35. [PMID: 11535517 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v98.6.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Verotoxin-1 (VT-1)-producing Escherichia coli is the causative agent of postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) of children, which leads to renal and other organ microvascular thrombosis. Why thrombi form only on arterioles and capillaries is not known. This study investigated whether VT-1 directly affected endothelial antithrombogenic properties promoting platelet deposition and thrombus formation on human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) under high shear stress. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for comparison as a large-vessel endothelium. HMEC-1 and HUVECs were pre-exposed for 24 hours to increasing concentrations of VT-1 (2-50 pM) and then perfused at 60 dynes/cm(2) with heparinized human blood prelabeled with mepacrine. Results showed that VT-1 significantly increased platelet adhesion and thrombus formation on HMEC-1 in comparison with unstimulated control cells. An increase in thrombus formation was also observed on HUVECs exposed to VT-1, but to a remarkably lower extent. The greater sensitivity of HMEC-1 to the toxin in comparison with HUVECs was at least in part due to a higher expression of VT-1 receptor (20-fold more) as documented by FACS analysis. The HMEC-1 line had a comparable susceptibility to the thrombogenic effect of VT-1 as primary human microvascular cells of the same dermal origin (HDMECs). The adhesive molecules involved in VT-induced thrombus formation were also studied. Blocking the binding of von Willebrand factor to platelet glycoprotein Ib by aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) or inhibition of platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3)-integrin by chimeric 7E3 Fab resulted in a significant reduction of VT-1-induced thrombus formation, suggesting the involvement of von Willebrand factor-platelet interaction at high shear stress in this phenomenon. Functional blockade of endothelial beta(3)-integrin subunit, vitronectin receptor, P-selectin, and PECAM-1 with specific antibodies was associated with a significant decrease of the endothelial area covered by thrombi. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that VT-1 increased the expression of vitronectin receptor and P-selectin and redistributed PECAM-1 away from the cell-cell border of HMEC-1, as well as of HDMECs, thus indicating that the above endothelial adhesion molecules are directly involved and possibly determine the effect of VT-1 on enhancing platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in microvascular endothelium. These results might help to explain why thrombi in HUS localize in microvessels rather than in larger ones and provide insights on the molecular events involved in the process of microvascular thrombosis associated with D+HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morigi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy.
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43
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Galbusera M, Remuzzi A, Benigni A, Rossi C, Remuzzi G. A novel interpretation of the role of von Willebrand factor in thrombotic microangiopathies based on platelet adhesion studies at high shear rate flow. Am J Kidney Dis 2000; 36:695-702. [PMID: 11007670 DOI: 10.1053/ajkd.2000.17613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are secondary to platelet aggregation and thrombotic occlusion of the microvasculature of the affected organs. Abnormalities in von Willebrand factor (vWF) in these patients were considered instrumental in promoting the process leading to microvascular thrombosis. We evaluated the capacity of plasma in these patients to induce adhesion of normal platelets and thrombus formation under conditions of controlled fluid shear stress. We also studied vWF multimeric distribution to establish whether abnormalities of this glycoprotein correlate with platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. Plasma from patients in the acute phase and remission showed the same capacity to induce platelet adhesion and thrombus formation at a low level of shear rate (600 sec(-1)) as plasma from control subjects. At a high shear rate (1,500 sec(-1)), platelet adhesion and thrombus dimensions were significantly increased (P: < 0.05) by plasma from patients with TMA compared with controls. The capacity to enhance thrombus formation at high shear stress was present during the acute phase and disease remission and did not correlate with the presence of unusually large vWF multimers. Increased thrombus formation with patient plasma is completely normalized by blocking the interaction of vWF with the platelet receptors, glycoprotein (GP)Ib and GPIIb-IIIa, suggesting that the phenomenon is completely mediated by vWF. Our results suggest the possibility of an intrinsically altered vWF molecule in these patients that is probably more effective than normal vWF in mediating platelet adhesion and thrombus formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Galbusera M, Noris M, Rossi C, Orisio S, Caprioli J, Ruggeri ZM, Amadei B, Ruggenenti P, Vasile B, Casari G, Remuzzi G. Increased fragmentation of von Willebrand factor, due to abnormal cleavage of the subunit, parallels disease activity in recurrent hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and discloses predisposition in families. The Italian Registry of Familial and Recurrent HUS/TTP. Blood 1999; 94:610-20. [PMID: 10397728] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated here the changes in von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers in recurrent, sporadic and familial forms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) to see whether they are actually proteolyzed in vivo in these patients. Molecular determinants of fragments in vWF were also characterized to identify possible sites of cleavage of the subunit. Unusually large vWF multimers were found in blood of 8 of 10 patients with recurrent HUS/TTP, both in the acute phase and in remission, but never in familial and sporadic cases. Instead, all of the groups showed evidence of enhanced fragmentation of vWF multimers during the acute phase. Increased fragmentation was also shown by decrease in native 225-kD vWF subunit. In recurrent and sporadic HUS/TTP, enhanced fragmentation normalized at remission, but the abnormality persisted in familial HUS/TTP patients. The latter findings suggest that patients with familial HUS/TTP may have a congenital abnormality in vWF processing. Analysis with specific monoclonal antibodies showed the presence of the normal vWF fragments with apparent molecular mass of 189, 176, and 140 kD in all patients; however, in 6 recurrent and in 5 familial cases, novel fragments that differed in size from normal ones were found. The size of these abnormal fragments differed from one patient to another and none of them was ever found in normal plasma. These results documented, for the first time in HUS/TTP, an abnormal cleavage of the vWF subunit that might account for the increased fragmentation observed in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galbusera
- Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo and Cele Daccò," Mario Negri Institute, Villa Camozzi-Ranica, Italy
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45
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Galbusera M, Benigni A, Paris S, Ruggenenti P, Zoja C, Rossi C, Remuzzi G. Unrecognized pattern of von Willebrand factor abnormalities in hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Am Soc Nephrol 1999; 10:1234-41. [PMID: 10361861 DOI: 10.1681/asn.v1061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous abnormalities in multimeric structure and fragmentation of endothelial-derived von Willebrand factor (vWF) have been reported in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This study was conducted to establish whether different patterns of vWF abnormalities were associated with different clinical syndromes. Plasmatic levels of vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF release from endothelial cells (EC) exposed to patient sera, and vWF multimeric pattern were studied during episodes and again in remission in three groups of patients with severe forms of HUS and TTP paradigmatic of the most common clinical patterns of disease presentation: (1) plasma-responsive; (2) plasma-resistant; and (3) frequently relapsing. Plasma vWF:Ag and serum-induced vWF release from EC were increased in the acute phase of either plasma-responsive and plasma-resistant HUS and TTP, but normalized at remission only in plasma-responsive cases. Both indices were persistently normal in the relapsing forms. Enhanced vWF fragmentation as defined by disappearance of high molecular weight and increase in low molecular weight forms was a consistent finding of the acute phases, and always normalized in remission in all three groups. Unusually large vWF multimers were found exclusively in plasma of relapsing forms of HUS and TTP both during and between relapses. Enhanced levels of vWF:Ag and serum capability to induce vWF release in vitro are markers of disease activity and may reflect systemic endothelial injury and consequent activation. Their presence discriminates acute single-episode cases from relapsing forms and, when failing to normalize with plasma therapy, predicts plasma resistance. Enhanced low molecular weight multimers that closely paralleled disease activity suggest a permissive role of fragmented vWF in the formation of microvascular thrombi. Finally, finding of unusually large multimers exclusively in relapsing forms of HUS and TTP even between relapses, when no other clinical signs of disease activity could be detected, suggests that they cannot be the only factor in microvascular thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Azienda Ospedaliera, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Falanga A, Marchetti M, Evangelista V, Manarini S, Oldani E, Giovanelli S, Galbusera M, Cerletti C, Barbui T. Neutrophil activation and hemostatic changes in healthy donors receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Blood 1999; 93:2506-14. [PMID: 10194429] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) enhances neutrophil functions in vitro and in vivo. It is known that neutrophil-derived products can alter the hemostatic balance. To understand whether polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) activation, measured as PMN degranulation and phenotypical change, may be associated to hemostatic alterations in vivo, we have studied the effect of recombinant human G-CSF (rHuG-CSF) administration on leukocyte parameters and hemostatic variables in healthy donors of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Twenty-six consecutive healthy donors receiving 10 micrograms/kg/d rHuG-CSF subcutaneously for 5 to 7 days to mobilize HPCs for allogeneic transplants were included in the study. All of them responded to rHuG-CSF with a significant white blood cell count increase. Blood samples were drawn before therapy on days 2 and 5 and 1 week after stopping rHuG-CSF treatment. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) PMN activation parameters, ie, surface CD11b/CD18 antigen expression, plasma elastase antigen levels and cellular elastase activity; (2) plasma markers of endothelium activation, ie, thrombomodulin (TM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigens; (3) plasma markers of blood coagulation activation, ie, F1+2, TAT complex, D-dimer; and (4) mononuclear cell (MNC) procoagulant activity (PCA) expression. The results show that, after starting rHuG-CSF, an in vivo PMN activation occurred, as demonstrated by the significant increment of surface CD11b/CD18 and plasma elastase antigen levels. Moreover, PMN cellular elastase activity, which was significantly increased at 1 day of treatment, returned to baseline at day 5 to 6, in correspondence with the elastase antigen peak in the circulation. This change was accompanied by a parallel significant increase in plasma levels of the two endothelial and the three coagulation markers. The PCA generated in vitro by unstimulated MNC isolated from rHuG-CSF-treated subjects was not different from that of control cells from untreated subjects. However, endotoxin-stimulated MNC isolated from on-treatment individuals produced significantly more PCA compared with both baseline and control samples. All of the parameters were decreased or normal 1 week after stopping treatment. These data show that rHuG-CSF induces PMN activation and transiently affects some hemostatic variables in healthy HPC donor subjects. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Falanga
- Hematology Division, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy
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Furlan M, Robles R, Galbusera M, Remuzzi G, Kyrle PA, Brenner B, Krause M, Scharrer I, Aumann V, Mittler U, Solenthaler M, Lämmle B. von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. N Engl J Med 1998; 339:1578-84. [PMID: 9828245 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199811263392202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1175] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome are severe microvascular disorders of platelet clumping with similar signs and symptoms. Unusually large multimers of von Willebrand factor, capable of agglutinating circulating platelets under high shear stress, occur in the two conditions. We investigated the prevalence of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease deficiency in patients with familial and nonfamilial forms of these disorders. METHODS Plasma samples were obtained from 53 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease was assayed in diluted plasma samples with purified normal von Willebrand factor as the substrate. The extent of the degradation of von Willebrand factor was assessed by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gels and immunoblotting. To determine whether an inhibitor of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease was present, we measured the protease activity in normal plasma after incubation with plasma from the patients. RESULTS We examined 30 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and 23 patients with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Of 24 patients with nonfamilial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, 20 had severe and 4 had moderate protease deficiency during an acute event. An inhibitor found in 20 of these patients was shown to be IgG in five of five tested plasma samples. Of 13 patients with nonfamilial hemolytic-uremic syndrome, 11 had normal levels of activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease during the acute episode, whereas in 2 patients, the activity was slightly decreased. All 6 patients with familial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura lacked von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease activity but had no inhibitor, whereas all 10 patients with familial hemolytic-uremic syndrome had normal protease activity. In vitro proteolytic degradation of von Willebrand factor by the protease was studied in 5 patients with familial and 7 patients with nonfamilial hemolytic-uremic syndrome and was normal in all 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS Nonfamilial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is due to an inhibitor of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, whereas the familial form seems to be caused by a constitutional deficiency of the protease. Patients with the hemolyticuremic syndrome do not have a deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease or a defect in von Willebrand factor that leads to its resistance to protease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Furlan
- Central Hematology Laboratory, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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48
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Galbusera M, Zoja C, Donadelli R, Paris S, Morigi M, Benigni A, Figliuzzi M, Remuzzi G, Remuzzi A. Fluid shear stress modulates von Willebrand factor release from human vascular endothelium. Blood 1997; 90:1558-64. [PMID: 9269774] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluid shear stress generated by blood flow on arterial wall may play a role in the process of atherosclerosis, not only affecting the mass transport phenomena that take place in blood, but also by modulation of synthesis and secretion of humoral factors released by vascular endothelium that mediate platelet-vessel wall interactions. The present study was designed to investigate whether shear stress, induced by laminar flow, modulates von Willebrand factor (vWF) release from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and whether this physical stimulation can affect vWF synthesis. Monolayers of HUVEC were exposed to laminar flow of varying magnitude (from 2 to 12 dynes/cm2) using a cone-and-plate device. The release of vWF in cell supernatant and in extracellular matrix by cells exposed to flow or maintained in static conditions was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HUVEC exposed to laminar flow released higher amounts of vWF into the cell supernatant within few hours of exposure and vWF secretion was dependent on shear stress magnitude. vWF released in extracellular matrix was also higher in cell monolayers exposed to shear than in static controls. vWF mRNA expression in HUVEC was not affected by exposure of cells to laminar flow, indicating that shear-induced vWF release reflected enhanced secretion without de novo protein synthesis. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the release of vWF is due to exocytosis from Weibel-Palade bodies, the storage organelles of vWF. These data indicate a novel mechanism by which local hemodynamic shear forces modulate endothelial cell function and may play a role in development of arterial thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Remuzzi G, Galbusera M, Salvadori M, Rizzoni G, Paris S, Ruggenenti P. Bilateral nephrectomy stopped disease progression in plasma-resistant hemolytic uremic syndrome with neurological signs and coma. Kidney Int 1996; 49:282-6. [PMID: 8770981 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1996.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Four women were admitted over three years because of anemia and renal failure. They had evidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with severe vascular involvement and glomerular collapse. Despite intensive plasma exchange, all patients developed neurologic signs (with seizures and coma in 2) and papilledema. Three developed refractory hypertension and three required dialysis. All patients had abnormal von Willebrand factor (vWF) fragmentation as reflected by decreased high molecular weight and increased low molecular weight vWF multimers in the circulation. Assuming that the disease was sustained by shear stress-induced abnormal vWF fragmentation in damaged renal microvasculature, bilateral nephrectomy was done. Surgery was followed within two weeks by complete hematologic and clinical remission consistently associated with the restoring of vWF fragmentation pathway to normal. We speculate that in HUS resistant to plasma exchange or infusion, removing the kidneys eliminates a major site of vWF fragmentation, which would limit platelet activation and protect patients from the further spreading of microvascular lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Remuzzi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Abstract
In thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), activated leucocytes release elastase which mobilises unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers from the endothelium. We investigated the effect of an inhibitor of leucocyte elastase (alpha 1-antitrypsin) on circulating vWF and platelet count in a patient with chronic relapsing TTP. alpha 1-antitrypsin consistently normalised vWF multimeric composition but failed to increase platelet count and induce remission. Plasma cryosupernatant, which never normalised vWF, always induced laboratory and clinical remission within 96 hours. In chronic relapsing TTP, unusually large vWF multimers are not the main cause of intravascular platelet aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galbusera
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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