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McCabe C, Wort SJ. Inhaled soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: struggling to breathe easy. Eur Respir J 2024; 64:2401658. [PMID: 39542512 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01658-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
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Issitt T, Toe QK, Pedersen SL, Shackshaft T, Ghazaly MM, West L, Arnold ND, Mahomed A, Kagugube GW, Ramakrishnan L, Lawrie A, Quinlan GJ, Wort SJ. The hepcidin-ferroportin axis influences mitochondrial function, proliferation, and migration in pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Pulm Circ 2024; 14:e70006. [PMID: 39697901 PMCID: PMC11653027 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.70006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated circulating hepcidin levels have been reported in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Hepcidin has been shown to promote proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in vitro, suggesting a potential role in PAH pathogenesis. However, the role of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) as either a source of hepcidin, or the effect of hepcidin on PAEC function is not as well described. The objective of this study was to define the role of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis on the phenotype of PAEC and to study potential PAEC-PASMC interactions relevant to the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH. PAECs treated with hepcidin, or interleukin-6 were investigated for both ferroportin and hepcidin release and regulation using immunofluorescence, mRNA levels and cellular release assays. Effects of hepcidin on PASMC and PAEC mitochondrial function was investigated using immunofluorescence and seahorse assay. Migration and proliferation of PASMCs treated with conditioned media from hPAEC treated with hepcidin was investigated using the xCELLigence system and other tools. We demonstrate in this study that PAECs express ferroportin; hepcidin treatment of PAECs resulted in mitochondrial iron accumulation and intracellular hepcidin biosynthesis and release. Conditioned media from hepcidin treated PAECs caused PASMCs to down-regulate ferroportin expression whilst promoting migration and proliferation. Inhibition of hepcidin in PAEC conditioned media limited these responses. PASMC cellular and mitochondrial iron retention are associated with migratory and proliferative responses. This study confirms that the hepcidin ferroportin axis is present and operational in PAECs. Modulation of this axis shows distinct differences in responses seen between PAECS and PASMCs. Stimulation of this axis in PAECs with hepcidin may well institute proliferative and migratory responses in PASMCs of relevance to pathogenesis of PAH offering potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Arvanitaki A, Diller GP, Gatzoulis MA, McCabe C, Price LC, Wort SJ. Noninvasive diagnostic modalities and prediction models for detecting pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease: a narrative review. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:240092. [PMID: 39384306 PMCID: PMC11462299 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0092-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly prevalent in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Widely available noninvasive screening tools are warranted to identify patients at risk for PH, especially severe PH, that could be managed at expert centres. This review summarises current evidence on noninvasive diagnostic modalities and prediction models for the timely detection of PH in patients with ILD. It critically evaluates these approaches and discusses future perspectives in the field. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus, identifying 39 articles that fulfilled inclusion criteria. There is currently no single noninvasive test capable of accurately detecting and diagnosing PH in ILD patients. Estimated right ventricular pressure (RVSP) on Doppler echocardiography remains the single most predictive factor of PH, with other indirect echocardiographic markers increasing its diagnostic accuracy. However, RVSP can be difficult to estimate in patients due to suboptimal views from extensive lung disease. The majority of existing composite scores, including variables obtained from chest computed tomography, pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, were derived from retrospective studies, whilst lacking validation in external cohorts. Only two available scores, one based on a stepwise echocardiographic approach and the other on functional parameters, predicted the presence of PH with sufficient accuracy and used a validation cohort. Although several methodological limitations prohibit their generalisability, their use may help physicians to detect PH earlier. Further research on the potential of artificial intelligence may guide a more tailored approach, for timely PH diagnosis.
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Gialamas I, Arvanitaki A, Rosenkranz S, Wort SJ, Rådegran G, Badagliacca R, Giannakoulas G. The impact of cardiovascular and lung comorbidities in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:1383-1394. [PMID: 38744353 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contemporary patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are older and exhibit cardiovascular or/and lung comorbidities. Such patients have typically been excluded from major PAH drug trials. This systematic review compares baseline characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and mortality rate between PAH patients with significant number of comorbidities compared to those with fewer or no comorbidities. ΜETHODS: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was conducted searching for studies comparing PAH patients with more than 2 cardiovascular comorbidities or/and at least a lung comorbidity against those with fewer comorbidities. RESULTS Seven observational studies were included. PAH patients with comorbidities were older, with an almost equal female-to-male ratio, shorter 6-minute walk distance, higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, and lower lung diffusion for carbon monoxide. In terms of hemodynamics, they had higher mean right atrial pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure, lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Pooled analysis of 6 studies demonstrated a higher mortality risk for PAH patients with comorbidities compared to those without (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.89, p < 0.001, I²=92%), with the subgroup of PAH patients with lung comorbidities having an even higher mortality risk (test for subgroup differences: p < 0.001). Combination drug therapy for PAH was less frequently used in patients with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular and lung comorbidities impact the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PAH patients, highlighting the need for optimal phenotyping and tailored management for this high-risk population.
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Price LC, Kouranos V, Baughman RP, Bloom CI, Stewart I, Shlobin OA, Nathan SD, Dimopoulos K, Falconer J, Gupta R, McCabe C, Samaranayake CB, Mason T, Mukherjee B, Taube C, Sahni A, Kempny A, Semple T, Renzoni E, Wells AU, Wort SJ. Use of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in patient swith sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension. SARCOIDOSIS, VASCULITIS, AND DIFFUSE LUNG DISEASES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF WASOG 2024; 41:e2024024. [PMID: 38567554 PMCID: PMC11008324 DOI: 10.36141/svdld.v41i1.15515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
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Mumby S, Perros F, Grynblat J, Manaud G, Papi A, Casolari P, Caramori G, Humbert M, John Wort S, Adcock IM. Differential responses of pulmonary vascular cells from PAH patients and controls to TNFα and the effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1. Respir Res 2023; 24:193. [PMID: 37516840 PMCID: PMC10386603 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02499-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) encompasses a group of diseases characterized by raised pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting from vascular remodelling and inflammation. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are required for the expression of a subset of NF-κB-induced inflammatory genes which can be inhibited by the BET mimic JQ1+. We hypothesised that JQ+ would supress TNFα-driven inflammatory responses in human pulmonary vascular cells from PAH patients. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining of human peripheral lung tissue (N = 14 PAH and N = 12 non-PAH) was performed for the BET proteins BRD2 and 4. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) from PAH patients (N = 4) and non-PAH controls (N = 4) were stimulated with TNFα in presence or absence of JQ1+ or its inactive isomer JQ1-. IL-6 and -8 mRNA was measured by RT-qPCR and protein levels by ELISA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was performed using EZ-ChIP™ and NF-κB p65 activation determined using a TransAm kit. MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. RESULTS Nuclear staining of BRD2 and BRD4 was significantly (p < 0.0001) increased in the lung vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells from PAH patients compared to controls with normal lung function. TNFα-driven IL-6 release from both HPMECs and HPASMCs was greater in PAH cells than control cells. Levels of CXCL8/IL-8 protein release was higher in PAH HPASMCs than in control cells with similar release observed in HPMECs. TNFα-induced recruitment of activated NF-κB p65 to the IL-6 and CXCL8/IL-8 promoters were similar in both cell types and between subject groups. JQ1+ suppressed TNFα-induced IL-6 and CXCL8/IL-8 release and mRNA expression to a comparable extent in control and PAH HPMECs and HPASMCs. JQ1 had a greater efficacy on IL-6 release in HPMEC and on CXCL8/IL-8 release in HPASMC. CONCLUSION BET inhibition decreases TNFα driven inflammation in primary pulmonary vascular cells. The anti-inflammatory actions of JQ1 suggests distinct cell-specific regulatory control of these genes. BET proteins could be a target for future therapies for PAH.
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Samaranayake CB, Warren C, Rhamie S, Haji G, Wort SJ, Price LC, McCabe C, Hull JH. Chaotic breathing in post COVID-19 breathlessness: a key feature of dysfunctional breathing can be characterized objectively by approximate entropy. ERJ Open Res 2023:00117-2023. [PMID: 37362883 PMCID: PMC10276923 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00117-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exertional breathlessness is highly prevalent in individuals with the post-COVID syndrome, reporting delayed recovery following SARS CoV-2 infection [1]. The pathophysiology underlying breathlessness in this setting remains unclear, however the use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has provided valuable insight, highlighting abnormalities in peripheral oxygen extraction, energy utilisation and autonomic dysfunction [2-5]. In addition, several studies have highlighted the presence of dysfunctional breathing and breathing pattern disorders (BPD) in this context [6, 7]. There remains however a lack of validated physiological metrics to characterise breathing pattern, in this context.
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Constantine A, Condliffe R, Clift P, Jansen K, Wort SJ, Moledina S, Dimopoulos K. Macitentan for pulmonary arterial hypertension related to repaired congenital heart disease: real-world UK experience. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) following congenital heart disease (CHD) repair are an emerging population at increased risk of complications. Small numbers of such patients have been included in studies evaluating the efficacy of macitentan, but since obtaining a license for use in this population, limited real-world data have been published.
Purpose
To describe the safety and efficacy of macitentan therapy in a population of adults with repaired PAH-CHD.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with repaired PAH-CHD newly started on macitentan in 2 UK specialist centres between 2014 and 2020. Clinical variables, including WHO functional class (FC), 6-minute walk (6MW) or incremental shuttle walk (ISW) distance, and EMPHASIS-10 score were recorded prior to and after initiation of macitentan therapy.
Results
Overall, 49 patients were included, 63.3% female, median age 40.8 [26.7–53.7] years at initiation of macitentan therapy. Macitentan was started as part of the initial PAH therapeutic regimen in 18 (36.7%) and was an add-on to existing therapy in 31 (63.3%) patients, of whom over a third (35.5%) were switched from another endothelin receptor antagonist. At the time of therapy initiation, most patients (68.4%) were in WHO functional class (FC) III, while 26.3% were in FC II and 5.3% in FC I. Baseline 6-minute walk distance (n=31, 72.1%) was 355.0 [263.5–461.2] m and incremental shuttle walk distance (n=12, 27.9%) was 220.0 [175.0–302.5] m. EMPHASIS-10 score (n=39) was 24 [10–36]. After 12.7 [9.8–16.1] months of macitentan therapy, objective exercise capacity improved by 11.8 [−4.3–36.9]% (p=0.01). Health-related quality of life improved by at least 5 points in 41.9% of patients, but there was no significant change in quality of life score in the overall group (0.0 [−20.3–18.1]% change, p=0.78). Macitentan therapy was stopped in 4 (8.2%) patients due to an adverse event or patient choice, and 5 (10.2%) due to clinical worsening or absence of clinical improvement. At 1 year following macitentan initiation, 6 (12.2%) patients had been further escalated to triple therapy and 5 (10.2%) had died.
Conclusions
Patients with repaired PAH-CHD treated with macitentan in the UK are a highly symptomatic group with limited exercise tolerance. Macitentan was well-tolerated overall and led to a significant improvement in objective exercise capacity.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.
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Jones RJ, De Bie EMDD, Groves E, Zalewska KI, Swietlik EM, Treacy CM, Martin JM, Polwarth G, Li W, Guo J, Baxendale HE, Coleman S, Savinykh N, Coghlan JG, Corris PA, Howard LS, Johnson MK, Church C, Kiely DG, Lawrie A, Lordan JL, Mackenzie Ross RV, Pepke Zaba J, Wilkins MR, Wort SJ, Fiorillo E, Orrù V, Cucca F, Rhodes CJ, Gräf S, Morrell NW, McKinney EF, Wallace C, Toshner M. Autoimmunity Is a Significant Feature of Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 206:81-93. [PMID: 35316153 PMCID: PMC7613913 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202108-1919oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Autoimmunity is believed to play a role in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). It is not clear whether this is causative or a bystander of disease and if it carries any prognostic or treatment significance. Objectives: To study autoimmunity in IPAH using a large cross-sectional cohort. Methods: Assessment of the circulating immune cell phenotype was undertaken using flow cytometry, and the profile of serum immunoglobulins was generated using a standardized multiplex array of 19 clinically validated autoantibodies in 473 cases and 946 control subjects. Additional glutathione S-transferase fusion array and ELISA data were used to identify a serum autoantibody to BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2). Clustering analyses and clinical correlations were used to determine associations between immunogenicity and clinical outcomes. Measurements and Main Results: Flow cytometric immune profiling demonstrates that IPAH is associated with an altered humoral immune response in addition to raised IgG3. Multiplexed autoantibodies were significantly raised in IPAH, and clustering demonstrated three distinct clusters: "high autoantibody," "low autoantibody," and a small "intermediate" cluster exhibiting high concentrations of ribonucleic protein complex. The high-autoantibody cluster had worse hemodynamics but improved survival. A small subset of patients demonstrated immunoglobulin reactivity to BMPR2. Conclusions: This study establishes aberrant immune regulation and presence of autoantibodies as key features in the profile of a significant proportion of patients with IPAH and is associated with clinical outcomes.
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Schwiening M, Swietlik EM, Pandya D, Burling K, Barker P, Feng OY, Treacy CM, Abreu S, Wort SJ, Pepke-Zaba J, Graf S, Marciniak SJ, Morrell NW, Soon E. Different Cytokine Patterns in BMPR2-Mutation-Positive Patients and Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Without Mutations and Their Influence on Survival. Chest 2022; 161:1651-1656. [PMID: 35063447 PMCID: PMC9248075 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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McFadyen C, Garfield B, Mancio J, Ridge CA, Semple T, Keeling A, Ledot S, Patel B, Samaranayake CB, McCabe C, Wort SJ, Price S, Price LC. Use of sildenafil in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis. Br J Anaesth 2022; 129:e18-e21. [PMID: 35568507 PMCID: PMC9010282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Mahomed AS, Burke-Gaffney A, Toe Q, Naser J, Quinlan GJ, Wort SJ. Effects of varying shear stress profiles on the regulation of pulmonary artery endothelial cell gene expression: a focus on selected mediators of vascular tone, inflammation and angiogenesis. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex pathology characterized by obliterative vascular remodeling that leads to right heart failure and death. Predisposition to PAH is associated with mutations in the BMPR2 gene in approximately 70–80% of familial cases and around 30% for that of sporadic PAH. The study of the pathogenetic basis of PAH is often performed in static endothelial cultures. Such two-dimensional, isolated cell microenvironments fail to consider the heterogeneity in mechanical stress acting on endothelial cells in various regions of the pulmonary vascular tree. In the remodeled pulmonary vasculature, low and oscillatory shear stress is observed in the proximal pulmonary artery with high shear stress in distal pre-capillary pulmonary arterioles. Therefore, the impact of varied shear profiles (including both laminar and oscillatory flow) on pulmonary artery endothelial cell (and that of BMPR2-deplete) gene expression of common vasoactive (EDN1, ENOS), proinflammatory (IL6, IL8) and angiogenic mediators (ANG2, VEGFA), are poorly described.
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of shear stress magnitude, including unidirectional and oscillatory flow on BMPR2-knockdown human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) gene expression of EDN1, ENOS, IL6, IL8, ANG2 and VEGFA.
Methods
HPAECs were transfected with siRNA directed against BMPR2 (siB2) or with a non-targeting control (siCon). Cells were exposed to 10 hours of laminar or oscillatory flow (1Hz; 1.5 dyn/cm2, 15 dyn/cm2 or 90 dyn/cm2) using a parallel-plate fluid flow chamber system. Measurement of mRNA expression was performed using qPCR.
Results
Shear stress intensity and flow type (unidirectional and oscillatory) mediated diverse effects on HPAEC gene expression across the markers studied. Changes in gene expression were calculated relative to that of static siCon-transfected HPAECs and in such a manner are summarized as fold changes in the table below. Asterisks are shown where significant fold differences are reported. *P≤0.05, **P≤0.01, ***P≤0.001, ****P≤0.0001. aP≤0.05, bP≤0.05, cP≤0.05, denote comparisons between groups. Of note, no significant differences in gene expression were observed between static siCon and static siB2.
Conclusions
For the markers studied, different magnitudes of shear stress and flow profiles (together with BMPR2 loss) exhibit varied patterns of gene expression in the pulmonary vascular endothelium. As such, this illustrates the need for wider study of in vitro endothelial-shear stress interactions in understanding mechanisms of remodeling in PAH.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
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Toshner M, Church C, Harbaum L, Rhodes C, Villar Moreschi SS, Liley J, Jones R, Arora A, Batai K, Desai AA, Coghlan JG, Gibbs JSR, Gor D, Gräf S, Harlow L, Hernandez-Sanchez J, Howard LS, Humbert M, Karnes J, Kiely DG, Kittles R, Knightbridge E, Lam B, Lutz KA, Nichols WC, Pauciulo MW, Pepke-Zaba J, Suntharalingam J, Soubrier F, Trembath RC, Schwantes-An THL, Wort SJ, Wilkins M, Gaine S, Morrell NW, Corris PA. Mendelian randomisation and experimental medicine approaches to IL-6 as a drug target in PAH. Eur Respir J 2021; 59:13993003.02463-2020. [PMID: 34588193 PMCID: PMC8907935 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02463-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Inflammation and dysregulated immunity are important in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Compelling preclinical data supports the therapeutic blockade of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signalling. Methods We conducted a phase 2 open-label study of intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg·kg−1) over 6 months in patients with group 1 PAH. Co-primary end-points were safety, defined by incidence and severity of adverse events, and change in pulmonary vascular resistance. Separately, a mendelian randomisation study was undertaken on 11 744 individuals with European ancestry including 2085 patients with idiopathic/heritable disease for the IL-6 receptor (IL6R) variant (rs7529229), known to associate with circulating IL-6R levels. Results We recruited 29 patients (male/female 10/19; mean±sd age 54.9±11.4 years). Of these, 19 had heritable/idiopathic PAH and 10 had connective tissue disease-associated PAH. Six were withdrawn prior to drug administration; 23 patients received at least one dose of tocilizumab. Tocilizumab was discontinued in four patients owing to serious adverse events. There were no deaths. Despite evidence of target engagement in plasma IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels, both intention-to-treat and modified intention-to-treat analyses demonstrated no change in pulmonary vascular resistance. Inflammatory markers did not predict treatment response. Mendelian randomisation did not support an effect of the lead IL6R variant on risk of PAH (OR 0.99, p=0.88). Conclusion Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of tocilizumab. Tocilizumab did not show any consistent treatment effect. Tocilizumab did not block IL-6 signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Multicentre mendelian randomisation studies additionally did not demonstrate evidence for IL-6R in pulmonary arterial hypertension.https://bit.ly/3xkDxS5
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Jansen K, Constantine A, Condliffe R, Tulloh R, Clift P, Moledina S, Wort SJ, Dimopoulos K. Pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease: markers of disease severity, management of advanced heart failure and transplantation. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2021; 19:837-855. [PMID: 34511015 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2021.1977124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is a progressive, life-limiting disease. AREAS COVERED In this paper, we review the classification and pathophysiology of PAH-CHD, including the mechanisms of disease progression and multisystem effects of disease. We evaluate current strategies of risk stratification and the use of biological markers of disease severity, and review principles of management of PAH-CHD. The indications, timing, and the content of advanced heart failure assessment and transplant listing are discussed, along with a review of the types of transplant and other forms of available circulatory support in this group of patients. Finally, the integral role of advance care planning and palliative care is discussed. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY All patients with PAH-CHD should be followed up in expert centers, where they can receive appropriate risk assessment, PAH therapy, and supportive care. Referral for transplant assessment should be considered if there continue to be clinical high-risk features, persistent symptoms, or acute heart failure decompensation despite appropriate PAH specific therapy. Expert management of PAH-CHD patients, therefore, requires vigilance for these features, along with a close relationship with local advanced heart failure services and a working knowledge of listing criteria, which may disadvantage congenital heart disease patients.
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Mumby S, Perros F, Hui C, Xu BL, Xu W, Elyasigomari V, Hautefort A, Manaud G, Humbert M, Chung KF, Wort SJ, Adcock IM. Extracellular matrix degradation pathways and fatty acid metabolism regulate distinct pulmonary vascular cell types in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulm Circ 2021; 11:2045894021996190. [PMID: 34408849 PMCID: PMC8366141 DOI: 10.1177/2045894021996190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension describes a group of diseases characterised by raised pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting from vascular remodelling in the pre-capillary resistance arterioles. Left untreated, patients die from right heart failure. Pulmonary vascular remodelling involves all cell types but to date the precise roles of the different cells is unknown. This study investigated differences in basal gene expression between pulmonary arterial hypertension and controls using both human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from pulmonary arterial hypertension patients and controls were cultured to confluence, harvested and RNA extracted. Whole genome sequencing was performed and after transcript quantification and normalisation, we examined differentially expressed genes and applied gene set enrichment analysis to the differentially expressed genes to identify putative activated pathways. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells displayed 1008 significant (p ≤ 0.0001) differentially expressed genes in pulmonary arterial hypertension samples compared to controls. In human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, there were 229 significant (p ≤ 0.0001) differentially expressed genes between pulmonary arterial hypertension and controls. Pathway analysis revealed distinctive differences: human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells display down-regulation of extracellular matrix organisation, collagen formation and biosynthesis, focal- and cell-adhesion molecules suggesting severe endothelial barrier dysfunction and vascular permeability in pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis. In contrast, pathways in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were mainly up-regulated, including those for fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, cell–cell and adherens junction interactions suggesting a more energy-driven proliferative phenotype. This suggests that the two cell types play different mechanistic roles in pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis and further studies are required to fully elucidate the role each plays and the interactions between these cell types in vascular remodelling in disease progression.
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Church C, Gin-Sing W, Grady D, Johnson M, Kiely DG, Lordan J, Turner N, Wort SJ, Condliffe R. Establishing expert consensus for the optimal approach to holistic risk-management in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a Delphi process and narrative review. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:1493-1503. [PMID: 34018901 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1931129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Various medical therapies, together with non-medical therapies such as exercise training, have been shown to improve outcomes for patients. We performed a Delphi consensus process to establish optimal approaches to optimizing patient care.Methods: A steering group of PAH experts formulated 38 statements grouped into 6 themes: burden of PAH, risk-stratification, the role of clinical phenotyping in the management of PAH, assessing clinical response to treatment, maximizing the medical treatment pathway and the role of other management options. An online survey was sent to PAH health-care professionals throughout the UK to assess consensus with these statements. Consensus was defined as high if ≥70% and very high if ≥90% of the respondents agreed with a statement. A narrative review for each theme was then performedResults: Consensus was very high in 27 (71%) statements, high in 7 (18%) statements and was not achieved in 4 (11%) statements.Conclusions: Based on the consensus scores, the steering group derived 13 recommendations which, if implemented, should result in improved holistic care of patients with PAH.
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Bergbaum C, Samaranayake CB, Pitcher A, Weingart E, Semple T, Kokosi M, Wells AU, Montani D, Dimopoulos K, McCabe C, Kempny A, Harries C, Orchard E, Wort SJ, Price LC. A case series on the use of steroids and mycophenolate mofetil in idiopathic and heritable pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: is there a role for immunosuppression? Eur Respir J 2021; 57:13993003.04354-2020. [PMID: 33863739 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04354-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Piccari L, Bernardo RJ, Rodríguez-Chiaradía D, Vitulo P, Wort SJ, Sahay S. Pulmonary vasodilator treatment in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart or lung disease: time for a high-definition picture? Pulm Circ 2021; 11:20458940211018074. [PMID: 34104424 PMCID: PMC8165840 DOI: 10.1177/20458940211018074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Lewis RA, Armstrong I, Bergbaum C, Brewis MJ, Cannon J, Charalampopoulos A, Church AC, Coghlan JG, Davies RJ, Dimopoulos K, Elliot C, Gibbs JSR, Gin-Sing W, Haji G, Hameed AG, Howard LS, Johnson MK, Kempny A, Kiely DG, Lo Giudice F, McCabe C, Peacock AJ, Peleyeju O, Pepke-Zaba J, Polwarth G, Price L, Sabroe I, Schreiber BE, Sheares K, Taboada D, Thompson AAR, Toshner MR, Wanjiku I, Wort SJ, Yorke J, Condliffe R. EmPHasis-10 health-related quality of life score predicts outcomes in patients with idiopathic and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: results from a UK multicentre study. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:13993003.00124-2020. [PMID: 32631835 PMCID: PMC7905834 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00124-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores assess symptom burden in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but data regarding their role in prognostication and risk stratification are limited. We assessed these relationships using the emPHasis-10 HRQoL measure.1745 patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH), drug-induced PAH (DPAH), heritable PAH (HPAH) (collectively "(I/D/H)PAH"), or connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH), who had completed emPHasis-10 questionnaires at one of six UK referral centres between 2014 and 2017, were identified. Correlations with exercise capacity and World Health Organization (WHO) functional class were assessed, and exploratory risk stratification thresholds were tested.Moderate correlations were seen between emPHasis-10 scores and 6-min walk distance (r=-0.546), incremental shuttle walk distance (r=-0.504) and WHO functional class (r=0.497) (all p<0.0001). Distribution of emPHasis-10 score differed significantly between each WHO functional class (all p<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, emPHasis-10 score, but not WHO functional class, was an independent predictor of mortality. In a risk stratification approach, scores of 0-16, 17-33 and 34-50 identified incident patients with 1-year mortality of 5%, 10% and 23%, respectively. Survival of patients in WHO functional class III could be further stratified using an emPHasis-10 score ≥34 (p<0.01). At follow-up, patients with improved emPHasis-10 scores had improved exercise capacity (p<0.0001) and patients who transitioned between risk groups demonstrated similar survival to patients originally in those risk groups.The emPHasis-10 score is an independent prognostic marker in patients with (I/D/H)PAH or CTD-PAH. It has utility in risk stratification in addition to currently used parameters. Improvement in emPHasis-10 score is associated with improved exercise capacity.
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Garfield B, McFadyen C, Briar C, Bleakley C, Vlachou A, Baldwin M, Lees N, Price S, Ledot S, McCabe C, Wort SJ, Patel BV, Price LC. Potential for personalised application of inhaled nitric oxide in COVID-19 pneumonia. Br J Anaesth 2021; 126:e72-e75. [PMID: 33288208 PMCID: PMC7666572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Sathianandan S, Rawal B, Price L, Mccabe C, Tibiletti M, Naish J, Parker GJM, Semple T, Padley S, Wort SJ. Dynamic oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-based quantification of pulmonary hypertension. IMAGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Patel BV, Arachchillage DJ, Ridge CA, Bianchi P, Doyle JF, Garfield B, Ledot S, Morgan C, Passariello M, Price S, Singh S, Thakuria L, Trenfield S, Trimlett R, Weaver C, Wort SJ, Xu T, Padley SPG, Devaraj A. Pulmonary Angiopathy in Severe COVID-19: Physiologic, Imaging, and Hematologic Observations. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:690-699. [PMID: 32667207 PMCID: PMC7462405 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202004-1412oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Clinical and epidemiologic data in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have accrued rapidly since the outbreak, but few address the underlying pathophysiology.Objectives: To ascertain the physiologic, hematologic, and imaging basis of lung injury in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods: Clinical, physiologic, and laboratory data were collated. Radiologic (computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography [n = 39] and dual-energy CT [DECT, n = 20]) studies were evaluated: observers quantified CT patterns (including the extent of abnormal lung and the presence and extent of dilated peripheral vessels) and perfusion defects on DECT. Coagulation status was assessed using thromboelastography.Measurements and Results: In 39 consecutive patients (male:female, 32:7; mean age, 53 ± 10 yr [range, 29-79 yr]; Black and minority ethnic, n = 25 [64%]), there was a significant vascular perfusion abnormality and increased physiologic dead space (dynamic compliance, 33.7 ± 14.7 ml/cm H2O; Murray lung injury score, 3.14 ± 0.53; mean ventilatory ratios, 2.6 ± 0.8) with evidence of hypercoagulability and fibrinolytic "shutdown". The mean CT extent (±SD) of normally aerated lung, ground-glass opacification, and dense parenchymal opacification were 23.5 ± 16.7%, 36.3 ± 24.7%, and 42.7 ± 27.1%, respectively. Dilated peripheral vessels were present in 21/33 (63.6%) patients with at least two assessable lobes (including 10/21 [47.6%] with no evidence of acute pulmonary emboli). Perfusion defects on DECT (assessable in 18/20 [90%]) were present in all patients (wedge-shaped, n = 3; mottled, n = 9; mixed pattern, n = 6).Conclusions: Physiologic, hematologic, and imaging data show not only the presence of a hypercoagulable phenotype in severe COVID-19 pneumonia but also markedly impaired pulmonary perfusion likely caused by pulmonary angiopathy and thrombosis.
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McCabe C, Dimopoulos K, Pitcher A, Orchard E, Price LC, Kempny A, Wort SJ. Chronic thromboembolic disease following pulmonary embolism: time for a fresh look at old clot. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:55/4/1901934. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01934-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Peacock AJ, Ling Y, Johnson MK, Kiely DG, Condliffe R, Elliot CA, Gibbs JSR, Howard LS, Pepke-Zaba J, Sheares KKK, Corris PA, Fisher AJ, Lordan JL, Gaine S, Coghlan JG, Wort SJ, Gatzoulis MA. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and co-existing lung disease: is this a new phenotype? Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020914851. [PMID: 32284847 PMCID: PMC7132795 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020914851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients classified as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (defined as Group 1 on European Respiratory Society (ERS)/European Cardiac Society (ESC) criteria) may have evidence of minor co-existing lung disease on thoracic computed tomography. We hypothesised that these idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients (IPAH lung disease) are a separate subgroup of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with different phenotype and outcome compared with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients without co-existing lung disease (IPAH no lung disease). Patients with ‘IPAH lung disease’ have been eligible for all clinical trials of Group 1 patients because they have normal clinical examination and normal spirometry but we wondered whether they responded to treatment and had similar survival to patients with ‘IPAH no lung disease’. We described the outcome of the cohort of patients with ‘IPAH no lung disease’ in a previous paper. Here, we have compared incident ‘IPAH lung disease’ patients with ‘IPAH no lung disease’ patients diagnosed concurrently in all eight Pulmonary Hypertension centres in the UK and Ireland between 2001–2009. Compared with ‘IPAH no lung disease’ (n = 355), ‘IPAH lung disease’ patients (n = 137) were older, less obese, predominantly male, more likely to be current/ex-smokers and had lower six-minute walk distance, lower % predicted diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure and lower pulmonary vascular resistance index. After three months of pulmonary hypertension-targeted treatment, six-minute walk distance improved equally in ‘IPAH lung disease’ and ‘IPAH no lung disease’. However, survival of ‘IPAH lung disease’ was lower than ‘IPAH no lung disease’ (one year survival: 72% compared with 93%). This survival was significantly worse in ‘IPAH lung disease’ even after adjusting for age, gender, smoking history, comorbidities and haemodynamics. ‘IPAH lung disease’ patients had similar short-term improvement in six-minute walk distance with anti-pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy but worse survival compared with ‘IPAH no lung disease’ patients. This suggests that ‘IPAH lung disease’ are a separate phenotype and should not be lumped with ‘IPAH no lung disease’ in clinical trials of Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Bax S, Jacob J, Ahmed R, Bredy C, Dimopoulos K, Kempny A, Kokosi M, Kier G, Renzoni E, Molyneaux PL, Chua F, Kouranos V, George P, McCabe C, Wilde M, Devaraj A, Wells A, Wort SJ, Price LC. Right Ventricular to Left Ventricular Ratio at CT Pulmonary Angiogram Predicts Mortality in Interstitial Lung Disease. Chest 2020; 157:89-98. [PMID: 31351047 PMCID: PMC7615159 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) may develop pulmonary hypertension (PH), often disproportionate to the severity of the ILD. The right ventricular to left ventricular diameter (RV:LV) ratio measured at CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) has been shown to provide valuable information in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and to predict death or deterioration in acute pulmonary embolism. METHODS Demographic characteristics, ILD subtype, echocardiography, and detailed CTPA measurements were collected in consecutive patients undergoing both CTPA and right heart catheterization at the Royal Brompton Hospital between 2005 and 2015. Fibrosis severity was formally scored according to CT criteria. The RV:LV ratio at CTPA was evaluated by using three different methods. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the relation of CTPA-derived parameters to predict death or lung transplantation. RESULTS A total of 92 patients were included (64% male; mean age 65 ± 11 years) with an FVC 57 ± 20% predicted, corrected transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide 22 ± 8% predicted, and corrected transfer coefficient of the lung for carbon monoxide 51 ± 17% predicted. PH was confirmed at right heart catheterization in 78%. Of all the CTPA-derived measures, an RV:LV ratio ≥ 1.0 strongly predicted mortality or transplantation at univariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.49-7.13; P = .003), whereas invasive hemodynamic data did not. The RV:LV ratio remained an independent predictor at multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.44-7.10; P = .004), adjusting for an ILD diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and CT imaging-derived ILD severity. CONCLUSIONS An increased RV:LV ratio measured at CTPA provides a simple, noninvasive method of risk stratification in patients with suspected ILD-PH. This should prompt closer follow-up, more aggressive treatment, and consideration of lung transplantation.
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