APDS patients with immune-complex vasculitis and resolution with leniolisib

Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS) is an inborn error of immunity with heterogeneous clinical manifestations of infections, immune dysregulation, autoimmunity; lymphoproliferation; and malignancy. Immune complex-mediated vasculitides have not yet been described in APDS patients. Here we offer a case series of three patients with APDS who have refractory IgA vasculitis (also called Henoch-Schönlein purpura), a form of immune complex-mediated vasculitis that activates complement and attracts neutrophils, macrophages and eosinophils to cause local tissue injury. Leniolisib is an inhibitor of PI3K p110δ and an FDA-approved treatment for APDS. IgA vasculitis resolved upon treatment with leniolisib. Patients with immune dysregulation including IgA vasculitis should be screened for APDS.

The CXCL10-CXCR3 axis plays an important role in Kawasaki disease

The precise pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease remains unknown. In an attempt to elucidate the pathogenesis of KD through the analysis of acquired immunity, we comprehensively examined the immunophenotypic changes in immune cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes along with various cytokines, focusing on differences between pre- and post- treatment samples. We found high levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines that decreased with treatment, which coincided with a post-treatment expansion of Th1 cells expressing CXCR3. Our results show that the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of KD.

Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Adolescents: Insights From Pharmacovigilance Study of VigiBase

BACKGROUND

During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several COVID-19 vaccines were licensed with fast-track procedures. Although these vaccines have demonstrated high immunogenicity, there has been concerns on the serious adverse events (AEs) following COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents. We aimed to analyze comparative safety of COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents.

METHODS

In this pharmacovigilance study, we performed a disproportionality analysis using VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global individual case safety report (ICSR) database. To compare serious AEs reported following COVID-19 vaccines vs. all other vaccines in adolescents aged 12-17 years, ICSRs following any vaccines on adolescents aged 12-17 years were included, defining cases as reports with the AEs of interest, with all other AEs as non-cases. The AEs of interest were myocarditis/pericarditis, multisystem inflammatory syndrome/Kawasaki disease (MIS/KD), anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). We conducted a disproportionality analysis to estimate reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each AE of interest, adjusted for sex by using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 99,735 AE reports after vaccination in adolescents, 80,018 reports were from COVID-19 vaccinated adolescents (52.9% females; 56.3% America). The AEs of interest were predominantly reported as serious AE (76.1%) with mRNA vaccines (99.4%). Generally, higher reporting odds for the AEs were identified following COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents; myocarditis/pericarditis (2,829 reports for the COVID-19 vaccine vs. 35 for all other vaccines, adjusted ROR [aROR], 19.61; 95% CI, 14.05-27.39), and MIS/KD (104 vs. 6, aROR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.89-9.88). The reporting odds for anaphylaxis (515 vs. 165, aROR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72-1.02), GBS (94 vs. 40, aROR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.92) and ITP (52 vs. 12, aROR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.59-2.09) were not significantly higher following COVID-19 vaccination.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there were disproportionate reporting of immune-related AEs following COVID-19 vaccination. While awaiting definitive evidence, there is a need to closely monitor for any signs of immune-related AEs following COVID-19 vaccination among adolescents.

Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Edema by MR T2 Mapping in Children With Kawasaki Disease

BACKGROUND

Few studies assessed myocardial inflammation using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients.

PURPOSE

To quantify myocardial edema in KD patients using T2 mapping and explore the independent predictors of T2 values.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

SUBJECTS

Ninety KD patients including 40 in acute phase (26 males, 65.0%) and 50 in chronic phase (34 males, 68.0%). Thirty-one healthy volunteers (21 males, 70.0%).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T T2-weighted Turbo Spin Echo-Short Time of Inversion Recovery sequence, True fast imaging with steady precession flash sequence and fast low-angle shot 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence.

ASSESSMENT

T2 values were compared among KD groups and controls.

STATISTICAL TEST

Student's t test and Fisher's exact test; One-way analysis of variance; Pearson correlation analysis; Receiver operating curve analysis; Multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Global T2 value of KD patients in acute phase was the highest, followed by those of chronic-phase patients and controls (38.83 ± 2.41 msec vs. 37.55 ± 2.28 msec vs. 36.05 ± 1.64 msec). Regional T2 values showed a same trend. There were no significant differences in global and regional T2 values between KD patients with and without coronary artery (CA) dilation, no matter in acute or chronic phase (all KD patients: P = 0.51, 0.51, 0.53, 0.72; acute KD: P = 0.61, 0.37, 0.33, 0.83; chronic KD: P = 0.65, 0.79, 0.62, 0.79). No significant difference was observed in global T2 values between KD patients with Z score > 5.0 and 2.0 < Z score ≤ 5.0 (P = 0.65). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that stage of disease (β = -0.123) and heart rate (β = 0.280) were independently associated with global T2 values.

DATA CONCLUSION

The degree of myocardial edema was more severe in acute-phase than in chronic-phase KD patients. Myocardial edema persists in patients regardless of the existence or degree of CA dilation.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Safety of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children with chronic kidney disease: a national population study from South Korea

BACKGROUND

In South Korea, COVID-19 vaccination has been recommended to adolescents aged 12 - 17 since October, 2021. We aimed to assess the rate of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in South Korea, using national cohort data.

METHODS

We retrieved the clinical information of adolescents 12 - 17 years old from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID19-National Health Insurance Service (K-COV-N) database, to calculate incidence rates of purpura and other hemorrhagic conditions, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Kawasaki disease/multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), myocarditis and/or pericarditis, and anaphylaxis in adolescents with CKD, after BNT162b2 vaccination.

RESULTS

Among the 2306 adolescents with CKD, 62.7% (n = 1446) had received the BNT-162b2 vaccine. GBS, Kawasaki disease/MIS-C, and anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock did not occur during the observation period. Purpura and hemorrhagic conditions were more frequent in the unvaccinated group (7/860 vs. 1/1446), while myocarditis/pericarditis was observed only in the vaccinated group (0/860 vs. 1/1446). Adjusted odds ratio for any of the two adverse events was lower in vaccinated adolescents than in the unvaccinated group which did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.02, 1.16, P = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

In this national cohort study of adolescents with CKD in South Korea, we observed no evidence of increased risk of adverse events following BNT162b2 vaccination. Our finding offers insights into the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, empowering adolescent patients with CKD and their caregivers to make informed decisions.

Updated Case Definition of MIS-C and Implications for Clinical Care

OBJECTIVES

A broad, surveillance case definition was implemented when multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged in 2020. In 2023, a revised MIS-C case definition was constructed to improve specificity and reduce misclassification with other pediatric inflammatory conditions. This study aims to describe the impact of the updated definition on the classification of patients with MIS-C and Kawasaki Disease (KD).

METHODS

Patients hospitalized from March 2020 to November 2022 with clinician-diagnosed KD and MIS-C at a single center were studied retrospectively. Specificity and positive predictive value were assessed; McNemar test was used to compare specificity.

RESULTS

Among 119 patients with MIS-C per the 2020 definition, 20 (17%) did not fulfill the 2023 definition. Six of these 20 (30%) had shock or cardiac involvement. Of 59 KD patients, 10 (17%) met the 2020 MIS-C definition. Five patients (8%) met the 2023 MIS-C definition. Specificity for the 2020 and 2023 MIS-C definitions among KD patients were 83.1% and 91.5% respectively (McNemar, P = .0736). Positive predictive value was higher for the 2023 MIS-C case definition compared with the 2020 MIS-C case definition (95.2% vs 92.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with MIS-C using the 2020 case definition did not meet the 2023 definition, including patients with cardiovascular dysfunction. Overlap persisted between patients meeting KD and 2023 MIS-C case definitions, with a false positive rate of 8%. Implications for treatment should be considered, particularly in settings where presumed MIS-C may be treated with corticosteroid monotherapy.

Evaluation of 601 children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (Turk MISC study)

PURPOSE

Due to its link with the 2019 coronavirus, the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) has garnered considerable international interest. The aim of this study, in which MISC patients were evaluated multicenter, and the data of the third period of the Turk-MISC study group, to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of MISC patients who did and did not require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter observational study was carried out between June 11, 2021, and January 01, 2022. The demographics, complaints, laboratory results, system involvements, and outcomes of the patients were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 601 patients were enrolled; 157 patients (26.1%) required hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Median age was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.5-11.3 years. The proportion of Kawasaki disease-like features in the ICU group was significantly higher than in the non-ICU group (56.1% vs. 43.2% p = 0.006). The ICU group had considerably lower counts of both lymphocytes and platelets (lymphocyte count 900 vs. 1280 cells × μL, platelet count 153 vs. 212 cells × 103/ μL, all for p< 0.001). C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels were significantly higher in the ICU group (CRP 164 vs. 129 mg/L, procalcitonin 9.2 vs. 2.2 μg/L, ferritin 644 vs. 334 μg/L, all for p< 0.001). Being between ages 5-12 and older than 12 increased the likelihood of hospitalization in the ICU by four [95% confidence intervals (CI)1.971-8.627] and six times (95% CI 2.575-14.654), respectively, compared to being between the ages 0-5. A one-unit increase in log D-dimer (µg/L) and log troponin (ng/L) was also demonstrated to increase the need for intensive care by 1.8 (95% CI 1.079-3.233) and 1.4 times (95% CI 1.133-1.789), respectively.     Conclusion: By comparing this study to our other studies, we found that the median age of MISC patients has been rising. Patients requiring an ICU stay had considerably higher levels of procalcitonin, CRP, and ferritin but significantly lower levels of lymphocyte and thrombocyte. In particular, high levels of procalcitonin in the serum might serve as a valuable laboratory marker for anticipating the need for intensive care.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia were an independent predictor factors in patients with MISC who needed to stay in intensive care unit. • The possibility of the need to stay in the intensive care unit in patients with MISC who had Kawasaki disease-like findings was controversial compared with those who did not.

WHAT IS NEW

• A one-unit increase log D dimer and log troponin was demonstrated to require for intensive care unit by 1.8 and 1.4 times, respectively. • Serum procalcitonin levels had the best performance to predict stay in the intensive care unit stay.

Prediction nomogram for coronary artery aneurysms at one month in Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary status at one month after Kawasaki disease (KD) onset had a great significance. The present study aimed to establish a prediction model for coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) at one month in children with KD.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of KD between May 2017 and Dec 2018 were enrolled as the development cohort to build a prediction model. The model was validated by internal and external validation. Patients between Jan 2019 and Dec 2019 were enrolled as the validation cohort. The adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to select the possible predictors. Receiving operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the model. The performance of the Son score was also assessed.

RESULTS

LASSO regression demonstrated that age, sex, and CALs in the acute stage were predictors for CAA at one month. The area under the ROC (AUC) was 0.946 (95% confidence interval: 0.911-0.980) with a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 90.5%. The calibration curve and the DCA showed a favorable diagnostic performance. The internal and external validation proved the reliability of the prediction model. The AUC of our model and the Son score were 0.941 and 0.860, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our prediction model for CAA at one month after disease onset in KD had an excellent predictive utility.

Current knowledge of TNF-α monoclonal antibody infliximab in treating Kawasaki disease: a comprehensive review

Kawasaki disease (KD), an autoinflammatory disease primarily affecting young children, characterized by consisting of acute systemic vasculitis and coronary artery involvement in severe cases. Intravenous immunoglobulin gamma (IVIG) combined with aspirin therapy is the first-line regimen for the prevention of coronary aneurysms in the acute phase of KD. The etiology and pathogenesis of KD are unclear, but its incidence is increasing gradually, especially in the cases of IVIG-naïve KD and refractory KD. Conventional therapies for refractory KD have unsatisfactory results. At present, infliximab (IFX), a human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), has made great progress in the treatment of KD. This review revealed that IFX infusion (5 mg/kg) could effectively modulate fever, reduce inflammation, improve arthritis, diminish the number of plasma exchange, decrease hospitalizations, and prevent the progression of coronary artery lesions. The adverse effects of IFX administration included skin rash, arthritis, respiratory disease, infusion reaction, hepatomegaly, and vaccination-associated complications. But the incidence of these adverse effects is low. The clear optimal application protocol of the application of IFX for either initial combination therapy or salvage therapy in KD is still under investigation. In addition, there are no effective biomarkers to predict IFX resistance. Further multicenter trials with large sample size and long-term follow-up are still needed to validate the clinical efficacy and safety of IFX for IVIG-resistant KD or refractory KD.

When two Z-scores meet-analysis of exercise capacity of children and adolescents with Kawasaki disease by a new Z-score model of coronary artery and a new Z-score evaluating peak oxygen consumption : Coronary artery Z-score and peakVO2 Z-score in KD

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery (CA) Z-score system is widely used to define CA aneurysm (CAA). Children and adolescents after acute stage of Kawasaki disease (KD-CA) have a higher risk of developing CAAs if their CA Z-score ≥ 2.5. Z-score system of peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO2 Z-score) allows comparisons across ages and sex, regardless of body size and puberty. We aimed to compare the exercise capacity (EC) indicated by peak VO2 Z-score during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) directly between KD-CA with different CA Z-score.

METHODS

KD-CA after acute stage who received CPET in the last 5 years were retrospectively recruited. CA Z-score was based on Lambda-Mu-Sigma method. Max-Z was the maximum CA Z-score of different CAs. KD children with Max-Z < 2.5 and ≥ 2.5 were defined as KD-1 and KD-2 groups, respectively. Peak VO2 Z-score was calculated using the equation established based on Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescent database.

RESULTS

One hundred two KD-CA were recruited (mean age: 11.71 ± 2.57 years). The mean percent of measured peak VO2 to predicted value (peak PD%) was 90.11 ± 13.33. All basic characteristics and baseline pulmonary function indices were comparable between KD-1 (n = 87) and KD-2 (n = 15). KD-1 had significantly higher peak VO2 Z-score (p = .025), peak PD% (p = .008), peak metabolic equivalent (p = .027), and peak rate pressure product (p = .036) than KD-2.

CONCLUSIONS

KD-CA had slightly reduced EC than healthy peers. KD-CA with Max-Z ≥ 2.5 had significantly lower peak EC than those < 2.5. Max-Z is potentially useful follow-up indicator after acute stage of KD.

Successful Use of Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis in a Patient with Post-COVID-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a life-threatening disease that can develop weeks after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MIS-A symptoms include multiorgan involvement, especially gastrointestinal tract and heart involvement, and Kawasaki disease-like symptoms. We herein report a 44-year-old Japanese man with MIS-A who had contracted COVID-19 five weeks ago and went into shock after acute gastroenteritis, acute kidney injury, and Kawasaki disease-like symptoms. Methylprednisone pulse and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in recovery of shock and his renal function, but diffuse ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography and pericardial effusion with a fever emerged after therapy. Additional granulocyte-monocyte adsorptive apheresis successfully ameliorated the cardiac involvement.

Maternal Obesity and Kawasaki Disease-like Vasculitis: A New Perspective on Cardiovascular Injury and Inflammatory Response in Offspring Male Mice

Maternal obesity affects the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory response in offspring. However, the impact of maternal obesity on offspring with Kawasaki disease (KD), the leading cause of childhood acquired heart disease, is still an understudied area. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of maternal obesity on offspring in KD-like vasculitis and the underlying mechanisms. Offspring of obese female mice and normal diet dams were randomly divided into two subgroups. The pups were injected intraperitoneally with either Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to establish the obesity (OB)-CAWS group, OB group, wild type (WT)-CAWS group, and WT group. Their weight was monitored during the study. After four weeks, echocardiography was applied to obtain the alternation of cardiac structures. Mouse cytokine panel, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, western blot, and real-time qPCR were used to study the pathological changes and protein and RNA expression alternations. Based on the study of pathology, serology and molecular biology, maternal obesity lead to more severe vasculitis and induced altered cardiac structure in the offspring mice and promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Maternal obesity aggravated the inflammatory response of offspring mice in KD-like vasculitis.

Analysis of Plasmablasts From Children With Kawasaki Disease Reveals Evidence of a Convergent Antibody Response to a Specific Protein Epitope

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a febrile illness of young childhood that can result in coronary artery aneurysms and death. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation strategies resulted in a marked decrease in KD cases worldwide, supporting a transmissible respiratory agent as the cause. We previously reported a peptide epitope recognized by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived from clonally expanded peripheral blood plasmablasts from 3 of 11 KD children, suggesting a common disease trigger in a subset of patients with KD.

METHODS

We performed amino acid substitution scans to develop modified peptides with improved recognition by KD MAbs. We prepared additional MAbs from KD peripheral blood plasmablasts and assessed MAb characteristics that were associated with binding to the modified peptides.

RESULTS

We report a modified peptide epitope that is recognized by 20 MAbs from 11 of 12 KD patients. These MAbs predominantly use heavy chain VH3-74; two-thirds of VH3-74 plasmablasts from these patients recognize the epitope. The MAbs were nonidentical between patients but share a common complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) motif.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate a convergent VH3-74 plasmablast response to a specific protein antigen in children with KD, supporting one predominant causative agent in the etiopathogenesis of the illness.

CD47 blockade ameliorates autoimmune vasculitis via efferocytosis of neutrophil extracellular traps

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation contributes to immune defense and is a distinct form of cell death. Excessive NET formation is found in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated (ANCA-associated) vasculitis (AAV), contributing to disease progression. The clearance of dead cells by macrophages, a process known as efferocytosis, is regulated by the CD47-mediated "don't eat me" signal. Hence, we hypothesized that pathogenic NETs in AAV escape from efferocytosis via the CD47 signaling pathway, resulting in the development of necrotizing vasculitis. Immunostaining for CD47 in human renal tissues revealed high CD47 expression in crescentic glomerular lesions of patients with AAV. In ex vivo studies, ANCA-induced netting neutrophils increased the expression of CD47 with the reduction of efferocytosis. After efferocytosis, macrophages displayed proinflammatory phenotypes. The blockade of CD47 in spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mice ameliorated renal disease and reduced myeloperoxidase-ANCA (MPO-ANCA) titers with a reduction in NET formation. Thus, CD47 blockade would protect against developing glomerulonephritis in AAV via restored efferocytosis of ANCA-induced NETs.

[Kawasaki disease or SARS-CoV-2 related MIS-C? How to discriminate between these hyperinflammatory syndromes in children?]

Increasing waiting lists and a structural staff shortage are putting pressure on the health system. Because care production is lower than care demand, there is no longer competition. Competition is over and we are beginning to see the contours of the new health system. The new system takes health instead of care as its starting point by legally embedding health goals in addition to the duty of care. The new system is based on health regions, but does not require a regional health authority. It is based on health manifestos that include agreements about cooperation in good and bad times.

A simple scoring model based on machine learning predicts intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease

INTRODUCTION

In Kawasaki disease (KD), accurate prediction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance is crucial to reduce a risk for developing coronary artery lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a simple scoring model predicting IVIG resistance in KD patients based on the machine learning model.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 1002 KD patients diagnosed at 12 facilities for 10 years, in which 22.7% were resistant to initial IVIG treatment. We performed machine learning with diverse models using 30 clinical variables at diagnosis in 801 and 201 cases for training and test datasets, respectively. SHAP was applied to identify the variables that influenced the prediction model. A scoring model was designed using the influential clinical variables based on the Shapley additive explanation results.

RESULTS

Light gradient boosting machine model accurately predicted IVIG resistance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.78; sensitivity, 0.50; specificity, 0.88). Next, using top three influential features (days of illness at initial therapy, serum levels of C-reactive protein, and total cholesterol), we designed a simple scoring system. In spite of its simplicity, it predicted IVIG resistance (AUC, 0.72; sensitivity, 0.49; specificity, 0.82) as accurately as machine learning models. Moreover, accuracy of our scoring system with three clinical features was almost identical to that of Gunma score with seven clinical features (AUC, 0.73; sensitivity, 0.53; specificity, 0.83), a well-known logistic regression scoring model.

CONCLUSION

A simple scoring system based on the findings in machine learning seems to be a useful tool to accurately predict IVIG resistance in KD patients.

Implementation of KIDMATCH: A Clinical Decision Support Tool for Diagnosing Pediatric Patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and Kawasaki Disease

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel disease identified during the COVID-19 pandemic that may lead to cardiac dysfunction or death in pediatric patients. Early detection of MIS-C remains a challenge given the lack of a diagnostic test and its clinical similarities to Kawasaki disease (KD) and other acute childhood illnesses. We developed and validated the KawasakI Disease vs Multisystem InflAmmaTory syndrome in CHildren (KIDMATCH) clinical decision support tool for screening patients for MIS-C, KD, or other febrile illnesses. Here we describe the implementation and iterative refinement of KIDMATCH with provider feedback as a web calculator in the clinical workflow within Rady Children's Hospital. Our findings demonstrate KIDMATCH and its underlying artificial intelligence model have clinical utility in aiding clinicians at the time of initial evaluation within the hospital setting to distinguish patients who have MIS-C, KD, or other febrile illnesses.

T Cell Receptor Sequences Amplified during Severe COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Mimic SARS-CoV-2, Its Bacterial Co-Infections and Host Autoantigens

Published hypervariable region V-beta T cell receptor (TCR) sequences were collected from people with severe COVID-19 characterized by having various autoimmune complications, including blood coagulopathies and cardiac autoimmunity, as well as from patients diagnosed with the Kawasaki disease (KD)-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). These were compared with comparable published v-beta TCR sequences from people diagnosed with KD and from healthy individuals. Since TCR V-beta sequences are supposed to be complementary to antigens that induce clonal expansion, it was surprising that only a quarter of the TCR sequences derived from severe COVID-19 and MIS-C patients mimicked SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Thirty percent of the KD-derived TCR mimicked coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, only three percent of the TCR sequences from healthy individuals and those diagnosed with autoimmune myocarditis displayed similarities to any coronavirus. In each disease, significant increases were found in the amount of TCRs from healthy individuals mimicking specific bacterial co-infections (especially Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcal and Streptococcal antigens) and host autoantigens targeted by autoimmune diseases (especially myosin, collagen, phospholipid-associated proteins, and blood coagulation proteins). Theoretical explanations for these surprising observations and implications to unravel the causes of autoimmune diseases are explored.

Timely Resolution of SARS-CoV-2-Related Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe, postinfectious manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the pediatric population. The disease is manifested by hyperinflammation and can result in cardiac dysfunction, coronary changes, and end-organ damage. Adequate timely treatment can prevent poor outcomes in the short term, but long-term data is lacking. Methods: A large single center MIS-C cohort was followed longitudinally after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) ± glucocorticoids to determine the natural history of the disease and to describe improvement in laboratory markers and cardiac outcomes. Patient were stratified by disease severity and compared. Results: 137 patients were identified with demographics similar to previously described cohorts. Regardless of disease severity, when adequately treated, initial lab abnormalities rapidly improved by the 6-8 month follow-up period, with some resolved in as little as 1-2 weeks. Similarly, cardiac abnormalities improved quickly after treatment; all abnormalities resolved in this cohort by 1-2 months post-hospitalization. Conclusions: Although MIS-C is a serious sequela of COVID-19, when identified quickly and treated aggressively, laboratory abnormalities, coronary dilatation, and systolic dysfunction rapidly improve with minimal long-term morbidity or mortality.

Comparable bidirectional neutrophil immune dysregulation between Kawasaki disease and severe COVID-19

Kawasaki disease (KD), a multisystem inflammatory syndrome that occurs in children, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) may share some overlapping mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in single-cell RNA sequencing between KD and COVID-19. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing in KD patients (within 24 hours before IVIG treatment) and age-matched fever controls. The single-cell RNA sequencing data of COVID-19, influenza, and health controls were downloaded from the Sequence Read Archive (GSE149689/PRJNA629752). In total, 22 single-cell RNA sequencing data with 102,355 nuclei were enrolled in this study. After performing hierarchical and functional clustering analyses, two enriched gene clusters demonstrated similar patterns in severe COVID-19 and KD, heightened neutrophil activation, and decreased MHC class II expression. Furthermore, comparable dysregulation of neutrophilic granulopoiesis representing two pronounced hyperinflammatory states was demonstrated, which play a critical role in the overactivated and defective aging program of granulocytes, in patients with KD as well as those with severe COVID-19. In conclusion, both neutrophil activation and MHC class II reduction play a crucial role and thus may provide potential treatment targets for KD and severe COVID-19.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a young adult successfully treated with plasmapheresis, immunoglobulins, and corticosteroids: a case report

A novel condition named multisystem inflammatory syndrome has raised the alarm worldwide and is leading to severe illness and long-term effects in the post-COVID era. This condition includes infection with fever, abdominal symptoms, acute cardiac injury, and shock. It has similarities with severe forms of Kawasaki disease (KD). In this study, we present a case of a 20-year-old male patient with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection who was successfully treated with plasmapheresis, immunoglobulins, and steroids for 4 h/day without heparinization or ultrafiltration. Plasmapheresis represents a therapeutic option for KD in patients with all other therapeutic strategies that have failed. However, there is no evidence from controlled clinical trials confirming this option. In our case, plasmapheresis was beneficial in stabilizing and improving the patient's clinical condition. Given the pathophysiological and therapeutic similarities between KD and multisystem inflammatory syndrome, it could be considered a therapeutic option.

Tolerability of COVID-19 Infection and Messenger RNA Vaccination Among Patients With a History of Kawasaki Disease

IMPORTANCE

Kawasaki disease (KD) symptoms significantly overlap with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children due to COVID-19. Patients with KD may be at risk for adverse outcomes from exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcomes of patients with KD to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This case series evaluated 2 cohorts using an existing KD database and reviewed individual electronic medical records for the period spanning January 1, 2020, through January 31, 2022, via electronic medical records that include Washington state immunization records. Vaccine cohort inclusion criteria consisted of being 21 years or younger at immunization and receiving 1 or more BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) or messenger RNA (mRNA)-1273 (Moderna) vaccine doses. The COVID-19 cohort included patients 21 years or younger with positive polymerase chain reaction or nuclear capsid IgG findings for SARS-CoV-2. Participants included 826 patients from a preexisting KD database. One hundred fifty-three patients received at least 1 BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine dose and were included in the mRNA vaccine cohort. Thirty-seven patients had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 and were included in the COVID-19 cohort.

EXPOSURES

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and/or infection.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Adverse events after mRNA vaccination and/or COVID-19, including clinician visits, emergency department encounters, or hospitalizations.

RESULTS

Among the 153 patients included in the mRNA vaccination cohort (mean [SD] age, 13.0 [4.3] years; 94 male [61.4%]), the BNT162b2 vaccine was provided for 143 (93.5%), and the remaining 10 (6.5%) received mRNA-1273 or a combination of both. Among patients in the vaccine cohort, 129 (84.3%) were fully vaccinated or received a third-dose booster. No clinically severe adverse events occurred, and there were no reports of vaccine-related hospitalizations or outpatient visits. The COVID-19 cohort included 37 patients (mean [SD] age, 11.0 [5.5] years; 22 male [59.5%]). No patients required hospitalization due to COVID-19. The most common symptoms included low-grade fever, fatigue, cough, and myalgia with resolution within a few days. Two patients, aged 9 and 19 years, had extended cough and fatigue for 3 to 4 weeks. One patient developed COVID-19 within 6 weeks of receiving intravenous immunoglobulin for KD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that the mRNA vaccines may be safe and COVID-19 may not be severe for patients with a history of KD.

Serum alanine aminotransferase level and intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in patients with kawasaki disease

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation is considered a risk factor for resistance to initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). However, serum ALT levels change dramatically during acute KD illness. We tested the hypothesis that risk assessment for initial IVIG resistance based on serum ALT elevation may differ by examination day after KD onset.

METHODS

We analyzed 18,492 population-based patients who developed KD throughout Japan. First, we epidemiologically evaluated the serum ALT variation at 1‒10 days after disease onset. Second, we conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the association between serum ALT level and initial IVIG resistance according to timing of initial hospital visit by stratifying the patients into an early group (1‒5 days after onset) and a late group (6‒10 days after onset).

RESULTS

Serum ALT rapidly increased after KD onset, peaked at day 4 of illness, and then declined regardless of IVIG responsiveness. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) increased with increasing serum ALT in the early group (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.44 [1.25-1.66], 1.94 [1.65-2.28], and 2.22 [1.99-2.48] for serum ALT 50-99, 100-199, and ≥ 200 IU/L, respectively; reference ALT level: 1-49 IU/L). No significant association was observed in the late group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that risk assessment for initial IVIG resistance based on serum ALT level may only be reliable for patients with KD who visit hospitals during early illness, specifically 1-5 days after disease onset. Key Points Serum alanine aminotransferase level differed markedly according to examination days after Kawasaki disease onset. Serum alanine aminotransferase level declined toward normal range after day 5 of illness regardless of intravenous immunoglobulin responsiveness. Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase level was no longer a significant risk factor for initial intravenous immunoglobulin resistance when measured on delayed hospital visits. Risk assessment for initial intravenous immunoglobulin resistance based on serum alanine aminotransferase level may only be reliable for patients who visit hospitals during early illness, specifically 1-5 days after disease onset.

RADIATION DOSE FOR PATIENTS WITH KAWASAKI DISEASE UNDERGOING FLUOROSCOPICALLY GUIDED CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION

The goal of the present study was to estimate the radiation dose for a group of 45 Kawasaki disease (KD) patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided cardiac catheterization. The sample of procedures corresponds to a single hospital and was collected in 10 years. Anthropometric characteristics and the quantities of air kerma-area product (PKA) among others were recorded for each procedure. Monte Carlo PCXMC 2.0 software was used to estimate organ and effective doses. The PKA value of 7.2 Gy cm2 was proposed as the local Diagnostic Reference Level for KD. For organ absorbed doses, median values for thyroid, heart, lungs, esophagus, skin, active bone and breast were 1.2; 2.2; 4.6; 2.7; 1.1; 1.2 and 2.7 mGy, respectively. For effective dose, the mean value was 2.7 ± 2.5 mSv. This paper presents the first patient dose values for the KD using catheterization techniques, in Latin America and the Caribbean Region.

[Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with Covid]

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (mis-c) Asociated with covid Although children are less susceptible to sars-cov-2 and less symptomatic than adults with low mortality, clusters of Septic shock associated with elevated cardiac biomarkers and unusual vasoplegia have been recently described and Treated by inotropes, vasopressors, and fluid loading. Both clinical symptoms (i.e., high and persistent fever, gastrointestinal Disorders, skin rash, conjunctivitis and dry cracked lips) and biological signs (e.g., elevated crp/procalcitonin, high Levels of ferritinemia) resembled kawasaki disease. In most instances, intravenous immunoglobin therapy with glucosteroids Improved the cardiac function and led to full recovery within a few days. However, adjunctive biotherapy (e.g., Anti-il-1ra, anti-il-6 monoclonal antibodies) was sometimes necessary. Although almost all children fully recovered Within a few days, some of them developed late coronary artery dilation or aneurysm. Thus, a new "multisystem inflammatory Syndrome in children" (mis-c) associated with sars-cov-2 has been identified, and its pathophysiology better Understood.

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in children in Iran: Atypical CT manifestations and mortality risk of severe COVID-19 infection

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Iran reported its first confirmed cases of syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections on 19 February 2020 in Qom. Although the numbers of cases are increasing, no report about clinical manifestations, laboratory results, and imaging findings of the children infected with COVID-19 in Iran has been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological and laboratory findings of 24 children who had proven SARS-CoV-2 infection and performed chest computed tomographic (CT) in Qom, Iran.

METHODS

Demographic information and clinical characteristics of the patients including signs and symptoms, chest CT scan manifestation, laboratory findings and clinical outcomes were collected. Diagnosing of the confirmed case was based on positive real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction test for SARS-CoV-2.

FINDINGS

During the first 3 months of the epidemic in Qom, Iran, 24 children with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. The median age of the cases was 6 years [inter-quartile range 3.5-9.5 years]. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (100%), dry cough (62.5%), tachypnea (29%), abdominal pain (21%), and vomiting (21%). Three cases (12.5%) presented with a history of diarrhea in addition to fever and cough. According to the chest CT findings, 2 cases (8%) showed no abnormality. Typical CT findings were found in 6 patients (25%), 2 patients showed indeterminate appearance, and 14 patients (58%) showed atypical findings. Two children with SARS-CoV-2 infection manifested as a hyperinflammatory syndrome with multi-organ involvement similar to Kawasaki disease shock syndrome. Seventy-one percent of the patients showed severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mortality of 12.5% (3 cases) were reported.

INTERPRETATION

High frequency of atypical chest CT finding in children should raise concern for pediatricians. Early recognition of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is of crucial importance in controlling of the outbreak and atypical imaging features should be interpreted with caution.

Giant Saccular Aneurysm of the Right Coronary Artery

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is defined as a segmental coronary dilation that exceeds the diameter of the adjacent normal coronary artery 1.5 times. Its incidence in the general population is between 1.5% and 5%. However, CAAs over 10 mm are extremely rare. The cause of CAA in this patient with diffuse coronary artery disease was evaluated as atherosclerosis. CAA lesion was not the cause of acute coronary syndrome in our patient. Therefore, CAAS can remain asymptomatic for many years. Individuals with systemic diseases, such as Kawasaki's disease and Behçet's disease, should be followed up for CAAS.

Clinical Characteristics of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults: A Systematic Review

IMPORTANCE

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) has not been well described. Improved diagnosis and treatment of MIS-A might mitigate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the descriptive epidemiology and clinical characteristics of MIS-A.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

This systematic review identified patients with MIS-A using 3 strategies: (1) literature review from May 1, 2020, to May 25, 2021, by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CAB Abstracts, PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Academic Search Complete, Scopus, World Health Organization Global COVID-19 Literature Database, and Google Scholar; (2) voluntary reports of MIS-A to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and (3) reports among persons aged 18 to 20 years in the CDC surveillance system for MIS in children.

FINDINGS

Of 221 patients with MIS-A, the median age was 21 (interquartile range [IQR], 19-34) years, and 154 of 219 (70%) with data available were men. Sixty of 169 patients (36%) were non-Hispanic Black individuals, and 122 of 209 (58%) had no underlying comorbidity. One hundred two of 149 patients (68%) noted a previous symptomatic COVID-19-like illness (median, 28 [IQR, 20-36] days previously). Most patients with MIS-A presented with fever (197 of 205 [96%]), hypotension (133 of 220 [60%]), cardiac dysfunction (114 of 210 [54%]), shortness of breath (102 of 198 [52%]), and/or diarrhea (102 of 197 [52%]). The median number of organ systems involved was 5 (IQR, 4-6). Median hospital stay was 8 (IQR, 5-12) days; 115 of 201 patients (57%) were admitted to the intensive care unit; 101 of 213 (47%) required respiratory support, and 15 of 220 (7%) died. Most patients (176 of 195 [90%]) had elevated markers of coagulopathy and/or inflammation and a positive SARS-CoV-2 serologic finding (139 of 194 [72%]). Ten patients with MIS-A presented with Kawasaki disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that MIS-A is a serious hyperinflammatory condition that presents approximately 4 weeks after onset of acute COVID-19 with extrapulmonary multiorgan dysfunction.

COVID-19 AND CHILDREN: COMPLICATIONS AND LATE OUTCOMES

Since December 2019, Covid-19 has become a challenge for doctors around the world, including pediatricians. In most infected children, the disease manifests itself in a mild or is char- acterized by a subclinical course. At the same time, in some cases, a severe clinical picture of the so-called late Covid disease may develop, in the form of a multisystem syndrome and other complications. In 2020-2021 at the Academic Pediatric Clinic named after G. Zhvania of Tbilisi State Medical University, we observed 60 children with post-Covid complications and late Covid syn- drome. More than half (32 children - 53.3%) were under 5 years of age, with a predominance of boys (33 children - 55%) who had a Covid-19 infection 1.5-2 months before contacting us with a positive antibody reaction. Most of them (51 children - 85%) were healthy before the disease. Vasculopathy, immune thrombocytopenia, thalassemia minor, primary diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, coagulopathy, pneumonia-atelectasis, exacerbation of the underlying disease - arthralgia, arthritis and abnormal manifestations of sleep disturbance, general weakness and dizziness were noted. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in chirdren - MIS-C (8 children - 13%) proceeding with clinical signs of Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous-lymphatic syndrome) with hectic temperature, polyserositis, hepatosplenomegaly, high rates of inflammation markers, a tendency to hypercoagulability. One patient had a coronary artery aneurysm. In 3 cases, the ANA and ANF titer was increased (up to 1:640) and also with nucleic, cytoplasmic and linear fibrils fluorescence, which indicates immune reactions in Covid infection, which can explain the positive effect of corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of these patients. Only 22 (36%) patients were hospitalized, the rest were observed on an outpatient basis. Based on the aforementioned, it can be concluded that even with the asymptomatic course of Covidinfection in children, complications can be observed and the syndrome of the so-called late Covid, which dictates the need for a thorough examination of these patients and observation in dynamics.

Incidence Rates of Autoimmune Diseases in European Healthcare Databases: A Contribution of the ADVANCE Project

INTRODUCTION

The public-private ADVANCE collaboration developed and tested a system to generate evidence on vaccine benefits and risks using European electronic healthcare databases. In the safety of vaccines, background incidence rates are key to allow proper monitoring and assessment. The goals of this study were to compute age-, sex-, and calendar-year stratified incidence rates of nine autoimmune diseases in seven European healthcare databases from four countries and to assess validity by comparing with published data.

METHODS

Event rates were calculated for the following outcomes: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, Bell's palsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, immune thrombocytopenia purpura, Kawasaki disease, optic neuritis, narcolepsy, systemic lupus erythematosus, and transverse myelitis. Cases were identified by diagnosis codes. Participating organizations/databases originated from Denmark, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The source population comprised all persons registered, with at least 1 year of data prior to the study start, or follow-up from birth. Stratified incidence rates were computed per database over the period 2003 to 2014.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2014, 148,947 incident cases of nine autoimmune diseases were identified. Crude incidence rates were highest for Bell's palsy [23.8/100,000 person-years (PYs), 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.6-24.1] and lowest for Kawasaki disease (0.7/100,000 PYs, 95% CI 0.6-0.7). Specific patterns were observed by sex, age, calendar time, and data sources. Rates were comparable with published estimates.

CONCLUSION

A range of autoimmune events could be identified in the ADVANCE system. Estimation of rates indicated consistency across selected European healthcare databases, as well as consistency with US published data.

[Value of ginsenoside Rb1 in alleviating coronary artery lesion in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect and related signaling pathways of ginsenoside Rb1 in the treatment of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease (KD).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an aspirin group, a low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (50 mg/kg), and a high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (100 mg/kg), with 12 mice in each group. All mice except those in the control group were given intermittent intraperitoneal injection of 10% bovine serum albumin to establish a mouse model of KD. The mice in the aspirin group, the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group were given the corresponding drug by gavage for 20 days after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of coronary artery tissue. ELISA was used to measure the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and coronary artery tissue. Western blot was used to measure the relative expression levels of proteins involved in the regulation of the AMPK/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway and the PI3K/Akt oxidative stress signaling pathway in coronary artery tissue.

RESULTS

The observation of pathological sections showed that compared with the model group, the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant improvement in the symptoms of vascular wall thickening, intimal edema, fiber rupture, and inflammatory infiltration of endothelial cells. Compared with the control group, the model and low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups had significant increases in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum and coronary artery tissue (P<0.05); the model group had significant increases in the expression levels of P-AMPK/AMPK, P-mTOR/mTOR, and P-P70S6/P70S6 in coronary artery tissue (P<0.05) and significant reductions in the expression levels of P-PI3K/PI3K, P-AKT/AKT, and P-GSK-3β/GSK-3β in coronary artery tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the aspirin group and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant reductions in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05); the low- and high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of P-AMPK/AMPK, P-mTOR/mTOR, and P-P70S6/P70S6 (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner between the two groups (P<0.05); the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had no significant change in the expression level of P-PI3K/PI3K (P>0.05) and had significant increases in the expression levels of P-AKT/AKT and P-GSK-3β/GSK-3β (P<0.05), while the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant increases in the relative protein expression levels of the above three proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, the aspirin group and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant reductions in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05); the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant increases in the expression levels of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ginsenoside Rb1 can effectively alleviate CAL in a mouse model of KD in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by regulating the AMPK/mTOR/P70S6 autophagy signaling pathway to inhibit CAL inflammation and regulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β oxidative stress signaling pathway to exert a biological activity of protection against coronary artery endothelial cell injury.

[Value of ginsenoside Rb1 in alleviating coronary artery lesion in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect and related signaling pathways of ginsenoside Rb1 in the treatment of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease (KD).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an aspirin group, a low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (50 mg/kg), and a high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (100 mg/kg), with 12 mice in each group. All mice except those in the control group were given intermittent intraperitoneal injection of 10% bovine serum albumin to establish a mouse model of KD. The mice in the aspirin group, the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group were given the corresponding drug by gavage for 20 days after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of coronary artery tissue. ELISA was used to measure the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and coronary artery tissue. Western blot was used to measure the relative expression levels of proteins involved in the regulation of the AMPK/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway and the PI3K/Akt oxidative stress signaling pathway in coronary artery tissue.

RESULTS

The observation of pathological sections showed that compared with the model group, the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant improvement in the symptoms of vascular wall thickening, intimal edema, fiber rupture, and inflammatory infiltration of endothelial cells. Compared with the control group, the model and low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups had significant increases in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum and coronary artery tissue (P<0.05); the model group had significant increases in the expression levels of P-AMPK/AMPK, P-mTOR/mTOR, and P-P70S6/P70S6 in coronary artery tissue (P<0.05) and significant reductions in the expression levels of P-PI3K/PI3K, P-AKT/AKT, and P-GSK-3β/GSK-3β in coronary artery tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the aspirin group and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant reductions in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05); the low- and high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of P-AMPK/AMPK, P-mTOR/mTOR, and P-P70S6/P70S6 (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner between the two groups (P<0.05); the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had no significant change in the expression level of P-PI3K/PI3K (P>0.05) and had significant increases in the expression levels of P-AKT/AKT and P-GSK-3β/GSK-3β (P<0.05), while the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant increases in the relative protein expression levels of the above three proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the low-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, the aspirin group and the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant reductions in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.05); the high-dose ginsenoside Rb1 group had significant increases in the expression levels of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ginsenoside Rb1 can effectively alleviate CAL in a mouse model of KD in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by regulating the AMPK/mTOR/P70S6 autophagy signaling pathway to inhibit CAL inflammation and regulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β oxidative stress signaling pathway to exert a biological activity of protection against coronary artery endothelial cell injury.

[Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Coronary Aneurysms Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction;Report of a Case]

Coronary aneurysms are relatively rare. However, myocardial infarction associated with thrombus formation in the aneurysm and rupture of the aneurysm are clinical problems. There are no specific guidelines for the treatment of coronary aneurysms. Here, we report a case of a 47-year-old female with acute myocardial infarction. She had a history of collagen disease, which was suspected to be Kawasaki disease. She underwent thrombus aspiration supported by intra-aortic balloon pumping( IABP) because of acute thrombosis of coronary aneurysms, followed by coronary artery bypass grafting on 2 stages. The operative course was uneventful.

[Quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analyses of human coronary artery endothelial cell injury induced by Kawasaki disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the biomarkers for human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) injury induced by Kawasaki disease (KD) using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics.

METHODS

HCAECs cultured with the serum of children with KD were used as the KD group, and those cultured with the serum of healthy children was used as the healthy control group. The iTRAQ technique was used to measure the expression of proteins in two groups. The data on proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics. Western blot was used for the validation of protein markers.

RESULTS

A total of 518 significantly differentially expressed proteins were identified (with an absolute value of difference fold of >1.2, P<0.05). The gene ontology analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were significantly enriched in biological processes (including cellular processes, metabolic processes, and biological regulation), cellular components (including cell parts, cells, and organelles), and molecular functions (including binding, catalytic activity, and molecular function regulators). The KEGG analysis showed that the proteins were significantly enriched in the signaling pathways of ribosomes, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and transcriptional dysregulation in cancer. The PPI network showed that the top 9 protein markers in relation density were PWP2, MCM4, MCM7, MCM5, MCM3, MCM2, SLD5, HDAC2, and MCM6, which were selected as the protein markers for coronary endothelial injury in KD. Western blot showed that the KD group had significantly lower expression levels of the protein markers HDAC2, PWP2, and MCM2 than the healthy control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The serum of children with KD significantly changes the protein expression pattern of HCAECs and affects the signaling pathways associated with the cardiovascular system, which provides a new basis for the pathophysiological mechanism and therapeutic targets of KD.

[Kawasaki disease - a new manifestation of COVID-19 in children]

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Europe and America, the incidence of Kawasaki disease has significantly increased, which has aroused concern among pediatricians and parents. COVID-19 can cause inflammation reactions of multiple organs, which is similar to the systemic vasculitis of Kawasaki disease, and even COVID-19 can cause skin rash on the extremities of the limbs, which is also similar to Kawasaki disease. The cause of Kawasaki disease is currently unclear, and it cannot be ruled out that COVID-19 is associated with an increased incidence of Kawasaki disease. Therefore, during the epidemic of COVID-19, if children have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, intravenous immunoglobulin is recommended as early as possible to reduce the incidence of coronary artery lesions.

[Changes in serum levels of adipokine after treatment in children with Kawasaki disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes in the serum levels of Chemerin and Omentin-1 in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) in the acute stage after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and related clinical significance.

METHODS

A total of 60 children who were diagnosed with KD from January 2015 to April 2019 were enrolled as subjects. Forty healthy children and 40 children with acute infectious diseases were enrolled as the healthy control group and the infection control group respectively. According to the sensitivity to IVIG treatment, the children with KD were divided into an IVIG sensitive group with 51 children and a non-IVIG sensitive group with 9 children. According to the presence or absence of coronary artery lesion, the children with KD were divided into a CAL group with 13 children and a non-CAL group with 47 children. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of Omentin-1 and Chemerin before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The children with KD had significantly higher serum levels of Chemerin and Omentin-1 than the healthy control and infection control groups before treatment (P<0.05). After 48 hours of treatment, the IVIG sensitive group had a significant reduction in the serum level of Chemerin (P<0.05), while there was no significant change in the serum level of Omentin-1 after treatment (P>0.05). Before treatment, the non-IVIG sensitive group had a significantly higher serum level of Chemerin than the IVIG sensitive group (P<0.05), and the CAL group had a significantly higher serum level of Chemerin than the non-CAL group, while there was no significant difference in the serum level of Omentin-1 between the IVIG sensitive and non-IVIG sensitive groups, as well as between the CAL and non-CAL groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High serum levels of Chemerin and Omentin-1 may play an important role in the development and progression of KD. Chemerin may be involved in the development of CAL in children with KD. The serum level of Chemerin may be used as a new index for predicting the sensitivity to IVIG treatment.