1
|
Chan ACY, Wong HY, Chong YF, Lai PS, Teoh HL, Ng AYY, Hung JHM, Chan YC, Ng KWP, Vijayan J, Ong JJY, Chandra B, Tan CH, Rutt NH, Tan TM, Ismail NH, Wilder-Smith E, Schwarz H, Choi H, Sharma VK, Mak A. Novel Autoantibodies in Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2021; 91:66-77. [PMID: 34761434 PMCID: PMC9300200 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous. Although autoimmunity has been postulated to be pathophysiologically important in SFN, few autoantibodies have been described. We aimed to identify autoantibodies associated with idiopathic SFN (iSFN) by a novel high‐throughput protein microarray platform that captures autoantibodies expressed in the native conformational state. Methods Sera from 58 SFN patients and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were screened against >1,600 immune‐related antigens. Fluorescent unit readout and postassay imaging were performed, followed by composite data normalization and protein fold change (pFC) analysis. Analysis of an independent validation cohort of 33 SFN patients against the same 20 HCs was conducted to identify reproducible proteins in both cohorts. Results Nine autoantibodies were screened with statistical significance and pFC criteria in both cohorts, with at least 50% change in serum levels. Three proteins showed consistently high fold changes in main and validation cohorts: MX1 (FC = 2.99 and 3.07, respectively, p = 0.003, q = 0.076), DBNL (FC = 2.11 and 2.16, respectively, p = 0.009, q < 0.003), and KRT8 (FC = 1.65 and 1.70, respectively, p = 0.043, q < 0.003). Further subgroup analysis into iSFN and SFN by secondary causes (secondary SFN) in the main cohort showed that MX1 is higher in iSFN compared to secondary SFN (FC = 1.61 vs 0.106, p = 0.009). Interpretation Novel autoantibodies MX1, DBNL, and KRT8 are found in iSFN. MX1 may allow diagnostic subtyping of iSFN patients. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:66–77
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Yi Wong
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, China
| | - Yao Feng Chong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alison Y Y Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jennifer H M Hung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheun Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kay W P Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joy Vijayan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chi Hsien Tan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Einar Wilder-Smith
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Herbert Schwarz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anselm Mak
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Rheumatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mangus LM, Rao DB, Ebenezer GJ. Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Analysis in Human Patients and Animal Models of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Comparative Review. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 48:59-70. [PMID: 31221022 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319855969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) in skin biopsy samples has become a standard clinical tool for diagnosing peripheral neuropathies in human patients. Compared to sural nerve biopsy, skin biopsy is safer, less invasive, and can be performed repeatedly to facilitate longitudinal assessment. Intraepidermal nerve fiber analysis is also more sensitive than conventional nerve histology or electrophysiological tests for detecting damage to small-diameter sensory nerve fibers. The techniques used for IENF analysis in humans have been adapted for large and small animal models and successfully used in studies of diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, among others. Although IENF analysis has yet to become a routine end point in nonclinical safety testing, it has the potential to serve as a highly relevant indicator of sensory nerve fiber status in neurotoxicity studies, as well as development of neuroprotective and neuroregenerative therapies. Recently, there is also interest in the evaluation of IENF via skin biopsy as a biomarker of small fiber neuropathy in the regulatory setting. This article provides an overview of the anatomic and pathophysiologic principles behind IENF analysis, its use as a diagnostic tool in humans, and applications in animal models with focus on comparative methodology and considerations for study design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Mangus
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Deepa B Rao
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Gigi J Ebenezer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yuki N, Chan AC, Wong AHY, Inoue T, Yokai M, Kurihara T, Devaux JJ, Wilder-Smith E. Acute painful autoimmune neuropathy: A variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:320-324. [PMID: 28667708 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We present a painful small-fiber neuropathy variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by antecedent infectious symptoms, hyporeflexia, and albuminocytologic dissociation. METHODS Two patients received intravenous immunoglobulin, one corticosteroids. RESULTS The patients subsequently improved. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in their acute phase sera strongly bound to murine small nerve fibers, and the binding disappeared during the convalescent phase. Serum transfer to a murine nociceptive model induced transient alteration in thermal pain responses. DISCUSSION Our case series suggest that an acute transient immune response can be directed against small nerve fibers, and that patients so affected can exhibit features of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Muscle Nerve 57: 320-324, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Yuki
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda C Chan
- Department of Neurology, National University Hospital Systems, Singapore
| | - Anna Hiu Yi Wong
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228
| | - Takayuki Inoue
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228
| | - Masafumi Yokai
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Kurihara
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - JérôMe J Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRN2M-UMR 7286, Marseille, France
| | - Einar Wilder-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228.,Department of Neurology, National University Hospital Systems, Singapore.,Department of Neurology, Kantonsspital Luzern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mellgren SI, Nolano M, Sommer C. The cutaneous nerve biopsy: technical aspects, indications, and contribution. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 115:171-188. [PMID: 23931780 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Skin biopsy with a 3mm disposable circular punch is easy to perform and allows, after proper processing, the visualization of epidermal, dermal, and sweat gland nerve fibers. A technique of sampling the epidermis alone by applying a suction capsule, the "blister" technique, has also been developed. It is most common to stain immunohistochemically for the pan-axonal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), an ubiquitin C-terminal hydroxylase. The sections are then observed and analyzed with bright-field microscopy or with indirect immunofluorescence with or without confocal microscopy. Most studies report quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density displayed in bright-field microscopy. Normative values have been established, particularly from the distal part of the leg, 10cm above the external malleolus. In diabetes mellitus early degeneration of intraepidermal nerve fibers is induced and there is slower regeneration even when there is no evidence of neuropathy. Skin biopsy is of particular value in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy when nerve conduction studies are normal. It may also be repeated in order to study the progressive nature of the disease and also has the potential of studying regeneration of nerve fibers and thus the effects of treatment. Inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies may also involve loss of small-diameter nerve fibers and IgM deposits in dermal myelinated nerve fibers in anti-MAG neuropathy. In some cases the presence of vasculitis in skin may indicate a nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy and in HIV neuropathy intraepidermal nerve fiber density is reduced in a length-dependent manner. In several hereditary neuropathies intraepidermal nerve fiber density may be reduced but other abnormalities can also be demonstrated in dermal myelinated fibers. Some small swellings and varicosities may be present in the distal leg skin biopsy of healthy individuals but large axonal swellings are considered as evidence of a pathological process affecting the normal structure of nerves. The indirect immunofluorescence technique with confocal microscopy provides the opportunity to study the complex structure of sensory receptors and cutaneous myelinated fibers and the innervation of sweat glands, arrector pilorum muscles, and vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svein Ivar Mellgren
- Department of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Tromsø and University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wilder-Smith EP, Ong WY, Guo Y, Chow AWL. Epidermal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in idiopathic small nerve fibre disease, diabetic neuropathy and healthy human subjects. Histopathology 2007; 51:674-80. [PMID: 17927589 PMCID: PMC2121152 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2007.02851.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) plays an important role in mediating pain and heat. In painful neuropathies, intraepidermal TRPV1 nerve fibre expression is low or absent, suggesting that pain generated is not directly related to sensory nerve fibres. Recent evidence suggests that keratinocytes may act as thermal receptors via TRPV1. The aim was to investigate epidermal TRPV1 expression in patients with neuropathic conditions associated with pain. Methods and results: In a prospective study of distal small nerve fibre neuropathy (DISN; n = 13) and diabetic neuropathy (DN; n = 12) intraepidermal nerve fibre density was assessed using the pan axonal marker PGP 9.5 and epidermal TPVR1 immunoreactivity compared with controls (n = 9). Intraepidermal nerve fibres failed to show TRPV1 immunoreactivity across all groups. There was moderate and strong TRPV1 reactivity of epidermal keratinocytes in 41.8% and 6% for DISN, 32.9% and 2.9% for DN and 25.4% and 5.1% for controls, respectively. Moderate keratinocyte TRPV1 expression was significantly increased in DISN compared with controls (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Our study suggests that in human painful neuropathies, epidermal TRPV1 expression is mainly in keratinocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E P Wilder-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|