Single nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes are associated with venous thromboembolism

Advanced Research in the Pathophysiology of Venous Thromboembolism-Acute Pulmonary Embolism

According to the literature, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-including myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE)-are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Evidence suggests that CVDs share common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. Similar to the Mosaic Theory of Hypertension proposed by Irvine Page in 1949, the pathophysiology of VTE is multifactorial, involving multiple interacting processes. The concept of immunothrombosis, introduced by Engelmann and Massberg in 2009, describes the interplay between the immune system and thrombosis. Both thrombosis and hemostasis share core mechanisms, including platelet activation and fibrin formation. Additionally, immune mediators-such as monocytes, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), lymphocytes, selectins, and various molecular factors-play a critical role in thrombus formation. This review highlights inflammation as a key risk factor for pulmonary embolism (APE). Immunity is central to the complex interactions among the coagulation cascade, platelets, endothelium, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and genetic factors. Specifically, we examine the roles of the endothelium, immune cells, and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathophysiology of APE and explore potential therapeutic targets. This review aims to elucidate the roles of the endothelium, immune cells, and miRNAs in the pathophysiology of APE and explore potential future perspective.

Novel Insight into Inflammatory Pathways in Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Humans

Accumulating data have shown a pathophysiological association between inflammatory pathways and thrombosis. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE), is a significant health burden. It involves not only hemodynamic disturbances due to the emboli occluding the pulmonary arteries, but also platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and "firing up" of the inflammatory cascade. In humans, the systemic inflammatory state can also be evaluated using plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6, which correlate with venous obstruction, thrombus extension, and clinical VTE complications such as postthrombotic syndrome, recurrent thromboembolism, worse quality of life, and functional impairment. The exaggerated inflammatory state during postthrombotic syndrome aligns with severe alterations in endothelial function, such as activation of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and E-selectin, as well as vascular proteolysis and fibrinolysis. Moreover, a hypercoagulable state, indicated by higher levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and factor VIII, is closely associated with the inflammatory response. We aimed to describe the role of basic inflammatory markers in daily clinical practice as well as the most important cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-a [TNF-α], growth differentiation factor-15 [GDF-15]). These markers could provide valuable insight into the interplay between thrombosis and inflammation, helping inform better management and treatment strategies.

The Role of Biomarkers, Metabolomics, and COVID-19 in Venous Thromboembolism-A Review of Literature

In recent years, the field of venous thromboembolism has undergone numerous innovations, starting from the recent discoveries on the role of biomarkers, passing through the role of metabolomics in expanding our knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms, which have opened up new therapeutic targets. A variety of studies have contributed to characterizing the metabolic phenotype that occurs in venous thromboembolism, identifying numerous pathways that are altered in this setting. Among these pathways are the metabolism of carnitine, tryptophan, purine, and fatty acids. Furthermore, new evidence has emerged with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Hypercoagulability phenomena induced by this viral infection appear to be related to altered von Willebrand factor activity, alteration of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. This is the first literature review that brings together the most recent evidence regarding biomarkers, metabolomics, and COVID-19 in the field of venous thromboembolism, while also mentioning current therapeutic protocols.

Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Short-Term Prognosis of Venous Thromboembolism: A Narrative Review

The relationship between inflammation and venous thrombosis is not well understood. An inflammatory response may be both the cause and consequence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In fact, several risk factors of VTE modulate thrombosis through inflammatory markers. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is burdened by a remarkable mortality rate, up to 34% in severely ill patients presenting with hemodynamic instability. Initial mortality risk stratification is based on hemodynamic instability. Patients with a situation of hemodynamic stability require immediate further risk assessment based on clinical, imaging, and circulating biomarkers, as well as the presence of comorbidities. Some inflammatory biomarkers have shown potential usefulness in the risk stratification of patients with VTE, especially acute PE. C-reactive protein on admission is associated with 30-day mortality and bleeding in VTE patients. P-selectin is associated with right ventricle dysfunction in PE patients and might be associated with VTE recurrences and the extension of thrombosis. Tissue factor microparticles are associated with VTE recurrence in cancer-associated thrombosis. Other inflammatory biomarkers present scarce evidence (inflammatory cytokines, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, leukocyte count). In this manuscript, we will review the prognostic role of different inflammatory biomarkers available both for clinical practice and research in VTE patients.

Correlation Study of the Long-Term Prognosis of Venous Thromboembolism and Inflammatory Gene Polymorphisms

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, following coronary heart disease and stroke, and many risk factors for VTE are not yet clear. Our study investigated the association between multiple inflammatory gene polymorphisms and VTE prognosis, aiming to find a new predictor of VTE prognosis.

Methods

Based on our previous studies, we detected the plasma levels of serum amyloid A protein (SAA), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and their 8 gene polymorphisms by ELISA and a multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) method in 284 patients with VTE. All subjects were followed up for 5 years.

Results

The 5-year follow-up results of this study showed that 62 of the 284 patients (21.83%) had reached the endpoint (all-cause death). Kaplan–Meier survival analyses revealed that the mortality rate of VTE patients with a high Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (SPESI) score and carrying IL-1 rs1800587 mutation genotypes was significantly increased (log-rank p=0.000 and 0.034 respectively). The multifactor Cox regression results confirmed that the mortality rate of patients who carrying IL-1 rs1800587 mutation genotypes was significantly increased (HR=2.982; 95% CI: 1.681–5.100). The mortality rate of those carrying IL-1 rs1143634 mutation genotypes was significantly decreased (HR=0.294; 95% CI: 0.132–0.652). There were no significant differences in mortality rates between wild-type and mutant genotypes of IL-1 rs1143634, IL-1 rs2234650, SAA rs11603089, and TNF-α rs1800629 (P>0.05).

Conclusion

A high SPESI score and the presence of the IL-1 rs1800587 mutant genotype predict shorter survival in patients with VTE, whereas the IL-1 rs1143634 genotype is associated with a lower mortality rate. Screening for mutations in inflammation-related genes has prognostic value in the clinical management of VTE.

COVID-19-Associated Coagulopathy: An Exacerbated Immunothrombosis Response

Since the onset of the global pandemic in early 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a multitude of challenges to health care systems worldwide. In order to combat these challenges and devise appropriate therapeutic strategies, it becomes of paramount importance to elucidate the pathophysiology of this illness. Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), is characterized by a dysregulated immune system and hypercoagulability. COVID-associated coagulopathy (CAC) was recognized based on profound d-dimer elevations and evidence of microthrombi and macrothrombi, both in venous and arterial systems. The underlying mechanisms associated with CAC have been suggested, but not clearly defined. The model of immunothrombosis illustrates the elaborate crosstalk between the innate immune system and coagulation. The rendering of a procoagulant state in COVID-19 involves the interplay of many innate immune pathways. The SARS-CoV2 virus can directly infect immune and endothelial cells, leading to endothelial injury and dysregulation of the immune system. Activated leukocytes potentiate a procoagulant state via release of intravascular tissue factor, platelet activation, NETosis, and inhibition of anticoagulant mechanisms. Additional pathways of specific relevance in CAC include cytokine release and complement activation. All these mechanisms have recently been reported in COVID-19. Immunothrombosis provides a comprehensive perspective of the several synergistic pathways pertinent to the pathogenesis of CAC.

Correlation study of venous thromboembolism with SAA, IL-1, and TNF-a levels and gene polymorphisms in Chinese population

Background

The relationship between inflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Based on our previous studies, we detected the plasma levels of serum amyloid A protein (SAA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and their 8 gene polymorphisms by ELISA and a multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) method in 284 patients with VTE and 268 healthy controls.

Results

Levels of SAA (P=0.032), IL-1 (P=0.045), and TNF-a (P=0.040) were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the control group. Recessive model analysis of the IL-1 rs1800587 variant showed that the risk of VTE in patients with the GG + GA genotype was significantly higher than that in patients with the AA genotype [odds ratio (OR): 4.444; 95% CI: 1.466-13.470]. Recessive model analysis of the IL-1 rs2234650 polymorphism showed that the risk of VTE in patients with the CC + CT genotype was significantly lower than that in patients with the TT genotype (OR: 0.500; 95% CI: 0.268-0.934). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the TT genotype at IL-1 rs2234650 (OR: 2.086; 95% CI: 1.091-3.985) was an independent risk factor for VTE. The AA genotype of IL-1 rs1800587 (OR: 0.226; 95% CI: 0.074-0.890) was an independent protective factor against VTE.

Conclusions

In summary, an intrinsic relationship may exist between inflammatory activation and the occurrence of VTE.

Coexistence Of A Huge Venous Thromboembolism And Bleeding Tendency In Cytokine Release Syndrome During CAR-T Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy is increasingly administered for hematological malignancies. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a common and severe complication of CAR-T therapy. In the present case, a 62-year-old male patient was diagnosed with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Treated with CART-CD19/BCMA therapy, his symptoms remitted, during which occasional but severe CRS associated with coagulation disorder still appeared, as evidenced by the coexistence of a huge thrombosis and bleeding tendency. Through the First Generation Sequencing, we extracted genomic DNA from the patient’s peripheral blood to analyze the distribution of polymorphism at the –572C/G site of the promoter of IL-6 gene. The results showed that the genotype of –572C/G promoter polymorphism was CC, indicating that high level of IL-6 and –572C/G polymorphism might be associated with the risk of thrombotic disorders. We concluded that immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of coagulopathy could reduce CRS-related mortality.

Cytokines, Adhesion Molecules, and Matrix Metalloproteases as Predisposing, Diagnostic, and Prognostic Factors in Venous Thrombosis

The inflammatory response is a well-established part of, and a prerequisite for, venous thrombosis. To better understand the pathophysiology of venous thrombosis and to identify improved diagnostic biomarkers, further studies of the relationship between inflammation and coagulation are needed. We review previous studies concerning inflammatory biomarkers in venous thromboembolism, in particular cytokines, soluble adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteases as predisposing, diagnostic and prognostic factors in venous thrombosis. Elevated cytokines and genetic alterations coding for cytokines are found in several patient cohorts which indicate that cytokines are involved as predisposing factors in venous thrombosis development. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are detected both in animal models and in patients with acute venous thrombosis and clinical trials, although currently without evident diagnostic value. Adhesion molecules are crucial in the development of venous thrombosis, especially P-selectin seems important in initiating leukocyte accumulation and adhesion to endothelium for subsequent platelet accumulation. Several studies have demonstrated increased soluble P-selectin levels in patients with venous thrombosis, emphasizing its potential role as diagnostic marker and also as a therapeutic target. Matrix metalloproteases are essential effectors during venous thrombosis resolution and may impact vessel wall fibrosis, and together with their natural occurring inhibitors are crucial in acute and chronic thrombosis pathophysiology. Furthermore, studies in animal models of venous thrombosis have demonstrated anti-inflammatory treatment to be effective in terms of thrombus resolution and reduction of vessel wall damage, without increase in bleeding risk during the course of treatment. Thus, soluble mediators should be further investigated both as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets in venous thromboembolic disease.

Association between the interleukin-6 genetic polymorphism 174 G/C and thrombosis disorder risk: Meta-analysis of 10,549 cases and 19,316 controls

Studies investigating the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene-174 G/C polymorphism (rs1800795) and thrombosis disorder risk reported conflicting results. The aim of our study was to assess the association between the IL-6 gene 174 G/C polymorphisms and the risk of thrombosis disorders.Thirty four case-control studies in 29 articles with 29,865 individuals were incorporated in this meta-analysis by searching the public databases including Medline, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases as of June 1st, 2015. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used to assess the strength of the association.By pooling all studies, there was marginal association between and the risk of thrombotic disorders (1.09[0.97-1.22]), arterial thrombotic disorders (1.08[0.95-1.23]), and myocardial infarction (MI, 1.14[0.99-1.32]) under dominant genetic effect (C carriers vs GG). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, study scale, thrombotic category, and country, the results indicated that IL-6 gene-174 G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of thrombotic disorders given the conditional such as Asians, large sample-sized, MI, population-based, and Indian studies (C carriers vs GG: 1.39 [1.13-1.72] and C allele vs G allele: 1.36 [1.18-1.56] for Asian; C carriers vs GG: 1.15 [1.01-1.31] and C allele vs G allele: 1.12 [1.01-1.23] for large sample-sized studies; C allele vs G allele: 1.10 [1.03-1.18] for population-based studies; and C carriers vs GG: 1.40 [1.19-1.65] for Indian studies). We did not observe significant association between IL-6-174 G/C and the risk of Caucasians, small sample-sized studies, stroke and venous studies, and other country studies.This meta-analysis suggests that IL-6 gene-174 G/C polymorphism may be marginally associated with risk of thrombotic disorders, arterial disorders, MI especially for Asian, Indian, population-based, and large sample-sized studies. More studies with larger sample size and well-designed studies might be warranted.

Progress in research into the genes associated with venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common, lethal disorder that affects hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. This study aimed to review the progress in the research into VTE.

DATA SOURCES

We reviewed the studies about VTE and verified different genetic polymoriphisms of VTE.

RESULTS

The pathogenesis of VTE involves hereditary and acquired factors. Many studies indicated that the disorder of coagulation and fibirnolytic system is of utmost importance to this disease. Genetic polymoriphism-related VTE demonstrated significant differences among geographies and ethnicities.

CONCLUSION

VTE has many risk factors, but genetic factors play an important role.

Predictive model of venous thromboembolism in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To profile characteristics and survival of endometrial cancer patients who develop venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to establish a predictive model of VTE in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Cases were identified using an institutional database between 2000 and 2011. VTE was correlated to clinico-pathological information and survival outcomes. Frequency and odds ratio (OR) of VTE were examined in a predictive model based on combination patterns of independent risk factors for VTE.

RESULTS

VTE was seen in 42 (8.1%, 95% CI 5.8-10.5) out of 516 cases subsequent to the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Multivariate analysis identified 4 independent risk factors for VTE: elevated CA-125 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.38, p<0.001), extrauterine disease (HR 2.87, p=0.019), thrombocytosis (HR 2.11, p=0.04), and high risk histology (serous and clear cell, HR 2.09, p=0.049). VTE was the strongest variable for decreased progression-free survival (HR 4.28) and the second strongest variable for decreased overall survival (HR 5.65) in multivariate analysis. In a predictive model of VTE, the presence of multiple risk factors was associated with significantly increased risk of VTE: frequency of VTE, 1.4% if no risk factors, 0-9.3% (OR 1.0-4.2) if a single risk factor, 11.1-25.0% (OR 9.0-24.0) if two risk factors, and 42.9-46.2% (OR 54.0-61.7) if ≥3 risk factors.

CONCLUSION

VTE represents a surrogate for aggressive disease in endometrial cancer. Multiple risk factors of VTE in our predictive model demonstrated exceedingly high risk of VTE, suggesting that there may be a certain population of endometrial cancer patients who would benefit from long-term anti-coagulant prophylaxis to improve survival outcome.

The role of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 and their promoter polymorphisms IL-6 -174GC, IL-8 -251AT and MCP-1 -2518AG in the risk of venous thromboembolism: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Cytokines increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in some case-control studies, but not in a prospective study. Data concerning the role of cytokines in the risk of VTE are limited. We examined in a case-control study the association of VTE and levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and assessed whether promoter polymorphisms (IL-6 -174GC, IL-8 -251AT, MCP-1 -2518AG) would affect the thrombotic risk and cytokine levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 119 patients (94 women) with a first event of VTE aged between 18-60 years, and 126 healthy controls (100 women) matched for age (±5 years). Blood was collected >7 months after the thrombotic event. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated per increase of cytokines levels by 1 pg/mL.

RESULTS

ORs adjusted for age and sex were 1.520 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.177 - 1.962] for IL-6, 1.095 (95% CI 1.002 - 1.196) for IL-8 and 1.000 (0.988 - 1.012) for MCP-1. With additional adjustment for ethnic composition, body mass index (BMI) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), risk estimates remained significant for IL-6 and became of borderline statistical significance for IL-8. Polymorphisms did not influence the thrombotic risk and the cytokine levels in study participants.

CONCLUSION

VTE was associated with IL-6 and IL-8 levels, and for IL-6 this association was independent of BMI and hs-CRP. Thus far, a causal relationship between inflammation and VTE remains to be clarified and more prospective data are warranted.