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Ouyang Y, Chen Y, Chen K, Tang Z, Shi G, Qu C, Zhang K, Yang H. Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis reveal novel drug targets for myasthenia gravis. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:43. [PMID: 38659056 PMCID: PMC11040902 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction with limited drug options, but the field of MG treatment recently benefits from novel biological agents. We performed a drug-targeted Mendelian randomization (MR) study to identify novel therapeutic targets of MG. METHODS Cis-expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTL), which proxy expression levels for 2176 druggable genes, were used for MR analysis. Causal relationships between genes and disease, identified by eQTL MR analysis, were verified by comprehensive sensitivity, colocalization, and protein quantitative loci (pQTL) MR analyses. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was also performed to extend targets, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to explore the serum level of drug targets in MG patients. A phenome-wide MR analysis was then performed to assess side effects with a clinical trial review assessing druggability. RESULTS The eQTL MR analysis has identified eight potential targets for MG, one for early-onset MG and seven for late-onset MG. Further colocalization analyses indicated that CD226, CDC42BPB, PRSS36, and TNFSF12 possess evidence for colocalization with MG or late-onset MG. pQTL MR analyses identified the causal relations of TNFSF12 and CD226 with MG and late-onset MG. Furthermore, PPI analysis has revealed the protein interaction between TNFSF12-TNFSF13(APRIL) and TNFSF12-TNFSF13B(BLyS). Elevated TNFSF13 serum level of MG patients was also identified by ELISA experiments. This study has ultimately proposed three promising therapeutic targets (TNFSF12, TNFSF13, TNFSF13B) of MG. CONCLUSIONS Three drug targets associated with the BLyS/APRIL pathway have been identified. Multiple biological agents, including telitacicept and belimumab, are promising for MG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Kangzhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenwei Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310013, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guanzhong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
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Zhang KY, Duan WW, Luo YB, Li Y, Hu J, Yang H. Comparative effectiveness and safety of intravenous methylprednisolone and tacrolimus monotherapy in ocular myasthenia gravis with unsatisfactory prednisone responses: a retrospective study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38243274 PMCID: PMC10799357 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral prednisone has been recognized as the first-line therapy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). However, its long-term use is complicated by numerous adverse effects and is ineffective for some OMG patients in reaching remission. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and tacrolimus monotherapy for OMG patients with unsatisfactory responses to conventional prednisone therapy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 57 OMG patients who had not achieved satisfactory improvement after prednisone therapy and thereby received IVMP or tacrolimus monotherapy for at least 6 months. Ocular symptoms were evaluated by the ocular-quantitative MG (QMG) score at each time point. A ≥ 2-point fall in ocular QMG score was defined as the cut-off point to indicate clinical improvement. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the efficacy of IVMP at discharge. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Both IVMP and tacrolimus monotherapy demonstrated significant clinical efficacy, with no statistical differences observed at the study endpoint. The proportions of patients who reached the cut-off point for efficacy evaluation were higher in the IVMP group than in the tacrolimus group (1, 3, and 6 months: 51.7% (15/29) vs 12.0% (3/25), p = 0.002; 69.0% (20/29) vs 40.0% (10/25), p = 0.033; 69.0% (20/29) vs 46.4% (13/28), p = 0.085, respectively). Multivariate logistics analysis showed that high ocular QMG scores at baseline indicated favourable responses to IVMP treatment (OR = 1.781; 95% CI 1.066-2.975; p = 0.028). All the adverse events were transient and tolerable. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that both IVMP and tacrolimus monotherapy hold promise as viable treatment options for OMG patients with unsatisfactory responses to oral prednisone. The study supports the safety and effectiveness of both therapies, with IVMP exhibiting faster improvement and favourable efficacy in patients with high ocular QMG scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wei-Wei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yue-Bei Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Menon D, Bril V. Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis with Special Emphasis on Newer Biologicals. Drugs 2022; 82:865-887. [PMID: 35639288 PMCID: PMC9152838 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01726-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic, fluctuating, antibody-mediated autoimmune disorder directed against the post-synaptic neuromuscular junctions of skeletal muscles, resulting in a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild to potentially fatal. Given its unique natural course, designing an ideal trial design for MG has been wrought with difficulties and evidence in favour of several of the conventional agents is weak as per current standards. Despite this, acetylcholinesterases and corticosteroids have remained the cornerstones of treatment for several decades with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) offering rapid treatment response, especially in crises. However, the treatment of MG entails long-term immunosuppression and conventional agents are viable options but take longer to act and have a number of class-specific adverse effects. Advances in immunology, translational medicine and drug development have seen the emergence of several newer biological agents which offer selective, target-specific immunotherapy with fewer side effects and rapid onset of action. Eculizumab is one of the newer agents that belong to the class of complement inhibitors and has been approved for the treatment of refractory general MG. Zilucoplan and ravulizumab are other agents in this group in clinical trials. Neisseria meningitis is a concern with all complement inhibitors, mandating vaccination. Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors prevent immunoglobulin recycling and cause rapid reduction in antibody levels. Efgartigimod is an FcRn inhibitor recently approved for MG treatment, and rozanolixizumab, nipocalimab and batoclimab are other agents in clinical trial development. Although lacking high quality evidence from randomized clinical trials, clinical experience with the use of anti-CD20 rituximab has led to its use in refractory MG. Among novel targets, interleukin 6 (IL6) inhibitors such as satralizumab are promising and currently undergoing evaluation. Cutting-edge therapies include genetically modifying T cells to recognise chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and chimeric autoantibody receptors (CAAR). These may offer sustained and long-term remissions, but are still in very early stages of evaluation. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) allows immune resetting and offers sustained remission, but the induction regimens often involve serious systemic toxicity. While MG treatment is moving beyond conventional agents towards target-specific biologicals, lack of knowledge as to the initiation, maintenance, switching, tapering and long-term safety profile necessitates further research. These concerns and the high financial burden of novel agents may hamper widespread clinical use in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Menon
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen and Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, 5EC-309, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, M5G 2C4, Canada.
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Muppidi S, Silvestri NJ, Tan R, Riggs K, Leighton T, Phillips GA. Utilization of MG-ADL in myasthenia gravis clinical research and care. Muscle Nerve 2022; 65:630-639. [PMID: 34989427 PMCID: PMC9302997 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Living (MG‐ADL) scale is an 8‐item patient‐reported scale that measures myasthenia gravis (MG) symptoms and functional status. The objective of the current review is to summarize the psychometric properties of the MG‐ADL and published evidence of MG‐ADL use. A targeted literature review for published studies of the MG‐ADL was conducted using a database and gray literature search. A total of 48 publications and 35 clinical trials were included. Studies indicated that the MG‐ADL is a reliable and valid measure that has been used as an outcome in clinical trials and observational studies to measure MG symptoms and response to treatment. While most often used as a secondary endpoint in clinical trials, its use as a primary endpoint has increased in recent years. The most common MG‐ADL endpoint is change in MG‐ADL score from baseline, although there has been an increase in the analysis of a responder threshold using the MG‐ADL. A new concept of minimal symptom expression (MSE) has emerged more recently. Duration of treatment effect is another important construct that is being increasingly evaluated using the MG‐ADL. The use of the MG‐ADL as a primary endpoint in clinical trials and in responder threshold analyses to indicate treatment improvement has increased in recent years. MSE using the MG‐ADL shows promise in helping to determine success of treatment and may be the aspirational goal of MG treatment for the future once validated, particularly given the evolving treatment landscape in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Muppidi
- Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nicholas J Silvestri
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Yang L, Tang Y, He F, Zhang C, Kessi M, Peng J, Yin F. Clinical characteristics and outcome predictors of a Chinese childhood-onset myasthenia gravis cohort. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:996213. [PMID: 36245736 PMCID: PMC9557758 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.996213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease. Currently there is no universal guidelines for childhood-onset myasthenia gravis, therefore, treatment strategies are usually based on the guidelines from adult myasthenia gravis patients. In order to contribute in the process of the development of the universal childhood-onset myasthenia gravis guideline, we have summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, outcome and the related predictors of childhood-onset myasthenia gravis. We recruited 343 childhood-onset myasthenia gravis cases who were followed up at the Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital from June, 2010 to December, 2019. The data about clinical characteristics, treatments and outcome were collected and analyzed. Among of the 343 cases, 164 cases were followed up for longer than 2 years, of whom 142 still remained with ocular myasthenia gravis at the endpoint. About the treatments, 27 cases (27/164) accepted pyridostigmine only while the rest accepted glucocorticoid and/or other immunosuppressants. At the endpoint, the proportion of optimal outcome was 66.2% in the group remaining with ocular myasthenia gravis and 31.8% in the generalized myasthenia gravis group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that generalized myasthenia gravis type and positive status of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors were the independent risk factors for poor outcome. In conclusion, our childhood-onset myasthenia gravis patients present mainly as ocular myasthenia gravis, adequate immunotherapy improve the long-term outcome, and generalized myasthenia gravis phenotype as well as positive status of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors relate to poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ciliu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Shi M, Ye Y, Zhou J, Qin A, Cheng J, Ren H. Local use of dexamethasone in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis. BMC Ophthalmol 2020; 20:432. [PMID: 33115419 PMCID: PMC7594471 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-020-01697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At present, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) are typically treated with systemic drugs. We investigated the use of dexamethasone injected in the peribulbar region or extraocular muscle to treat patients with OMG. Methods Patients with OMG were given dexamethasone via peribulbar injection or direct injection into the main paralyzed extraocular muscles, once a week, for 4–6 weeks. The severity of diplopia, blepharoptosis, eye position, and eye movement were evaluated before and after treatment. The duration of follow-up time was ≥6 months. Results Among the 14 patients with OMG who received this treatment, mean age was 38.7 ± 29.7 years. After treatment, symptoms were relieved in 12 patients (85.7%), 1 patient (7.1%) had partial response to treatment, and 1 patient (7.1%) had no response. Two patients (14.2%) experienced symptom recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusions Dexamethasone peribulbar or extraocular muscle injection is effective in the treatment of patients with OMG and may replace systemic drug therapy. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038863, October 7, 2020.Retrospectively registered. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-020-01697-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Shi
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China.
| | - Yingjia Ye
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China
| | - Junping Zhou
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China
| | - Aijiao Qin
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China
| | - Hongxing Ren
- Department of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wuhan Aier Eye Hospital (Hanyang), Wuhan, 430020, China
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Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis following corticosteroid treatment: what is the evidence? A systematic review. J Neurol 2020; 268:4573-4586. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Finsterer J, Scorza CA, Fiorini AC, Scorza FA. “Initial deterioration” upon intravenous methyl-prednisolon in myasthenia is multifactorial. J Neurol Sci 2020; 412:116812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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