1
|
Candels LS, Rahim MN, Shah S, Heneghan MA. Towards personalised medicine in autoimmune hepatitis: Measurement of thiopurine metabolites results in higher biochemical response rates. J Hepatol 2021; 75:324-332. [PMID: 33872691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) usually receive maintenance therapy with thiopurines, such as azathioprine (AZA) or mercaptopurine. Genetic polymorphisms in AZA metabolism can lead to variations in thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) and 6-methylmercaptopurine, both of which can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In inflammatory bowel disease, a therapeutic TGN range (225-450 pmol/8x108 erythrocytes) has been identified to optimise effectiveness. We evaluated the benefits of a personalised medicine approach to thiopurine dosing, in comparison to standard weight-based dosing. METHODS A retrospective matched cohort study of 214 patients with AIH who were seen at King's College between 1999-2019 was performed. Metabolite levels were measured in 109 patients. The control group included 105 patients on weight-based thiopurine dosing with no metabolite monitoring. RESULTS Biochemical response (BR) occurred more frequently at 6-month follow-up in patients with metabolite monitoring compared to those on a weight-based regimen (77% vs. 60%, p = 0.008). This remained true with data analysis based on clinicians who measure metabolites and those who do not (BR at 6 months: 84% vs. 64%, p = 0.016). Patients with BR had TGN levels within the therapeutic range of 225-450 pmol/8x108 erythrocytes significantly more often than those who failed to achieve or lost BR (40% vs. 13%, p <0.0001). Moreover, TGN levels within the pre-defined therapeutic range predicted more stable disease within 6 months of testing compared to levels outside the range (p <0.0001). A high proportion of patients with sub-therapeutic TGN levels (75-225 pmol/8x108 erythrocytes) remained in BR (75% vs. 81%, p = 0.589) with fewer ADRs (44% vs. 86%, p = 0.0002) when compared to patients with therapeutic TGN levels. CONCLUSION A strategy of personalised medicine using metabolite levels can optimise treatment regimens in AIH, resulting in fewer ADRs whilst maintaining BR. LAY SUMMARY This study looked to see if measuring the breakdown products of a medication used in autoimmune hepatitis increases the chances of gaining good control of the disease, when compared to a group of patients who were on a dose of this medication based on their weight. A group of 214 patients with autoimmune hepatitis were split into 2 groups: roughly half had their medication dose adjusted according to measurements of breakdown products in the blood, whilst the other half received their weight-based dose as normal. The results confirmed that using a personalised approach and checking drug breakdown products resulted in fewer side effects and potentially improved control of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena S Candels
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK; School of Transplantation, Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sital Shah
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK; School of Transplantation, Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; European Reference Network - Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER).
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou XS, Lu YY, Gao YF, Shao W, Yao J. Bone marrow inhibition induced by azathioprine in a patient without mutation in the thiopurine S-methyltransferase pathogenic site: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4230-4237. [PMID: 34141785 PMCID: PMC8173432 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i17.4230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azathioprine (AZA) and its close analog 6-mercaptopurine are thiopurines widely used in the treatment of patients with cancer, organ transplantation, and autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Bone marrow inhibition is a common side effect of AZA, and severe bone marrow inhibition is related to decreased thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) activity.
CASE SUMMARY We herein report a patient with proliferative lupus nephritis who was using AZA for maintenance therapy, had no common TPMT pathogenic site mutations, and exhibited severe bone marrow inhibition on the 15th day after oral administration.
CONCLUSION This report alerts physicians to the fact that even though the TPMT gene has no common pathogenic site mutation, severe myelosuppression may also occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Shuang Zhou
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yue Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yan-Fang Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wen Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jia Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Seeliger B, Prasse A. Immunomodulation in Autoimmune Interstitial Lung Disease. Respiration 2020; 99:819-829. [PMID: 33271551 DOI: 10.1159/000511200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) associated with autoimmune or systemic disease are increasingly recognized and our pathophysiological understanding rapidly expanding. Treatment modalities, however, are still mainly driven by established disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) where, despite decades of experience of their use in the underlying diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, mostly ret-rospective data exist informing their effect on the course of interstitial lung disease (ILD). In recent years, randomized trials investigating the effects of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) have been completed or are currently running, generating new treatment options for often relentlessly progressive diseases. Herein, we summarize the evidence and current use of both synthetic DMARDs and bDMARDs in the context of ILDs associated with autoimmune/systemic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Seeliger
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School and Biomedical Research in End-stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany,
| | - Antje Prasse
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School and Biomedical Research in End-stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mokhtari M, Mostanbet F, Nekooee Fard S, Shekarkhar G, Sepaskhah M, Sadati MS. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase and Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Phenotype-Genotype Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 15:299-305. [PMID: 32944042 PMCID: PMC7477690 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2020.121365.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background & Objective: Thiopurine drugs are considered as a treatment modality in various autoimmune disorders including pemphigus vulgaris (PV). These drugs are metabolized by an enzyme “Thiopurine S-methyl transferase” (TPMT). Various variants of this enzyme may have decreased activity leading to serious drug side effects. To investigate the phenotype and genotype of TPMT in PV patients receiving thiopurine drugs. Methods: A total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men) with pemphigus vulgaris treating with standard dose of Thiopurine drugs were selected. Sex, age, result of liver function test and complete blood count were recorded. Genotyping of two common non-functional allele (TPMT*2 and TPMT*3C) by Allele-specific and RFLP-PCR was performed. TPMT enzymatic level was determined by an ELISA based method. Results: Of patients, 36 (72%) were found to have normal TPMT level; and 12, (24%) had higher level of enzyme and 2, 4% had low TPMT enzyme, but none of the patients showed mutant TPMT*2 and TPMT*3C alleles. None of the patients showed hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. Conclusion: The phenotypic assay based on ELISA method may have false positive and misleading results but genotyping using PCR-RFLP and allele specific PCR is accurate, simple and cost-effective and can be used in patients decided to undergo thiopurine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maral Mokhtari
- Pathology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mostanbet
- Pathology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saideh Nekooee Fard
- Pathology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Golsa Shekarkhar
- Pathology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Sepaskhah
- Dermatology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadat Sadati
- Dermatology Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nguyen KA, Patel H, Haggstrom DA, Zillich AJ, Imperiale TF, Russ AL. Utilizing a user-centered approach to develop and assess pharmacogenomic clinical decision support for thiopurine methyltransferase. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:194. [PMID: 31623616 PMCID: PMC6798472 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A pharmacogenomic clinical decision support tool (PGx-CDS) for thiopurine medications can help physicians incorporate pharmacogenomic results into prescribing decisions by providing up-to-date, real-time decision support. However, the PGx-CDS user interface may introduce errors and promote alert fatigue. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a prototype of a PGx-CDS user interface for thiopurine medications with user-centered design methods. Methods This study had two phases: In phase I, we conducted qualitative interviews to assess providers’ information needs. Interview transcripts were analyzed through a combination of inductive and deductive qualitative analysis to develop design requirements for a PGx-CDS user interface. Using these requirements, we developed a user interface prototype and evaluated its usability (phase II). Results In total, 14 providers participated: 10 were interviewed in phase I, and seven providers completed usability testing in phase II (3 providers participated in both phases). Most (90%) participants were interested in PGx-CDS systems to help improve medication efficacy and patient safety. Interviews yielded 11 themes sorted into two main categories: 1) health care providers’ views on PGx-CDS and 2) important design features for PGx-CDS. We organized these findings into guidance for PGx-CDS content and display. Usability testing of the PGx-CDS prototype showed high provider satisfaction. Conclusion This is one of the first studies to utilize a user-centered design approach to develop and assess a PGx-CDS interface prototype for Thiopurine Methyltransferase (TPMT). This study provides guidance for the development of a PGx-CDS, and particularly for biomarkers such as TPMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khoa A Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., 1101 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service (CIN 13-416), Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 640 Eskenazi Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Himalaya Patel
- Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service (CIN 13-416), Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - David A Haggstrom
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., 1101 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service (CIN 13-416), Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alan J Zillich
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 640 Eskenazi Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas F Imperiale
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., 1101 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service (CIN 13-416), Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alissa L Russ
- Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service (CIN 13-416), Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, 1481 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 640 Eskenazi Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR) or other structural proteins of the neuromuscular junction. This diminishes cholinergic transmission, thus leading to exercise-induced fatigue and sometimes manifest muscle weakness, including the bulbar and ocular musculature. Whereas ocular MG is as a rule initially symptomatically treated with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, generalized MG requires long-term immunosuppression. The thymus plays a particular role in the pathophysiology of AChR antibody-positive MG, which can also manifest as a paraneoplastic disorder in the context of a thymoma. This article reviews the basic and advanced treatment options of the different disease subtypes including plasma exchange and immunoglobulins for treatment in a myasthenic crisis. Recently, clinical approval of eculizumab, a complement inhibitor, enriched the pharmacological armamentarium for AChR antibody-positive MG patients not appropriately responding to immunosuppression alone.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sluiter RL, van Marrewijk C, de Jong D, Scheffer H, Guchelaar HJ, Derijks L, Wong DR, Hooymans P, Vermeulen SH, Verbeek ALM, Franke B, van der Wilt GJ, Kievit W, Coenen MJH. Genotype-Guided Thiopurine Dosing Does not Lead to Additional Costs in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2019; 13:838-845. [PMID: 30698675 PMCID: PMC7142326 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Decreased thiopurine S-methyltransferase [TPMT] enzyme activity increases the risk of haematological adverse drug reactions [ADRs] in patients treated with thiopurines. Clinical studies have shown that in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], pharmacogenetic TPMT-guided thiopurine treatment reduces this risk of ADRs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this intervention impacts on healthcare costs and/or quality of life. METHODS An a priori defined cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted in the Thiopurine response Optimization by Pharmacogenetic testing in Inflammatory bowel disease Clinics [TOPIC] trial, a randomized controlled trial performed in 30 Dutch hospitals. Patients diagnosed with IBD [age ≥18 years] were randomly assigned to the intervention [i.e. pre-treatment genotyping] or control group. Total costs in terms of volumes of care, and effects in quality-adjusted life years [QALYs], based on EuroQol-5D3L utility scores, were measured for 20 weeks. Mean incremental cost savings and QALYs with confidence intervals were calculated using non-parametric bootstrapping with 1000 replications. RESULTS The intervention group consisted of 381 patients and the control group 347 patients. The mean incremental cost savings were €52 per patient [95% percentiles -682, 569]. Mean incremental QALYs were 0.001 [95% percentiles -0.009, 0.010]. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust for potential change in costs of screening, costs of biologicals and costs associated with productivity loss. CONCLUSIONS Genotype-guided thiopurine treatment in IBD patients reduced the risk of ADRs among patients carrying a TPMT variant, without increasing overall healthcare costs and resulting in comparable quality of life, as compared to standard treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reinier L Sluiter
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Corresponding author: Reinier Luuk (Rene) Sluiter, Geert Grooteplein 21 (route 135), 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)24 36 55747; Fax: +31 (0)24 36 13505;
| | - Corine van Marrewijk
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Jong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Radboud Institute Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Scheffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Guchelaar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Derijks
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis R Wong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Piet Hooymans
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Sita H Vermeulen
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - André L M Verbeek
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan van der Wilt
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wietske Kievit
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J H Coenen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lucafò M, Franca R, Selvestrel D, Curci D, Pugnetti L, Decorti G, Stocco G. Pharmacogenetics of treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:1209-1223. [PMID: 30465611 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1551876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammation of the gut whose pathogenesis is still unclear. Although no curative therapy is currently available, a number of drugs are used in induction and maintenance therapy; however, for most of these drugs, a high inter-individual variability in response is observed. Among the factors of this variability, genetics plays an important role. Areas covered: This review summarizes the results of pharmacogenetic studies, considering the most important drugs used and in particular aminosalycilates, glucocorticoids, thiopurines, monoclonal antibodies and thalidomide. Most studies used a candidate gene approach, even if significant breakthroughs have been obtained recently from applying genome-wide studies. When available, also investigations considering epigenetics and pharmacogenetic dosing guidelines have been included. Expert opinion: Only for thiopurines, genetic markers identified as predictors of efficacy or adverse events have allowed the development of dosing guidelines. For the other drugs, encouraging results are available and great expectations rely on the study of epigenetics and integration with pharmacokinetic information, especially useful for biologics. However, to improve therapy of IBD patients with these drugs, for implementation in the clinics of pharmacogenetics, informatic clinical decision support systems and training about pharmacogenetics of health providers are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Lucafò
- a Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit , National Cancer Institute - Centro di Riferimento Oncologico , Aviano , Italy.,b Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Diagnostics Department Trieste , Italy
| | - Raffaella Franca
- b Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Diagnostics Department Trieste , Italy.,c Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Davide Selvestrel
- d PhD School in Science of Reproduction and Development , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Debora Curci
- d PhD School in Science of Reproduction and Development , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Letizia Pugnetti
- d PhD School in Science of Reproduction and Development , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Giuliana Decorti
- b Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo , Diagnostics Department Trieste , Italy.,c Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Gabriele Stocco
- e Department of Life Sciences , University of Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Su HY, Ward MG, Sparrow MP. Therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease: too little too early?-comments on the American Gastroenterology Association Guideline. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:113. [PMID: 29354770 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.12.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Y Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark G Ward
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Miles P Sparrow
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Pemphigus is a group of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases of stratified squamous epithelia, such as the skin and oral mucosa, in which acantholysis (the loss of cell adhesion) causes blisters and erosions. Pemphigus has three major subtypes: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and paraneoplastic pemphigus. IgG autoantibodies are characteristically raised against desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3, which are cell-cell adhesion molecules found in desmosomes. The sites of blister formation can be physiologically explained by the anti-desmoglein autoantibody profile and tissue-specific expression pattern of desmoglein isoforms. The pathophysiological roles of T cells and B cells have been characterized in mouse models of pemphigus and patients, revealing insights into the mechanisms of autoimmunity. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and confirmed with histological and immunochemical testing. The current first-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant therapies, including immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20+ B cells, is a promising therapeutic option that may soon become first-line therapy. Pemphigus is one of the best-characterized human autoimmune diseases and provides an ideal paradigm for both basic and clinical research, especially towards the development of antigen-specific immune suppression treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Nils E Gilhus
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, and the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital - both in Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|