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Zhang Y, Liao J, Fan W. Role of autoantibodies in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome: a review. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1359003. [PMID: 38505711 PMCID: PMC10948515 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1359003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, recurrent disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation. IBS was previously considered to manifest without any structural alterations until the discovery of post-infection IBS. An increasing body of published evidence indicates that immune activation plays an important role in the development of IBS. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology of IBS, including mainly visceral hypersensitivity and gastrointestinal dysmotility, has not yet been explicitly elucidated. The observation of potential inflammatory degenerative neuropathy, including neuronal degeneration, spearheaded research on autoimmune responses targeting the enteric nervous system. Subsequently, several autoantibodies were detected in the sera of IBS patients, among which some were presumed to exert a pathogenic influence or be associated with the etiology of gastrointestinal dysmotility in IBS. Moreover, certain specific autoantibodies evidently served as biomarkers to facilitate the differentiation between IBS and other related diseases. Therefore, we aimed to present an overview of autoantibodies reported in the sera of IBS patients and highlight their significance in diagnosing and comprehending the pathophysiology of IBS. Consequently, we propose a therapeutic strategy from an autoimmune perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wenjuan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Fan W, Fang X, Fei G, Li X, Guan H. Sera anti-neuronal antibodies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and their correlations with clinical profiles. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14682. [PMID: 37743699 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune factors were involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of the study was to test anti-neuronal antibodies in sera of IBS patients and demonstrate their correlations with IBS profiles and psychological disorders. METHODS Patients with IBS met Rome III criteria and excluded organic diseases were enrolled. Controls included healthy subjects (HS), slow transit functional constipation, autoimmune diseases, and so on. Indirect immunofluorescence with monkey cerebellum and small intestine as substrates was used to detect anti-neuronal antibodies including anti-cerebral neuronal antibodies (ACNA) and anti-enteric neuronal antibodies (AENA). RESULTS A total of 293 IBS patients, 100 HS and 153 disease controls were included in this study. The ACNA positive rate of IBS patients was significantly higher than HS (14% vs. 6%, p = 0.033). The positive rate of ACNA was significantly lower than AENA (14.0% vs. 76.8%, p = 0.028) in IBS patients. The prevalence of headache and sleeping disorder were higher in ACNA-positive IBS patients than ACNA-negative IBS patients (61% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.03; 75.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.03, respectively). Among IBS patients, ACNA and AENA were both negative in 21.8% patients, ACNA negative and AENA positive in 64.2% patients, and ACNA and AENA were both positive in 12.6% patients. There were no significant differences of intestinal symptoms among the three groups, while the prevalence of headache (64.9% vs. 37.5% and 44.7%, p = 0.03) and sleeping disorder (78.4% vs. 50.0% and 59.6%, p = 0.02) were higher in patients with both ACNA and AENA positive than patients with both ACNA and AENA negative, patients with ACNA negative and AENA positive. There were no significant differences of the prevalence of depression and anxiety, HAMD, and HAMA scores among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Anti-neuronal antibodies in sera of IBS patients were mainly targeted to enteric neurons and in a small part to cerebral neurons. ACNA were closely related to headache and sleeping disorder but unrelated to intestinal symptoms, depression, or anxiety of IBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiucai Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guijun Fei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongzhi Guan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Schulz P, Lütt A, Stöcker W, Teegen B, Holtkamp M, Prüss H. High frequency of cerebrospinal fluid autoantibodies in patients with seizures or epilepsies of unknown etiology. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1211812. [PMID: 37475738 PMCID: PMC10356105 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1211812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The increasing identification of specific autoantibodies against brain structures allows further refinement of the group of autoimmune-associated epilepsies and affects diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. The early etiological allocation of a first seizure is particularly challenging, and the contribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is not fully understood. Methods In this retrospective study with a mean of 7.8 years follow-up involving 39 well-characterized patients with the initial diagnosis of new-onset seizure or epilepsy of unknown etiology and 24 controls, we determined the frequency of autoantibodies to brain proteins in CSF/serum pairs using cell-based assays and unbiased immunofluorescence staining of unfixed murine brain sections. Results Autoantibodies were detected in the CSF of 30.8% of patients. Underlying antigens involved glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, but also a range of yet undetermined epitopes on neurons, glial and vascular cells. While antibody-positive patients had higher frequencies of cancer, they did not differ from antibody-negative patients with respect to seizure type, electroencephalography (EEG) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) findings, neuropsychiatric comorbidities or pre-existing autoimmune diseases. In 5.1% of patients with seizures or epilepsy of initially presumed unknown etiology, mostly CSF findings resulted in etiological reallocation as autoimmune-associated epilepy. Discussion These findings strengthen the potential role for routine CSF analysis. Further studies are needed to understand the autoantibody contribution to etiologically unclear epilepsies, including determining the antigenic targets of underlying autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Schulz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alva Lütt
- Psychiatric University Hospital Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CCM, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Bianca Teegen
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Association of cerebrospinal fluid brain-binding autoantibodies with cognitive impairment in post-COVID-19 syndrome. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:139-143. [PMID: 36657623 PMCID: PMC9841734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological symptoms, in particular cognitive deficits, are common in post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). There is no approved therapy available, and the underlying disease mechanisms are largely unknown. Besides others, autoimmune processes may play a key role. DESIGN We here present data of a prospective study conducted between September 2020 and December 2021 and performed at two German University hospitals with specialized Neurology outpatient clinics. Fifty patients with self-reported cognitive deficits as main complaint of PCS and available serum and CSF samples were included. Cell-based assays and indirect immunofluorescence on murine brain sections were used to detect autoantibodies against intracellular and surface antigens in serum and CSF and analyzed for associations with cognitive screening assessment. RESULTS Clearly abnormal cognitive status (MoCA ≤ 25/30 points) was only seen in 18/50 patients with self-reported cognitive deficits. Most patients (46/50) had normal routine CSF parameters. anti-neuronal autoantibodies were found in 52 % of all patients: n = 9 in serum only, n = 3 in CSF only and n = 14 in both, including those against myelin, Yo, Ma2/Ta, GAD65 and NMDA receptor, but also a variety of undetermined epitopes on brain sections. These included cerebral vessel endothelium, Purkinje neurons, granule cells, axon initial segments, astrocytic proteins and neuropil of basal ganglia or hippocampus as well as a formerly unknown perinuclear rim pattern. Pathological MoCA results were associated with the presence of anti-neuronal antibodies in CSF (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS Autoantibodies targeting brain epitopes are common in PCS patients and strongly associate with pathological cognitive screening tests, in particular when found in CSF. Several underlying autoantigens still await experimental identification. Further research is needed to inform on the clinical relevance of these autoantibodies, including controlled studies that explore the potential efficacy of antibody-depleting immunotherapy in PCS.
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Enteric neuroanatomy and smooth muscle activity in the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). Front Zool 2023; 20:8. [PMID: 36759847 PMCID: PMC9909958 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) functions are controlled by the enteric nervous system (ENS) in vertebrates, but data on snakes are scarce, as most studies were done in mammals. However, the feeding of many snakes, including Crotalus atrox, is in strong contrast with mammals, as it consumes an immense, intact prey that is forwarded, stored, and processed by the GI tract. We performed immunohistochemistry in different regions of the GI tract to assess the neuronal density and to quantify cholinergic, nitrergic, and VIPergic enteric neurons. We recorded motility patterns and determined the role of different neurotransmitters in the control of motility. Neuroimaging experiments complemented motility findings. RESULTS A well-developed ganglionated myenteric plexus (MP) was found in the oesophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. In the submucous plexus (SMP) most neurons were scattered individually without forming ganglia. The lowest number of neurons was present in the SMP of the proximal colon, while the highest was in the MP of the oesophagus. The total number of neurons in the ENS was estimated to be approx. 1.5 million. In all regions of the SMP except for the oesophagus more nitric oxide synthase+ than choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT)+ neurons were counted, while in the MP ChAT+ neurons dominated. In the SMP most nerve cells were VIP+, contrary to the MP, where numerous VIP+ nerve fibers but hardly any VIP+ neuronal cell bodies were seen. Regular contractions were observed in muscle strips from the distal stomach, but not from the proximal stomach or the colon. We identified acetylcholine as the main excitatory and nitric oxide as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Furthermore, 5-HT and dopamine stimulated, while VIP and the ß-receptor-agonist isoproterenol inhibited motility. ATP had only a minor inhibitory effect. Nerve-evoked contractile responses were sodium-dependent, insensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX), but sensitive to lidocaine, supported by neuroimaging experiments. CONCLUSIONS The structure of the ENS, and patterns of gastric and colonic contractile activity of Crotalus atrox are strikingly different from mammalian models. However, the main excitatory and inhibitory pathways appear to be conserved. Future studies have to explore how the observed differences are an adaptation to the particular feeding strategy of the snake.
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Polilli E, Frattari A, Esposito JE, Angelini G, Di Risio A, Mazzotta E, Coladonato S, Di Iorio G, Parruti G, Tocco P. SOX-1 antibodies in a patient with Crohn's disease: a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:404. [PMID: 36324062 PMCID: PMC9628059 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-SOX-1 antibodies have been mainly associated with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LETMS) and Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). In this report, we describe the interesting case of a patient with serum anti-SOX-1 antibodies and Crohn's Disease (CD) with ensuing neurological symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION A Caucasian 67-year-old female was admitted to the Emergency Department with seizures, vertigo, emesis, nausea, postural instability and recurrent falls, over a period of 10 days. She had been affected by Crohn's Disease since 1991. A CT scan failed to detect any ischemic or haemorrhagic lesion. A brain MRI revealed signs of leukoencephalopathy. Western blot analysis of her serum revealed a high titre of the onconeural antibody anti-SOX1, consistent with a neurological, cerebellar type, paraneoplastic syndrome. In spite of multiple efforts to unmask a possible underlying malignancy, no neoplastic lesion cropped up during hospitalization. Her clinical conditions progressively deteriorated, up to respiratory failure; a few days later she died, due to ensuing septic shock and Multiple Organ Failure. CONCLUSIONS Our experience may usher and reveal a new role of anti-neural antibodies, so far reckoned an early indicator of associated malignancy, suggesting that neurological syndromes associated with such antibodies may complicate also chronic Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. As of now, testing for anti-neuronal antibodies appeared unnecessary within the diagnostic assessment of gastroenterological disorders, which may lead to overlooking incident neurologic autoimmune diseases. Further exploration of such research hypothesis in clinical grounds appears intriguing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Polilli
- grid.461844.bClinical Pathology Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara PE, Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonella Frattari
- grid.461844.bIntensive Care Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Jessica Elisabetta Esposito
- grid.461844.bClinical Pathology Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara PE, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gilda Angelini
- grid.461844.bClinical Pathology Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara PE, Pescara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Di Risio
- grid.461844.bClinical Pathology Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara PE, Pescara, Italy
| | - Elena Mazzotta
- grid.461844.bInfectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Simona Coladonato
- grid.461844.bInfectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Iorio
- grid.461844.bClinical Pathology Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara PE, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giustino Parruti
- grid.461844.bInfectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Tocco
- grid.461844.bNeurology and Stroke Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
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Endres D, von Zedtwitz K, Matteit I, Bünger I, Foverskov-Rasmussen H, Runge K, Feige B, Schlump A, Maier S, Nickel K, Berger B, Schiele MA, Cunningham JL, Domschke K, Prüss H, Tebartz van Elst L. Spectrum of Novel Anti-Central Nervous System Autoantibodies in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of 119 Patients With Schizophreniform and Affective Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:261-274. [PMID: 35606187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune psychosis may be caused by well-characterized anti-neuronal autoantibodies, such as those against the NMDA receptor. However, the presence of additional anti-central nervous system (CNS) autoantibodies in these patients has not been systematically assessed. METHODS Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with schizophreniform and affective syndromes were analyzed for immunoglobulin G anti-CNS autoantibodies using tissue-based assays with indirect immunofluorescence on unfixed murine brain tissue as part of an extended routine clinical practice. After an initial assessment of patients with red flags for autoimmune psychosis (n = 30), tissue-based testing was extended to a routine procedure (n = 89). RESULTS Based on the findings from all 119 patients, anti-CNS immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against brain tissue were detected in 18% (n = 22) of patients (serum 9%, CSF 18%) following five principal patterns: 1) against vascular structures, most likely endothelial cells (serum 3%, CSF 8%); 2) against granule cells in the cerebellum and/or hippocampus (serum 4%, CSF 6%); 3) against myelinated fibers (serum 2%, CSF 2%); 4) against cerebellar Purkinje cells (serum 0%, CSF 2%); and 5) against astrocytes (serum 1%, CSF 1%). The patients with novel anti-CNS autoantibodies showed increased albumin quotients (p = .026) and white matter changes (p = .020) more frequently than those who tested negative for autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates five novel autoantibody-binding patterns on brain tissue of patients with schizophreniform and affective syndromes. CSF yielded positive findings more frequently than serum analysis. The frequency and spectrum of autoantibodies in these patient groups may be broader than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina von Zedtwitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Matteit
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Bünger
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helle Foverskov-Rasmussen
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Feige
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schlump
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Berger
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Janet L Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Annaházi A, Schemann M. Contribution of the Enteric Nervous System to Autoimmune Diseases and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1383:1-8. [PMID: 36587141 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05843-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Anti-neuronal autoantibodies can lead to subacute gastrointestinal dysmotility, presenting with various symptoms typical of intestinal pseudoobstruction, achalasia, gastroparesis, or slow intestinal transit, among others. Such autoantibodies may be produced in response to a remote tumor and accelerate the diagnosis of malignancy, but in other cases they appear without an identifiable underlying cause. One example is the type I anti-neuronal nuclear antibody (ANNA-1 otherwise known as anti-Hu), which is usually linked to small cell-lung carcinoma. Anti-Hu can directly activate enteric neurons and visceral sensory nerve fibers and has a cytotoxic effect. Various other anti-neuronal antibodies have been described, targeting different ion channels or receptors on nerve cells of the central or the enteric nervous system. Autoimmune processes targeting enteric neurons may also play a role in more common disorders such as esophageal achalasia, celiac disease, or multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, anti-enteric neuronal antibodies have been found more abundant in the common functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), than in controls. The pathogenesis of IBS is very complex, involving the release of various mediators from immune cells in the gut wall. Products of mast cells, such as histamine and tryptase, excite visceral afferents and enteric neurons, which may contribute to symptoms like abdominal pain and disturbed motility. Elevated serine- and cysteine-protease activity in stool of IBS-D and IBS-C patients, respectively, can be a factor leading to leaky gut and visceral hypersensitivity. More knowledge on these mediators in IBS may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic methods or therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Annaházi
- Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Schemann
- Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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Gastrointestinal dysfunction in neuroinflammatory diseases: Multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, acute autonomic ganglionopathy and related conditions. Auton Neurosci 2021; 232:102795. [PMID: 33740560 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the nervous system can produce a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions. Among these, lesions in various brain structures can cause appetite loss (hypothalamus), decreased peristalsis (presumably the basal ganglia, pontine defecation center/Barrington's nucleus), decreased abdominal strain (presumably parabrachial nucleus/Kolliker-Fuse nucleus) and hiccupping and vomiting (area postrema/dorsal vagal complex). In addition, decreased peristalsis with/without loss of bowel sensation can be caused by lesions of the spinal long tracts and the intermediolateral nucleus or of the peripheral nerves and myenteric plexus. Recently, neural diseases of inflammatory etiology, particularly those affecting the PNS, are being recognized to contribute to GI dysfunction. Here, we review neuroinflammatory diseases that potentially cause GI dysfunction. Among such CNS diseases are multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disorder, and autoimmune encephalitis. Peripheral nervous system diseases impacting the gut include Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute sensory-autonomic neuropathy/acute motor-sensory-autonomic neuropathy, acute autonomic ganglionopathy, myasthenia gravis and acute autonomic neuropathy with paraneoplastic syndrome. Finally, collagen diseases, such as Sjogren syndrome and systemic sclerosis, and celiac disease affect both CNS and PNS. These neuro-associated GI dysfunctions may predate or present concurrently with brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerve dysfunction. Such patients may visit gastroenterologists or physicians first, before the neurological diagnosis is made. Therefore, awareness of these phenomena among general practitioners and collaboration between gastroenterologists and neurologists are highly recommended in order for their early diagnosis and optimal management, as well as for systematic documentation of their presentations and treatment.
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Frieling T, Kreysel C, Blank M, Müller D, Melchior I, Euler P, Kuhlbusch-Zicklam R, Haarmeier T, Schemann M. Autoimmune encephalitis and gastrointestinal dysmotility: achalasia, gastroparesis, and slow transit constipation. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2020; 58:975-981. [PMID: 33036051 DOI: 10.1055/a-1233-2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological autoimmune disorders (NAD) are caused by autoimmune inflammation triggered by specific antibody subtypes. NAD may disturb the gut-brain axis at several levels including brain, spinal cord, peripheral, or enteric nervous system. CASE REPORT We present a case with antinuclear neuronal Hu (ANNA-1)- and antiglial nuclear (SOX-1) autoimmune antibody-positive limbic encephalitis and significant gastrointestinal dysmotility consisting of achalasia type II, gastroparesis, altered small intestinal interdigestive motility, and severe slow transit constipation. The autoantibodies of the patient's serum labeled enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal but no other cells in the gut wall. Achalasia was treated successfully by pneumatic cardia dilation and gastrointestinal dysmotility successfully with prucalopride. CONCLUSION NAD may disturb gastrointestinal motility by altering various levels of the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Frieling
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Kreysel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Blank
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
| | - Dorothee Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
| | - Ilka Melchior
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
| | - Philipp Euler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, HELIOS Clinic Krefeld, Germany
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Koneczny I. Update on IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases: New insights and new family members. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102646. [PMID: 32801046 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies of IgG4 subclass are exceptional players of the immune system, as they are considered to be immunologically inert and functionally monovalent, and as such may be part of classical tolerance mechanisms. IgG4 antibodies are found in a range of different diseases, including IgG4-related diseases, allergy, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, helminth infection and IgG4 autoimmune diseases, where they may be pathogenic or protective. IgG4 autoimmune diseases are an emerging new group of diseases that are characterized by pathogenic, antigen-specific autoantibodies of IgG4 subclass, such as MuSK myasthenia gravis, pemphigus vulgaris and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The list of IgG4 autoantigens is rapidly growing and to date contains 29 candidate antigens. Interestingly, IgG4 autoimmune diseases are restricted to four distinct organs: 1) the central and peripheral nervous system, 2) the kidney, 3) the skin and mucous membranes and 4) the vascular system and soluble antigens in the blood circulation. The pathogenicity of IgG4 can be validated using our classification system, and is usually excerted by functional blocking of protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingergürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Enteric Murine Ganglionitis Induced by Autoimmune CD8 T Cells Mimics Human Gastrointestinal Dysmotility. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 189:540-551. [PMID: 30593823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases frequently cause gastrointestinal dysmotility, suggesting that they may also affect the enteric nervous system. So far, the precise mechanisms that lead to gastrointestinal dysmotility in inflammatory bowel diseases have not been elucidated. To determine the effect of CD8 T cells on gastrointestinal motility, transgenic mice expressing ovalbumin on enteric neurons were generated. In these mice, adoptive transfer of ovalbumin-specific OT-I CD8 T cells induced severe enteric ganglionitis. CD8 T cells homed to submucosal and myenteric plexus neurons, 60% of which were lost, clinically resulting in severely impaired gastrointestinal transition. Anti-interferon-γ treatment rescued neurons by preventing their up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigen, thus preserving gut motility. These preclinical murine data translated well into human gastrointestinal dysmotility. In a series of 30 colonic biopsy specimens from patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility, CD8 T cell-mediated ganglionitis was detected that was followed by severe loss of enteric neurons (74.8%). Together, the preclinical and clinical data support the concept that autoimmune CD8 T cells play an important pathogenetic role in gastrointestinal dysmotility and may destroy enteric neurons.
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Spear ET, Holt EA, Joyce EJ, Haag MM, Mawe SM, Hennig GW, Lavoie B, Applebee AM, Teuscher C, Mawe GM. Altered gastrointestinal motility involving autoantibodies in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13349. [PMID: 29644797 PMCID: PMC6153444 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that, in addition to motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms, also causes constipation, which is poorly understood. Here, we characterize gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS and evaluate whether autoantibodies target the enteric nervous system (ENS) and cause dysmotility. METHODS EAE was induced in male SJL and B6 mice. GI motility was assessed in vivo and ex vivo in wild type (WT) and B cell-deficient mice. MS and EAE serum was used to survey potential targets in the ENS and changes in the ENS structure were characterized using immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS EAE mice developed accelerated gastric emptying and delayed whole GI transit with reduced colonic motility. Fecal water content was reduced, and colonic migrating myoelectrical complexes (CMMC) and slow waves were less frequent. Colons from EAE mice exhibited decreased GFAP levels in glia. Sera from MS patients and from EAE mice targeted ENS neurons and glia. B-cell deficiency in EAE protected against colonic dysmotility. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Consistent with symptoms experienced in MS, we demonstrate that EAE mice widely exhibit features of GI dysmotility that persisted in the absence of extrinsic innervation, suggesting direct involvement of ENS neurocircuitry. The absence of GI dysmotility in B cell-deficient mice with EAE together with EAE and MS serum immunoreactivity against ENS targets suggests that MS could be classified among other diseases known to induce autoimmune GI dysmotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. T. Spear
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - E. A. Holt
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - E. J. Joyce
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - M. M. Haag
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - S. M. Mawe
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - G. W. Hennig
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA,Department of Pharmacology, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - B. Lavoie
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - A. M. Applebee
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - C. Teuscher
- Department of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - G. M. Mawe
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA,Department of Pharmacology, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA,Department of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
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