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Liu K, Fu J, Guo K, Maghsoudloo M, Cheng J, Fu J. The ENG/VEGFα Pathway Is Likely Affected by a Nonsense Variant of Endoglin (ENG)/CD105, Causing Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Type 1 (HHT1) in a Chinese Family. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:304. [PMID: 38540362 PMCID: PMC10970080 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also called Rendu-Osler syndrome, is a group of rare genetic diseases characterized by autosomal dominance, multisystemic vascular dysplasia, and age-related penetrance. This includes arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the skin, brain, lung, liver, and mucous membranes. The correlations between the phenotype and genotype for HHT are not clear. An HHT Chinese pedigree was recruited. Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis, Sanger verification, and co-segregation were conducted. Western blotting was performed for monitoring ENG/VEGFα signaling. As a result, a nonsense, heterozygous variant for ENG/CD105: c.G1169A:p. Trp390Ter of the proband with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1) was identified, which co-segregated with the disease in the M666 pedigree. Western blotting found that, compared with the normal levels associated with non-carrier family members, the ENG protein levels in the proband showed approximately a one-half decrease (47.4% decrease), while levels of the VEGFα protein, in the proband, showed approximately a one-quarter decrease (25.6% decrease), implying that ENG haploinsufficiency, displayed in the carrier of this variant, may affect VEGFα expression downregulation. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses further supported TGFβ/ENG/VEGFα signaling, implying ENG regulation in the blood vessels. Thus, next-generation sequencing including WES should provide an accurate strategy for gene diagnosis, therapy, genetic counseling, and clinical management for rare genetic diseases including that in HHT1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
| | - Jiewen Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Kan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (K.L.); (J.F.); (K.G.); (M.M.); (J.C.)
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Villanueva B, Cerdà P, Torres-Iglesias R, Rocamora JL, Figueras A, Viñals F, Riera-Mestre A. Potential angiogenic biomarkers in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and other vascular diseases. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 115:10-17. [PMID: 37225595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Biomarkers are new tools framed in precision and personalized medicine. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare genetic vascular disease with disturbances in the angiogenic pathways. Descriptive evidence supports that some angiogenesis-related molecules are differently detected in HHT patients compared to healthy subjects. These molecules are also related to diagnosis, prognosis, complications and therapy monitoring in other common vascular diseases. Despite the need for improving knowledge before applying them in daily clinical practice, there are good candidates to be considered as potential biomarkers in HHT and other vascular diseases. In the present review, the authors aim to summarize and discuss current evidence regarding the main putative angiogenic biomarkers by describing the biological role of each biomarker, the evidence related to HHT and their potential use in this and other common vascular diseases from a clinical point-of-view.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Villanueva
- HHT Unit. Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Cerdà
- HHT Unit. Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Torres-Iglesias
- HHT Unit. Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J L Rocamora
- HHT Unit. Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Figueras
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance, Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain; Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Viñals
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance, Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain; Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Riera-Mestre
- HHT Unit. Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Xiang-Tischhauser L, Bette M, Rusche JR, Roth K, Kasahara N, Stuck BA, Bakowsky U, Wartenberg M, Sauer H, Geisthoff UW, Mandic R. Generation of a Syngeneic Heterozygous ACVRL1(wt/mut) Knockout iPS Cell Line for the In Vitro Study of HHT2-Associated Angiogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1600. [PMID: 37371070 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) type 2 is an autosomal dominant disease in which one allele of the ACVRL1 gene is mutated. Patients exhibit disturbances in TGF-beta/BMP-dependent angiogenesis and, clinically, often present with severe nosebleeds as well as a reduced quality of life. The aim of our study was to use CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout ACVRL1 in normal induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and evaluate the effects on TGF-beta- and BMP-related gene expression as well as angiogenesis. The CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of the ACVRL1 gene was carried out in previously characterized wild-type (ACVRL1wt/wt) iPSCs. An HHT type 2 iPS cell line was generated via a single-allele knockout (ACVRL1wt/mut) in wild-type (ACVRL1wt/wt) iPSCs, resulting in a heterozygous 17 bp frameshift deletion in the ACVRL1 gene [NG_009549.1:g.13707_13723del; NM_000020.3:c.1137_1153del]. After the generation of embryoid bodies (EBs), endothelial differentiation was induced via adding 4 ng/mL BMP4, 2% B27, and 10 ng/mL VEGF. Endothelial differentiation was monitored via immunocytochemistry. An analysis of 151 TGF-beta/BMP-related genes was performed via RT-qPCR through the use of mRNA derived from single iPS cell cultures as well as endothelial cells derived from EBs after endothelial differentiation. Differential TGF-beta/BMP gene expression was observed between ACVRL1wt/wt and ACVRL1wt/mut iPSCs as well as endothelial cells. EBs derived from CRISPR/Cas9-designed ACVRL1 mutant HHT type 2 iPSCs, together with their isogenic wild-type iPSC counterparts, can serve as valuable resources for HHT type 2 in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang-Tischhauser
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bette
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Johanna R Rusche
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Roth
- Cellular Imaging Core Facility, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Norio Kasahara
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Oral- and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo 101-0061, Japan
| | - Boris A Stuck
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bakowsky
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Maria Wartenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sauer
- Department of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Urban W Geisthoff
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Mandic
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
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Fujimori S. Tranexamic acid may be a useful pharmacotherapy for endoscopically resistant small bowel angiodysplasia. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1131-1138. [PMID: 36926669 PMCID: PMC10011953 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i7.1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Small bowel angiodysplasia (SBAD) is reported to account for nearly 50% of cases of small bowel bleeding. When SBAD occurs frequently, it is difficult to treat all the angiodysplasias endoscopically, and gastrointestinal bleeding often recurs. Hormone therapy, somatostatin analogs, thalidomide and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing antibodies have been reported to reduce gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIAD) bleeding. However, there is no strong evidence to recommend them. Also, there are no guidelines for their use. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a hereditary disease caused by abnormalities in VEGF, resulting in multiple GIADs. A treatment guideline has been created for GIAD in HHT, and the use of tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic agent, is the first recommendation pharmacotherapy for GIAD with gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to treat endoscopically. It has been reported that fibrinolysis is accelerated in GIAD patients who are not HHT, similar to HHT patients. The use of tranexamic acid for gastric antral vascular ectasia in GIAD has been reported to be useful. However, there are very few reports of its use for SBAD. There are concerns with tranexamic acid use regarding the development of thrombosis/embolism, but there are few reports of such side effects. Future clinical trials including tranexamic acid for SBAD are desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Fujimori
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Nippon Medical School, Chiba 270-1694, Japan
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5
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Albarki H, Rimmer J. The Use of Beta-Blockers in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia-Related Epistaxis: A Systematic Review. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2022; 36:890-896. [PMID: 35929049 DOI: 10.1177/19458924221118131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting 1 in 5000 individuals. Epistaxis is seen in more than 90% of patients with HHT. Severe recurrent epistaxis can significantly decrease quality of life and may be resistant to standard treatment measures. Dysregulation of angiogenesis has been shown to cause the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels. As such, antiangiogenic treatments have been investigated including beta-blockers. OBJECTIVE A systematic review of the efficacy of beta-blockers in topical treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT based on epistaxis duration, frequency, and severity. METHODS A systematic search was performed using the PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and Cochrane databases. The Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Studies that measured the efficacy of beta-blocker treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT were included for qualitative analysis. RESULTS Five studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 2 case series) with a total of 132 patients were included. Administration (systemically or topically via a spray or gel) of timolol and propranolol showed mixed evidence of improvement in epistaxis frequency, severity, and duration when compared with control groups. The evidence for propranolol appears more promising than timolol. CONCLUSION There are significant limitations in the included studies, and further investigation with larger longitudinal or randomized prospective trials is recommended. The available evidence suggests that beta-blocker treatment may have a positive effect on HHT-related epistaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashm Albarki
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 2538Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne Rimmer
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 2538Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, 2541Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Wrobeln A, Leu T, Jablonska J, Geisthoff U, Lang S, Fandrey J, Droege F. Altered hypoxia inducible factor regulation in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5877. [PMID: 35393474 PMCID: PMC8988913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Rendu–Osler–Weber syndrome, suffer from the consequences of abnormal vessel structures. These structures can lead to haemorrhages or shunt effects in liver, lungs and brain. This inherited and rare disease is characterized by mutations affecting the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway that results in arteriovenous malformations and studies indicate an impaired immune response. The mechanism underlying this altered immune response in HHT patients is still unknown. TGF-β interacts with hypoxia inducible factors (HIF), which both orchestrate inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Therefore, we analysed the expression of HIF and related genes in whole blood samples from HHT patients. We could show significantly decreased expression of HIF-1α on the mRNA and protein level. However, commonly known upstream regulators of HIF-1α in inflammatory responses were not affected, whereas HIF-1α target genes were significantly downregulated. There was no correlation between HIF1A or HIF2A gene expression and the severity of HHT detected. Our results represent a rare case of HIF-1α downregulation in a human disease, which underlines the relevance of HIFs in HHT. The study indicates an interaction of the known mutation in HHT and the dysregulation of HIF-1α in HHT patients, which might contribute to the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wrobeln
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - Tristan Leu
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Jadwiga Jablonska
- Translational Oncology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstaße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Urban Geisthoff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Freya Droege
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
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Al-Samkari H. Systemic Antiangiogenic Therapies for Bleeding in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Practical, Evidence-Based Guide for Clinicians. Semin Thromb Hemost 2022; 48:514-528. [PMID: 35226946 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Management of bleeding in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), the second most common hereditary bleeding disorder in the world, is currently undergoing a paradigm shift. Disease-modifying antiangiogenic therapies capable of achieving durable hemostasis via inducing telangiectasia regression have emerged as a highly effective and safe modality to treat epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding in HHT. While evidence to date is incomplete and additional studies are ongoing, patients presently in need are being treated with antiangiogenic agents off-label. Intravenous bevacizumab, oral pazopanib, and oral thalidomide are the three targeted primary angiogenesis inhibitors, with multiple studies describing both reassuring safety and impressive effectiveness in the treatment of moderate-to-severe HHT-associated bleeding. However, at present there is a paucity of guidance in the literature, including the published HHT guidelines, addressing the practical aspects of antiangiogenic therapy for HHT in clinical practice. This review article and practical evidence-based guide aims to fill this unaddressed need, synthesizing published data on the use of antiangiogenic agents in HHT, relevant data for their use outside of HHT, and expert guidance where evidence is lacking. After a brief review of principles of bleeding therapy in HHT, guidance on hematologic support with iron and blood products, and alternatives to antiangiogenic therapy, this article examines each of the aforementioned antiangiogenic agents in detail, including patient selection, initiation, monitoring, toxicity management, and discontinuation. With proper, educated use of antiangiogenic therapies in HHT, patients with even the most severe bleeding manifestations can achieve durable hemostasis with minimal side-effects, dramatically improving health-related quality of life and potentially altering the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanny Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Thresholds of Endoglin Expression in Endothelial Cells Explains Vascular Etiology in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168948. [PMID: 34445652 PMCID: PMC8396348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by arteriovenous malformations and hemorrhage. HHT1 is caused by mutations in ENDOGLIN, which encodes an ancillary receptor for Transforming Growth Factor-β/Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 expressed in all vascular endothelial cells. Haploinsufficiency is widely accepted as the underlying mechanism for HHT1. However, it remains intriguing that only some, but not all, vascular beds are affected, as these causal gene mutations are present in vasculature throughout the body. Here, we have examined the endoglin expression levels in the blood vessels of multiple organs in mice and in humans. We found a positive correlation between low basal levels of endoglin and the general prevalence of clinical manifestations in selected organs. Endoglin was found to be particularly low in the skin, the earliest site of vascular lesions in HHT1, and even undetectable in the arteries and capillaries of heterozygous endoglin mice. Endoglin levels did not appear to be associated with organ-specific vascular functions. Instead, our data revealed a critical endoglin threshold compatible with the haploinsufficiency model, below which endothelial cells independent of their tissue of origin exhibited abnormal responses to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Our results support the development of drugs promoting endoglin expression as potentially protective.
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Al-Samkari H, Kasthuri RS, Parambil JG, Albitar HA, Almodallal YA, Vázquez C, Serra MM, Dupuis-Girod S, Wilsen CB, McWilliams JP, Fountain EH, Gossage JR, Weiss CR, Latif MA, Issachar A, Mei-Zahav M, Meek ME, Conrad M, Rodriguez-Lopez J, Kuter DJ, Iyer VN. An international, multicenter study of intravenous bevacizumab for bleeding in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: the InHIBIT-Bleed study. Haematologica 2021; 106:2161-2169. [PMID: 32675221 PMCID: PMC8327711 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.261859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is a rare multisystem vascular disorder that causes chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, and severe anemia. Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, may be effective to treat bleeding in HHT. This international, multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the use of systemic bevacizumab to treat HHTassociated bleeding and anemia at 12 HHT treatment centers. Hemoglobin, Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS), red cell units transfused, and intravenous iron infusions before and after treatment were evaluated using paired means testing and mixed-effects linear models. Bevacizumab was given to 238 HHT patients for a median of 12 (range, 1-96) months. Compared with pretreatment, bevacizumab increased mean hemoglobin by 3.2 g/dL (95% confidence interval: 2.9-3.5 g/dL); i.e., from a mean hemoglobin of 8.6 (8.5-8.8) g/dL to 11.8 (11.5-12.1) g/dL; P<0.0001) and decreased the ESS by 3.4 (3.2-3.7) points (mean ESS 6.8 [6.6-7.1] versus 3.4 [3.2-3.7]; P<0.0001) during the first year of treatment. Compared with 6 months before treatment, the number of red blood cell units transfused decreased by 82% (median of 6.0 [interquartile range, 0.0-13.0] units versus 0 [0.0-1.0] units; P<0.0001) and iron infusions decreased by 70% (median of 6.0 [1.0-18.0] infusions versus 1.0 [0.0-4.0] infusions, P<0.0001) during the first 6 months of bevacizumab treatment. Outcomes were similar regardless of the underlying pathogenic mutation. Following initial induction infusions, continuous/scheduled bevacizumab maintenance achieved higher hemoglobin and lower ESS than intermittent/as-needed maintenance but with more drug exposure. Bevacizumab was well tolerated: hypertension, fatigue, and proteinuria were the most common adverse events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 2% of patients. In conclusion, systemic bevacizumab was safe and effective for managing chronic bleeding and anemia in HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanny Al-Samkari
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raj S Kasthuri
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Hasan A Albitar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Carolina Vázquez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo M Serra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sophie Dupuis-Girod
- Centre de Reference pour la maladie de Rendu-Osler, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Craig B Wilsen
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justin P McWilliams
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Evan H Fountain
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - James R Gossage
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Clifford R Weiss
- Div. of Interventional Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Muhammad A Latif
- Div. of Interventional Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Assaf Issachar
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Meir Mei-Zahav
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Mary E Meek
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Miles Conrad
- Dept. of Radiology, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Josanna Rodriguez-Lopez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Kuter
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vivek N Iyer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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10
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Parambil JG, Gossage JR, McCrae KR, Woodard TD, Menon KVN, Timmerman KL, Pederson DP, Sprecher DL, Al-Samkari H. Pazopanib for severe bleeding and transfusion-dependent anemia in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Angiogenesis 2021; 25:87-97. [PMID: 34292451 PMCID: PMC8295629 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare angiogenic disorder causing chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, and severe anemia. Pazopanib is an oral multi-kinase angiogenesis inhibitor with promise to treat bleeding in HHT. We analyzed outcomes of HHT patients with the most severe bleeding causing RBC transfusion dependence treated on a predefined institutional pazopanib treatment pathway (with data collected retrospectively). The primary endpoint was achievement of transfusion independence. Secondary endpoints included hemoglobin, epistaxis severity score, RBC transfusion and iron infusion requirements, number of local hemostatic procedures, ferritin and transferrin saturation, compared using paired and repeated measures mean tests. Thirteen transfusion-dependent HHT patients received pazopanib [median (range) dose 150 (25–300) mg daily)] for a median of 22 months. All patients achieved transfusion independence. Compared with pretreatment, pazopanib increased mean hemoglobin by 4.8 (95% CI, 3.6–5.9) g/dL (7.8 vs. 12.7 g/dL, P < 0.0001) and decreased mean epistaxis severity score by 4.77 (3.11–6.44) points (7.20 vs. 2.43 points, P < 0.0001) after 12 months of treatment. Compared with 3 months of pretreatment, RBC transfusions decreased by 93% (median of 16.0 vs. 0.0 units, P < 0.0001) and elemental iron infusion decreased by 92% (median of 4500 vs. 0 mg, P = 0.005) during the first 3 months of treatment; improvements were maintained over time. Pazopanib was well-tolerated: hypertension, lymphocytopenia, and fatigue were the most common TEAEs. In conclusion, pazopanib was safe and effective to manage severe bleeding in HHT, liberating all patients from transfusion dependence and normalizing hematologic parameters at doses lower than used to treat malignancies. These findings require confirmation in a randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Parambil
- Cleveland Clinic, Respiratory Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue A-90, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - James R Gossage
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Keith R McCrae
- Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Troy D Woodard
- Cleveland Clinic, Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Kasi L Timmerman
- Cleveland Clinic, Respiratory Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue A-90, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Douglas P Pederson
- Cleveland Clinic, Respiratory Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue A-90, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | | | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Zero Emerson Pl Suite 118, Office 112, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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11
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Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: systemic therapies, guidelines, and an evolving standard of care. Blood 2021; 137:888-895. [PMID: 33171488 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) management is evolving because of the emergence and development of antiangiogenic therapies to eliminate bleeding telangiectasias and achieve hemostasis. This progress is reflected in recent clinical recommendations published in the Second International Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of HHT, in which systemic therapies including antiangiogenics and antifibrinolytics are now recommended as standard treatment options for bleeding. This review highlights the new recommendations especially relevant to hematologists in managing bleeding, anticoagulation, and anemia in patients with HHT.
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12
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Haubner F, Schneider A, Schinke H, Bertlich M, Weiss BG, Canis M, Kashani F. Classification of endonasal HHT lesions using digital microscopy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:182. [PMID: 33865423 PMCID: PMC8053266 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01801-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent spontaneous epistaxis is the most common clinical manifestation and the most debilitating symptom in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients. To this date, there exist only a classification of HHT patients by different genetic mutations. There is no standard classification for the mucocutaneous endonasal manifestations of HHT. The aim of the present study was to document the variety of endonasal HHT lesions using digital microscopy and to propose a clinical classification. METHODS We recorded the endonasal HHT lesions of 28 patients using a digital microscope. We reconstructed the 3D images und videos recorded by digital microscope afterwards and classified the endonasal lesions of HHT in two classes: Grade A, presence of only flat telangiectasias in the mucosa level and Grade B, (additional) presence of raised berry or wart-like telangiectasia spots. We investigated also Haemoglobin level by routine laboratory procedures, plasma VEGF level by ELISA, Severity of epistaxis by epistaxis severity score (ESS) and quality of life by a linear visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS We found a higher quality of life and a lower severity of epistaxis in Grade A patients in comparison to Grade B patients. No difference in plasma VEGF level and in Haemoglobin between Grad A patients and Grade B patients could be detected. Plasma VEGF levels showed no gender specific differences. It could also not be correlated to the extranasal manifestation. CONCLUSION The classification for endonasal manifestation of HHT proposed in this study indicates severity of epistaxis und quality of life. Digital microscopy with the ability of 3D reconstruction of images presents a useful tool for such classifications. The classification of endonasal HHT lesions using digital microscopy allows to evaluate the dynamic of HHT lesions in the course of time independent of examiner. This allows also to evaluate the efficacy of the different treatment modalities by dynamic of HHT lesions. Moreover digital microscopy is very beneficial in academic teaching of rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Haubner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | | | - H Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - M Bertlich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - B G Weiss
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - M Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - F Kashani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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13
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Bofarid S, Hosman AE, Mager JJ, Snijder RJ, Post MC. Pulmonary Vascular Complications in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and the Underlying Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073471. [PMID: 33801690 PMCID: PMC8038106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD), both pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). HHT or Rendu-Osler-Weber disease is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 persons and characterized by epistaxis, telangiectasia and AVMs in more than 80% of cases, HHT is caused by a mutation in the ENG gene on chromosome 9 encoding for the protein endoglin or activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1) gene on chromosome 12 encoding for the protein ALK-1, resulting in HHT type 1 or HHT type 2, respectively. A third disease-causing mutation has been found in the SMAD-4 gene, causing a combination of HHT and juvenile polyposis coli. All three genes play a role in the TGF-β signaling pathway that is essential in angiogenesis where it plays a pivotal role in neoangiogenesis, vessel maturation and stabilization. PH is characterized by elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure caused by a variety of different underlying pathologies. HHT carries an additional increased risk of PH because of high cardiac output as a result of anemia and shunting through hepatic AVMs, or development of pulmonary arterial hypertension due to interference of the TGF-β pathway. HHT in combination with PH is associated with a worse prognosis due to right-sided cardiac failure. The treatment of PVD in HHT includes medical or interventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sala Bofarid
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands;
| | - Anna E. Hosman
- Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands; (A.E.H.); (J.J.M.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Johannes J. Mager
- Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands; (A.E.H.); (J.J.M.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Repke J. Snijder
- Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands; (A.E.H.); (J.J.M.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Marco C. Post
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands;
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-883203000
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14
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Muster R, Ko N, Smith W, Su H, Dickey MA, Nelson J, McCulloch CE, Sneed PK, Clarke JL, Saloner DA, Eisenmenger L, Kim H, Cooke DL. Proof-of-concept single-arm trial of bevacizumab therapy for brain arteriovenous malformation. BMJ Neurol Open 2021; 3:e000114. [PMID: 34189463 PMCID: PMC8204171 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2020-000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are relatively rare, although their potential for secondary intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) makes their diagnosis and management essential to the community. Currently, invasive therapies (surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery and endovascular embolisation) are the only interventions that offer a reduction in ICH risk. There is no designated medical therapy for bAVM, although there is growing animal and human evidence supporting a role for bevacizumab to reduce the size of AVMs. In this single-arm pilot study, two patients with large bAVMs (deemed unresectable by an interdisciplinary team) received bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Due to limitations of external funding, the intended sample size of 10 participants was not reached. Primary outcome measure was change in bAVM volume from baseline at 26 and 52 weeks. No change in bAVM volume was observed 26 or 52 weeks after bevacizumab treatment. No clinically important adverse events were observed during the 52-week study period. There were no observed instances of ICH. Sera vascular endothelial growth factor levels were reduced at 26 weeks and returned to baseline at 52 weeks. This pilot study is the first to test bevacizumab for patients with bAVMs. Bevacizumab therapy was well tolerated in both subjects. No radiographic changes were observed over the 52-week study period. Subsequent larger clinical trials are in order to assess for dose-dependent efficacy and rarer adverse drug effects. Trial registration number: NCT02314377.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Muster
- School of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nerissa Ko
- Neurology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wade Smith
- Neurology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hua Su
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa A Dickey
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Nelson
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - David A Saloner
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Helen Kim
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel L Cooke
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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15
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Differential Expression of Circulating Plasma miRNA-370 and miRNA-10a from Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092855. [PMID: 32899377 PMCID: PMC7565099 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092855] [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: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant, vascular disorder that presents with telangiectases and arteriovenous malformations. HHT is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, involving mutations in endoglin (ENG; HHT1) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1/ALK1; HHT2) genes that account for over 85% of all HHT patients. The current diagnosis of HHT patients remains at the clinical level, but many suspected patients do not have a clear HHT diagnosis or do not show pathogenic mutations in HHT genes. This situation has prompted the search for biomarkers to help in the early diagnosis of the disease. We have analyzed the plasma levels in HHT patients of selected micro-RNAs (miRNAs), small single-stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level by interacting with specific RNA targets. A total of 16 HHT1 and 17 HHT2 plasma samples from clinically confirmed patients and 16 controls were analyzed in this study. Total RNA was purified from plasma, and three selected miRNAs (miRNA-10a, miRNA-214, and miRNA-370), related to the pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases and potentially targeting ENG or ALK1, were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with controls, levels of miRNA-370, whose putative target is ENG, were significantly downregulated in HHT1, but not in HHT2, whereas the levels of miRNA-10a, whose putative target is ALK1, were significantly upregulated in HHT2, but not in HHT1. In addition, the levels of miRNA-214, potentially targeting ENG and ALK1, did not change in either HHT1 or HHT2 patients versus control samples. While further studies are warranted, these results suggest that dysregulated plasma levels of miRNA-370 or miRNA-10a could help to identify undiagnosed HHT1 or HHT2 patients, respectively.
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16
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Albiñana V, Cuesta AM, de Rojas-P I, Gallardo-Vara E, Recio-Poveda L, Bernabéu C, Botella LM. Review of Pharmacological Strategies with Repurposed Drugs for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Related Bleeding. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1766. [PMID: 32517280 PMCID: PMC7356836 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is based on the Curaçao criteria: epistaxis, telangiectases, arteriovenous malformations in internal organs, and family history. Genetically speaking, more than 90% of HHT patients show mutations in ENG or ACVRL1/ALK1 genes, both belonging to the TGF-β/BMP9 signaling pathway. Despite clear knowledge of the symptoms and genes of the disease, we still lack a definite cure for HHT, having just palliative measures and pharmacological trials. Among the former, two strategies are: intervention at "ground zero" to minimize by iron and blood transfusions in order to counteract anemia. Among the later, along the last 15 years, three different strategies have been tested: (1) To favor coagulation with antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid); (2) to increase transcription of ENG and ALK1 with specific estrogen-receptor modulators (bazedoxifene or raloxifene), antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol), or immunosuppressants (tacrolimus); and (3) to impair the abnormal angiogenic process with antibodies (bevacizumab) or blocking drugs like etamsylate, and propranolol. This manuscript reviews the main strategies and sums up the clinical trials developed with drugs alleviating HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Albiñana
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel M. Cuesta
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel de Rojas-P
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
| | - Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
| | - Lucía Recio-Poveda
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo Bernabéu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa María Botella
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 9 Ramiro de Maeztu Street, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.A.); (A.M.C.); (I.d.R.-P.); (L.R.-P.); (C.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Al-Samkari H, Albitar HA, Olitsky SE, Clancy MS, Iyer VN. An international survey to evaluate systemic bevacizumab for chronic bleeding in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Haemophilia 2020; 26:1038-1045. [PMID: 32432841 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic bevacizumab is a novel targeted therapy for severe epistaxis and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), but published data are very limited. AIM We conducted a survey-based study to characterize current treatment practices and physician-reported safety and effectiveness of systemic bevacizumab for bleeding in (HHT). METHODS A 27-item survey was sent to physician centre directors of 31 International HHT Centers of Excellence. RESULTS Response rate was 84%. Approximately half of centres had treated >10 HHT patients with systemic bevacizumab for chronic bleeding for a total of 291 patients treated. All centres utilize a 5 mg/kg dose for induction treatment and most administer six doses (range, 4-8) every 2 weeks. However, maintenance regimens varied considerably between centres. Bevacizumab was highly effective, with 86% reporting significant (>50%) improvement in GI bleeding and/or epistaxis and haemoglobin rise in most patients treated with bevacizumab; 52% reported haemoglobin normalization in most patients. All centres reported adverse event rates <30% and two-thirds of centres reported adverse event rates <10%. Discontinuation for adverse events or inefficacy was rare. Bleeding severity thresholds for initiation of bevacizumab were highly variable, and it is typically administered by haematologists (76% of centres). Two-thirds of centres reported obtaining insurance approval for bevacizumab for most or all patients but 48% reported difficulty in obtaining coverage. CONCLUSION Systemic bevacizumab is widely used to treat bleeding in HHT with excellent physician-reported effectiveness and safety. There is considerable variation in maintenance treatment practices and thresholds for initiation of bevacizumab among HHT centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanny Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hasan A Albitar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Vivek N Iyer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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18
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Hedjoudje A, Peng X, Gautam A, Pardo CA, Sciubba D, Gailloud P. Case of Cowden Syndrome with 15 Spinal Arteriovenous Fistulas. World Neurosurg 2020; 139:567-576. [PMID: 32344142 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.04.086] [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: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal vascular malformations are rarely multiple: fewer than 50 observations have been documented so far, with a maximum of 4 coexisting lesions per patient, always restricted to a single vertebral region (e.g., cervical or thoracic). CASE DESCRIPTION We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with Cowden syndrome with 15 spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels and an adrenal AVF. She was initially referred for reevaluation of an upper cervical spinal epidural spinal arteriovenous fistula diagnosed 6 years earlier. Her history included breast carcinoma, a malignant salivary gland tumor, and removal of multiple ovarian, thyroid, and gastric hamartomas. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a prominent cervical vascular lesion. Spinal digital subtraction angiography revealed the presence of 15 additional vascular anomalies. CONCLUSIONS This multiplicity of AVFs appears to result from a combination of various factors including local regional hemodynamic changes, growth factor-mediated alterations involving notably vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, and the prothrombotic state associated with abnormalities in blood vessel structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abderrahmane Hedjoudje
- Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Xiao Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ayushi Gautam
- Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Sciubba
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Philippe Gailloud
- Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Bevacizumab for treating Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia patients with severe hepatic involvement or refractory anemia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228486. [PMID: 32032395 PMCID: PMC7006931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report our clinical experience with bevacizumab in a cohort of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) patients with severe hepatic involvement and/or refractory anemia. Methods Observational, ambispective study of the Institutional Registry of HHT at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Patients were treated with bevacizumab due to iron deficiency refractory anemia secondary to nasal/gastrointestinal bleeding and/or high output cardiac failure. We describe basal clinical data, bevacizumab schedules, efficacy outcomes and adverse events. Wilcoxon signed ranks test and longitudinal analysis were conducted. Results Twenty adult patients were included from July 2013 to June 2019. Clinical indications were: 13 for anemia, 4 for heart failure and 3 for both. In the anemia group, median pretreatment hemoglobin was 8.1 g/dl [IQR: 7.2–8.4] and median transfusion requirement was 4 units [2–6]. In heart failure group, pretreatment median cardiac index was 4.5 L/min/m2 [4.1–5.6] and cardiac output was 8.3 L/min [7.5–9.2]. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg/dose every 2 weeks for 6 applications was scheduled. By the end of induction, median hemoglobin at 3 months was 10.9 g/dl [9.5–12.8] (p = 0.01) and median transfusion requirement 0 units [0–1] (p<0.01), and this effect was more or less sustained during a year. Regarding heart failure group, two patients had complete hemodynamic response and achieved liver transplantation and two had partial response. No serious adverse events were registered. Conclusion Bevacizumab is a promising line of treatment for HHT patients with refractory anemia. For patients with high output cardiac failure, bevacizumab may be useful as bridge therapy awaiting for liver transplantation.
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Al-Samkari H, Albitar HA, Olitsky SE, Clancy MS, Iyer VN. Systemic bevacizumab for high-output cardiac failure in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: an international survey of HHT centers. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:256. [PMID: 31727111 PMCID: PMC6857247 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1239-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic bevacizumab is a novel targeted anti-angiogenic therapy for high-output cardiac failure (HOCF) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) but published data is limited. This survey-based study measured physician-reported safety, effectiveness and current treatment practices for systemic bevacizumab in HHT-HOCF. Methods A 27-item survey was sent to center directors of 31 international HHT Centers of Excellence. Results Response rate was 74% with centers reporting 150 total patients receiving systemic bevacizumab for HHT-HOCF. Approximately two-thirds of centers had treated ≥5 patients. All centers utilize a 5 mg/kg dose for induction treatment and most administer 6 doses (range, 4–6) every 2 weeks, although maintenance regimens varied considerably. Center directors reported bevacizumab to be effective, with 55% reporting significant improvement in cardiac index and HOCF symptoms in most patients treated with bevacizumab, although normalization of cardiac parameters was uncommon. Adverse events were uncommon with three-quarters of centers reporting adverse event rates < 10%. Discontinuation for adverse events or ineffectiveness was rare. Bevacizumab was typically administered by hematologists and pulmonologists (50 and 39% of centers, respectively), with highly variable thresholds for initiation. Although half the centers reported difficulty with the insurance approval process, 70% of centers were ultimately able to obtain coverage for most or all of their patients. Conclusions Systemic bevacizumab is a widely-used therapy for HHT-HOCF with reasonable safety and effectiveness. HHT centers appear to vary considerably in maintenance treatment practices and disease severity thresholds for initiation of bevacizumab in HHT-related HOCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanny Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Zero Emerson Place Suite 118 Office 112, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Hasan A Albitar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Vivek N Iyer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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21
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Kroon S, Snijder RJ, Mager JJ, Post MC, Tenthof van Noorden J, van Geenen EJM, Drenth JPH, Grooteman KV. Octreotide for gastrointestinal bleeding in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A prospective case series. Am J Hematol 2019; 94:E247-E249. [PMID: 31251413 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kroon
- Department of PulmonologySt Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein The Netherlands
| | - Repke J. Snijder
- Department of PulmonologySt Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J. Mager
- Department of PulmonologySt Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C. Post
- Department of CardiologySt Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRadboud UMC Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Karina V. Grooteman
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRadboud UMC Nijmegen The Netherlands
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22
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Steineger J, Geirdal AØ, Osnes T, Heimdal KR, Dheyauldeen S. Intranasal bevacizumab injections improve quality of life in HHT patients. Laryngoscope 2019; 130:E284-E288. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.28179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Steineger
- Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryOslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of Oslo Norway
| | | | - Terje Osnes
- Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryOslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of Oslo Norway
| | | | - Sinan Dheyauldeen
- Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryOslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of Oslo Norway
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23
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Al-Samkari H, Kritharis A, Rodriguez-Lopez JM, Kuter DJ. Systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of chronic bleeding in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. J Intern Med 2019; 285:223-231. [PMID: 30191646 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare hereditary multisystem vascular disorder causing visceral arteriovenous malformations and mucocutaneous bleeding. Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and epistaxis often produce profound anaemia refractory to conventional treatment. Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody, may be effective in treatment of bleeding in HHT. METHODS All HHT patients treated with systemic bevacizumab for chronic bleeding were selected for retrospective analysis. Data collected included demographics, baseline HHT characteristics, epistaxis grade, surgical interventions, bevacizumab dosing, adverse events, haemoglobin, red cell transfusions, intravenous iron infusions, and other anaemia and/or bleeding-directed therapies. RESULTS Thirteen HHT patients were treated with bevacizumab for a median of 13.9 (range 4.9-30.1) months. Compared with pretreatment values, bevacizumab treatment increased the mean haemoglobin by 4.0 g dL-1 (95% CI, 2.6-5.3 g dL-1 ) [mean (95% CI) haemoglobin 8.5 (7.8, 9.9) g dL-1 vs. 12.5 (11.2, 13.7) g dL-1 , P < 0.001)], reduced red cell units transfused by 92% [median of 6 (range 0-59) units vs. 0 (range 0-15) units, P = 0.004] and reduced quantity of iron infused by 73% [mean (95% CI) 462 (257, 668) mg month-1 vs. 126 (75, 178) mg month-1 , P = 0.002]. Epistaxis control was achieved in 85% with bevacizumab versus 0% before treatment (P < 0.001). No patient required nasal or GI procedures during the maintenance period. Two patients (15%) developed grade 3 hypertension requiring medical management. CONCLUSION Systemic bevacizumab was highly effective to treat chronic bleeding in HHT. Further study is needed to confirm the magnitude of benefit and further define optimal dosing, treatment duration and long-term safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Al-Samkari
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Kritharis
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - J M Rodriguez-Lopez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D J Kuter
- Division of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Galaris G, Thalgott JH, Lebrin FPG. Pericytes in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1147:215-246. [PMID: 31147880 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16908-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by multi-systemic vascular dysplasia affecting 1 in 5000 people worldwide. Individuals with HHT suffer from many complications including nose and gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, iron deficiency, stroke, abscess, and high-output heart failure. Identification of the causative gene mutations and the generation of animal models have revealed that decreased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling activity in endothelial cells are responsible for the development of the vascular malformations in HHT. Perturbations in these key pathways are thought to lead to endothelial cell activation resulting in mural cell disengagement from the endothelium. This initial instability state causes the blood vessels to response inadequately when they are exposed to angiogenic triggers resulting in excessive blood vessel growth and the formation of vascular abnormalities that are prone to bleeding. Drugs promoting blood vessel stability have been reported as effective in preclinical models and in clinical trials indicating possible interventional targets based on a normalization approach for treating HHT. Here, we will review how disturbed TGF-β and VEGF signaling relates to blood vessel destabilization and HHT development and will discuss therapeutic opportunities based on the concept of vessel normalization to treat HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Galaris
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jérémy H Thalgott
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Franck P G Lebrin
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Physics for Medicine, ESPCI, INSERM U1273, CNRS, Paris, France.
- MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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25
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Steineger J, Ueland T, Aukrust P, Michelsen A, Osnes T, Heimdal K, Dheyauldeen S. Pentraxin 3 level is elevated in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and reflects the severity of disease-associated epistaxis. Laryngoscope 2018; 129:E44-E49. [PMID: 30329172 DOI: 10.1002/lary.27548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS We aimed to investigate if vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenic and inflammatory factors correlated with the clinical presentation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients, particularly in regard to the severity of epistaxis. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, comparative, single-center study. METHODS One hundred nine samples were collected from 75 HHT patients attending the ear, nose, and throat department at Oslo University Hospital from February 2012 to August 2013. For comparison, samples were collected from 16 healthy controls. Angiogenic and inflammatory factors related to endothelial cell activation were analyzed by enzyme immunoassays. The grade of epistaxis was evaluated using the Epistaxis Severity Score and epistaxis Intensity, Frequency, and Need for Blood Transfusion score at the day of blood sampling. The presence of internal organ manifestations in the HHT group was recorded. RESULTS Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was the only factor that was significantly higher in the HHT patients than the controls and showed significant correlation to the epistaxis severity grade and the hemoglobin level. The VEGF level was higher in the HHT patients compared to controls but not to a significant degree. In addition, a significant correlation of the level of VEGF and the grade of epistaxis could not be observed. Also, no significant correlations were observed between the presence of internal organ manifestations and the level of angiogenic factors. CONCLUSIONS PTX3, at least partly reflecting vascular inflammation, can be a potential biomarker for the severity of HHT associated epistaxis. The serum level of VEGF was not correlated with the severity of epistaxis in the HHT patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Laryngoscope, 129:E44-E49, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Steineger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anikka Michelsen
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Terje Osnes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ketil Heimdal
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sinan Dheyauldeen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Kritharis A, Al-Samkari H, Kuter DJ. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: diagnosis and management from the hematologist's perspective. Haematologica 2018; 103:1433-1443. [PMID: 29794143 PMCID: PMC6119150 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.193003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an autosomal dominant disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation. The diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is clinical, based on the Curaçao criteria. Genetic mutations that have been identified include ENG, ACVRL1/ALK1, and MADH4/SMAD4, among others. Patients with HHT may have telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations in various organs and suffer from many complications including bleeding, anemia, iron deficiency, and high-output heart failure. Families with the same mutation exhibit considerable phenotypic variation. Optimal treatment is best delivered via a multidisciplinary approach with appropriate diagnosis, screening and local and/or systemic management of lesions. Anti-angiogenic agents such as bevacizumab have emerged as a promising systemic therapy in reducing bleeding complications but are not curative. Other pharmacological agents include iron supplementation, antifibrinolytics and hormonal treatment. This review discusses the biology of HHT, management issues that face the practising hematologist, and considerations of future directions in HHT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Kritharis
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Hematology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Kuter
- Hematology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Richmon JD, Tian Y, Husseman J, Davidson TM. Use of a Sprayed Fibrin Hemostatic Sealant after Laser Therapy for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Epistaxis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 21:187-91. [PMID: 17424877 DOI: 10.2500/ajr.2007.21.2969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a relatively common autosomal dominant condition. Epistaxis is a frequent manifestation, often occurring daily and requiring iron and blood transfusions. Surgery often is bloody and difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a sprayed fibrin, hemostatic sealant in preventing postoperative epistaxis after laser treatment of nasal mucosa in HHT. Fibrin sealant was compared with nasal packing for likelihood of postoperative epistaxis and financial impact including material costs and hospitalization fees. Methods Retrospective review was performed of 64 individual laser treatments for epistaxis in HHT patients at the University of California, San Diego, Medical Center between 2002 and 2005. Nasal packing was used in 30 procedures and fibrin sealant was used in 34 procedures. Results Six of 30 (20%) procedures using postoperative nasal packing required admission with an average hospital expense of $5914. One of 34 patients (3%) in the fibrin sealant group required hospitalization (p = 0.04). Conclusion Aerosolized fibrin sealant prevents postoperative epistaxis after nasal laser treatment in HHT patients. Compared with traditional nasal packing we found improved patient comfort and recovery with substantial cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Richmon
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, USA
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28
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Steineger J, Osnes T, Heimdal K, Dheyauldeen S. Long-term experience with intranasal bevacizumab therapy. Laryngoscope 2018; 128:2237-2244. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.27147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Terje Osnes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty; University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Ketil Heimdal
- Division of Head and Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Medical Genetics
- Center for Rare Diagnosis; Oslo University Hospital; Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
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29
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Abstract
Endoglin (ENG, also known as CD105) is a transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) associated receptor and is required for both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is important in the development of cerebral vasculature and in the pathogenesis of cerebral vascular diseases. ENG is an essential component of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation complex. Animal studies showed that ENG deficiency impairs stroke recovery. ENG deficiency also impairs the regulation of vascular tone, which contributes to the pathogenesis of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) and vasospasm. In human, functional haploinsufficiency of ENG gene causes type I hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT1), an autosomal dominant disorder. Compared to normal population, HHT1 patients have a higher prevalence of AVM in multiple organs including the brain. Vessels in bAVM are fragile and tend to rupture, causing hemorrhagic stroke. High prevalence of pulmonary AVM in HHT1 patients are associated with a higher incidence of paradoxical embolism in the cerebral circulation causing ischemic brain injury. Therefore, HHT1 patients are at risk for both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. This review summarizes the possible mechanism of ENG in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases in experimental animal models and in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zhu
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Hua Su
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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30
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Abstract
Correct organization of the vascular tree requires the balanced activities of several signaling pathways that regulate tubulogenesis and vascular branching, elongation, and pruning. When this balance is lost, the vessels can be malformed and fragile, and they can lose arteriovenous differentiation. In this review, we concentrate on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is one of the most important and complex signaling systems in vascular development. Inactivation of these pathways can lead to altered vascular organization in the embryo. In addition, many vascular malformations are related to deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling. Here, we focus on two of the most studied vascular malformations that are induced by deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). The first of these is related to loss-of-function mutation of the TGF-β/BMP receptor complex and the second to increased signaling sensitivity to TGF-β/BMP. In this review, we discuss the potential therapeutic targets against these vascular malformations identified so far, as well as their basis in general mechanisms of vascular development and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I Cunha
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
| | - Peetra U Magnusson
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.).
| | - Maria Grazia Lampugnani
- From the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (S.I.C., P.U.M., E.D.); FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (E.D., M.G.L.); and Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy (M.G.L.)
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31
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Abstract
Vascular anomalies comprise a spectrum of diseases that are broadly classified as tumors and malformations. Diagnosis is often challenging, given a wide range of clinical presentations with overlapping signs and symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is critical to determine prognosis and to generate a management plan, which frequently involves multiple subspecialists during different phases of treatment. An updated classification system provides structure and clear, consistent terminology, allowing for improved diagnosis, provider communication, and collaboration. Historically, treatment of vascular anomalies was primarily surgical and medical therapies were limited or ineffective. Recent discoveries of pharmacologic agents effective in treating vascular anomalies have broadened our medical therapeutic options, limiting the need for unnecessary or high-risk procedures and improving patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten W Ricci
- Division of Hematology, Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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32
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Albiñana V, Recio-Poveda L, Zarrabeitia R, Botella LM. Current and emerging pharmacotherapies for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1353417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Albiñana
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Genetics Groug, U-707 CIBERer (Network of Biomedicine Investigation Centers on Rare diseases)
| | | | - Roberto Zarrabeitia
- Medical Genetics Groug, U-707 CIBERer (Network of Biomedicine Investigation Centers on Rare diseases)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Sierrallana, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Luisa M. Botella
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Genetics Groug, U-707 CIBERer (Network of Biomedicine Investigation Centers on Rare diseases)
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33
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Kim YH, Kim MJ, Choe SW, Sprecher D, Lee YJ, Oh SP. Selective effects of oral antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors on an animal model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. J Thromb Haemost 2017; 15:1095-1102. [PMID: 28339142 PMCID: PMC5902312 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Antiangiogenic drugs are indicated as therapies for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. We interrogated the response to four antiangiogenic drugs for anemia and intestinal bleeding. Sorafenib and a pazopanib analog significantly improved while erlotinib worsened anemia. Some oral antiangiogenic drugs were effective in reducing intestinal bleeding. SUMMARY Background Epistaxis and gastrointestinal (GI) tract hemorrhages are common symptoms of aged hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients that result in anemia. Clinical as well as animal studies have suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) neutralizing antibodies lessen hemorrhage associated with adult-onset arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Objectives The goal of this study is to evaluate potential therapeutic effects of oral delivery of four antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the development of adult-onset AVMs in a murine model of HHT. Methods An adult activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1)-inducible knockout (iKO) model was utilized to evaluate the effect of oral administration of sorafenib, sunitinib, erlotinib and a pazopanib analog (GW771806) on hemoglobin level, GI hemorrhages and formation of wound-induced skin AVMs. Results and Conclusions Sorafenib and GW771806 significantly improved, yet erlotinib worsened, anemia and GI-bleeding in the Alk1-iKO model. However, none of these TKIs appeared to be effective for inhibiting the development of wound-induced skin AVMs. Taken together, these results suggest that oral delivery of antiangiogenic TKIs is selectively more effective for GI bleeding than mucocutaneous AVMs, and it may provide an experimental basis for selective therapeutic options depending on the symptoms of HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hwan Kim
- Department of Physiology and Functional genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610 USA
| | - Mi-Jung Kim
- Department of Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610 USA
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-woon Choe
- Department of Physiology and Functional genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610 USA
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Dennis Sprecher
- GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories, Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, 709 Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
| | - Young Jae Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - S. Paul Oh
- Department of Physiology and Functional genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610 USA
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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34
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Bhattad VB, Bowman JN, Panchal HB, Paul TK. High-Output Heart Failure Contributing to Recurrent Epistaxis Kiesselbach Area Syndrome in a Patient With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2017; 5:2324709617692833. [PMID: 28210642 PMCID: PMC5302094 DOI: 10.1177/2324709617692833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare genetic blood disorder that leads to abnormal bleeding due to absent capillaries and multiple abnormal blood vessels known as arteriovenous malformations. A feature of HHT is high-output heart failure due to multiple arteriovenous malformations. High-output heart failure can lead to recurrent epistaxis Kiesselbach area syndrome (REKAS), further exacerbating heart failure through increased blood loss and resultant anemia. We report a patient with HHT who presented with high-output heart failure contributing to REKAS. In patients with REKAS, we propose if anemia is present, REKAS can be avoided by correcting the anemia by increasing the hemoglobin level to greater than 9 to 10 g/dL. This decreases hyperdynamic circulation and reduces pressure in the blood vessels of the nose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timir K Paul
- East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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35
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Ulus S, Arslan A, Karaarslan E, Cakaloglu Y. De Novo Vascular Lesions After Liver Transplant in a Case With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and Fibropolycystic Liver Disease: Long-Term Follow-Up With Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiography. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2016; 17:115-118. [PMID: 28004998 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2016.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of a 62-year-old woman who received a liver transplant 19 years previously for end-stage liver disease due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and fibropolycystic liver disease. During long-term follow-up 8 years after the liver transplant, de novo vascular lesions were detected with magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. Hepatic vascular lesions had slowly progressed, despite no symptoms. To our knowledge, there are few reports in the English literature of de novo vascular lesions after liver transplant in patients with hepatic telangiectasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sila Ulus
- From the Department of Radiology, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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36
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Ola R, Dubrac A, Han J, Zhang F, Fang JS, Larrivée B, Lee M, Urarte AA, Kraehling JR, Genet G, Hirschi KK, Sessa WC, Canals FV, Graupera M, Yan M, Young LH, Oh PS, Eichmann A. PI3 kinase inhibition improves vascular malformations in mouse models of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13650. [PMID: 27897192 PMCID: PMC5141347 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is an endothelial serine-threonine kinase receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 9 and 10. Inactivating mutations in the ALK1 gene cause hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2 (HHT2), a disabling disease characterized by excessive angiogenesis with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Here we show that inducible, endothelial-specific homozygous Alk1 inactivation and BMP9/10 ligand blockade both lead to AVM formation in postnatal retinal vessels and internal organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in mice. VEGF and PI3K/AKT signalling are increased on Alk1 deletion and BMP9/10 ligand blockade. Genetic deletion of the signal-transducing Vegfr2 receptor prevents excessive angiogenesis but does not fully revert AVM formation. In contrast, pharmacological PI3K inhibition efficiently prevents AVM formation and reverts established AVMs. Thus, Alk1 deletion leads to increased endothelial PI3K pathway activation that may be a novel target for the treatment of vascular lesions in HHT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Ola
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jinah Han
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Fang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Monica Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Ana A. Urarte
- Vascular Signalling Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Jan R. Kraehling
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Gael Genet
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Karen K. Hirschi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - William C. Sessa
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Francesc V. Canals
- Translation Research Laboratory, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Idibell, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Vascular Signalling Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain
| | - Minhong Yan
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080-4990, USA
| | - Lawrence H. Young
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Paul S. Oh
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100274, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
- Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris 75015, France
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Robaina Cabrera DM, Verde González MP, Tarazona Chocano B, Amado Fernández C, Zarrabeitia Puente R. Telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria: enfermedad de Rendu-Osler-Weber. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmc.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Arthur H, Geisthoff U, Gossage JR, Hughes CCW, Lacombe P, Meek ME, Oh P, Roman BL, Trerotola SO, Velthuis S, Wooderchak-Donahue W. Executive summary of the 11th HHT international scientific conference. Angiogenesis 2016; 18:511-24. [PMID: 26391603 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-015-9482-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a hereditary condition that results in vascular malformations throughout the body, which have a proclivity to rupture and bleed. HHT has a worldwide incidence of about 1:5000 and approximately 80 % of cases are due to mutations in ENG, ALK1 (aka activin receptor-like kinase 1 or ACVRL1) and SMAD4. Over 200 international clinicians and scientists met at Captiva Island, Florida from June 11-June 14, 2015 to present and discuss the latest research on HHT. 156 abstracts were accepted to the meeting and 60 were selected for oral presentations. The first two sections of this article present summaries of the basic science and clinical talks. Here we have summarized talks covering key themes, focusing on areas of agreement, disagreement, and unanswered questions. The final four sections summarize discussions in the Workshops, which were theme-based topical discussions led by two moderators. We hope this overview will educate as well as inspire those within the field and from outside, who have an interest in the science and treatment of HHT.
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MESH Headings
- Activin Receptors, Type II/genetics
- Activin Receptors, Type II/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Congresses as Topic
- Endoglin
- Humans
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Smad4 Protein/genetics
- Smad4 Protein/metabolism
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/genetics
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/metabolism
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/pathology
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Arthur
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Urban Geisthoff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - James R Gossage
- Department of Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Pascal Lacombe
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Université de Versailles, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Mary E Meek
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Paul Oh
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Beth L Roman
- Department of Human Genetics and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Scott O Trerotola
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Velthuis
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Whitney Wooderchak-Donahue
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Kochanowski J, Sobieszczańska M, Tubek S, Żurek M, Pawełczak J. Successful therapy with bevacizumab in a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 11:680-1. [PMID: 25839219 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1011960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), genetic disorder manifested by uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis with epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is often related with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, reduces epistaxis, telangiectasias, and iron-deficiency anaemia. A case of a female patient with HHT and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is presented. The patient required iron supplementation and multiple blood transfusions. Bevacizumab brought marked symptomatic improvement and allowed for transfusion-independence. It is intended to apply for approval of the indications for bevacizumab administration in HHT as the 'orphan drug'.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kochanowski
- a Department of Internal Diseases ; Voivodship Hospital ; Opole , Poland
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Nataraju KT, Mukherjee T, Doddaiah RPH, Nanjappa NG, Narasegowda L. A rare case of pulmonary arterio-venous malformation with recurrent anemia: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Lung India 2015; 32:384-8. [PMID: 26180392 PMCID: PMC4502207 DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.159587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare vascular anomaly of the lung, which manifests predominantly as dyspnea (due to right to left shunting) and paradoxical embolism. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) being a rare genetic disorder is one of the most common causes of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM). Here we report an interesting case of recurrent anemia in an elderly female, who was subsequently found to have multiple cutaneous and mucosal telangiectasias and a large pulmonary AVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalesh Tagadur Nataraju
- Department of General Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Tirthankar Mukherjee
- Department of General Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Nagesh Gabbadi Nanjappa
- Department of General Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Lakshmikanth Narasegowda
- Department of General Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Dittus C, Streiff M, Ansell J. Bleeding and clotting in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. World J Clin Cases 2015; 3:330-337. [PMID: 25879004 PMCID: PMC4391002 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i4.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a relatively common inherited vascular disorder that was first described in 1864, and is notable for epistaxis, telangiectasia, and arterial venous malformations. While genetic tests are available, the diagnosis remains clinical, and is based on the Curacao criteria. Patients with HHT are at increased risk for both bleeding and clotting events. Because of these competing complications, hematologists are often faced with difficult clinical decisions. While the majority of management decisions revolve around bleeding complications, it is not infrequent for these patients to require anticoagulation for thrombosis. Any anticoagulation recommendations must take into account the bleeding risks associated with HHT. Recent reviews have found that HHT patients can be safely anticoagulated, with the most frequent complication being worsened epistaxis. Large clinical trials have shown that factor IIa and Xa inhibitors have less intracranial bleeding than warfarin, and basic coagulation research has provided a possible mechanism. This article describes the anticoagulation dilemma posed when a 62-year-old female patient with a history of bleeding events associated with HHT was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The subsequent discussion focuses on the approach to anticoagulation in the HHT patient, and addresses the role of the new oral anticoagulants.
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Botella LM, Albiñana V, Ojeda-Fernandez L, Recio-Poveda L, Bernabéu C. Research on potential biomarkers in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Front Genet 2015; 6:115. [PMID: 25873934 PMCID: PMC4379940 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, involving mutations in two predominant genes known as Endoglin (ENG; HHT1) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1/ALK1; HHT2), as well as in some less frequent genes, such as MADH4/SMAD4 (JP-HHT) or BMP9/GDF2 (HHT5). The diagnosis of HHT patients currently remains at the clinical level, according to the “Curaçao criteria,” whereas the molecular diagnosis is used to confirm or rule out suspected HHT cases, especially when a well characterized index case is present in the family or in an isolated population. Unfortunately, many suspected patients do not present a clear HHT diagnosis or do not show pathogenic mutations in HHT genes, prompting the need to investigate additional biomarkers of the disease. Here, several HHT biomarkers and novel methodological approaches developed during the last years will be reviewed. On one hand, products detected in plasma or serum samples: soluble proteins (vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β1, soluble endoglin, angiopoietin-2) and microRNA variants (miR-27a, miR-205, miR-210). On the other hand, differential HHT gene expression fingerprinting, next generation sequencing of a panel of genes involved in HHT, and infrared spectroscopy combined with artificial neural network patterns will also be reviewed. All these biomarkers might help to improve and refine HHT diagnosis by distinguishing from the non-HHT population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa-María Botella
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas , Madrid, Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras , Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Albiñana
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas , Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Ojeda-Fernandez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas , Madrid, Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras , Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Recio-Poveda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas , Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo Bernabéu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas , Madrid, Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras , Madrid, Spain
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Thalgott J, Dos-Santos-Luis D, Lebrin F. Pericytes as targets in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Front Genet 2015; 6:37. [PMID: 25763012 PMCID: PMC4327729 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective paracrine Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling between endothelial cells and the neighboring mural cells have been thought to lead to the development of vascular lesions that are characteristic of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of TGF-β signaling in mural cell recruitment and vessel stabilization and how perturbed TGF-β signaling might contribute to defective endothelial-mural cell interaction affecting vessel functionalities. Our recent findings have provided exciting insights into the role of thalidomide, a drug that reduces both the frequency and the duration of epistaxis in individuals with HHT by targeting mural cells. These advances provide opportunities for the development of new therapies for vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Thalgott
- INSERM, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM U1050, Group Pathological Angiogenesis and Vessel Normalization, Collège de France Paris, France
| | - Damien Dos-Santos-Luis
- INSERM, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM U1050, Group Pathological Angiogenesis and Vessel Normalization, Collège de France Paris, France
| | - Franck Lebrin
- INSERM, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM U1050, Group Pathological Angiogenesis and Vessel Normalization, Collège de France Paris, France
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Roman BL, Finegold DN. Genetic and Molecular Basis for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40142-014-0061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Brain arteriovenous malformation modeling, pathogenesis, and novel therapeutic targets. Transl Stroke Res 2014; 5:316-29. [PMID: 24723256 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-014-0343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients harboring brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) are at life-threatening risk of rupture and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The pathogenesis of bAVM has not been completely understood. Current treatment options are invasive, and ≈ 20 % of patients are not offered interventional therapy because of excessive treatment risk. There are no specific medical therapies to treat bAVMs. The lack of validated animal models has been an obstacle for testing hypotheses of bAVM pathogenesis and testing new therapies. In this review, we summarize bAVM model development and bAVM pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets that have been identified during model development.
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Feng Q, Tan HH, Ge ZZ, Gao YJ, Chen HM, Xiao SD. Thalidomide-induced angiopoietin 2, Notch1 and Dll4 downregulation under hypoxic condition in tissues with gastrointestinal vascular malformation and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. J Dig Dis 2014; 15:85-95. [PMID: 24219762 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal vascular malformation (GIVM) and the mechanism of thalidomide in treating GIVM by evaluating the expression of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), Notch1, delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and hypoxia inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α). METHODS Data of 10 patients with histology-confirmed GIVM were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry of surgically resected GIVM tissues and the adjacent mucosa of the patients and normal tissues from those who had undergone colonoscopy for health examination was performed to examine the expressions of Ang2, Notch1, Dll4 and Hif-1α. In addition, in vitro effect of thalidomide on Ang2, Notch1 and Dll4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and on HUVEC proliferation was also investigated during normoxic and hypoxic conditions. RESULTS GIVM lesions presented as tortuous, dilated arterioles, venules and capillaries. Ang2, Notch1 and Dll4 showed strong immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm and nuclei of GIVM lesions but negative or weak positivity in the intestinal mucosa of the adjacent tissues and normal mucosa. Under hypoxic condition the expressions of Hif-1α, Ang2, Notch1 and Dll4 were upregulated and the tube formation was more abundant with a greater diameter of tubes. Moreover, thalidomide downregulated their expression in HUVEC and HUVEC proliferation decreased in a concentration-dependent manner under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions. CONCLUSION Ang2, Notch1, Dll4 and Hif-1α may play an important role in the pathogenesis of GIVM and may be potential targets of thalidomide in the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Feng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai, China
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Von Willebrand factor, angiodysplasia and angiogenesis. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2013; 5:e2013060. [PMID: 24106610 PMCID: PMC3787682 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2013.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The large multimeric glycoprotein Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is best known for its role in haemostasis; however in recent years other functions of VWF have been identified, indicating that this protein is involved in multiple vascular processes. We recently described a new role for VWF in controlling angiogenesis, which may have significant clinical implications for patients with Von Willebrand disease (VWD), a genetic or acquired condition caused by the deficiency or dysfunction of VWF. VWD can be associated with angiodysplasia, a condition of degenerative blood vessels often present in the gastrointestinal tract, linked to dysregulated angiogenesis. Angiodysplasia can cause severe intractable bleeding, often refractory to conventional VWD treatments. In this review we summarise the evidence showing that VWF controls angiogenesis, and review the angiogenic pathways which have been implicated in this process. We discuss the possible mechanisms though which VWF regulates angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and integrin αvβ3, leading to signalling through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), one of the most potent activators of angiogenesis. We also review the evidence that links VWF with angiodysplasia, and how the newly identified function of VWF in controlling angiogenesis may pave the way for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of angiodysplasia in congenital VWD and in acquired conditions such as Heyde syndrome.
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Lux A, Müller R, Tulk M, Olivieri C, Zarrabeita R, Salonikios T, Wirnitzer B. HHT diagnosis by Mid-infrared spectroscopy and artificial neural network analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:94. [PMID: 23805858 PMCID: PMC3698163 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vascular disorder Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is in general an inherited disease caused by mutations in the TGF-β/BMP receptors endoglin or ALK1 or in rare cases by mutations of the TGF-β signal transducer protein Smad4 leading to the combined syndrome of juvenile polyposis and HHT. HHT is characterized by several clinical symptoms like spontaneous and recurrent epistaxis, multiple telangiectases at sites like lips, oral cavity, fingers, nose, and visceral lesions like gastrointestinal telangiectasia, pulmonary, hepatic, cerebral or spinal arteriovenous malformations. The disease shows an inter- and intra-family variability in penetrance as well as symptoms from mild to life threatening. Penetrance is also depending on age. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the presence of some of the listed symptoms or by genetic testing. HHT diagnosis is laborious, time consuming, costly and sometimes uncertain. Not all typical symptoms may be present, especially at a younger age, and genetic testing does not always identify the disease causing mutation. METHODS Infrared (IR) spectroscopy was investigated as a potential alternative to the current diagnostic methods. IR-spectra were obtained by Fourier-transform Mid-IR spectroscopy from blood plasma from HHT patients and a healthy control group. Spectral data were mathematically processed and subsequently classified and analysed by artificial neural network (ANN) analyses and by visual analysis of scatter plots of the dominant principal components. RESULTS The analyses showed that for HHT a disease specific IR-spectrum exists that is significantly different from the control group. Furthermore, at the current stage with the here used methods, HHT can be diagnosed by Mid-IR-spectroscopy in combination with ANN analysis with a sensitivity and specificity of at least 95%. Visual analysis of PCA scatter plots revealed an inter class variation of the HHT group. CONCLUSION IR-spectroscopy in combination with ANN analysis can be considered to be a serious alternative diagnostic method compared to clinical and genetically based methods. Blood plasma is an ideal candidate for diagnostic purposes, it is inexpensive, easy to isolate and only minimal amounts are required. In addition, IR-spectroscopy measurement times are fast, less than one minute, and diagnosis is not based on interpretation of may be uncertain clinical data. And last but not least, the method is inexpensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lux
- Q-bios GmbH Biotechnology, Mannheim, Germany.
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Rohrmeier C, Kühnel TS. [Bevacizumab in therapy-refractory epistaxis: case report of low-dose antibody therapy for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia]. HNO 2013; 60:1003-6. [PMID: 22706563 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-011-2458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report on the submucosal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) at a dose of 0.3 to 3.75 mg per side in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Application of such low doses has not been described in the literature yet. Our case report shows the positive effect of low-dose bevacizumab on therapy-refractory epistaxis. No complications were caused by the bevacizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rohrmeier
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.
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50
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Pierucci P, Lenato GM, Suppressa P, Lastella P, Triggiani V, Valerio R, Comelli M, Salvante D, Stella A, Resta N, Logroscino G, Resta F, Sabbà C. A long diagnostic delay in patients with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia: a questionnaire-based retrospective study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2012; 7:33. [PMID: 22676497 PMCID: PMC3458963 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-7-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The difficulty in establishing a timely correct diagnosis is a relevant matter of concern for several rare diseases. Many rare-disease-affected patients suffer from considerable diagnostic delay, mainly due to their poor knowledge among healthcare professionals, insufficient disease awareness among patients’ families, and lack of promptly available diagnostic tools. Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal-dominantly inherited vascular dysplasia, affecting 1:5,000-10,000 patients. HHT is characterized by high variability of clinical manifestations, which show remarkable overlapping with several common diseases. Aim To perform a detailed analysis concerning the diagnostic time lag occurring in patients with HHT, defined as the time period spanning from the first clinical manifestation to the attainment of a definite, correct diagnosis. Methods A questionnaire was administered to the HHT patients previously recruited from 2000 and 2009. Clinical onset, first referral to a physician for disease manifestations, and first correct diagnosis of definite HHT were collected. Eventual misdiagnosis at first referral and serious complications occurring throughout the time elapsing between disease onset and definite diagnosis were also addressed. Results In the 233 respondents, the clinical onset of disease occurred at an age of 14.1 yrs, while the age of first referral and the age of first definite diagnosis of HHT were 29.2 yrs and 40.1 yrs, respectively. Only 88/233 patients received a correct diagnosis at first counseling. Thus, the diagnostic time lag, represented by the time elapsing from disease onset and first definite diagnosis of HHT, proved to be 25.7 yrs. Twenty-two patients suffered from severe complications during this time interval. The diagnostic delay was significantly longer (p < 0.001) in index patients (first patients who attained definite HHT diagnosis in a given family) than in non-index patients (relative of index patients). The diagnostic time lag was also significantly associated with education grade (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our data report for the first time a systematic inquiry of diagnostic delay in HHT showing that patients receive a definite diagnosis only after nearly three decades from disease onset. Concerted efforts are still to be made to increase awareness of this disease among both families and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pierucci
- Geriatric Unit and Rare Disease Center, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
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