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Loomba R, Clark G, Teckman J, Ajmera V, Behling C, Brantly M, Brenner D, D'Armiento J, Fried MW, Iyer JS, Mandorfer M, Rockey DC, Tincopa M, Vuppalanchi R, Younossi Z, Krag A, Turner AM, Strnad P. Review article: New developments in biomarkers and clinical drug development in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1183-1195. [PMID: 38516814 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-1 antitrypsin liver disease (AATLD) occurs in a subset of patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Risk factors for disease progression and specific pathophysiologic features are not well known and validated non-invasive assessments for disease severity are lacking. Currently, there are no approved treatments for AATLD. AIMS To outline existing understanding of AATLD and to identify knowledge gaps critical to improving clinical trial design and development of new treatments. METHODS This report was developed following a multi-stakeholder forum organised by the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Related Liver Disease Expert Panel in which experts presented an overview of the available literature on this topic. RESULTS AATLD results from a 'gain of toxic function' and primarily manifests in those with the homozygous Pi*ZZ genotype. Accumulation of misfolded 'Z' AAT protein in liver cells triggers intracellular hepatocyte injury which may ultimately lead to hepatic fibrosis. Male gender, age over 50 years, persistently elevated liver tests, concomitant hepatitis B or C virus infection, and metabolic syndrome, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are known risk factors for adult AATLD. While the gold standard for assessing AATLD disease activity is liver histology, less invasive measures with low intra- and inter-observer variability are needed. Measurement of liver stiffness shows promise; validated thresholds for staging AATLD are in development. Such advances will help patients by enabling risk stratification and personalised surveillance, along with streamlining the development process for novel therapies. CONCLUSIONS This inaugural forum generated a list of recommendations to address unmet needs in the field of AATLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ginger Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jeff Teckman
- Pediatrics and Biochemistry, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Veeral Ajmera
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cynthia Behling
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Pacific Rim Pathology Lab, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mark Brantly
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - David Brenner
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jeanine D'Armiento
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Monica Tincopa
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Pavel Strnad
- University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Healthcare Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN RARE LIVER), Aachen, Germany
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Zemtsovski JD, Tumpara S, Schmidt S, Vijayan V, Klos A, Laudeley R, Held J, Immenschuh S, Wurm FM, Welte T, Haller H, Janciauskiene S, Shushakova N. Alpha1-antitrypsin improves survival in murine abdominal sepsis model by decreasing inflammation and sequestration of free heme. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368040. [PMID: 38562925 PMCID: PMC10982482 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive inflammation, hemolysis, and accumulation of labile heme play an essential role in the pathophysiology of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in sepsis. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), an acute phase protein with heme binding capacity, is one of the essential modulators of host responses to inflammation. In this study, we evaluate the putative protective effect of AAT against MODS and mortality in a mouse model of polymicrobial abdominal sepsis. Methods Polymicrobial abdominal sepsis was induced in C57BL/6N mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Immediately after CLP surgery, mice were treated intraperitoneally with three different forms of human AAT-plasma-derived native (nAAT), oxidized nAAT (oxAAT), or recombinant AAT (recAAT)-or were injected with vehicle. Sham-operated mice served as controls. Mouse survival, bacterial load, kidney and liver function, immune cell profiles, cytokines/chemokines, and free (labile) heme levels were assessed. In parallel, in vitro experiments were carried out with resident peritoneal macrophages (MPMΦ) and mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells (MPMC). Results All AAT preparations used reduced mortality in septic mice. Treatment with AAT significantly reduced plasma lactate dehydrogenase and s-creatinine levels, vascular leakage, and systemic inflammation. Specifically, AAT reduced intraperitoneal accumulation of free heme, production of cytokines/chemokines, and neutrophil infiltration into the peritoneal cavity compared to septic mice not treated with AAT. In vitro experiments performed using MPMC and primary MPMΦ confirmed that AAT not only significantly decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cell activation but also prevents the enhancement of cellular responses to LPS by free heme. In addition, AAT inhibits cell death caused by free heme in vitro. Conclusion Data from the septic CLP mouse model suggest that intraperitoneal AAT treatment alone is sufficient to improve sepsis-associated organ dysfunctions, preserve endothelial barrier function, and reduce mortality, likely by preventing hyper-inflammatory responses and by neutralizing free heme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D. Zemtsovski
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Srinu Tumpara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Vijith Vijayan
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Klos
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Laudeley
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Held
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Immenschuh
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian M. Wurm
- Faculty of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Welte
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hermann Haller
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabina Janciauskiene
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nelli Shushakova
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Alwadani FA, Wheeler K, Pittaway H, Turner AM. Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Underlying Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Practical Recommendations. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES (MIAMI, FLA.) 2024; 11:121-132. [PMID: 37813825 PMCID: PMC10913928 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.2023.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an often-overlooked genetic condition that makes individuals susceptible to early onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The established benefits of exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for usual COPD patients are unclear for those with underlying AATD, especially given potentially differing muscle adaptations to exercise. This review seeks to compare PR outcomes between AATD and usual COPD patients and to consolidate current knowledge on exercise intervention outcomes for the AATD population. Methods A thorough search of 4 databases (Ovid, Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL) was conducted based on 3 search concepts: (1) alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, (2) pulmonary rehabilitation OR exercise, and (3) muscle morphology. A dual review process and quality assessment were independently implemented throughout all stages of the review. Results Four studies highlighted modest exercise capacity and quality of life in AATD patients undergoing PR. However, one study reported unique muscle and mitochondrial responses compared to usual COPD patients. Additionally, a moderate exercise session did not alter pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in AATD patients, despite higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α levels in muscle biopsies compared to usual COPD patients. Conclusions The current literature base insufficiently addresses the efficacy of PR on AATD, with indications that exercise adaptation may deviate from that of usual COPD patients. Further research is needed to optimize PR, particularly in identifying the most suitable exercise intensity, and delivery setting, and addressing specific educational needs for individuals with AATD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz A. Alwadani
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Physical Therapy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Harriet Pittaway
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alice M. Turner
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Choate R, Sandhaus RA, Holm KE, Mannino DM, Strange C. Patient-Reported Pulmonary Symptoms, Exacerbations, and Management in a Cohort of Patients With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES (MIAMI, FLA.) 2022; 9:549-561. [PMID: 36103189 PMCID: PMC9718576 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.2022.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rationale Identifying pulmonary exacerbations in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is critical as they are associated with disease progression and poor health-related quality of life. Not all changes in usual respiratory symptoms will be identified as exacerbations by patients with AATD. Methods Data collected via regular monthly telephone calls during the first year of the AlphaNet Step Forward Study were analyzed. AlphaNet subscribers were asked about changes in their usual respiratory symptoms, whether they considered changes in symptoms to be pulmonary exacerbations, and their management. Participants who reported changes in their usual respiratory symptoms throughout the year were included in the study. Per-patient and per-event analyses were performed. Results Participants (n=316, age 58±10 years, 53% female) reported 797 events of changes in their usual respiratory symptoms in 1 year. Almost half (48%) of these symptom events were identified as pulmonary exacerbations by the study participants. The average number of symptoms was higher in events recognized by participants as exacerbations than those not identified as exacerbations (3.3±1.5 versus 1.8±1.1, respectively). A greater proportion of the exacerbation events were managed by taking antibiotics or corticosteroids or both (81%, 53%, and 41% of the events, respectively). With exacerbations, participants mainly spoke to the pulmonary specialist (39%) or went to the doctor's office (37%). Symptom events not recognized as exacerbations were mostly self-treated (56%). Conclusions Changes in usual pulmonary symptoms are not universally recognized as exacerbations. Patients' perspectives in recognizing changes in pulmonary symptoms as exacerbation events are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Choate
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Robert A. Sandhaus
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States,AlphaNet, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, United States
| | - Kristen E. Holm
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States,AlphaNet, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, United States
| | - David M. Mannino
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Charlie Strange
- AlphaNet, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, United States,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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Bianchera A, Alomari E, Bruno S. Augmentation therapy with alpha 1-antitrypsin: present and future of production, formulation, and delivery. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:385-410. [PMID: 34036902 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210525161942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alpha 1-antitrypsin is one of the first protein therapeutics introduced on the market - more than 30 years ago - and, to date, it is indicated only for the treatment of the severe forms of a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The only approved preparations are derived from plasma, posing potential problems associated with its limited supply and high processing costs. Moreover, augmentation therapy with alpha 1-antitrypsin is still limited to intravenous infusions, a cumbersome regimen for patients. Here, we review the recent literature on its possible future developments, focusing on i) the recombinant alternatives to the plasma-derived protein, ii) novel formulations, and iii) novel administration routes. Regulatory issues and the still unclear noncanonical functions of alpha 1-antitrypsin - possibly associated with the glycosylation pattern found only in the plasma-derived protein - have hindered the introduction of new products. However, potentially new therapeutic indications other than the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency might open the way to new sources and new formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bianchera
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Esraa Alomari
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruno
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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