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Naidoo SJ, Naicker T. The Enigmatic Interplay of Interleukin-10 in the Synergy of HIV Infection Comorbid with Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9434. [PMID: 39273381 PMCID: PMC11395227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines coordinate the intricate choreography of the immune system, directing cellular activities that mediate inflammation, pathogen defense, pathology and tissue repair. Within this spectrum, the anti-inflammatory prowess of interleukin-10 (IL-10) predominates in immune homeostasis. In normal pregnancy, the dynamic shift of IL-10 across trimesters maintains maternal immune tolerance ensuring fetal development and pregnancy success. Unravelling the dysregulation of IL-10 in pregnancy complications is vital, particularly in the heightened inflammatory condition of preeclampsia. Of note, a reduction in IL-10 levels contributes to endothelial dysfunction. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a complex interplay of IL-10 occurs, displaying a paradoxical paradigm of being immune-protective yet aiding viral persistence. Genetic variations in the IL-10 gene further modulate susceptibility to HIV infection and preeclampsia, albeit with nuanced effects across populations. This review outlines the conceptual framework underlying the role of IL-10 in the duality of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia together with HIV infection, thus highlighting its regulatory mechanisms and genetic influences. Synthesizing these findings in immune modulation presents avenues for therapeutic interventions in pregnancy complications comorbid with HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle Janine Naidoo
- Department of Optics and Imaging, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Department of Optics and Imaging, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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2
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Park Y, Park S, Chinratanalab W, Savani B, Kassim A, Douds JJ, Sengsayadeth S, Kim TK. SARS-CoV2 is not just infection but a culprit of donor graft failure post-allogeneic stem cell transplant. Clin Hematol Int 2024; 6:33-37. [PMID: 39071177 PMCID: PMC11283860 DOI: 10.46989/001c.121430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Park
- Duke University
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Silvia Park
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Department of HematologyThe Catholic University of Korea
| | - Wichai Chinratanalab
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
| | - Bipin Savani
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
| | - Adetola Kassim
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
| | | | - Salyka Sengsayadeth
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System
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3
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Yuan M, Chen X, Ou R, Luo R, Fan W, Wang X, Guo Z. Renal anemia: from relative insufficiency of EPO to imbalance of erythropoiesis and eryptosis. Int Urol Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s11255-024-04146-x. [PMID: 38982020 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04146-x] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease has emerged as a major health issue both in China and worldwide. Renal anemia frequently occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease, and its severity and incidence rate increase as the disease progresses. Over the last 30 years, the administration of exogenous EPO and EPO stimulants has been employed to alleviate renal anemia, suggesting that a relative deficiency in EPO may be a primary cause. However, this approach has overshadowed other contributing factors, particularly eryptosis, which results from the reduced lifespan of red blood cells. Numerous studies reveal that there are nephrogenic and extrarenal EPO secretion indicating that an absolute deficiency of EPO is not always present in patients. Therefore, this paper speculates that renal anemia may arise when EPO-driven erythropoiesis fails to adequately compensate for aggravating eryptosis. Other factors including iron metabolism disorder, uremic toxin accumulation, inflammatory state, oxidative stress, and secondary hyperparathyroidism affect EPO reactivity bone marrow hematopoiesis and eryptosis, leading to an imbalance between red blood cell production and destruction, and cause anemia ultimately. More further studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of renal anemia would be expected to provide evidence to support our opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China
| | - Xinping Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China
| | - Ruilin Ou
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China
| | - Ruiling Luo
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China
| | - Wenwen Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangming Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhentao Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, Shandong, China.
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4
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Bissinger R, Qadri SM, Artunc F. Eryptosis: a driver of anemia in chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:220-225. [PMID: 37987655 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anemia, characterized by a reduction in red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin concentration, commonly accompanies chronic kidney disease (CKD), significantly impacting patients' quality of life. This review delves into the multifaceted nature of anemia in CKD, with a focus on novel mechanisms, particularly the dysregulation of eryptosis or programmed cell death of RBCs, leading to shortened RBC lifespan. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies in CKD patients and mouse models revealed that eryptosis, driven by factors such as uremic toxins, inflammation, and imbalances in calcium homeostasis, plays a pivotal role in the development of renal anemia. Dysregulated eryptosis results in premature RBC destruction, exacerbating the hypoproliferative character of anemia in CKD. SUMMARY Recognizing the intricate relationship between eryptosis and anemia in CKD opens promising prospects for improving patient outcomes and enhancing our understanding of this complex condition. Future research and therapeutic development in this area hold the potential to improve anemia treatment of CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosi Bissinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Syed M Qadri
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ferruh Artunc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen
- German Center for Diabetes Research at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Curaj A, Vanholder R, Loscalzo J, Quach K, Wu Z, Jankowski V, Jankowski J. Cardiovascular Consequences of Uremic Metabolites: an Overview of the Involved Signaling Pathways. Circ Res 2024; 134:592-613. [PMID: 38422175 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324001] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The crosstalk of the heart with distant organs such as the lung, liver, gut, and kidney has been intensively approached lately. The kidney is involved in (1) the production of systemic relevant products, such as renin, as part of the most essential vasoregulatory system of the human body, and (2) in the clearance of metabolites with systemic and organ effects. Metabolic residue accumulation during kidney dysfunction is known to determine cardiovascular pathologies such as endothelial activation/dysfunction, atherosclerosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiac fibrosis, and vascular and valvular calcification, leading to hypertension, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathies. However, this review offers an overview of the uremic metabolites and details their signaling pathways involved in cardiorenal syndrome and the development of heart failure. A holistic view of the metabolites, but more importantly, an exhaustive crosstalk of their known signaling pathways, is important for depicting new therapeutic strategies in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Curaj
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (A.C., K.Q., Z.W., V.J., J.J.)
| | - Raymond Vanholder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Nephrology Section, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium (R.V.)
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (J.L.)
| | - Kaiseng Quach
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (A.C., K.Q., Z.W., V.J., J.J.)
| | - Zhuojun Wu
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (A.C., K.Q., Z.W., V.J., J.J.)
| | - Vera Jankowski
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (A.C., K.Q., Z.W., V.J., J.J.)
| | - Joachim Jankowski
- Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (A.C., K.Q., Z.W., V.J., J.J.)
- Experimental Vascular Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, the Netherlands (J.J.)
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Cardiorenal Disease, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany (J.J.)
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6
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Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Neugebauer KM. Multiple roles for AU-rich RNA binding proteins in the development of haematologic malignancies and their resistance to chemotherapy. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-17. [PMID: 38798162 PMCID: PMC11135835 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2346688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation by RNA binding proteins can determine gene expression levels and drive changes in cancer cell proteomes. Identifying mechanisms of protein-RNA binding, including preferred sequence motifs bound in vivo, provides insights into protein-RNA networks and how they impact mRNA structure, function, and stability. In this review, we will focus on proteins that bind to AU-rich elements (AREs) in nascent or mature mRNA where they play roles in response to stresses encountered by cancer cells. ARE-binding proteins (ARE-BPs) specifically impact alternative splicing, stability, decay and translation, and formation of RNA-rich biomolecular condensates like cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs). For example, recent findings highlight the role of ARE-BPs - like TIAR and HUR - in chemotherapy resistance and in translational regulation of mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. We will discuss emerging evidence that different modes of ARE-BP activity impact leukaemia and lymphoma development, progression, adaptation to microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Podszywalow-Bartnicka
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karla M. Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Kawashima N, Bezzerri V, Corey SJ. The Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: The Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Their Pathogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1249. [PMID: 37627314 PMCID: PMC10452082 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFSs) include Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, dyskeratosis congenita, severe congenital neutropenia, and other rare entities such as GATA2 deficiency and SAMD9/9L mutations. The IBMFS monogenic disorders were first recognized by their phenotype. Exome sequencing has validated their classification, with clusters of gene mutations affecting DNA damage response (Fanconi anemia), ribosome structure (Diamond-Blackfan anemia), ribosome assembly (Shwachman-Diamond syndrome), or telomere maintenance/stability (dyskeratosis congenita). The pathogenetic mechanisms of IBMFSs remain to be characterized fully, but an overarching hypothesis states that different stresses elicit TP53-dependent growth arrest and apoptosis of hematopoietic stem, progenitor, and precursor cells. Here, we review the IBMFSs and propose a role for pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TGF-β, IL-1β, and IFN-α, in mediating the cytopenias. We suggest a pathogenic role for cytokines in the transformation to myeloid neoplasia and hypothesize a role for anti-inflammatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Kawashima
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Valentino Bezzerri
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Seth J. Corey
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
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Zhao HG, Deininger M. Always stressed but never exhausted: how stem cells in myeloid neoplasms avoid extinction in inflammatory conditions. Blood 2023; 141:2797-2812. [PMID: 36947811 PMCID: PMC10315634 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic or recurrent episodes of acute inflammation cause attrition of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that can lead to hematopoietic failure but they drive progression in myeloid malignancies and their precursor clonal hematopoiesis. Mechanistic parallels exist between hematopoiesis in chronic inflammation and the continuously increased proliferation of myeloid malignancies, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The ability to enter dormancy, a state of deep quiescence characterized by low oxidative phosphorylation, low glycolysis, reduced protein synthesis, and increased autophagy is central to the preservation of long-term HSCs and likely MPN SCs. The metabolic features of dormancy resemble those of diapause, a state of arrested embryonic development triggered by adverse environmental conditions. To outcompete their normal counterparts in the inflammatory MPN environment, MPN SCs co-opt mechanisms used by HSCs to avoid exhaustion, including signal attenuation by negative regulators, insulation from activating cytokine signals, anti-inflammatory signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming. We propose that new therapeutic strategies may be derived from conceptualizing myeloid malignancies as an ecosystem out of balance, in which residual normal and malignant hematopoietic cells interact in multiple ways, only few of which have been characterized in detail. Disrupting MPN SC insulation to overcome dormancy, interfering with aberrant cytokine circuits that favor MPN cells, and directly boosting residual normal HSCs are potential strategies to tip the balance in favor of normal hematopoiesis. Although eradicating the malignant cell clones remains the goal of therapy, rebalancing the ecosystem may be a more attainable objective in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helong Gary Zhao
- Versiti Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Michael Deininger
- Versiti Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Liu L, Fu Q, Zhang D, Chen D, Wang F, Guo R, Xie X, Jiang Z, Yu J, Li Y. Analysis of Mean Corpuscular Volume and Red Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Aplastic Anemia. Hemoglobin 2023:1-5. [PMID: 37161838 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2023.2206575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
To explore the characteristics of hemogram in patients with aplastic anemia (AA), especially mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW). We examined the blood routine of 180 new-onset AA patients and used 166 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as controls. Among the 180 AA patients, 105 (58.3%) were diagnosed with severe AA (SAA), while 75 (41.7%) were diagnosed with non-severe AA (NSAA). Compared to MDS, patients with SAA generally had unfavorable hemogram, including significantly lower white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT) and reticulocyte counts (RET). However, WBC, ANC and lymphocyte counts were higher in the NSAA group than in the MDS group; Hb and Ret were comparable between the two groups. 8.5% of SAA patients and 58.1% of NSAA patients presented with macrocytic anemia, whereas 25.7% of SAA and 64.0% of NSAA had a high RDW. In the MDS group, 54.7% of patients presented with macrocytic anemia, and 84.7% had increased RDW. WBC, ANC, PLT, and Ret in a high-RDW group (25.7% of SAA) were significantly higher than in a normal-RDW group (74.3% of SAA). Overall, most SAA patients exhibited normocytic-normochromic anemia, and their hemograms decreased more significantly; more than half of NSAA patients showed macrocytic-heterogeneous anemia, and their hemograms were similar to those of MDS. Patients with elevated RDW may have better residual bone marrow hematopoietic function than those with normal RDW but with more severe anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiuhao Fu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Danfeng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinsheng Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Sun T, Li D, Huang L, Zhu X. Inflammatory abrasion of hematopoietic stem cells: a candidate clue for the post-CAR-T hematotoxicity? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1141779. [PMID: 37223096 PMCID: PMC10200893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1141779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown remarkable effects in treating various hematological malignancies. However, hematotoxicity, specifically neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, poses a serious threat to patient prognosis and remains a less focused adverse effect of CAR-T therapy. The mechanism underlying lasting or recurring late-phase hematotoxicity, long after the influence of lymphodepletion therapy and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), remains elusive. In this review, we summarize the current clinical studies on CAR-T late hematotoxicity to clarify its definition, incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and interventions. Owing to the effectiveness of transfusing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in rescuing severe CAR-T late hematotoxicity and the unignorable role of inflammation in CAR-T therapy, this review also discusses possible mechanisms of the harmful influence of inflammation on HSCs, including inflammatory abrasion of the number and the function of HSCs. We also discuss chronic and acute inflammation. Cytokines, cellular immunity, and niche factors likely to be disturbed in CAR-T therapy are highlighted factors with possible contributions to post-CAR-T hematotoxicity.
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Zhao XC, Xue CJ, Song H, Gao BH, Han FS, Xiao SX. Bowel inflammatory presentations on computed tomography in adult patients with severe aplastic anemia during flared inflammatory episodes. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:576-597. [PMID: 36793625 PMCID: PMC9923849 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i3.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) frequently present with inflammatory episodes, and during flared inflammatory episodes, hematopoietic function is further exacerbated. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site for infectious and inflammatory diseases, and its structural and functional features confer on it the most potent capacity to affect hematopoietic and immune functions. Computed tomography (CT) is a readily accessible approach to provide highly useful information in detecting morphological changes and guiding further work-ups.
AIM To explore CT imaging presentations of gut inflammatory damage in adult SAA patients during inflammatory episodes.
METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the abdominal CT imaging presentations of 17 hospitalized adult patients with SAA in search of the inflammatory niche when they presented with systemic inflammatory stress and exacerbated hematopoietic function. In this descriptive manuscript, the characteristic images that suggested the presence of gastrointestinal inflammatory damage and related imaging presentations of individual patients were enumerated, analyzed and described.
RESULTS All eligible patients with SAA had CT imaging abnormalities that suggested the presence of an impaired intestinal barrier and increased epithelial permeability. The inflammatory damages were concurrently present in the small intestine, the ileocecal region and the large intestines. Some readily identified imaging signs, such as bowel wall thickening with mural stratification (“water holo sign”, “fat holo sign”, intramural gas and subserosal pneumatosis) and mesenteric fat proliferation (fat stranding and “creeping fat sign”), fibrotic bowel wall thickening, “balloon sign”, rugged colonic configuration, heterogeneity in the bowel wall texture, and adhered and clustered small bowel loop (including various patterns of “abdominal cocoon”), occurred at a high incidence, which suggested that the damaged gastrointestinal tract is a common inflammatory niche responsible for the systemic inflammatory stresses and the exacerbated hematopoietic failure in patients with SAA. Particularly, the “fat holo sign” was present in 7 patients, a rugged colonic configuration was present in 10 patients, the adhesive bowel loop was present in 15 patients, and extraintestinal manifestations suggestive of tuberculosis infections were present in 5 patients. According to the imaging features, a suggestive diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was made in 5 patients, ulcerative colitis in 1 patient, chronic periappendiceal abscess in 1 patient, and tuberculosis infection in 5 patients. Other patients were diagnosed with chronic enteroclolitis with acutely aggravated inflammatory damage.
CONCLUSION Patients with SAA had CT imaging patterns that suggested the presence of active chronic inflammatory conditions and aggravated inflammatory damage during flared inflammatory episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Chen Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Central Hospital of Qingdao West Coast New Area, Qingdao 266555, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cheng-Jiang Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Central Hospital of Qingdao West Coast New Area, Qingdao 266555, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hui Song
- Department of Radiology, The Central Hospital of Qingdao West Coast New Area, Qingdao 266555, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin-Han Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Central Hospital of Qingdao West Coast New Area, Qingdao 266555, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fu-Shen Han
- Department of Pneumology, The Central Hospital of Qingdao West Coast New Area, Qingdao 266555, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shu-Xin Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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