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Rossi S, Rinaldi R, Asioli GM, Barone V, Pianta P, Cescon M, Morelli MC, Faccioli L, Spinardi L, Cortelli P, Guarino M. Tacrolimus-associated neurotoxicity isolated to the brainstem: two illustrative cases and a systematic review of the literature. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07433-8. [PMID: 38460049 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tacrolimus-associated neurotoxicity (TAN) manifests with wide clinical spectrum, ranging from mild tremors to severe encephalopathy. The isolated involvement of the brainstem is a rarely documented presentation of TAN, and its clinical and diagnostic characteristics are unclear. METHODS We report two cases of brainstem-isolated TAN (bi-TAN). Moreover, we performed a systematic review of the literature on bi-TAN and extracted data concerning demographics, clinical characteristics, radiological features, and management. The systematic literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and a pre-defined protocol. RESULTS Eleven patients, including our two, were identified (mean age: 41.3 years, ± 18.8; five males, 45%). Speech disturbance was the most common clinical presentation (45%). The mean latency from Tacrolimus initiation to bi-TAN onset was 26 days (± 30.8). Tacrolimus serum level tested above the reference range in three patients (mean: 26.83 ± 5.48). Brain MRI showed T2-FLAIR hyperintensities; three showed restricted diffusion on ADC maps. Neurological symptoms resolved completely in seven patients (63%) after Tacrolimus withdrawal or dose reduction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that bi-TAN could represent a brainstem variant of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Recognition of bi-TAN as a potential cause of isolated brainstem lesions is crucial to disentangle the diagnostic work-up and ensure prompt withdrawal or reduction of the offending agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Rossi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Rita Rinaldi
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Asioli
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Barone
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Pianta
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Morelli
- Internal Medicine Unit for the Treatment of Severe Organ Failure, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Faccioli
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Spinardi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche E Neuromotorie, Università Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Guarino
- UOC Clinica Neurologica - Rete Neurologica Metropolitana (NEUROMET), IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Jiang Y, Tao M, Chen J, Luo L, You Q, Wu H, Zhang N. Calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy: A narrative review with emphasis on efficacy and safety. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:148-155. [PMID: 38245953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.039] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects child-bearing women, leading to an elevated risk of maternal and fetal complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since some medications can cross the placental barrier that persist a threat to both mother and fetus, the risk-benefit ratio of SLE medications should be taken into consideration during pregnancy. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), mainly including cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, and voclosporin, is a category of immunosuppressive agents that inhibit calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin to block T cell activation. Based on the current clinical evidence, CNI is an alternative in pregnant SLE patients with persistent disease activity (especially lupus nephritis patients) and non-responders to azathioprine. However, there is no comprehensive review that summarizes the efficacy and safety profile of CNI for SLE management during pregnancy. This review presents a summary on the utilization of CNI for SLE management during pregnancy, including the mechanism of action, gestational amelioration of lupus flare, and the balance of maternal benefit-fetal risk, which may provide more references for the management of SLE pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lihua Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qingxia You
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Nian Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
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Džidić-Krivić A, Sher EK, Kusturica J, Farhat EK, Nawaz A, Sher F. Unveiling drug induced nephrotoxicity using novel biomarkers and cutting-edge preventive strategies. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 388:110838. [PMID: 38104745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110838] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is still a significant obstacle in pharmacotherapy of various diseases and it accounts for around 25 % of serious side-effects reported after drug administration. Furthermore, some groups of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapeutic drugs have the "preference" for damaging the kidney and are often referred to as the kidney's "silent killer". Clinically, the onset of acute kidney injury associated with drug administration is registered in approximately 20 % of patients and many of them develop chronic kidney disease vulnerability. However, current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying this dangerous phenomenon is still insufficient with many unknowns. Hence, the valuable use of these drugs in clinical practice is significantly limited. The main aim of this study is to draw attention to commonly prescribed nephrotoxic drugs by clinicians or drugs bought over the counter. In addition, the complex relationship between immunological, vascular and inflammatory events that promote kidney damage is discussed. The practical use of this knowledge could be implemented in the engineering of novel biomarkers for early detection of drug-associated kidney damage such as Kidney Injury Molecule (KIM-1), lipocalin associated with neutrophil gelatinase (NGAL) and various microRNAs. In addition, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of computer algorithms that could detect kidney damage at an early stage should be further explored. Therefore, this comprehensive review provides a new outlook on drug nephrotoxicity that opens the door for further clinical research of novel potential drugs or natural products for the prevention of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and accessible education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Džidić-Krivić
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, 72000, Bosnia and Herzegovina; International Society of Engineering Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emina K Sher
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Jasna Kusturica
- Faculty of Medicine,Univerisity of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Esma K Farhat
- International Society of Engineering Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Department of Food and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Food Technology, Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, 31000, Croatia
| | - Asma Nawaz
- International Society of Engineering Science and Technology, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, United Kingdom.
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Jing Jia, Ma B, Zhao X. Fetal endothelial colony-forming cells: Possible targets for prevention of the fetal origins of adult diseases. Placenta 2024; 145:80-88. [PMID: 38100962 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.006] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a subset of circulating and resident endothelial progenitor cells, are capable of self-renewal and de novo vessel formation, and are known key regulators of vascular integrity and homeostasis. Numerous studies have found that exposure to hostile environment during the fetal development exerts a profound influence on the level and function of ECFCs, which may be the underlying factor linking endothelial dysfunction to cardiovascular disease of the offspring in later life. Herein, we focus on the latest findings regarding the effects of pregnancy-related disorders on the frequency and function of fetal ECFCs. Subsequently, we discuss about placental ECFCs and put forward some details that should be paid attention to in the process of ECFC isolation and culture. Overall, the information presented in this review highlight the potential of ECFCs as a future biomarker or even therapeutic targets for the pregnancy-related adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Baitao Ma
- Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xianlan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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5
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Opałka B, Żołnierczuk M, Grabowska M. Immunosuppressive Agents-Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Selected Metabolic Aspects: A Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6935. [PMID: 37959400 PMCID: PMC10647341 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216935] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs makes it possible to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases, as well as prevent transplant rejection in organ recipients. Despite their key action in blocking the body's immune response, these drugs have many side effects. These actions primarily affect the cardiovascular system, and the incidence of complications in patients using immunosuppressive drugs is significant, being associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular incidents such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of action of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs and their impact on the cardiovascular system. The adverse effect of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with toxicity within the cardiovascular system, which may be a problem in the clinical management of patients after transplantation. Immunosuppressants act on the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, including fibrosis and myocardial remodeling, endothelium disfunction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia or hyperglycaemia, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. The use of multidrug protocols makes it possible to develop regimens that can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. A better understanding of their mechanism of action and the range of complications could enable physicians to select the appropriate therapy for a given patient, as well as to reduce complications and prolong life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Opałka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Michał Żołnierczuk
- Department of Plastic, Endocrine and General Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 72-010 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
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Ricciardelli AR, Robledo A, Fish JE, Kan PT, Harris TH, Wythe JD. The Role and Therapeutic Implications of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2876. [PMID: 38001877 PMCID: PMC10669898 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112876] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are focal vascular lesions composed of abnormal vascular channels without an intervening capillary network. As a result, high-pressure arterial blood shunts directly into the venous outflow system. These high-flow, low-resistance shunts are composed of dilated, tortuous, and fragile vessels, which are prone to rupture. BAVMs are a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke in children and young adults. Current treatments for bAVMs are limited to surgery, embolization, and radiosurgery, although even these options are not viable for ~20% of AVM patients due to excessive risk. Critically, inflammation has been suggested to contribute to lesion progression. Here we summarize the current literature discussing the role of the immune system in bAVM pathogenesis and lesion progression, as well as the potential for targeting inflammation to prevent bAVM rupture and intracranial hemorrhage. We conclude by proposing that a dysfunctional endothelium, which harbors the somatic mutations that have been shown to give rise to sporadic bAVMs, may drive disease development and progression by altering the immune status of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Ricciardelli
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ariadna Robledo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.)
| | - Jason E. Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Peter T. Kan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.)
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Brain, Immunology, and Glia (BIG) Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Joshua D. Wythe
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Brain, Immunology, and Glia (BIG) Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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7
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Wang L, Zhang Y, Yu H, Song J, Wang Y. Sequential transplantation of the liver-kidney-heart from different donors: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2023; 7:ytad472. [PMID: 37854104 PMCID: PMC10580372 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Multi-organ transplantation has emerged as a viable treatment strategy for patients afflicted with multiple organ failure or significant organ dysfunctions. Despite the promising therapeutic outcomes, this approach also amplifies the risk of organ rejection, infection, or neoplastic growth. We present a unique case of a patient who sequentially underwent liver, kidney, and heart transplantation, all sourced from different donors. This case brings forth intriguing possibilities about the interplay between cardiovascular diseases and complications arising post-transplantation, thereby enriching our understanding of comprehensive transplant immunomodulation and cardiovascular disease prevention. Case summary A 59-year-old male with chronic alcohol misuse developed liver cirrhosis in 2012 and subsequent kidney failure in 2018 due to alcoholic liver disease, type II diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and severe hypertension. Subsequently, an incident of extensive transmural myocardial infarction (Killip III) warranted a heart transplant in 2022. Post-transplant, the patient was maintained on a standard immunosuppression regimen with regular post-operative follow-ups. No signs of rejection were noted 1-year post-final transplantation under standard immunosuppression. Discussion The presented case exemplifies the potential and feasibility of sequential multi-organ transplantation. The multifaceted interplay between the transplanted organs and the immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals likely exert distinct influences on transplantation immune regulation, possibly diverging from the dynamics observed in single-organ transplantation. A comprehensive exploration of the mechanisms governing immune responses in the context of multi-organ transplantation could yield valuable insights for mitigating graft dysfunction. Furthermore, the rapid progression of atherosclerosis observed after liver and kidney transplantation necessitates further scrutiny to elucidate potential correlations with the post-transplantation state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liaoran Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 368 Yehai Ave., Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 North Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fengcunxili, Yongding Town, Mentougou District, Beijing 102308, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 368 Yehai Ave., Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Jiangping Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 North Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100037, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fengcunxili, Yongding Town, Mentougou District, Beijing 102308, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 368 Yehai Ave., Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
- The Transplantation Institute of Hainan, 368 Yehai Ave., Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
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8
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Twarowski B, Herbet M. Inflammatory Processes in Alzheimer's Disease-Pathomechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6518. [PMID: 37047492 PMCID: PMC10095343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed cases of senile dementia in the world. It is an incurable process, most often leading to death. This disease is multifactorial, and one factor of this is inflammation. Numerous mediators secreted by inflammatory cells can cause neuronal degeneration. Neuritis may coexist with other mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to disease progression, and may also directly underlie AD. Although much has been established about the inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of AD, many aspects remain unexplained. The work is devoted in particular to the pathomechanism of inflammation and its role in diagnosis and treatment. An in-depth and detailed understanding of the pathomechanism of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease may help in the development of diagnostic methods for early diagnosis and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariola Herbet
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Meyer N, Vu TH, Brodowski L, Schröder-Heurich B, von Kaisenberg C, von Versen-Höynck F. Fetal endothelial colony-forming cell impairment after maternal kidney transplantation. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:810-817. [PMID: 35732823 PMCID: PMC10033415 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful pregnancies are nowadays possible after kidney transplantation but are associated with a higher incidence of maternal and fetal complications. Immunosuppressive therapy causes cardiovascular side effects but must be maintained during pregnancy. Little is known about the consequences of maternal kidney transplantation on offspring's endothelial health. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) represent a highly proliferative subtype of endothelial progenitor cells and are crucial for vascular homeostasis, repair and neovascularization. Therefore, we investigated whether maternal kidney transplantation affects fetal ECFCs' characteristics. METHODS ECFCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood of uncomplicated and post-kidney-transplant pregnancies and analyzed for their functional abilities with proliferation, cell migration, centrosome orientation and angiogenesis assays. Further, ECFCs from uncomplicated pregnancies were exposed to either umbilical cord serum from uncomplicated or post-kidney-transplant pregnancies. RESULTS Post-kidney-transplant ECFCs showed significantly less proliferation, less migration and less angiogenesis compared to control ECFCs. The presence of post-kidney-transplant umbilical cord serum led to similar functional aberrations of ECFCs from uncomplicated pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS These pilot data demonstrate differences in ECFCs' biological characteristics in offspring of women after kidney transplantation. Further studies are needed to monitor offspring's long-term cardiovascular development and to assess possible causal relationships with immunosuppressants, uremia and maternal cardiovascular alterations. IMPACT Pregnancy after kidney transplantation has become more common in the past years but is associated with higher complications for mother and offspring. Little is known of the impact of maternal kidney transplantation and the mandatory immunosuppressive therapy on offspring vascular development. In this study we are the first to address and detect an impairment of endothelial progenitor cell function in offspring of kidney-transplanted mothers. Serum from post-transplant pregnancies also causes negative effects on ECFCs' function. Clinical studies should focus on long-term monitoring of offspring's cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Meyer
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thu Huong Vu
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Brodowski
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bianca Schröder-Heurich
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Constantin von Kaisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke von Versen-Höynck
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
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10
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Gan G, Michel M, Max A, Sujet-Perone N, Zevering Y, Vermion JC, Zaidi M, Savenkoff B, Perone JM. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis after intravitreal vascular growth factor inhibitor injections: A case report and review of the literature. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:401-409. [PMID: 36208427 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic administration of agents that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and therefore vascular proliferation is often used to treat various cancers. However, these agents are associated with a number of side effects, including proteinuria and renal injury. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents has become the cornerstone of macular disease treatment. Since these agents cross the blood-retina barrier and enter the circulation, systemic side effects have been reported. We report the novel case of a 57-year-old patient who presented with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion, underwent three monthly loading-dose injections with the anti-VEGF agent ranibizumab, and 2 weeks after the second injection presented with biopsy-verified membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Twelve weeks after presenting with renal failure and 10 weeks after his last anti-VEGF injection, the patient demonstrated spontaneous recovery of his kidney function. The patient had a history that promoted renal fragility, including hypertension, liver transplantation 6 years earlier for alcohol-related cirrhosis and new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant. Our literature review and case suggest that although adverse renal events after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are very rare, ophthalmologists and nephrologists should be aware of this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Mathis Michel
- Department of Nephrology, Mercy Hospital, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Metz, France
| | - Antoine Max
- Cypath Metz, Cytopathology Laboratory, Metz, France
| | - Nicolas Sujet-Perone
- Department of Nephrology, Robert Debré Hospital, Reims University Hospital Center, Reims, France
| | - Yinka Zevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Jean-Charles Vermion
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Mohamed Zaidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
| | - Benjamin Savenkoff
- Department of Nephrology, Mercy Hospital, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Metz, France
| | - Jean-Marc Perone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital Center, Mercy Hospital, Metz, France
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11
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Transplantation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Summary and prospect. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:151990. [PMID: 36587456 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) are precursor cells of endothelial cells (ECs), which can differentiate into vascular ECs, protect from endothelial dysfunction and tissue ischemia, and reduce vascular hyperplasia. Due to these functions, EPCs are used as a candidate cell source for transplantation strategies. In recent years, a great progress was achieved in EPCs biology research, and EPCs transplantation has become a research hotspot. At present, transplanted EPCs have been used to treat ischemic diseases due to their powerful vasculogenesis and beneficial paracrine effects. Although EPCs transplantation has been proved to play an important role, the clinical application of EPCs still faces many challenges. This review briefly summarized the basic characteristics of EPCs, the process of EPCs transplantation promoting the healing of ischemic tissue, and the ways to improve the efficiency of EPCs transplantation. In addition, the application of EPCs in neurological improvement, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and the challenges and problems in clinical application of EPCs were also discussed. In the end, the application of EPCs transplantation in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering was discussed.
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Meyer N, Richter K, Brodowski L, von Kaisenberg C, Melk A, Schmidt B, Limbourg FP, Schröder-Heurich B, von Versen-Höynck F. Impairment of endothelial progenitor cells in women after kidney transplantation. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12794. [PMID: 36484638 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The long-term survival of kidney transplant patients has substantially improved. However, there is a higher risk for cardiovascular events after transplantation, partly due to immunosuppression. A diminished number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which play an important role in angiogenesis and the repair of endothelial damage, are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether kidney transplantation affects EPCs in women. METHODS Twenty-four healthy women and 22 female kidney transplant recipients were recruited. The ratio of angiogenic and non-angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) was determined by multicolor flow cytometry and related to clinical parameters. Cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a proliferative subgroup of endothelial progenitor cells, were treated with pooled sera from transplant patients or healthy controls and tested for their functional integrity using in vitro models. RESULTS Kidney transplant recipients displayed a reduced ratio of angiogenic and non-angiogenic CPCs compared to healthy controls. Differences were especially pronounced in premenopausal women. Exposure to sera of transplanted women led to a significant impairment of ECFC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis ability. CONCLUSIONS Alterations of EPC populations may contribute to the higher cardiovascular risks after organ transplantation and should be considered in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Meyer
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katja Richter
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Brodowski
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Anette Melk
- Children's Hospital, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schmidt
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian P Limbourg
- Department of Nephrology, Vascular Medicine Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Frauke von Versen-Höynck
- Gynecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Immune recognition of syngeneic, allogeneic and xenogeneic stromal cell transplants in healthy retinas. STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2022; 13:430. [PMID: 35987845 PMCID: PMC9392272 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Advanced therapies using adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for neurodegenerative diseases are not effectively translated into the clinic. The cross talk between the transplanted cells and the host tissue is something that, despite its importance, is not being systematically investigated. Methods We have compared the response of the mouse healthy retina to the intravitreal transplantation of MSCs derived from the bone marrow in four modalities: syngeneic, allogeneic, xenogeneic and allogeneic with immunosuppression using functional analysis in vivo and histology, cytometry and protein measurement post-mortem. Data were considered significant (p < 0.05) after nonparametric suitable statistical tests. Results Transplanted cells remain in the vitreous and are cleared by microglial cells a process that is quicker in allotransplants regardless of immunosuppression. All transplants cause anatomical remodelling which is more severe after xenotransplants. Xeno- and allotransplants with or without immunosuppression cause macro- and microglial activation and retinal functional impairment, being xenotransplants the most detrimental and the only ones that recruit CD45+Iba1−cells. The profile of proinflammatory cytokines changes in all transplantation settings. However, none of these changes affect the retinal ganglion cell population. Conclusions We show here a specific functional and anatomical retinal response depending on the MSC transplantation modality, an aspect that should be taken into consideration when conducting preclinical studies if we intend a more realistic translation into clinical practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03129-y.
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Mak A, Chan JKY. Endothelial function and endothelial progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:286-300. [PMID: 35393604 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00770-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The observations that traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors fail to fully account for the excessive cardiovascular mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with the general population have prompted in-depth investigations of non-traditional, SLE-related risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular complications in patients with SLE. Of the various perturbations of vascular physiology, endothelial dysfunction, which is believed to occur in the earliest step of atherosclerosis, has been extensively investigated for its contribution to CVD risk in SLE. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which play a crucial part in vascular repair, neovascularization and maintenance of endothelial function, are quantitatively and functionally reduced in patients with SLE. Yet, the lack of a unified definition of EPCs, standardization of the quantity and functional assessment of EPCs as well as endothelial function measurement pose challenges to the translation of endothelial function measurements and EPC levels into prognostic markers for CVD in patients with SLE. This Review discusses factors that contribute to CVD in SLE, with particular focus on how endothelial function and EPCs are evaluated currently, and how EPCs are quantitatively and functionally altered in patients with SLE. Potential strategies for the use of endothelial function measurements and EPC quantification as prognostic markers of CVD in patients with SLE, and the limitations of their prognostication potential, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Mak
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Division of Rheumatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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