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Mihai IR, Rezus C, Burlui MA, Cardoneanu A, Macovei LA, Richter P, Bratoiu I, Rezus E. Autoimmune Liver Diseases and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Is There an Etiopathogenic Link? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3848. [PMID: 38612658 PMCID: PMC11011907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that, in addition to the articular involvement, can have extra-articular manifestations. Even though liver damage in RA is not very common, associated autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) may occur. The most common AILD associated with RA is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), followed by autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). There are common underlying mechanisms that play a role in the emergence of autoimmunity and inflammation in both rheumatic and autoimmune liver diseases. Genetic studies have revealed the existence of several common disease-associated genes shared between RA and AILDs, and infectious triggers, particularly those associated with recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections, are also speculated to be potential triggers for these conditions. Moreover, these diseases share common serologic patterns characterized by the presence of specific autoantibodies and hyper-gammaglobulinemia. In this study, we focus on reviewing the association between RA and AILDs regarding the prevalence and possible etiopathogenic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Ruxandra Mihai
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “Sfantul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
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Biehl A, Harinstein L, Brinker A, Glaser R, Muñoz M, Avigan M. A case series analysis of serious exacerbations of viral hepatitis and non-viral hepatic injuries in tocilizumab-treated patients. Liver Int 2021; 41:515-528. [PMID: 33320444 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Reports of moderate to severe liver injury associated with tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, have been reported in the post-marketing setting. This case series aims to characterize cases of tocilizumab-associated clinically significant hepatic injury. METHODS We analysed cases of severe acute liver injury associated with tocilizumab reported in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and the medical literature. RESULTS We identified 12 cases in which tocilizumab was a suspected primary cause of liver injury and eight cases in which serious sequelae of underlying or coincident viral hepatitis were temporally associated with its use. Using the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) severity scale, five of 12 cases were Grade 5 (two liver transplants, three deaths), one was Grade 4 (liver failure) and six were Grade 3 (serious events with elevated bilirubin). Two cases reported liver atrophy with low hepatocellular expression of Ki-67, a marker of cellular proliferation. Among the eight cases of tocilizumab-associated viral hepatitis exacerbation, three were scored as DILIN severity Grade 5 (one liver transplant, two deaths), one was Grade 4 (liver failure), and four were Grade 3. The reported viral hepatitis events were hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (n = 3), hepatitis C virus (HCV) flare (n = 1), cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced liver failure (n = 1), Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis (n = 1), acute hepatitis E (HEV, n = 1) and HEV-induced macrophage activation syndrome (n = 1). CONCLUSION Tocilizumab may be a primary cause of severe liver injury, as well as exacerbate underlying viral hepatitis. The disruption by tocilizumab of IL-6-mediated immune protection and hepatocyte regeneration may aggravate clinical outcomes in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Biehl
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Harinstein
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Allen Brinker
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rachel Glaser
- Division of Rheumatology and Transplant Medicine, Office of New Drugs, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Monica Muñoz
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mark Avigan
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Elfert KA, Qasim HM, Faisal MM, Elghazali A, Siddiqui MYA, Petkar M, Sadik N. Hepatitis E Viral Association with Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Viral Trigger or Cross-Reactivity. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2021; 15:115-122. [PMID: 33708058 PMCID: PMC7923706 DOI: 10.1159/000509494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic disease characterized by hepatocellular inflammation and destruction. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. Current evidence suggests that environmental factors, including viral infections, are implicated as possible triggers. We present a case of a 36-year-old lady with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. She was initially diagnosed as acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection based on positive serology, but she did not improve with conservative management. Subsequently, she underwent liver biopsy that showed features characteristic of AIH. We discuss the role of HEV as a possible trigger of AIH. We also highlight the possibility of cross-reactivity between liver antigens and HEV as an explanation for the positive HEV serology in AIH. We explore the management options of cases in which both acute HEV infection and AIH coexist, which might be challenging as there is no current consensus whether to start immunosuppressive therapy or to manage such cases conservatively. Moreover, we discuss previous similar cases in which different lines of management were chosen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Elfert
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | - Mahir Petkar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Histopathology Section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagham Sadik
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Di Bartolomeo S, Carubbi F, Cipriani P. Hepatitis E Virus and rheumatic diseases: what do rheumatologists need to know? BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:51. [PMID: 32974609 PMCID: PMC7504648 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-020-00149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents the most common cause of acute hepatitis and jaundice in the world. About 2 million of infection cases occur each year in Europe, mainly as autochthonous anthropozoonosis, and HEV can be transmitted through undercooked pork meat. This infection has been linked to various extra-hepatic manifestations, while chronic infections with a rapid development of liver failure have been described in heavily immunosuppressed patients undergoing solid organ transplantations (SOTs), in patients with hematological diseases or with immunodeficiency virus infection. MAIN BODY OF ABSTRACT The purpose of this review article is to describe rheumatic manifestations related to HEV infection and their implications for rheumatologists in the daily clinical practice. Despite recent accumulating literature in this field, little is known about the course of the infection in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) and about the impact of immunosuppressive drugs. Moreover, HEV infection can mimic RDs' manifestations or drugs toxicity. Specific guidelines on management are lacking and the majority of data are referred to SOTs receivers. CONCLUSIONS More studies are needed to better understand the real impact of HEV infection in patients with RDs, regarding both clinical outcomes and their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Di Bartolomeo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Medicine, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, L’Aquila and Sulmona, Italy
| | - Francesco Carubbi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Medicine, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila, L’Aquila and Sulmona, Italy
| | - Paola Cipriani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Horvatits T, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Polywka S, Buescher G, Lütgehetmann M, Hussey E, Horvatits K, Peine S, Haag F, Addo MM, Lohse AW, Weiler-Normann C, Pischke S. Significance of Anti-Nuclear Antibodies and Cryoglobulins in Patients with Acute and Chronic HEV Infection. Pathogens 2020; 9:E755. [PMID: 32947995 PMCID: PMC7558372 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been associated with immunological phenomena. Their clinical significance, however, still needs to be clarified, that is, whether cryoglobulins or autoantibodies impact overt disease in HEV-infected individuals. To better understand, we analyzed these different immune phenomena in three cohorts, each representing different types of HEV infection. METHODS The cohorts included: (i) immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E, (ii) immunosuppressed patients with chronic hepatitis E, and (iii) individuals with asymptomatic HEV infection. Together, they consisted of 57 individuals and were studied retrospectively for the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), cryoglobulins, and serum total IgG. They were then compared with a control cohort of 17 untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. RESULTS Thirteen (23%) were immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E (median alanine aminotransferase (ALT) = 872 U/L), 15 (26%) were immunosuppressed patients with chronic hepatitis E (median ALT = 137 U/L), and 29 (51%) were blood donors with asymptomatic HEV infection (median ALT = 35 U/L). Overall, 24% tested positive for elevated ANA titers of >1:160, and 11% presented with a specific ANA pattern. ANA detection was not associated with the type of HEV infection, IgG levels, sex, or age. All individuals tested negative for anti-mitochondrial antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, liver-kidney microsomal antibodies, anti-myeloperoxidase-, and anti-proteinase-3 antibodies. Five patients (9%) tested positive for cryoglobulins. Notably, cryoglobulinemia was present in overt hepatitis E (Groups (i) and (ii); one acute and four chronic HEV infections), but was not present in any of the asymptomatic blood donors (p = 0.02). The frequency of cryoglobulins and elevated ANAs did not differ significantly between HEV and HBV/HCV patients. CONCLUSION In line with findings on HBV and HCV infections, we frequently observed detection of ANAs (24%) and cryoglobulins (9%) in association with HEV infections. The presence of cryoglobulins was limited to patients with overt hepatitis E. We add to the findings on the immune phenomena of hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Horvatits
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Susanne Polywka
- Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Gustav Buescher
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Elaine Hussey
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
| | - Karoline Horvatits
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Christina Weiler-Normann
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- Martin Zeitz Center for rare diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (J.S.z.W.); (G.B.); (E.H.); (K.H.); (M.M.A.); (A.W.L.); (C.W.-N.); (S.P.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
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Carubbi F, Picchi G, Di Bartolomeo S, Ricciardi A, Cipriani P, Marola L, Grimaldi A, Giacomelli R. Hepatitis E infection in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with leflunomide: A case report with emphasis on geoepidemiology. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16399. [PMID: 31415347 PMCID: PMC6831386 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hepatitis E is an infectious disease due to inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) and represents one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis and jaundice in the world. Although data of hepatitis E infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are accumulating, little is known on the course of HEV infection. We reported, for the 1st time, a case of patient with RA with hepatitis E that developed during leflunomide therapy in combination with low-dose steroids. PATIENT CONCERNS We present a 39-year-old woman, affected by RA and treated with leflunomide, reported diffuse itching and persistent fatigue laboratory data revealed elevated liver enzyme levels. DIAGNOSIS Positivity for anti-HEV IgM and IgG was observed. HEV-RNA of the genotype 3 was detected, indicating acute E hepatitis. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES Leflunomide was stopped and restarted 5 months after the initial diagnosis at the same dosage, with a close clinical and laboratory follow-up. The virus was eradicated from the serum without chronic transformation. The patient is alive and well 7 months after the initial diagnosis. LESSONS To our knowledge, this report is the 1st case of acute E hepatitis in a patient with RA developed during leflunomide therapy in combination with low-dose steroids. Moreover, geoepidemiology of infection is important, due to the fact that Abruzzo, a central region of Italy, has the highest HEV seroprevalence in general population, related to the zoonotic transmission of the infection from domestic and wild animals. Our case highlighted that immunosuppressive therapy, and in particular leflunomide, could be safely reintroduced after the resolution of the infection and the clearance of the virus. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential advantages in serologic testing for HEV infection as a part of the routine workup done to patients with rheumatic diseases and selected for immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Carubbi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila
- Department of Medicine, ASL1 Avezzano-Sulmona-L’Aquila
| | - Giovanna Picchi
- Infectious Disease Department, S. Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Bartolomeo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila
| | | | - Paola Cipriani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila
| | - Laura Marola
- Infectious Disease Department, S. Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila
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