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Ellis W, Melzer A, FitzGibbon S, Hulse L, Gillett A, Barth B. Koalas of the Clarke Connors Range. Aust Mammalogy 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Adam D, Johnston SD, Beard L, Nicolson V, Gaughan JB, Lisle AT, FitzGibbon S, Barth BJ, Gillett A, Grigg G, Ellis W. Body temperature of free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in south-east Queensland. Int J Biometeorol 2020; 64:1305-1318. [PMID: 32388686 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01907-y] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Queensland is predicted to contract as a result of climate change, driven by the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves and drought. However, little is known about the physiological responses of this species to environmental extremes under field conditions. This study aimed to establish the efficacy of surgically implanted thermal radio transmitters and data loggers to measure the body temperature of free-ranging koalas across a range of environmental conditions and ambient temperatures. Five free-ranging koalas in southeast Queensland were implanted with thermal transmitters and data loggers waxed together as a single package. Body temperatures were recorded for variable periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. Diurnal rhythms in body temperature were detected irrespective of season. The long-term diurnal body temperature peak for all koalas occurred between 16:00 and 17:00 h and body temperature was 36.7-36.9 °C, the long-term nadir occurred between 07:00 and 08:00 h and body temperature was 35.4-35.7 °C. Koala body temperatures as low as 34.2 °C and as high as 39.0 °C were recorded. Thermolability became apparent when ambient temperatures were outside the deduced thermal neutral zone for koalas (14.5-24.5 °C): heat was accumulated during the day and dissipated during the cool of the night. While this study is the first to report on body temperature of free-ranging koalas in their normal behavioural context, further investigations are necessary to determine the physiological boundaries of the thermal niche for this species, in order to better equip models that will more accurately predict the impacts of climate change on koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Adam
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture & Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture & Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - L Beard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - V Nicolson
- Dreamworld Veterinary Clinic, Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, 4209, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - A T Lisle
- School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - S FitzGibbon
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - B J Barth
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - A Gillett
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - G Grigg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
| | - W Ellis
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia
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Gillett A, Scarberry S, Damian D, Hyvert Y, Dangond F, Lebson L, Leist T. 088 Cladribine tablets were associated with rapid onset of improvements in MRI outcomes in the ORACLE-MS trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-anzan.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionIn ORACLE-MS (616 subjects with a first demyelinating event at high risk of converting to multiple sclerosis), cladribine tablets (CT) 10 mg (3.5 mg/kg or 5.25 mg/kg cumulative dose over 2 years) significantly delayed the time-to-conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS), and reduced new/persisting T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1 Gd+), new/enlarged or active T2 and combined unique active (CUA) lesion number. Here, the timing of CT effect is evaluated.MethodsMRI scans were performed at screening and every 12 weeks, for non-converting CDMS subjects. MRI-based endpoints were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and negative binomial models. The temporal effects of the first yearly treatment course of CT and placebo on T1 Gd+, active T2, and CUA lesions were evaluated.Results96 weeks: the reduction in mean T1 Gd+, active T2, or CUA lesion number per patient per scan was nominally significantly greater for CT versus placebo (p<0.0001). Early change in Gd+ lesion volume (at Week 13) from baseline was CT, -155.73 mm3; placebo, -14.76 mm3. Comparatively larger reductions in mean active T2 and CUA lesion numbers with CT at Week 13 versus placebo were observed (active T2: CT, -1.25; placebo, -1.43; CUA: CT, -1.56; placebo, -2.41). The mean number of T1 Gd+ lesions at 13 weeks following CT was 0.37 versus 1.0 with placebo.ConclusionsMRI data from ORACLE-MS subjects suggest the first yearly treatment course of CT has a rapid onset of action, with beneficial treatment effects on active lesion number and volume evident by Week 13.
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Montalban X, Arnold DL, Weber MS, Staikov I, Piasecka-Stryczynska K, Gillett A, Martin EC, Syed S, Dangond F, Wolinsky JS. 056 Efficacy and safety of the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor evobrutinib (M2951) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis over 48 weeks: a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study. J Neurol Psychiatry 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-anzan.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionEvobrutinib (M2951) is a highly specific oral inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, a key regulator of B cell and macrophage functions implicated in MS.MethodsIn this double-blind, phase 2 study (NCT02975349), adult patients (≤65 years) with relapsing MS (RMS) were randomized to evobrutinib 25 mgQD, 75 mgQD, 75 mgBID, placebo, or open-label dimethyl fumarate (240 mgBID; reference arm) for 48 weeks; placebo-treated patients switched to evobrutinib 25 mgQD after 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the total number of T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1Gd+) lesions at Weeks 12, 16, 20, and 24. Secondary endpoints included annualized relapse rate (ARR), MRI measures at Weeks 24 and 48, and safety.ResultsAmong 261 patients, the sum of T1Gd+ lesions over Weeks 12–24 was reduced with evobrutinib 75 mgQD (p=0.002) and 75 mgBID (p=0.03); a dose response was observed (p=0.001). There was no evidence of change in effect on T1Gd+ lesions (mean±SD; Wilcoxon signed-rank test) between Weeks 24 and 48 with evobrutinib 75 mgQD (0.28±0.91 to 0.85±2.87; p=0.57) or 75 mgBID (0.24±0.88 to 0.49±1.22; p=0.23). ARR (unadjusted [95%CI]) was 0.25 (0.12–0.44) for evobrutinib 75 mgQD and 0.11 (0.04–0.25) for 75 mgBID over 48 weeks, and 0.37 (0.17–0.70) for placebo over 24 weeks. Evobrutinib appeared well-tolerated. Shifts to Grade 3–4 ALT and AST elevations from normal (grade 0) occurred in 8 (5.4%) and 6 (3.9%) evobrutinib-treated patients respectively, driven by events with onset within the first 24 weeks.ConclusionsEvobrutinib is the first BTK inhibitor to demonstrate disease activity reduction in RMS. The observed benefit-risk profile supports further clinical development.
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Bowen J, Gillett A, Damian D, Hyvert Y, Dangond F, Grosso M, Leist T. 090 The effect of cladribine tablets on delaying the time to conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) or McDonald MS is consistent across subgroups in the ORACLE-MS study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-anzan.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionIn the Phase 3 ORACLE-MS trial in 616 subjects with a first demyelinating event at high risk of converting to multiple sclerosis (MS), treatment with cladribine tablets 10 mg (3.5 mg/kg or 5.25 mg/kg cumulative dose over 2 years [CT3.5 and CT5.25, respectively]) significantly delayed time to conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) according to Poser criteria (67% or 62% risk reduction [RR], respectively) and time to conversion to 2005 McDonald MS (50% or 57% RR, respectively), versus placebo. The objective was to analyze the effect of cladribine tablets vs placebo on converstion to CDMS and McDonald MS across ORACLE-MS patient subgroups based on baseline characteristics.MethodsIn this post-hoc analysis, time-to-conversion to CDMS or McDonald MS over the double-blind period was analyzed for patients treated with CT5.25 (N=204), CT3.5 (N=206) or placebo (N=206) across different subgroups. Subgroups were defined by baseline characteristics which have been investigated as potential predictors of CDMS conversion (age [<30 or ≥30 years], gender, first classification demyelinating event [monofocal or multifocal], presence of T1 Gd+ lesions and number of T2 lesions [<9 or ≥9]).ResultsTreatment with CT3.5 or CT5.25 was consistently efficacious across the subgroups examined on conversion to CDMS versus placebo for most comparisons (RR range: CT3.5, 39%–72%; CT5.25, 36%–79%). Similarly, treatment effect of both doses on conversion to 2005 McDonald MS was consistent across subgroups (CT3.5,40%–59%;CT5.25,42%–79%).ConclusionsThe effect of cladribine tablets on delaying the time-to-conversion to CDMS, or to McDonald MS, is consistent across subgroups.
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Sabidó M, Venkatesh S, Hayward B, Aldridge J, Gillett A. Subcutaneous Interferon-β1a Does Not Increase the Risk of Stroke in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of Pooled Clinical Trials and Post-Marketing Surveillance. Adv Ther 2018; 35:2041-2053. [PMID: 30255416 PMCID: PMC6224000 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-018-0790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies suggest that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a greater stroke risk than the general population but there is limited evidence of stroke risk in patients receiving disease-modifying treatment. We assessed stroke risk in MS patients treated with subcutaneous interferon-β1a (sc IFN-β1a) using pooled data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. METHODS Seventeen phase II-IV Merck KGaA-sponsored trials of sc IFN-β1a were assessed to estimate the stroke incidence rate (IR) and IR ratio (IRR) per 100 patient-years (PY), and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). The association of treatment duration with stroke was assessed through a Cox model. IR, IRR, and hazard ratio (HR) were adjusted by age, sex, presence of any comorbidity, and MS duration. Individual case safety reports were retrieved from the Global Patient Safety Database. The reporting rates of stroke were calculated and classified as medically confirmed or non-medically confirmed according to the source of each report. RESULTS In 17 clinical trials, 4412 patients were treated with sc IFN-β1a for a total of 10,622 PY and 1055 patients with placebo for 2005 PY. The IR/100 PY (95% CI) of stroke was 0.025 (0.004, 0.150) in sc IFN-β1a patients and 0.051 (0.008, 0.349) in placebo patients. The IRR for sc IFN-β1a vs placebo was 0.486 (0.238, 0.995) and the HR was 0.496 (0.235, 1.043) for time to stroke-related event for sc IFN-β1a treatment at any dose compared with placebo. Among sc IFN-β1a patients, the IRR in those treated for < 2 years was 0.602 (0.159, 2.277) and for ≥ 2 years 0.469 (0.196, 1.124). Analysis of the safety database showed that the overall reporting rate for stroke was 13.286/10,000 PY. CONCLUSION Safety data from both clinical trial and post-marketing settings indicate that treatment with sc IFN-β1a does not increase stroke risk in patients with MS. FUNDING Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Adam D, Beard L, Johnston SD, Nicolson V, Lisle A, McKinnon A, Larkin R, Theilemann P, Gillett A, Brackin K, FitzGibbon S, Barth B, Ellis W. Recording body temperature in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus
): a comparison of techniques. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:308-311. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Adam
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - L Beard
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - SD Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | | | - A Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - A McKinnon
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - R Larkin
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - P Theilemann
- Moggill Koala Hospital; Department of Environment Heritage and Protection; Moggill QLD Australia
| | - A Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital; Beerwah QLD Australia
| | - K Brackin
- Bellbowrie Veterinary Surgery; Bellbowrie QLD Australia
| | - S FitzGibbon
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - B Barth
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - W Ellis
- Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
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Budd C, Flanagan C, Gillett A, Hanger J, Loader JJ, Govendir M. Assessment of florfenicol as a possible treatment for chlamydiosis in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Aust Vet J 2017; 95:343-349. [PMID: 28845567 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because of limited availability of chloramphenicol to veterinary suppliers, a preliminary study was performed to predict whether an analogue, florfenicol, is an efficacious treatment for chlamydiosis in koalas. METHODS Florfenicol was administered to koalas with naturally occurring chlamydiosis at 20 mg/kg SC (n = 3) and at 5 mg/kg (n = 3) and 10 mg/kg (n = 3) IV. The estimated areas under the plasma concentration versus time curves (AUC) were compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration to inhibit Chlamydia pecorum. Clinical data were also examined from field trials conducted on koalas (n = 19) with naturally occurring chlamydiosis and treated with florfenicol at a range of dosages (5-20 mg/kg SC and 6-15 mg/kg IV). Florfenicol binding to proteins in plasma was also determined. RESULTS Florfenicol was not detectable in plasma 24 h post-administration at 20 mg/kg SC. The estimated AUC0-24 h following administration at 10 mg/kg IV suggests florfenicol might be effective against Chlamydia spp. via this route. Florfenicol binding to plasma proteins was 13.0% (± 0.30 SEM). After treatment with florfenicol in field trials, 5 of 19 koalas (26%) were released without further treatment, 4 with no long-term follow-up; 6 (32%) required additional treatment with chloramphenicol to resolve chlamydiosis; 7 (36%) failed to clinically improve, of which 3 had clinical signs and/or necropsy findings suggestive of antibiotic-related gastrointestinal dysbiosis; another koala died within minutes of florfenicol administered IV at 7 mg/kg. CONCLUSION When administered at dosages tolerable in the field, florfenicol is a problematic treatment for chlamydiosis based on equivocal outcomes and plasma concentrations below those that inhibit the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Budd
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Flanagan
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
| | - J Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, Toorbul, Queensland, Australia
| | - J J Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, Toorbul, Queensland, Australia
| | - M Govendir
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Frusca T, Parolini S, Dall'Asta A, Hassan WA, Vitulo A, Gillett A, Pasupathy D, Lees CC. Fetal size and growth velocity in chronic hypertension. Pregnancy Hypertens 2017; 10:101-106. [PMID: 29153660 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate longitudinal fetal growth and growth velocity for commonly measured biometric parameters in women with chronic hypertension. METHODS Two centre retrospective European study of women with chronic hypertension ascertained at pregnancy booking. Ultrasound measurements of head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) were used to derive longitudinal fetal growth charts derived using functional linear discriminant analysis (FLDA). These were compared to existing cross sectional and longitudinal charts, as was birthweight. RESULTS 282 women with a median of 3 third trimester ultrasound examinations were included. Gestation at delivery was 37.5weeks (SD 2.68), birthweight 3049g (SD 785). Birthweight <10th percentile found in 15.6% deliveries, >90th percentile 20.2%. Fetal size curves derived from women with chronic hypertension were no different to cross sectional and longitudinal charts for a normal population. Compared to a standard longitudinal biometry chart, growth velocity (mm/day) in chronic hypertension was higher for AC and FL at 30-32weeks (AC 1.447vs 1.357 p<0.05; FL 0.296vs 0.269 p<0.01) and 34-36weeks (AC 1.325vs 1.140 p<0.01; FL 0.248vs 0.198 p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS In women with chronic hypertension there is an excess of both SGA and LGA babies compared to population standards. Growth velocity of the AC and FL was greater after 30weeks compared to a normal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Frusca
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Italy
| | | | - A Dall'Asta
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Italy; Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital/Imperial College, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - W A Hassan
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom; Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | | | - A Gillett
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - D Pasupathy
- Division of Women's Health, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - C C Lees
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital/Imperial College, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom; Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom; Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Castelo-Branco G, Stridh P, Guerreiro-Cacais AO, Adzemovic MZ, Falcão AM, Marta M, Berglund R, Gillett A, Hamza KH, Lassmann H, Hermanson O, Jagodic M. Acute treatment with valproic acid and l-thyroxine ameliorates clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and prevents brain pathology in DA rats. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 71:220-33. [PMID: 25149263 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in young adults. Chronic treatments with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been reported to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a rodent model of MS, by targeting immune responses. We have recently shown that the HDAC inhibition/knockdown in the presence of thyroid hormone (T3) can also promote oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation and expression of myelin genes in neural stem cells (NSCs) and oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs). In this study, we found that treatment with an HDACi, valproic acid (VPA), and T3, alone or in combination, directly affects encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells. VPA, but not T3, compromised their proliferation, while both molecules reduced the frequency of IL-17-producing cells. Transfer of T3, VPA and VPA/T3 treated encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells into naïve rats induced less severe EAE, indicating that the effects of these molecules are persistent and do not require their maintenance after the initial stimuli. Thus, we investigated the effect of acute treatment with VPA and l-thyroxine (T4), a precursor of T3, on myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE in Dark Agouti rats, a close mimic of MS. We found that a brief treatment after disease onset led to sustained amelioration of EAE and prevention of inflammatory demyelination in the CNS accompanied with a higher expression of myelin-related genes in the brain. Furthermore, the treatment modulated immune responses, reduced the number of CD4+ T cells and affected the Th1 differentiation program in the brain. Our data indicate that an acute treatment with VPA and T4 after the onset of EAE can produce persistent clinically relevant therapeutic effects by limiting the pathogenic immune reactions while promoting myelin gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Castelo-Branco
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pernilla Stridh
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Milena Z Adzemovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Brain Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Mendanha Falcão
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monica Marta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Neuroscience, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - Rasmus Berglund
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kedir Hussen Hamza
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ola Hermanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Axell RG, Gillett A, Pasupathy D, Chudleigh T, Brockelsby J, White PA, Lees CC. Accuracy of nuchal translucency measurement depends on equipment used and its calibration. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 44:31-37. [PMID: 24448754 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of different ultrasound machine-probe combinations on nuchal translucency (NT) measurements and to assess how this impacts on the accuracy of the NT-derived component of first-trimester screening for trisomy 21. METHODS Sixteen different ultrasound machine-probe combinations were used for axial measurement of 2.0-, 3.0- and 4.0-mm spaced targets in an ultrasound phantom. Differences between the measured and known values were determined. The mean of the axial measurements was used to calculate adjusted risks for trisomy 21, given specific clinical scenarios. RESULTS Differences observed using different machine-probe combinations for the 2.0-mm target ranged from 1.8-2.2 mm; for the 3.0-mm target, 2.7-3.2 mm; and for the 4-mm target, 3.7-4.3 mm, and exceeded those due to intraobserver variability. For a fetal crown-rump length of 50.0 mm and NT measurement of 2.0 mm, the maximum/minimum measurements in the fetus of a 40-year-old woman led to derived risks ranging from 1 in 32 (NT, 2.2 mm) to 1 in 189 (NT, 1.8 mm) and in the fetus of a 20-year-old with an NT of 3.0 mm these ranged from 1 in 102 (NT, 3.2 mm) to 1 in 160 (NT, 2.7 mm). CONCLUSIONS We have described the effect of machine-probe combinations on small but very precise ultrasound measurements. Such machine-probe combinations led to greater variability than those ascribed to intraobserver differences, and significantly affected the screening risk for the same fixed measurement. This finding has implications for Down syndrome screening algorithms and audit of ultrasound operators. Furthermore, most ultrasound machines are neither calibrated nor specified for measurements of tenths of a mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Axell
- Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
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Stridh P, Ruhrmann S, Bergman P, Thessén Hedreul M, Flytzani S, Beyeen AD, Gillett A, Krivosija N, Öckinger J, Ferguson-Smith AC, Jagodic M. Parent-of-origin effects implicate epigenetic regulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and identify imprinted Dlk1 as a novel risk gene. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004265. [PMID: 24676147 PMCID: PMC3967983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent-of-origin effects comprise a range of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Recently, detection of such effects implicated epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. We here sought to dissect the magnitude and the type of parent-of-origin effects in the pathogenesis of experimental neuroinflammation under controlled environmental conditions. We investigated inheritance of an MS-like disease in rat, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), using a backcross strategy designed to identify the parental origin of disease-predisposing alleles. A striking 37–54% of all detected disease-predisposing loci depended on parental transmission. Additionally, the Y chromosome from the susceptible strain contributed to disease susceptibility. Accounting for parent-of-origin enabled more powerful and precise identification of novel risk factors and increased the disease variance explained by the identified factors by 2-4-fold. The majority of loci displayed an imprinting–like pattern whereby a gene expressed only from the maternal or paternal copy exerts an effect. In particular, a locus on chromosome 6 comprises a well-known cluster of imprinted genes including the paternally expressed Dlk1, an atypical Notch ligand. Disease-predisposing alleles at the locus conferred lower Dlk1 expression in rats and, together with data from transgenic overexpressing Dlk1 mice, demonstrate that reduced Dlk1 drives more severe disease and modulates adaptive immune reactions in EAE. Our findings suggest a significant epigenetic contribution to the etiology of EAE. Incorporating these effects enables more powerful and precise identification of novel risk factors with diagnostic and prognostic implications for complex disease. Even with recent progress in determining the genetic basis of complex diseases, the issue of ‘missing heritability’ remains and its potential sources are frequently speculated about but rarely explained. Parent-of-origin effects might contribute to the ‘missing heritability’ and involve genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Our study is the first that establishes (i) the magnitude and (ii) the type of parent-of-origin effects in the pathogenesis of a multiple sclerosis-like disease, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rat, using a strategy designed to identify genes that confer risk only when inherited from either mother or father. A striking 37-54% of all risk loci depended on parental origin. Accounting for parent-of-origin enabled more powerful and precise identification of novel risk factors for EAE, such as the imprinted Dlk1gene. Disease-predisposing alleles conferred lower Dlk1 expression in rats and transgenic Dlk1 mice demonstrated that lower Dlk1 drives more severe EAE and modulates adaptive immune responses. Because parental-origin effects are epigenetically regulated, our data implicate a contributory role for epigenetic mechanisms in complex diseases. Considering parent-of-origin effects in complex disease has enabled more powerful and precise identification of novel risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Stridh
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Ruhrmann
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petra Bergman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mélanie Thessén Hedreul
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sevasti Flytzani
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amennai Daniel Beyeen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Krivosija
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Öckinger
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Tuncel J, Haag S, Yau ACY, Norin U, Baud A, Lönnblom E, Maratou K, Ytterberg AJ, Ekman D, Thordardottir S, Johannesson M, Gillett A, Stridh P, Jagodic M, Olsson T, Fernández-Teruel A, Zubarev RA, Mott R, Aitman TJ, Flint J, Holmdahl R. Natural polymorphisms in Tap2 influence negative selection and CD4∶CD8 lineage commitment in the rat. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004151. [PMID: 24586191 PMCID: PMC3930506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) affects CD4∶CD8 lineage commitment and MHC expression. However, the contribution of specific genes in this gene-dense region has not yet been resolved. Nor has it been established whether the same genes regulate MHC expression and T cell selection. Here, we assessed the impact of natural genetic variation on MHC expression and CD4∶CD8 lineage commitment using two genetic models in the rat. First, we mapped Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with variation in MHC class I and II protein expression and the CD4∶CD8 T cell ratio in outbred Heterogeneous Stock rats. We identified 10 QTLs across the genome and found that QTLs for the individual traits colocalized within a region spanning the MHC. To identify the genes underlying these overlapping QTLs, we generated a large panel of MHC-recombinant congenic strains, and refined the QTLs to two adjacent intervals of ∼0.25 Mb in the MHC-I and II regions, respectively. An interaction between these intervals affected MHC class I expression as well as negative selection and lineage commitment of CD8 single-positive (SP) thymocytes. We mapped this effect to the transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (Tap2) in the MHC-II region and the classical MHC class I gene(s) (RT1-A) in the MHC-I region. This interaction was revealed by a recombination between RT1-A and Tap2, which occurred in 0.2% of the rats. Variants of Tap2 have previously been shown to influence the antigenicity of MHC class I molecules by altering the MHC class I ligandome. Our results show that a restricted peptide repertoire on MHC class I molecules leads to reduced negative selection of CD8SP cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing how a recombination between natural alleles of genes in the MHC influences lineage commitment of T cells. Peptides from degraded cytoplasmic proteins are transported via TAP into the endoplasmic reticulum for loading onto MHC class I molecules. TAP is encoded by Tap1 and Tap2, which in rodents are located close to the MHC class I genes. In the rat, genetic variation in Tap2 gives rise to two different transporters: a promiscuous A variant (TAP-A) and a more restrictive B variant (TAP-B). It has been proposed that the class I molecule in the DA rat (RT1-Aa) has co-evolved with TAP-A and it has been shown that RT1-Aa antigenicity is changed when co-expressed with TAP-B. To study the contribution of different allelic combinations of RT1-A and Tap2 to the variation in MHC expression and T cell selection, we generated DA rats with either congenic or background alleles in the RT1-A and Tap2 loci. We found increased numbers of mature CD8SP cells in the thymus of rats which co-expressed RT1-Aa and TAP-B. This increase of CD8 cells could be explained by reduced negative selection, but did not correlate with RT1-Aa expression levels on thymic antigen presenting cells. Thus, our results identify a crucial role of the TAP and the quality of the MHC class I repertoire in regulating T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Tuncel
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (JT); (RH)
| | - Sabrina Haag
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anthony C. Y. Yau
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Norin
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amelie Baud
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Lönnblom
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klio Maratou
- Physiological Genomics and Medicine Group, Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Jimmy Ytterberg
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Proteomics, Department of Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Diana Ekman
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soley Thordardottir
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Johannesson
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Pernilla Stridh
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alberto Fernández-Teruel
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine, Institute of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roman A. Zubarev
- Medical Proteomics, Department of Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Richard Mott
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J. Aitman
- Physiological Genomics and Medicine Group, Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Flint
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rikard Holmdahl
- Section for Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (JT); (RH)
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Hassan WA, Eggebø T, Ferguson M, Gillett A, Studd J, Pasupathy D, Lees CC. The sonopartogram: a novel method for recording progress of labor by ultrasound. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43:189-194. [PMID: 24105734 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Progress of labor has hitherto been assessed by digital vaginal examination (VE). We introduce the concept of a non-intrusive ultrasound (US)-based assessment of labor progress (the 'sonopartogram') and investigate its feasibility for assessing cervical dilatation and fetal head descent and rotation. METHODS This was a prospective study performed in 20 women in the first stage of labor in two European maternity units. Almost simultaneous assessment of cervical dilatation and fetal head descent and rotation were made by US and digital VE. RESULTS The total number of paired US and digital VE assessments was 52, with a median of three per woman. Overall, 5% of sonopartogram parameters were not obtained compared with 18% of conventional digital VE parameters (P < 0.001). Assessment of cervical dilatation was possible in 86.5% of US examinations and 100% of digital VEs (P = 0.02), and dilatation was assessed as being greater by digital VE than by US (mean difference, 1.16 (95% limits of agreement, -0.76, 3.08) cm, r(2) = 0.68, P = 0.01). Fetal head descent was measured in all 52 cases by both methods (r(2) = 0.33, P < 0.001), but correlation between the two was only moderate. Head rotation was obtainable in 98% of US examinations and 46% of digital VEs (P < 0.001), with a mean difference of -3.9° (95% limits of agreement, -144.1°, 136.3°). CONCLUSION In this proof-of-concept study, the acquisition of data regarding progress of labor was more successful for the sonopartogram than the conventional partogram. The agreement between digital VE and US was good for cervical dilatation and head rotation but less so for head descent. US assessment of the progress of labor is feasible in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Hassan
- Fetal Medicine Department, Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Gillett A, Bergman P, Parsa R, Bremges A, Giegerich R, Jagodic M. A silent exonic SNP in kdm3a affects nucleic acids structure but does not regulate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81912. [PMID: 24312603 PMCID: PMC3849365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining genetic variants that predispose for diseases is an important initiative that can improve biological understanding and focus therapeutic development. Genetic mapping in humans and animal models has defined genomic regions controlling a variety of phenotypes known as quantitative trait loci (QTL). Causative disease determinants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), lie within these regions and can often be identified through effects on gene expression. We previously identified a QTL on rat chromosome 4 regulating macrophage phenotypes and immune-mediated diseases including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Gene analysis and a literature search identified lysine-specific demethylase 3A (Kdm3a) as a potential regulator of these phenotypes. Genomic sequencing determined only two synonymous SNPs in Kdm3a. The silent synonymous SNP in exon 15 of Kdm3a caused problems with quantitative PCR detection in the susceptible strain through reduced amplification efficiency due to altered secondary cDNA structure. Shape Probability Shift analysis predicted that the SNP often affects RNA folding; thus, it may impact protein translation. Despite these differences in rats, genetic knockout of Kdm3a in mice resulted in no dramatic effect on immune system development and activation or EAE susceptibility and severity. These results provide support for tools that analyze causative SNPs that impact nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petra Bergman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roham Parsa
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bremges
- Center for Biotechnology and Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Robert Giegerich
- Center for Biotechnology and Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Thessen Hedreul M, Möller S, Stridh P, Gupta Y, Gillett A, Daniel Beyeen A, Öckinger J, Flytzani S, Diez M, Olsson T, Jagodic M. Combining genetic mapping with genome-wide expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis highlights a gene network enriched for T cell functions and candidate genes regulating autoimmunity. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:4952-66. [PMID: 23900079 PMCID: PMC3836475 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system commonly used to study multiple sclerosis (MS). We combined clinical EAE phenotypes with genome-wide expression profiling in spleens from 150 backcross rats between susceptible DA and resistant PVG rat strains during the chronic EAE phase. This enabled correlation of transcripts with genotypes, other transcripts and clinical EAE phenotypes and implicated potential genetic causes and pathways in EAE. We detected 2285 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Sixty out of 599 cis-eQTLs overlapped well-known EAE QTLs and constitute positional candidate genes, including Ifit1 (Eae7), Atg7 (Eae20-22), Klrc3 (eEae22) and Mfsd4 (Eae17). A trans-eQTL that overlaps Eae23a regulated a large number of small RNAs and implicates a master regulator of transcription. We defined several disease-correlated networks enriched for pathways involved in cell-mediated immunity. They include C-type lectins, G protein coupled receptors, mitogen-activated protein kinases, transmembrane proteins, suppressors of transcription (Jundp2 and Nr1d1) and STAT transcription factors (Stat4) involved in interferon signaling. The most significant network was enriched for T cell functions, similar to genetic findings in MS, and revealed both established and novel gene interactions. Transcripts in the network have been associated with T cell proliferation and differentiation, the TCR signaling and regulation of regulatory T cells. A number of network genes and their family members have been associated with MS and/or other autoimmune diseases. Combining disease and genome-wide expression phenotypes provides a link between disease risk genes and distinct molecular pathways that are dysregulated during chronic autoimmune inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Thessen Hedreul
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine L8:04, Karolinska Institutet, L8:04, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Bergman P, James T, Kular L, Ruhrmann S, Kramarova T, Kvist A, Supic G, Gillett A, Pivarcsi A, Jagodic M. Next-generation sequencing identifies microRNAs that associate with pathogenic autoimmune neuroinflammation in rats. J Immunol 2013; 190:4066-75. [PMID: 23514736 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate most biological processes and have been found dysregulated in a variety of diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we characterized miRNAs that associate with susceptibility to develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats, a well-established animal model of MS. Using Illumina next-generation sequencing, we detected 544 miRNAs in the lymph nodes of EAE-susceptible Dark Agouti and EAE-resistant Piebald Virol Glaxo rats during immune activation. Forty-three miRNAs were found differentially expressed between the two strains, with 81% (35 out of 43) showing higher expression in the susceptible strain. Only 33% of tested miRNAs displayed differential expression in naive lymph nodes, suggesting that a majority of regulated miRNAs are EAE dependent. Further investigation of a selected six miRNAs indicates differences in cellular source and kinetics of expression. Several of the miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-21, miR-181a, miR-223, and let-7, have previously been implicated in immune system regulation. Moreover, 77% (33 out of 43) of the miRNAs were associated with MS and other autoimmune diseases. Target genes likely regulated by the miRNAs were identified using computational predictions combined with whole-genome expression data. Differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets involve functions important for MS and EAE, such as immune cell migration through targeting genes like Cxcr3 and cellular maintenance and signaling by regulation of Prkcd and Stat1. In addition, we demonstrated that these three genes are direct targets of miR-181a. Our study highlights the impact of multiple miRNAs, displaying diverse kinetics and cellular sources, on development of pathogenic autoimmune inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bergman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
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18
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Voiniciuc C, Dean GH, Griffiths JS, Kirchsteiger K, Hwang YT, Gillett A, Dow G, Western TL, Estelle M, Haughn GW. Flying saucer1 is a transmembrane RING E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates the degree of pectin methylesterification in Arabidopsis seed mucilage. Plant Cell 2013; 25:944-59. [PMID: 23482858 PMCID: PMC3634698 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.112.107888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pectins are complex polysaccharides that form the gel matrix of the primary cell wall and are abundant in the middle lamella that holds plant cells together. Their degree of methylesterification (DM) impacts wall strength and cell adhesion since unesterified pectin regions can cross-link via Ca(2+) ions to form stronger gels. Here, we characterize flying saucer1 (fly1), a novel Arabidopsis thaliana seed coat mutant, which displays primary wall detachment, reduced mucilage extrusion, and increased mucilage adherence. These defects appear to result from a lower DM in mucilage and are enhanced by the addition of Ca(2+) or completely rescued using alkaline Ca(2+) chelators. FLY1 encodes a transmembrane protein with a RING-H2 domain that has in vitro E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. FLY1 is orthologous to TRANSMEMBRANE UBIQUITIN LIGASE1, a Golgi-localized E3 ligase involved in the quality control of membrane proteins in yeast. However, FLY1-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusions are localized in punctae that are predominantly distinct from the Golgi and the trans-Golgi network/early endosome in the seed coat epidermis. Wortmannin treatment, which induces the fusion of late endosomes in plants, resulted in enlarged FLY1-YFP bodies. We propose that FLY1 regulates the DM of pectin in mucilage, potentially by recycling pectin methylesterase enzymes in the endomembrane system of seed coat epidermal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cătălin Voiniciuc
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Gillian H. Dean
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jonathan S. Griffiths
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kerstin Kirchsteiger
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Yeen Ting Hwang
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Alan Gillett
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Graham Dow
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tamara L. Western
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mark Estelle
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - George W. Haughn
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Address correspondence to
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Kimble B, Black LA, Li KM, Valtchev P, Gilchrist S, Gillett A, Higgins DP, Krockenberger MB, Govendir M. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus
) after intravenous, subcutaneous and oral administration. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2013; 36:486-93. [DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Kimble
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - L. A. Black
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - K. M. Li
- Discipline of Pharmacology; Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - P. Valtchev
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | | | - A. Gillett
- The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital; Beerwah QLD Australia
| | - D. P. Higgins
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - M. B. Krockenberger
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - M. Govendir
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
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20
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Black LA, McLachlan AJ, Griffith JE, Higgins DP, Gillett A, Krockenberger MB, Govendir M. Pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol following administration of intravenous and subcutaneous chloramphenicol sodium succinate, and subcutaneous chloramphenicol, to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2012; 36:478-85. [PMID: 23157306 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Clinically normal koalas (n = 19) received a single dose of intravenous (i.v.) chloramphenicol sodium succinate (SS) (25 mg/kg; n = 6), subcutaneous (s.c.) chloramphenicol SS (60 mg/kg; n = 7) or s.c. chloramphenicol base (60 mg/kg; n = 6). Serial plasma samples were collected over 24-48 h, and chloramphenicol concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay. The median (range) apparent clearance (CL/F) and elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of chloramphenicol after i.v. chloramphenicol SS administration were 0.52 (0.35-0.99) L/h/kg and 1.13 (0.76-1.40) h, respectively. Although the area under the concentration-time curve was comparable for the two s.c. formulations, the absorption rate-limited disposition of chloramphenicol base resulted in a lower median C(max) (2.52; range 0.75-6.80 μg/mL) and longer median tmax (8.00; range 4.00-12.00 h) than chloramphenicol SS (C(max) 20.37, range 13.88-25.15 μg/mL; t(max) 1.25, range 1.00-2.00 h). When these results were compared with susceptibility data for human Chlamydia isolates, the expected efficacy of the current chloramphenicol dosing regimen used in koalas to treat chlamydiosis remains uncertain and at odds with clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Black
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Macrophages are multifunctional immune cells that may either drive or modulate disease pathogenesis depending on their activation phenotype. Autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic proinflammatory condition characterized by unresolved destruction of pancreatic islets. Adoptive cell transfer of macrophages with immunosuppressive properties represents a novel immunotherapy for treatment of such chronic autoimmune diseases. We used a panel of cytokines and other stimuli to discern the most effective regimen for in vitro induction of immunosuppressive macrophages (M2r) and determined interleukin (IL)-4/IL-10/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) to be optimal. M2r cells expressed programmed cell death 1 ligand-2, fragment crystallizable region γ receptor IIb, IL-10, and TGF-β, had a potent deactivating effect on proinflammatory lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ-stimulated macrophages, and significantly suppressed T-cell proliferation. Clinical therapeutic efficacy was assessed after adoptive transfer in NOD T1D mice, and after a single transfer of M2r macrophages, >80% of treated NOD mice were protected against T1D for at least 3 months, even when transfer was conducted just prior to clinical onset. Fluorescent imaging analyses revealed that adoptively transferred M2r macrophages specifically homed to the inflamed pancreas, promoting β-cell survival. We suggest that M2r macrophage therapy represents a novel intervention that stops ongoing autoimmune T1D and may have relevance in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roham Parsa
- Applied Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Andresen
- Applied Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan Gillett
- Neuroimmunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sohel Mia
- Applied Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xing-Mei Zhang
- Applied Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofia Mayans
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dan Holmberg
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert A. Harris
- Applied Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author: Robert A. Harris,
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Malmeström C, Gillett A, Jernås M, Khademi M, Axelsson M, Kockum I, Mattsson N, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Alfredsson L, Wadenvik H, Lycke J, Olsson T, Olsson B. Serum levels of LIGHT in MS. Mult Scler 2012; 19:871-6. [PMID: 23037546 DOI: 10.1177/1352458512463766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a polymorphism in the LIGHT gene was shown to increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). OBJECTIVE Our aim was to investigate if serum levels of LIGHT were affected by this polymorphism and by the disease itself. METHODS Serum levels of LIGHT were investigated in four cohorts; 1) MS (n = 159) and controls (n = 160) in relation to rs1077667 genotype; 2) MS at relapse (n = 30) vs. healthy controls (n = 26); 3) MS (n = 27) vs. other neurological disease (OND, n = 33); and 4) MS patients before and after one year of treatment with natalizumab (n = 30). RESULTS Carriers of the GG genotype had the lowest serum levels of LIGHT (p=0.02). Serum levels of LIGHT were increased in MS at relapse in two separate cohorts: vs. healthy controls (p=0.00005) and vs. remission (p=0.00006), other neurological disease (OND) (p=0.002) and OND with signs of inflammation (iOND; p=0.00005). Furthermore, serum levels of LIGHT were decreased by natalizumab treatment (p=0.001). CONCLUSION Soluble LIGHT is an inhibitor of T-cell activation and GG carriers of rs1077667, with the highest risk for MS, had the lowest serum levels. The increased levels of LIGHT at times of increased MS activity suggest that soluble LIGHT is protective and may act to limit inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clas Malmeström
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Adzemovic MZ, Öckinger J, Zeitelhofer M, Hochmeister S, Beyeen AD, Paulson A, Gillett A, Hedreul MT, Covacu R, Lassmann H, Olsson T, Jagodic M. Expression of Ccl11 associates with immune response modulation and protection against neuroinflammation in rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39794. [PMID: 22815714 PMCID: PMC3397980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a polygenic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), which can be modeled in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The Eae18b locus on rat chromosome 10 has previously been linked to regulation of beta-chemokine expression and severity of EAE. Moreover, the homologous chemokine cluster in humans showed evidence of association with susceptibility to MS. We here established a congenic rat strain with Eae18b locus containing a chemokine cluster (Ccl2, Ccl7, Ccl11, Ccl12 and Ccl1) from the EAE- resistant PVG rat strain on the susceptible DA background and utilized myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced EAE to characterize the mechanisms underlying the genetic regulation. Congenic rats developed a milder disease compared to the susceptible DA strain, and this was reflected in decreased demyelination and in reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells to the brain. The congenic strain also showed significantly increased Ccl11 mRNA expression in draining lymph nodes and spinal cord after EAE induction. In the lymph nodes, macrophages were the main producers of CCL11, whereas macrophages and lymphocytes expressed the main CCL11 receptor, namely CCR3. Accordingly, the congenic strain also showed significantly increased Ccr3 mRNA expression in lymph nodes. In the CNS, the main producers of CCL11 were neurons, whereas CCR3 was detected on neurons and CSF producing ependymal cells. This corresponded to increased levels of CCL11 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of the congenic rats. Increased intrathecal production of CCL11 in congenic rats was accompanied by a tighter blood brain barrier, reflected by more occludin+ blood vessels. In addition, the congenic strain showed a reduced antigen specific response and a predominant anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype. These results indicate novel mechanisms in the genetic regulation of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Z. Adzemovic
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (JO); (MZA)
| | - Johan Öckinger
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (JO); (MZA)
| | - Manuel Zeitelhofer
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonja Hochmeister
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Amennai Daniel Beyeen
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Atul Paulson
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan Gillett
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Melanie Thessen Hedreul
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ruxandra Covacu
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Wombats are a grazing marsupial with a diet rich in silicates, which is highly abrasive and results in a higher rate of tooth attrition than in other grazing marsupials such as kangaroos. Any interference in the natural wear process, such as malocclusion or loss of teeth, causes overgrowth of teeth. The small mouth opening of the wombat makes access to the caudal mouth difficult and overgrowth of cheek teeth can be difficult to treat effectively. This case report describes a technique that greatly improves access to allow dental treatment of all overgrown teeth with minimal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Wilson
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
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25
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Gillett A, Marta M, Jin T, Tuncel J, Leclerc P, Nohra R, Lange S, Holmdahl R, Olsson T, Harris RA, Jagodic M. TNF production in macrophages is genetically determined and regulates inflammatory disease in rats. J Immunol 2010; 185:442-50. [PMID: 20505148 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0904101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of TNF is an important pathophysiological phenotype for many diseases. Recently, certain genetically regulated loci have been identified to regulate several inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that a region on rat chromosome 4 known to regulate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, experimental arthritis and experimental autoimmune neuritis harbors a gene regulating central inflammatory molecules, such as TNF. We therefore mapped TNF production using linkage analysis in the 12th generation of an advanced intercross line between DA and PVG.AV1 rats, which differ in susceptibility to several inflammatory conditions. A single TNF-regulating quantitative trait locus with a logarithm of odds score of 6.2 was identified and its biological effect was confirmed in a congenic rat strain. The profound TNF regulation mapped in congenic strains to the macrophage population. Several TLR signaling cascades led to the same reduced proinflammatory phenotype in congenic macrophages, indicating control of a convergence point for innate inflammatory activity. The decreased TNF potential and reduced proinflammatory macrophage phenotype in congenic rats was also associated with reduced clinical severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, pristane-induced arthritis and sepsis experimental models. Determination of genes and mechanisms involved in this genetically determined TNF regulation will be valuable in understanding disease pathogenesis and aid treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Gillett
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gillett A, Thessen Hedreul M, Khademi M, Espinosa A, Beyeen AD, Jagodic M, Kockum I, Harris RA, Olsson T. Interleukin 18 Receptor 1 expression distinguishes patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2010; 16:1056-65. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458510364634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Definition of dysregulated immune components in multiple sclerosis may help in the identification of new therapeutic targets. Deviation of the interleukin 18 receptor 1 (IL18R1) is of particular interest since the receptor is critical for experimental neuroinflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether expression of IL18R1 varies between multiple sclerosis patients and controls, and to test genetic association of IL18R1 with multiple sclerosis. We used quantitative real-time PCR to assess mRNA levels of IL18R1 in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 191 patients with multiple sclerosis, 61 patients with clinically isolated syndrome and 168 controls having other neurological disorders. Association was tested in 2153 patients with multiple sclerosis and 1733 controls using 13 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms within the IL18R1 gene. We found that patients with multiple sclerosis had increased IL18R1 mRNA expression in both cerebrospinal fluid cells ( p < 0.05) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( p < 0.05) compared with controls. Patients with clinically isolated syndrome had elevated levels compared with controls in cerebrospinal fluid cells ( p < 0.001) but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The gene was not associated to multiple sclerosis. We conclude that the increased expression of IL18R1 may contribute pathogenically to disease and is therefore a potential therapeutic target. The absence of a genetic association in the IL18R1 gene itself suggests regulation from other parts of the genome, or as part of the inflammatory cascade in multiple sclerosis without a prime genetic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit,
| | | | - Mohsen Khademi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit
| | - Alexander Espinosa
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit
| | - Ingrid Kockum
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit
| | | | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology Unit
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27
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Gillett A, Maratou K, Fewings C, Harris RA, Jagodic M, Aitman T, Olsson T. Alternative splicing and transcriptome profiling of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis using genome-wide exon arrays. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7773. [PMID: 19915720 PMCID: PMC2775719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing demyelination and nerve loss in the central nervous system. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of MS that is widely used to investigate complex pathogenic mechanisms. Transcriptional control through isoform selection and mRNA levels determines pathway activation and ultimately susceptibility to disease. Methodology/Principal Findings We have studied the role of alternative splicing and differential expression in lymph node cells from EAE-susceptible Dark Agouti (DA) and EAE-resistant Piebald Virol Glaxo.AV1 (PVG) inbred rat strains using Affymetrix Gene Chip Rat Exon 1.0 ST Arrays. Comparing the two strains, we identified 11 differentially spliced and 206 differentially expressed genes at day 7 post-immunization, as well as 9 differentially spliced and 144 differentially expressed genes upon autoantigen re-stimulation. Functional clustering and pathway analysis implicate genes for glycosylation, lymphocyte activation, potassium channel activity and cellular differentiation in EAE susceptibility. Conclusions/Significance Our results demonstrate that alternative splicing occurs during complex disease and may govern EAE susceptibility. Additionally, transcriptome analysis not only identified previously defined EAE pathways regulating the immune system, but also novel mechanisms. Furthermore, several identified genes overlap known quantitative trait loci, providing novel causative candidate targets governing EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Gillett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroimmunology Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital at Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Thessen Hedreul M, Gillett A, Olsson T, Jagodic M, Harris RA. Characterization of Multiple Sclerosis candidate gene expression kinetics in rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2009; 210:30-9. [PMID: 19269041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The immunological mechanisms underlying autoimmunity are being elucidated through genetic and functional analyses in both humans and rodent models. However, acceptance of models as valid equivalents of human disease is variable, and the validation of defined human candidate molecules in experimental models is hitherto limited. We thus aimed to determine the kinetic expression of several Multiple Sclerosis (MS) candidate genes in the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model using susceptible DA and resistant PVG inbred strains. Increased expression of MS candidate genes IL2RA and IL7RA associated with disease susceptibility. Higher expression of these candidate genes and IL18R1 in susceptible rats may lead to enhancement of the disease-driving T(H)1 and T(H)17 pathways. Susceptible DA rats had augmented marker molecules of these pathways and upon restimulation with autoantigen produced increased effector molecules including IFN-gamma, IL-17F and IL-22. The altered T helper cell differentiation pathways led to differences in a MOG-specific proliferative and autoantibody response, which ultimately results in infiltration in the central nervous system and EAE induction. Our results validate the MOG-induced EAE model as having similar mechanisms to human MS and determined the kinetics of several disease mechanisms in relevant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Thessen Hedreul
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Abstract
Food intake (eating) is a form of behavior that is subject to conscious control. In practice, many obese and weight-gaining individuals claim that their eating is out of (their) control. Mechanistic models describe the interplay of biological and environmental forces that control food intake. However, because human food intake is characterized by individuals intervening to adjust their own patterns of behavior, food intake should reflect interactions among biology, environment, and attempted self-imposed control of behavior. In general, humans display a system of weight regulation that is asymmetrical--a reduction in body weight is strongly defended but weight gain is not. The body seems to tolerate a positive energy balance. There is no mechanism that can detect a positive energy balance per se or that can implement a sufficiently strong correction to behavior to maintain body weight in an environment that promotes consumption. The evolutionary process has favored biological traits associated with preferences for high energy density (sweet and/or fatty) energy-yielding foods. The control of food intake in obese or weight-gaining individuals may display various risk factors that favor an increase in energy. These include the preference for high energy-dense over low energy-dense foods, weak postprandial inhibitory signaling, strong hunger traits associated with low leptin levels after weight loss, and the consumption of fatty foods. In addition, many individuals (up to 47% of some samples) display binge eating patterns, whereas approximately 16% show either night eating or nocturnal eating. Because energy expenditure is only loosely coupled to energy intake, sedentariness does not down-regulate food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Blundell
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Leeds, UK.
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30
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Bradstock K, Matthews J, Young G, Lowenthal R, Baxter H, Arthur C, Bashford J, Brighton T, Cannell P, Dunlop L, Durrant S, Enno A, Eliadis P, Gill D, Gillett A, Gottlieb D, Januszewicz H, Joshua D, Leahy M, Schwarer A, Taylor K. Effects of glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after high-dose cytarabine-based induction chemotherapy for adult acute myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia 2001; 15:1331-8. [PMID: 11516093 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Australian Leukaemia Study Group (ALSG) investigated whether G-CSF would accelerate haemopoietic recovery after induction treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) intensified with high-dose cytarabine, and therefore improve response rates and survival. Patients were randomised to receive lenograstim (glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF) 5 microg per kg body weight subcutaneously daily from day 8 after starting chemotherapy, or no cytokine, following chemotherapy with cytarabine 3 g/m2 every 12 h on days 1, 3, 5, and 7, together with idarubicin 9 or 12 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3, plus etoposide 75 mg/m2 on days 1 to 7 inclusive. Patients had untreated AML, and were aged 16 to 60 years. Overall, 54 evaluable patients were randomised to receive lenograstim and 58 to no cytokine. Patients in the lenograstim arm had a significantly shorter duration of neutropenia <0.5 x 10(9)/l compared to patients in the no cytokine arm (median 18 vs 22 days; P = 0.0005), and also shorter duration of total leucopenia <1.0 x 10(9)/l (17 vs 19 days; P = 0.0002), as well as a reduction in duration of treatment with therapeutic intravenous antibiotics (20 vs 24 days; P= 0.015) and a trend to reduced number of days with fever >38.0 degrees C (9 vs 12 days; P = 0.18). There were no differences between the two groups in platelet recovery, red cell or platelet transfusions, or non-haematological toxicities. For patients achieving CR after their first induction course, a reduction in the time to the start of the next course of therapy was observed in the lenograstim arm, from a median of 40.5 days to a median of 36 days (P = 0.082). The overall complete response rates to chemotherapy were similar, 81% in the lenograstim arm vs 75% for the no cytokine arm (P = 0.5), and there was no significant difference in the survival durations. We conclude that the granulopoietic stimulating effect of G-CSF is observed after induction therapy for AML intensified by high-dose cytarabine, resulting in an improvement in a number of clinically important parameters with no major adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bradstock
- Haematology Department, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Caring for the patient with morbid obesity may require adaptation of routine nursing care; however, as with all patients, care should be tailored to individual needs. This article aims to highlight the specific needs of patients with morbid obesity and discusses ways of addressing these needs. The activities of living model is commonly used to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. This model, used to identify the potential needs of a patient with obesity, will provide the framework for the article. Documentation of procedures used for patient care, e.g. lifting and bathing, must be made in the patient's care plan enabling other nurses caring for the patient to identify quickly the most appropriate and safe way to care for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Green
- Faculty of Healthcare Sciences, Kingston University, Surrey
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Bishop JF, Matthews JP, Young GA, Szer J, Gillett A, Joshua D, Bradstock K, Enno A, Wolf MM, Fox R, Cobcroft R, Herrmann R, Van Der Weyden M, Lowenthal RM, Page F, Garson OM, Juneja S. A randomized study of high-dose cytarabine in induction in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 1996; 87:1710-7. [PMID: 8634416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High-dose cytarabine (ara-c) may overcome cytarabine resistance in leukemic blasts. It has been used as a successful salvage and in postremission therapy but not as initial induction treatment. Patients aged 15 to 60 years, presenting with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were randomized to receive either high-dose cytarabine, 3 g/m2 12 hourly on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 for 8 doses, daunorubicin 50 mg/m2 days 1 to 3, etoposide 75 mg/m2 days 1 to 7, (HIDAC-3-7) or standard dose cytarabine 100 mg/m2 continuous intravenous infusion for 7 days with daunorubicin and etoposide at the same dose and schedule as above (7-3-7). Patients could receive a second or third induction course if complete remission (CR) was not achieved. All patients received the same postinduction consolidation therapy (5-2-5) for 2 courses. Eligible patients had no prior chemotherapy or myelodysplastic disease. Patients have been followed for a median of 4.5 years. Of 301 patients treated, complete response (CR) was achieved in 71% with HIDAC-3-7 and 74% with 7-3-7. For patients in CR, the estimated median remission duration was 45 months with HIDAC-3-7 and 12 months with 7-3-7 (P = .0005 univariate analysis, P = .0004 multivariate analysis). The estimated percentage of patients relapse free 5 years after achieving a CR was 49% on HIDAC-3-7 and 24% on 7-3-7. Patients in CR tended to survive longer with HIDAC-3-7 but there were no overall survival differences between the two arms. HIDAC-3-7 was associated with significantly more toxicity in induction with more leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, and vomiting and eye toxicity (all P < .001) but a similar incidence of severe central nervous system and cerebellar toxicity compared to 7-3-7. The consolidation treatment was the same in both arms but caused significantly more leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in patients previously treated with HIDAC-3-7 induction (P < .0001). We conclude that a dose-effect exists for cytarabine in AML and that HIDAC-3-7 prolongs remission duration and disease-free survival and is tolerable when used as initial induction therapy in patients with de novo AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Bishop
- Australian Leukemia Study Group, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Dodds AJ, Atkinson K, Biggs JC, Concannon AJ, Gillett A, Penny R, Raphael H. Aplastic anemia: analysis of two methods of treatment. Aust N Z J Med 1986; 16:470-4. [PMID: 3541876 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1986.tb02012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Between 1981 and 1985, 27 patients with aplastic anemia have been treated by immunosuppression with antilymphocyte globulin and prednisolone or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Fifteen have undergone bone marrow transplantation and have an actuarial survival at 54 months of 65% +/- 12% (95% confidence limits). There have been four deaths from graft rejection, septicemia (two), and graft-versus-host disease. Twelve have received antilymphocyte globulin and have an actuarial survival at 56 months of 67% +/- 21%. Five of these now have a normal blood count and two have had good partial responses and are self supporting. Of the five non-responders, three survived, two with persistent aplasia and one after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Two are dead, one of hemorrhage and one after mismatched bone marrow transplantation. In this study antilymphocyte globulin produced survival equivalent to bone marrow transplantation although only 58% of patients had a response to the antilymphocyte globulin. The advantages and disadvantages of these two methods of treatment are discussed.
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Biggs J, Atkinson K, Gillett A, Concannon A, Dodds A. Chronic myeloid leukemia: a changing approach to therapy. Pathology 1984. [DOI: 10.1016/s0031-3025(16)38033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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