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Nikolopoulos D, Loukogiannaki C, Sentis G, Garantziotis P, Manolakou T, Kapsala N, Nikoloudaki M, Pieta A, Flouda S, Parodis I, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Filia A, Boumpas DT. Disentangling the riddle of systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome: blood transcriptome analysis reveals a less-pronounced IFN-signature and distinct molecular profiles in venous versus arterial events. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2024-225664. [PMID: 38609158 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-225664] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-APS) represents a challenging SLE endotype whose molecular basis remains unknown. METHODS We analysed whole-blood RNA-sequencing data from 299 patients with SLE (108 SLE-antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive, including 67 SLE-APS; 191 SLE-aPL-negative) and 72 matched healthy controls (HC). Pathway enrichment analysis, unsupervised weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning were applied to distinguish disease endotypes. RESULTS Patients with SLE-APS demonstrated upregulated type I and II interferon (IFN) pathways compared with HC. Using a 100-gene random forests model, we achieved a cross-validated accuracy of 75.6% in distinguishing these two states. Additionally, the comparison between SLE-APS and SLE-aPL-negative revealed 227 differentially expressed genes, indicating downregulation of IFN-α and IFN-γ signatures, coupled with dysregulation of the complement cascade, B-cell activation and neutrophil degranulation. Unsupervised analysis of SLE transcriptome identified 21 gene modules, with SLE-APS strongly linked to upregulation of the 'neutrophilic/myeloid' module. Within SLE-APS, venous thromboses positively correlated with 'neutrophilic/myeloid' and 'B cell' modules, while arterial thromboses were associated with dysregulation of 'DNA damage response (DDR)' and 'metabolism' modules. Anticardiolipin and anti-β2GPI positivity-irrespective of APS status-were associated with the 'neutrophilic/myeloid' and 'protein-binding' module, respectively. CONCLUSIONS There is a hierarchical upregulation and-likely-dependence on IFN in SLE with the highest IFN signature observed in SLE-aPL-negative patients. Venous thrombotic events are associated with neutrophils and B cells while arterial events with DDR and impaired metabolism. This may account for their differential requirements for anticoagulation and provide rationale for the potential use of mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus and the direct fIIa inhibitor dabigatran in SLE-APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine Loukogiannaki
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh, AG Groningen, Τhe Netherlands
| | - George Sentis
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Crete, Greece
| | - Antigone Pieta
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Flouda
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity-Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Clinical, Experimental Surgery & Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Nikolopoulos D, Cetrez N, Lindblom J, Palazzo L, Enman Y, Parodis I. Patients with neuropsychiatric involvement systemic lupus erythematosus experience poorer health-related quality of life and more fatigue than systemic lupus erythematosus patients with no neuropsychiatric involvement, irrespective of neuropsychiatric activity. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024:keae216. [PMID: 38579198 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae216] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Substantial proportions of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) report poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our objective was to investigate the impact of neuropsychiatric involvement (NP) in SLE on patient-reported outcomes. METHODS We analysed data from four phase III trials (BLISS-52, BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, EMBRACE; N = 2968). The neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) group comprised individuals with NP-British Isles Lupus Assessment group (BILAG) A/B/C/D or score in any descriptor of the NP-SLEDAI-2K at baseline (N = 350), while the non-NPSLE group consisted of patients with NP-BILAG E (N = 2618). HRQoL was assessed with the SF-36, EQ-5D-3L, and FACIT-F. Full health state (FHS) was defined as "no problems" in all EQ-5D dimensions. RESULTS NPSLE patients reported lower scores in the SF-36 physical and mental component summary compared with the non-NPSLE population (mean±s.d.: 35.7±9.1 versus 39.6±9.6; p<0.001 and 37.3±12.1 versus 41.4±11.0; p<0.001, respectively). NPSLE patients also exhibited impaired HRQoL in all EQ-5D dimensions compared with non-NPSLE patients (p<0.05 for all). A substantially lower proportion among NPSLE patients experienced FHS in comparison with the non-NPSLE group (3.3% versus 14.5%; p<0.001). NPSLE was associated with severe fatigue (23.8±12.2 versus 31.5±11.6; p<0.001). Notably, our findings revealed no discernible distinctions between active and inactive NPSLE patients with regard to SF-36, EQ-5D, FHS, and FACIT-F scores. CONCLUSION Neuropsychiatric involvement in patients with SLE has a detrimental effect on HRQoL experience and is associated with severe fatigue, regardless of the degree of neuropsychiatric disease activity. Early intervention is warranted in NPSLE patients to enhance long-term HRQoL experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nursen Cetrez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonardo Palazzo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Enman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Nikolopoulos D, Nakos-Bimpos M, Manolakou T, Polissidis A, Boumpas DT. Impaired serotonin synthesis in hippocampus of murine lupus represents an early neuropsychiatric event. Lupus 2024; 33:166-171. [PMID: 38073556 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231221651] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying hippocampal involvement in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), our understanding of how neuroinflammation affects the brain neurotransmitter systems is limited. To date, few studies have investigated the role of neurotransmitters in pathogenesis of NPSLE with contradictory results. METHODS Hippocampal tissue from NZB/W-F1 lupus-prone mice and age-matched control strains were dissected in both pre-nephritic (3-month-old) and nephritic (6-month-old) stages. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate the level of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and their metabolites 5-HIAA and DOPAC, respectively, in mouse hippocampi. RESULTS Lupus mice exhibit decreased levels of serotonin at the early stages of the disease, along with intact levels of its metabolite 5-HIAA. The 5-HT turnover ratio (5-HIAA/5-HT ratio) was increased in the hippocampus of lupus mice at pre-nephritic stage suggesting that low hippocampal serotonin levels in lupus are attributed to decreased serotonin synthesis. Both DA and DOPAC levels remained unaffected in lupus hippocampus at both early and late stages. CONCLUSION Impaired hippocampal serotonin synthesis in the hippocampus of lupus-prone mice represents an early neuropsychiatric event. These findings may have important implications for the use of symptomatic therapy in diffuse NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Modestos Nakos-Bimpos
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Parodis I, Lanata C, Nikolopoulos D, Blazer A, Yazdany J. Reframing health disparities in SLE: A critical reassessment of racial and ethnic differences in lupus disease outcomes. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023:101894. [PMID: 38057256 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101894] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Health disparities in the prevalence and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are well documented across racial and ethnic groups. Similar to other chronic diseases, differences in disease severity among individuals with SLE are likely influenced by both genetic predisposition and multiple social determinants of health. However, research in SLE that jointly examines the genetic and environmental contributions to the disease course is limited, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the biologic and social mechanisms that underly health disparities. While research on health disparities can reveal inequalities and inform resource allocation to improve outcomes, research that relies on racial and ethnic categories to describe diverse groups of people can pose challenges. Additionally, results from research comparing outcomes across socially constructed groups without considering other contributing factors can be misleading. We herein comprehensively examine existing literature on health disparities in SLE, including both clinical studies that examine the relationship between self-reported race and ethnicity and disease outcomes and studies that explore the relationships between genomics and lupus outcomes. Having surveyed this body of research, we propose a framework for research examining health disparities in SLE, including ways to mitigate bias in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Cristina Lanata
- Genomics of Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ashira Blazer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special, Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinoos Yazdany
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Sentis G, Loukogiannaki C, Malissovas N, Nikolopoulos D, Manolakou T, Flouda S, Grigoriou M, Banos A, Boumpas DT, Filia A. A network-based approach reveals long non-coding RNAs associated with disease activity in lupus nephritis: key pathways for flare and potential biomarkers to be used as liquid biopsies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203848. [PMID: 37475860 PMCID: PMC10355154 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203848] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A blood-based biomarker is needed to assess lupus nephritis (LN) disease activity, minimizing the need for invasive kidney biopsies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate gene expression, appear to be stable in human plasma, and can serve as non-invasive biomarkers. Methods Transcriptomic data of whole blood samples from 74 LN patients and 20 healthy subjects (HC) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs associated with quiescent disease and flares. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to uncover lncRNAs with a central role (hub lncRNAs) in regulating key biological processes that drive LN disease activity. The association of hub lncRNAs with disease activity was validated using RT-qPCR on an independent cohort of 15 LN patients and 9 HC. cis- and trans-targets of validated lncRNAs were explored in silico to examine potential mechanisms of their action. Results There were 444 DE lncRNAs associated with quiescent disease and 6 DE lncRNAs associated with flares (FDR <0.05). WGCNA highlighted IFN signaling and B-cell activity/adaptive immunity as the most significant processes contributing to nephritis activity. Four disease-activity-associated lncRNAs, namely, NRIR, KLHDC7B-DT, MIR600HG, and FAM30A, were detected as hub genes and validated in an independent cohort. NRIR and KLHDC7B-DT emerged as potential key regulators of IFN-mediated processes. Network analysis suggests that FAM30A and MIR600HG are likely to play a central role in the regulation of B-cells in LN through cis-regulation effects and a competing endogenous RNA mechanism affecting immunoglobulin gene expression and the IFN-λ pathway. Conclusions The expression of lncRNAs NRIR, KLHDC7B-DT, FAM30A, and MIR600HG were associated with disease activity and could be further explored as blood-based biomarkers and potential liquid biopsy on LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sentis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Catherine Loukogiannaki
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Malissovas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Flouda
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Grigoriou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T. Boumpas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Nikolopoulos D, Parodis I. Janus kinase inhibitors in systemic lupus erythematosus: implications for tyrosine kinase 2 inhibition. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1217147. [PMID: 37457579 PMCID: PMC10344364 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1217147] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), conferring immune-mediated properties in target tissues. Multiple cytokines activate different combinations of JAKs and STATs to alter the cell fate of target tissue and induce end-organ damage. Thus, the simultaneous blockade of several different cytokines by small molecules acting downstream intracellular signalling has gained traction. JAK inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of several rheumatic diseases, yet hitherto not for SLE. Nevertheless, JAK inhibitors including tofacitinib, baricitinib, and deucravacitinib have shown merit as treatments for SLE. Tofacitinib, a JAK1/3 inhibitor, reduced cholesterol levels, improved vascular function, and decreased the type I interferon signature in SLE patients. Baricitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated significant improvements in lupus rashes and arthritis in a phase 2 and a phase 3 randomised controlled trial, but the results were not replicated in another phase 3 trial. Deucravacitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, yielded greater response rates than placebo in a phase 2 trial of SLE and will be investigated in larger phase 3 trials. TYK2 is activated in response to cytokines actively involved in lupus pathogenesis; this review highlights the potential of targeting TYK2 as a promising therapy for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Unit of Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Unit of Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Nikolakis D, Garantziotis P, Sentis G, Fanouriakis A, Bertsias G, Frangou E, Nikolopoulos D, Banos A, Boumpas DT. Restoration of aberrant gene expression of monocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus via a combined transcriptome-reversal and network-based drug repurposing strategy. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:207. [PMID: 37072752 PMCID: PMC10114456 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09275-8] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monocytes -key regulators of the innate immune response- are actively involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to identify novel compounds that might serve as monocyte-directed targeted therapies in SLE. RESULTS We performed mRNA sequencing in monocytes from 15 patients with active SLE and 10 healthy individuals. Disease activity was assessed with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K). Leveraging the drug repurposing platforms iLINCS, CLUE and L1000CDS2, we identified perturbagens capable of reversing the SLE monocyte signature. We identified transcription factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the transcriptome of SLE monocytes, using the TRRUST and miRWalk databases, respectively. A gene regulatory network, integrating implicated transcription factors and miRNAs was constructed, and drugs targeting central components of the network were retrieved from the DGIDb database. Inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway, compounds targeting the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), as well as a small molecule disrupting the Pim-1/NFATc1/NLRP3 signaling axis were predicted to efficiently counteract the aberrant monocyte gene signature in SLE. An additional analysis was conducted, to enhance the specificity of our drug repurposing approach on monocytes, using the iLINCS, CLUE and L1000CDS2 platforms on publicly available datasets from circulating B-lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, derived from SLE patients. Through this approach we identified, small molecule compounds, that could potentially affect more selectively the transcriptome of SLE monocytes, such as, certain NF-κB pathway inhibitors, Pim-1 and SYK kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, according to our network-based drug repurposing approach, an IL-12/23 inhibitor and an EGFR inhibitor may represent potential drug candidates in SLE. CONCLUSIONS Application of two independent - a transcriptome-reversal and a network-based -drug repurposing strategies uncovered novel agents that might remedy transcriptional disturbances of monocytes in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Nikolakis
- Amsterdam Institute for Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Gastroenterology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center (ARC), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Onassis Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department Rheumatology and Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - George Sentis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, 4th, Greece
- Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laiko" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleni Frangou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Nephrology, Limassol General Hospital, Limassol, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, 4th, Greece
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, 4th, Greece.
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Nikolopoulos D, Manolakou T, Polissidis A, Filia A, Bertsias G, Koutmani Y, Boumpas DT. Microglia activation in the presence of intact blood-brain barrier and disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis via IL-6 and IL-18 mediate early diffuse neuropsychiatric lupus. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:646-657. [PMID: 36898766 PMCID: PMC10176423 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory mediators are detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with central nervous system involvement (NPSLE), yet the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neuropsychiatric disease remain elusive. METHODS We performed a comprehensive phenotyping of NZB/W-F1 lupus-prone mice including tests for depression, anxiety and cognition. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, qPCR, cytokine quantification and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability assays were applied in hippocampal tissue obtained in both prenephritic (3-month-old) and nephritic (6-month-old) lupus mice and matched control strains. Healthy adult hippocampal neural stem cells (hiNSCs) were exposed ex vivo to exogenous inflammatory cytokines to assess their effects on proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS At the prenephritic stage, BBB is intact yet mice exhibit hippocampus-related behavioural deficits recapitulating the human diffuse neuropsychiatric disease. This phenotype is accounted by disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis with hiNSCs exhibiting increased proliferation combined with decreased differentiation and increased apoptosis in combination with microglia activation and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Among these cytokines, IL-6 and IL-18 directly induce apoptosis of adult hiNSCs ex vivo. During the nephritic stage, BBB becomes disrupted which facilitates immune components of peripheral blood, particularly B-cells, to penetrate into the hippocampus further augmenting inflammation with locally increased levels of IL-6, IL-12, IL-18 and IL-23. Of note, an interferon gene signature was observed only at nephritic-stage. CONCLUSION An intact BBB with microglial activation disrupting the formation of new neurons within the hippocampus represent early events in NPSLE. Disturbances of the BBB and interferon signature are evident later in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece .,School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anastasia Filia
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity-Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Greece.,Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, Medical School University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece .,School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Moysidou GS, Garantziotis P, Nikolopoulos D, Katsimbri P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. Relapses are common in severe hematologic systemic lupus erythematosus and may be prevented by early institution of immunosuppressive agents: Α real-life single-center study. Lupus 2023; 32:225-230. [PMID: 36490217 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221144425] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematologic manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), either at initial presentation or during the course of the disease, but data regarding their natural history are scarce. OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of severe hematological manifestations in a large cohort of lupus patients. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients in the "Attikon" lupus cohort who had a history of a severe hematologic manifestation, defined as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) with hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, thrombocytopenia with platelet count < 30,000/mm3, Evans syndrome with hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, and/or platelet count < 30,000/mm3, neutropenia with < 500 neutrophils/mm3, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-like syndrome, or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS From over 300 patients with hematologic manifestations, 41 qualified as severe (70.7% women, mean [SD] age at SLE diagnosis 42.6 [18.0] years). Hematologic manifestations preceded SLE diagnosis in 13 patients (31.7%), was concomitant to SLE diagnosis in 16 patients (39%), and occurred during the course of the disease in 12 (29.3%) patients, with a mean (SD) disease duration of 8.7 (5.5) years. Thrombocytopenia was the most common severe hematological manifestation (56.1%), followed by AIHA (17.1%) and TTP-like syndrome (12.2%). For initial treatment, all patients were treated with glucocorticoids (GC), while rituximab and cyclophosphamide were the most frequently used immunosuppressive agents. Following initial treatment, relapse occurred in 22 patients (53.7%). Compared to patients that did not relapse, those that relapsed had less often received concomitant immunosuppressive agents following treatment of initial episode (n = 17/23, 73.9% vs 5/17, 29.4%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION Severe hematologic disease in SLE has a high risk of relapse, which may be mitigated by the early institution of GC-sparing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Savina Moysidou
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Inflammation & Autoimmunity Lab, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Inflammation & Autoimmunity Lab, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Inflammation & Autoimmunity Lab, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laiko" General Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Inflammation & Autoimmunity Lab, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Nikoloudaki M, Nikolopoulos D, Koutsoviti S, Flouri I, Kapsala N, Repa A, Katsimbri P, Theotikos E, Pitsigavdaki S, Pateromichelaki K, Bertsias A, Elezoglou A, Sidiropoulos P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. Clinical response trajectories and drug persistence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on belimumab treatment: A real-life, multicentre observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1074044. [PMID: 36685524 PMCID: PMC9845912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1074044] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To obtain real-world data on outcomes of belimumab treatment and respective prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Observational study of 188 active SLE patients (median disease duration 6.2 years, two previous immunosuppressive/biological agents) treated with belimumab, who were monitored for SLEDAI-2K, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state), remission (DORIS/Padua definitions), SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, SLICC/ACR damage index and treatment discontinuations. Group-based disease activity trajectories were modelled followed by multinomial regression for predictive variables. Drug survival was analysed by Cox-regression. Results At 6, 12 and 24 months, LLDAS was attained by 36.2%, 36.7% and 33.5%, DORIS-remission by 12.3%, 11.6% and 17.8%, and Padua-remission by 21.3%, 17.9% and 29.0%, respectively (attrition-corrected). Trajectory analysis of activity indices classified patients into complete (25.5%), partial (42.0%) and non-responder (32.4%) groups, which were predicted by baseline PGA, inflammatory rash, leukopenia and prior use of mycophenolate. During median follow-up of 15 months, efficacy-related discontinuations occurred in 31.4% of the cohort, especially in patients with higher baseline PGA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.78 per 1-unit; 95% CI 1.32-5.85). Conversely, PGA improvement at 3 months predicted longer drug retention (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33-0.97). Use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower risk for safety-related drug discontinuation (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.85). Although severe flares were reduced, flares were not uncommon (58.0%) and contributed to treatment stops (odds ratio [OR] 1.73 per major flare; 95% CI 1.09-2.75) and damage accrual (OR 1.83 per mild/moderate flare; 95% CI 1.15-2.93). Conclusions In a real-life setting with predominant long-standing SLE, belimumab was effective in the majority of patients, facilitating the achievement of therapeutic targets. Monitoring PGA helps to identify patients who will likely benefit and stay on the treatment. Vigilance is required for the prevention and management of flares while on belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutsoviti
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Flouri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katerina Pateromichelaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece,*Correspondence: George Bertsias,
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Chatzisavvas N, Koustas T, Karpetas G, Valais I, Priniotakis G, Nikolopoulos D. INVESTIGATION OF X-RAY TUBE TARGET MATERIAL, ANODE ANGLE AND FILTER AT 120KEV AND 30KEV USING MONTE CARLO. Phys Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1120-1797(22)03158-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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12
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Manolakou T, Nikolopoulos D, Gkikas D, Filia A, Samiotaki M, Stamatakis G, Fanouriakis A, Politis P, Banos A, Alissafi T, Verginis P, Boumpas DT. ATR-mediated DNA damage responses underlie aberrant B cell activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabo5840. [PMID: 36306362 PMCID: PMC9616496 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
B cells orchestrate autoimmune responses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but broad-based B cell-directed therapies show only modest efficacy while blunting humoral immune responses to vaccines and inducing immunosuppression. Development of more effective therapies targeting pathogenic clones is a currently unmet need. Here, we demonstrate enhanced activation of the ATR/Chk1 pathway of the DNA damage response (DDR) in B cells of patients with active SLE disease. Treatment of B cells with type I IFN, a key driver of immunity in SLE, induced expression of ATR via binding of interferon regulatory factor 1 to its gene promoter. Pharmacologic targeting of ATR in B cells, via a specific inhibitor (VE-822), attenuated their immunogenic profile, including proinflammatory cytokine secretion, plasmablast formation, and antibody production. Together, these findings identify the ATR-mediated DDR axis as the orchestrator of the type I IFN-mediated B cell responses in SLE and as a potential novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Manolakou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Attica, Greece
- Centre of New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine (CNBPM) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - George Stamatakis
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Attica, Greece
- Centre of New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine (CNBPM) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Themis Alissafi
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, 700 13 Heraklion, Greece
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Division of Basic Sciences, University of Crete Medical School, 700 13 Heraklion, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
| | - Dimitrios T. Boumpas
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Joint Rheumatology Program, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 124 62 Athens, Greece
- Corresponding author. (T.M.); (P.V.); (D.T.B.)
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Frangou E, Garantziotis P, Grigoriou M, Banos A, Nikolopoulos D, Pieta A, Doumas SA, Fanouriakis A, Hatzioannou A, Manolakou T, Alissafi T, Verginis P, Athanasiadis E, Dermitzakis E, Bertsias G, Filia A, Boumpas DT. Cross-species transcriptome analysis for early detection and specific therapeutic targeting of human lupus nephritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1409-1419. [PMID: 35906002 PMCID: PMC9484391 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-222069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Patients with lupus nephritis (LN) are in urgent need for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions targeting aberrant molecular pathways enriched in affected kidneys. Methods We used mRNA-sequencing in effector (spleen) and target (kidneys, brain) tissues from lupus and control mice at sequential time points, and in the blood from 367 individuals (261 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 106 healthy individuals). Comparative cross-tissue and cross-species analyses were performed. The human dataset was split into training and validation sets and machine learning was applied to build LN predictive models. Results In murine SLE, we defined a kidney-specific molecular signature, as well as a molecular signature that underlies transition from preclinical to overt disease and encompasses pathways linked to metabolism, innate immune system and neutrophil degranulation. The murine kidney transcriptome partially mirrors the blood transcriptome of patients with LN with 11 key transcription factors regulating the cross-species active LN molecular signature. Integrated protein-to-protein interaction and drug prediction analyses identified the kinases TRRAP, AKT2, CDK16 and SCYL1 as putative targets of these factors and capable of reversing the LN signature. Using murine kidney-specific genes as disease predictors and machine-learning training of the human RNA-sequencing dataset, we developed and validated a peripheral blood-based algorithm that discriminates LN patients from normal individuals (based on 18 genes) and non-LN SLE patients (based on 20 genes) with excellent sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve range from 0.80 to 0.99). Conclusions Machine-learning analysis of a large whole blood RNA-sequencing dataset of SLE patients using human orthologs of mouse kidney-specific genes can be used for early, non-invasive diagnosis and therapeutic targeting of LN. The kidney-specific gene predictors may facilitate prevention and early intervention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Frangou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Nephrology, Limassol General Hospital, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Medical University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Grigoriou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antigone Pieta
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros A Doumas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Hatzioannou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Themis Alissafi
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Athanasiadis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iG3), University of Geneva Medical School, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - George Bertsias
- Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece .,4th Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Nikolopoulos D, Kitsos D, Papathanasiou M, Kapsala N, Grivas A, Gioti O, Garantziotis P, Pieta A, Voumvourakis K, Boumpas D, Fanouriakis A. POS0122 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEMYELINATING SYNDROMES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: RESULTS FROM “ATTIKON” LUPUS COHORT. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.5031] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) demyelinating syndromes that occur in the context of SLE may represent a manifestation of neuropsychiatric lupus, or an overlap of SLE and multiple sclerosis (MS). The differential diagnosis between the two entities has important clinical implications, because the therapeutic management differs between the two conditions.ObjectivesTo characterize CNS demyelinating syndromes in a large SLE cohort as neuropsychiatric SLE or SLE-MS overlap, using a multidisciplinary approach and existing diagnostic (MS) and classification criteria (SLE)MethodsPatients from the “Attikon” lupus cohort (n=707) were evaluated for demyelinating syndromes. Clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging data were recorded for each patient. Following multidisciplinary evaluation and application of criteria, the demyelinating syndrome was attributed to either SLE or MS. Patients with transverse myelitis were not included in this study.ResultsWe identified 26 patients with demyelinating syndromes (3.7%) with mean age at diagnosis 46.9 (SD 12.3) years and median disease duration at last follow-up 60 (IQR 52) months. Of them, 12 were diagnosed as primary SLE-demyelination (46.2%) and 14 as overlap SLE-MS (53.8%). The two groups did not differ with respect to rheumatologic and neurologic manifestations, or serologic findings (ANA, dsDNA, C3/C4, aPL, ENA). SLE patients with demyelination manifested mild extra-CNS disease mainly involving joints and skin, while severe non-CNS manifestations were rare. However, patients with SLE-demyelination were less likely to have elevated IgG index (OR 0.055 95% CI: 0.008-0.40) and positive oligoclonal bands (OR 0.09 95% CI: 0.014-0.56). SLE patients with primary demyelinating syndrome were less likely to exhibit brain lesions in the spinal cord, infratentorial, periventricular and juxtacortical regions. A single brain region was affected in 9 SLE-demyelination patients (75%), while all MS-SLE patients had multiple affected brain regions. MS-SLE overlap was associated with increased likelihood of neurologic relapses (OR 18.2, 95% CI: 1.76-188), while SLE-demyelination patients were less likely to exhibit neurological deficits (EDSS>0) at last follow-up visit (50% vs. 78.6%in SLE-MS, respectively).ConclusionDemyelination in the context of SLE follows a more benign course compared to a frank SLE-MS overlap. Prolongation of follow-up will ascertain whether SLE-demyelination patients evolve to MS, or this is a bona fide NPSLE syndrome.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Flouda S, Grivas A, Kapsala N, Grigoriou M, Nikolopoulos D, Filia A, Sentis G, Chavatza K, Aggelakos M, Moysidou GS, Kosmetatou M, Tseronis D, Katsimpri P, Karageorgas T, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D. POS0210 A PREDOMINANT NON-SPECIFIC INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA PATTERN AND ABERRANT TRANSCRIPTOMIC NEUTROPHIL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY CHARACTERIZE A CONTEMPORARY RA-ILD COHORT. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.3502] [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
BackgroundLung involvement is the most common extra-articular manifestation. Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) comprises a heterogeneous group of parenchymal lung disorders classified by distinct clinical, pathologic, and radiographic features. According to the current paradigm, circulating immune complexes and aberrant neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) contribute to disease pathogenesis.ObjectivesTo characterize the pattern of lung disease in “Attikon” RA-ILD cohort and develop insights about the pathophysiologic mechanisms via whole blood RNA sequencing.MethodsRetrospective and prospective study to identify clinical, laboratory and radiologic characteristics of patients with RA and pulmonary manifestations in the “Attikon” RA-ILD cohort. Changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs), pattern of lung involvement (chest HRCT), disease activity (DAS28-ESR) and incidence of complications and comorbidities, were prospectively analyzed during the one-year follow-up period. Peripheral blood was collected in a subset of RA-ILD (n=11) and control RA patients (n=9) for RNA isolation and RNA sequencing. The gene expression profile of RA-ILD was inferred through differential gene expression analysis, followed by pathway and enrichment analyses.Results114 patients with RA-ILD were included [67% female, mean (SD) age at diagnosis 71.5 (9) years, 58% seropositive]. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the radiologic pattern most frequently observed (52%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (24%). RA was diagnosed after ILD in 40% of patients. Mean (SD) FVC and DLCOsb at baseline was 80.5 (19.2) and 55.4 (19.5), respectively. Disease activity was lower in seropositive compared to seronegative both at baseline and at 1-year follow-up (p=0.025). PFTs at 12 months from baseline had been stabilized. Respiratory infections were observed in 17.6% of patients during the first year of follow-up, more common in the NSIP vs UIP group (p=0.01), possibly due to the higher doses of glucocorticoids in NSIP patients. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed a distinct gene expression profile in RA-ILD, characterized by the activation of type I interferon response, neutrophil activation and degranulation, and CCR1 chemokine interactions.ConclusionNSIP is the most frequent pattern of ILD in this RA-ILD cohort, carrying a higher risk for respiratory infections probably related to higher doses of glucocorticoid used. Myeloid cells’ migration via CCR1 and the formation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic NETs by activated neutrophils may contribute to RA-ILD pathogenesis.References[1]Y Dai et al, Rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease: an overview of epidemiology, pathogenesis and management Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Apr;40(4):1211-1220[2]X Zulma Yunt et al, Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015 May;41(2):225-36Table 1.Patients’ characteristics with RA-ILD in Attikon cohortPatients CharacteristicsN=114Mean age71.5±9Female: Male76/38Smoking (current/ex)23/43Arterial hypertension71Diabetes mellitus32Dyslipidemia52COPD/BA17Thyroid disease30Latent TB17Seropositive66Diagnosis RA before ILD34Diagnosis RA after ILD45NSIP59UIP27Mixed NSIP-UIP5Organizing Pneumonia (OP)17Nodules21Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Moysidou GS, Flouda S, Kosmetatou M, Kapsala N, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Karageorgas T, Nikolopoulos D, Chavatza K, Filippopoulou A, Zoupidou K, Katsimpri P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D. POS0365 RELAPSES ARE COMMON ΙΝ SEVERE HEMATOLOGICAL SLE: REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE FROM THE “ATTIKON” LUPUS COHORT. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.4900] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHematological manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and are thought to result from immune-mediated peripheral cell destruction or bone marrow failure(1,2).ObjectivesTo assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe hematological disease in a large cohort of lupus patients.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the “Attikon” lupus cohort (over 800 patients total) (3) for the identification of patients with a history of severe hematological manifestation. The latter were defined as: thrombocytopenia with a platelet count <30.000/mm3, hemolytic anemia with an hemoglobin <8 g/dL, neutropenia with less than 500 neutrophils/mm3, history of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Treatments and long-term outcomes (relapses, mortality) were recorded.ResultsAmong 300 patients with hematologic manifestations, 40 patients had severe disease. Most of them were women (75%). Mean age at SLE diagnosis was 41,1 years and mean disease duration at diagnosis of cytopenia was 3.8 years. Hematologic manifestation preceded SLE diagnosis in 13 patients (32,5%).Autoimmune thrombocytopenia was the most common (57,5%), followed by hemolytic anemia (17.5%), TMA (12.5%) and Evans syndrome (7,5%). All patients received glucocorticoids (GC). Rituximab (15%) and cyclophosphamide (12,5%) were the most frequently used GC-sparing agents during the first episode. Nine patients (22,5%) received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Relapse occurred in 23 patients (57,5%), most of which (N=17, 73,9%) were treated with GC alone or in combination with IVIg or plasma exchange at initial presentation, without the use of GC-sparing agents. Most of the flares (60,8%) were severe. No deaths were observed.ConclusionHematological disease in SLE is treatment-responsive. GC remain the mainstay of treatment, but the high relapse rates underscore the need for more efficient GC-sparing agents.References[1]Fayyaz A, Igoe A, Kurien BT, Danda D, James JA, Stafford HA, Scofield RH. Haematological manifestations of lupus. Lupus Sci Med. 2015 Mar 3;2(1):e000078.[2]Hepburn AL, Narat S, Mason JC. The management of peripheral blood cytopenias in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2010 Dec;49(12):2243-54[3]Nikolopoulos D, Kostopoulou M, Pieta A, Karageorgas T, Tseronis D, Chavatza K, Flouda S, Rapsomaniki P, Banos A, Kremasmenou E, Tzavara V, Katsimbri P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. Evolving phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus in Caucasians: low incidence of lupus nephritis, high burden of neuropsychiatric disease and increased rates of late-onset lupus in the ‘Attikon’ cohort. Lupus. 2020 Apr;29(5):514-522.Table 1.Characteristics of patients with hematological manifestationsAge at diagnosis, mean (years)41,1Women N(%)30(75)Mean disease duration at cytopenia diagnosis (years)3,8Thrombocytopenia, N=23, (mean platelet count,/mm3)11682Hemolytic anemia,N=7 (mean Hb,g/dL)6,75Neutropenia N=1,(mean neutrophil count)450Evans syndrome, N=3 (mean Hb, g, mean platelet count)7 /46600TMA,N=5, (mean platelet count)8750MAS, N=1Immunosuppressive treatment at initial presentationAzathioprine (N,%) 4(10) Corticosteroids (N,%) 40 (100) Cyclophosphamide (N,%) 5(12,5) IgIV (N,%) 9 (22,5) Mycophenolate mofetil (N,%) 2(5) Rituximab (N,%) 6(15)Relapse N(%)23(57,5)Severe relapse (N,%)14(60,8)Non responder to corticosteroids/IgIV (N,%)1(2,5)Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Nikoloudaki M, Nikolopoulos D, Koutsoviti S, Flouri I, Kapsala N, Repa A, Katsimpri P, Theotikos E, Pitsigavdaki S, Pateromichelaki K, Eskitzis A, Elezoglou A, Sidiropoulos P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. POS0368 EARLY (3 MONTHS) IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSICIAN GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF DISEASE ACTIVITY PREDICTS LONG-TERM RETENTION OF BELIMUMAB TREATMENT IN SLE: A MULTICENTRE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF 184 PATIENTS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.4735] [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
BackgroundBelimumab has been introduced in the management of SLE for more than 10 years, however long-term efficacy and safety data are still limited and mostly derive from the extended phase of randomized clinical trials.ObjectivesTo evaluate the long-term survival of belimumab treatment, reasons for treatment cessation and associated predictors in routine care setting.MethodsMulticentre observational study of adult SLE patients who were treated with belimumab according to physician discretion and in line with the EULAR recommendations. Disease activity (Physician Global Assessment [PGA]: scale 0-3; SLE disease activity index-2000 [S2K]), flares (SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index), organ damage (SLICC damage index [SDI]), co-administered treatments and dosage, adverse events and causes of belimumab discontinuation were monitored prospectively at 3–6-month intervals. Cox-regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with reduced drug survival.ResultsA total 184 patients treated with belimumab for at least 3 months were included (women 95.6%; mean ± SD age 48.8 ± 13.4 years; disease duration 9.2 ± 11.3 years). Baseline S2K and PGA were 7.5 ± 3.0 and 1.64 ± 0.42, respectively, both demonstrating significant improvement at 6 months (4.5 ± 3.5 and 1.02 ± 0.69, respectively; p<0.001) and 12 months (3.5 ± 3.1 and 0.68 ± 0.55, respectively; p<0.001). Of patients receiving glucocorticoids at onset, 49.0% tapered the dose and 17.6% completely withdrew them. After a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 15.1 (16.9) months, 44.0% of patients discontinued belimumab due to suboptimal efficacy as judged by the treating physician (28.3%), adverse events (including infections) (9.8%) or other causes (e.g., pregnancy, patient decision). Accordingly, efficacy-related drug survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 70% and 61%, respectively, with corresponding safety-related survival rates of 94% and 87%, respectively. Baseline factors associated with belimumab discontinuation due to suboptimal efficacy included PGA >1.50 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.66; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.14–11.73; p=0.029) and severe (RA-like) arthritis (HR 2.56; 95% CI 1.16–5.68; p=0.020) but not disease duration, use of glucocorticoids, active serology or organ damage. Notably, patients with early (3 months) improvement (i.e., any decrease in PGA) showed significantly lower risk for treatment cessation (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.22–0.67; p=0.001) (Figure 1) and this effect was independent of the initial PGA level. Baseline use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with prolonged safety-related belimumab survival (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.12–0.88; p=0.028).Figure 1.Efficacy-related survival of belimumab according to improvement or not of PGA at 3 months since treatment initiation.ConclusionIn real-life setting, about 28% of SLE patients discontinue belimumab due to suboptimal treatment response per physician judgement, especially those with moderate-to-high activity and severe arthritis. Improvement in PGA at 3 months predicts long-term drug maintenance, therefore suggesting its value for patient monitoring. Our data confirm the very good tolerability of belimumab and identify hydroxychloroquine co-administration as a predictor for prolonged safety-related drug survival.AcknowledgementsThe study was partly funded by the Greek Rheumatology Society and the Greek Association of Professional Rheumatologists (ERE-EPERE) and by Pfizer Global Medical GrantsDisclosure of InterestsMyrto Nikoloudaki: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, SOFIA KOUTSOVITI: None declared, Irini Flouri: None declared, Noemin Kapsala: None declared, ARGYRO REPA: None declared, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI: None declared, EVANGELOS THEOTIKOS: None declared, Sofia Pitsigavdaki: None declared, Katerina Pateromichelaki: None declared, Anastasios Eskitzis: None declared, ANTONIA ELEZOGLOU: None declared, Prodromos Sidiropoulos: None declared, Antonis Fanouriakis: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas: None declared, George Bertsias Speakers bureau: GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, SOBI, UCB, Novartis, AENORASIS, Abbvie, Grant/research support from: GSK, Pfizer
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Nikolopoulos D, Manolakou T, Polissidis A, Filia A, Koutmani Y, Boumpas D. POS0461 DISRUPTED HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROGENESIS MEDIATED BY IL-6 AND IL-18 INDUCE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC CHANGES IN MURINE LUPUS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.2908] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently affects the nervous system (NPSLE), however, its pathogenesis is only partly understood. We have previously characterized the behavioral phenotype of the NZΒ/W-F1 lupus-prone mouse which recapitulates the NPSLE phenotype exhibiting hippocampal-linked behavior including depressive-like disorder, anxiety and cognitive impairment both at early and late stages of the disease characterized by a profound hippocampal inflammatory response1,2. Defective hippocampal neural stem cell (hNSC) response is associated with cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety, all of which represent common neuropsychiatric features of both human and murine SLE.ObjectivesTo further investigate the hippocampal neurogenesis in lupus mice and determine its involvement in disease pathogenesis.MethodsAll experiments were performed in female NZW/NZB F1 and C57BL/6 (WT) mice at the age of 3 months (pre-nephritic) and 6 months (nephritic stage) (n=5-8/condition/experiment). Neurogenesis was assessed in sagittal sections of hippocampus by immunohistochemical staining (DCX, Sox2, GFAP, Iba1) and morphological criteria. RNA-sequencing was performed in hippocampal tissue followed by pathway and enrichment analysis. Apoptosis (cleaved-caspase 3) and immune cell infiltration (CD11b, CD45, Ly6G, Ly6C, MHC-II, CD4, CD8, B220, Iba1, CD80, CD86, Argianse-1, iNOS) were assessed by flow-cytometry. Cytokines levels were measured by Legendplex. Ex vivo assays were performed in adult hippocampal neural stem cells extracted by 2-month-old female WT mice.ResultsWe identified a profound disruption (~2-fold) of hippocampal neurogenesis (decreased DCX+ cells) both at 3 ad 6 month-old lupus mice together with decreased differentiated cells in both time-points, suggesting that lupus mice exhibit impaired neuronal differentiation. Although the number of the neuronal precursors radial glial-like cells (RGLs) was normal at pre-nephritic stage, lupus mice express increased number of both activated RGLs (Sox2+/GFAP+) and proliferating neuronal progenitors (Sox2+ cells) indicating enhanced self-renewal ability of neural precursors and augmented proliferation. Levels of cleaved-caspase 3 were elevated in lupus hippocampus supporting increased hippocampal apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis of hippocampal tissue revealed a profound inflammatory response in lupus mice. Flow-cytometry analyses showed a pronounced immune cell trafficking in lupus hippocampus with a myeloid predominant response –involving predominantly the microglia- both at early and late stages of the disease. Multiplex assays revealed elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-18 in lupus hippocampus. Ex vivo exposure of adult hNSCs to IL-6 or IL-18 promoted cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.ConclusionThe NZB/W-F1 mouse model of SLE exhibits defective neurogenesis due to increased apoptosis, and decreased differentiation of neuronal progenitors. Inflammation in lupus hippocampus results in elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-18 with both cytokines negatively affecting the hNSCs response. IL-6 and IL-18 may induce behavioral changes in NZB/W-F1 lupus mediated by altered neurogenesis and may represent therapeutic targets in NPSLE.References[1]Nikolopoulos, D., et al. “THU0223 THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PHENOTYPE OF NZB/W LUPUS-PRONE MOUSE MODEL AT PRE-NEPHRITIC AND NEPHRITIC STAGES OF THE DISEASE: MURINE MODEL RECAPITULATES HUMAN DISEASE.” (2020): 334-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1807[2]Nikolopoulos D. et al. “OP0040 HIPPOCAMPAL IMMUNE CELL TRAFFICKING AND A MYELOID PREDOMINANT INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE WITH ENHANCED ANTIGEN PRESENTATION AND DECREASED LEVELS OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS UNDERLY THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PHENOTYPE OF THE NZW/NZB MURINE LUPUS MODEL.” (2021): 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3972AcknowledgementsThis project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390)Disclosure of InterestsNone declared.
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Nikolopoulos D, Kitsos D, Papathanasiou M, Kapsala N, Garantziotis P, Pieta A, Gioti O, Grivas A, Voumvourakis K, Boumpas D, Fanouriakis A. Demyelinating Syndromes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From the "Attikon" Lupus Cohort. Front Neurol 2022; 13:889613. [PMID: 35645967 PMCID: PMC9131105 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.889613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The demyelinating syndromes of the central nervous system (CNS) that occur in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may represent a manifestation of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) or an overlap of SLE and multiple sclerosis (MS). The differential diagnosis between the two entities has important clinical implications because the therapeutic management differs. Objectives To characterize CNS demyelinating syndromes in a large SLE cohort as neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) or SLE-MS overlap using a multidisciplinary approach and existing diagnostic (for MS) and classification criteria (for SLE). Methods Patients from the "Attikon" lupus cohort (n = 707) were evaluated for demyelinating syndromes. Clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data were recorded for each patient. Following multidisciplinary evaluation and application of criteria, the demyelinating syndrome was attributed to either SLE or MS. Patients with transverse myelitis were not included in this study. Results We identified 26 patients with demyelinating syndromes (3.7%). Of them, 12 were diagnosed as primary SLE-demyelination (46.2%) and 14 as overlap SLE-MS (53.8%). The two groups did not differ with respect to rheumatologic and neurologic manifestations or autoantibodies. SLE patients with demyelination manifested mild extra-CNS disease mainly involving joints and skin, while severe non-CNS manifestations were rare. However, these patients were less likely to have elevated IgG index (OR 0.055 95% CI: 0.008-0.40) and positive oligoclonal bands (OR 0.09 95% CI: 0.014-0.56), as well as brain lesions in the spinal cord, infratentorial, periventricular, and juxtacortical regions. A single brain region was affected in 9 patients with SLE-demyelination (75%), while all patients with MS-SLE had multiple affected brain regions. MS-SLE overlap was associated with an increased likelihood of neurologic relapses (OR 18.2, 95% CI: 1.76-188), while SLE-demyelination patients were less likely to exhibit neurological deficits (EDSS >0) at the last follow-up visit (50 vs. 78.6% in SLE-MS, respectively). Conclusions Demyelination in the context of SLE follows a more benign course compared to a frank SLE-MS overlap. Extension of follow-up will ascertain whether patients with SLE-demyelination evolve to MS, or this is a bona fide NPSLE syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kitsos
- Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Matilda Papathanasiou
- Department of Radiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Antigone Pieta
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Gioti
- Department of Rheumatology, “Asklepieion” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Grivas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Voumvourakis
- Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School National Kapodistrean University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Nikolopoulos D, Fotis L, Gioti O, Fanouriakis A. Tailored treatment strategies and future directions in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatol Int 2022; 42:1307-1319. [PMID: 35449237 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05133-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians due to its protean manifestations and unpredictable course. The disease may manifest as multisystemic or organ-dominant and severity at presentation may vary according to age at onset (childhood-, adult- or late-onset SLE). Different manifestations may respond variably to different immunosuppressive medications and, even within the same organ-system, the severity of inflammation may vary from mild to organ-threatening. Current "state-of-the-art" in SLE treatment aims at remission or low disease activity in all organ systems. Apart from hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoids (which should be used with caution), the choice of the appropriate immunosuppressive agent should be individualized and depend on the prevailing manifestation, severity stratification and patient childbearing potential. In this review, we provide an overview of therapeutic options for the various organ manifestations and severity patterns of the disease, different phenotypes (such as multisystem versus organ-dominant disease), as well as specific considerations, including lupus with antiphospholipid antibodies, childhood and late-onset disease, as well as treatment options during pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Lampros Fotis
- Department of Pediatrics, "Attikon" University Hospital, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Gioti
- Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laikon" General Hospital, Medical School National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Kapsala N, Nikolopoulos D, Flouda S, Chavatza A, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Katsimbri P, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. First Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Hospitalized Patients: Clinical Phenotypes and Pitfalls for the Non-Specialist. Am J Med 2022; 135:244-253.e3. [PMID: 34411524 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prompt recognition of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in hospitalized patients presenting with severe disease is essential to initiate treatment. We sought to characterize the phenotype of hospitalized patients with new-onset SLE and estimate potential diagnostic delays. METHODS An observational study of 855 patients ("Attikon" SLE cohort). Clinical phenotype was categorized according to the leading manifestation that led to hospitalization. Disease features, time to diagnosis, classification criteria, and the SLE Risk Probability Index (SLERPI) were recorded for each patient. RESULTS There were 191 patients (22.3% of the total cohort) hospitalized due to manifestations eventually attributed to SLE. Main causes of admission were neuropsychiatric syndromes (21.4%), cytopenias (17.8%), nephritis (17.2%), and thrombotic events (16.2%). Although 79.5% of patients were diagnosed within 3 months from hospitalization, in 39 patients diagnosis was delayed, particularly in those with hematological manifestations. At hospitalization, a SLERPI >7 (indicating high probability for SLE) was found in 87.4% of patients. Patients missed by the SLERPI had fever, thrombotic or neuropsychiatric manifestations not included in the algorithm. Lowering the SLERPI threshold to 5 in patients with fever or thrombotic events increased the diagnostic rate from 88.8% to 97.9% in this subgroup, while inclusion of all neuropsychiatric events yielded no additional diagnostic value. CONCLUSION One in five patients with new-onset SLE manifest disease presentations required hospitalization. Although early diagnosis was achieved in the majority of cases, in approximately 20%, diagnosis was delayed. A lower SLERPI cut-off (≥5) in patients with fever or thrombosis could enhance early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemin Kapsala
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Flouda
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Chavatza
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tseronis
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Aggelakos
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Nikolopoulos D, Kitsos D, Papathanasiou M, Chondrogianni M, Theodorou A, Garantziotis P, Pieta A, Doskas T, Bertsias G, Voumvourakis K, Boumpas DT, Fanouriakis A. Demyelination with autoimmune features: a distinct clinical entity? Results from a longitudinal cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:4166-4174. [PMID: 33404657 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CNS demyelinating syndromes occurring in the context of SLE may represent a manifestation of neuropsychiatric lupus, or an overlap of SLE and multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated prospectively patients presenting with demyelinating syndrome for clinical and serological evidence of SLE and characterized the evolution of their clinical syndrome to a defined disease. METHODS Patients with CNS demyelinating syndromes not fulfilling the criteria for MS were evaluated in a rheumatology unit for features of SLE and followed longitudinally (enrolment period 2016-20). Clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging data were recorded at every visit, following multidisciplinary evaluation. At end of follow-up, patients were assessed for their final neurological and rheumatological diagnosis, and classified accordingly. RESULTS A total of 79 patients were included in the study [91.1% female, mean (s.d.) age at first demyelinating episode 38.4 (10.3) years, median (interquartile range) observation period 39 (57) months]. At last follow-up, 38 patients (48.1%) had evolved into MS. Of the remaining patients, 7 (17.1%) had SLE, while 34 (82.9%) had features of systemic autoimmunity without fulfilling classification criteria for SLE. The most common rheumatological features of these patients were inflammatory arthritis (73.5%), acute cutaneous lupus (47.1%) and positive ANA (72.1%). Importantly, these patients were less likely to have elevated IgG index (odds ratio 0.11, 95% CI 0.04, 0.32) and positive oligoclonal bands (odds ratio 0.21, 95% CI 0.08, 0.55). CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with demyelination do not fulfill criteria for either MS or SLE at follow-up. These patients exhibit lupus-like autoimmune features and may represent a distinct entity, 'demyelination with autoimmune features'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens
| | - Dimitris Kitsos
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Matilda Papathanasiou
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Maria Chondrogianni
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Aikaterini Theodorou
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens
| | - Antigone Pieta
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School
| | | | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Voumvourakis
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens.,Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.,Department of Rheumatology, 'Asklepieion' General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
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Ntali S, Nikolopoulos D, Pantazi L, Emmanouilidou E, Papagoras C, Fanouriakis A, Dimopoulou D, Kallitsakis I, Boki K, Dania V, Sidiropoulos PI, Boumpas DT, Bertsias G. Remission or low disease activity at pregnancy onset are linked to improved foetal outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from a prospective observational study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2021; 40:1769-1778. [DOI: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/g4rby6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Ntali
- Private Practice Rheumatologist, Thessaloniki, and Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Lamprini Pantazi
- Rheumatology Unit, Sismanogleio General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Emmanouilidou
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens; Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, and Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Dimopoulou
- 4th Internal Medicine Clinic, Ippokrateio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Kyriaki Boki
- Rheumatology Unit, Sismanogleio General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vicky Dania
- Rheumatology Unit, Sismanogleio General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos I. Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, and Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-FORTH, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T. Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion and University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, and Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-FORTH, Heraklion, Greece.
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Chavatza K, Kostopoulou M, Nikolopoulos D, Gioti O, Togia K, Andreoli L, Aringer M, Boletis J, Doria A, Houssiau FA, Jayne D, Mosca M, Svenungsson E, Tincani A, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. Quality indicators for systemic lupus erythematosus based on the 2019 EULAR recommendations: development and initial validation in a cohort of 220 patients. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1175-1182. [PMID: 34162597 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of care is receiving increased attention in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We developed quality indicators (QIs) for SLE based on the 2019 update of European League Against Rheumatism recommendations. METHODS A total of 44 candidate QIs corresponding to diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, were independently rated for validity and feasibility by 12 experts and analysed by a modified Research and Development Corporation/University of California Los Angeles model. Adherence to the final set of QIs and correlation with disease outcomes (flares, hospitalisations and organ damage) was tested in a cohort of 220 SLE patients with a median monitoring of 2 years (IQR 2-4). RESULTS The panel selected a total of 18 QIs as valid and feasible. On average, SLE patients received 54% (95% CI 52.3% to 56.2%) of recommended care, with adherence ranging from 44.7% (95% CI 40.8% to 48.6%) for diagnosis-related QIs to 84.3% (95% CI 80.6% to 87.5%) for treatment-related QIs. Sustained remission or low disease activity were achieved in 26.8% (95% CI 21.1% to 33.2%). Tapering of prednisone dose to less than 7.5 mg/day was achieved in 93.6% (95% CI 88.2% to 97.0%) while 73.5% (95% CI 66.6% to 79.6%) received the recommended hydroxychloroquine dose. Higher adherence to monitoring-related QIs was associated with reduced risk for a composite adverse outcome (flare, hospitalisation or damage accrual) during the last year of observation (OR 0.97 per 1% adherence rate, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99). CONCLUSION We developed QIs for assessing and improving the care of SLE patients. Initial real-life data suggest face validity, but a variable degree of adherence and a need for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Chavatza
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Kostopoulou
- Department of Nephrology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Gioti
- Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Togia
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - John Boletis
- Nephrology Department and Renal Transplantation Unit, "Laikon" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Frederic A Houssiau
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angela Tincani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece .,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Chavatza K, Kostopoulou M, Nikolopoulos D, Gioti O, Togia K, Flouda S, Kapsala N, Kosmetatou M, Moysidou GS, Grivas A, Pieta A, Ntourou A, Rapsomaniki P, Gerogianni T, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Karageorgas T, Katsimpri P, Andreoli L, Aringer M, Boletis JN, Doria A, Houssiau F, Jayne D, Mosca M, Svenungsson E, Tincani A, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D. POS0764 EULAR RECOMMENDATION-BASED QUALITY INDICATORS (QIS) FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE): ELABORATION, FINAL SET, PERFORMANCE AND INITIAL VALIDATION. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3181] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Targets of therapy and quality of care are receiving increased attention in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Objectives:To develop Quality Indicators (QIs) for the care of SLE patients based on the EULAR recommendations, and assess their performance.Methods:Using the published EULAR recommendations for SLE, we developed 44 candidate QIs. These were independently rated for validity and feasibility by 12 experts, analysed by a modified RAND/UCLA model and further scrutinized based on the scorings and expert opinion. (Fig.1) Adherence to the final set of QIs was tested in a cohort of 220 SLE patients combined with an assessment on its impact on disease outcomes such as flares, hospitalizations and organ damage.Results:The panel rated 18 QIs as valid and feasible. These involve diagnosis; disease and damage assessment; monitoring for lupus nephritis and drug toxicity; therapy and targets of therapy; fertility and pregnancy; and adjunct therapy (preventive measures for osteoporosis, vaccination, cardiovascular disease). On average, SLE patients received 54% (95%CI 52–56%) of the indicated care with adherence ranging from 41% for QIs related to monitoring to 88% for treatment-related QIs. Regarding targets of therapy, sustained remission or low disease activity were achieved in 27%, while 94% of patients received low-dose glucocorticoids, and 92% the recommended hydroxychloroquine dose. Dependent upon individual QI tested, adherence for lupus nephritis-related QIs was 88% for receiving appropriate adjunct therapy (ACE inhibitors) to 100% for being treated with the indicated immunosuppressive treatment. In contrast, adherence to QIs related to preventive measures and other adjunct therapies was moderate to low. Notably, patients who were eligible for cardiovascular risk modification, vaccination, and osteoporosis management received lower quality of care (40.5%, 47.7% and 45.5% respectively) while 91.4% had sunscreen protection. In reference to laboratory work-up and monitoring, complete laboratory work-up at diagnosis was performed in 48%, while disease activity and damage, were fully assessed only in 14.1% (in three consecutive visits) and 28.6% (annually) respectively, Similarly, reproductive health and pregnancy counselling adherence rates were modest estimated at 50% and 62% respectively. Higher adherence to the indicated care during follow-up (monitoring QIs) was associated with reduced risk for adverse outcomes during the last year of observation (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.96-0.99). Patients who achieved sustained remission or LLDAS, exhibited fewer flares (OR=0.15, p-value<0.001) and damage accrual (OR=0.35, p-value<0.001). Of interest, patients who received low-dose of GCs or were appropriately vaccinated, had a lower risk of experiencing a flare (OR=0.23 and 0.46 respectively).Conclusion:A set of 18 QIs based on the EULAR recommendations for SLE was developed to be used towards improving care in SLE. Initial real-life data suggest variable degree of adherence with higher adherence resulting in reduced adverse outcomes.References:[1]Fanouriakis, et al., 2019 Update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. In Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (Vol. 78, Issue 6, pp. 736–745). BMJ Publishing Group. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215089.[2]Nikolopoulos, D., et al., Evolving phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus in Caucasians: low incidence of lupus nephritis, high burden of neuropsychiatric disease and increased rates of late-onset lupus in the ‘Attikon’ cohort. Lupus, 29(5), 514–522. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961203320908932.Acknowledgements:This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390)Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Manolakou T, Tsiara I, Nikolopoulos D, Garantziotis P, Benaki D, Gikas E, Frangou E, Mikroa E, Boumpas D. POS0421 COMBINED ANALYSIS OF METABOLIC AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC KIDNEY PROFILES OF NZW/B-F1 MURINE LUPUS UNCOVERS BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS PRECEDING THE ONSET OF NEPHRITIS. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.4115] [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
Background:Metabolic pathways are important regulators of immune differentiation and activation in kidneys. Kidneys directly impact systemic metabolism, circulating metabolite levels, and express intrinsic metabolic activity. The integration of renal metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles may unravel unique gene-metabolite pairs of biological significance in lupus nephritis (LN).Objectives:To decipher gene-metabolite signatures at both pre-nephritic and nephritic stages of lupus.Methods:Kidneys were isolated and snap-frozen after perfusion from female NZB/NZW-F1 lupus mice at the pre-nephritic (3-month-old) and nephritic (6-month-old exhibiting ≥100 ng/dL of urine protein) stage of lupus (n=6/group). Age-matched female C57BL/6 mice were used as healthy controls. Sample extracts were used for RNA sequencing and 1H-NMR spectroscopy metabolic profiling. DESeq2 was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Univariate analysis was used to reveal metabolic differences characteristic for nephritis.Results:Comparative transcriptomic analyses uncovered multiple transcripts related to metabolic pathways: In pre-nephritic kidneys, lipid metabolism, cellular respiration, TCA cycle, amino acid metabolism processes were overrepresented in the upregulated genes while in nephritic kidneys, amino acid metabolism processes were overrepresented among the downregulated genes (Figure 1). 1H-NMR analysis revealed a total of 49 metabolites. Comparison of the metabolic levels of nephritic and pre-nephritic animals revealed that ADP, ATP, NAD+, Taurine and Myo-inositol decreased, while Thr increased significantly. The comparison to corresponding control animals, demonstrated that only myo-inositol increased significantly. Integration of kidney metabolomics and transcriptomics indicated the involvement of processes related to glutathione metabolism, leukocyte trans-endothelial migration and antigen presentation during the established renal disease stage.Conclusion:The combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis revealed metabolic derangements in lupus-affected kidneys both during subclinical and overt LN. Deregulated tissue-levels of taurine and myo-inositol at the subclinical stage of the disease suggest aberrant renal biochemistry preceding the development of overt LN that may directly impact systemic metabolism and circulating metabolite levels.Figure 1.Pathways linked to cell metabolism were overrepresented among 3-month upregulated and 6-month lupus mice (F1) downregulated DEGS (differentially expressed genes) compared to controls (C57BL/6).Acknowledgements:This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390).Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Kapsala N, Flouda S, Nikolopoulos D, Chavatza K, Pieta A, Grivas A, Ntourou A, Togia K, Rapsomaniki P, Gerogianni T, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Karageorgas T, Katsimpri P, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D. POS0759 THE JOURNEY OF PATIENTS FROM FIRST SYMPTOMS TO DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE): AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:The lack of pathognomonic features poses a considerable challenge in SLE diagnosis. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis has been reported to range from two to six years1.Objectives:To document the initial symptoms of the disease and the time lapse until its diagnosis.Methods:We examined 438 patients from the “Attikon” SLE cohort2. For diagnosis, we used the classification criteria (ACR, SLICC, EULAR-ACR) or in few cases clinical diagnosis (n=32, 7.3%). Data were collected using patient interviews, in-person clinical visits and medical charts review. Initial symptoms were recorded and determined chronologically using prespecified forms with a list of typical manifestations (skin, joints, renal, nervous system, pleuropulmonary, cardiovascular, anti-phospholipid syndrome) as well as characteristic disease features (Raynaud’s phenomenon, fatigue, fever, sicca symptoms). Questions also included the time between symptom onset and initial physician visit, the time from first medical consultation until first rheumatologist assessment, the time from rheumatologist assessment to SLE definite diagnosis, the number of physicians seen before SLE diagnosis, the specialty of first physician and of diagnosing physician. Information on demographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity and disease damage, was collected both at enrolment and at last follow-up visit.Results:88.5% of patients were females, mean (±SD) age at diagnosis was 41.9 years ± 15.4 and disease duration was 6.7 ± 7 years. Most common systems involved were joints (94.5%), skin (73.7%), blood (39.2%) and renal (17.5%). At diagnosis, 9.8% of patients were ANA negative. The most common initial symptoms at disease onset were arthritis/arthralgia (74.4%), followed by fatigue (53.1%) and photosensitive rash (50.9%) (Table 1). Among non-criteria features, Raynaud’s phenomenon was reported by 146 patients (33.3%) prior the diagnosis. The median interval between symptoms onset and the SLE diagnosis was 16 months (IQR 5-60). SLE was diagnosed earlier in ANA-positive than -negative patients [median time 14 months (IQR 5-60) vs 36 months (IQR 10.5-84); P=0.1, t-test]. Approximately half of the patients (52.5%) were diagnosed after 12 months from disease onset with only 15.9% diagnosed within 3 months of symptoms presentation. The median lag time between onset of symptoms and the first medical consultation was 2 months (IQR 1-12). Internists were the most common first consultants (27.8%) followed by orthopedists (15.9%), dermatologists (13.6%) and rheumatologists (13.4%). The median interval between the first medical assessment and first rheumatologist evaluation was 3 months (IQR 0-11.5) while the median time from rheumatologist assessment to definite diagnosis was 0 months (IQR 0-4). SLE patients consulted an average of 3 different physicians before the definite diagnosis, which in 95.8% was established by rheumatologists.Conclusion:Approximately 50% of patients were diagnosed with SLE after 12 months from symptom onset with a mean time from symptoms to definite diagnosis almost 4 years. Increasing awareness of internists to SLE and avoidance of strict adherence to ANA as a requirement for diagnosis may improve early diagnosis.Table 1.Initial symptoms prior to diagnosisSymptomsN=438 (%)Duration*(mean months ±SD)Arthralgias326 (74.4)37.5 ±69.4Photosensitive rash223 (50.9)30.6 ±70.2Malar rash168 (38.3)22.6 ±62Alopecia167 (38.1)19.6 ±54.6Ulcers106 (24.2)16.8 ±54.4Fever103 (23.5)9.3 ±43.8Raynaud’s phenomenon146 (33.3)22.3 ±68.5Fatigue233 (53.1)19.7 ±45.7*Mean time from symptom onset to established diagnosisReferences:[1]Nightingale AL, Davidson JE, Molta CT et al. Lupus Science & Medicine 2017; doi:10.1136/lupus-2016-000172.[2]D Nikolopoulos et al. Lupus 2020; doi: 10.1177/0961203320908932.Acknowledgements:This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390)Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Nikolopoulos D, Manolakou T, Filia A, Nakos-Bimpos M, Polissidis A, Boumpas D. OP0040 HIPPOCAMPAL IMMUNE CELL TRAFFICKING AND A MYELOID PREDOMINANT INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE WITH ENHANCED ANTIGEN PRESENTATION AND DECREASED LEVELS OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS UNDERLY THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PHENOTYPE OF THE NZW/NZB MURINE LUPUS MODEL. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3972] [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
Background:Neuropsychiatric events are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet the underlying pathogenesis remains ill-defined, as the access to brain tissue is limited. We have previously shown that NZW/NZB F1 murine lupus model recapitulates the neuropsychiatric lupus phenotype including depressive-like behavior, increased rates of anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and motor disturbances, both at pre-nephritic and nephritic stages of the disease.Objectives:To dissect specific regions in the brain, which account for this phenotype and elucidate inflammatory and non-inflammatory mechanisms involved.Methods:Four distinct brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, striatum and pre-frontal cortex) were dissected from brains of female C57BL/6 (WT) and NZW/NZB F1 mice at the age of 3 months (pre-nephritic) and 6 months (nephritic stage) (n=5-8/condition/experiment). Since most of the behavioral phenotype corresponds to the hippocampus, we first examined in depth the hippocampal pathology by bulk RNA sequencing, measurements of neurotransmitters levels via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and by immunophenotyping via flow cytometry analyses. For comparisons, statistical significance was indicated as a two-sided P<0.05.Results:Transcriptomic analysis revealed aberrant immune mediated response in the hippocampus of 6 month-old lupus mice compared to WT. Specifically, inflammatory pathways including both innate and adaptive immune responses, increased cytokine production, increased antigen presentation and immune cell trafficking, along with increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation suggest that immune aberrancies may lead to neuronal damage. These aberrancies were present in mice at 3 month-old, yet were progressed with time being more prominent at 6 month of age in lupus hippocampus. The RNA sequencing date were validated by immunophenotyping on lupus hippocampus demonstrating increased reactive GFAP+ astrocytes both at 3 and 6-month old mice. Activated IBA1+ microglia and CD11b+CD45hi CNS myeloid cells were increased only at 6 months of age. Furthermore, increased immune cell infiltration from the periphery including lymphocytes (CD45+CD11b-) mainly T cells (CD4+/CD8+) and monocytes (CD45+CD11b+Ly6G-Ly6C+), was evident only in 6 month-old lupus hippocampus compared to WT. Importantly, microglia cells in lupus hippocampus at 6 but not at 3 month of age, exhibited increased expression of antigen presenting markers including CD80, CD86 and MHC-II indicating that microglia cells may carry out the antigen presentation process seen in transcriptomic data. Low levels of serotonin and noradrenaline were observed at both 3 and 6 months of age in lupus mice; these aberrancies were mainly attributed to decreased serotonin synthesis as evidenced by intact serotonin metabolism (no differences were observed at its metabolite: 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid). Analysis of the remaining regions of the brain combined with studies of metabolic activities of various brain regions by PET-CT scanning is in progress.Conclusion:Immune cell trafficking from the periphery combined with marked inflammatory response in the hippocampus underlie the neuropsychiatric phenotype in NZW/B murine lupus. Our data indicate increased expression of activated myeloid cells -including microglia- in the hippocampus of lupus mice culminating in increased antigen presentation and decreased neurotransmitter levels.References:[1]Nikolopoulos, D., et al. “THU0223 THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PHENOTYPE OF NZB/W LUPUS-PRONE MOUSE MODEL AT PRE-NEPHRITIC AND NEPHRITIC STAGES OF THE DISEASE: MURINE MODEL RECAPITULATES HUMAN DISEASE.” (2020): 334-335.Acknowledgements:This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390)Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Kapsala N, Nikolopoulos D, Flouda S, Chavatza K, Pieta A, Grivas A, Ntourou A, Togia K, Rapsomaniki P, Gerogianni T, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Karageorgas T, Katsimpri P, Bertsias G, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D. POS0757 SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) DIAGNOSED DURING HOSPITALIZATION: CLINICAL PHENOTYPE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SLE RISK PROBABILITY INDEX (SLERPI). Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can first present with severe or critical disease leading to hospitalization. Prompt recognition of the disease in hospitalized patients may lead to early institution of treatment and improve outcomes. We have recently developed a clinician-friendly algorithm for SLE diagnosis based on classical clinical and serological SLE features [SLE Risk Probability Index (SLERPI)]1.Objectives:To determine the clinical phenotype of SLE patients first diagnosed during hospitalization, the interval between hospitalization and SLE diagnosis and the potential impact of SLERPI on early diagnosis.Methods:Mixed prospective (from June 2020 to January 2021) and retrospective study of SLE patients from “Attikon” cohort (n=820)2. Clinical phenotype was divided into 10 core domains (neuropsychiatric, thrombosis, nephritis, serosal, haematologic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, skin-joints, other). Chart review and patient interview was performed to assess the lag time between 1) the onset of symptoms and 2) the hospitalization and the final diagnosis. Demographic and clinical characteristics, SLERPI and SLICC damage index were recorded for each patient at the time of diagnosis. SLE diagnosis was based on at least one of the three existing classification criteria.Results:Out of 820 SLE patients, 202 (24.6%) diagnosed during hospitalization were included. Among them, 185 patients (91.5%) were hospitalized because of a lupus related feature, while in the remaining 17 SLE patients, hospitalization was due to non-lupus related manifestations. The most common lupus-related clinical phenotype leading to hospital admission was neuropsychiatric lupus (n=51, 25.2%) with cerebrovascular events constituting the dominant clinical syndrome (n=8/51). Thrombotic events (n=32, 15.8%), mainly pulmonary embolism (n=20/32), cytopenias (n=32, 15.8%), lupus nephritis (n=30, 14.8%), skin-joint disease (n=26, 12.8%) and serositis (n=24, 11.8%) were also common as dominant manifestations. Pulmonary disease (n=16, 7.9%), heart disease (n= 4, 1.9%) and gastrointestinal disease (n=2, 0.9%) were less common. On admission, 11.3% of patients (n=23) had symptoms from at least 2 clinical domains as defined. Most patients (93.5%) had multisystem disease while only 6.5% had organ-dominant disease. Early diagnosis (within 3 months from hospitalization) was established in 86.6% while 27 patients had their SLE diagnosis more than 3 months from hospitalization. The mean lag time between the hospitalization and the diagnosis was approximately 14 months (SD 19.9). Overall, the mean interval between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis was 48.2 months (SD 73.2). Importantly, a SLERPI >7 (suggesting probable SLE) at hospitalization was present in 92.5% of SLE patients with delayed diagnosis.Conclusion:One out of four SLE patients first present with moderate to severe disease necessitating hospitalization, while in approximately 15% of such patients, diagnosis is initially missed. Application of the SLERPI may facilitate early SLE diagnosis.References:[1]Adamichou C et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021; DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219069.[2]D Nikolopoulos et al. Lupus 2020; doi: 10.1177/0961203320908932.Acknowledgements:This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 742390)Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Adamichou C, Genitsaridi I, Nikolopoulos D, Nikoloudaki M, Repa A, Bortoluzzi A, Fanouriakis A, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT, Bertsias GK. Lupus or not? SLE Risk Probability Index (SLERPI): a simple, clinician-friendly machine learning-based model to assist the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219069
expr 893510318 + 842823336] [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: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
ObjectivesDiagnostic reasoning in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex process reflecting the probability of disease at a given timepoint against competing diagnoses. We applied machine learning in well-characterised patient data sets to develop an algorithm that can aid SLE diagnosis.MethodsFrom a discovery cohort of randomly selected 802 adults with SLE or control rheumatologic diseases, clinically selected panels of deconvoluted classification criteria and non-criteria features were analysed. Feature selection and model construction were done with Random Forests and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-logistic regression (LASSO-LR). The best model in 10-fold cross-validation was tested in a validation cohort (512 SLE, 143 disease controls).ResultsA novel LASSO-LR model had the best performance and included 14 variably weighed features with thrombocytopenia/haemolytic anaemia, malar/maculopapular rash, proteinuria, low C3 and C4, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and immunologic disorder being the strongest SLE predictors. Our model produced SLE risk probabilities (depending on the combination of features) correlating positively with disease severity and organ damage, and allowing the unbiased classification of a validation cohort into diagnostic certainty levels (unlikely, possible, likely, definitive SLE) based on the likelihood of SLE against other diagnoses. Operating the model as binary (lupus/not-lupus), we noted excellent accuracy (94.8%) for identifying SLE, and high sensitivity for early disease (93.8%), nephritis (97.9%), neuropsychiatric (91.8%) and severe lupus requiring immunosuppressives/biologics (96.4%). This was converted into a scoring system, whereby a score >7 has 94.2% accuracy.ConclusionsWe have developed and validated an accurate, clinician-friendly algorithm based on classical disease features for early SLE diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.
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Nikolopoulos D, Fanouriakis A, Bertsias G. Treatment of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical challenges and future perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:317-330. [PMID: 33682602 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1899810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement represents an emerging frontier in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), posing significant challenges due to its clinical diversity and obscure pathophysiology. The authors herein discuss selected aspects in the management of NPSLE based on existing literature and our experience, aiming to facilitate routine medical care.Areas covered: Research related to diagnosis, neuroimaging, treatment and outcome is discussed, focusing on data published in PubMed during the last 5 years. Selected translational studies of clinical relevance are included.Expert opinion: Identification of NPSLE patients who may benefit from appropriate treatment can be facilitated by attribution algorithms. Immunosuppressants are typically indicated in recurrent seizures, optic neuritis, myelopathy, psychosis and peripheral nerve disease, although a low threshold is recommended for cerebrovascular disease and other NP manifestations, especially when SLE is active. With the exception of stroke with positive antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-coagulation is rarely indicated in other syndromes. Refractory NPSLE can be treated with rituximab, whereas the role of other biologics remains unknown. Advances in the fields of biomarkers, neuroimaging for brain structural, perfusion or functional abnormalities, and design of novel compounds targeting not only systemic autoimmunity but also inflammatory and regenerative pathways within the nervous system, hold promise for optimizing NPSLE management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, University of Crete Medical School and University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece.,Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Infections & Immunity Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
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Adamichou C, Genitsaridi I, Nikolopoulos D, Nikoloudaki M, Repa A, Bortoluzzi A, Fanouriakis A, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT, Bertsias GK. Lupus or not? SLE Risk Probability Index (SLERPI): a simple, clinician-friendly machine learning-based model to assist the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:758-766. [PMID: 33568388 PMCID: PMC8142436 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diagnostic reasoning in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex process reflecting the probability of disease at a given timepoint against competing diagnoses. We applied machine learning in well-characterised patient data sets to develop an algorithm that can aid SLE diagnosis. METHODS From a discovery cohort of randomly selected 802 adults with SLE or control rheumatologic diseases, clinically selected panels of deconvoluted classification criteria and non-criteria features were analysed. Feature selection and model construction were done with Random Forests and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-logistic regression (LASSO-LR). The best model in 10-fold cross-validation was tested in a validation cohort (512 SLE, 143 disease controls). RESULTS A novel LASSO-LR model had the best performance and included 14 variably weighed features with thrombocytopenia/haemolytic anaemia, malar/maculopapular rash, proteinuria, low C3 and C4, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and immunologic disorder being the strongest SLE predictors. Our model produced SLE risk probabilities (depending on the combination of features) correlating positively with disease severity and organ damage, and allowing the unbiased classification of a validation cohort into diagnostic certainty levels (unlikely, possible, likely, definitive SLE) based on the likelihood of SLE against other diagnoses. Operating the model as binary (lupus/not-lupus), we noted excellent accuracy (94.8%) for identifying SLE, and high sensitivity for early disease (93.8%), nephritis (97.9%), neuropsychiatric (91.8%) and severe lupus requiring immunosuppressives/biologics (96.4%). This was converted into a scoring system, whereby a score >7 has 94.2% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS We have developed and validated an accurate, clinician-friendly algorithm based on classical disease features for early SLE diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Adamichou
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Irini Genitsaridi
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Cona, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Rheumatology, "Asklepieion" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - George K Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece .,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Kostopoulou M, Nikolopoulos D, Parodis I, Bertsias G. Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Recent Data on Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Prevention. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2020; 18:549-565. [DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666191227101636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is associated with increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis
and cardiovascular (CV) events including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral
artery disease. CV events occur both early and late during the disease course, with younger
patients being at much higher risk than age-matched counterparts. The risk cannot be fully accounted for
by the increased prevalence of traditional atherosclerotic factors and may be due to pathophysiologic
intermediates such as type I interferons and other inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, activated
granulocytes and production of extracellular chromatin traps, antiphospholipid and other autoantibodies
causing dysfunction of lipoproteins, altogether resulting in endothelial injury and pro-atherogenic
dyslipidaemia. These mechanisms may be further aggravated by chronic intake of prednisone (even at
doses <7.5 mg/day), whereas immunomodulatory drugs, especially hydroxychloroquine, may exert antiatherogenic
properties. To date, there is a paucity of randomized studies regarding the effectiveness of
preventative strategies and pharmacological interventions specifically in patients with SLE. Nevertheless,
both the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations and extrapolated evidence from
the general population emphasize that SLE patients should undergo regular monitoring for atherosclerotic
risk factors and calculation of the 10-year CV risk. Risk stratification should include diseaserelated
factors and accordingly, general (lifestyle modifications/smoking cessation, antihypertensive and
statin treatment, low-dose aspirin in selected cases) and SLE-specific (control of disease activity, minimization
of glucocorticoids, use of hydroxychloroquine) preventive measures be applied as appropriate.
Further studies will be required regarding the use of non-invasive tools and biomarkers for CV assessment
and of risk-lowering strategies tailored to SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kostopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology and Allergy, University of Crete Medical School, Iraklio, Greece
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Bellos I, Michelakis I, Nikolopoulos D. The role of plasma exchange in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:1447-1456. [PMID: 32935248 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma exchange (PLEX) in addition to standard immunosuppressive treatment in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AVV) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of PLEX on AVV outcomes. METHODS Literature search was performed using Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov databases, and Google Scholar. The statistical meta-analysis and leave-one-out analysis were conducted using the Review Manager 5.3 and Open Meta-Analyst software, respectively. RESULTS Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis comprising 1235 patients; 633 received conventional treatment and 602 were treated with PLEX in conjunction with induction therapy. PLEX was not associated with lower rates of either mortality at 3 (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.19-3.25) and 12 months (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.40-1.34) or ESRD at 3 (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.30-2.42) and 12 months (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.53-3.25). Similarly, no differences were captured concerning disease relapses (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.62-1.36), the incidence of infections (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.63-1.76), and severe adverse effects (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.59-1.81). Time-to-event analysis revealed lower incidence of ESRD (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.92) among patients who received PLEX, while the overall mortality was similar (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.72-1.29) between the two groups. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis does not support the wide use of PLEX for the management of AAV in routine clinical practice. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials focusing on specific disease-related manifestations are necessary to reach firm conclusions about the potential efficacy of PLEX. Key Points • PLEX is not widely recommended for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis. • PLEX performance may reduce the overall incidence of ESRD in severe ANCA-associated vasculitis. • Well-designed randomized controlled trials focusing on specific disease-related manifestations are necessary to reach firm conclusions about the potential efficacy of PLEX on AAV-related outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Bellos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research NS Christeas, Athens University Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Michelakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Nikolopoulos D, Polissidis A, Karali K, Boumpas D. THU0223 THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PHENOTYPE OF NZB/W LUPUS-PRONE MOUSE MODEL AT PRE-NEPHRITIC AND NEPHRITIC STAGES OF THE DISEASE: MURINE MODEL RECAPITULATES HUMAN DISEASE. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1807] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) remains ill-defined due to limited access to tissue and the diversity and complexity of clinical manifestations with most evidence deriving from animal studies in MLR/lpr lupus-prone mouse.Objectives:To phenotype and characterize the neuropsychiatric disease in New Zealand Black/White (NZΒ/W) F1 strain; a spontaneous lupus prone mouse which is characterized by systemic autoimmunity.Methods:Mice were tested in a comprehensive behavioral test battery to assess possible effects on general depressive-like disorders, anxiety, cognitive function and motor performance/coordination. The following tests were conducted in the same order for all subjects (All females, NZB/W strain n=13 and C57BL/6 n=14) at 3 and 6 months of age: Open field, Novel object recognition (NOR), Novel object location (NOL), Elevated plus maze (EPM), Rotarod, Tail suspension test (TST), Prepulse inhibition (PPI), and Sucrose preference test (SPT). For comparisons, statistical significance was indicated as a two-sided P<0.05.Results:NZB/W mice at 3 months and 6 months of age exhibit depressive-like disorder as assessed by SPT and TST (P <0.05 and <0.0001, respectively). Anxiety-like phenotype was evident in lupus-prone mice at both time points based on EPM test (Graph 1). Open-field test revealed decreased locomotor activity and rotarod (Graph 2) showed impaired motor coordination in 3 month-old and 6 month-old NZB/W mice (P<0.001 and <0.01, respectively). NZB/W mice exhibit cognitive dysfunction at 3 and 6 months of age based on NOR test (P<0.05). No differences in cognitive function was observed between the two groups (P=0.11). Prepulse inhibition test revealed decreased sensorimotor gating in 3 month-old NZB/W mice, a difference not reaching statistical significance (P=.078). It was not possible to interpret correctly the PPI at second time point (6 months of age) due to age-related hearing loss in B6 at 6 month-old. NZB/W become more anxious over the course of the disease as assessed by EPM (3 mo. versus 6 mo. P<0.001, paired t-test, Graph 1).Conclusion:The NZB/W lupus-prone strain exhibit depressive-like behavior, anxiety, cognitive impairment and motor disturbances both at early and late stages of the disease. This polygenic murine model may be more suitable for investigating the autoimmunity-mediated neuroinflammation in human SLE.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared
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Ntali S, Pantazi L, Boki K, Nikolopoulos D, Fanouriakis A, Dimopoulou D, Kallitsakis I, Papagoras C, Dania V, Emmanouilidou E, Bertsias G. FRI0543 BIRTH REGISTRY OF WOMEN WITH SYSTEMATIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUSAND COURSE OF THE DISEASE DURING FIRST YEARS POST-PARTUM-THE GREEK EXPERIENCE. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6195] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Pregnancy in women with SLE Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been related with adverse events both in the mother and the foetus.1Many studies have reported relapse of the disease during the pregnancy and post-labour, while others have not confirmed this finding.2To this end, most of these results originate from retrospective studies with patients of diverge ethnicities.Objectives:To record the Greek experience with pregnancies in mothers with SLE and their outcomes, as well as the course of the disease during first year post labor.Methods:This is a prospective, multicentre, observation study lasting three years. Women diagnosed with SLE who became pregnant consented to be monitored by their treating Rheumatologist. A structured questionnaire is used for monitoring at the beginning of pregnancy (positive pregnancy test) and at least every 3 months thereafter, depending on the course of the disease and pregnancy, until one year after childbirth.Results:A total 64 women and 81 pregnancies were recorded (1.27 pregnancies per patient). Patient’s age at conception was 32.8 ± 5.9 years (mean ± standard deviation). Thirteen patients (20.3%) had past history of nephritis. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, 62 (76.5%) pregnancies ended in live births, miscarriages during 1st, 2ndand 3rdtrimester occurred in 13 (16%). Six pregnancies were lost to followup. Prematurity occurred in 28 live births (45.1% in total), 26-32w (3.2%), 32-36w (22.5%), <37w (19.3%). No cases of preeclampsia occurred. Mean age of birth36.9 weeksand mean birth weight2750gr.The majority (72.5%) of deliveries were performed by caesarean section. In terms of disease activity, most of the women had mild disease at conception, (SLEDAI-2K: 2.67±2.69) that declined during 1st/2ndpregnancy trimester (SLEDAI-2K:1.91±2.09, 1.70±2.22)) but increased during the 1stand 2ndtrimester post labor (SLEDAI-2K: 2.47±4.29 and 2.52±3.2).Conclusion:This is the first Greek inception cohort with prospective monitoring of pregnant SLE patients. Adverse outcomes occur with prematurity being the most frequent. In our cohort disease activity tends to increase during 1stand 2ndtrimester post-labor without serious relapses. Vigilant monitoring during pregnancy and post-labour is advised.References:[1] Bundhun PK, Soogund MZ, Huang F. Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy: A meta-analysis of studies published between years 2001-2016. J Autoimmun 2017;79:17-27. [https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jaut.2017.02.009] [PMID: 28256367][2] Wei S, Lai K, Yang Z, Zeng K. Systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Lupus 2017;26:563-71. [https://doi. org/10.1177/0961203316686704] [PMID: 28121241]Acknowledgments:Hellenic Rheumatology AssociationDisclosure of Interests:Stella Ntali: None declared, Lina Pantazi: None declared, Kyriaki Boki: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Antonis Fanouriakis: None declared, Despoina Dimopoulou: None declared, Ioannis Kallitsakis Grant/research support from: MSD, Speakers bureau: Genesis pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CHARALAMPOS PAPAGORAS: None declared, Vasiliki Dania: None declared, Evgenia Emmanouilidou: None declared, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis
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Havatza K, Togia K, Flouda S, Pieta A, Gioti O, Nikolopoulos D, Kapsala N, Ntourou A, Rapsomaniki P, Gerogianni T, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Karageorgas T, Katsimpri P, Bertsias G, Thomas K, Boumpas D, Fanouriakis A. FRI0170 THERAPEUTIC ΤARGETS AND QUALITY INDICATORS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE), DEFINED ACCORDING TO THE 2019 UPDATE OF THE EULAR RECOMMENDATIONS: DATA FROM THE “ATTIKON“ LUPUS COHORT. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6255] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Targets of therapy and quality of care are receiving increased attention in the management of SLE, as outlined in the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for SLE treatment.Objectives:To assess compliance with quality indicators and attainment of treatment targets, according to recent EULAR recommendations, in the SLE cohort of “Attikon” Rheumatology Unit.Methods:100 consecutive SLE patients followed for at least one year were. A 30 item Quality Indicator Set (QIS) was developed, according to the 2019 EULAR recommendations for SLE, to include laboratory tests for diagnosis and monitoring, evaluation of disease activity and damage using validated indices, use of patient-reported outcomes, counselling for women’s health and reproduction issues, attainment of targets of therapy [remission or low disease activity state (LLDAS) with low-dose glucocorticoids (GC, ≤7.5mg/day prednizone) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ dose≤5mg/kg/day)], prevention of disease flares and prevention and management of co-morbidities. Chart review and patient interview was performed to assess the degree of compliance with each item of the QIS and achievement of treatment targets.Results:Disease activity was monitored by means of validated indices in 31% and antiphospholipid antibody testing during the first 6 months from diagnosis was performed in 58.8% of patients. Sustained remission (defined as remission of a sustained period of 12 months) or LLDAS was achieved by only 3% and 22% respectively; in contrast, other targets of therapy, such as ≤1 minor flares during last year, were achieved by 85% (43% had complete absence of flares), with 90.2% of patients receiving low-dose GC and 81.8% corrected HCQ dose. Fertility and pregnancy counselling were offered in 40% (12/30 eligible women) and 63.3% (19/30) of patients, respectively, while 65.4% had a Pap Test and only 3 of 32 eligible patients had received the HPV vaccine. Annual lipid status was assessed in 43% and counselling for smoking cessation in 44.6%. Flu vaccination was performed in 77%, while pneumococcal (including both of the pneumococcal vaccines) and herpes-zoster vaccination, were given in 32.7% and 2% (1/44 eligible patients) respectively.Conclusion:Our real-life data suggest low vaccination rates (excluding flu) and suboptimal management of cardiovascular risk factors in lupus patients. While the majority of patients received the suggested doses of GC and HCQ, only one quarter of patients achieved remission or LLDAS. There is an unmet need for new therapies in SLE to improve therapy targets.References:[1]Arora S, Sequeira W, Yazdany J, Jolly M, “Does Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Care Provided in a Lupus Clinic Result in Higher Quality of Care Than That Provided in a General Rheumatology Clinic?”, Arthritis Care Res. 2018 Dec;70(12):1771-1777. doi: 10.1002/acr.23569. Epub 2018 Nov 10.Disclosure of Interests:KATERINA HAVATZA: None declared, KONSTANTINA TOGIA: None declared, Sofia Flouda: None declared, Antigoni Pieta: None declared, Ourania Gioti: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Noemin Kapsala: None declared, Aliki Ntourou: None declared, Panagiota Rapsomaniki: None declared, Thaleia Gerogianni: None declared, Dimitrios Tseronis: None declared, Michail Aggelakos: None declared, Theofanis Karageorgas: None declared, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI: None declared, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis, Konstantinos Thomas: None declared, DIMITRIOS BOUMPAS Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant support from various pharmaceutical companies, Antonis Fanouriakis Paid instructor for: Paid instructor for Enorasis, Amgen, Speakers bureau: Paid speaker for Roche, Genesis Pharma, Mylan
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Adamichou C, Genitsaridi I, Nikolopoulos D, Bortoluzzi A, Fanouriakis A, Kalogiannaki E, Papastefanakis E, Gergianaki I, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. THU0245 PENALIZED REGRESSION ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES CRITERIA AND NON-CRITERIA FEATURES THAT MAY INCREASE THE ACCURACY OF EXISTING SETS OF CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFYING SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE). Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6103] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:The ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 classification criteria have high sensitivity and specificity for SLE, yet they classify non-overlapping groups of patients suggesting that they can be supplemented with additional features to improve their diagnostic performance.Objectives:To identify criteria and non-criteria manifestations that are significantly associated with SLE in clinical practice and can be used to complement the existing sets of classification criteria.Methods:Individual items from all three classification criteria (ACR-1997, SLICC-2012, EULAR/ACR-2019) and non-criteria features were analyzed in a randomly selected sample of 800 adults diagnosed with SLE or control rheumatologic diseases (1:1 ratio). The classification performance of each set of criteria was analyzed in combination with complementary features; multivariable least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was performed for feature selection. We calculated the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of the criteria and the additional features retained in each model.Results:Τhe EULAR/ACR-2019 and SLICC-2012 criteria have increased accuracy for SLE classification as compared to the ACR-1997 criteria (univariate DOR: 243.2 and 157.3versus78.8, respectively). In multivariable regression based on the ACR-1997 criteria, inclusion of additional features such as maculopapular rash, alopecia and hypocomplementemia significantly enhanced the model predictive capacity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.95versus0.87 of the ACR-1997 criteria alone). Similar analysis based on the SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria identified photosensitivity as an additional criterion significantly associated with SLE (multivariable DOR: 5.4 and 9.4, respectively). Accordingly, models including photosensitivity had superior predictive capacity over the criteria-only models (AUC: 0.94versus0.91 for SLICC-2012, 0.96versus0.91 for EULAR/ACR-2019). Furthermore, non-criteria features including Raynaud’s/livedo reticularis, anti-RNP antibodies, splenomegaly and myocarditis were independently associated with SLE thus enhancing further the predictive capacity of criteria-based models.Conclusion:We identified a number of criteria and non-criteria features which can be used in combination with the existing sets of criteria to increase classification of SLE patients in clinical practice. Photosensitivity could be considered as an additional feature to improve sensitivity of the recent classification criteria.Disclosure of Interests:Christina Adamichou: None declared, Irini Genitsaridi: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Alessandra Bortoluzzi: None declared, Antonis Fanouriakis Paid instructor for: Paid instructor for Enorasis, Amgen, Speakers bureau: Paid speaker for Roche, Genesis Pharma, Mylan, Eleni Kalogiannaki: None declared, Emmanouil Papastefanakis: None declared, Irini Gergianaki: None declared, Prodromos Sidiropoulos: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas: None declared, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis
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Grivas A, Kapniari I, Tzannis K, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Kassara D, Havatza K, Flouda S, Nikolopoulos D, Karageorgas T, Papadavid E, Boumpas D, Katsimpri P. AB0788 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: EVIDENCE FOR WORSE DISEASE IN WOMEN. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3346] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects both sexes equally, however there seem to be significant differences in disease expression between the genders.Objectives:To investigate gender differences in disease manifestations, patient-reported outcomes and comorbidities among patients with PsA.Methods:This cross-sectional study of patients with PsA followed at an academic rheumatology outpatient clinic between 1/6/2017 and 1/12/2019. We compared clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, disease activity and comorbidities in male and female patients with PsA. All patients were over 18 years of age and fulfilled the CASPAR criteria for PsA. Differences between gender in values of continuous variables were assessed by T-tests or Mann-Whitney tests. The association between categorical variables and gender was assessed by Pearson chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.Results:135 patients, 83 (62%) women and 52 (38%) men were included. Factors studied for gender differences are shown in Table 1. Women had significantly more tender (11 vs 3 p 0.001) and swollen (10 vs 3, p 0.013) joints, worse VAS (Visual Analogue Scale 0-10) pain (6 vs 5, p <0.001), higher ESR (20 vs 11, p 0.001) and worse DAPSA(Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis) (33 vs 18 p 0.006) and presented with more enthesitis (32.5% vs 13.5%, p 0.013). In contrast, men achieved Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) more frequently (26.9% vs 3.6% p<0.001)and had significantly more comorbidities than women. Polyarthritic disease was more frequent in women (62% vs 31%), although at non-significant levels.Conclusion:Male patients with PsA have more comorbidities, while female patients have greater disease activity, worse patient reported outcomes and achieve MDA less frequently.References:[1]Determinants of Patient-Reported Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease: An Analysis of the Association with Gender in 458 Patients from 14 Countries.[2]Orbai AM, Perin J, et al Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2019 Oct 14. doi: 10.1002/acr.24090.FactorWomen (n=83)Men (n=52)P valueMedian (25th-75thpercentile)Age55.1 (46.8-63)56.6 (50-65.7)0.419*BMI27.9 (24.9-35)30.1 (26.8-33.3)0.181#Pso duration/ PsA duration (years)8.3 (3.9-24.5)/ 2.4 (0-5.7)14.3 (4.7-22.7)/ 2.8 (0-6.4)0.451#/0.605#Smoking (Packyears)15 (5-30)27.5 (0-46)0.002#TJC/SJC11 (4-16)/ 10 (5-17)3 (0-13)/ 3 (0-14)0.001#/0.013#VASPain/ VASGA6 (5-8)/ 5 (3-6)5 (1-6)/ 4 (2-5)<0.001*/0.121*CRP/ ESR1.4 (0.4-3.2)/20(11-33)1.1 (0.2-2.7)/ 11 (7-18)0.398#/0.001#BSA/PASI0 (0-2)/0(0-2)2 (0-6)/1(0-4.8)0.139#/0.258#DAPSA33 (24.1-45)18 (9.3-45)0.006#n (%)Enthesitis/ Dactylitis27 (32.5)/ 20 (24.1)7 (13.5)/ 10 (19.2)0.013***/ 0.508***Dyslipidemia33 (40.2)31 (59.6)0.029***Liver3 (3.6)7 (13.5)0.046**Eyes0 (0)3 (5.8)0.055**Uricemia3 (3.6)8 (15.4)0.023**Depression or anxiety16 (19.3)11 (21.1)0.817***CAD2 (2.4)12 (23.1)<0.001**DM14 (16.9)12 (23.1)0.392MDA3 (3.6)14 (26.9)<0.001*: T-test with unequal variances;#: Mann-Whitney test; **: Fisher’s exact test; ***: Pearson chi2 test;Pso: Psoriasis; PsA: Psoriatic arthritis; BMI: Body mass index; TJC: Tender joint count; SJC: Swollen joint count; VASPain: Visual analogue scale 0-10 for pain; VASGA: Visual analogue scale 0-10 for general assessement; CRP: C-reactive protein; ESR: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate; BSA: Body surface area; PASI: Psoriasis area severity index; DAPSA: Disease activity in psoriatic arthritis; CAD: Coronary artery disease; DM: Diabetes mellitus; MDA: Minimal disease activity;Disclosure of Interests:ALEXANDROS GRIVAS: None declared, IRENE KAPNIARI: None declared, KIMON TZANNIS: None declared, Dimitrios Tseronis: None declared, Michail Aggelakos: None declared, Dimitra Kassara: None declared, KATERINA HAVATZA: None declared, Sofia Flouda: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Theofanis Karageorgas: None declared, EVAGELIA PAPADAVID: None declared, DIMITRIOS BOUMPAS Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant support from various pharmaceutical companies, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI: None declared
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Adamichou C, Nikolopoulos D, Nikoloudaki M, Rahme Z, Fredi M, Pieta A, Repa A, Parma A, Kalogiannaki E, Avgustidis N, Kougkas N, Banos A, Eskitzis A, Bortoluzzi A, Jacobsen S, Sidiropoulos P, Dermitzakis E, Mosca M, Inês L, Andreoli L, Tincani A, Fanouriakis A, Bertsias G. FRI0155 Α MULTICENTER “AT-RISK” COHORT FOR THE DISCOVERY OF ENVIRONMENTAL, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR PREDICTORS FOR THE TRANSITION INTO SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE). Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4468] [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
Background:SLE onset is preceded by a preclinical phase evidenced by the presence of anti-nuclear and other autoantibodies (autoAbs), which however, have low predictive value for development of clinical SLE.Objectives:To define the subgroup of autoAbs-positive individuals who are at high risk for progression into SLE by integrating environmental, clinical/serological, genetic and transcriptome data.Methods:A multicenter, across five European countries, inception cohort of autoAbs-positive individuals or first-degree relatives (FDRs) of SLE patients who are monitored prospectively over five years for possible transition to SLE according to the classification criteria. Structured data collection on demographics, family and medical history, clinical (criteria and selected non-criteria manifestations) and serological parameters, use of medications, hydroxyvitamin D levels and lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol use, physical activity, adherence to Mediterranean diet). Blood samples are stored for RNA-sequencing and genotyping.Results:A total 254 at-risk individuals (93% women, 99% Caucasians, aged [mean ± standard deviation] 36 ± 12 years) have been included and enrolment/monitoring is still ongoing. Forty individuals (16%) have FDR with SLE and 88 individuals (35%) have FDR with another autoimmune disorder. The frequency of active and past use of tobacco was 28% and 20%, respectively. Sedentary lifestyle (moving only for necessary chores or outdoor activity 1-2 times/week) was reported by 54% and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low (3.4 ± 2.3, maximum score: 9). At enrolment, individuals had 1.9 ± 1.1 ACR-1997 classification criteria, with anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) being the most frequent (88%), followed by synovitis (39%), photosensitivity (33%) and immunologic disorder (30%) (Table 1). During follow-up of 15.2 ± 7.2 months, a total 15 individuals (5.9%) have progressed into classified SLE, including cases with severe hematological and neurological disease.Table 1.Baseline characteristics of the at-risk for SLE cohortN (%) or mean ± SDACR 1997 classification criteria1.9 ± 1.1 Malar rash68 (27%) Discoid rash29 (11%) Photosensitivity83 (33%) Mucosal ulcers49 (19%) Synovitis100 (39%) Serositis30 (12%) Renal disorder28 (11%) Neurologic disorder31 (12%) Hematologic disorder58 (23%) Immunologic disorder77 (30%) ANA222 (88%)SLICC 2012 classification criteria Clinical criteria1.0 ± 0.9 Immunological criteria1.3 ± 0.9Conclusion:Among individuals with positive autoAbs or FDRs with SLE, the short-term risk for transition into clinical SLE is low. Following the study completion, clinical and lifestyle data will be combined with blood transcriptome to define a high-risk subgroup of individuals for progression into SLE.Acknowledgments:The study is supported by the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM; preclin016)Disclosure of Interests:Christina Adamichou: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Myrto Nikoloudaki: None declared, Zahra Rahme: None declared, Micaela Fredi: None declared, Antigoni Pieta: None declared, ARGYRO REPA: None declared, Alice Parma: None declared, Eleni Kalogiannaki: None declared, Nestor Avgustidis: None declared, Nikolaos Kougkas: None declared, Aggelos Banos: None declared, Anastasios Eskitzis: None declared, Alessandra Bortoluzzi: None declared, Søren Jacobsen: None declared, Prodromos Sidiropoulos: None declared, Emmanouil Dermitzakis: None declared, Marta Mosca: None declared, Luís Inês: None declared, Laura Andreoli: None declared, Angela Tincani: None declared, Antonis Fanouriakis Paid instructor for: Paid instructor for Enorasis, Amgen, Speakers bureau: Paid speaker for Roche, Genesis Pharma, Mylan, George Bertsias Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: Novartis
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Karampeli M, Thomas K, Tseronis D, Aggelakos M, Kassara D, Havatza K, Flouda S, Nikolopoulos D, Pieta A, Tzavara V, Katsimbri P, Boumpas D, Karageorgas T. AB1216 INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA WITH AUTOIMMUNE FEATURES (IPAF): A SINGLE CENTER, PROSPECTIVE STUDY. Ann Rheum Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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
Background:Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF)1describes a group of patients with interstitial lung disease and autoimmune features who do not meet the classification criteria for a specific connective tissue disease. Limited data regarding IPAF are available so far.Objectives:To identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with IPAF and to observe disease progression, response to treatment and frequency of infections in 1-year follow-up period.Methods:Thirty-nine patients from ‘Attikon’ University Hospital of Athens fulfilling the IPAF criteria were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory findings, comorbidities, medications, pulmonary outcomes assessed with repeated pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and chest HRCT and complications in a 1-year follow-up period were documented for each patient. Univariate models were performed in order to identify determinants of infection and clinically significant difference in PFTs (defined as change of ≥ 10% in FVC and/or ≥ 15% in DLCO).Results:The mean age at the time of IPAF diagnosis was 63.2 (±11) years and 62% of the patients were female. The most common clinical features included in the IPAF criteria were arthritis (82%) and Raynaud’s phenomenon (26%). A morbilliform and/or polymorphic rash of the face, neck and extremities (not included in the IPAF criteria) was noted in 54% of patients. ANA (59%) and anti–Ro (21%) were the most common auto-antibodies. Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) was the most prevalent radiological pattern (61.5%) as shown in table 1. Treatment comprised corticosteroids and immunosuppressants including hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate and cyclophosphamide. PFTs following treatment at 6 and 12 months from baseline showed a trend of improvement (Table 2, p> 0.05). At 1 year from baseline, 20.5% of patients showed a clinically significant deterioration while 25% had a clinically significant improvement. Infections were observed in 23.1% of patients during the first semester and in 12.8% during the second semester of the follow-up period. All were respiratory tract infections and two patients (5.1%) required hospitalization. All infections occurred in patients with non-UIP pattern (p=0.02) which might be attributed to higher doses of corticosteroids used in these patients (mean initial prednisolone dose = 27 (±18) mg/d in patients with non-UIP pattern versus 17 (±16) mg/d in patients with UIP pattern, p=0.4).Table 1.Prevalence of HRCT patterns in 39 patients.Radiological patternNo (%)NSIP24 (61,5%)OP2 (5,1%)NSIP with OP overlap2 (5,1%)LIP1 (2,6%)UIP7 (18%)NSIP and UIP3 (7,7%)NSIP: Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia, OP: Organizing Pneumonia, LIP: Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia, UIP: Usual Interstitial Pneumonia.Table 2.PFTs at baseline, 6 and 12 months.PFTs (% of predicted value ± SD)Baseline6 months12 monthsP valueFVC79% (±19%)82% (±18%)84% (±17%)nsDLCO49% (±16%)52% (±17%)53% (±17%)nsConclusion:Rash is a common feature in IPAF and may be considered for inclusion into IPAF criteria. A trend of improvement in PFTs and a significant risk of respiratory tract infections mainly in the first semester of treatment and in patients with non-UIP radiological pattern were observed. Larger prospective studies are warranted in order to elucidate IPAF’s prognosis and to identify effective management approaches.References:[1]Fischer A, et al. An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society research statement: interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. Eur Respir J 2015; 46: 976-987.Disclosure of Interests:Maria Karampeli: None declared, Konstantinos Thomas: None declared, Dimitrios Tseronis: None declared, Michail Aggelakos: None declared, Dimitra Kassara: None declared, Katerina Havatza: None declared, Sofia Flouda: None declared, Dionysis Nikolopoulos: None declared, Antigoni Pieta: None declared, Vasiliki Tzavara: None declared, Pelagia Katsimbri: None declared, Dimitrios Boumpas Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant support from various pharmaceutical companies, Theofanis Karageorgas: None declared
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Nikolopoulos D, Kostopoulou M, Pieta A, Karageorgas T, Tseronis D, Chavatza K, Flouda S, Rapsomaniki P, Banos A, Kremasmenou E, Tzavara V, Katsimbri P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. Evolving phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus in Caucasians: low incidence of lupus nephritis, high burden of neuropsychiatric disease and increased rates of late-onset lupus in the 'Attikon' cohort. Lupus 2020; 29:514-522. [PMID: 32106788 PMCID: PMC7168806 DOI: 10.1177/0961203320908932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyse the phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at first presentation and during follow-up in a newly established SLE cohort based at 'Attikon' University Hospital. The hospital combines primary, secondary and tertiary care for the region of Western Attica, Greece. METHODS This study comprised a mixed prevalent and incident cohort of 555 Caucasian patients diagnosed with SLE according to American College of Rheumatology 1997 criteria and/or the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 criteria. Demographic and clinical characteristics, patterns of severity, treatments and SLICC damage index were recorded for each patient at the time of diagnosis and at last evaluation. RESULTS The mean age at lupus diagnosis was 38.3 years (standard deviation = 15.6 years), with a median disease duration at last follow-up of two years (interquartile range 1-11). At initial presentation, the most common 'classification' manifestations were arthritis (73.3%), acute cutaneous lupus (65%) and unexplained fever (25%), while among symptoms not included in any criteria set, Raynaud's phenomenon (33%) was the most common. Kidney and neuropsychiatric involvement as presenting manifestations were present in 10.3% and 11.5% cases, respectively. Irreversible damage accrual was present in 17.8% within six months of disease diagnosis, attributed mainly to thrombotic and neuropsychiatric disease. At last evaluation, 202 (36.4%) patients had developed severe disease, of whom more than half were treated with pulse cyclophosphamide. CONCLUSION In this cohort of Caucasian patients, lupus nephritis is not as common as in older cohorts, while neuropsychiatric disease is emerging as a major frontier in lupus prevention and care. These data may help to document changes in the natural history and treatment of SLE over time and may have implications for its early recognition and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M Kostopoulou
- Department of Nephrology, 'Georgios Gennimatas' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A Pieta
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - T Karageorgas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - D Tseronis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - K Chavatza
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - S Flouda
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - P Rapsomaniki
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - A Banos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kremasmenou
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, 'Red Cross' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - V Tzavara
- Laboratory of Immunology, 'Red Cross' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P Katsimbri
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - A Fanouriakis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Department of Rheumatology, 'Asklepieion' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - D T Boumpas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Grigoriou M, Banos A, Filia A, Pavlidis P, Giannouli S, Karali V, Nikolopoulos D, Pieta A, Bertsias G, Verginis P, Mitroulis I, Boumpas DT. Transcriptome reprogramming and myeloid skewing in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 79:242-253. [PMID: 31780527 PMCID: PMC7025734 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are multipotent cells giving rise to both myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages. We reasoned that the aberrancies of immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could be traced back to HSPCs. Methods A global gene expression map of bone marrow (BM)-derived HSPCs was completed by RNA sequencing followed by pathway and enrichment analysis. The cell cycle status and apoptosis status of HSPCs were assessed by flow cytometry, while DNA damage was assessed via immunofluorescence. Results Transcriptomic analysis of Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ haematopoietic progenitors from diseased lupus mice demonstrated a strong myeloid signature with expanded frequencies of common myeloid progenitors (CMPs)—but not of common lymphoid progenitors—reminiscent of a ‘trained immunity’ signature. CMP profiling revealed an intense transcriptome reprogramming with suppression of granulocytic regulators indicative of a differentiation arrest with downregulation trend of major regulators such as Cebpe, Cebpd and Csf3r, and disturbed myelopoiesis. Despite the differentiation arrest, frequencies of BM neutrophils were markedly increased in diseased mice, suggesting an alternative granulopoiesis pathway. In patients with SLE with severe disease, haematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+) demonstrated enhanced proliferation, cell differentiation and transcriptional activation of cytokines and chemokines that drive differentiation towards myelopoiesis, thus mirroring the murine data. Conclusions Aberrancies of immune cells in SLE can be traced back to the BM HSPCs. Priming of HSPCs and aberrant regulation of myelopoiesis may contribute to inflammation and risk of flare. Trial registration number 4948/19-07-2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grigoriou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aggelos Banos
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Filia
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Pavlidis
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stavroula Giannouli
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokrateion Hospital, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Karali
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antigone Pieta
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panayotis Verginis
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Center of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital and Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece .,Laboratory of Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Rheumatology-Clinical Immunology Unit, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Adamichou C, Nikolopoulos D, Genitsaridi I, Bortoluzzi A, Fanouriakis A, Papastefanakis E, Kalogiannaki E, Gergianaki I, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT, Bertsias GK. In an early SLE cohort the ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria classify non-overlapping groups of patients: use of all three criteria ensures optimal capture for clinical studies while their modification earlier classification and treatment. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 79:232-241. [PMID: 31704720 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-216155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [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: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Classification criteria are biased towards classifying long-standing disease. We compared the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR)-2019, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)-2012 and ACR-1997 criteria in an early (median 48 months) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort. METHODS Patients diagnosed with SLE (n=690) or control diseases (n=401). Sensitivity, specificity of the criteria and time-to-classification were calculated. Modified classification algorithms were derived from a random 80% and validated in the remaining 20% of the dataset running multiple iterations. RESULTS At last assessment, sensitivities of ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria were 85.7%, 91.3% and 88.6%, with specificities 93.0%, 93.8% and 97.3%, respectively. Both SLICC and EULAR/ACR enabled earlier classification. Only 76.7% of patients with SLE met all three criteria suggesting non-overlapping groups. Notably, unclassified patients had high prevalence of British Isles Lupus Assessment Group moderate/severe manifestations (43.3%-60%) and SLICC/ACR organ damage (30%-50%). At diagnosis, criteria missed 25.6%-30.5% of patients. Modification of EULAR/ACR and SLICC algorithms to include hypocomplementaemia and/or positive anti-phospholipid antibodies as alternative entry criterion, and/or allow classification with fewer clinical criteria from multiple organs, increased their sensitivity at diagnosis (median 82.0% and 86.2%) and overall (93.7% and 97.1%) with modest decreases in specificity. Importantly, patients who were still missed by the modified criteria had lower incidence of major organ involvement, use of immunosuppressive/biological therapies and organ damage. CONCLUSIONS The SLICC and EULAR/ACR are more sensitive than the ACR and the EULAR/ACR criteria have superior specificity in early SLE, although patients with significant disease can be missed. Combination and/or modification of the classification algorithms may enhance their sensitivity, allowing earlier classification and treatment of more patients with high disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Adamichou
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- 4th Department of Medicine, 'Attikon' University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Genitsaridi
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Computer Science, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Section of Rheumatology Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliera - Universitaria Sant'Anna, Cona (Ferrara), Italy
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- 4th Department of Medicine, 'Attikon' University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Papastefanakis
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Eleni Kalogiannaki
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Irini Gergianaki
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Iraklio, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- 4th Department of Medicine, 'Attikon' University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - George K Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Crete School of Medicine, Iraklio, Greece .,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Iraklio, Greece
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Korgiopoulou C, Bresta P, Nikolopoulos D, Karabourniotis G. Sex-specific structural and functional leaf traits and sun-shade acclimation in the dioecious tree Pistacia vera (Anacardiaceae). Funct Plant Biol 2019; 46:649-659. [PMID: 31014446 DOI: 10.1071/fp18256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In dioecious species, sex-related adaptive strategies, influenced by natural and sexual selection, allow each sex to meet the specific demands of reproduction. Differences in ecophysiological traits between males and females may rely on innate differences in secondary sex traits such as structural and functional leaf traits. We tested structural sexual leaf dimorphism in Pistacia vera L. and the intersexual differences in sun-shade acclimation processes expected from the different adaptive strategies of males and females. Fifteen structural and functional leaf traits were compared in 50-year-old trees between females with low fruit load and males under sun and shade conditions. Despite the low additional energy investment in reproduction in females, remarkable sex effects in leaf structure and function were observed. Male trees had smaller leaves with significantly lower total conducting petiole area (TCA) and higher stomatal density, water use efficiency and concentration of phenolic compounds; females had larger leaves with greater thickness, leaf mass per area, TCA and maximum photosynthetic capacity per area (Amax,a). The higher Amax,a and stomatal conductance of female leaves were associated with their ~20-fold higher TCA compared with male trees. Females seem to invest more in high xylem efficiency and rates of C gain; males invest more in defence-protection. Sun-shade plastic responses were sex- and trait-specific, but the plasticity assessment indicated that both sexes have evolved an almost equal degree of phenotypic plasticity that allows them to perform optimally under varying environmental conditions. However, the trait-specific differences indicate that each sex displays a different strategy of optimisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Korgiopoulou
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Botanikos, Athens, Greece
| | - P Bresta
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Botanikos, Athens, Greece; and Corresponding author.
| | - D Nikolopoulos
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Botanikos, Athens, Greece
| | - G Karabourniotis
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Botanikos, Athens, Greece
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Nikolopoulos D, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas DT. Cerebrovascular Events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Diagnosis and Management. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2019; 30:7-15. [PMID: 32185337 PMCID: PMC7045913 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.30.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and disability in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with SLE have a two-fold increase in the risk of stroke with younger patients (ie, less than 50 years of age) having an ever-higher risk (up to 10-fold). Although the prognosis of SLE has improved, mortality due to cerebrovascular events (CVE) remains unchanged. Cerebrovascular disease may be directly attributed to the disease per se, as a manifestation of neuropsychiatric SLE, or be the result of traditional cardiovascular risk factors accompanying the disease. Elucidation of the underlying mechanism(s) of CVE is essential as it may guide the type of therapy (ie, antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy versus immunosuppressive). Strokes attributed to lupus usually occur early in the course of the disease and are often accompanied by evidence of activity in other organs; those related to antiphospholipid antibodies can occur at any time, in patients with either active or inactive SLE. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, work-up, management and primary prevention of CVE in patients with lupus. In view of the effectiveness of thrombolysis, physicians need to educate lupus patients and their families for the early recognition of the signs of stroke and the need to seek prompt attention. To this end acronyms, such as FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency service) can be used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to the needs of a person having a stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Immune Regulation and Tolerance, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Bresta P, Nikolopoulos D, Stavroulaki V, Vahamidis P, Economou G, Karabourniotis G. How does long-term drought acclimation modify structure-function relationships? A quantitative approach to leaf phenotypic plasticity of barley. Funct Plant Biol 2018; 45:1181-1194. [PMID: 32291009 DOI: 10.1071/fp17283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Under drought conditions the growth and survival of a plant depend on its adaptive characteristics and acclimation ability. Adaptation refers to inherent morpho-physiological characters providing protection against water losses. Acclimation, however, is a special case of phenotypic plasticity: environment-dependent phenotypic expression resulting to a 'new' phenotype through drought-induced modulations in leaf morphology, anatomy and physiology. Given that phenotypic plasticity influences environmental tolerance, a multi-trait plasticity index could be of great importance. Therefore, we examined the acclimation processes of three different barley genotypes using a multi-trait plasticity assessment with emphasis on the leaf water economy-related traits. Our results showed that (i) the structure-function co-ordination during long-term drought acclimation follows the trade-off between carbon gain and water saving as well as the competition between investments in photosynthesis vs synthesis of protective compounds; (ii) the genotypes with smaller leaf area, narrower and denser veins, as well as smaller and denser stomata i.e. traits providing tolerance, exhibited less drastic adjustments under stress conditions, suggesting a trade-off between acclimation and tolerance-adaptation; and (iii) the slope values of a multi-trait 'reaction norm' based on regression analysis of PCA scores were indicative of the degree of plasticity for each genotype, providing an accurate representation of a complex set of data with single numeric results easily comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bresta
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - D Nikolopoulos
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - V Stavroulaki
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - P Vahamidis
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - G Economou
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - G Karabourniotis
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Votanikos, 11855 Athens, Greece
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Nikolopoulos D, Valais I, Michail C, Bakas A, Fountzoula C, Cantzos D, Bhattacharyya D, Sianoudis I, Fountos G, Yannakopoulos P, Panayiotakis G, Kandarakis I. Radioluminescence properties of the CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dot nanocrystals with analysis of long-memory trends. RADIAT MEAS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Michail CM, Karpetas GE, Fountos GP, Valais IG, Nikolopoulos D, Kandarakis IS, Panayiotakis GS. Assessment of the Contrast to Noise Ratio in PET Scanners with Monte Carlo Methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/637/1/012019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Nikolopoulos D, Valais I, Michail C, Kottou S, Chatzisavvas N, Yannakopoulos P, Malaxianakis V. Modelling Biograph 2 PET/CT Scanner with GATE. Phys Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2014.07.269] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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