Pth1r in Neural Crest Cells Regulates Nasal Cartilage Differentiation

Neural crest cells (NCC) arise from the dorsal margin of the neural plate border and comprise a unique cell population that migrates to and creates the craniofacial region. Although factors including Shh, Fgf8, and bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to regulate these biological events, the role of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (Pth1r) has been less studied. We generated an NCC-specific mouse model for Pth1r and researched gene expression, function, and interaction focusing on nasal cartilage framework and midfacial development. Wnt1-Cre;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice had perinatal lethality, but we observed short snout and jaws, tongue protrusion, reduced NCC-derived cranial length, increased mineralization in nasal septum and hyoid bones, and less bone mineralization at interfrontal suture in mutants at E18.5. Importantly, the mutant nasal septum and turbinate cartilage histologically revealed gradual, premature accelerated hypertrophic differentiation. We then studied the underlying molecular mechanisms by performing RNA seq analysis and unexpectedly found that expression of Ihh and related signaling molecules was enhanced in mutant nasomaxillary tissues. To see if Pth1r and Ihh signaling are associated, we generated a Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (DKO) mouse and compared the phenotypes to those of each single knockout mouse: Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/+;Tomatofl/+ (Ihh-CKO) and Wnt1-Cre;Ihhfl/+;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (Pth1r-CKO). Ihh-CKO mice displayed a milder effect. Of note, the excessive hypertrophic conversion of the nasal cartilage framework observed in Pth1r-CKO was somewhat rescued DKO embryos. Further, a half cAMP responsive element and the 4 similar sequences containing 2 mismatches were identified from the promoter to the first intron in Ihh gene. Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+, a Pth1r-deficient model targeted in hedgehog responsive cells, demonstrated the enlarged hypertrophic layer and significantly more Tomato-positive chondrocytes accumulated in the nasal septum and ethmoidal endochondral ossification. Collectively, the data suggest a relevant Pth1r/Ihh interaction. Our findings obtained from novel mouse models for Pth1r signaling illuminate previously unknown aspects in craniofacial biology and development.

Pth1r Signal in Gli1+ Cells Maintains Postnatal Cranial Base Synchondrosis

Cranial base synchondroses are the endochondral ossification centers for cranial base growth and thus indispensable for proper skull, brain, and midfacial development. The synchondroses are composed of mirror-image growth plates that are continuously maintained from the embryonic to postnatal stage through chondrocyte differentiation. Several factors, including Pth1r signaling, are known to control fetal synchondrosis development. However, there are currently no reports regarding any role for Pth1r signaling in postnatal cranial base and synchondrosis development. Also, the mesenchymal cells that source Pth1r signaling for synchondroses are not known. Here, we employed an inducible mouse model, a hedgehog-responsive Gli1-CreERT2 driver, focusing on the postnatal study. We performed 2 inducible protocols using Gli1-CreERT2;Tomatofl/+ mice that uncovered distinct patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes in the synchondrosis cartilage. Moreover, we generated Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice to assess their functions in postnatal synchondrosis and found that the mutants had survived postnatally. The mutant skulls morphologically presented unambiguous phenotypes where we noticed the shortened cranial base and premature synchondrosis closure. Histologically, gradual disorganization in mutant synchondroses caused an uncommon remaining central zone between hypertrophic zones on both sides while the successive differentiation of round, flat, and hypertrophic chondrocytes was observed in control sections. These mutant synchondroses disappeared and were finally replaced by bone. Of note, the mutant fusing synchondroses lost their characteristic patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes, suggesting that loss of Pth1r signaling alters the distribution of hedgehog-responsive chondrocytes. Moreover, we performed laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to characterize the flat proliferative and round resting chondrocytes where we found flat chondrocytes have a characteristic feature of both chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Pth1r signaling in Gli1-positive cells is essential for postnatal development and maintenance in cranial base synchondroses. Our findings will elucidate previously unknown aspects of Pth1r functions in cranial biology and development.

Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

POS0794 PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH IN TAKAYASU ARTERITIS IN JAPAN – A NATIONWIDE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TAK), a granulomatous large vessel vasculitis, mainly involves the aorta and its proximal branches and commonly occurs in young females. However, studies of pregnancy in women with TAK are sparse and limited, probably due to the rarity of the disease.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to understand the status quo of medical treatments of the primary disease and outcomes of pregnancy in patients with TAK, and birth outcomes of the children in Japan.

Methods

Patients with TAK who conceived after the onset of the disease and were managed at medical facilities participating in the Japan Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis (JPVAS) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The following information was collected from patients who had a live-born baby: age at diagnosis of TAK, disease classification, age at delivery, treatments before and during pregnancy, complications during pregnancy, birth outcomes of the children, and changes in disease activity during pregnancy and after delivery.

Results

Fifty-one cases and 69 pregnancies from 19 ethics committee-approved centers were enrolled during the study period 2019–2021. Of these, 49 cases and 66 pregnancies (95.7%) resulted in delivery and live-born babies. The Numano classification of the 49 cases was as follows: type I, 11; type IIa, 15; type IIb,12; type III, 1; type IV, 1; type V, 9; with type IIa being the most common. The age of diagnosis was 22 years (13–37 years, year of diagnosis 1965–2017), the median age of the delivery of 66 pregnancies was 31 years (year of delivery 1969-2021), and the median duration of illness at delivery was nine years. There were 34 planned pregnancies (51.5%, including four pregnancies by artificial insemination/ovulation induction). Preconception therapy included prednisolone (PSL) in 51 pregnancies (77.3%, median dose 7.5 mg (range 4–30 mg)/day), immunosuppressive drugs in 18 pregnancies (27.3%, azathioprine 8, tacrolimus 7, methotrexate 4, cyclosporin A 1, and colchicine 1), biologics in 12 pregnancies (18.1%, infliximab 6, tocilizumab 5, and adalimumab 1), antihypertensive drugs in 5 pregnancies (7.6%). Surgical treatment had been performed before pregnancy in 6 cases (aortic root replacement 2, subclavian artery dilatation 1, subclavian artery bypass 1, subclavian artery stenting 1, and ascending aorta semicircular artery replacement 1). Medications used during the course of pregnancy included PSL in 48 pregnancies (72.7%, median dose 8 mg (range 4–30 mg)/day, increased in 13 pregnancies, decreased in 1 pregnancy), immunosuppressants in 13 pregnancies (19.7%, azathioprine 6, tacrolimus 6, and cyclosporin A 1), biologics 9 pregnancies (13.6%, infliximab 4, tocilizumab 4, and adalimumab 1). Immunosuppressants and biologics were discontinued in five and four pregnancies after conception. Complications during pregnancy were observed in 20 pregnancies (30.3%), with hypertension being the most common. Complications related to TAK or its treatment were severe infections in two pregnancies and aneurysm enlargement due to increased circulating plasma volume in one pregnancy. Aortic arch replacement was performed after delivery for the latter case. Relapse of TAK was observed in 4 pregnancies (6.1%) during pregnancy and in 8 pregnancies (12.1%) after delivery. One pregnancy resulted in restenosis of subclavian artery for which dilatation procedure was performed prior to the pregnancy. There were 13/66 (19.7%) preterm infants and 17/59 (28.8%) low birth weight infants; all but one had a birth weight of more than 2,000 g and no had serious postnatal abnormalities. Forty-three (82.7%) of the 52 confirmed infants were breastfeed fully or mixed.

Conclusion

Most of the pregnancies in patients with TAK were successfully delivered while they had low disease activity at a dose of less than 10 mg/day of PSL. Relapse occurred during pregnancy and after delivery in some cases. The babies tended to have low birth weight, but 82.7% of them were breastfed without serious complications.

Disclosure of Interests

Takako Miyamae: None declared, Yusuke Manabe: None declared, takahiko sugihara Speakers bureau: TS has received honoraria from Abbvie Japan Co., Ltd., AsahiKASEI Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Ayumi Pharmaceutical, Bristol Myers Squibb K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Co., Ono Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Japan Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and UCB Japan Co., Grant/research support from: TS has received research grants from AsahiKASEI Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Ono Pharmaceutical., Natsuka Umezawa: None declared, Hajime Yoshifuji Speakers bureau: HY has received lecture fees from Janssen and Chugai., Naoto Tamura: None declared, Yoshiyuki Abe: None declared, Shunsuke Furuta Speakers bureau: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.

DaiichiSankyo Co.,Ltd.

Asahi-Kasei Pharma Corporation, Manami Kato: None declared, Takashi Kumagai: None declared, Kaito Nakamura: None declared, Hiroko Nagafuchi: None declared, Jun Ishizaki: None declared, Naoko Nakano: None declared, Tatsuya Atsumi Speakers bureau: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Eisai Co. Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Novartis Pharma K.K., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.,TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD., Consultant of: AstraZeneca plc., MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES CO., LTD., Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO. LTD.,

Novartis Pharma K.K., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd., Grant/research support from: Astellas Pharma Inc., TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.AbbVie Inc., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd.,Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Pfizer Inc. Alexion Inc., TEIJIN PHARMA LIMITED., Kohei Karino: None declared, Koichi Amano Speakers bureau: AbbVie GK, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd., Eisai, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKlein, Janssen Pharma, Pfizer Japan, Grant/research support from: Asahi-Kasei Pharma,Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd., Takahiko Kurasawa: None declared, Shuichi Ito: None declared, Ryusuke Yoshimi: None declared, Noriyoshi Ogawa: None declared, Shogo Banno: None declared, Taio Naniwa Speakers bureau: Chugai, Tanabe, Abbbvie, Eisai, Grant/research support from: Chugai, Tanabe, Abbbvie, Eisai, Satoshi Ito Speakers bureau: SI has received speaker’s fees from pharmaceutical companies., Akinori Hara: None declared, Shinya Hirahara: None declared, Haruhito A. Uchida: None declared, Yasuhiro Onishi: None declared, Yohko Murakawa Speakers bureau: Astellas, UCB, Chugai, AbbVie, Grant/research support from: Chugai, AbbVie, Yoshinori Komagata: None declared, Yoshikazu Nakaoka: None declared, Masayoshi Harigai Speakers bureau: MH has received speaker’s fee from AbbVie Japan GK, Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Boehringer Ingelheim Japan, Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novartis Japan, Pfizer Japan Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Teijin Pharma Ltd and UCB Japan., Consultant of: MH is a consultant for AbbVie, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Teijin Pharma.

Effects of mechanical stress and deficiency of dihydrotestosterone or 17β-estradiol on Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis in mice

OBJECTIVE

To observe and analyze the interaction between excessive mechanical stress (MS) and decreased sex hormones on Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA), and to discover TMJ-OA disease susceptibility genes by molecular biological analysis to elucidate part of the mechanism of TMJ-OA onset.

DESIGN

For experimental groups, orchiectomy (ORX) or ovariectomy (OVX) was performed on sexually mature 8-week-old mice. A metal plate was attached to the posterior surface of the maxillary incisors to apply excessive MS on mandibular condyles. Male mice were divided into control, ORX, MS, and ORX + MS groups, while female mice were divided into control, OVX, MS, and OVX + MS groups. Mandibular condyles were evaluated by histology and molecular biology.

RESULTS

Histomorphometric analysis of the TMJ in ORX + MS and OVX + MS groups revealed the thinnest chondrocyte layers, highest modified Mankin scores, and significant increases in the number of osteoclasts. Gene expression analysis indicated upregulation of Angptl7 and Car1 genes in the mandibular condyles of mice subjected to the combined effects of excessive MS and reduced sex hormones. In vitro analysis suggested that cartilage-like cells overexpressing Angptl7 enhanced calcification, and osteoblast-like cells overexpression Car1 suppressed cell proliferation and calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

A severe TMJ-OA mouse model was successfully developed by applying excessive MS on the mandibular condyle of male and female mice with reduced sex hormones. Disease-susceptibility genes Angptl7 and Car1 were newly discovered in the experimental groups, suggesting their involvement in the onset mechanism of TMJ-OA.

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Attenuates Diet-Induced and Age-Related Peripheral Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Cerebral Amyloid Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Obesity and diabetes are well-established risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the brains of patients with AD and model mice, diabetes-related factors have been implicated in the pathological changes of AD. However, the molecular mechanistic link between the peripheral metabolic state and AD pathophysiology have remained elusive. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known as one of the major contributors to the metabolic abnormalities in obesity and diabetes. Interventions aimed at reducing ER stress have been shown to improve the systemic metabolic abnormalities, although their effects on the AD pathology have not been extensively studied.

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether interventions targeting ER stress attenuate the obesity/diabetes-induced Aβ accumulation in brains. We also aimed to determine whether ER stress that took place in the peripheral tissues or central nervous system was more important in the Aβ neuropathology. Furthermore, we explored if age-related metabolic abnormalities and Aβ accumulation could be suppressed by reducing ER stress.

METHODS

APP transgenic mice (A7-Tg), which exhibit Aβ accumulation in the brain, were used as a model of AD to analyze parameters of peripheral metabolic state, ER stress, and Aβ pathology in the brain. Intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular administration of taurodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a chemical chaperone, was performed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed A7-Tg mice for ~1 month, followed by analyses at 9 months of age. Mice fed a normal diet were treated with TUDCA by drinking water for 4 months and intraperitoneally for 1 month in parallel, and analyzed at 15 months of age.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal administration of TUDCA suppressed ER stress in the peripheral tissues and ameliorated the HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Concomitantly, Aβ levels in the brain were significantly reduced. In contrast, intracerebroventricular administration of TUDCA had no effect on the Aβ levels. Peripheral administration of TUDCA was also effective against the age-related obesity and insulin resistance, and markedly reduced amyloid accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that target peripheral ER stress might be beneficial therapeutic and prevention strategies against brain Aβ pathology associated with metabolic overload and aging.

POS0092 HERPES ZOSTER IN THE FILGOTINIB RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PROGRAM

Background:

The once daily, oral Janus kinase (JAK)-1 preferential inhibitor filgotinib (FIL) improved signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in phase (P)3 trials.1-3 Patients (pts) with RA have increased herpes zoster (HZ) reactivation risk vs the general population. JAK inhibition is associated with increased infection incidence, including HZ.4

Objectives:

To assess long-term safety of FIL across the global clinical program with respect to HZ.

Methods:

Pts meeting 2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria in a pooled analysis of P2 DARWIN 1–2 (D1–2), P3 FINCH 1–3 (F1–3), and long-term extension studies (D3, F4) were included. Placebo (PBO)-controlled as-randomised analysis included pts receiving FIL 100 mg (FIL100), FIL 200 mg (FIL200), or PBO up to week (W)12 (D1–2, F1–2); active-controlled as-randomised analysis included pts receiving FIL100, FIL200, adalimumab (ADA), or methotrexate (MTX) up to W52 (F1, F3). Long-term as-treated analysis included pts in all 7 studies receiving FIL100, FIL200, ADA, MTX, or PBO; data after re-randomisation were included and contributed to treatment received. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIR)/100 patient-years, calculated up to the last follow-up time or day, and differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from the Poisson model. Logistic regression model was used for treatment-emergent (TE) HZ risk factor analysis and odds ratio (95% CI) and P value were provided.

Results:

Table 1 shows TE HZ EAIRs in a pooled analysis. Rates of HZ were lower for FIL200 vs PBO during the 12W PBO-controlled period. At 52W, HZ rates were higher for FIL200/100 vs active control. Long-term HZ rates increased for FIL200 vs FIL100.

Table 1.

EAIR of treatment-emergent herpes zoster

NPatient-years exposureEAIR(95% CI)EAIR diff(95% CI vs PBO/active control)12W PBO-controlled FIL200777179.80.6 (0.1, 3.9)−0.56 (−2.5, 1.3) FIL100788181.61.1 (0.3, 4.4)−0.02 (−2.2, 2.2) PBO781178.41.1 (0.3, 4.5)Active-controlled, as-randomiseda FIL200475439.71.4 (0.6, 3.0)0.69 (−0.7, 2.1) FIL100480443.40.9 (0.3, 2.4)0.23 (−1.1, 1.5) ADA325297.60.7 (0.2, 2.7)Active-controlled, as-randomiseda FIL200626578.01.7 (0.9, 3.2)0.65 (−0.8, 2.2) FIL100207195.01.5 (0.5, 4.8)0.46 (−1.6, 2.5) MTX416372.21.1 (0.4, 2.9)Long-term as-treatedb FIL20022674047.71.8 (1.4, 2.3)NC FIL10016472032.91.1 (0.8, 1.7)NC

aup to W52. bdata cut for LTE FINCH 4, Sept 19, 2019; DARWIN 3, April 26 2019.

ADA, adalimumab; CI, confidence interval; EAIR, exposure-adjusted incidence rate; FIL, filgotinib; MTX, methotrexate; NC, not calculated; PBO, placebo; W week.

Figure 1 shows multivariate logistic regression model of TE risk factors.

Of 104 pts with TE HZ in long-term as-treated analysis set, 5 receiving FIL200 had history of HZ; EAIR (95% CI) was 8.7 (3.6–21.0). Of 8 pts with multiple events, 3 had events of differing severity for the same HZ episode.

EAIRs (95% CI) of TE HZ in Asia were: 3.7 (1.7–8.1) FIL200, n=197; 2.8 (1.3–6.3) FIL100, n=158; 0 ADA, n=40; 2.8 (0.4–19.6) MTX, n=43; and 3.4 (0.5–23.8) PBO, n=77 in long-term as-treated population. EAIRs (95% CI) in rest of the world were: 1.6 (1.2–2.1) FIL200, n=2070; 0.9 (0.6–1.5) FIL100, n=1489; 0.8 (0.2–3.1) ADA, n=285; 0.9 (0.3–2.9) MTX, n=373; and 0.7 (0.2–2.9) PBO, n=704 for all pts as-treated.

Most TE HZ infections were mild to moderate and non-serious; 6 were serious; 2 were recurrences. No visceral TE HZ occurred across the FIL RA program; there was 1 case each of genital, disseminated, and ophthalmic HZ. The disseminated HZ occurred in a pt with prior HZ history. Lymphopenia was not associated with HZ during the PBO-controlled W12 period.

Conclusion:

HZ was more common in both FIL groups vs ADA or MTX up to 52 weeks but comparable vs PBO during the 12-week placebo-controlled period. In multivariate analyses, prior history of HZ, Asian region, and age ≥50 years were associated with increased HZ risk.

References:

[1]Genovese et al. JAMA. 2019;322:315–25.

[2]Westhovens et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021; online first.

[3]Combe et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021; online first.

[4]Higarashi and Honda. Drugs. 2020;80:1183–201.

Disclosure of Interests:

Kevin Winthrop Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Co., Galapagos NV, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Pfizer, Maya H Buch Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Eli Lilly and Company; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck-Serono; Pfizer; Roche; Sandoz; Sanofi; and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie; Eli Lilly and Company; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck-Serono; Pfizer; Roche; Sandoz; Sanofi; and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie; Eli Lilly and Company; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck-Serono; Pfizer; Roche; Sandoz; Sanofi; and UCB, Jeffrey Curtis Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Corrona, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, and UCB, Gerd Rüdiger Burmester Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Eli Lilly; Pfizer; and Gilead Sciences, Inc., Consultant of: AbbVie; Eli Lilly; Pfizer; and Gilead Sciences, Inc., Daniel Aletaha Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Medac, Merck, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Sanofi/Genzyme, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Medac, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, and Sanofi/Genzyme, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, and Roche, Koichi Amano Speakers bureau: AbbVie GK, Astellas, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline KK, Pfizer Japan, Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma, Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei Pharma, Alena Pechonkina Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Iyabode Tiamiyu Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Cianna Leatherwood Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Lei Ye Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Qi Gong Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Robin Besuyen Shareholder of: Galapagos, BV, Employee of: Galapagos, BV, James Galloway Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB and Celgene

AB1124 USEFULNESS OF SUPERB MICRO-VASCULAR IMAGING(SMI) TO DETECT SILENT VASCULITIC DISEASE ACTIVITY IN 2 CASES OF TAKAYASU ARTERITIS

Background:

It is important to use vascular imaging modalities such as CT, MRI and PET-CT to evaluate disease activity of Takayasu arteritis (TAK). In particular, under treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ), redsidual vasculitic disease activity may remain even if serum CRP becomes negative. Contrast-enhanced CT,MRI and PET-CT can evaluate the morphology of blood vessel walls and the distribution of lesions and vasculitic activity, but it is invasive (radiation or contract media exposure), and costly. Ultrasound is superior in terms of morphological evaluation, cost, convenience, and low invasiveness. In particular, Superb Micro-vascular Imaging(SMI) is one of the micro blood flow display methods that can be installed in the ultrasound diagnostic device Aplio series.

There are some case reports in which micro blood flow signals of the carotid artery walls were detected using SMI in Takayasu arteritis [1] [2]. Both reports indicate that SMI blood flow is a comparable indicator of disease activity as serum CRP.

Objectives:

To report the usefulness of SMI in 2 TAK patients who had negative serum CRP but had residual disease activity, leading to appropriate adjustment of treatment.

Methods:

Two TAK patients who had been newly diagnosed in our department from May 2015 to October 2018 and had received SMI to detect carotid artery wall blood flow signal were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Case 1

A 32-year-old woman developed neck pain, headaches, fever and she had high serum levels of CRP (8.1 mg/dl) and elevated ESR (98 mm/h). Contrast-enhanced CT showed thickening of the carotid artery, left subclavian artery and thoracic aorta and SMI detected blood flow signal in carotid artery wall. Diagnosis of TAK was made. After 2-week treatment with 1 mg/kg/day of PSL, CRP became negative but the micro blood flow in carotid arterity walls was detedted by SMI. Therefore,subcutaneous TCZ (162 mg/week)was added in combination with PSL.One year later, micro blood flow disappeared and we could judge there was no vasculitis activity (Figure A).

Before treatment starts2 weeks after starting treatmentOne year after starting treatmenttreatment-PSL 1mg/kg/day ongoingPSL 7mg/day ongoingTCZ 162 mg/week ongoingCRP(mg/dl)+ (8.1)−(0.0)−(0.0)SMI signal++−Figure 1.

A. Clinical course of Case 1

Case 2

A 17-year-old woman developed proximal upper limb pain and fever with high serum CRP levels (7.1 mg/dl) and elevated ESR (>110 mm/h), and contrast-enhanced CT showed thickening of the carotid arteries and aortic arch. Two weeks after the start of PSL (1 mg/kg/day), CRP became negative at 0.3 mg/dl, but intramural blood flow detected by SMI remained. Then subcutaneous TCZ was added. Two weeks later, CRP became negative, and the SMI blood flow also disappeared (Figure B).

Before treatment starts2 weeks after starting treatment4 weeks after starting treatmenttreatment-PSL 1mg/kg/day ongoingPSL 50 mg/day ongoingTCZ 162 mg/week addedCRP(mg/dl)+ (7.1)−(0.3)−(0.0)SMI signal++−Figure 2.

B. Clinical course of Case 2

Conclusion:

Although SMI has the limitation that it cannot evaluate deep vascular lesions such as aorta, it is neither invasive nor costly and may be a good tool for evaluation of residual vasculitis activity of TAK.

References:

[1]Sato W, Sato T, Iino T, Seki K, Watanabe H. Visualization of arterial wall vascularization using superb microvascular imaging in active-stage Takayasu arteritis.European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging. 2019;20(6):719

[2]Ito S, Tahara N, Hirakata S, et al. Signal intensity of superb micro-vascular imaging associates with the activity of vascular inflammation in Takayasu arteritis.Journal of Nuclear Cardiology:Official Publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. 2019 Mar DOI: 10.1007/s12350-019-01665-4.

Acknowledgments:

We thank Minako.Yamashita and Masahiro.setoyama for her technical assistance to conduct SMI.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Complement profile in microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: analysis using sera from a nationwide prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The complement cascade, especially the alternative pathway of complement, has been shown in basic research to be associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We aimed to elucidate relationships between serum complement components and clinical characteristics in AAV.

METHOD

In a nationwide prospective cohort study (RemIT-JAV-RPGN), we measured the serum levels of C1q, C2, C3, C3b/iC3b, C4, C4b, C5, C5a, C9, factor B, factor D, factor H, factor I, mannose-binding lectin, and properdin in 52 patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and 39 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

RESULTS

The properdin level of MPA and GPA was significantly lower than that of healthy donors. The properdin level was negatively correlated with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) (ρ = -0.2148, p = 0.0409). The factor D level at 6 months was significantly positively correlated with the Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) at 6, 12, and 24 months (ρ = 0.4207, 0.4132, and 0.3115, respectively). Patients with a higher ratio of C5a to C5 had higher neutrophil percentage and serum immunoglobulin G levels, and significantly lower creatinine levels. Cluster analysis divided the MPA and GPA patients into three subgroups. A principal component (PC) analysis aggregated 15 types of complements into alternative pathway-related PC 1 and complement classical pathway and common pathway-related PC 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum levels of properdin and factor D were correlated with the BVAS and the VDI in MPA and GPA, respectively. Our analyses suggested the pathological heterogeneity of MPA and GPA from the aspect of complement components.

Infrapatellar fat pad abnormalities are associated with a higher inflammatory synovial fluid cytokine profile in young adults following ACL tear

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the degree of knee fat pad abnormalities after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear via magnetic resonance fat pad scoring and to assess cross-sectionally its association with synovial fluid biomarkers and with early cartilage damage as quantified via T1ρ and T2 relaxation time measurements.

DESIGN

26 patients with acute ACL tears underwent 3T MR scanning of the injured knee prior to ACL reconstruction. The presence and degree of abnormalities of the infrapatellar (IPFP) and the suprapatellar (SPFP) fat pads were scored on MR images along with grading of effusion-synovitis and synovial proliferations. Knee cartilage composition was assessed by 3T MR T1ρ and T2 mapping in six knee compartments. We quantified concentrations of 20 biomarkers in synovial fluid aspirated at the time of ACL reconstruction. Spearman rank partial correlations with adjustments for age and gender were employed to evaluate correlations of MR, particularly cartilage composition and fat pad abnormalities, and biomarker data.

RESULTS

The degree of IPFP abnormality correlated positively with the synovial levels of the inflammatory cytokine markers IFN-γ (ρpartial = 0.64, 95% CI (0.26-0.85)), IL-10 (ρpartial = 0.47, 95% CI (0.04-0.75)), IL-6 (ρpartial = 0.56, 95% CI (0.16-0.81)), IL-8 (ρpartial = 0.49, 95% CI (0.06-0.76)), TNF-α (ρpartial = 0.55, 95% CI (0.14-0.80)) and of the chondrodestructive markers MMP-1 and -3 (MMP-1: ρpartial = 0.57, 95% CI (0.17-0.81); MMP-3: ρpartial = 0.60, 95% CI (0.21-0.83)). IPFP abnormalities were significantly associated with higher T1ρ and T2 values in the trochlear cartilage (T1ρ: ρpartial = 0.55, 95% CI (0.15-0.80); T2: ρpartial = 0.58, 95% CI (0.18-0.81)) and with higher T2 values in the medial femoral, medial tibial as well as in patellar cartilage (0.45 ≤ ρpartial ≤ 0.59). Correlations between SPFP abnormalities and synovial markers were not significant except for IL-6 (ρpartial = 0.57, 95% CI (0.17-0.81)).

CONCLUSIONS

This exploratory study suggests that acute ACL rupture can be associated with damage to knee tissues such as the inferior fat pad of the knee. Such fat pad injury could be partially responsible for the apparent post-injury pro-inflammatory response noted in ACL-injured individuals. However, future longitudinal studies are needed to link ACL-rupture associated fat pad injury with important patient outcomes such as the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Vascular endothelial growth factors C and D and lymphangiogenesis at the early stage of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression

We conducted a detailed study of lymphangiogenesis and subsequent lymph node metastasis in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using immunostaining for D2-40 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D. The study materials included 13 samples of normal squamous epithelium, 6 samples of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and 60 samples of superficial ESCC (M1 and M2 cancer 24; M3 or deeper cancer 36). We assessed lymphatic vessel density (LVD) using D2-40 and immunoreactivity for VEGF-C and D in relation to histological type, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. LVD in M1 and M2 lesions and M3 or deeper lesions was significantly higher than in normal squamous epithelium (P < 0.001). High expression of VEGF-C and D was observed in M1 and M2 cancer and in M3 or deeper cancer, but not in normal squamous epithelium or LGIN. LVD in VEGF-C- and D-positive cases was significantly higher than in negative cases (P < 0.001). In M3 or deeper cancer, the correlation between VEGF-C or D status and lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis was not significant. LVD in cases with positive lymphatic invasion and those with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in cases lacking either (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). ESCC cells produce VEGF-C and D from the very early stage of progression. VEGF-C and D activate lymphangiogenesis, and this increase of lymphatic vessels leads to lymphatic invasion and subsequent lymph node metastasis.

Usefulness of a simple self-administered joint condition assessment sheet to predict the need for orthopaedic intervention in the management of haemophilic arthropathy

INTRODUCTION

Detecting signs of joint deterioration is important for early effective orthopaedic intervention in managing haemophilic arthropathy.

AIM

We developed a simple, patient self-administered sheet to evaluate the joint condition, and assessed the predictive ability of this assessment sheet for the need for an orthopaedic intervention.

METHODS

This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. The association between the score of each of the four items of the assessment sheet (bleeding, swelling, pain and physical impairment) and the results of radiological findings and physical examinations based on Haemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 was assessed. An optimal scoring system was explored by the area under the curve (AUC). The cut-off value for the need for surgery or physiotherapy was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve procedure.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were included. The 'physical impairment' item showed the highest correlation coefficient with the results of radiographic and physical examinations (range: 0.57-0.76). The AUC of finally adjusted scoring indicates good ability to discriminate between patients with and without a need for orthopaedic intervention. The positive predictive value was the highest at a cut-off value of 4 points for knees (63.0%) and ankles (70.0%), at 5 points for elbows (66.7%) and the highest predictive accuracy at the cut-off value of 4 points for all the joints. The linear trend of the need for an orthopaedic intervention was observed with an increasing score.

CONCLUSION

The joint condition assessment sheet can help clinicians assess the need for orthopaedic intervention for haemophilic arthropathy in Japanese patients with haemophilia.