Review and Progress in the Treatment of Renal Light Chain Amyloidosis / 罕见病研究

Renal light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) had poor prognosis before the 21st century. However, the treatment of AL amyloidosis has made great progress in the last decade. We reviewed traditional treatments of AL amyloidosis such as alkylating agents, proteasome inhibitors, and recent advances such as monoclonal antibodies. Bortezomib improved the hematological response and survival effectively of the patients, and the combination of Daratumumab brings faster and deeper hematological response, increasing the response rate of target organs such as the kidneys and heart. The renal response was significant higher in the patients with the therapy of Daratumumab, part of them could achieve very good partial response or better renal response. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(auto-HSCT)improves hematological as well as organ response, and could be the first choice among eligible patients. Kidney transplantation is a feasible option for those with good hematological response.

Establishment and verification of a real-time quantitative PCR method for determination of exogenous antibody gene copy number in CHO cells / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To establish a real-time quantitative PCR method using SYBR GreenⅠto detect the copy numbers of light chain(LC)and heavy chain(HC)of exogenous antibody gene in CHO cells,and verify and preliminarily apply this method.Methods With the B2m(β2-microglobulin)expressed stably in CHO cells as the internal reference gene,suitable primers of LC,HC genes and internal reference gene were designed respectively,and the reaction system and program of the real-time quantitative PCR method were determined. The established method was verified for the specificity,linearity,precision and durability,and used to detect the copy numbers of LC and HC genes in the recombinant cell lines of working cell bank(WCB)and cells of different passages.Results The primers of exogenous genes and internal reference gene showed specific binding to the target fragments;The efficiency of primer amplification for the B2m gene,LC gene,and HC gene was 106. 7%,106. 3% and 99. 1%,respectively,and the correlation coefficients of the linear equations were all greater than 0. 99 with a good linear relationship;The relative standard deviations(RSDs)of precision verification were all less than 1%;Few cycles of freeze-thaw in a short period had little effect on the detection results. The copy numbers of LC and HC genes in different generations of recombinant cell lines detected by the established method showed no obvious changes.Conclusion A real-time quantitative PCR method for the determination of the copy number of exogenous genes in CHO cells was successfully established with good specificity,linearity,precision and durability,which provides a reference for detecting the copy number of exogenous genes expressed in other CHO cell lines

Trasplante cardíaco y autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en pacientes con amiloidosis AL / Cardiac and autologous stem cell transplantation hematopoietic in patients with AL amyloidosis

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las cadenas livianas libres séricas (CLL) en el período comprendido entre el trasplante cardíaco ortotópico (TCO) y el trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la respuesta hematológica al año tras el TCPH y el tratamiento quimioterápico e inmunosupresor en pacientes con amiloidosis AL. Método: Serie de casos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de amiloidosis AL que recibieron TCO seguido de TCPH del Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre enero de 2010 y noviembre de 2021. Se reportaron los valores de CLL entre trasplantes y al año del TCPH. Las variables cuantitativas se describieron como mediana e intervalo intercuartil, y las variables categóricas como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: De 106 pacientes con amiloidosis AL, seis tuvieron TCO seguido de TCPH. La mediana de edad fue de 55 años. La mayoría eran hombres (n = 5). En el período entre trasplantes, la CLL involucrada disminuyó en dos pacientes y se mantuvo estable en tres. Todos lograron la remisión hematológica completa al año del TCPH. Un solo paciente presentó recaída en el órgano sólido trasplantado. Tacrolimus, micofenolato de mofetilo y corticoides fue el esquema inmunosupresor utilizado después del TCO. Conclusiones: El TCO representa una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con falla cardíaca grave por amiloidosis, permitiendo luego un tratamiento intensivo con quimioterapia de inducción y TCPH. Si bien faltan estudios, la terapia inmunosupresora después del TCO podría tener algún efecto sobre las células plasmáticas clonales.

Abstract Objective: To describe the evolution of serum free light chains (FLC) in the period between orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the hematological response one year after ASCT and chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis. Method: Case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis who received OHT followed by ASCT from the Institutional Registry of Amyloidosis of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, between January 2010 and November 2021. FLC values between transplants and at year post ASCT. Quantitative variables were described with their median and interquartile range. Categorical variables as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Of 106 patients with AL amyloidosis, 6 had an OHT followed by ASCT. The median age was 55 years. Most were men (n = 5). In the period between transplants, the involved CLL decreased in two patients and remained stable in three. All achieved complete hematologic remission 1 year after ASCT. A single patient presented relapse in the transplanted solid organ. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids were the immunosuppressive regimen used after OHT. Conclusions: OHT represents a treatment option in patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis, allowing later intensive treatment with induction chemotherapy and ASCT. Although studies are lacking, immunosuppressive therapy after OHT might have some effect on clonal plasma cells.

¿Qué hay de nuevo en el diagnóstico de amiloidosis? / What is new in diagnosis of amyloidosis?

La amiloidosis siempre ha representado un desafío diagnóstico. En el año 2020, el Grupo de Estudio de Amiloidosis (GEA), confeccionó la Guía de Práctica Clínica para el Diagnóstico de Amiloidosis. Nuevas líneas de investigación se han desarrollado posteriormente. Esta revisión narrativa tiene como intención explorar el estado del arte en el diagnóstico de la amiloidosis. En pacientes con amiloidosis se recomienda la tipificación de la proteína mediante espectrometría de masa, técnica de difícil ejecución por requerir de microdisectores láser para la preparación de la muestra. Algunas publicaciones recientes proponen otros métodos para obtener la muestra de amiloide que se va a analizar, permitiendo prescindir de la microdisección. Por otra parte, en pacientes con Amiloidosis ATTR confirmada, la recomendación de secuenciar el gen amiloidogénico se encontraba destinada a los casos sospechosos de ATTR hereditaria (ATTRv,), pero actualmente esta se ha extendido a todos los pacientes sin importar la edad. En lo que respecta a los estudios complementarios orientados al diagnóstico de compromiso cardíaco, se ha propuesto el uso de la inteligencia artificial para su interpretación, permitiendo la detección temprana de la enfermedad y el correcto diagnóstico diferencial. Para el diagnóstico de neuropatía, las últimas publicaciones proponen el uso de la cadena ligera de neurofilamento sérica, que también podría resultar un indicador útil para seguimiento. Finalmente, con referencia a la amiloidosis AL, la comunidad científica se encuentra interesada en definir qué características determinan el carácter amiloidogénico de las cadenas livianas. La N-glicosilación de dichas proteínas impresiona ser uno de los determinantes en cuestión. (AU)

Amyloidosis has always represented a diagnostic challenge. In 2020, the Amyloidosis Study Group (ASG) developed the "Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis of Amyloidosis". New lines of research have subsequently emerged. This narrative review aims to explore the state of the art in the diagnosis of amyloidosis diagnosis. In patients with amyloidosis, protein typing by mass spectrometry is recommended, a technique hard to perform because it requires laser microdissection for sample preparation. Recent publications propose other methods to obtain the amyloid sample to be analyzed, making it possible to dispense with microdissection. On the other hand, in patients with confirmed TTR amyloidosis (aTTR), the recommendation to sequence the amyloidogenic gene was intended for suspected cases of hereditary aTTR but has now been extended to all patients regardless of age. (AU)

Clinical characterization and outcomes of a cohort of colombian patients with AL Amyloidosis

Background: Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by amyloid fibril deposition derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains, resulting in multiorgan dysfunction. Limited data exist on the clinical features of AL amyloidosis. Objective: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in Colombian patients with AL amyloidosis. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at three high-complexity centers in Medellín, Colombia. Adults with AL amyloidosis diagnosed between 2012 and 2022 were included. Clinical, laboratory, histological, treatment, and survival data were analyzed. Results: The study included 63 patients. Renal involvement was most prevalent (66%), followed by cardiac involvement (61%). Multiorgan involvement occurred in 61% of patients. Amyloid deposition was most commonly detected in renal biopsy (40%). Bortezomib-based therapy was used in 68%, and 23.8% received high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDCT-ASCT). Hematological response was observed in 95% of patients with available data. Cardiac and renal organ responses were 15% and 14%, respectively. Median overall survival was 45.1 months (95% CI: 22.2-63.8). In multivariate analysis, cardiac involvement was significantly associated with inferior overall survival (HR 3.27; 95% CI: 1.23-8.73; p=0.018), HDCT-ASCT had a non-significant trend towards improved overall survival (HR 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-1.09; p=0.065). Conclusions: In this study of Colombian patients with AL amyloidosis, renal involvement was more frequent than cardiac involvement. Overall survival and multiorgan involvement were consistent with data from other regions of the world. Multivariate analysis identified cardiac involvement and HDCT-AHCT as possible prognostic factors.

Antecedentes: La amiloidosis por amiloide de cadenas ligeras (AL) se caracteriza por el depósito de fibrillas amiloides derivadas de cadenas ligeras de inmunoglobulinas monoclonales, lo que resulta en disfunción multiorgánica. Existen datos limitados sobre las características clínicas de la amiloidosis AL. Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir las características clínicas, tratamientos y desenlaces en pacientes colombianos con amiloidosis AL. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en tres centros de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia. Se incluyeron adultos con diagnóstico de amiloidosis AL entre 2012 y 2022. Se analizaron datos clínicos, de laboratorio, histológicos, de tratamiento y de supervivencia. Resultados: El estudio incluyó 63 pacientes. La afectación renal fue más prevalente (66%), seguida de la afectación cardíaca (61%). El 61% de los pacientes presentaron afectación multiorgánica. El depósito amiloide se detectó con mayor frecuencia en la biopsia renal (40%). El tratamiento basado en bortezomib se utilizó en el 68%, y el 23.8% recibió altas dosis de quimioterapia con trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos (ADQT-TAPH). Se observó respuesta hematológica en el 95% de los pacientes con datos disponibles. La respuesta de órgano cardíaca y renal fue del 15% y 14%, respectivamente. La mediana de la supervivencia global fue de 45.1 meses (IC del 95%: 22.2-63.8). En el análisis multivariado, la afectación cardíaca se asoció significativamente con una supervivencia global inferior (HR 3.27; IC del 95%: 1.23-8.73; p=0.018), ADQT-TAPH mostró una tendencia no significativa hacia una mejora en la supervivencia global (HR 0.25; IC 95%: 0.06-1.09; p=0.065). Conclusiones: En este estudio de pacientes colombianos con amiloidosis AL, la afectación renal fue más frecuente que la afectación cardíaca. La supervivencia global y la afectación multiorgánica fueron consistentes con datos de otras regiones del mundo. El análisis multivariado identificó la afectación cardíaca y ADQT-TAPH como posibles factores pronósticos.

The Expression Level and Diagnostic Value of Serum Free Light Chain in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression level and the diagnostic value of serum free light chain in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the results of serum free light chain (sFLC) of 394 newly treated B-NHL patients in our hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 and compared the secretion levels of sFLC among different subtypes of B-NHL. The value of sFLC secretion levels in the diagnosis of WM was evaluated using ROC.@*RESULTS@#Increased proportion of sFLC, abnormal ratio of sFLC (κ / λ) and the secretion levels of sFLC (κ+λ) were different in different B-NHL subtypes, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) had the highest proportion of elevated sFLC(82.68%) and abnormal sFLC(κ/ λ)(87.0%), the proportion of FL(18.0%) and DLBCL patients(12.8%) with elevated sFLC was lower (P<0.05). The expression levels of sFLC can helpful in the diagnosis of WM (AUC=0.874，P<0.001， 95% CI: 0.779-0.970). At the same time, higher sFLC levels and sFLC cloning patterns predicted the possibility of bone marrow infiltration of lymphoma.@*CONCLUSION@#The serum free light chains is common in patients with B-NHL. The elevated level and type of free light chain are associated with the type of lymphoma, and the patients with bone marrow infiltration have higher sFLC（κ+ λ） expression level.

Predictive value of serum neurofilament light chain on neurologic function in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To determine the predictive value of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) on neurologic function in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients.Methods:The clinical data of 96 OHCA patients admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from January 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) upon hospital discharge, the patients were divided into the favorable neurologic function (grade 1-2) and poor neurologic function (grade 3-5) groups. The difference of serum NfL was compared between the two groups, and the relationship between serum NfL and neurologic function was assessed using correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of serum Nfl were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Hanley & McNeil method test was used to compare the difference of AUCs between serum NfL and neuron specific enolase (NSE).Results:Twenty-six percent (25/96) patients were discharged with favorable neurologic function. Serum NfL in the favorable neurological function group was significantly lower than that in the poor neurologic function group (47.6 pg/mL vs. 261.4 pg/mL, P<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that serum NfL was positively correlated with neurologic function ( r=0.69, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum NfL was independently associated with neurological function ( OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98; P=0.010). ROC curve indicated that the AUC of serum NfL in predicting poor neurologic function was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.99), with a sensitivity of 84.5% and a specificity of 100% at the cutoff value of 80.0 pg/mL. The AUC of serum NSE in predicting poor neurologic function was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.89), with a sensitivity of 67.6% and a specificity of 80.0% at the cutoff value of 45.1 ng/mL. A pairwise comparison using Hanley & McNeil method showed that the AUC of serum NfL in predicting poor neurologic function was higher than that of NSE ( Z=3.22, P=0.001). Conclusions:Serum NfL is helpful for clinician to predict neurologic function in OHCA patients.

Diagnosis and treatment progress of primary light-chain amyloidosis / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Primary light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and fatal plasma cell disease. In recent years, the treatment of AL amyloidosis has changed from the era of bortezomib to the era of daratumumab immunotherapy. However, for the treatment choice of advanced-staged patients, how to achieve organ responses at the early stage and how to monitor the disease are questions that need to be further explored. The 64th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in 2022 has reported advances in the diagnosis and treatment of AL amyloidosis, which are briefly reviewed in this article.

Effect of Zhiwei Fuwei Pills on autophagy in gastric antrum tissue of rats with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer based on mTOR/Beclin1/LC3 signaling axis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

To investigate the effect of Zhiwei Fuwei Pills (ZWFW) on the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/autophagy key molecule yeast Atg6 homologue (Beclin1)/microtubuleassociated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) signaling axis key molecules in gastric antrum tissue of rats with precancerous gastric lesions (PLGC). METHODS: SPF SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, folic acid group, ZWFW low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose group. In addition to the normal group, the model group, folic acid group, ZWFW low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, were used to establish the PLGC rat model by five factors compound modeling methods: N-methyl-N ' - nitro-n-nitroguanidine (MNNG) combined with hunger and satiation, ethanol intragastric administration, free drinking of ammonia and ranitidine feed. The rats were treated with normal saline, folic acid tablet aqueous solution (0.002 g/kg), ZWFW low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose aqueous solution (0.42, 0.84, 1.67 g/kg) for 4 weeks, and the stomach was removed by laparotomy. Hematoxylineosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the antrum of rats, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR, yeast Atg6 homologue 1 (Beclin1), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3B) mRNA and protein in the antrum of rats. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the Gastric antrum tissue of the model group was distended, thinner gastric wall, palegastric mucosa, atrophic and flat folds, disordered course and nodules and vegetations were visible. HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, the gastric mucosal glands in the model group were crowded and disordered, and the cell morphology was different, including a large number of goblet cells, basophilic cytoplasm, large, hyper-chromatic and irregular nuclei, and mucosal muscle infiltration and destruction. Compared with the model group, treated by ZWFW can significantly improve the pathological manifestations of gastric mucosal gland structure disorder and cell atypia. Compared with the normal group, mTOR mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased (P< 0.05) and Beclin1 and LC3B mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the antral tissue of rats in the model group; compared with the model group, mTOR mRNA and protein expression were decreased (P<0.05) in the medium and high dose groups of ZWFW, Beclin1 and LC3B protein expression in the antral tissue of rats in the low dose group of ZWFW and Beclin1 and LC3B mRNA and protein expression were increased (P<0.05) in the medium and high dose groups. CONCLUSION: Zhiwei Fuwei Pills can significantly improve the abnormal histopathological findings of gastric mucosa in PLGC model rats, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of mTOR expression, up-regulation of Beclin1 and LC3B expression and then promoting autophagy.

Critical Management Strategies for Cardiovascular Involvementin Light Chain Amyloidosis / 罕见病研究

Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a kind of rare disease. The misfolding of the light chain of monoclonal immunoglobulin forms amyloid substances and deposit in different tissues and organs, resulting in organ dysfunction. The heart involvement is represented as light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), leading to heart failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, valvular and pericardial diseases. Cardiac involvement is crucial for the risk stratification and prognosis prediction of patients with AL. The median survival time of AL-CA patients is 24 months and only 6 months for the heart failure patients. In recent years, the prognosis of patients with AL-CA has been significantly improved, thanks to the advancement in diagnosis & treatment strategies of cardiac amyloidosis, the milestone in the breakthroughs in targeted therapy of AL, and the improvement of coordinated multidisciplinary treatment. This paper focuses on the cardiovascular involvement of AL and briefly illustrates the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and the diagnosis and treatment of AL-CA.

Generation of Mlk3 KO mice by CRISPR/Cas9 and its effect on blood pressure / 生物工程学报

To explore the effect of Mlk3 (mixed lineage kinase 3) deficiency on blood pressure, Mlk3 gene knockout (Mlk3KO) mice were generated. Activities of sgRNAs targeted Mlk3 gene were evaluated by T7 endonuclease I (T7E1) assay. CRISPR/Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA were obtained by in vitro transcription, microinjected into zygote, followed by transferring into a foster mother. Genotyping and DNA sequencing confirmed the deletion of Mlk3 gene. Real- time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blotting or immunofluorescence analysis showed that Mlk3KO mice had an undetectable expression of Mlk3 mRNA or Mlk3 protein. Mlk3KO mice exhibited an elevated systolic blood pressure compared with wild-type mice as measured by tail-cuff system. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis showed that the phosphorylation of MLC (myosin light chain) was significantly increased in aorta isolated from Mlk3KO mice. Together, Mlk3KO mice was successfully generated by CRISPR/Cas9 system. MLK3 functions in maintaining blood pressure homeostasis by regulating MLC phosphorylation. This study provides an animal model for exploring the mechanism by which Mlk3 protects against the development of hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular remodeling.

Compromiso renal atípico en amiloidosis de cadena ligera

Introducción la amiloidosis de cadena ligera (AL) es una entidad desencadenada por la proliferación de un clon de células plasmáticas que genera la acumulación de cadenas ligeras, las cuales se depositan en forma de fibrillas amiloides generando una disfunción orgánica. El compromiso renal generalmente se manifiesta como síndrome nefrótico, con un deterioro lento y progresivo de la función renal que puede llevar a un requerimiento de terapia dialítica. Objetivo demostrar el compromiso renal agresivo y subagudo de la amiloidosis sistémica. Presentación del caso paciente masculino de 35 años que consulta por malestar general, visión borrosa, mareos y oliguria con elevación de azoados, y que progresó rápidamente hasta el requerimiento de hemodiálisis en aproximadamente tres meses. Asociado se documenta polineuropatía periférica, infiltración cardiaca y ligera elevación de transaminasas. Ante negatividad de estudios de extensión, se logra documentar la presencia histopatológica de depósitos amiloides con inmunofluorescencia positiva para AL. Actualmente, se encuentra recibiendo esquema de quimioterapia con adecuada estabilidad clínica y tolerancia. Discusión y conclusión la amiloidosis AL es una entidad infrecuente, con compromiso multiorgánico importante y altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. Se recalca en este caso el compromiso subagudo con requerimiento temprano de terapia dialítica y además se enfatiza la importancia de una sospecha y un diagnóstico oportuno en pacientes con compromiso renal y otras manifestaciones sistémicas.

Introduction Light chain amyloidosis is an entity triggered by the proliferation of a clone of plasma cells that generates the accumulation of light chains, which are deposited in the form of amyloid fibrils generating organic dysfunction. Renal compromise generally manifests as nephrotic syndrome, with a slow and progressive decline of renal function that can lead to dialysis therapy. Purpose The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the aggressive and subacute renal involvement of systemic amyloidosis. Case presentation We present a case of a 35-year-old male patient who consulted for general malaise, blurred vision, dizziness and oliguria with elevated nitrogen levels that progressed fastly to the requirement of hemodialysis in approximately 3 months. It was also reveal peripheral polyneuropathy, cardiac infiltration, and slight elevation of transaminases. Given the negativity of extension studies, amyloid deposits were documented histopathologically with positive immunofluorescence for LA. He is currently receiving chemotherapy regimen with adequate clinical stability and tolerance. Conclusion and discussion To conclude, AL amyloidosis is a rare entity, with significant multi-organ involvement and high rates of morbidity and mortality. In this case, the subacute involvement with an early requirement for dialysis therapy is emphasized, and the importance of suspicion and timely diagnosis in patients with kidney involvement and other systemic manifestations is emphasized.

Diagnóstico de amiloidosis sistémica: bases hematológicas útiles para el cardiólogo clínico / Diagnosis in systemic amiloydosis: useful hematological bases for the clinical cardiologist / Diagnóstico de amiloidose sistémica: bases hematológicas úteis para o cardiologista clínico

Las amiloidosis son un grupo heterogéneo de patologías caracterizado por el depósito extracelular de proteínas fibrilares anormalmente plegadas que se depositan en los tejidos y ocasionan su disfunción. La calidad y expectativa de vida depende del órgano afectado y del grado de compromiso, la afectación cardíaca es la principal determinante de la sobrevida y calidad de vida. El diagnóstico requiere la biopsia tisular y tipificación de la proteína. Su detección tardía se asocia a inferior pronóstico y sobrevida. La forma más común de amiloidosis es la causada por depósito de cadenas livianas monoclonales (AL), para la cual nuevos agentes de inmuno y quimioterapia dirigidas a suprimir la clona de células plasmáticas han demostrado mejorar la sobrevida. Para la amiloidosis por transtiretina (ATTR), segunda en frecuencia, existen terapias estabilizadoras de la proteína y terapias dirigidas a detener su síntesis a través del silenciamiento genético. Esta revisión se dirige a describir las bases hematológicas útiles para el cardiólogo clínico.

The amyloidoses are a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of abnormally folded fibrillar proteins in organs and tissues, causing their dysfunction. The quality and life expectancy depend on the affected organ, with cardiac involvement being the main determinant of survival and quality of life. Diagnosis requires tissue biopsy and protein typing. Its late detection is associated with a lower prognosis and survival. The most common form of amyloidosis is caused by monoclonal light chain (AL) deposition, for which new immunological agents and chemotherapy aimed at suppressing plasma cell cloning have been shown to improve survival. For transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), the second in frequency, there are protein-stabilizing therapies and therapies aimed at stopping its synthesis through genetic silencing. This review focuses on the hematological bases for the clinical cardiologist.

As amiloidoses são um grupo heterogêneo de patologias caracterizadas pela deposição extracelular de proteínas fibrilares anormalmente dobradas, que se depositam nos tecidos, causando sua disfunção. A qualidade e expectativa de vida dependem do órgão afetado e do grau de comprometimento, sendo o acometimento cardíaco o principal determinante da sobrevida e qualidade de vida. O diagnóstico requer biópsia tecidual e tipagem de proteínas. Sua detecção tardia está associada a um menor prognóstico e sobrevida. A forma mais comum de amiloidose é causada pela deposição monoclonal de cadeia leve (AL), para a qual novos agentes imuno e quimioterápicos destinados a suprimir a clonagem de plasmócitos demonstraram melhorar a sobrevida. Para a amiloidose por transtirretina (ATTR), segunda em frequência, existem terapias estabilizadoras de proteínas e terapias destinadas a interromper sua síntese por meio do silenciamento genético. Esta revisão enfoca a amiloidose sistêmica, com foco em bases hematológicas úteis para o cardiologista clínico.

The value of serum levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 in early assessment of acute pancreatitis / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the early evaluation potential of serum levels of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (Apo B/A1), microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3 (MAP1-LC3) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients.Methods:A total of 413 AP patients who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2019 and August 2020 were enrolled. Serum samples were collected from AP patients within 24 h of admission. Patients were divided into the non-severe acute pancreatitis (Non-SAP, n=315) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP, n=98) groups according to the severity of the disease. Sixty healthy controls were recruited. The differences of serum Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 among the three groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance, and the correlation between Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 and the severity of AP was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Sensitivity and specificity in assessing AP severity were predicted by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results:The early levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 were all significantly higher for AP patients than for healthy controls ( P<0.05), and the levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 in SAP patients were significantly higher than those in non-SAP patients[Apo B/A1: 2.21±1.40 vs. (0.96±0.34); MAP1-LC3: 0.92±0.29 vs. (0.48±0.24) ng/mL and ICAM-1: (235.57±54.50 ) vs. (120.28±61.69)ng/mL; P<0.05]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 were positively correlated with the first Ranson score after admission ( P<0.05), and ICAM-1 showed the highest degree of correlation with AP severity ( r=0.519). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were 0.769 for Apo B/A1, 0.811 for MAP1-LC3, 0.828 for ICAM-1, and 0.938 for combined detection. Conclusions:Serum levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 within 24 h after admission are significantly correlated with the severity of AP, which has clinical significance for early prediction of the severity of AP.

Effect of Aspergillus fumigatus on the autophagic flux in murine macrophages: a preliminary study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Aspergillus fumigatus ( A. fumigatus) on the autophagic flux in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) . Methods:Murine BMDM were in vitro cultured with heat-killed A. fumigatus for 0, 0.5, 4, and 12 hours. Then, cellular proteins were extracted, and Western blot analysis was performed to detect the conversion of the key autophagy protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) -Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱ, and to determine the protein expression of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) Ser2481. Additionally, murine BMDM were in vitro cultured with A. fumigatus alone or in combination with different lysosomal inhibitors, including the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor E-64d + pepstatin, bafilomycin-A1 (BAF-A1) , ammonium chloride (NH 4Cl) , and chloroquine, for 4 or 12 hours. Then, Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the effect of A. fumigatus on newly formed LC3-Ⅱ and basal autophagic flux, and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy to analyze the colocalization of A. fumigatus with LC3 and Rubicon (a RUN domain Beclin-1-interacting and cysteine-rich-domain-containing protein) . Experimental results at different treatment time points were analyzed by using unpaired t test, and results of experiments evaluating the effect of two factors ( A. fumigatus spores and autophagosome inhibitors) were analyzed by 2 × 2 factorial analysis. Results:After in vitro co-culture with A. fumigatus for 0.5, 4, 12 hours, Western blot analysis showed that the conversion of LC3-Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱ increased over time in murine BMDM compared with the control (0 hour) group ( t = 6.58, 3.28, 3.02, respectively, all P < 0.05) , but the protein expression level of p-mTOR (Ser2481) did not significantly differ at different treatment time points ( t = 0.441, 0.477, 0.382, P = 0.682, 0.660, 0.722, respectively) . After 4- and 12-hour in vitro treatment, the accumulation levels of LC3-Ⅱ in BMDM significantly increased in the A. fumigatus + chloroquine group compared with the chloroquine-alone group ( t = 2.13, 2.78, respectively, both P < 0.05) , in the A. fumigatus + NH 4Cl group compared with the NH 4Cl-alone group ( t = 2.92, 2.92, respectively, both P < 0.05) , in the A. fumigatus + BAF-A1 group compared with the BAF-A1-alone group ( t = 2.13, 2.13, respectively, both P < 0.05) , and in the A. fumigatus + E-64d + pepstatin group compared with the E-64d + pepstatin group ( t = 2.13, 2.92, respectively, both P < 0.05) . After 8-hour treatment with calcofluor white-labeled A. fumigatus spores, confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy showed that LC3 and Rubicon mainly surrounded A. fumigatus, suggesting their colocalization with A. fumigatus. Conclusion:A. fumigatus can in vitro increase the basal autophagic flux in murine BMDM.

Clinical analysis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and plasma neurofilament light chain levels in patients with Parkinson's disease / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder(RBD)and neurofilament light chain(NfL)levels in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).Methods:General clinical data of 121 PD patients and 38 healthy controls(HC)who visited the Department of Geriatric Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from June 2019 to January 2021 were collected in a prospective study.According to the Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Questionnaire(RBDSQ), PD patients were divided into a PD with RBD group(PD-RBD, RBDSQ≥6)and a PD without RBD group(PD-NRBD, RBDSQ<6). General clinical data and plasma NfL levels of patients in the groups were compared.In addition, symptoms during exercise, during non-exercise, and sleep quality in the groups were also compared.Results:Plasma NfL levels were higher in the PD group than in the HC group(19.39 ng/L, 12.58-31.78; 14.85 ng/L, 9.78-22.15; Z=-2.492, P<0.05); plasma NfL levels were significantly higher in the PD-RBD group than in the PD-NRBD group and in the HC group(25.29 ng/L, 19.09-34.75; 17.14 ng/L, 11.70-26.67; 14.85 ng/L, 9.78-22.15; Z=-3.434, P<0.01); there was no significant difference in plasma NfL levels between the HC group and the PD-NRBD group( P>0.05). Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that, when the plasma NfL cutoff was set at 17.86 ng/L, PD-RBD and PD-NRBD could be distinguished( AUC=0.70, 95% CI=0.60-0.80, sensitivity 82%, specificity 54%). Binary logistic regression identified NfL level as an independent predictor of PD-RBD( β=0.068, OR=1.103, P=0.003). Conclusions:PD-RBD patients have increased plasma NfL levels, which can potentially serve as a biomarker for PD with RBD.

Progress of bcl-2 inhibitors in treatment of plasma cell disorders with t(11;14) / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Plasma cell disorders are a group of heterogeneous diseases originating from plasma cells, including multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia and light-chain amyloidosis, etc. Monoclonal plasma cells are detected in bone marrow and affected tissues, monoclonal immunoglobulin or components are detected in serum or urine, and some end-organs are injured. Plasma cell disorders accompanied by t(11;14) have unique biological characteristics and unsatisfactory response to proteasome inhibitors. With t(11;14) translocation, the expressions of cyclin D1 and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 are relatively high, which lead to the occurrence of plasma cell disorders and have implications for the prognosis of disease. Venetoclax is a bcl-2 inhibitor, and its single agent or combined with other drugs has achieved good efficacy in treatment of plasma cell disorders with t(11;14). This article reviews the progress of bcl-2 inhibitors in treatment of plasma cell disorders.

Value of (11)C-PiB PET/MRI in the evaluation of organ involvement in primary systemic light chain amyloidosis / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze the value of (11)C-PiB PET/MRI for evaluating organ involvement in patients with primary light chain amyloidosis (pAL) . Methods: The clinical data of 20 patients with pAL and 3 healthy volunteers from January 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between the organ involvement evaluated by clinical standards and PET/MRI was compared. The relationship between cardiac-related biological indicators, disease stage, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were analyzed. The relationship between 24-hour urinary protein quantification and kidney SUVmax was analyzed. Results: ①In 20 patients (18 newly diagnosed patients and 2 non-newly diagnosed patients) ,(11)C-PiB positive uptake was observed in the heart (15 patients, 75%) , lung (8 patients, 40%) , bone marrow (10 patients, 50%) , muscle (10 patients, 50%) , tongue muscle (7 patients, 35%) , thyroid (6 patients, 30%) , salivary gland (4 patients, 20%) , spleen (2 patients, 10%) , and stomach wall (1 patient, 5%) . ②Organ involvement on (11)C-PiB PET/MRI showed good correlations with the clinical evaluation criteria for the heart and bone marrow. The positive rate of PET/MRI evaluation in the lung, spleen, gland, muscle, and tongue muscle was significantly higher than the clinical criteria. However, (11)C-PiB PET/MRI has limitations in the evaluation of the nervous system and fat tissue. ③To analyze the relationship between cardiac-related biological indexes and the SUVmax of the heart in 13 newly diagnosed patients. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% and interventricular septal thickness (ISV) ≥1.2 cm showed a higher SUVmax than patients with LVEF ≥50% and ISV<1.2 cm (P<0.05) .There are significant differences in the SUVmax of the heart between the Mayo2004 stage and the Mayo2012 stage. The later the disease stage, the higher the SUVmax (P<0.05) . The SUVmax of the heart was positively correlated with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (P<0.01) .There was no significant correlation between renal SUVmax and 24-hour urine protein (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Whole body (11)C-PiB PET/MRI, as a visualization system of amyloid protein, is used to qualitatively evaluate organ involvement, which can improve the level of early non-invasive diagnosis. Whole body (11)C-PiB PET/MRI can be used to perform quantitative evaluation of organ levels, especially the heart, which is expected to evaluate organ function and predict disease prognosis more accurately.

Effect of Danggui Niantongtang on Expression of Autophagy-related Proteins LC3， Beclin1 and p62 in Rats with Adjuvant Arthritis Differentiated into Wind-damp-heat Impediment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the preventive and control effects of Danggui Niantongtang against adjuvant arthritis differentiated into wind-damp-heat impediment in rats and its influences on the expression of autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， homolog of yeast Atg6 （Beclin1） and p62. MethodThe six-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group， wind-damp-heat impediment model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose Danggui Niantongtang （5.67， 11.34， 22.68 g·kg-1） groups， and methotrexate （MTX， 1.35 mg·kg-1） group， with 10 rats in each group. A rat model of adjuvant arthritis was established by subcutaneous injection of inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the tail root， followed by exposure to the manual climatic box for 16 d for inducing the wind-damp-heat impediment. The drugs were administered intragastrically on the day of immunization for 28 d. The general conditions of rats were observed and the swelling degree of toes and arthritis index （AI） were detected. The pathological changes in the synovial tissues of the knee joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The mRNA expression levels of LC3， Beclin1， and p62 in the synovial tissues were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， followed by the assay of their protein expression by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. ResultCompared with the normal group， the wind-damp-heat impediment model group exhibited significantly increased swelling degree of toes （P<0.01）， increased AI （P<0.01）， proliferated synovial cells （P<0.01）， up-regulated LC3 and Beclin1 protein and mRNA expression （P<0.01）， and down-regulated p62 protein and mRNA expression （P<0.01） after 16， 20， 24， 28-d medication. Compared with the wind-damp-heat impediment model group， each medication group displayed alleviated toe swelling and synovial hyperplasia to different degrees， decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3 and Beclin1 （P<0.01）， and increased p62 mRNA and protein expression （P<0.05，P<0.01）， with the best outcomes observed in the medium-dose Danggui Niantongtang group. ConclusionDanggui Niantongtang effectively relieves adjuvant arthritis due to wind-damp-heat impediment in rats， which may be related to its regulation of the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3， Beclin1， and p62 and the inhibition of autophagy.

Amiloidose pulmonar com apresentação traqueobrônquica: relato de caso clínico / Pulmonary amyloidosis with tracheobronchial presentation: clinical case report

Introdução: Amiloidose é o termo utilizado para designar doenças que fazem deposição extracelular de proteínas fibrilares patológicas em órgãos e tecidos, podendo ser sistêmica ou restrita a um único órgão. As manifestações clínicas são diversas, como cardiomiopatia, falência renal, esplenomegalia, problemas intestinais, neuropatias, problemas pulmonares, entre outros. Objetivo: relatar um caso clínico de paciente com amiloidose traqueobrônquica. Metodologia: revisão de bibliografias em comparação ao relato de caso, o qual foi descrito a partir de dados retirados do prontuário e de exames complementares da paciente. Caso clínico: paciente do sexo feminino, 70 anos, procurou assistência médica por dorsalgia, apresentando também chiado, tosse seca, dispneia paroxística noturna e ortopneia. Realizou-se investigação diagnóstica durante a internação, na qual biópsia da mucosa traqueobrônquica e coleta de lavado alveolar foram positivos para o teste Vermelho Congo, o que confirmou o diagnóstico de amiloidose. A paciente, então, foi encaminhada para terapia de ablação a laser. Conclusão: portanto, diante de um paciente com quadro clínico inespecífico e suspeita diagnóstica principal de amiloidose pulmonar, é imprescindível investigar e descartar diagnósticos diferenciais como neoplasia ou discrasia de células plasmáticas. Para isso, é necessário que haja alta precisão na análise dos exames de imagem, de modo a sugerir esse diagnóstico, o qual deve ser confirmado através da fibrobroncoscopia com biópsia de tecido brônquico, que através da coloração Vermelho do Congo, evidenciará presença de substância amorfa e birrefringente, compatível com substância amiloide [au]

Introduction: Amyloidosis is the term used to describe diseases that cause extracellular deposition of pathological fibrillar proteins in organs and tissues, which can be systemic or restricted to a single organ. The clinical manifestations are diverse, such as cardiomyopathy, renal failure, splenomegaly, intestinal problems, neuropathies, lung problems, among others. Objective: to report a clinical case of a patient with pulmonary amioloidosis. Methodology: review of bibliographies in comparison to the case report, which was described based on data taken from the patient's record and complementary exams. Clinical case: a seventy-year-old female patient sought medical assistance because of back pain, also presenting wheezing, dry cough, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and orthopnea. Diagnostic investigation was carried out during hospitalization, in which biopsy of the tracheobronchial mucosa and collection of alveolar lavage were positive for the Congo Red test,wich confirmed the amyloidosis diagnosis. The patient was then referred for laser ablation therapy.Conclusion: hence, in a patient with a nonspecific clinical presentation and main diagnostic suspicion of pulmonary amyloidosis, it is essential to investigate and rule out differential diagnoses such as malignancy or plasma cell dyscrasia. Therefore, it is necessary to use high precision in the analysis of image exams in order to suggest this diagnosis, which should be confirmed through fibrobronchoscopy with bronchial tissue biopsy, that through the Congo Red dye, will show the presence of amorphous and birefringent substance, compatible with amyloid substance [au]