Type I Interferon Gene Signature in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Sickle Cell Disease Patients and a Connection to RBC Alloimmunization

Background RBC alloimmunization is a clinically significant issue in transfusion medicine; patients with sickle cell disease have an increased risk of alloantibody production (30-50% of SS patients) compared to that of other hospitalized patients (3-10%). However, mechanisms underlying the increased frequency of alloimmunization in sickle cell patients are poorly understood. In previous studies, inflammation in the recipient has been shown to promote alloimmunization. Transfusion models, type 1 interferons (IFNα/β) and Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs) have been shown to promote alloimmunization in mice. Other studies have shown that patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases express an IFNα/β signature which may contribute to the increased frequency of alloimmunization in these populations. One recent study reported significantly elevated ISGs in neutrophils as well as evidence that IFNα is upregulated in SS patients compared to controls. Given the chronic inflammatory state in SS patients, we sought to determine the role of PBMCs and whether they also expressed an IFN gene signature that contributes to the increased frequency of alloimmunization. Methods The expression of the ISG, myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), was measured in the blood of SS patients with more patients with SS disease (SS, n=13) and race matched healthy controls (ββ, n=3) by whole blood immunoassay (ELISA). qPCR was performed on 5 previously established ISGs to determine an IFN score, a measure of overall gene expression, from whole blood and IFNβ stimulated PBMCs of SS patients (SS, n=15) and healthy race matched controls (ββ, n=5). A LEGENDplex™ Human Anti-Virus Response Panel assay was used to determine the expression of various type 1 IFNs, cytokines and ISGs in patients with SS disease (SS, n=15) and healthy race matched controls (ββ, n=5). Results SS patients had significantly elevated levels of MxA (mean ± standard error of the mean, SS MxA = 12.27 ng/mL ± 15.68) compared to control patients without SS (ββ MxA = 1.52 ng/mL± 0.26, p< 0.05) (Figure 1 A) . The Legendplex showed a significant increase in IL-6, IL-10 and the ISG, IP-10. (SS IP-10= 147.81 pg/mL ± 49.24) (ββ IP-10 = 68.85 pg/mL ±10.70, p<0.01) (Figure 1 B) Analyzing the 5 ISGs, we saw a trend towards a higher IFN score in patients with SS disease than healthy controls in whole blood; this difference was significant in PBMCs stimulated with IFNB (IFN Score SS = 20.76 ± 17.18 ,ββ = 0.00 ± 3.71 , p<0.01) (Figure 1 C). Discussion SCD is a complex disease with many environmental and genetic factors that play roles in the severity of the disease. Any number of these factors may influence the high rates of alloimmunization found in sickle cell patients. We found increased cytokines, ISGs and IFN scores in SS patients compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest the presence of an IFNα/β gene signature in patients with sickle cell disease. Due to the relatively small sample size, we are unable to determine a correlation between alloantibodies and MxA levels or high IFN scores with this cohort. Further studies will allow us to determine if the increased interferon gene signature plays a role in the increased alloimmunization burden that these patients experience. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Increased Expression of Type 1 Interferon Stimulated Genes in Sickle Cell Disease and a Potential Association with RBC Alloimmunization

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-124899 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 716-716

Author(s):

Emaan Madany ◽

Najwa El Kadi ◽

Sumaarg Pandya ◽

Jeanne E. Hendrickson ◽

David R Gibb

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽

Gene Signature ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Interferon Stimulated Genes ◽

Flow Cytometric ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Background RBC transfusion can lead to the production of alloantibodies against RBC antigens and is a clinically significant issue in transfusion medicine. Patients with sickle cell disease have an increased risk for alloimmunization; 30-50% of SS patients have alloantibodies compared to 3-10% of other hospitalized patients. These alloantibodies can cause dangerous hemolytic transfusion reactions and limit the availability of compatible antigen-negative RBC products. This is of particular importance in SS patients, who commonly make alloantibodies against multiple RBC antigens and need regular transfusions to treat their disease. However, mechanisms underlying the increased frequency of alloimmunization in sickle cell patients are poorly understood. In previous studies, inflammation in the recipient has been shown to promote alloimmunization in both mice and humans. In mouse transfusion models, type 1 interferons (IFNα/β) and Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs) have been shown to promote alloimmunization. Other studies have shown that patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases express an IFNα/β signature, which may contribute to the increased frequency of alloimmunization in these populations. Given the chronic inflammatory state in patients with sickle cell disease, we hypothesize that: SS patients may also have an IFN gene signature that may contribute to the increased frequency of alloimmunization. Methods To test this hypothesis, we initially measured the expression of the ISG, myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), in the blood of previously-transfused patients (n=50) with SS disease (SS, n=13) and without SS disease (ββ, n=37) by whole blood immunoassay (ELISA). We then measured expression of another ISG, Siglec-1 (SS n=5, ββ=24), expressed on monocytes by flow cytometric analysis. To determine the degree to which ISG expression correlated with alloimmunization frequency, expression of MxA in non-alloimmunized patients was compared to the expression in patients with 1 or more alloantibodies. Statistical analysis of 2 groups was completed with a Mann-Whitney U test. Significance between 3 groups was determined using a Kruskal-Wallis test with a Dunn's post-test. Results SS patients had significantly elevated levels of MxA (mean ± standard error of the mean, SS MxA = 8.98 ng/mL ± 2.46) compared to control patients without SS (MxA = 1.25 ± 0.54, p<0.0001). (Figure 1 A). SS patients also had significantly elevated levels of Siglec-1 on blood monocytes, measured by flow cytometric mean fluorescence intensity (MFI, SS MFI = 132.72 ± 42.9, ββ MFI = 64.9 ± 6.17, p< 0.05). (Figure 1 B,C). For all 50 patients, including SS and ββ control patients, there was a trend toward elevated MxA expression in alloimmunized patients. Patients with 2 or more alloantibodies had significantly elevated MxA (MxA 8.16 ± 2.61), compared to non-alloimmunized transfused patients (MxA = 2.05 ± 1.65, p < 0.01) or patients with only 1 alloantibody (MxA = 1.18 ±0.48, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in MxA levels between patients with 0 and 1 alloantibody. Of the 13 patients with SS disease, only 2 patients lacked alloantibodies. (SS with 1 alloantibody, n=3, SS with 2 or more alloantibodies, n=8). Therefore, a correlation between MxA levels and alloimmunization in SS patients could not be assessed. Discussion Factors that contribute to RBC alloimmunization in sickle cell disease are poorly understood. In this study, we found that sickle cell patients had an increase in the expression of ISGs compared to other transfused patients. We also found that MxA levels are increased in patients that have 2 or more alloantibodies compared to patients without alloantibodies. These findings suggest the presence of an IFNα/β gene signature in patients with sickle cell disease. Further studies are needed to determine the relationship between interferon-stimulated responses in sickle cell patients and the increased frequency of alloantibody production. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Genomic Approaches to Identifying Risk for Pulmonary Artery Hypertension among Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1442.1442 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1442-1442

Author(s):

Damian Silbermins ◽

Laura M. De Castro ◽

Jude C Jonassaint ◽

Shiaowen David Hsu ◽

Marilyn J. Telen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Gene Signature ◽

Pulmonary Artery Hypertension ◽

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Gene Signatures

Abstract Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) occurs in 30–50% of adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), with mortality ranging from 16 to 50% and a median survival of 25 months. Our objective was to use gene expression profiling to develop a gene signature predictor for PAH through the analysis of gene expression of blood cells from SCD patients with or without PAH. We hypothesized that these gene signatures could allow us to identify patients at risk for PAH, as well as to generate hypotheses as to the pathophysiology of PAH in SCD. We used Affymetrix U133A2 GeneChip to determine the RNA expression of both whole blood and leukocytes using PAXgene and Leukolock methods, respectively. The study population included patients homozygous for HbS or with HbSβ0 thalassemia. Subjects with PAH were ≥18 years old, in steady state, and had PAH either by 2D echo (TR jet ≥ 2.7 m/sec) or right-sided catheterization (mean PA pressure ≥ 30 mmHg). Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, had co-existing rheumatologic conditions or other inflammatory diseases, were on chronic transfusion therapy or had had a vaso-occlusive episode in the previous 4 weeks. The control subjects were patients with SCD but without PAH (TR jet ≤ 1.8 m/sec or mean PA pressure <25 mmHg). Hierarchical clustering based on the gene expression pattern from 7 patients with PAH and 6 controls showed a trend for the clustering of SCD patients with PAH away from SCD patients without PAH. This trend was present for the gene expression in both whole blood and leukocytes. A Bayesian regression analysis was then performed to identify a set of predictor gene signatures for the PAH phenotype (Figure 1) in SCD. Finally, using gene set enrichment analysis, we found that the leukocytes from patients with PAH were highly enriched in the gene sets deriving from hematopoietic stem cells, corroborating the hypothesis of hyperhemolysis and higher blood cell turnover in this population. Other pathways showing upregulation in PAH were PTEN, TGFβ, cyclin D1, WNT and PPAR. Although these data are preliminary, they suggest that PAH in SCD does indeed have a distinct gene signature profile that may become useful in identifying risk for PAH prospectively, as well as in directing further investigation into the pathogenesis of PAH in SCD. Figure Figure

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Whole blood transcriptomic analysis reveals PLSCR4 as a potential marker for vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-01702-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hawra Abdulwahab ◽

Muna Aljishi ◽

Ameera Sultan ◽

Ghada Al-Kafaji ◽

Kannan Sridharan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Blood Disorder ◽

Potential Biomarker

AbstractSickle cell disease, a common genetic blood disorder, results from a point mutation in the β-globin gene affecting the configuration of hemoglobin, predisposing to painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and multi-organ dysfunctions. There is a huge variation in the phenotypic expressions of SCD and VOC owing to genetic and environmental factors. This study aimed to characterize the whole blood gene expression profile using Microarray technology in Bahraini patients with SCD determining the differentially expressed genes in steady-state (n = 10) and during VOC (n = 10) in comparison to healthy controls (n = 8). Additionally, the study intended to identify potential genetic marker associated with hemolysis. The analysis identified 2073 and 3363 genes that were dysregulated during steady-state and VOC, respectively, compared to healthy controls. Moreover, 1078 genes were differentially expressed during VOC compared to steady state. The PLSCR4 gene was almost 6-fold up-regulated in microarray, 4-fold in polymerase chain reaction, and a mean protein concentration of 0.856 ng/ml was observed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during VOC compared to steady-state (0.238 ng/ml) (p < 0.01). Amongst these genes, PLSCR4 is involved in erythrocyte membrane deformity thus, predisposing to hemolysis, adhesion, and thrombosis. In conclusion, PLSCR4 may serve as a potential biomarker for VOC and future large-scale validation are recommended.

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Analysis Of Hemostatic Characteristics using Thromboelastometry in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease and Controls

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4766.4766 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 4766-4766

Author(s):

Maissaa Janbain ◽

Cindy A. Leissinger ◽

Rebecca Kruse-Jarres

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Sickle Cell Trait ◽

Acute Illness ◽

Cellular Component ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cell Disease ◽

The Impact

Background Vaso-occlusive phenomena and hemolysis are the clinical hallmarks of sickle cell disease (SCD). In addition, pain crisis was identified as the initial clinical manifestation in 61.9% of sickle cell patients who died shortly after hospital admission from thromboembolism and micro vascular thrombi. Knowing that the vaso-occlusive events may be related to activation of the hemostatic system, and that thromboelastometry (TEM) assesses the functionality of this system from a global standpoint, it will be challenging to characterize the findings in patients with SCD as a way to differentiate their clinical phenotype upon presentation, and to predict the impact of these manifestations on their prognosis, mortality and morbidity. Objective To characterize the findings of TEM in patients with SCD during periods of steady state and acute illness, to compare these results with those of healthy controls and sickle cell trait (SCT), to compare the findings in whole blood (WB) to plasma (PL) for each category, in a way to analyze the findings in plasma and their applicability in clinical practice as well as to delineate the contribution of the cellular component in whole blood samples. Design In a cross-sectional study, we obtained TEM and other hemostatic data on 24 adult patients with SCD (16 in steady state and 8 in acute illness); and 13 race and age matched healthy controls (6 with sickle cell trait (SCT) and 7 with no trait). We specifically studied coagulation time (CT) as a function of coagulation factors; clot firmness time (CFT) and alpha angle(α) assessing platelet and fibrinogen function; and maximum clot firmness (MCF) evaluating the mechanical clot quality (plt, fibrinogen and factorXIII) and finally thrombodynamic potential index (TPI) as a function of patient’s global coagulation. Results Overall, patients with SCD had higher TPI in WB (p=0.23;=0.25) and lower TPI in PL (p<0.0001;=0.47) when compared to controls and SCT respectively. Also, patients with SCD had lower CT (p=0.02), lower CFT (p<0.0001) higher MCF; α and TPI (p<0.0001; =0.051; <0.0001) in whole blood compared to plasma. Sickle cell trait patients had lower CT, CFT, alpha with higher MCF in WB compared to PL. While healthy controls had higher CT; MCF and TPI (p=0.01; <0.0001; <0.0001) and lower CFT, α (p=0.16; <0.0001) in WB compared to PL. Conclusion Whole blood of SCD patients seems to be hypercoagulable in comparison to WB of controls and SCT. While the plasma of SCD patients was significantly hypocoagulable when compared to PL of healthy controls. Overall, TEG profiles of WB were different than PL. This was more obvious in SCD patients reinforcing the contribution of the cellular component to the pathophysiology of this disease and the possible compensatory hypocoagulable status of the plasma in these patients. Further study of larger and more homogeneous patient groups, is required to adequately assess the clinical utility of TEM in patients with sickle cell disease. Disclosures: Kruse-Jarres: Baxter Healthcare: Consultancy; Bayer HealthCare: Consultancy; Biogen IDEC: Consultancy; Grifols: Consultancy; Kedrion: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy.

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Whole Blood Adhesion to VCAM-1 and P-Selectin and RBC Mechanical Fragility Can be Compromised in Long COVID-19 Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-154308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 959-959

Author(s):

Michael Tarasev ◽

Marta Ferranti ◽

Cidney Allen ◽

Xiufeng Gao ◽

Kayla Topping ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Blood Cell ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Stock Options ◽

Membrane Stability ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Adhesive Properties ◽

Rbc Membrane ◽

Privately Held

Abstract Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause severe vascular complications associated with endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. COVID19-specific IgG are detectable within a week of infection. Long COVID-19 has been described in patients continuing to exhibit symptoms after the virus is no longer detectable in the respiratory secretions, including fatigue, dyspnea, headache, and brain fog. The recent FAIR Health study reviewed a total of 1,959,982 COVID-19 patients for the prevalence of long COVID symptoms and reported that 23.2% had at least one post-COVID symptom [1]. The underlying biologic mechanisms of long COVID remain unclear, thus treatments are limited to symptomatic relief and supportive care. Many long COVID symptoms are consistent with systemic inflammation and impaired oxygen delivery observed in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), in turn associated with elevated blood cell adhesion and decreased red blood cell (RBC) stability. The aim of this study was to determine if deleterious changes in in blood cell properties related to adhesion and membrane stability under stress can be associated with the symptoms of long COVID-19. In this work we evaluated 7 SCD patients that were diagnosed with SARS-Cov-2 and tracked their recovery using semiquantitative IgG and blood cell function assays. Methods: Blood samples were collected by the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Research from SCD (homozygous SS, n=6) patients coming for regular or urgent clinic visit with SARS-CoV-2 serological and blood cell functions tests performed per the standard of care. Semiquantitative IgG assay was performed using DXi-80 (Beckman Coulter). Flow adhesion of whole blood to VCAM-1 (FA-WB-VCAM)and P-Selectin (FA-WB-Psel) substrates were determined by counting the cells that remain adherent in a microfluidics channel after perfusion with whole blood 1:1 diluted with HBSS buffer and washed by reversed flow at 1 dyne/cm 2. Red blood cell mechanical fragility (RBC MF) was measured as hemolysis induced by an oscillating cylindrical magnet with periodic non-invasive probing of cell-free hemoglobin fraction. Six individuals with SCD recovering from SARS-Cov-2 with biomarker data available both before and for more than 3 months after the infection (179±62 days) were included in the study. Results: IgG levels varied from less than 0.1 to 37, with positive values being defined as IgG > 1. The median estimated half-life of IgG decline was 53 days ranging from 25 to 90 days (the last, for the hospitalized patient). Averaged for IgG positive (IgG+) and IgG negative (IgG-) conditions, combining pre- and post-infection IgG- conditions, values of patient hemoglobin (Hb), FA-WB-VCAM, FA-WB-Psel, and RBC MF cell properties lacked statistical significance (under both a paired t-test and population statistics). Hb levels remained essentially unchanged regardless of the time from infection or IgG status. However, FA-WB-VCAM, FA-WB-Psel, and RBC MF were all significantly elevated after SARS-Cov-2 seroconversion and remained elevated despite declining IgG levels (e.g., Fig. 1). These increases in biomarker values were statistically significant for both FA-WB-VCAM and RBC MF, and were approaching significance for FA-WB-Psel (p<0065). These increases were highly patient-specific with potential return to pe-infection values observed in some cases at about 5-6 months after the infection. A qualitative review of the medical records indicated a new subjective report of fatigue in 5 of 6 patients. Longer observations are required to determine if abnormal blood cell adhesive properties and RBC membrane instability are mechanisms of long-COVID-19 pathophysiology. Conclusions: Whole blood adhesion to both p-selectin and VCAM-1 as well as RBC membrane stability can be significantly impaired in convalescent SARS-Cov-2 patients suggesting an association with long COVID-19. New and emerging treatments that modify whole blood adhesive properties and RBC membrane stability should be investigated for their potential to accelerated recovery from long COVID-19. Health F. A Detailed Study of Patients with Long-Haul COVID: An Analysis of Private Healthcare Claims; White Paper. June 15, 2021 Disclosures Tarasev: Functional Fluidics: Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Ferranti: Functional Fluidics: Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company. Allen: Functional Fluidics: Current Employment. Gao: Functional Fluidics: Current Employment. Topping: Functional Fluidics: Current Employment. Ferranti: Functional Fluidics: Current Employment. Makinde-Odesola: Functional Fluidics: Other: conduct research for academic program. Hines: Functional Fluidics: Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company.

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Paraoxonases (PON) 1, 2, and 3 Polymorphisms and PON-1 Activities in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8080252 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 252 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cadiele Oliana Reichert ◽

Carolina Garcia de Macedo ◽

Débora Levy ◽

Bruno Carnevale Sini ◽

Andréia Moreira Monteiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Plasma Cholesterol ◽

Transferrin Saturation ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Ldl Oxidation ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Q192r Polymorphism

(1) Background: Oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, vasoocclusion, and free iron are all features present in sickle cell disease. Paraoxonases (PON) are a family (PON-1, PON-2, PON-3) of antioxidant enzymes with anti-inflammatory action. Here, for the first time, we described PON-1 activities and PON-1, PON-2, PON-3 polymorphisms in patients with sickle cell disease, homozygous for HbSS, compared with healthy controls. (2) Methods: The groups were matched for age and gender. PON-1 activities (arylesterase and paraoxonase) were determined by enzymatic hydrolysis of phenylcetate and paraoxon, respectively. Polymorphisms were determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR). (3) Results: Plasma cholesterol and fractions, ApoA1 and ApoB levels were all decreased in sickle cell disease patients, while anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) antibodies and C-reactive protein were increased. Serum arylesterase activity was lower in sickle cell disease patients when compared with healthy controls. In patients, paraoxonase activity was higher in those with PON-1 RR Q192R polymorphism. In these patients, the increase of serum iron and ferritin levels and transferrin saturation were less pronounced than those observed in patients with QQ or QR polymorphism. No differences were observed with PON-1 L55M, and PON-2 and PON-3 polymorphisms. Multivariate regression analysis showed that transferrin and ferritin concentrations correlated with arylesterase and paraoxonase activities. (4) Conclusions: Both transferrin and ferritin were the main predictors of decreased arylesterase and paraoxonase activities in patients with sickle cell disease. LDL oxidation increased, and RR PON-1 Q192R polymorphism is likely to be a protective factor against oxidative damage in these patients.

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Serum Iron Levels and Copper-to-Zinc Ratio in Sickle Cell Disease

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55050180 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (5) ◽

pp. 180

Author(s):

Charles Antwi-Boasiako ◽

Gifty Dankwah ◽

Robert Aryee ◽

Charles Hayfron-Benjamin ◽

Alfred Doku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Zinc Homeostasis ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Flame Atomic Absorption ◽

Iron Copper ◽

Copper And Zinc

Background and Objectives: Altered copper and zinc homeostasis may influence the antioxidant defense system and consequently lead to oxidative stress and associated complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Iron levels have been reported to increase in sickle cell patients due to frequent blood transfusion, chronic intravenous haemolysis and increased absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract. These elevated levels of iron may also lead to extensive oxidative damage. The current study evaluated serum levels of iron, copper and zinc in SCD patients and “healthy” controls. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional one, comprising 90 SCD patients with Haemoglobin SS and Haemoglobin SC genotypes and 50 HbAA “healthy” controls. Serum levels of iron, copper and zinc were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS manufactured by VARIAN Australia Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia). Copper and zinc ratios were calculated and analyzed. Results: Serum levels of iron and copper were significantly elevated in the SCD patients, compared to their “healthy” counterparts (p < 0.001). These levels were further increased in patients with haemoglobin SS in vaso-occlusive crises (HbSS VOCs). Serum zinc levels were, however, significantly lower in the SCD patients, particularly during vaso-occlusion. The copper-to-zinc ratio was also found to be significantly higher in the SCD patients. Conclusion: Elevated copper-to-zinc ratio may be a biomarker of sickle cell oxidative stress and associated complications. The ratio may also be informative for the management of sickle cell oxidative burden. The significantly lower levels of zinc in the SCD patients may warrant zinc supplementation.

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Featured Article: Depletion of HDL3 high density lipoprotein and altered functionality of HDL2 in blood from sickle cell patients

Experimental Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1177/1535370217706966 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 242 (12) ◽

pp. 1244-1253 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Eric Soupene ◽

Sandra K Larkin ◽

Frans A Kuypers

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

High Density Lipoprotein ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Acute Phase ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

High Density ◽

High Density Lipoproteins ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Cell Disease

In sickle cell disease (SCD), alterations of cholesterol metabolism is in part related to abnormal levels and activity of plasma proteins such as lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I). In addition, the size distribution of ApoA-I high density lipoproteins (HDL) differs from normal blood. The ratio of the amount of HDL2 particle relative to the smaller higher density pre-β HDL (HDL3) particle was shifted toward HDL2. This lipoprotein imbalance is exacerbated during acute vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) as the relative levels of HDL3 decrease. HDL3 deficiency in SCD plasma was found to relate to a slower ApoA-I exchange rate, which suggests an impaired ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in SCD. HDL2 isolated from SCD plasma displayed an antioxidant capacity normally associated with HDL3, providing evidence for a change in function of HDL2 in SCD as compared to HDL2 in normal plasma. Although SCD plasma is depleted in HDL3, this altered capacity of HDL2 could account for the lack of difference in pro-inflammatory HDL levels in SCD as compared to normal. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to HDL2 isolated from SCD plasma resulted in higher mRNA levels of the acute phase protein long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as compared to incubation with HDL2 from control plasma. Addition of the heme-scavenger hemopexin protein prevented increased expression of PTX3 in sickle HDL2-treated cells. These findings suggest that ApoA-I lipoprotein composition and functions are altered in SCD plasma, and that whole blood transfusion may be considered as a blood replacement therapy in SCD. Impact statement Our study adds to the growing evidence that the dysfunctional red blood cell (RBC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) affects the plasma environment, which contributes significantly in the vasculopathy that defines the disease. Remodeling of anti-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) to pro-inflammatory entities can occur during the acute phase response. SCD plasma is depleted of the pre-β particle (HDL3), which is essential for stimulation of reverse cholesterol from macrophages, and the function of the larger HDL2 particle is altered. These dysfunctions are exacerbated during vaso-occlusive episodes. Interaction of lipoproteins with endothelium increases formation of inflammatory mediators, a process counteracted by the heme-scavenger hemopexin. This links hemolysis to lipoprotein-mediated inflammation in SCD, and hemopexin treatment could be considered. The use of RBC concentrates in transfusion therapy of SCD patients underestimates the importance of the dysfunctional plasma compartment, and transfusion of whole blood or plasma may be warranted.

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Whole Blood Tissue Factor Procoagulant Activity Is Elevated in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v91.11.4216 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 91 (11) ◽

pp. 4216-4223 ◽

Cited By ~ 161

Author(s):

Nigel S. Key ◽

Arne Slungaard ◽

Luke Dandelet ◽

Stephen C. Nelson ◽

Christopher Moertel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Tissue Factor ◽

Mononuclear Cell ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Procoagulant Activity ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Whole Blood Samples

Abstract We developed a simple assay for the measurement of tissue factor procoagulant activity (TF PCA) in whole blood samples that avoids the need for mononuclear cell isolation. This method combines convenience of sample collection and processing with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for TF. Using this method, we have determined that TF PCA is detectable in whole blood samples from normal individuals, which is itself a novel observation. Essentially all PCA could be shown to be localized in the mononuclear cell fraction of blood. Compared with controls, whole blood TF levels were significantly (P < .000001) elevated in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), regardless of the subtype of hemoglobinopathy (SS or SC disease). No significant difference in TF PCA was observed between patients in pain crisis compared with those in steady-state disease. Because TF functions as cofactor in the proteolytic conversion of FVII to FVIIa in vitro, it was expected that an increase in circulating TF PCA would lead to an increased in vivo generation of FVIIa. On the contrary, FVIIa levels were actually decreased in the plasma of patients with SCD. Plasma TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) antigen levels were normal in SCD patients, suggesting that accelerated clearance of FVIIa by the TFPI pathway was not responsible for the reduced FVIIa levels. We propose that elevated levels of circulating TF PCA may play an important role in triggering the activation of coagulation known to occur in patients with SCD. Because TF is the principal cellular ligand for FVIIa, it is possible that increased binding to TF accounts for the diminished plasma FVIIa levels.

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