NT-ProBNP and VEGF Serum Evaluation In AL Amyloidosis

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5008-5008
Author(s):  
Francesca Saltarelli ◽  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Maria Paola Bianchi ◽  
Guglielmo Bruno ◽  
Gerardo Salerno ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5008 AL amyloidosis is a plasmacellular dyscrasia in which fibrillary deposits containing monoclonal immunoglobuline light chains infiltrate tissues causing their dysfunction and failure. Amyloidosis could be classified into rare localized or more frequent systemic forms such as AL amyloidosis. Cardiac dysfunction is a very frequent feature in AL amyloidosis patients. To evaluate heart involvement both in systemic and localized AL amyloidosis, serum levels of pro-BNP (peptide NT-proBNP; 76 amino acids) and VEGF were investigated. NT-proBNP has been described as an useful marker for heart dysfunction and its role as a prognostic factor for patients with systemic AL amyloidosis has been validated. VEGF is a signaling protein that stimulates new blood vessel formation and showed to be a mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. Serum NT-proBNP and VEGF levels were performed in systemic or localized AL amyloidosis patients to evaluate if there is any correlation between them. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients with systemic amyloidosis and from 4 patients with localized amyloidosis. To analyze the results of NT-proBnp and VEGF, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation were performed. Serum NT-proBNP values were significantly increased in systemic disease (p=0.004). VEGF serum levels were also significantly higher in patients with systemic disease compared to the other group (p=0.027). No significant correlation between NT-proBNP and VEGF levels was found. We know that proBNP levels are significantly increased in patients with systemic amyloidosis and cardiac involvement. On the other hand, VEGF serum levels resulted to be increased in systemic disease. Nevertheless, on the basis of our results, we found absence of a significant correlation between NT-proBNP and VEGF increases. In our opinion, such finding could suggest that VEGF based neoangiogenesis is not significantly involved in AL amyloidosis heart dysfunction. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5006-5006
Author(s):  
Francesca Saltarelli ◽  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Guglielmo Bruno ◽  
Bruno Monarca ◽  
Gerardo Salerno ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5006 In AL amyloidosis typical sites of amyloid buildup are heart, skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and blood vessels. To evaluate the heart involvement in systemic and localized amyloidosis proBNP, peptide (NT-proBNP; 76 amino acids) and MPC-1 were investigated. NT-proBNP have been described as useful marker for the diagnosis heart disease, and its plasma concentrations correlate with the functional classification of patients according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA). MCP-1 is a chemokine that activates mononuclear phagocytes by promoting leukocyte–endothelium binding and migration to sites of inflammation. The MCP-1 levels seem to be related to the severity of cardiac alteration, as demonstrated by the coronary angiogram. NT-proBNP and MPC-1 serum levels were performed in systemic or localized AL amyloidosis to evaluate if there was a difference in the heart involvement. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients with systemic amyloidosis and from 4 patients with localized amyloidosis. To analyze the results of NT-proBNP and MPC-1, Mann-Whitney test was performed. NT-proBNP serum values were significantly (p=0.007) increased in systemic disease. Also, MPC-1 serum levels were significantly (p=0.004) higher in the patients with systemic disease (350.52±58.70 pg/ml) if compared to the group of localized amyloidosis (147.82±26.03 pg/ml). On the basis of our results, the heart seem to be functionally more involved in AL systemic amyloidosis than in localized disease, as demonstrated by the higher NT-proBNP and MPC-1 serum values. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5000-5000
Author(s):  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Francesca Saltarelli ◽  
Guglielmo Bruno ◽  
Bruno Monarca ◽  
Gerardo Salerno ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5000 AL amyloidosis is a plasmacellular discrasia characterized by the deposition of light chains fibrils that infiltrate tissues leading to multisystemic organ involvement. Amyloidosis can be systemic or localized disease. No immunological markers are avaibable to distinguish the systemic from localized disease. IL-4 and IL-1 cytokines were performed to evaluate if there is a different inflammatory pattern between the two clinical forms. IL-4 is the central regulator of T helper 2 (Th2) immune responses, with also a major impact on innate immune cells. IL-1 is produced by macrophages, monocytes, fibroblasts and dendritic cells which play an important role in the inflammatory response, activating the Th1-mediated IL2 release. IL-1 increases the expression of adhesion factors on endothelial cells to enable transmigration of leukocytes to sites of infection. The study was devoted to evaluate serum levels of IL-4 and IL-1 in systemic or localized AL amyloidosis at presentation and to find out potential Th1 and Th2 disequilibrium. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients with systemic amyloidosis and from 4 patients with localized amyloidosis. Serum IL-4 and IL-1 levels were detected. Mann-Whitney test and correlation test were used to analyze results. IL-4 level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in patients with localized disease compared to the group with systemic amyloidosis. IL-1 was instead significantly (p < 0.01) increased in systemic disease. In this, an inverse correlation between IL-4 and IL-1a was found (r2= –0.707; p = 0.05). In systemic amyloidosis, the regulatory mechanism of Th1/Th2 response was polarized versus Th1, as demonstrated by low serum level of IL-4 and high level of IL-1. The negative correlation between serum IL-4 and IL-1 levels demonstrates a disregulation of the immune system in systemic disease as supported by the increased activity of Th1. The results seem to hypothesize that IL-4 could be able to antagonize the diffusion of disease, as demonstrated by the higher IL-4 serum levels in localized amyloidosis. So IL-4 and IL-1 can be considered sensible markers for the inflammatory response assessment both in systemic and localized amyloidosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1922-1922
Author(s):  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Francesca Saltarelli ◽  
Maria Paola Bianchi ◽  
Guglielmo Bruno ◽  
Gerardo Salerno ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1922 AL amyloidosis is a pathology characterised by the deposition of fibrillary aggregates of immunoglobuline light chains with β-sheet conformation. The light chains are synthetized by neoplastic plasma cell and fibrils deposition can infiltrate tissues leading to multi systemic organ damage. To evaluate if vascular modifications are involved in AL amyloidosis, inflammatory activity of cytokines as MCP-1 and VEGF was investigated. MCP-1 is a chemokine that activates mononuclear phagocytes by promoting leukocyte-endothelium binding and migration to sites of inflammation, while VEGF is an endothelial cell mitogen and permeability factor that is potently angiogenic in bone marrow of AL amyloidosis patients. Aim of this study is to evaluate serum cytokines MCP-1 and VEGF levels in patients with systemic or localized AL amyloidosis at presentation to find out potential differences useful to define a characteristic inflammatory pattern. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients with systemic amyloidosis and from 4 patients with localized amyloidosis and analyzed for serum MCP-1 and VEGF levels. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation were used to compare results. MCP-1 level was significantly higher in the serum of patients with systemic disease (350.52±58.70 pg/ml) compared to the group of patients with localized amyloidosis (147.82±26.03; p=0.004); VEGF was also significantly increased in systemic disease group (p= 0.028). In addition, a positive correlation between MCP-1 and VEGF (r2= 0.755; p=0.031) has been found in the group of patients with systemic amyloidosis. Results seems to suggest a difference in serum cytokine MCP-1 and VEGF levels between AL systemic and localized amyloidosis. In systemic amyloidosis the neoplastic plasma cells interact with bone marrow microenvironment resulting in VEGF release leading to a new angiogenesis also supported by an inflammatory cells increase. The MCP-1 activates and promotes leukocyte-endothelium binding increasing the inflammatory process. The high correlation between MCP-1 and VEGF suggests a positive relationship between a new angiogenesis and a migration of inflammatory cells in the bone marrow stroma. On the basis of our results, MCP-1 and VEGF chemokines can be used to evaluate the inflammatory process in patient with systemic or localized AL amyloidosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4995-4995
Author(s):  
Giusy Antolino ◽  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Federica Resci ◽  
Daniela De Benedittis ◽  
Virginia Naso ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4995 Background. AL systemic amyloidosis is the most common and lethal form of amyloidosis. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) is a member of the CC chemokine family which is primarily associated with cell adhesion and migration. Adrenomedullin, and more the mid-regional fragment of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), comprising amino acids 45–92, have immune modulating, metabolic and vascular actions. Aims and Methods. Aim of the study was to evaluate MIP-1α and MR-proADM serum levels in patients with systemic AL λ amyloidosis at presentation to find out potential differences useful to define a characteristic inflammatory pattern. Blood samples were collected from 7 patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (median age 68 yrs) and from 10 age-matched healthy control individuals referred to our Unit and analyzed for serum MIP-1 α and MR-proADM levels. For every patient 1 sample of peripheral blood have been obtained. The blood was separated into plasma at the time of blood draw and frozen to −80°C. Two-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and paired t test. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman rank correlation. All statistical tests were two tailed and p < 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Serum MIP-1α levels were significantly higher in AL amyloidosis patients (median 25. 04 pg/mL; IQR 12. 77) compared to the control group (median 2. 54 pg/mL; IQR 0. 34; p=0. 0007). Also serum MR-proADM levels were significantly increased in AL amyloidosis patients (median 1. 15 nmol/L, IQR 0. 6 vs median 0. 42 nmol/L, IQR 0. 18; p=0. 0008). In addition, a positive correlation between MIP-1α and MR-proADM has been observed in the group of patients with systemic amyloidosis (r2=0. 82, p=0. 034). Conclusions. The increase of MIP-1α and MR-proADM serum levels in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis at presentation is indicative of active basal inflammation which can contribute to organ damage, in particular heart and kidneys, due to microvascular impairment. On the basis of our results, MIP-1α and MR-proADM could be used as new serum markers of inflammation in AL amyloidosis patients, with possible role in monitoring of organ damage. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 527-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Ying Luo ◽  
Dan Fu ◽  
Ya-Qin Wu ◽  
Ying Gao

Background/Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the JAK2/STAT3/SOSC1 signaling pathway on the secretion function of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in a rat model of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods: A PIH rat model was established. Forty-eight pregnant Sprague-Dawley female rats were selected and assigned into four groups: the normal group (normal non-pregnant rats), the non-PIH group (pregnant rats without PIH), the PIH group (pregnant rats with PIH) and the AG490 group (pregnant rats with PIH treated with AG490). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein (UP) were measured. The expressions of JAK2/STAT3/SOSC1 signaling pathway-related proteins in placenta tissues were detect by Western blotting. Radioimmunoassay was applied to detect serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), super oxide dismutase (SOD), placental growth factor (PGF), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and endothelin (ET). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results: Compared with the normal and non-PIH groups, the PIH and AG490 groups had higher SBP and UP levels at 17th and 25th day of pregnancy. The expressions of p/t-JAK2, p/t-STAT3 and SOSC1 in the PIH and AG490 groups were higher than those in the non-PIH group, while the expressions of p/t-JAK2, p/t-STAT3 and SOSC1 in the AG490 group were lower than those in the PIH group. Compared with the non-PIH group, serum levels of ET, TXB2, IL-6 and TNF-α were increased in the PIH and AG490 groups, while serum levels of NO, SOD, 6-keto-PGF1a and IL-10 levels were reduced. Furthermore, the AG490 had lower serum levels of ET, TXB2, IL-6 and TNF-α and higher serum levels of NO, SOD, 6-keto-PGF1a and IL-10 than those in the PIH group. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3/SOSC1 signaling pathway could improve the secretion function of VECs in PIH rats.


2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (04) ◽  
pp. 192-196
Author(s):  
B. P. C. Hazenberg

SummarySystemic amyloidosis is a life-threatening and frequently unrecognized cause of dysautonomia. Autonomic neuropathy is a common manifestation of AL amyloidosis (caused by deposition of an immunoglobulin free light chain produced by an underlying plasma cell clone) and of autosomal dominant hereditary ATTR amyloidosis (caused by a transthyretin mutation). The following review aims to alert clinicians to look out for signs and symptoms of amyloidosis to enable the bioptic diagnosis at an early stage. Suspicion of systemic amyloidosis is usually raised by the systemic, multi-organ character of the disease. An interdisciplinary approach is needed in the individual patient in order to establish the diagnosis and to obtain a clear overview of the actual multitude of organ problems. This overview is necessary for risk management and for making a well-considered treatment choice. Collaboration of all medical specialists involved is necessary to deliver optimal treatment and care to the patient with this systemic disease.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4970-4970
Author(s):  
Alessandro Moscetti ◽  
Giusy Antolino ◽  
Federica Resci ◽  
Daniela De Benedittis ◽  
Virginia Naso ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4970 Background. The natriuretic peptides are a family of different biomarkers including NT-proBNP and MR-proANP. As recommended by guidelines, they are important in heart failure diagnosis and monitoring. MR-proANP (1–98) is the mid-regional portion of the active atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone (99–126) and is considered a significant independent predictor of death, adding prognostic value to NT-proBNP. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell mitogen with angiogenic and nonangiogenic role in several disorders including cardiovascular ones. Moreover, it regulates multiple cellular stress responses, including survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Systemic AL amyloidosis represents a peculiar disease with a clinical heart involvement that needs of a specific monitoring in order to avoid poor outcome. Aims and Methods. The study was devoted to evaluate treatment related changes in cardiovascular activity by MR-proANP and VEGF serum levels in systemic AL amyloidosis. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (median age 72. 8 yrs) admitted to our Unit and analyzed for serum MR-proANP (mean±SD) and VEGF levels (Kits Brahms MR-proANP Kryptor and Randox Evidence Biochips Arrays). According to age and disease risk stratification all patients were treated with upfront oral Mel-Dex association (Melphalan 9 mg/sm, Dexamethasone 20mg day 1–4 q28). From each patient 2 samples of peripheral blood were performed (T0: at exordium of disease and T1: at conclusion of the first course of treatment). The sera were frozen to −80°C until their use. The results were analyzed by paired t test and Person correlation, p values ≤ 0. 05 were considered statistically significant. Results. VEGF serum levels were significantly (p=0. 01) reduced at the end of the first course of treatment (M±SD: T0: 282. 3 ± 86. 23 pg/mL vs. T1: 189. 7 ± 64. 24 pg/mL). Also MR-proANP serum levels were significantly decreased (M±SD: T0: 204. 4 ± 28. 82 pmol/L vs. T1: 160. 2 ± 21. 05 pmol/L, p=0. 008; see figure). The decreases of VEGF and MR-proANP were significantly (r =0. 79; p=0. 02) related. Conclusions. MR-proANP serum levels reduction could be hypothized as related to the decrease of inflammatory activity of disease, including heart involvement and a consequent reduced probability of fatal events. Our hypothesis seems to be confirmed by VEGF serum level reduction suggesting an inhibition of new angiogenesis with reduced interactions between neoplastic plasma cells and bone marrow microenvironment. The effective role of treatment in reducing the disease activity is demonstrated by the significant correlation between VEGF and MR-proANP level decreases. MR-proANP and VEGF could be used to evaluate and select systemic AL amyloidosis patients with an early good response to treatment. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Yukihiro Saito ◽  
Kazufumi Nakamura ◽  
Hiroshi Ito

Cardiac involvement has a profound effect on the prognosis of patients with systemic amyloidosis. Therapeutic methods for suppressing the production of causative proteins have been developed for ATTR amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, which show cardiac involvement, and the prognosis has been improved. However, a method for removing deposited amyloid has not been established. Methods for reducing cytotoxicity caused by amyloid deposition and amyloid precursor protein to protect cardiovascular cells are also needed. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms and treatments of cardiac amyloidosis.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 160-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Osada ◽  
Osamu Inoue ◽  
Guo Ding ◽  
Masanori Hirashima ◽  
Katsue Suzuki-Inoue ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 160 CLEC-2 has been described recently as playing crucial roles in thrombosis/hemostasis, tumor metastasis, and lymphangiogenesis. The snake venom rhodocytin is known as a strong platelet activator, and we have shown that this effect is mediated by CLEC-2. Podoplanin, which is expressed on the surface of tumor cells, is an endogenous ligand for CLEC-2 and facilitates tumor metastasis by inducing platelet aggregation. Mice deficient in podoplanin, which is also expressed on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells, show abnormal patterns of lymphatic vessel formation. We have recently reported on the generation and phenotype of CLEC-2-deficient mice. These mice are lethal at the embryonic/neonatal stages associated with disorganized and blood-filled lymphatic vessels and severe edema, indicating that CLEC-2 is essential for blood/lymphatic vessel separation. However, CLEC-2 is expressed in both platelets and neutrophils in mice and whether CLEC-2 in platelets, but not that in other cells, plays a role in the separation has not been directly proved yet. Moreover, the mechanism how CLEC-2 regulates of blood/lymphatic vessel separation has not been elucidated to date. In the present study, we found that specific deletion of CLEC-2 from platelets mediated by PF4-Cre conferred the defect of blood/lymphatic vessel separation, identifying that CLEC-2 expressed in platelets is required to regulate lymphatic vascular development. Tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells, but not that of vascular endothelial cells, was inhibited in the presence of platelets. Further, proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells, but not those of vascular endothelial cells, were inhibited by CLEC-2+/+ platelets, but not by CLEC-2−/− platelets. We propose that CLEC-2 regulates blood/lymphatic vessel separation by inhibiting proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells through the interaction between CLEC-2 in platelets and podoplanin in lymphatic endothelial cells. CLEC-2 may be a novel therapeutic target protein for lymphatic metastasis of tumor if the interaction of CLEC-2 and podoplanin also regulates lymphangiogenesis by tumor cells. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2140-2140
Author(s):  
Larissa Rocha ◽  
Magda Seixas ◽  
Bruno A. V. Cerqueira ◽  
Valma Lopes ◽  
Mitermayer Reis ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2140 Introduction: Nasopharynx and oropharynx bacterium colonization can be considered as initiation factor for local or systemic disease. The Streptococcus pneumoniae is a pathogen with epidemiological worldwide importance and it has been frequently associated with infection among SCD patients. The Staphylococcus aureus may also colonize the nasopharynx and has been associated with cause of infections in skin and soft tissue, pneumonia, sepsis, osteoarticulation. This study aimed to establish a profile of inflammation and hemolysis biomarkers of SCD individuals in association with the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal bacteria colonization. Patients and Methods: Biomarkers related to hemolysis and inflammation, including lipids and liver function, were determined by biochemical colorimetric reaction and also myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene polymorphisms were investigated with PCR and RFLP techniques. Medical history was obtained by patients' record. Thus, it was developed a cross-sectional study composed by 154 SCD children in a steady-state from the Bahia state, in Brazil, 68.2% (105/154) with HbSS genotype, and 31.8% (49/154) HbSC, in attendance of the outpatients clinic of the Foundation of Hematology and Hemotherapy of Bahia (HEMOBA). The study was approved by the Human research board from FIOCRUZ-BA and every official responsible signed an informed consent. Results: Nasopharynx and oropharynx colonization by S. pneumoniae was found in 14 (9.6%) SCD patients and by S. aureus in 81 (56.6%) patients, and both SCD genotypes had similar frequencies of these studied bacteria. It was not observed an increase in pneumococcal penicillin resistance. SCD patients with nasopharynx colonization by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus exhibited higher ferritin serum levels than patients with a normal microbiote respectively (p=<0.0001; p=0.0144, Mann-Whitney test). However, SCD patients with S. pneumoniae colonization had the highest ferritin serum levels. SCD patients with oropharynx colonization by S. pneumoniae exhibited the highest ferritin (p<0.0001), alanine transaminase (p=0.002) and aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.0001) serum levels when compared with SCD patients colonized by S. aureus and with normal microbiote. Evaluation of multivariate analysis models by logistic regression showed that the occurrence of infection was associated with a high number of total leukocytes (OR:3.41; CI:1.35–8.60; p=0.0092) in a model involving high levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin, antistreptolysin O, the mutant allele of myeloperoxidase gene, and nasopharynx colonization; infection was also associated in a model involving oropharynx colonization (OR:3.87; CI:1.43–10.50;p=0.008) and high leukocytes number (OR:10.13; CI:10.13–52.43; p=0.006), and high count of reticulocyte, platelets, and neutrophils. Pneumonia occurrence was associated with the HbSS genotype (OR:4.55; CI:1.56–13.31;p=0.006) in models involving oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal colonization, and high count of reticulocyte, platelets, and neutrophils, and age less than 5 years old. Interestingly, when vaso-occlusive was analyzed, the involvement of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal colonization was not pivotal for this event, that was associated to high neutrophils counts (OR:11.75; CI:2.33–59.26; p=0.003) in the presence of high count of reticulocyte, platelets, leukocytes, female gender and age less than 5 years old. Conclusion: Ours result of SCD patients nasopharynx and oropharynx colonization with high ferritin serum levels may be associated with an increase of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species by bacteria presence, suggesting a pivotal role of the bacteria colonization in the modulation of hemolytic events, inflammation state, and infectious occurrence and a possible influence in the disease severity. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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