Similar Levels of Complement Activation in Both Patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: The Report from the Korean TTP Registry

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4195-4195
Author(s):  
Doyeun Oh ◽  
Ji Young Huh ◽  
So Young Chong ◽  
In-Ho Kim ◽  
Soo-Mee Bang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Uncontrolled complement activation has a major role in the pathogenesis of atypical HUS (aHUS) and the restraint of this process by eculizumab is life saving. However, the evidence of complement dysregulation in the pathogenesis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is still unclear. In this study we examined the presence of complement activation biomarkers in patients with aHUS and TTP and the levels were compared to normal healthy controls . Patients and Methods: Patients with thrombotic microangiopathic thrombocytopenia diagnosed either as TTP with low ADAMTS13 activity less than 10% or aHUS with impaired renal function, Cr> 2mg/dL and normal ADAMTS13 activity were chosen from the Korean TTP registry from February 2012 to June 2014. Prospective plasma and serum samples prior to intervention were collected from newly diagnosed patients with TTP (n=20), aHUS (n=20), and 20 healthy controls and frozen at -700C. Complement activation products (C3a, Bb as alternative pathway; C4d as classic pathway; C5a, C5b-9; terminal pathway) were measured by ELISA. Results: Significantly increased levels of Bb and C5b-9 were observed in TTP (median [range], ng/mL; Bb, 1220 [540.0 – 16560], p=0.048; C5b - 9, 390.1 [238.5 - 938.7], p<0.0001) when compared with controls (Bb, 870.0 [630.0 - 2070]; C5b - 9, 190.8 [77.96 - 458.9]). Increased levels of C3a, C5a, C5b - 9, and Factor Bb were observed in HUS (C3a, 231.3 [80.70 - 791.8], p<0.0001; C5a, 21.38 [5.590 - 34.96], p= 0.006; C5b - 9, 0.49 [0.21 - 1.41], p<0.0001; Bb, 1490 [540.0 – 11800], p= 0.0003) as compared with controls (C3a, 108.7 [30.98 - 425.1]; C5a, 8.620 [2.660 - 26.93]; C5b - 9, 0.49 [0.21 - 1.41]; Bb, 870.0 [630.0 - 2070]). These suggested alternative and terminal complement pathways were activated in initial episodes of TTP or HUS. However levels of C4d were not different in HUS and TTP as compared with controls which suggested classic complement pathways were not important in this process. There were no significant differences in complement levels between TTP and HUS although levels of C3a, C4d, C5b - 9 in HUS (C3a, 231.3 [80.70 - 791.8]; C4d, 2140 [10.00 - 960.0]; C5b - 9, 488.4 [212.7 – 1414]) tended to be increased as compared with TTP (C3a, 134.5 [61.97 - 378.4]; C4d, 1330 [2.000 - 699.0]; C5b - 9, 390.1 [238.5 - 938.7]). Conclusion: Complement biomarkers are activated to a similar level in both newly diagnosed cases of TTP and aHUS. Complement activation product levels did not differentiate aHUS from TTP. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 600-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Hui Hu ◽  
Jialing Bao ◽  
Yoshiyasu Ueda ◽  
Takashi Miwa ◽  
Wenchao Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a potential fatal syndrome, is often associated with severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity, either resulting from ADAMTS13 mutations or acquired anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies that inhibit plasma ADAMTS13 activity. Patients with severe ADAMTS13 do not always have TTP signs and symptoms, which often occur following infections or inflammatory responses. The mechanism of TTP flare is not fully understood. In the present study, complement activation markers (iC3b, C5b, Bb, and C4b) were determined by enzyme-linked absorbent assays (ELISA) in the initial plasmas (prior to plasma exchange) of 20 patients with acquired TTP with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (less than 20% of normal) and plasmas from 20 healthy controls. Of 20 TTP patients, 19 exhibited positive inhibitor in the 50:50 mixing study. Plasma levels of iC3b (1,000 ± 1,062 ng/ml), sC5b-9 (1,342±867 ng/ml), and Bb (38.2±47.7 ng/ml), as well as C4b (74.3±49.5 ng/ml) in acquired TTP patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (p value less than 0.01) These results indicate that complement activation in both classic and alternative pathways is a common phenomenon in patients with acquired autoimmune TTP. To demonstrate the causative effect of complement activation in TTP, we turned to our Adamts13 null mice. C57BL/6 (Adamts13-/-) mice are resistant to the development of spontaneous and Shigatoxin-induced TTP syndrome. When injected with a murine specific monoclonal antibody against complement factor H (CFH) (800 micro grams/mouse), which inhibits binding of circulating CFH to endothelial cells and C3b, Adamts13-/- mice (C57BL/6) developed more severe thrombocytopenia and anemia than wild type mice did within 6 days without additional challenge. However, renal insufficiency manifested by the increase of plasma BUN concentration was similar in both groups (Fig. 1). These results indicate that complement activation through an alternative pathway, following antibody-mediated inhibition of CFH or other complement regulatory components, may trigger the onset of TTP in light of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 1147-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjing Cao ◽  
Huy Phu Pham ◽  
Lawrence A. Williams ◽  
Zheng Ping ◽  
Robin G. Lorenz ◽  
...  

Abstract Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially fatal syndrome, resulting from autoantibodies against the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. Autoantibodies bind and inhibit plasma ADAMTS13 activity, leading to exaggerated platelet agglutination and thrombus formation in small arteries and capillaries. However, plasma ADAMTS13 deficiency or the presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies is not sufficient to cause the disease. Infection or inflammation often precedes the acute onset of TTP. We hypothesize that neutrophil activation or complement activation vial alternative pathway may be the trigger for TTP. In this study, plasma samples were collected prior to plasma exchange from 58 adult patients with acute TTP between 2006 and 2015 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center. All patients were diagnosed having TTP on the basis of severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity (less than 10%) and the presence of ADAMTS13 inhibitors. All patients were treated by plasma exchange. Thirty plasma samples from healthy individuals were collected for controls. Plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides (HNP-1, -2, and -3) released from activated neutrophils and alternative pathway complement activation markers (iC3b, C4d, C5b-9, and Bb) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). We showed that plasma levels of HNP-1, -2, and -3 in TTP patients were elevated on average by 10-fold when compared with those in the healthy controls (44.12 ± 39.53 ng/ml vs. 3.54 ± 2.97 ng/ml, means ± SD) (p <0.0001). Whereas plasma levels of Bb and iC3b were only modestly increased in TTP patients (2.94 ± 1.82 µg/ml vs. 1.39 ± 0.34 µg/ml for Bb, p <0.0001, and 16.21 ± 9.71 µg/ml vs. 12.13 ± 3.07 µg/ml for iC3b, p =0.028). No significant difference was detected in the plasma levels of C4d and C5b-9 between TTP patients and healthy controls (p >0.05). To differentiate HNP-1 from HNP-2 or HNP-3, we developed a LC/MS mass spectrometric assay and showed that all subtypes of HNPs in TTP patients were significantly elevated when compared with those in the healthy controls (p<0.001). In general, there was good concordance between ELISA and LC/MS MS in the measurement of all three HNPs. These results demonstrate that innate immunity (i.e. activation of neutrophils) and to a lesser degree the activation of complements via alternative pathway may play a role in pathogenesis of TTP in light of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. Our findings provide rationales for developing novel targeted therapies for acquired TTP. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (05) ◽  
pp. 1034-1043 ◽  
Author(s):  
György Sinkovits ◽  
Péter Farkas ◽  
Dorottya Csuka ◽  
Katalin Rázsó ◽  
Marienn Réti ◽  
...  

SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterised by the deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease (ADAMTS-13). Although several observations indicate an important role of endothelial activation in the pathogenesis of TTP, no reliable endothelial activation markers are available in the clinical management of TTP. Our aim was to investigate the presence of endothelial activation in TTP and to determine its connections with disease activity, therapy and complement activation. We enrolled 54 patients (median age 40.5; 44 females) and 57 healthy controls (median age 34; 30 females),VWF antigen, carboxiterminal-pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET-1), complement Factor H and complement activation products (C3bBbP and SC5b-9) were measured. In both the acute and remission phase of TTP we found increased CT-proET-1 and VWF levels, while Factor H levels decreased compared with healthy controls. In remission, however, the elevated CT-proET-1 levels showed 22 % decrease when compared with the acute phase in paired samples (p=0.0031), whereas no changes for VWF and Factor H levels were observed. We also found positive correlations between CT-proET-1 levels and alternative pathway activation markers (C3bBbP; p=0.0360; r=0.4299). The data we present here demonstrate a role of endothelium activation in patients with acute TTP. The finding that CT-proET-1 levels decreased in remission compared with the acute phase further supports endothelial involvement. In addition, we show that endothelial activation also correlated with the activation of the alternative complement pathway. The data suggest that complement and endothelium activation jointly contribute to the development of TTP episodes in patients with predisposition to TTP.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4661-4661
Author(s):  
Sarah Steinemann ◽  
Tanja Falter ◽  
Mirjeta Qorraj ◽  
Thomas Vigh ◽  
Inge Scharrer

Abstract Abstract 4661 Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and microthrombi. A deficiency of the metalloprotease ADAMTS 13, which cleaves a Tys1605-Met1606 bond in the A2 subunit of von Willebrand factor (VWF), leads to formation of ultra large von Willebrand multimers (UL-VWF) and can cause platelet aggregation and mircovascular thrombosis. Treatment of choice is the substitution of plasma with plasmaexchange. There are two different plasma types available: Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and solvent/detergent (s/d) treated plasma. This treatment may carry significant risks and side effects for the patients. Therefore we investigated the side effects of the therapy and furthermore the ADAMTS13 activity of the two plasma types. Methods: A questionnaire was send to 66 TTP patients of the Department of Hematology to evaluate different side effects of the therapy. 20 batches of FFP and 4 batches of s/d plasma of all blood groups were investigated on ADAMTS13 activity. The ADAMTS13 activity was detected with BCS-Method according to Böhm and two commercial FRET assays. Results: So far 34 patients were inquired about age, weight and suspected trigger situations that might have caused their TTP manifestation. The mean age of the patients was 34 years with a mean weight of 70kg. A previous infection caused TTP manifestation in 42% of the patients; drug therapy (22%) and pregnancy (17%) were other mentioned triggers. 94% of the patients suffered from an acquired TTP and only 6% had a hereditary TTP. The patients had 2.88 relapses and were treated with 16.27 plasmaexchanges. 56% had an additional therapy with Rituximab to achieve a faster remission of the disease. These patients needed less plasmaexchanges for recovery, which proofed to be significant at 2% level in a one sided t-test. Tingling (64.7%) and shivering (51%) were the most often mentioned side effects and simultaneously described as the strongest. Shivering was significantly correlated to tachycardia (p<0.01). Headaches were significantly correlated to hot flushes, tingling and collapse (p< 0.05). Side effects and allergic reactions occurred in the therapy with FFP as well as with s/d plasma. Another side effect was the complication that came along with infection of the venous access. Most patients had a central venous catheter (72%) and described infections and pruritus (60%), 50% of them mentioned this complication more than once. We found in usual FFP slightly higher ADAMTS13 activity levels (696.97 ng/ml) than in s/d virus inactivated plasma (643.86 ng/ml). The ADAMTS13 activity varied between the different assays (normal range: 666 ± 135ng/ml). Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrated that plasmaexchange therapy is still associated with a wide range of side effects. Side effects of plasmaexchange that were most frequently described by patients were tingling and shivering. Headaches also occurred in various cases. Patients suffered generally from more than one side effect at the same time during the treatment. Allergic reactions to the plasma therapy were mentioned by 65% of the patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 523-523
Author(s):  
Wenjing Cao ◽  
Alicia Veninga ◽  
Elizabeth M. Staley ◽  
Adam Miszta ◽  
Nicole Kocher ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), a potentially fatal hematological emergency, is primarily caused by acquired deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity due to autoantibodies. Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-type autoantibodies bind ADAMTS13 and inhibit its ability to cleave endothelium-derived ultra large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF). However, it remains poorly understood whether plasma VWF status can be used as a disease marker for diagnosis and monitoring therapy in patients with acute iTTP. Objective: To address this question, we determined plasma levels of VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), collagen-binding activity (VWF:CB), active forms of VWF (VWF:Ac), and VWF multimers in iTTP patients during acute episode and in early remission. Patients and Methods: From the Alabama registry, we identified 69 unique patients with a confirmed diagnosis of iTTP in whom plasma ADAMTS13 activity was <10 U/dL with positive inhibitors and elevated anti-ADAMTS13 IgGs. Of 69 patients, 21 had longitudinal plasma samples collected. Plasma samples from 56 healthy individuals, who did not have a hematological disease, cancer, and infection, were recruited as controls. Plasma levels of VWF:Ag, VWF:CB, and VWF:Ac were determined by an ELISA-based assay. Plasma VWF multimer distribution was assessed by an in-gel Western blotting assay following electrophoresis on a 1% SDS-agarose gel. Results: The mean age for our cohort iTTP patients was 43.9 ± 13.4 years. Twenty-six patients were male and 43 were female with male to female ratio of 1 to 1.7. Fifty-three patients were African American descents, 14 Caucasians, 1 Hispanic, and 1 unknown race. Plasma levels of VWF:Ag in acute iTTP patients were 289.4 ± 17.7%, significantly increased compared with those in the healthy controls (144.9 ± 7.6%) (p<0.0001); plasma levels of VWF:CB in these patients were 241 ± 17.9%, also significantly elevated compared with those in the healthy controls (149.9 ± 12.01%) (p=0.0001); additionally, plasma levels of VWF:Ac (304.6 ± 23.2%), assessed by its ability to bind anti-VWF-A1 nanobody, were more dramatically elevated compared with those in the controls (101.6 ± 5.9%) (p<0.0001). More interestingly, while the ratios of VWF:CB to VWF:Ag in patients with acute iTTP (0.8 ± 0.04) were lower than those in the healthy controls (1.0 ± 0.05) (p=0.0036), the ratios of VWF:Ac to VWF:Ag were significantly higher in patients with acute episode (1.2 ± 0.1) than those in the controls (0.8 ± 0.05) (p=0.0003). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the patient plasma levels of VWF:Ag (p=0.69) and VWF:CB (p=0.08) during acute episode and during early remission. However, the plasma levels of VWF:Ac in patients with acute disease were significantly higher than those in the early remission (p=0.002). Surprisingly, 90% (36/40) of out iTTP patients during acute episode showed the presence of ULVWF in their plasma using in-gel Western blotting, which allows the ULVWF to be detected without the transfer step to avoid any potential loss of larger VWF multimers during protein transfer. These ULVWF multimers disappeared in 3/4 iTTP patients in remission when ADAMTS13 activity recovered. In 28 healthy control samples, only one showed ULVWF. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate, for the first time in a large cohort, that active forms of VWF and ultra large VWF multimers are present in iTTP patient's plasma during the acute period, which is reduced or disappears during the early remission. Therefore, measuring active forms of VWF and ultra large VWF multimers may aid in diagnosis of iTTP and help monitoring of disease processes following therapy. Our ongoing study is to determine whether these biomarkers can be used to predict responses to treatment and long-term outcome. Disclosures Zheng: Alexion: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3678-3678
Author(s):  
Tanja Falter ◽  
Mirjeta Qorraj ◽  
Sarah Steinemann ◽  
Thomas Vigh ◽  
Inge Scharrer

Abstract Abstract 3678 Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by microthrombi, hemolytic anemia as well as thrombocytopenia. These symptoms are caused by a decreased activity of the protease ADAMTS13 which cleaves the von Willebrand Factor (VWF), due to mutation of the ADAMTS13-gene or autoantibodies. At the moment, the only available immediate therapy is plasmapheresis with Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) which may induce side effects. Therefore an alternative therapy might be the treatment with clotting factor concentrates. Methods: 40 plasma samples were tested, consisting of FFP and solvent/detergent treated plasma, four batches of each blood group; VWF/VIII concentrates (Wilate®; Wilfactin®; Haemate®P; Immunate®; Kogenate®, Beriate®). In all samples ADAMTS13 activity, antigen and autoantibodies against ADAMTS13 were investigated. Additionally, the samples were tested for the presence of ultralarge VWF multimers. The BCS method according to Böhm, two ELISAs (Technozym®ADAMTS13 and Actifluor™ADAMTS13) and the electrophoresis on a SDS gel were used. Results: ADAMTS13 activity was found in all VWF)VIII concentrates, which are produced from human plasma, but only with a very low activity (Wilate® 5.6%; Wilfactin® 2.8%; Haemate®P 13%; Immunate® 3.7%). ADAMTS13 activity was not detectable in the factor VIII concentrates (Kogenate® <2%; Beriate® <2%). Usual FFP and solvent/detergent treated plasma samples, contained much higher ADAMTS13 activity and antigen values than concentrates (FFP 78.6%, solvent/detergent treated plasma 77.6%). However a difference of activity between individual blood groups was evident in FFP samples (blood group A 69.4%; B 64.9%; AB 98.1%; 0 82.0%). Ultralarge VWF multimers could be demonstrated in VWF containing concentrates, less in VIII concentrate from human plasma and not in FFP and solvent/detergent treated plasma samples. As expected recombinant-produced VIII concentrate contained no traces of ultralarge VWF. In all analyzed samples antibodies were negative. Conclusion: For therapy of TTP clotting factor concentrates cannot be used as an alternative to the usual FFP and solvent/detergent treated plasma, because their ADAMTS13 activity values are too low. In addition, the VWF/VIII concentrates contain higher quantities of ultralarge VWF multimers, which are contraindicated for TTP patients. The differences of ADAMTS13 activity in FFP samples varies between the individual blood groups and batches. Solvent/detergent treated plasma shows less variation in ADAMTS13 activity due to the manufacturing process involving plasma pooling. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2200-2200
Author(s):  
Manali K. Kamdar ◽  
Phillip Chae ◽  
Maria Javaid ◽  
Negin Mesaghian ◽  
Kevin O'Brien ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2200 Introduction: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is an acute life threatening condition characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, with or without renal failure or neurologic abnormalities, and without another cause for thrombotic microangiopathy. The majority of cases of TTP are associated with a low ADAMTS13 activity which results from antibody to this enzyme. A minority of patients have TTP secondary to congenital deficiency of this enzyme. The mainstay of therapy for TTP is plasmapheresis (PEX) which has increased survival in affected patients from 10% to more than 75%. While TTP is considered as an uncommon disorder, at our institution we suspected that the diagnosis was made more commonly. Therefore we set out to perform a retrospective analysis of cases of TTP to evaluate cases diagnosed over the past 10 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all cases of microangiopathy undergoing pheresis at our institution for presumed TTP from May 2007 to April 2012. A total of 112 patients had PEX initiated for presumed TTP however 11 of these were later determined to have some other etiology causing the constellation of symptoms and PEX was discontinued. The remaining 101 patients were entered into a database and further analyzed. Demographically, we captured patients from 30 of the 100 North Carolina counties because 3 other institutions in our state perform plasma exchange for TTP. ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor levels were measured in 69 out of 101 patients. In our registry there were 80 patients with Idiopathic TTP and 21 patients with secondary TTP. Patients with idiopathic TTP were further divided based on the ADAMTS13 activity. Results: Discussion: Our analysis demonstrated that TTP was more common in females, African American population with a median age group in the mid forties with neurological symptoms being the predominant symptom of presentation. While hematocrit was higher in patients with idiopathic TTP these patients were noted to have increased incidence of ADAMTS13 levels less than 10% with inhibitors as compared to those with secondary TTP. Idiopathic TTP patients had more incidence of multiple relapses and required more Rituximab in addition to PEX. We compared our results with the results published from the Oklahoma registry. Similar to the Oklahoma registry results patients with ADAMTS13 levels less than 10% had more severe thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, required more sessions of PEX, had higher relapses and percentage of death compared to patients with idiopathic TTP with ADAMTS13 levels more than 10%. Patients with ADAMTS13 less than 10% required more Rituximab during first diagnosis of idiopathic TTP. In this group blood group A+ was seen more often whereas blood group O+ was prevalent in the group with ADAMTS more than 10%. Comparison amidst these groups brought out similarities between two distinct registries in the US. Our registry is another large registry of patients similar to the Oklahoma TTP registry. While many similarities are seen with the Oklahoma group there were a few differences as cited above. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2201-2201
Author(s):  
Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen ◽  
Jessica L. Allen ◽  
Yuri D. Fedoriw ◽  
Herbert C. Whinna ◽  
Rommel P. Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2201 Idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is typically associated with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency due to the production of autoantibodies against ADAMTS13. Recent studies have demonstrated that B cell activating factor (BAFF), a TNF family member known to promote activation and survival of autoreactive B cells, is increased in TTP patients (Thomas et al. 2011 155:620 Br J Haematol; Watanaboonyongcharoen et al. 2011, AABB Abstract # 1118421). We hypothesized that high BAFF levels in TTP results in loss of B cell tolerance and the production of autoantibodies. Since defective clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages has been found in autoimmune diseases, antibodies against MARCO (Macrophage Receptor with Collagenous structure) represented good candidate for study as a potentially pathophysiologically relevant autoantibody. Such anti-MARCO antibodies may lead to defective apoptotic cell clearance and the development of TTP. We measured anti-MARCO antibodies by ELISA and Western blot in 34 idiopathic TTP patients between 1999 and 2012: 25 female and 9 male with a median age of 40 years (range 25–72). All patients were diagnosed on the clinical basis of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia without any other cause. ADAMTS13 activity and the presence of anti-ADAMTS13 inhibitor tests were performed in all patients. Fifty percent of patients had ADAMTS13 activity less than 10%, while 56% had ADAMTS13 inhibitor. All 34 patients underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) daily until the platelet count was at least 150 × 109/l for two consecutive days. High dose steroids were initiated immediately after first TPE. While direct binding ELISA did not yield specific results due to high background, specific MARCO bands were detected by Western blotting of recombinant MARCO protein with patient plasma IgG. Ninety-seven percent of patients with TTP (33/34) were positive for anti-MARCO IgG antibody compared to forty percent (10/25) of healthy controls, p < 0.001 (Table 1). As a surrogate for antibody titer, intensity of each Western blot band was quantified by densitometry using NIH ImageJ software. Patients with TTP had significantly increased anti-MARCO IgG as defined by the densitometric area under the curve (1.3 × 103; range 0–8.2 × 103) compared to healthy controls (0, range 0–4.5 × 103), p < 0.001. A cut-off point for high titer anti-MARCO IgG was calculated by using mean + 2SD of the area under the curve (AUC) of anti-MARCO IgG Western blot band density measured in healthy controls. Patients with an increased amount of anti-MARCO IgG (AUC > 2.9× 103) tended to have a higher relapse rate compared to those with normal anti-MARCO IgG (4 of 6 patients [67%] vs. 10 of 28 patients [36%], respectively, p = 0.20), although statistical significance was not reached due to the limited number of patients. Thus, for the first time, we identify anti-MARCO IgG in idiopathic TTP, suggesting a role for macrophage inhibition in the pathophysiology of TTP. Studies of anti-MARCO antibodies in larger numbers of patients may lead to development of a novel prognostic marker for TTP patients. Table 1. Presence of anti-MARCO IgG on Western blot Anti-MARCO IgG Population group TTP n (%) Healthy n (%) Yes, (n = 43) 33 (97) 10 (40) No, (n = 16) 1 (3) 15 (60) p < 0.001. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 599-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialing Bao ◽  
Khalil Bdeir ◽  
Don L. Siegel ◽  
Douglas B. Cines ◽  
X. Long Zheng

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially fatal syndrome associated with severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity resulting from either mutations or autoantibodies. However, patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency do not always develop TTP. Rather, a trigger, such as infection or inflammation, often precedes the onset of the TTP syndrome. We hypothesized that antimicrobial human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNPα1-3) or α-defensins, the most abundant proteins in the granules of neutrophils, which are released at site of inflammation, activate platelets, and inhibit fibrinolysis, might help to initiate TTP. This question arose because we noted that the amino acid sequences of HNPα1-3, which are nearly identical except for one residue at the N-terminus, all contain a motif (RRY) similar to exosite 3 (659RRYGEEY665) in the spacer domain of ADAMTS13 (Fig. 1) that was shown to be critical for recognition of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Here, we found that both purified and synthetic HNPα1 bind to FRETS-VWF73 and plasma-derived VWF and inhibit proteolytic cleavage of these substrates in a concentration-dependent manner. At the final concentrations of 10 micro mol/L and 150 micro mol/L, HNPα1 completely abolished the cleavage of FRETS-VWF73 (IC50=3.5 micro mol/L) (Fig. 2) and VWF (IC50=75 micro mol/L) (not shown), respectively. Such concentrations are readily attained locally after systemic infection. Deletion or alanine substitution within the RRY motif of HNPα1 completely abolished its ability to inhibit ADAMTS13 activity assessed by FRETS-VWF73 and VWF multimer analysis. This suggests that an interaction of the RRY motif in HNPα1 with the central A2 domain of VWF is required to mediate its inhibition. In support of this hypothesis, HNPα1 interacts with a human monoclonal antibody against ADAMTS13 scFv (the single chain fragment of variable region) designated 4-20, but not scFv3-1, both isolated by phage display from patients with acquired autoimmune TTP. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry has shown that the binding site for scFv4-20, but not scFv3-1, contains the RRY sequence. These results suggest that HNPα1-3 released from neutrophils following infection or inflammation may inhibit residual plasma ADAMTS13 activity in vivo similar to anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies by interfering with its interaction with VWF, thereby triggering the onset of hereditary and acquired autoimmune TTP. Our findings suggest a potential novel link between systemic inflammation and the pathogenesis of TTP and possibility other thrombotic sequelae. Figure 2 Figure 2. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 5127-5127
Author(s):  
Mieke Delvaeye ◽  
Astrid DeVriese ◽  
Michael Moons ◽  
Naomi Esmon ◽  
Charles Esmon ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5127 Thrombomodulin (TM) is an integral membrane glycoprotein, ubiquitously expressed by vascular endothelial cells. Its epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats amplify thrombin-mediated generation of activated protein C and activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, thereby suppressing coagulation, inflammation and fibrinolysis, and inactivating the anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a. TM also has direct anti-inflammatory properties, interfering with leukocyte adhesion, and preventing complement activation via its lectin-like domain. We recently established that TM is a physiologically important negative regulator of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation, defects of which increase the risk of the thrombotic microangiopathy, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. In this report, we assessed the role of TM in the other complement activation pathways. In serum, TM interferes with classical pathway (CP) mediated erythrocyte cell lysis, and protects against CP-induced cell death. TM co-precipitates with C4b, and enhances its inactivation and cleavage to C4c and C4d by complement factor I in the presence of the cofactor C4b binding protein. TM also interferes with the coagulation complement pathway by interfering with thrombin cleavage and activation of C5 to C5a. Overall, TM negatively regulates complement via the major recognized pathways. The findings implicate defects in TM in a wide range of diseases in which complement plays a role, and underlines the potential of TM as a therapeutic target. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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