Relación entre la compatibilidad del HLA y la pérdida del injerto en trasplante renal de donante cadavérico: Un análisis por propensity score matching en Colombia / Relationship between HLA compatibility and graft loss in renal transplant from a deceased donor: An analysis by propensity score matching in Colombia

Introducción. En Colombia, solo un 24 % de los pacientes en lista recibieron un trasplante renal, la mayoría de donante cadavérico. Para la asignación de órganos se considera el HLA A-B-DR, pero la evidencia reciente sugiere que el HLA A-B no está asociado con los desenlaces del trasplante. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relevancia del HLA A-B-DR en la sobrevida del injerto de los receptores de trasplante renal. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes trasplantados renales con donante cadavérico en Colombiana de Trasplantes, desde 2008 a 2023. Se aplicó un propensity score matching (PSM) para ajustar las covariables en grupos de comparación por compatibilidad y se evaluó la relación del HLA A-B-DR con la sobrevida del injerto renal por medio de la prueba de log rank y la regresión de Cox. Resultados. Se identificaron 1337 pacientes transplantados renales, de los cuales fueron mujeres un 38,7 %, con mediana de edad de 47 años y de índice de masa corporal de 23,8 kg/m2. Tras ajustar por PSM las covariables para los grupos de comparación, la compatibilidad del HLA A-B no se relacionó significativamente con la pérdida del injerto, con HR de 0,99 (IC95% 0,71-1,37) para HLA A y 0,75 (IC95% 0,55-1,02) para HLA B. Solo la compatibilidad por HLA DR fue significativa para pérdida del injerto con un HR de 0,67 (IC95% 0,46-0,98). Conclusión. Este estudio sugiere que la compatibilidad del HLA A-B no influye significativamente en la pérdida del injerto, mientras que la compatibilidad del HLA DR sí mejora la sobrevida del injerto en trasplante renal con donante cadavérico

Introduction. In Colombia, only 24% of patients on the waiting list received a renal transplant, most of them from cadaveric donors. HLA A-B-DR is considered for organ allocation, but recent evidence suggests that HLA A-B is not associated with transplant outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relevance of HLA A-B-DR on graft survival in kidney transplant recipients. Methods. Retrospective cohort study that included kidney transplant recipients with a cadaveric donor in Colombiana de Trasplantes from 2008 to 2023. A propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to adjust the covariates in comparison groups for compatibility, and the relationship of HLA A-B-DR with kidney graft survival was evaluated using the log rank test and Cox regression. Results. A total of 1337 kidney transplant patients were identified; of those, 38.7% were female, with median age of 47 years, and BMI 23.8 kg/m2. After adjusting the covariates with PSM for the comparison groups, HLA A-B matching was not significantly related to graft loss, with HR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.71-1.37) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.55-1.02), respectively. Only HLA DR matching was significant for graft loss with an HR of 0.67 (95% CI 0.46-0.98). Conclusions. This study suggests that HLA A-B matching does not significantly influence graft loss, whereas HLA DR matching does improve graft survival in renal transplantation with a cadaveric donor.

Importancia de las determinaciones inmunohematológicas en el control prenatal de gestantes con grupo sanguíneo RhD negativo

La guía para la atención prenatal es el marco regulatorio de las normas de obstetricia para el control y cuidado de las gestantes, con énfasis en aquellas que poseen el grupo sanguíneo RhD negativo. La aloinmunización por anti-D es la causa más frecuente y grave de la enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido. Para un diagnóstico temprano de la embarazada con dicho grupo sanguíneo, resulta necesario determinar los anticuerpos antieritrocitarios involucrados. En la presente comunicación se resalta la función del laboratorio de inmunohematología en el seguimiento de la gestante con grupo de sangre RhD negativo.

The guide for prenatal care is the regulatory mark of obstetrics norms for the control and care of pregnant women, with emphasis on those who have the RhD negative blood group. Alloimmunization by anti-D is the most frequent and serious cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn. For an early diagnosis of the pregnant woman with said blood group, it is necessary to determine the red blood cell antibodies involved. This communication highlights the role of the immunohematology laboratory in the follow-up of pregnant woman with RhD negative blood type.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44: a novel tracer targeting atherosclerotic plaques / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To construct 68Ga-1, 4, 7-trizacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD44 as a novel atherosclerosis tracer targeting hyaluronic acid (HA), and evaluate its biological property and molecular imaging features. Methods:Low molecular weight (LMW) recombinant human CD44 protein was selected, and the C-terminal of the protein was modified by sulfonation and coupled to the bifunctional ligand NOTA to synthesize a novel molecular probe 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 targeting HA. The biological properties of the probe, such as labeling rate and in vitro stability, were studied. Three atherosclerotic plaque model mice and three normal C57BL/6 mice were studied by 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 microPET/CT imaging and pathological examination. Results:68Ga-NOTA-CD44 tracer was synthesized and purified with the radiochemical purity above 99%, and the specific activity was up to 62.22 MBq/nmol. lts stability was good in PBS, and the radiochemical purity was over 90% after incubation for 3 h. After intravenous injection, the probe was metabolized mainly by the kidneys, and its metabolic level decreased successively in the liver, lungs and blood. MicroPET/CT imaging results of atherosclerotic model mice suggested that the uptake in the plaque of abdominal aorta was higher at 60 min after injection, with SUV max and target/background ratio (TBR) max of 1.14±0.02 and 4.95±0.93, and the probe had certain atherosclerotic plaque eroded targeting, which was consistent with the pathological result. Conclusions:As a novel probe, 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 is simple to prepare and has a high labeling rate. It has good physicochemical properties and in vivo biological properties, and can display atherosclerotic eroded plaques sensitively. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 has a promising prospect to be a new molecular probe for early noninvasive recognition of atherosclerotic eroded plaques.

Relationship between CD36 and cell proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma and its effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell xenograft models in nude mice / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To observe the expression of CD36 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and to investigate the effects of CD36 on the proliferation and migration abilities of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell xenograft models in nude mice.Methods:Differences in the expression levels of CD36 transcripts in 371 hepatocellular carcinoma and paracancerous tissues were analyzed based on information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues of 48 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from January 2019 to February 2021 were prospectively collected, and the levels of CD36 mRNA in the tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. Western blotting was used to detect CD36 protein levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Huh7 and HCCLM3 and human normal liver cell line LO2. Plasmids containing CD36 interfering sequences and empty plasmids were transfected into Huh7 cells or HCCLM3 cells for sh-CD36 group and control group, respectively. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation ability (expressed as absorbance value) of cells in each group at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h of culture, and the scratch healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the migration ability of cells in each group. The Huh7 cells of sh-CD36 group or control group were injected into the axillary subcutis of BALB/c nude mice, with 4 mice in each group, to construct nude mice models of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts; the long and short diameters of tumor were measured weekly after 1 week of inoculation, and the tumor volume was calculated. The nude mice were put to death after 5 weeks of inoculation, and the tumor specimens were collected and weighed; the tumor cell morphology was observed under the microscope, and the expressions of CD36 and Ki-67 proteins in the tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results:Analysis of the data from the TCGA database showed that the level of CD36 transcripts was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared with that in paracancerous tissues (4.2±1.8 vs. 3.2±1.5, t = 2.28, P = 0.035). Tissues detection using qRT-PCR in 48 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma showed that the relative expression of CD36 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was higher than that in paracancerous tissues (0.76±0.26 vs. 0.48±0.23, t = 3.52, P < 0.001). Western blotting assay showed that CD36 protein level in Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells was higher than that in LO2 cells, which were (1.42±0.11) times and (1.68±0.16) times higher than LO2 cells, respectively (both P < 0.001). At the mRNA and protein levels, the CD36 of Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells in the sh-CD36 group was lower than that in the corresponding control group (both P < 0.001). CCK-8 assay showed that the proliferative ability of Huh7 cells and HCCLM3 cells in the sh-CD36 group was lower than that in the corresponding control group after 36 and 24 h of culture (both P < 0.01). Scratch healing assay showed that the scratch healing rates of Huh7 cells [(12±3)% vs. (30±5)%, t = 4.01, P < 0.001] and HCCLM3 cells [(15±4)% vs. (29±5)%, t = 4.16, P < 0.001] in the sh-CD36 group were lower than those in the corresponding control group at 48 h of culture; Transwell assay showed that the number of Huh7 cells [(46±6) cells/field of view vs. (88± 6) cells/field of view, t = 5.56, P < 0.001] and HCCLM3 cells [(42±5) cells/field of view vs. (82±7) cells/field of view, t = 5.34, P < 0.001] penetrating into the membrane in 24 h in the sh-CD36 group was less than that in the corresponding control group. Five weeks after subcutaneous injection, the tumor volume [(682±268) mm 3vs. (1 375±512) mm 3, t = 4.73, P = 0.006] and tumor mass [(432±95) mg/mouse vs. (871±109) mg/mouse, t = 6.57, P < 0.001] of nude mice injected with Huh7 cells of the sh-CD36 group were lower than those of nude mice injected with Huh7 cells of the control group; under the microscope, the density of tumor cells in transplanted tumor specimens of nude mice injected with Huh7 cells of the sh-CD36 group was lower than that in nude mice injected with Huh7 cells of the control group, and the expression levels of both CD36 and Ki-67 proteins were also low. Conclusions:CD36 expression is up-regulated in cancer tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Huh7 and HCCLM3, and it may associate with cell proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma. Knockdown of CD36 expression significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration abilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro, and inhibits the tumors of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell xenograft models in nude mice.

Role of HBeAg-induced immune activition and immunosuppression in chronic hepatitis B / 临床肝胆病杂志

Chronic hepatitis B induced by HBV infection is a significant risk factor leading to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Half a century ago， HBeAg was first discovered in the serum of HBV infected individuals， and although HBeAg does not participate in HBV infection or replication in hepatocytes， studies have shown that it can interfere with the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host and play an important role in immune activation and immunosuppression during chronic HBV infection. HBV has no cytotoxicity to the infected hepatocytes， and the antiviral action and inflammatory response mediated by immune response determine whether HBV is cleared or induces liver inflammation-related diseases. Therefore， this article reviews the formation of HBeAg and its immune activation and immunosuppression mechanisms in chronic HBV infection， with a focus on the different immune effects caused by HBeAg on innate immune and adaptive immune cells， and this article also elaborates on the dual role of HBeAg in inducing immune responses and explores the conversion role of HBeAg in different stages of chronic HBV infection.

Current status of research on the genetic susceptibility of primary biliary cholangitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Primary biliary cholangitis （PBC） is a liver autoimmune disease with a strong genetic tendency characterized by the degeneration and necrosis of bile duct epithelial cells， and it is often observed in middle-aged and elderly women. With the continuous development of genome-wide association studies， the genetic susceptibility of PBC has attracted more and more attention. This article elaborates on the research advances in the genetic susceptibility genes closely associated with PBC， in order to provide effective targets for the treatment of PBC.

Non-RhD alloimmunization in pregnancy: an updated review

Abstract RhD alloimmunization in pregnancy is still the main cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and neonate (HDFN). Nevertheless, there are other antigens that may be associated with the occurrence of this phenomenon and that have been growing in proportion, given that current prevention strategies focus only on anti-RhD antibodies. Although not widespread, the screening and diagnostic management of the disease caused by these antibodies has recommendations in the literature. For this reason, the following review was carried out with the objective of listing the main red blood cell antigen groups described — such as Rh, ABO, Kell, MNS, Duffy, Kidd, among others — addressing the clinical importance of each one, prevalence in different countries, and recommended management when detecting such antibodies during pregnancy.

Development and assessment of a multiepitope synthetic antigen for the diagnosis of Dengue virus infection

Abstract Immunodiagnostic tests for detecting dengue virus infections encounter challenges related to cross-reactivity with other related flaviviruses. Our research focuses on the development of a synthetic multiepitope antigen tailored for dengue immunodiagnostics. Selected dengue epitopes involved structural linearity and dissimilarity from the proteomes of Zika and Yellow fever viruses which served for computationally modeling the three-dimensional protein structure, resulting in the design of two proteins: rDME-C and rDME-BR. Both proteins consist of seven epitopes, separated by the GPGPG linker, and a carboxy-terminal 6 × -histidine tag. The molecular weights of the final proteins rDME-C and rDME-BR are 16.83 kDa and 16.80 kDa, respectively, both with an isoelectric point of 6.35. The distinguishing factor between the two proteins lies in the origin of their epitope sequences, where rDME-C is based on the reference dengue proteome, while rDME-BR utilizes sequences from prevalent Dengue genotypes in Brazil from 2008 to 2019. PyMol analysis revealed exposure of epitopes in the secondary structure. Successful expression of the antigens was achieved in soluble form and fluorescence experiments indicated a disordered structure. In subsequent testing, rDME-BR and rDME-C antigens were assessed using an indirect Elisa protocol against Dengue infected serum, previously examined with a commercial diagnostic test. Optimal concentrations for antigens were determined at 10 µg/mL for rDME-BR and 30 µg/mL for rDME-C, with serum dilutions ranging from 1:50 to 1:100. Both antigens effectively detected IgM and IgG antibodies in Dengue fever patients, with rDME-BR exhibiting higher sensitivity. Our in-house test showed a sensitivity of 77.3 % and 82.6 % and a specificity of 89.4 % and 71.4 % for rDME-C and rDEM-BR antigens. No cross-reactivity was observed with serum from Zika-infected mice but with COVID-19 serum samples. Our findings underscore the utility of synthetic biology in crafting Dengue-specific multiepitope proteins and hold promise for precise clinical diagnosis and monitoring responses to emerging Dengue vaccines.

Frequencies of genetic variants of the Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego systems of northwest Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: To date, 340 antigen-organized 43 blood group systems are recognized, being ABO, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego the most clinically relevant. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of alleles and genotypes of the blood group systems Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego in 810 blood donors registered in the hemotherapy unit in northwest Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Methods: We evaluated the genetic variability of blood groups Rh (c.676G>C and c.307C>T), Kell (c.578C>T), Kidd (c.838A>G), Duffy (c.125A>G and c.l-67T>C), Diego (c.2561C>T) and MNS (c.143T>C) in 810 volunteer blood donors of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The genetic profiling was performed through allelic discrimination assays using hydrolysis probes (TaqMan®) real-time PCR system. Results: The most frequent blood group genotypes found in our study population were: RHC*Cc (51.5%), RHC*ee (70.1%), FY*A/FY*B (49.3%), GATA -67T/T (93.5%), KEL*2/KEL*2 (93.4%), Jk*A/JK*B (53.2%) and DI*02/DI*02 (95.4%). Some statistical differences were observed on comparing the population of this study with populations from other states in Brazil, mainly with population of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Paraná, which showed some differences from the population of Porto Alegre, which was more similar to those of Santa Catarina and São Paulo Conclusion: The frequency of red blood cell polymorphisms in our study is different from that of blood donors in other regions of Brazil. The results showed the importance of extended genotyping in adequate blood screening and the existence of rare genotypes in Brazilian regular blood donors

Phenotyping of clinically significant blood group antigens among the South Indian donor population

ABSTRACT Introduction: Data on the prevalence of clinically significant antigens (Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNSs, Lewis, P and Lutheran) among the Indian donor population is sparse. Objective: This prospective study was aimed at determining the prevalence of 21 clinically significant antigens for the first time in the South Indian donor population. Method: A total of 672 regular O group blood donors were enrolled for Rh (C, c, E, e) and Kell (K) antigens typing. Of these, 188 donors were typed for other clinically significant antigens (k, Kpa, Kpb, Jka, Jkb, Fya, Fyb, M, N, S, s, P1, Lea, Leb, Lua and Lub). Results: Antigen frequencies were expressed in percentages. In our study, R1R1 and rr were the most common phenotypes among D+ and D− donors, respectively. Among the Rh antigens, the e antigen was expressed by 97.5% and 100% of D+ and D− donors, respectively. The K antigen was found in only 0.15% of donors. In the Duffy and Kidd blood group system, Fy (a+b+) and Jk (a+b+) were the most frequent phenotypes, respectively. In the MNSs blood group system, M+N+ and S−s+ were the most common phenotypes reported. The Le (a−b+) was found to be the phenotype with the highest prevalence in the Lewis blood group system. The Lu (a−b+) was the only phenotype found in the Lutheran blood group system. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the prevalence of antigens in a given population is essential in developing cost-effective in-house panels and a rare donor registry comprising donors typed negative for a high-frequency antigen or a combination of common multiple antigens.

Detection of alloimmunization in Glanzmann Thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier Syndrome: Data from a Brazilian Center

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) and Bernard-Soulier Syndrome (BSS) are rare hereditary disorders of platelet function. Their treatment often requires platelet transfusion, which can lead to the development of alloantibodies. Objective: In this study, we aim to develop a strategy for alloantibody detection and to describe the frequency of alloimmunization in a patient population from a single center in southeastern Brazil. Methods: Samples from patients with GT or BSS were tested using the Platelet Immunofluorescence Test (PIFT). If a positive result was obtained, a confirmatory step using the Monoclonal Antibody Immobilization of Platelet Antigens (MAIPA) and Luminex bead-based platelet assay (PAKLx) was executed. Main results: Among 11 patients with GT, we detected the presence of alloantibodies in 5 using PIFT, with confirmation through MAIPA and PAKLx in 2 (1 anti-HLA and 1 anti-HPA), resulting in a frequency of 18.1%. Among 4 patients with BSS, PIFT was positive in 3, with confirmation by MAIPA and PAKLx in 1 (anti-HLA), showing a frequency of 25%. The two patients with anti-HLA antibodies exhibited a panel reactive antibody (PRA-HLA) testing greater than 97%. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of identifying platelet alloimmunization in this patient population. The proposed algorithm for platelet alloantibodies detection allows resource optimization.

Behavioral Risk Factors of HBV Infection and its Association with HBs Ag Positivity among Residents of Kaza Sub- division of District Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh

Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem, an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the behavioral risk factors of HBV infection and its association with HBsAg positivity among residents of Kaza sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Material & Methods: The study was carried out by the Gastroenterology, Community Medicine, and Microbiology Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla at Kaza, a subdivision of Lahaul & Spiti. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 4000. Forty clusters were chosen using a probability proportionate to size sampling method, and 100 research participants were added to each cluster using a simple random sampling method. The data was gathered using a pre-tested interview plan. A blood sample of 5ml from each study participant was obtained, and its HBsAg content was examined. Results: In our study, 2.7% of the interviewed respondents’ parents were positive for hepatitis B and 3.7% reported one positive family member. Injectable drug use was reported by 1.6 (68/4231). Among these users 8.8% (6/68) shared needles with other IDUs in last 12 months and 35.3% (24/68) used a common container to draw up drug solution. Sexual intercourse was reported to be experienced by 15.5 (655/4231) and 12.2% either did not disclose or were children. Out of those who ever experienced sexual/penetrative intercourse 38.3% (251/655) had reported it with someone else other than a spouse. Majority of these had two partners other than a spouse (30.3%; 76/251). Around 30% (195/655) reported of using a condom in their last intercourse. Body piercings or a tattoo from someone who doesn’t sterilize his or her equipment, including local treatment from lamas, was prevalent among 16.3% of the population (689/4231). Acupuncture was taken as a remedy for any medical condition by 9% of participants. Regression analysis also revealed that one infected family member emerged as an independent factor associated with HBsAg positive test after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Our study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B risk factors in this tribal group. Health education about behavioral risk factors among this tribal population should be the main intervention that might help limit the spread of these blood-borne infections.

Analysis of influencing factors of serum HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To explore the influencing factors of serum HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and and provide evidence for effective treatment of CHB. Methods A follow-up cohort of HBeAg-positive CHB patients was established in the the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic of hospital. Regular follow-up and laboratory test indicators were collected to analyze the changes of serum HBeAg in HBeAg-positive CHB patients during the follow-up period. The subjects were divided into the case group (serum HBeAg loss) and the control group (serum HBeAg not loss) according to whether serum HBeAg loss occurred. The baseline data characteristics of the two groups were analyzed and compared, and the influencing factors of serum HBeAg loss were analyzed by Cox univariate and multivariate regression. Results A total of 634 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were enrolled, with a total follow-up of 2 570.01 person-years. Among them, 237 cases of serum HBeAg loss occurred, with the mean follow-up time of 40.92 months, and the rate of HBeAg loss was 9.22/100 person-years. There were significant differences in HBV family history, antiviral therapy, baseline WBC, PLT, ALT, AST, T˗Bil, GGT, AFP, quantitative HBsAg and quantitative HBeAg between serum HBeAg loss group and serum HBeAg not loss group (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that family history of HBV (HR 0.68, 95％CI:0.50-0.92, P=0.012), ALT (HR2.06, 95％CI:1.52-2.79, P<0.001), quantitative HBsAg (HR 0.68, 95％CI:0.48-0.95, P=0.024), quantitative HBeAg (HR 0.48, 95％CI:0.31-0.74, P=0.001) were independent influencing factors for HBeAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Conclusions HBeAg-positive CHB patients without family history of HBV, initial ALT≥80 U/L, quantitative HBsAg<1 000 IU/ml, quantitative HBeAg<1 000 C.O.I are more likely to have serum HBeAg loss.

Efficacy analysis of blinatumomab in treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab in treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).Methods:The data of 8 patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL treated with blinatumomab in Shanghai Zhaxin Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from September 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical characteristics, overall survival, lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, tandem transplantation and adverse reactions were analyzed.Results:The median follow-up time of 8 patients was 143 d (range: 41-534 d). Five of the 8 patients were alive; among them, 4 of 6 patients assessed to be in minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete remission (CR) and 1 of 2 patients assessed to be in non-remission at the time of belintuzumab discontinuation were alive. The median duration of treatment with belintuzumab was 28 d (10-56 d), and it was 23 d (10-56 d) for patients with MRD-positive at baseline and 28 d (25-31 d) for the 4 non-remission patients. Six patients achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment, of which 4 were assessed as MRD-positive at baseline and 2 were assessed as non-remission at baseline. All 4 patients with MRD-positive CR achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment with belintuzumab, including 1 patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph +) ALL bridged to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 1 patient with Ph + ALL and 1 patient with Ph - ALL received sequential allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and had persistent MRD-negative CR. Two of the 4 non-remission patients achieved MRD-negative CR after treatment with belintuzumab, including 1 patient with Ph + ALL bridged to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 1 patient with Ph - ALL received sequential allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the 2 patients had persistent MRD-negative CR. Leukocyte counts and neutrophils decreased in both MRD-positive CR and non-remission patients after receiving belintumomab. The proportion and absolute number of CD3 + T and CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with MRD-positive CR were higher than those in patients without remission, and both decreased after drug administration. Median interleukin-6 (46.23, 1.42 pg/ml), interleukin-8 (17.85, 2.10 pg/ml), interleukin-10 (7.43, 1.49 pg/ml) and interferon-γ (11.82, 0.39 pg/ml) levels were elevated in MRD-positive CR and non-remission patients at week 3 of treatment. Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome occurred in 1 case with clinical manifestations of fever, which improved after drug suspension. Three cases developed infections, 2 of which were pulmonary and 1 of which was upper respiratory tract infection. No immune effector cell-associated neurotoxic syndrome was observed. Conclusions:Belintumomab is effective for MRD clearance in relapsed/refractory B-ALL with manageable adverse reactions, providing an effective therapeutic option for bridging hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prolong the survival of patients.

Combination immunotherapy of glioblastoma with dendritic cell cancer vaccines,anti-PD-1 and poly I:C / 药物分析学报

Glioblastoma(GBM)is a lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options.Dendritic cell(DC)-based cancer vaccines provide a promising approach for GBM treatment.Clinical studies suggest that other immu-notherapeutic agents may be combined with DC vaccines to further enhance antitumor activity.Here,we report a GBM case with combination immunotherapy consisting of DC vaccines,anti-programmed death-1(anti-PD-1)and poly I:C as well as the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide that was integrated with standard chemoradiation therapy,and the patient remained disease-free for 69 months.The patient received DC vaccines loaded with multiple forms of tumor antigens,including mRNA-tumor associated antigens(TAA),mRNA-neoantigens,and hypochlorous acid(HOCl)-oxidized tumor lysates.Furthermore,mRNA-TAAAs were modified with a novel TriVac technology that fuses TAAs with a destabilization domain and inserts TAAs into full-length lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 to enhance major histo-compatibility complex(MHC)class Ⅰ and Ⅱ antigen presentation.The treatment consisted of 42 DC cancer vaccine infusions,26 anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab administrations and 126 poly I:C injections for DC infusions.The patient also received 28 doses of cyclophosphamide for depletion of regulatory T cells.No immunotherapy-related adverse events were observed during the treatment.Robust antitumor CD4+and CD8+T-cell responses were detected.The patient remains free of disease progression.This is the first case report on the combination of the above three agents to treat glioblastoma patients.Our results suggest that integrated combination immunotherapy is safe and feasible for long-term treatment in this patient.A large-scale trial to validate these findings is warranted.

Effects of apatinib on quality of life and immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the effects of apatinib on quality of life and immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Methods:A total of 187 older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer admitted to Taizhou Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into the control group ( n = 93) and the observation group ( n = 94). The control group was treated with carboplatin combined with pemetrexed and the observation group was treated with apatinib based on carboplatin and pemetrexed. Sign and symptoms remission was compared between the observation and control groups. The levels of tumor markers, immune function, and quality of life score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:Total remission rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (88.30% vs. 69.89%, χ2 = 9.59, P < 0.05). After treatment, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 50, and carcinoembryonic antigen in the observation group were (16.25 ± 5.47) μg/L, (15.23 ± 3.27) μg/L and (5.91 ± 2.66) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (21.49 ± 6.61) μg/L, (19.11 ± 3.48) μg/L and (10.14 ± 2.73) mg/L in the control group ( t = 5.91, 7.86, 10.73, all P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3 + and CD4 + cells, and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + cells in the observation group were (69.34 ± 8.85)%, (38.15 ± 6.52)%, (1.40 ± 0.33), respectively, which were significantly higher than (64.51 ± 8.74)%, (33.55 ± 6.33)%, (1.23 ± 0.25) in the control group ( t = -3.75, -5.36, -3.97, all P < 0.05). Quality of life score was increased in each group ( P < 0.001). The amplitude of increase in quality of life score was greater in the observation group compared with the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion:Apatinib can effectively reduce the level of tumor markers and improve immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and improve quality of life.

ImmunoPET studies of 64Cu-labeled CD30 monoclonal antibody 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 in lymphoma models / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To develop the anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody 64Cu-1, 4, 7-trizacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD30 and visualize CD30 expression in lymphoma non-invasively. Methods:The CD30 expression levels of 5 cell lines (Karpas299, Raji, Daudi, Ramos, and U266) were assessed by Western blot. Cell lines with high and low CD30 expression were selected for flow cytometry to evaluate the specific binding affinity of anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody. Thirteen NSG mice were used to established CD30 positive and negative subcutaneous xenograft models. 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 was obtained and 64Cu-NOTA-immunoglobulin (Ig)G was used as the control. ImmunoPET imaging was performed 2, 24, and 48 h after the injection of 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 or 64Cu-NOTA-IgG. Finally, the biodistribution studies were conducted. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were conducted for comparison. Results:Karpas299 showed the highest CD30 expression, while Raji showed the lowest. Flow cytometry showed specific binding affinity of the anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody to the Karpas299 cell line. The radiochemical purities of the probes were both higher than 95%. In microPET, the 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 uptake of Karpas299 xenograft tumors increased over time, with (11.46±0.58), (17.60±1.16) and (19.46±0.99) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) at 2, 24 and 48 h respectively. The contrast to normal tissue was good at 48 h, with the tumor/heart (blood) ratio of 2.20±0.22. The uptake of 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 in Karpas299 tumor at 48 h after injection was significantly higher than that in Raji tumor ((6.10±1.03) %ID/g) and 64Cu-NOTA-IgG in Karpas299 tumor ((5.12±0.89) %ID/g; F=290.99, t values: 19.65 and 22.25, all P<0.001). The uptake of 64Cu-NOTA-CD30 and the control probe in the heart and liver decreased over time in all groups. Ex vivo biodistribution at 48 h was mainly consistent with the results of microPET in vivo. Conclusions:64Cu-NOTA-CD30 is able to visualize the expression level and distribution of CD30 non-invasively. It is promising to be applied for screening the beneficial groups and evaluating efficacy for CD30-targeted immunotherapy.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal ZTTK syndrome: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

This article reported the prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with ZTTK syndrome. A pregnant woman underwent preimplantation genetic diagnosis because her partner carried a balanced chromosomal translocation. Chromosomal karyotype analysis and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) performed on amniocytes collected at 18 + weeks of gestation revealed no abnormalities. Ultrasonography performed at 23 +5 and 26 +3 weeks of gestation revealed severe fetal growth restriction, cerebellar dysplasia, poorly visualized sacrum and coccyx, and spina bifida. MRI of the fetal brain showed that the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres of the fetus were small and the cisterna magna was large at 23 +6 weeks of gestation. Whole exome sequencing in the pedigree identified a heterozygous variant c.2092delG (p.Glu698fs*4) in the exon 3 of the fetal SON gene, which was not inherited from the parents and proved to be a de novo mutation. Mutations in the locus are pathogenic, causing ZTTK syndrome. After genetic counseling, the pregnant woman and her family chose to terminate the pregnancy.

Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 and genetic susceptibility to pre-eclampsia / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate whether endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 ( ERAP1) is a susceptible gene for pre-eclampsia (PE) and the possible mechanism in the pathogenesis. Methods:This retrospective study included 990 PE patients (case group) and 1 240 healthy pregnant women (control group) in six prefecture-level tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province, including the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, from September 2018 to April 2021. Peripheral blood were collected for DNA extraction. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ERAP1 gene (rs30187, rs27044, and rs469783 loci) were analyzed by Taqman probe polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two missense mutant plasmids, rs30187(c.1583A>G) and rs27044(c.2188C>G), were constructed by point mutation induction based on wild-type plasmids. Six groups (knock-down control, knock-down, over-expression control, over-expression, variant 1 and 2 groups) were set up in this study. After transfecting Htr8 cells with different transfection molecules, the expression of ERAP1 at mRNA and protein levels were detected. Besides, the effects of different transfections on cell function were detected using Transwell migration assay, Transwell invasion assay, cell scratch assay, and CCK-8 assay. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent samples t-test, rank sum test, and Chi-square test. Results:(1) There were significant differences in the genetic distribution of rs30187 (Genotype: χ2=29.25, Allele: χ2=4.68) and rs469783 (Genotype: χ2=7.01, Allele: χ2=6.45) as well as the genotype distribution of rs27044 ( χ2=28.95) between the case group and the control group (all P<0.05). Statistical analysis of the genetic model revealed that rs30187 and rs27044, both recessive models, were statistically different between the two groups with a higher frequency of CC genotypes in the case group ( χ2=20.82 and 19.97, both P<0.05), but a lower frequency in CC dominant gene pattern for rs469783 ( χ2=5.82, P=0.016). (2) Compared with the knock-down control group, the knock-down group showed significantly inhibited expression of ERAP1 (mRNA: 0.5±0.1 vs 1.0±0.0, t=7.49; protein: 0.4±0.1 vs 0.7±0.1, t=2.81; both P<0.05), reduced cell migration rate after 48 h of scratching [(16.5%±1.8%) vs (23.8%±2.4%), t=3.33, P=0.031] and decreased number of cells crossing Transwell chambers after 24 h of culture (423.7±21.3 vs 499.0±24.6, t=3.29, P=0.031). Compared with the over-expression group, variant 1 group and variant 2 group showed significantly inhibited expression of ERAP1 at mRNA (both P<0.001) and protein ( P=0.003 and 0.006) levels after transfection, decreased number of cells crossing Transwell chambers ( P=0.001 and 0.032) and down-regulated cell migration rate after 48 h of scratching [variant 1: P=0.004; variant 2: (21.1±4.6)% vs (28.3±1.1)%, t=2.10, P=0.099]. ERAP1 expression at both mRNA ( P<0.001) and protein ( P=0.008) levels, as well as cell proliferation ( P<0.001) and invasion ability ( P<0.001), were all enhanced in the over-expression group than those in the over-expression control group. Moreover, the migration rate of cells after 48 h of scratching ( P=0.002) and the number of cells crossing Transwell chambers after 24 h of culture ( P=0.001) were also increased. Conclusions:The rs30187, rs27044, and rs46978 on ERAP1 gene were all associated with PE susceptibility, with more carriers of the CC genotype in PE patients at rs30187 and rs27044 loci and more carriers of the CC genotype in healthy gravida at rs469783 locus. ERAP1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE by affecting the migratory and invasive ability of trophoblast cells.

Clinical value of nucleic acid detection for hepatitis B virus screening in hospitalized patients / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To explore clinical value of nucleic acid detection for hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in hospitalized patients.Methods:This cross-sectional study collected and analyzed plasma samples from patients admitted to 10 domestic medical institutions from July 2021 to December 2021. Serological immunoassay and nucleic acid screening were used to simultaneously detect hepatitis B markers such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb),and HBV DNA. Statistical analysis was performed on the serology, nucleic acid test results and clinical information of the patients.Results:Of the 8 655 collected samples, HBsAg was positive in 216 (2.50%) samples,HBV DNA was positive in 238 (2.75%) samples ( P>0.05); 210 (2.43%) samples were positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA, 28 (0.32%) were HBsAg negative and HBV DNA positive, 6 cases (0.07%) were HBsAg positive and HBV DNA negative. Conclusion:These results indicate that the HBV DNA testing is equally effective as hepatitis B virus serological detection for hepatitis B virus screening in hospitalized patients.