Síndrome de Sjögren: identificación de nuevos biomarcadores y mecanismos moleculares implicados en su fisiopatogénesis

Introducción: El Síndrome de Sjögren (SS) es una enfermedad autoinmune de carácter sistémico, que afecta principalmente al sistema glandular exocrino, generando un funcionamiento anormal de las glándulas lacrimales y salivales. Objetivo: proporcionar una actualización sobre la identificación de nuevos biomarcadores y mecanismos moleculares implicados en la fisiopatogénesis del SS. Método: Revisión narrativa de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos, mediante la búsqueda de términos descritos incluidos en los tesauros MESH y DeCs, para artículos publicados a partir del año 2018. Resultados: presentamos evidencia que destaca la identificación de nuevos biomarcadores y mecanismos implicados en la fisiopatogénesis del SS, describiendo las vías de: linfocitos B, catepsina S, cistatina C, quimioquina C-X3-C modificada de ligando 1, quimiocina regulada por activación del timo, células T, proteína morfogenética ósea 6, estimulación del receptor de oxitocina, receptor de zinc, calponina-3. Conclusión: los avances en la tecnología facilita el análisis detallado de la genética y fisiopatogénesis del SS, impulsando el desarrollo de terapias específicas. La búsqueda de biomarcadores no invasivos responde a las limitaciones de los métodos existentes y la invasividad de las biopsias salivales, prometiendo mejoras diagnósticas y terapéuticas.

Introduction: Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the exocrine glandular system, leading to abnormal lacrimal and salivary gland function. Objective: To provide an update on identifying new biomarkers and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SS. Method: Narrative review of the literature in various databases, searching for terms included in the MESH and DeCs thesauri, for articles published since 2018. Results: We present evidence highlighting the identification of new biomarkers and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SS, describing pathways of B lymphocytes, cathepsin S, cystatin C, modified C-X3-C chemokine ligand 1, thymus activation-regulated chemokine, T cells, bone morphogenetic protein 6, oxytocin receptor stimulation, zinc receptor, and calponin-3. Conclusion: Advances in technology facilitate detailed analysis of the genetics and pathogenesis of SS, driving the development of specific therapies. The search for non-invasive biomarkers is driven by the limitations of existing methods and the invasiveness of salivary gland biopsies, promising diagnostic and therapeutic improvements.

Seronegative Autoimmune Hepatitis: Case Report / Hepatitis autoinmune seronegativa: reporte de un caso

Abstract Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that requires the integration of histological abnormalities, characteristic laboratory findings, autoantibody positivity, and exclusion of other liver diseases for diagnosis. The case of a 28-year-old female patient with a week-long history of generalized jaundice associated with diffuse and intermittent abdominal pain is presented. Liver tests revealed hepatocellular injury (R factor = 17.6) with severe transaminitis (aspartate aminotransferase [AST]: 1.502 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase [ALT]: 2.029 IU/L) and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia (total serum bilirubin: 10.9 mg/dL, direct bilirubin: 8.50 mg/dL). Serological tests for hepatotropic viruses were negative, as were autoantibodies for autoimmune hepatitis. Percutaneous liver biopsy revealed findings compatible with autoimmune hepatitis. The revised 1999 International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) score was calculated pretreatment, resulting in a score of 16, thus diagnosing it as definitive severe AIH. The patient was treated with oral steroids, obtaining clinical and biochemical improvement, so she was discharged after seven days of hospitalization without incidents. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for AIH, despite the initial negativity of autoantibodies, and complementing the diagnostic approach with percutaneous liver biopsy allow the timely diagnosis and treatment of this group of patients, thus preventing progression to advanced cirrhosis and its complications.

Resumen La hepatitis autoinmune (HAI) es una enfermedad inflamatoria inmunomediada la cual requiere para su diagnóstico la integración de anomalías histológicas, hallazgos de laboratorio característicos, positividad de autoanticuerpos y exclusión de otras enfermedades hepáticas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 28 años con un cuadro de ictericia generalizada de una semana de evolución asociado a dolor abdominal difuso e intermitente. Las pruebas hepáticas revelaron lesión hepatocelular (factor R= 17,6) con transaminasemia grave (aspartato-aminotransferasa [AST]: 1,502 UI/L, alanina-aminotransferasa [ALT]: 2,029 UI/L) e hiperbilirrubinemia conjugada (bilirrubina sérica total: 10,9 mg/dL, bilirrubina directa: 8,50 mg/dL). Las pruebas serológicas para virus hepatotropos fueron negativas, así como los autoanticuerpos para hepatitis autoinmune. La biopsia hepática percutánea reveló hallazgos compatibles de hepatitis autoinmune. Se calculó el puntaje revisado del Grupo Internacional de Hepatitis Autoinmune (IAIHG) de 1999 pretratamiento, en el que se obtuvo un puntaje de 16, por lo que se diagnosticó como HAI grave definitiva. La paciente fue manejada con esteroides orales y se obtuvo una mejoría clínica y bioquímica, por lo que fue egresada a los siete días de hospitalización, sin eventualidades. Mantener un alto índice de sospecha de HAI, a pesar de la negatividad inicial de los autoanticuerpos, y complementar el abordaje diagnóstico con biopsia hepática percutánea permite el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de este grupo de pacientes, de modo que se previene la progresión a cirrosis avanzada y sus complicaciones.

Características clínicas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio en hepatitis autoinmune / Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics in autoimmune hepatitis / Características clínicas, epidemiológicas e laboratoriais em hepatite autoimune

Resumen La hepatitis autoinmune (HAI) es una inflamación hepatocelular progresiva. En la Unidad de Hepatología y Alcoholismo del hospital se atienden aproximadamente 550 pacientes anualmente, muchos de ellos con diagnóstico de HAI. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y los parámetros de laboratorio de pacientes con HAI desde 2012 hasta 2018. Se incluyeron 44 pacientes: 40 con HAI tipo I y 4 seronegativos. El 91% fueron mujeres con edades entre 13 y 68 años; la forma de presentación más frecuente fue la hepatitis aguda. Se realizó biopsia en 32 pacientes; 50% mostraban características de HAI (hepatitis de interfase) y 35% presentaban cirrosis en la histología. El estudio ofrece una imagen aproximada de las particularidades de la HAI de la población atendida en este hospital. Respecto a otras poblaciones, esta comunicación muestra un mayor porcentaje de pacientes de sexo femenino, con alta preponderancia de presentación aguda y de las enfermedades autoinmunes asociadas.

Abstract Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive hepatocellular inflammation. Approximately 550 patients are treated per year in the Hepatology and Alcoholism Unit of the hospital, many of them with a diagnosis of AIH. The objective was to evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients with AIH from 2012 to 2018; 44 patients were included, 40 with type I AIH and four seronegative patients. Ninety- one per cent were women aged between 13 and 68 years old. The most frequent form of presentation (54.5%) was acute hepatitis. Thirty-two patients required biopsy; 50% showed features of AIH (interphase hepatitis) and 35% had histologic cirrhosis. The study offers an approximate image of the particularities of AIH in the population treated in this hospital. Compared to other populations, this communication shows a higher percentage of female patients, with a high preponderance of acute presentation and associated autoimmune diseases.

Resumo A hepatite autoimune (HAI) é uma inflamação hepatocelular progressiva. Na Unidade de Hepatologia e Alcoolismo do hospital, aproximadamente 550 pacientes são atendidos por ano, muitos deles com diagnóstico de HAI. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características clínicas, epidemiológicas e parâmetros laboratoriais de pacientes com HAI de 2012 a 2018. Foram incluídos 44 pacientes, 40 com HAI tipo I e quatro soronegativos. Noventa e um por cento foram mulheres com idades entre 13 e 68 anos; a forma de apresentação mais comum foi a hepatite aguda. Biópsias foram realizadas em 32 pacientes, 50% apresentando características de HAI (hepatite de interface) e 35% com cirrose na histologia. O estudo fornece uma visão aproximada das características da HAI na população atendida neste hospital. Em comparação com outras populações, esta comunicação mostra uma maior proporção de pacientes do sexo feminino, com alta incidência de apresentação aguda e das doenças autoimunes associadas.

Tratamiento y evolución de la encefalitis inmunomediada en edad pediátrica, serie de casos / Treatment and outcome of immune-mediated encephalitis in children, a case series

Introducción: La encefalitis por anticuerpos contra el receptor N-metil.D.aspartato (NMDA-R) es un trastorno inflamatorio del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en el cual autoanticuerpos dirigidos hacia la subunidad NR1 del receptor N-metil-D aspartato (NMDA) desarrollan un conjunto de síntomas neuropsiquiátricos, convulsiones y movimientos anormales. El tratamiento recomendado incluye metilprednisolona (MP) y gamaglobulina (IVIg), y/o recambio plasmático terapéutico (RPT); y en caso de no respuesta: rituximab (RTX) y/o ciclofosfamida (CFM). Objetivos: Analizar características clínicas, bioquímicas, electroencefalograma (EEG), resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral, tratamientos recibidos y resultados observados en una serie de pacientes con encefalitis autoinmune (EA) probable o confirmada. Materiales y métodos: Analizamos las historias clínicas de pacientes menores a 17 años que cumplían criterios diagnósticos de Graus (2016) para EA probable, con seguimiento mayor a 6 meses, internados en el Hospital Garrahan entre 2008 y 2023. El diagnóstico se definió por la identificación de anticuerpos anti-NMDAR (N-metil D-aspartato) en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) por ensayo basado en células - cell bassed assay (CBA). Resultados: Reunieron criterios de EA probable 94 pacientes con una edad media de 89.5 meses, 51% mujeres. Se dividieron en dos grupos: seropositivos y seronegativos de acuerdo al resultado del biomarcador. Seropositivos 45/94. El síntoma inicial más frecuente fue: convulsiones. El 28% requirió ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). 4 pacientes seropositivos y 1 seronegativo tuvieron encefalitis por el virus del herpes simple (Om) previamente. En una paciente seronegativa se diagnosticó teratoma ovárico. Hallazgos de estudios complementarios: LCR patológico en el 29%, RM cerebral en el 52%, EEG en el 74%. El tratamiento de primera línea más empleado fue MP + IVIg. El 46% de los pacientes presentó recuperación completa. Entre los pacientes que recibieron RTX, el 65% tuvo una recuperación completa. Ningún paciente que recibió RTX presentó recaída. Conclusión: Ante la sospecha de EA se debe considerar el inicio temprano de inmunoterapia para favorecer la rápida recuperación funcional. Se recomienda el uso temprano de RTX en los casos con presentación grave o respuesta subóptima al tratamiento de primera línea para beneficiar la respuesta clínica y reducir el riesgo de recaída (AU)

Introduction: Encephalitis due to antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which autoantibodies directed against the NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor develop a set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, and abnormal movements. The recommended treatment includes methylprednisolone (MP) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and/or therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE); and in case of non-response: rituximab (RTX) and/or cyclophosphamide (CFM). Objectives: To analyze clinical, biochemical, electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, treatments received, and outcomes observed in a series of patients with probable or confirmed autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Materials and methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients under 17 years of age who met Graus' diagnostic criteria (2016) for probable AE, with follow-up of more than 6 months, hospitalized at Hospital Garrahan between 2008 and 2023. Diagnosis was defined by the identification of anti-NMDAR antibodies (N-methyl D-aspartate) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by cell-based assay (CBA). Results: Ninety-four patients met criteria for probable AE with a mean age of 89.5 months, 51% female. They were divided into two groups: seropositive and seronegative according to the biomarker result. Seropositive 45/94. The most frequent initial symptom was seizures. Twenty-eight percent required admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Four seropositive patients and one seronegative patient had previously had herpes simplex encephalitis (Om). Ovarian teratoma was diagnosed in one seronegative patient. Findings of complementary studies: Pathological CSF in 29%, brain MRI in 52%, EEG in 74%. The most commonly used first-line treatment was MP + IVIg. Forty-six percent of patients experienced complete recovery. Among patients who received RTX, 65% had complete recovery. No patient who received RTX experienced relapse. Conclusion: In the suspicion of AE, early initiation of immunotherapy should be considered to promote rapid functional recovery. Early use of RTX is recommended in cases with severe presentation or suboptimal response to first-line treatment to benefit clinical response and reduce the risk of relapse (AU)

Antibody-based gene expression profiling of peripheral blood from patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy subtypes by analyzing the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from anti-MDA5 antibody-positive and anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive myositis patients.Methods:Gene expression profiling screening and analysis of PBMCs from 12 anti-MDA5 positive, 16 anti-Jo-1 positive myositis patients and 43 healthy controls were performed using Illumina HT-12 v4 expression profiling microarrays. Applying the unpaired t test with Benjamini-Hochberg correction, the genes with the absolute value of fold change (FC) in gene expression signal ≥2 and adjusted P<0.05 were selected as differentially expressed genes. Differential gene sets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, with P<0.05 as the threshold for being significantly enriched. Validation of differentially expressed genes by real time-PCR. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of continuous variables. If the distribution was normal and the variance was homogeneous, analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used.If the distribution was not normal, Kruskal-Wallis test was used, and P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant difference. Results:Analysis of gene expression profiles of PBMCs from patients with positive anti-MDA5 and anti-Jo-1 antibody revealed significant differences in gene expression of PBMCs from patients with the two myositis subtypes. The number of differentially expressed genes that specifically up-regulated in anti-MDA5 antibody positive patients was 407, and the GO functional enrichment analysis was mainly enriched in biological processes such as innate immune response ( P<0.001), response to virus ( P<0.001) and type Ⅰ interferon signaling pathway ( P<0.001), and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was mainly enriched in the viral infection-associated pathway ( P<0.001), RIG-Ⅰ like receptor signaling pathway ( P<0.001) and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway ( P=0.002), etc. The 259 differential genes specifically down-regulated in the anti-MDA5 antibody positive group were mainly enriched in biological processes such as immune response ( P=0.006), TGF-β receptor signaling pathway ( P=0.010) and natural killer cell mediated immunity ( P=0.015) in GO functional enrichment analysis. There were 162 differentially expressed genes up-regulated specifically in anti-Jo-1 antibody positive patients, and GO functional enrichment analysis was mainly enriched in biological processes such as nucleosome assembly ( P<0.001), negative regulation of cell growth ( P=0.001), negative regulation of apoptotic process P=0.004), and innate immune response in mucosa ( P=0.012), and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly enriched in metabolic-related signaling pathways ( P<0.001) and immune-related pathways ( P<0.001), etc. Real-time PCR confirmed that IFIH1 ( P=0.037), ISG15 ( P=0.003), and DDX58 ( P=0.032) in the RIG-Ⅰ-like receptor pathway as well as chemokines MCP-1 ( P=0.003), MCP-2 ( P<0.001), and transcription factor BATF2 ( P=0.002), and inflammatory signaling pathway-associated MYD88 ( P<0.001) were highly expressed in PBMCs from anti-MDA5 antibody-positive myositis patients. Conclusion:The gene expression profile of PBMCs in anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients suggests that the pathogenesis of patients with anti-MDA 5 antibody positive is closely related to biological processes such as innate immune response, viral infection, and interferon response.

Clinical analysis and literature review of juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with positive anti-NXP2 antibody / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, muscle pathological features and treatment in patients with Juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (JIIM) with positive anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody.Methods:The clinical data of 8 IMM patients with positive anti-NXP2 antibody were collected and the clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, muscle pathological changes and therapeutic effects were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The ratio of male to female was 1:3. The median age of disease onset was (6.1±3.8) years. Eight cases had proximal muscle weakness, 7 had dermatomyositis-like rash, 5 had myalgia,4 had calcinosis,3 had skin ulcer, 2 had edema and 1 had abdominal pain. Five cases had elevated serum creatine kinase. Eight cases with lower limb muscle MRI showed abnormal signals in muscle, space between muscles and fat tissue, 3 cases with chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) showed interstitial lung disease. Abdominal CT of 1 case showed irregular thickening, edema and peripheral inflammatory exudation in ascending colon and proximal transverse colon. Pathological biopsy of skeletal muscle showed perifascicular atrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration in fascicular membrane and around small vessels and muscle fiber space. Edema, hyperplasia could be seen in interstitium; but dissolved necrosis, and regenerated muscle fibers were rarely seen. Treatments included glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents and biological agents (1 case). After 6 months of follow-up, 5 cases had good outcomes and 3 cases had poor outcomes.Conclusion:Dermatomyositis is the major clinical manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with positive anti-NXP2 antibody.It is associated with myasthenia, calcinosis, skin ulcers and intestinal vasculitis. The pathological changes in skeletal muscle are relatively slightmild. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive agents are effective in most cases.

Advancements in the understanding and diagnostic techniques of pathogenic autoantibodies in serum of patients with myasthenia gravis / 中华神经科杂志

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder mediated by autoantibodies that target the neuromuscular junction. The detection of pathogenic autoantibodies is crucial for the diagnosis and assessment of the disease. Commercial testing institutions and hospitals commonly use techniques such as radioimmunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or cell-based assay to test the serum of MG patients. However, these methods have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and there is a lack of direct comparative studies using high-level evidence-based medicine. The recent release of the SCREAM study using data from Chinese individuals confirms the advantages of cell-based assay, providing level Ⅰ evidence for the preferred recommendation of MG laboratory diagnosis and filling the gap in both domestic and international fields. However, the results obtained from the aforementioned testing methods are difficult to use for longitudinal comparison of patients and may not serve as the best biomarkers for disease monitoring. This article attempts to discuss this question by combining recent advances in understanding the pathogenic autoantibodies of MG and provides an outlook on future developments.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of autoimmune encephalitis with antibodies against contactin-associated protein-like 2 / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with antibodies against contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2).Methods:The clinical data of 24 patients with anti-CASPR2 encephalitis diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the age of first onset, the patients were divided into early onset group (10 cases, onset age<45 years) and late onset group (14 cases, onset age≥45 years). The clinical data including clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, and treatment response between these 2 groups were compared.Results:Among the 24 patients, there were 13 cases with epilepsy, 13 cases with cognitive decline, 13 cases with mental disorders, 14 cases with autonomic dysfunction, 8 cases with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, 5 cases with Morvan syndrome, 5 cases with unstable walking, and 8 cases with sleep disorders. Among the 10 cases of the early onset group, 7 cases are females, and 8 cases showed epilepsy. The incidence rate of epilepsy in the early onset group was higher than that in the late onset group (5/14, Fisher exact probability, P=0.047). Among the 14 cases of the late onset group, 6 cases are females, 9 cases showed cognitive impairment and 8 cases presented with mental disorders. There were 6 cases with abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cerebrospinal fluid protein of the late onset group [0.37 (0.29, 0.58) g/L] was higher than that in the early onset group [0.22 (0.16, 0.30) g/L; Z=-2.667, P=0.008]. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores before and after treatment were 3.29±0.83 and 1.50 (0.75, 2.25), which were higher than those in the early onset group [mRS scores before and after treatment were 2.10±0.99 and 0 (0, 1.00), t=-3.188, P=0.004; Z=-2.335, P=0.020]. Conclusions:There are various symptoms in patients with anti-CASPR2 encephalitis. The early onset patients are common in women, with a higher incidence of epilepsy. The late onset patients are common in males, with prominent manifestations of cognitive impairment and mental disorders, which have a greater impact on daily living abilities. And abnormal MRI findings are common, and the cerebrospinal fluid protein is higher in late onset patients. Anti-CASPR2 antibody may cause more severe immune damage to the nervous system in elderly patients.

A unicenter real-world study of the correlation factors for complete clinical response in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the correlation factors of complete clinical response in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies(IIMs)patients receiving conventional treatment.Methods:Patients diagnosed with IIMs hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2000 to June 2023 were in-cluded.The correlation factors of complete clinical response to conventional treatment were identified by analyzing the clinical characteristics,laboratory features,peripheral blood lymphocytes,immunological indicators,and therapeutic drugs.Results:Among the 635 patients included,518 patients finished the follow-up,with an average time of 36.8 months.The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs was 50.0％(259/518).The complete clinical response rate of dermatomyositis(DM),anti-synthetase syn-drome(ASS)and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy(IMNM)were 53.5％,48.9％and 39.0％,respectively.Fever(P=0.002)and rapid progressive interstitial lung disease(RP-ILD)(P=0.014)were observed much more frequently in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical re-sponse group.The aspartate transaminase(AST),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),D-dimer,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reaction protein(CRP)and serum ferritin were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group as compared with complete clinical response group.As for the treat-ment,the percentage of glucocorticoid received and intravenous immunoglobin(IVIG)were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical response group.Risk factor analysis showed that IMNM subtype(P=0.007),interstitial lung disease(ILD)(P=0.001),eleva-ted AST(P=0.012),elevated serum ferritin(P=0.016)and decreased count of CD4+T cells in peripheral blood(P=0.004)might be the risk factors for IIMs non-complete clinical response.Conclu-sion:The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs is low,especially for IMNM subtype.More effec-tive intervention should be administered to patients with ILD,elevated AST,elevated serum ferritin or decreased count of CD4+T cells at disease onset.

Autoimmune encephalitis in a resource-limited public health setting: a case series analysis / Encefalite autoimune em um hospital universitário público: análise de uma série de casos

Abstract Background Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) consists of a group of acquired diseases that affect the central nervous system. A myriad of phenotypes may be present at the onset. Due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentations, it is difficult to achieve uniformity for the diagnostic and therapeutic processes and follow-up strategies. Objective To describe a series of patients diagnosed with AE in a resource-limited public hospital in southern Brazil and to analyze therapeutics and outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with AE at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from 2014 to 2022. Data collected included clinical presentation, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid testings, electroencephalogram, autoantibodies, treatments, outcomes, follow-up time, degree of neurological impairment, and mortality. Results Data from 17 patients were retrieved. Eleven cases were classified as definite AE and 6 as possible AE. Autoantibodies were identified in 9 patients. Timing for diagnosis was impacted by the high costs associated with autoantibody testing. Most patients became functionally dependent (82.4%) and most survivors remained with autoimmune-associated epilepsy (75%). Five patients died during hospitalization, and one after a 26-month of follow-up. Conclusion In this resource-limited hospital, patients with AE had a worse clinical outcome than that previously described in the literature. Development of epilepsy during follow-up and mortality were greater, whilst functional outcome was inferior. Autoantibody testing was initially denied in most patients, which impacted the definitive diagnosis and the use of second-line therapies.

Resumo Antecedentes A encefalite autoimune (EA) consiste em um grupo de doenças adquiridas que afetam o sistema nervoso central. Objetivo Descrever uma série de pacientes diagnosticados com EA em um contexto de atenção terciária à saúde com recursos limitados e analisar a terapêutica e os resultados. Métodos Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes diagnosticados com EA no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre de 2014 a 2022. Os dados coletados incluíram apresentação clínica, neuroimagem, exames de líquido cefalorraquidiano, eletroencefalograma, autoanticorpos, tratamentos, resultados, tempo de acompanhamento, grau de comprometimento neurológico e mortalidade. Resultados Dados de 17 pacientes foram coletados. Onze casos foram classificados como EA definitivo e seis como EA possível. Autoanticorpos foram identificados em nove pacientes. O tempo para o diagnóstico foi afetado pelos altos custos associados ao teste de autoanticorpos. A maioria dos pacientes tornou-se funcionalmente dependente (82,4%), e a maioria dos sobreviventes permaneceu com epilepsia autoimune associada (75%). Cinco pacientes faleceram durante a internação, e um após 26 meses de seguimento. Conclusão No hospital em questão, os pacientes com EA tiveram um desfecho clínico pior do que o previamente descrito na literatura. O desenvolvimento de epilepsia durante o acompanhamento e a mortalidade foram maiores, enquanto o desfecho funcional foi inferior. Os testes de autoanticorpos foram inicialmente negados para a maioria dos pacientes, o que impactou o diagnóstico definitivo e o uso de terapias de segunda linha.

Síndrome de la persona rígida asociado a timoma / Stiff person syndrome associated with thymoma

Resumen El síndrome de persona rígida es un cuadro neuro lógico infrecuente caracterizado por rigidez muscular de tronco y extremidades y espasmos musculares ga tillados por estímulos sensoriales o emocionales, que progresa hacia la postración. Cuenta con un mecanismo fisiopatogénico con base inmunológica, en el cual los autoanticuerpos, como el antiGAD65, cumplen un rol central. Asimismo, la detección de dichos anticuerpos corrobora el diagnóstico ante un paciente con cuadro clínico sugestivo. Un 4 a 6% de los casos tienen neoplasias subyacentes. El tratamiento se basa en el manejo sintomático, inmunomodulador y de la enfermedad de base en los casos paraneoplásicos. Reportamos un caso de síndrome de persona rígida clásico asociado a timoma y describimos las características principales de esta entidad.

Abstract Stiff-person syndrome is a rare neurological condi tion characterized by muscular rigidity of the trunk and extremities and muscle spasms triggered by sensory or emotional stimuli, which progresses towards prostra tion. It has a pathophysiogenic mechanism with an immunological basis, in which autoantibodies, such as antiGAD65, play a central role. Likewise, the detec tion of these antibodies corroborates the diagnosis in a patient with a suggestive clinical picture. Four to 6% of cases have underlying neoplasms. Treatment is based on symptomatic, immunomodulatory, and underlying disease management in paraneoplastic cases. We re port a case of classic stiff person syndrome associated with thymoma and review the main characteristics of this entity.

Caracterización del perfil lipídico en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren primario / Characterization of the lipid profile in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: La dislipidemia es la alteración metabólica más prevalente en el síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSP), se sugiere una asociación entre niveles bajos de colesterol de alta densidad (HDL) y la actividad de la enfermedad. Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio es describir las características del perfil lipídico y explorar la correlación entre sus componentes y la actividad del SSP. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte trasversal, se revisaron las historias clí nicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años que asistieron al Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael, con criterios clasificatorios para SSP durante el periodo de enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2019. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software RStudio versión 4.0.2. Se efectuó un análisis descriptivo de las variables clínico-demográficas y serológicas para evaluar la correlación entre ellas. Resultados: Se revisaron en total 250 historias clínicas, de las cuales, 35 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. La edad promedio fue de 53,4 años; el 88,3% de la población fueron mujeres. La mediana del tiempo de enfermedad fue de 42 meses. Las medias de colesterol total, HDL, colesterol de baja densidad (LDL) y triglicéridos fueron de 191 mg/dL, 42,6 mg/dL, 118,9 mg/dL y 157 mg/dL, respectivamente. Se encontró un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre el índice de actividad ESSDAI y el colesterol HDL de -0,43 (IC 95% -0,67-0,12), valor p = 0,008. Se realizó un modelo lineal entre el índice de actividad ESSDAI total y el colesterol HDL, y como resultado se halló un coeficiente estimado de -0,17. La curva ROC, con un punto de segregación de colesterol HDL de 43,5 mg/dL, mostró un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0,603 (IC 95% 0,40-0,80). Al excluir los pacientes con índice de masa corporal (IMC) alto, el AUC mejoró, con un punto de segregación de 38 mg/dL. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con niveles bajos de colesterol HDL mostraron mayores índices de actividad de la enfermedad, con un punto de corte menor a 43 mg/dL, siendo más marcado en pacientes con IMC normal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is the most prevalent metabolic disorder in primary Sjögren s syndrome (PSS) and an association between low HDL cholesterol levels and disease activity has been suggested. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of the lipid profile in patients with PSS and explore the correlation between the components of the lipid profile and the activity of the disease. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study. We reviewed the medical records of patients over 18 years of age with criteria for PSS who attended the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael during the period between January 2015 to December 2019. We used R-studio software version 4.0.2 for statistical analysis. A descriptive analysis of the clinical-demographic and serological variables was carried out to evaluate the correlation between them. Results: A total of 250 medical records were reviewed, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 53.4 years and 88.3% were women. The median duration of disease was 42 months. The mean values for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides were 191 mg/dL, 42.6 mg/dL, 118.9 mg/dL and 157 mg/dL respectively. A Pearson correlation coefficient of -.43 (95% CI -.67 to -.12) p-value = .008 was found between the ESSDAI activity index and HDL cholesterol. A linear model was performed between the total ESSDAI activity index and HDL cholesterol, finding an estimated coefficient of -.17. A ROC curve was performed with an HDL cholesterol segregation point of 43.5 mg/dL with an area under the curve of .603 (95% CI .40-.80). By excluding patients with high BMI, the area under the curve improved with a segregation point of 38 mg/dL. Conclusions: Patients with low levels of HDL cholesterol showed higher rates of disease activity, with a cut-off point lower than 43 mg/dL being more marked in patients with normal body mass index.

Membranous nephropathy / Nefropatia membranosa

ABSTRACT Membranous nephropathy is a glomerulopathy, which main affected target is the podocyte, and has consequences on the glomerular basement membrane. It is more common in adults, especially over 50 years of age. The clinical presentation is nephrotic syndrome, but many cases can evolve with asymptomatic non-nephrotic proteinuria. The mechanism consists of the deposition of immune complexes in the subepithelial space of the glomerular capillary loop with subsequent activation of the complement system. Great advances in the identification of potential target antigens have occurred in the last twenty years, and the main one is the protein "M-type phospholipase-A2 receptor" (PLA2R) with the circulating anti-PLA2R antibody, which makes it possible to evaluate the activity and prognosis of this nephropathy. This route of injury corresponds to approximately 70% to 80% of cases of membranous nephropathy characterized as primary. In the last 10 years, several other potential target antigens have been identified. This review proposes to present clinical, etiopathogenic and therapeutic aspects of membranous nephropathy in a didactic manner, including cases that occur during kidney transplantation.

RESUMO A nefropatia membranosa é uma glomerulopatia, cujo principal alvo acometido é o podócito, e acarreta consequências na membrana basal glomerular. Tem maior frequência em adultos, principalmente acima dos 50 anos. A apresentação clínica é a síndrome nefrótica, mas muitos casos podem evoluir com proteinúria não nefrótica assintomática. O mecanismo consiste na deposição de complexos imunes no espaço subepitelial da alça capilar glomerular com subsequente ativação do sistema do complemento. Grandes avanços na identificação de potenciais antígenos alvo têm ocorrido nos últimos vinte anos, e o principal é a proteína "M-type phospholipase-A2 receptor" (PLA2R) com o anticorpo anti-PLA2R circulante, o que possibilita avaliar a atividade e o prognóstico dessa nefropatia. Essa via de lesão corresponde aproximadamente a 70% a 80% dos casos da nefropatia membranosa caracterizada como primária. Nos últimos 10 anos vários outros antígenos alvo potenciais têm sido identificados. Esta revisão se propõe a apresentar de modo didático aspectos clínicos, etiopatogênicos e terapêuticos da nefropatia membranosa, incluídos os casos com ocorrência no transplante renal.

Presencia de autoanticuerpos anti islotes pancreáticos en diabetes tipo 1 durante la edad pediátrica / Presence of anti-pancreatic islet autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes in children

En la Diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) la pérdida de células ß pancreáticas es consecuencia de un proceso de autoinmunidad que cursa con la presencia de autoanticuerpos anti-islotes pancreáticos (AAPs). Estos AAPs son marcadores útiles para la clasificación de la enfermedad. En un centro pediátrico de tercer nivel se analizó la frecuencia de presentación de GADA, IA-2A, ZnT8A e IAA en un grupo con reciente debut entre enero 2018 y agosto 2021 (n= 90). Además, se investigó la frecuencia de presentación y relación de los AAPs con la edad, sexo y tiempo de evolución en pacientes en seguimiento (n= 240). En el grupo de debut se obtuvo positividad de GADA, IA-2A, ZnT8A y IAA en 77,8; 60; 62 y 47,8% de los pacientes respectivamente, un 4% no presentó AAPs. El 95,6% de los pacientes presentaron al menos un AAPs positivo. La frecuencia de IAA en el grupo en debut fue mayor en menores de 5 años. En el grupo en seguimiento el 75,2% resultaron GADA positivo (85,7% en mujeres y 62,8% en varones) p<0,05. IA-2A y ZnT8A fueron positivos en 45 y 51.7% respectivamente. El 91% presentaron al menos un AAP positivo. En este grupo se evidenció una menor positividad en función del tiempo de evolución. Se pudo determinar la frecuencia de presentación de los AAPs en un grupo en debut y la relación con la edad, sexo y tiempo de evolución en pacientes en seguimiento. La determinación de APPs facilita la correcta clasificación y elección de la terapia adecuada (AU)

In type 1 diabetes (DM1) the loss of pancreatic ß-cells is a consequence of an autoimmune process that results in the presence of pancreatic anti-islet autoantibodies (PAAs). PAAs are useful markers for the classification of the disease. The frequency of presentation of GADA, IA-2A, ZnT8A, and IAA in a group with recent debut seen between January 2018 and August 2021 (n= 90) was analyzed in a tertiary pediatric center. In addition, we investigated the frequency of presentation and association of PAAs with age, sex, and time of evolution in patients in follow-up (n= 240). In the debut group, GADA, IA2A, ZnT8A, and IAA positivity was found in 77.8, 60, 62, and 47.8% of patients, respectively; no PAAs were observed in 4% of the patients. Overall, 95.6% presented at least one positive PAA. The frequency of IAA in the debut group was higher in children younger than 5 years. In the follow-up group, 75.2% were GADA positive (85.7% of females and 62.8% of males) p<0.05. IA-2A and ZnT8A were positive in 45 and 51.7% respectively. Ninety-one percent presented with at least one positive PAA. In this group, a lower positivity was evidenced as a function of the time of evolution. The frequency of presentation of PAAs in a debut group and the relationship with age, sex, and time of evolution in patients in follow-up was demonstrated. The assessment of PAAs facilitates the correct classification and choice of adequate therapy (AU)

Evaluación del panel de enfermedades hepáticas autoinmunes (INMUNOBLOT) en el diagnóstico de enfermedades hepáticas / Utility of the detection of autoantibodies in autoinmune liver diseases using immunoblot

INTRODUCTION: For the diagnosis of liver diseases, clinical criteria, biochemical, immunological and histological parameters are included. The autoimmune panel is an immunoblot that contemplates the detection of antibodies against 9 different hepatic antigens, which could guide the diagnosis of these pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the autoimmune panel in the diagnosis of liver diseases. Methods: Observational, descriptive study. All autoimmune panels performed between January 2020 and August 2021 (n = 279) were reviewed, and the ones with positive result selected (n = 101). Clinical records were reviewed, including: clinical, biochemical, immunological and histological characteristics. Diagnosis was determined by clinical suspicion (clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters), only through autoimmune panel, and according to liver biopsy in available cases. RESULTS: 45 patients with complete clinical history were included in the analysis; 82% women, median age 58 years (16-79). Clinical suspicions included autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 12 patients (27%), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in 10 patients (22%), overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) in 17 (38%), and others in 6 (13%). The diagnosis of PBC was confirmed by autoimmune panel in 9/10 and 11/17 patients with clinical suspicion of PBC and HAI/PBC, respectively. Of the 27 patients with initial clinical suspicion of PBC, 14 had negative AMA and AMA-M2 (6 had Sp100 and 5 gp210 as the only markers and 3 had positive Sp100 and PML). In 10/14 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by panel and/or compatible liver biopsy. CONCLUSION: The autoimmune panel turns out to be a useful diagnostic tool for liver diseases, especially PBC in isolation or in overlap syndrome.

Application of autoantibody in the diagnosis and treatment of threatened preterm labor / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum levels of antiphospholipid antibody(aPL)(ACA-IgG,ACA-IgM,β2-GPI-IgG,β2-GPI-IgM),LAC,ds-DNA,and ANA and preterm labor with pre-maturity,and to analyze the prediction of preterm labor with the combination of age,week of gestation,history of delivery,and history of miscarriage,so as to provide references for the prevention and treatment of preterm la-bor and to promote eugenics.Methods Through a retrospective study design,43 pregnant women with preterm la-bor with preeclampsia diagnosed and treated at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from June 2018 to Decem-ber 2020 were collected as a case group,and 47 healthy pregnant women of the same period and similar gestational age were randomly selected as a control group.aPL(ACA-IgG,ACA-IgM,β2-GPI-IgG,β2-GPI-IgM)and ds-DNA were detected by enzyme immunoassay(ELISA)using an enzyme immunoassay instrument,lupus anticoagulant(LAC)in plasma was detected by coagulometer,and ANA was detected by indirect immunofluorescence using an immunofluorescence analyzer,and the application of SPSS 24.0 software was used to statistically analyze the gen-eral information and laboratory test data.the age of the patients was combined,gestational week,birth history,miscarriage history and other general information,logistic regression analysis was performed to find the indepen-dent influencing factors related to preterm labor;the analysis was performed by using the subjects'work charac-teristic curve(ROC curve)to determine the area under the ROC curve(AUC),the best predictive value,sensi-tivity and specificity,and to analyze the predictive value of preterm labor with preterm labor.Results In this study,the pregnant women in the group of pregnant women with preterm labor with preeclampsia were aged 27～40 years,with a mean age of(29.93±3.91)years,and the gestational weeks at the time of blood collection were 27-36 weeks,with a mean gestational week of(31.96±2.35)weeks,while the pregnant women in the healthy control group during the same time period were aged 25～40 years,with a mean age of(30.74±3.44)years,and the gestational weeks at the time of blood collection were 28～36 weeks,with a mean gestational week of(32.84±2.13)weeks.In the same period,healthy control group pregnant women were aged 25～40 years,with a mean age of(30.74±3.44)years,and were 28～36 weeks pregnant at the time of blood collection.The β2-GPI-IgM level of pregnant women in the case group with preterm labor was significantly higher than that of pregnant women in the healthy control group at the same time,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05),while the differences in the levels of β2-GPI-IgG,ds-DNA,and LAC between the two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The analysis of the ROC curves showed that the AUC of β2-GPI-IgM was 0.642(P<0.05),which was the highest in the preterm group,and the AUC was 0.642(P<0.05).0.05),which was an independent influencing factor of preterm labor;age,gestational week,labor history,and miscarriage history could not be used as independent in-fluencing factors of preterm labor.Conclusion β2-GPI-IgM is associated with threatened preterm labor,it can be used as a predictor of threatened preterm labor,and has clinical utility in the monitoring of threatened preterm labor in pregnant women.

Clinical characteristics of aplastic anemia patients with abnormal autoantibodies and the impact of autoantibodies on immunosuppressive therapy response / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) accompanied by abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) and autoantibodies and their effects on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (IST).Method:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, analyzing the clinical data of 291 patients with AA who underwent IST and were screened for autoantibodies at initial diagnosis between January 2018 and December 2019 at Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. According to the titer of ANA at the initial diagnosis, extracted nuclear antigen antibodies (ENAs) abnormality and the change of ANA titer after treatment, the treatment responses of 3 months and 6 months after IST were compared. The correlation between clinical features and ANA abnormality was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The parameters of univariate analysis P<0.1 were included in multivariate analysis, stepwise regression analysis and subgroup analysis. Results:A total of 291 patients were included in the study, of which 145 (49.83%) were male. Among all patients, 147 (50.52%) tested positive for ANA at initial diagnosis, with titers of 1∶100, 1∶320, and 1∶1 000 observed in 94, 47, and 6 cases, respectively. Female gender, older age, presence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clone, and higher levels of IgG, IgA, and thyroid hormone were significantly associated with ANA positivity at initial diagnosis, while white cell counts, reticulocytes, and free triiodothyronine were significantly lower than that of ANA-negatively patients (all P<0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analyses revealed that female gender ( OR=1.980, 95% CI 1.206-3.277), older age ( OR=1.017, 95% CI 1.003-1.032), and presence of PNH clone ( OR=1.875, 95% CI 1.049-3.408) were independent risk factors for ANA positivity at initial diagnosis. Subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of ANA positivity at initial diagnosis was even higher in PNH clone-positive patients in the subgroups of females ( OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.51), severe AA ( OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.47), and age≥40 years ( OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.52) (all P<0.05). However, ANA titers at initial diagnosis, presence of other abnormal ENAs, and changes in ANA titers after treatment with IST were not correlated with treatment response (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Approximately 50% of patients with AA had abnormal ANA, and their presence was significantly associated with female gender, older age, and presence of PNH clone at initial diagnosis. However, the presence of abnormal ANA and changes in ANA titers after treatment did not affect the efficacy of IST in patients with AA.

A case report of paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis with co-existence of multiple anti-neuronal antibodies combined with pulmonary embolism / 中华神经科杂志

Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as seizures, cognitive declines, emotional and behavior changes are common, however, pulmonary embolism is rare in patients with paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis. Paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis with co-existence of multiple anti-neuronal antibodies is complex, and may have a poor prognosis. A case with paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis with co-existence of multiple anti-neuronal antibodies who was combined with pulmonary embolism was reported in this article. The features of this case were described in detail and the related literatures were reviewed to improve understanding of the comorbidities of paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis.

Removal of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibodies in primary membranous nephropathy by recombinant phospholipase A2 receptor tandem epitope immunosorbent / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of recombinant phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) tandem dominant epitopes (PLA2RTD) in the removal of anti-PLA2R autoantibodies (anti-PLA2R) from primary membranous nephropathy (PMN).Methods:The recombinant protein PLA2RTD (cysteine-rich domain, C-type lectin like domain 1 and C-type lectin like domain 7) was expressed in bacmid-insect cell expression system. Circular dichroism was used to determine the secondary structure of PLA2RTD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence were used to determine the biological activity of PLA2RTD. Epoxy activation method was used to couple the recombinant PLA2RTD and agarose gel CL-6B microspheres for preparing specific immune adsorbent of anti-PLA2R.Results:The study achieved the expression of PLA2RTD in the first time from the bacmid-insect cell system, demonstrating the good immunogenicity and high binding specificity of PLA2RTD. A single in vitro adsorption of PLA2RTD could averagely eliminate 76.66% of anti-PLA2R [(6.66±0.30) RU/ml vs. (28.54±2.10) RU/ml], the changes of IgG, IgA, albumin, β2 microglobulin, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α were all less than 4% after completion of adsorption, and the second or third repeated use of PLA2RTD could maintain the adsorption efficiency of about 65%. Conclusion:PLA2RTD-based specific immunosorbent can effectively remove anti-PLA2R in plasma, which provides a new way to specifically remove PMN-related autoantibodies.

Production mechanism,clinical research and application of tumor related autoantibodies / 中华检验医学杂志

Tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAS), as cancer biomarkers, have attracted special attention. In recent years, increasing evidence has indicated that TAAS shows an elevated level in the early stage of human malignancies, and examination of TAAS in patients′ clinical specimens has a good predictive value for a variety of cancers′ early diagnosis. The mechanism of TAAS and its clinical application will be introduced, and the advantages and problems of tumor autoantibodies as markers will be expounded in this article.