Impact of viral hepatitis therapy in multiple myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies linked to hepatitis B or C viruses.

Subsets of multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS) present with a monoclonal immunoglobulin specific for hepatitis C virus (HCV), thus are presumably HCV-driven, and antiviral treatment can lead to the disappearance of antigen stimulation and improved control of clonal plasma cells. Here we studied the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the pathogenesis of MGUS and MM in 45 HBV-infected patients with monoclonal gammopathy. We analyzed the specificity of recognition of the monoclonal immunoglobulin of these patients and validated the efficacy of antiviral treatment (AVT). For 18 of 45 (40%) HBV-infected patients, the target of the monoclonal immunoglobulin was identified: the most frequent target was HBV (n=11), followed by other infectious pathogens (n=6) and glucosylsphingosine (n=1). Two patients whose monoclonal immunoglobulin targeted HBV (HBx and HBcAg), implying that their gammopathy was HBV-driven, received AVT and the gammopathy did not progress. AVT efficacy was then investigated in a large cohort of HBV-infected MM patients (n=1367) who received or did not receive anti-HBV treatments and compared to a cohort of HCV-infected MM patients (n=1220). AVT significantly improved patient probability of overall survival (P=0.016 for the HBV-positive cohort, P=0.005 for the HCV-positive cohort). Altogether, MGUS and MM disease can be HBV- or HCV-driven in infected patients, and the study demonstrates the importance of AVT in such patients.

Glucosylsphingosine but not Saposin C, is the target antigen in Gaucher disease-associated gammopathy.

In Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1), genetic deficiency of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase results in the accumulation of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph), that underlie chronic lipid-mediated metabolic inflammation. An important age-related phenotype is high risk of monoclonal gammopathy (MG), including multiple myeloma. We identified GlcSph, a pathological lyso-sphingolipid exclusively elevated in GD, as a mediator of B cell activation and as an antigenic target for GD1-associated MG. Saposin C (SapC), is a lipid-binding protein and activator of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase, which when mutated, cause a rare variant of GD. Sera of GD1 patients with MG of diverse immunoglobulin types were compared to GD patients without gammopathy for reactivity against GlcSph and SapC. We show reactivity of clonal immunoglobulin in GD1 to GlcSph but not to SapC. In two patients with GD1 and gammopathy, GlcSph-reduction therapy with eliglustat resulted in reduction in clonal Ig. Together, our data show that GlcSph but not SapC is the antigenic target in GD1-associated MG and that therapy aimed at reducing the levels of immunogenic lipid resulted in reduction of clonal immunoglobulin in vivo.

Serum microRNA profiles among dioxin exposed veterans with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Previously an increased risk for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor of multiple myeloma (MM), was reported among Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Dysregulated expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) was demonstrated in MGUS and MM. Given the important role of miRNAs in cellular homeostasis, the aim of this study was to determine if there was an association between serum levels of selected miRNAs and TCDD in 47 MGUS cases identified in our previous investigation using serum specimens and exposure data archived by the Air Force Health Study (AFHS). A total of 13 miRNA levels (let-7a, let-7i, miR-16, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-106b, miR-146a, miR-181a, miR-192, miR-205, miR-335, and miR-361) was measured in serum stored during the 2002 AFHS follow-up and the relationship to lipid-adjusted serum TCDD levels in 1987 was determined. miR-34a showed the strongest relationship with TCDD; after age-adjustment, this positive association was more pronounced. In contrast, the other 12 miRNAs displayed absolute values of age adjusted coefficient estimates below 1.16 and non-significant p-values. The observed strong positive association between high body burdens of TCDD and miR-34a, a tumor suppressor regulated by p53, in this MGUS population warrants clarification of the TCDD-miR-34a relationship and its role in the pathogenesis of MGUS and risk for MM.

[Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) and occupational risk factors: criteria to carry out the health surveillance]. / Gammopatia monoclonale di incerto significato (MGUS) e fattori occupazionali di rischio: criteri di attuazione della sorveglianza sanitaria.

SUMMARY: Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and laboratory-based situation characterized by a modest monoclonal component (MC). In a limited percentage of cases, on a probabilistic basis, the asymptomatic genepremalignant stage could lead to multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods. Based on literature data and available Guidelines on the subject, the diagnostic criteria and a methodological path are here suggested to the Occupational Physician to formulate a judgment of suitability for the task with exposure risk to RI or pesticides. Results. Some studies have evaluated the prevalence of MGUS in subjects exposed professionally to pesticides. Numerous other studies conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have highlighted a possible association with exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The guidelines relating to the diagnosis and management of MGUS cases (with respect to the potential evolution in MM allow) to draw important operational indications for the competent/authorized physician. Conclusions. The routinely use of laboratory tests for subjects exposed to the studied risk factors is generally indicated starting from the worker's 50 years of age. The finding of a MGUS in the absence of further laboratory alterations represents the situation most frequently and does not require further measures, other than those of foreseeing even blood controls at least every two years. In this situation, there are no justified restrictions on work activities with exposure risks to IR or pesticides. If alterations suggestive for an increased risk of evolution in a neoplastic way could be identified, a close periodicity - every 3-6 months - of haematological checks is recommended. In these cases, it appears justified an abstention from activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation for a period of time that will be evaluated based on the evolution of the framework and by the progress of laboratory tests in the monitored period.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is one of the most prevalent premalignant conditions associated with a risk of malignant transformation to multiple myeloma (MM) or other forms of lymphoproliferative disorders with risk of progression of approximately 1% per year. IgG and IgA MGUS are precursor conditions of multiple myeloma (MM), whereas light-chain MGUS is a precursor condition of light chain MM. IgM MGUS is a precursor condition of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (MW) or other lymphoproliferative diseases. AIM: Assessment of the risk of progression of patients with asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies (MG) is based on various factors, including the serum paraprotein (M protein) concentration, isotype of M protein, serum free light chain ratio, infiltration of bone marrow plasmocytes, reduction of one or two noninvolved immunoglobulin subtype levels (immunoparesis), evolving and non-evolving subtype of MGUS, ratio of normal/abnormal plasma cells in bone marrow identified by multiparametric flow cytometry techniques and number of circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood. Three risk stratification models have been constructed that are useful in daily practice for predicting risk of progression of MGUS into malignant forms of monoclonal gammopathy - MAYO, PETHEMA and CMG model. The goal of all three models is to identify correctly prognostic markers that can divide patients into low-risk MGUS and high-risk MGUS groups. CONCLUSION: This review provides a look at the definition, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, clinical significance and stratification of MGUS patients, followed by recommendations for patient risk dispensarisation intervals.

Hepatitis E virus: Infection beyond the liver?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are not limited to the liver but may also affect other organs. Several diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuralgic amyotrophy, glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, pancreatitis, lymphoma, thrombopenia, meningitis, thyroiditis and myocarditis have been observed in the context of hepatitis E. To date, the definite pathophysiological links between HEV and extrahepatic manifestations are not yet established. However, it is suggested that HEV infection might be causative based on serological studies, case series, in vitro data and animal models. In particular, neuronal and renal diseases as well as pancreatitis seem to be caused by HEV, while a causative relationship between HEV and other diseases is more doubtful. Either direct cytopathic tissue damage by extrahepatic replication, or immunological processes induced by an overwhelming host immune response, are possible origins of HEV-associated extrahepatic manifestations. Hepatologists should be aware of the possibility that acute or chronically HEV-infected patients could develop extrahepatic manifestations. Neurologists, nephrologists, rheumatologists and other groups of physicians should consider HEV infection as a potential differential diagnosis when observing one of the diseases described in this review. Ribavirin and steroids have been used in small groups of patients with extrahepatic manifestations of HEV, but the efficacy of these drugs still needs to be verified by large, multicenter studies. This article comprehensively reviews the published literature regarding HEV and extrahepatic manifestations. We discuss the probability of specific extrahepatic diseases being caused by previous or ongoing HEV infection, and summarize the published knowledge about antiviral treatment in extrahepatic disorders.

Czech Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies - Technical Solution, Data Collection and Visualisation.

BACKGROUND: The Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies (RMG) was established by the Czech Myeloma Group in 2007. RMG is a registry designed for the collection of clinical data concerning diagnosis, treatment, treatment results and survival of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Data on patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM), multiple myeloma (MM) or primary AL ("amyloid light-chain") amyloidosis are collected in the registry. DATA: Nineteen Czech centres and four Slovak centres currently contribute to the registry. The registry currently contains records on more than 5,000 patients with MM, almost 3,000 patients with MGUS, 170 patients with WM and 26 patients with primary AL amyloidosis, i.e. more than 8,000 records on patients with monoclonal gammopathies altogether. RESULTS: This paper describes technology employed for the collection, storage and subsequent online visualisation of data. The CLADE-IS platform is introduced as a new system for the collection and storage of data from the registry. The form structure and functions of the new system are described for all diagnoses in general; these functions facilitate data entry to the registry and minimise the error rate in data. Publicly available online visualisations of data on patients with MGUS, WM, MM or primary AL amyloidosis from all Czech or Slovak centres are introduced, together with authenticated visualisations of data on patients with MM from selected centres. CONCLUSION: The RMG represents a data basis that makes it possible to monitor the disease course in patients with monoclonal gammopathies on the population level.Key words: Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies - RMG - registries - monoclonal gammopathies - CLADE-IS - data visualisation - database.

Persistent immune alterations and comorbidities in splenectomized patients with Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding acid-ß-glucosidase, resulting in functional disruptions in degradation of glycosphingolipids and lysosomal accumulation of the substrates. The most frequent clinical presentations of GD are thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly and bone pain. Prior to advent of enzyme replacement therapy, splenectomy was performed for complications of hypersplenism such as severe thrombocytopenia and transfusion dependency. Though there is evidence about worsening bone disease after splenectomy, there is no systematic study to assess its effects on the immune system in GD patients. In order to investigate the long-term immunological effects of splenectomy, we used flow cytometry to compare the immunophenotypes of GD patients who had undergone splenectomy (SGD) to those with intact spleen. The results show that SGD patients have significantly fewer CD27(+)/IgM(+) B-cells but more CD4(+)/CD45RO(+) and CD8(+)/CD45RO(+) T-cells. The most surprising finding was an almost complete absence of circulating dendritic cells in SGD patients. In addition, splenectomized subjects had comorbidities, the most common being monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Taken together, these results highlight the persistence of multiple immune alterations and comorbidities coexisting in higher frequency in the SGD group and they are not affected by GD specific therapy.

Reappraisal of risk factors for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

A number of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated associations between obesity and diabetes and the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). However, since MGUS is an asymptomatic condition we evaluated whether these are true associations or the result of detection-bias. We conducted a nested case-control study using a large primary-care database. Cases were defined as those with incident diagnosis of MGUS. For every case, four eligible controls matched on age, sex, practice site, and duration of follow-up were selected. Exposure variables included obesity and diabetes (including antidiabetic therapies) as well as other metabolic risk factors. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. The study included 2363 MGUS patients and 9193 matched controls. In the primary analysis, obesity and diabetes were associated with higher MGUS risk with an adjusted ORs of 1.15 (95% CI 1.02-1.29) and 1.30 (95% CI 1.13-1.50), respectively. However, after adjustment to the number of laboratory tests prior to the MGUS diagnosis, there was no association between obesity and diabetes and MGUS risk (ORs of 1.08, 95% CI 0.96-1.22 and 1.08, 95% CI 0.93-1.25, respectively). In an additional analysis of antidiabetic therapies and MGUS risk, there was a nonsignificant decrease in MGUS risk among diabetes patients treated with metformin alone compared to subjects without diabetes (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.56-1.05). In summary, while previously described risk factors for MGUS might be the result of detection bias, metformin should be further evaluated as a possible chemoprevention modality. Am. J. Hematol. 91:581-584, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance with light-chain deposition disease diagnosed postrenal transplant: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Patients with light-chain deposition disease (LCDD) frequently do not meet criteria for myeloma. In such cases, despite low tumor burden, the circulating monoclonal immunoglobulins cause renal damage, are responsible for post-transplant recurrence, and are rightly categorized as monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) requiring chemotherapy. A 65-year male with uncharacterized nodular glomerulopathy presented with proteinuria 3 years postrenal transplant. His allograft biopsies were diagnostic of light-chain deposition disease (likely recurrent), and in the absence of myeloma, he was labeled as MGRS. Based on the limited literature available, he was treated with bortezomib which resulted in normalization of serum-free light-chain ratios and resolution of proteinuria. He, however, later succumbed to complications of chemotherapy. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties in LCDD, the importance of an accurate pretransplant diagnosis, and treatment of the malignant clone, in the absence of which post-transplant management of recurrence is challenging with poor outcomes.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and lymphoproliferative disorders: mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been associated with lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) such as mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome (MCS), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). The aim of the present study is to assess MCS, MGUS, and B-NHL prevalence in a cohort of CHC-infected patients and to evaluate the association of demographic, clinical, and virologic factors with the presence of LPDs. METHODS: A total of 121 CHC patients with LPDs (50 M, 71 F; mean age 61.5 ± 11.8) and 130 CHC patients without extrahepatic manifestations (60 M, 70 F; mean age 60.4 ± 9.2) were retrospectively enrolled from a cohort of 1313 CHC patients between January 2006 and December 2013. Patients with LPDs included: 25 patients with MCS (9 M, 16 F; mean age 60.2 ± 1.4), 55 patients with MGUS (18 M, 37 F; mean age 61.3 ± 12.1), and 41 patients with B-NHL (23 M, 18F; mean age 62.5 ± 11.0) RESULTS: Patients with MCS (25/1313; 1.9%), MGUS (55/1313; 4.2%), and B-LNH (41/1313; 3.1%) did not differ in age, severity of liver disease, HCV genotype, and response to antiviral therapy. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a positive association was found between the presence of cirrhosis and MGUS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8924, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2693-6.5909; P = 0.012) and between cirrhosis and B-NHL (OR = 3.9407, 95% CI 1.7226-9.0153; P = 0.001), whereas no association with MCS diagnosis emerged. CONCLUSION: Despite the pathogenetic mechanism of HCV-associated LPDs is still unclear, cirrhosis is an additional risk factor for the development of lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is frequently associated with high response rate and superior survival in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.

Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a special phenomenon that occurs during the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The incidence, biological characteristics, and prognostic value of secondary MGUS in patients with MM remain undefined. We proceed with a retrospective systematic review of serum immunofixation electrophoresis studies performed in 438 cases of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, including 409 cases of newly diagnosed MM and 29 cases of primary plasma cell leukemia. Secondary MGUS was more common in patients with myeloma who had undergone stem cell transplantation than in those who had not (17 [29.8%] of 57 versus 5 [1.4%] of 352, P < .001). The clinical parameters and cytogenetic characteristics in patients with or without secondary MGUS were comparable. The complete response rates in patients with or without secondary MGUS were 81.8% and 21.8% respectively (P < .01). For the cohort as a whole, secondary MGUS was associated with significantly prolonged progression-free survival (median, 52.0 months versus 22.5 months; P = .002) and overall survival (median, not reached versus 35.0 months; P < .001). The presence of secondary MGUS retained independent prognostic value with a moderate impact on overall survival (hazard ratio .128 [95% confidence interval .018 to .922]; P = .041) in the multivariate Cox regression model. However, when analysis was restricted to patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, no statistical differences in progression-free survival and overall survival were found. In conclusion, we observe that secondary MGUS was frequently observed in MM patients after transplantation and conferred a survival prolongation. The favorable survival in patients with secondary MGUS may be explained by beneficial effect from myeloablative therapy.

The clinical relevance and management of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and related disorders: recommendations from the European Myeloma Network.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is one of the most common pre-malignant disorders. IgG and IgA monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance are precursor conditions of multiple myeloma; light-chain monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance of light-chain multiple myeloma; and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and other lymphoproliferative disorders. Clonal burden, as determined by bone marrow plasma cell percentage or M-protein level, as well as biological characteristics, including heavy chain isotype and light chain production, are helpful in predicting risk of progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to symptomatic disease. Furthermore, alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients result in an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, infections, osteoporosis, and bone fractures. In addition, the small clone may occasionally be responsible for severe organ damage through the production of a monoclonal protein that has autoantibody activity or deposits in tissues. These disorders are rare and often require therapy directed at eradication of the underlying plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic clone. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical relevance of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. We also give general recommendations of how to diagnose and manage patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

In the course of multiple myeloma, patients may develop a M-protein band different from the original: secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. In this retrospective single center analysis, we describe the occurrence and clinical relevance of secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (post-transplant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance). A total of 138 patients who had undergone 139 allogeneic stem cell transplantations (39.6% in the upfront setting and 60.4% for relapsed multiple myeloma) were included in the study. Sixty-seven (48.2%) patients developed secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, after a median latency of 6.9 months. Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance occurred more often in patients who achieved at least very good partial response after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, compared to partial response or less (54.8% vs. 26.5%; P=0.005). The incidence was also higher in the upfront setting as compared to relapsed disease, or with a sibling donor compared to matched unrelated donor, but less often after T-cell depletion. Importantly, development of post-transplant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance as a time-dependent variable independently predicted for superior progression-free and overall survival (median progression-free survival 37.5 vs. 6.3 months, P<0.001; median overall survival 115.3 vs. 31.0 months, P=0.004). Clinicians should be aware of the benign nature of this phenomenon, and secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance should not be confused with relapse or progression of disease. (Trial registered with trialregister.nl; HOVON 108: NTR 2958.).

Smoldering multiple myeloma: present position and potential promises.

Since smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) was first described over three decades ago based on a case series of six patients, its definition and our understanding of the entity have evolved considerably. The risk of progression to symptomatic myeloma (MM) varies greatly among individuals diagnosed with myeloma precursor disease. Epidemiologic, molecular, flow cytometric and radiological techniques have demonstrated that this transformation to MM from precursor states is not sudden but rather a continuous overlapping series of events with evidence of end-organ damage that could manifest in the earliest stages of disease. Contemporary antimyeloma therapies can yield rapid, deep, and durable responses with manageable toxicities, and molecular-cell-based measures are now available to rule out minimal residual disease. With this information, clinical studies with correlative measures can now be developed to test the fundamental hypothesis that intervention in early myeloma may provide a measurable clinical benefit to patients by either delaying progression or eradicating plasma cell clones.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in patients with psoriasis: is it really a side effect of biological therapy?

Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is treated using biological drugs targeting cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (adalimumab, infliximab, etanercept) and interleukin 12/23 (IL 12/23) (ustekinumab). There is a slight risk of developing hematological malignancies, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) with anti TNF-α agents. There are no data available on anti-IL12/23 drugs. This retrospective study of data from 191 patients describes the appearance and follow-up of MGUS in three patients with psoriasis receiving long-term biological therapy. Since the appearance of MGUS occurred after about 6 years of anti-TNFα treatment in only three subjects, it was deemed unlikely to be due to the biological treatment. The decision not to suspend biological therapy after the appearance of MGUS was taken after careful assessment of the possible risks and benefits.

Secondary MGUS following by adenovirus-induced hemorrhagic cystitis after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with multiple myeloma.

A 61-year-old man with multiple myeloma (IgG-κ) received autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) after induction of VAD in July 2009, and obtained a very good partial response. In November 2009, he was admitted to our hospital because of adenovirus-induced hemorrhagic cystitis and pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. The pneumonia resolved with sulfamethoxazole and steroid pulse therapy, and cystitis subsided spontaneously. In December 2009, serum protein electrophoresis showed two abnormal protein bands (APB)(IgG-λ, IgA-λ), different from the original M-protein, and IgG thereafter increased to 2,771 mg/dl with a concomitant increase in anti-adenovirus antibody to 4,096. In October 2010, APB disappeared. To date, he has been in stable complete remission for five years since PBSCT. The emergence of APB is considered to be a surrogate marker for long-term remission. Immune reconstitution syndrome and APB after high dose chemotherapy following PBSCT are discussed herein.

Immune-Pathogenesis of Myeloma.

This research indicates that monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and myeloma may stem from chronic immune activation and inflammation, causing immune dysfunction and spatial immune exclusion. As the conditions progress, a shift toward myeloma involves ongoing immune impairment, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. Intriguingly, even in advanced myeloma stages, susceptibility to immune effector cells persists. This insight highlights the intricate interplay between immune responses and the development of these conditions, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting immune modulation in the management of MGUS and myeloma.