The UIP/IPF fibroblastic focus is a collagen biosynthesis factory embedded in a distinct extracellular matrix.

Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a histological pattern characteristic of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The UIP pattern is patchy with histologically normal lung adjacent to dense fibrotic tissue. At this interface, fibroblastic foci (FF) are present and are sites where myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulate. Utilizing laser capture microdissection-coupled mass spectrometry, we interrogated the FF, adjacent mature scar, and adjacent alveoli in 6 fibrotic (UIP/IPF) specimens plus 6 nonfibrotic alveolar specimens as controls. The data were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis and histologically validated. We found that the fibrotic alveoli protein signature is defined by immune deregulation as the strongest category. The fibrotic mature scar classified as end-stage fibrosis whereas the FF contained an overabundance of a distinctive ECM compared with the nonfibrotic control. Furthermore, FF were positive for both TGFB1 and TGFB3, whereas the aberrant basaloid cell lining of FF was predominantly positive for TGFB2. In conclusion, spatial proteomics demonstrated distinct protein compositions in the histologically defined regions of UIP/IPF tissue. These data revealed that FF are the main site of collagen biosynthesis and that the adjacent alveoli are abnormal. This essential information will inform future mechanistic studies on fibrosis progression.

Heterogeneity in extracellular vesicle secretion by single human macrophages revealed by super-resolution microscopy.

The diverse origins, nanometre-scale and invasive isolation procedures associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) mean they are usually studied in bulk and disconnected from their parental cell. Here, we used super-resolution microscopy to directly compare EVs secreted by individual human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). MDMs were differentiated to be M0-, M1- or M2-like, with all three secreting EVs at similar densities following activation. However, M0-like cells secreted larger EVs than M1- and M2-like macrophages. Proteomic analysis revealed variations in the contents of differently sized EVs as well as between EVs secreted by different MDM phenotypes. Super resolution microscopy of single-cell secretions identified that the class II MHC protein, HLA-DR, was expressed on ∼40% of EVs secreted from M1-like MDMs, which was double the frequency observed for M0-like and M2-like EVs. Strikingly, human macrophages, isolated from the resected lungs of cancer patients, secreted EVs that expressed HLA-DR at double the frequency and with greater intensity than M1-like EVs. Quantitative analysis of single-cell EV profiles from all four macrophage phenotypes revealed distinct secretion types, five of which were consistent across multiple sample cohorts. A sub-population of M1-like MDMs secreted EVs similar to lung macrophages, suggesting an expansion or recruitment of cells with a specific EV secretion profile within the lungs of cancer patients. Thus, quantitative analysis of EV heterogeneity can be used for single cell profiling and to reveal novel macrophage biology.

Clinicopathological significance of the expression of PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: PD1/PD-L1 pathway targeting therapies are nowadays an established treatment option for patients with NSCLC. We assessed whether PD-L1 expression in NSCLC tumor cells was associated with specific clinical features or overall survival using four different clones. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective study included formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) surgical tumors from 482 patients. PD-L1 status was assessed with immunohistochemistry in tumor cells on tissue microarrays using clones 28-8, 22C3, SP263 and SP142. Associations with OS were assessed by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox's regression analysis. Patients' median age: 68 years (39-86); histology: adenocarcinoma (AdCa) 61%, squamous-cell carcinoma (SqCC) 33%, and large cell carcinoma (LCC) 6%; p-stage: IA (46%), IB (30%), IIA (10%), IIB (11,4%), IIIA (1,2%), IIIB - IV (0,4%). PD-L1 positivity (≥1%) in NSCLC for clones 28-8, 22C3, SP263, SP142 was 41.5%, 34.2%, 42.7%, 10.4%, respectively (Pearson Chi-square p < 0.0001). PD-L1 expression was correlated with histology, tumor size and grading. Statistically significant association between PD-L1 expression and OS in NSCLC and Non-AdCa was observed with clone SP142 (log-rank p = 0.045 and p = 0.05, respectively). Statistically significant association between PD-L1 expression and OS in LCC was observed with clones 22C3 (log-rank p = 0.009) and SP263 (log-rank p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of the PD-L1 clone SP142 was associated with poor overall survival in NSCLC and Non-AdCa. Clones 22C3 and SP263 were associated with poor prognosis in LCC. PD-L1 status might serve as a prognostic marker in NSCLC.

Corrected Super-Resolution Microscopy Enables Nanoscale Imaging of Autofluorescent Lung Macrophages.

Observing the cell surface and underlying cytoskeleton at nanoscale resolution using super-resolution microscopy has enabled many insights into cell signaling and function. However, the nanoscale dynamics of tissue-specific immune cells have been relatively little studied. Tissue macrophages, for example, are highly autofluorescent, severely limiting the utility of light microscopy. Here, we report a correction technique to remove autofluorescent noise from stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) data sets. Simulations and analysis of experimental data identified a moving median filter as an accurate and robust correction technique, which is widely applicable across challenging biological samples. Here, we used this method to visualize lung macrophages activated through Fc receptors by antibody-coated glass slides. Accurate, nanoscale quantification of macrophage morphology revealed that activation induced the formation of cellular protrusions tipped with MHC class I protein. These data are consistent with a role for lung macrophage protrusions in antigen presentation. Moreover, the tetraspanin protein CD81, known to mark extracellular vesicles, appeared in ring-shaped structures (mean diameter 93 ± 50 nm) at the surface of activated lung macrophages. Thus, a moving median filter correction technique allowed us to quantitatively analyze extracellular secretions and membrane structure in tissue-derived immune cells.

The role of transbronchial cryobiopsy in lung transplantation.

AIMS: Lung transplant monitoring is usually performed with forceps transbronchial biopsies. These types of biopsy show limited reliability and a high degree of variability, owing to insufficient material and compression artefact, which lead to misinterpretation and, eventually, inappropriate treatment of the transplanted patients. The following study was undertaken to assess the diagnostic yield, histological quality and safety of cryobiopsy (CB) in comparison with conventional forceps biopsy (FB) for sampling lung tissue in transplant recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January to December 2011, 81 consecutive transbronchial biopsies (41 FBs and 40 CBs) were indicated in single or bilateral lung transplantation recipients with clinical acute or chronic lung injury. Lung samples obtained by CB were larger (8.5 ± 6.5 mm in the FB group versus 22.1 ± 12.5 mm in the CB group; P < 0.0001) and had no crush artefacts (P = 0.002), allowing us to increase the diagnostic yield of acute (P = 0.0657) and chronic (P = 0.0053) cellular rejection. DISCUSSION: Transbronchial cryoprobe bronchoscopy allows the harvesting of larger and more expanded lung tissue samples, increasing the diagnostic yield in the monitoring of the lung allograft by means of a safe procedure.

Nuclear grade and necrosis predict prognosis in malignant epithelioid pleural mesothelioma: a multi-institutional study.

A recently described nuclear grading system predicted survival in patients with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma. The current study was undertaken to validate the grading system and to identify additional prognostic factors. We analyzed cases of epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma from 17 institutions across the globe from 1998 to 2014. Nuclear grade was computed combining nuclear atypia and mitotic count into a grade of I-III using the published system. Nuclear grade was assessed by one pathologist for three institutions, the remaining were scored independently. The presence or absence of necrosis and predominant growth pattern were also evaluated. Two additional scoring systems were evaluated, one combining nuclear grade and necrosis and the other mitotic count and necrosis. Median overall survival was the primary endpoint. A total of 776 cases were identified including 301 (39%) nuclear grade I tumors, 354 (45%) grade II tumors and 121 (16%) grade III tumors. The overall survival was 16 months, and correlated independently with age (P=0.006), sex (0.015), necrosis (0.030), mitotic count (0.001), nuclear atypia (0.009), nuclear grade (<0.0001), and mitosis and necrosis score (<0.0001). The addition of necrosis to nuclear grade further stratified overall survival, allowing classification of epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma into four distinct prognostic groups: nuclear grade I tumors without necrosis (29 months), nuclear grade I tumors with necrosis and grade II tumors without necrosis (16 months), nuclear grade II tumors with necrosis (10 months) and nuclear grade III tumors (8 months). The mitosis-necrosis score stratified patients by survival, but not as well as the combination of necrosis and nuclear grade. This study confirms that nuclear grade predicts survival in epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma, identifies necrosis as factor that further stratifies overall survival, and validates the grading system across multiple institutions and among both biopsy and resection specimens. An alternative scoring system, the mitosis-necrosis score is also proposed.

Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare fibrosing lung disease, affecting the visceral pleura and the subpleural parenchyma with an upper lobe predilection, included as a distinct clinicopathologic entity in the latest international multidisciplinary classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP). We aim to summarize the current evidence on IPPFE, in terms of clinical features and potential treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Overall, there is increasing awareness of PPFE in association with a separate ILD pattern. Although an agreed consensus on diagnosis has yet to be defined, a list of radiological and histopathological criteria has been proposed. Due to the unfavorable risk-benefit profile of surgical lung biopsy in a significant proportion of patients, a potential role for transbronchial lung cryobiopsy has been suggested. At present, lung transplantation remains the only curative option. SUMMARY: The increasing awareness of this condition among specialists has led to more frequent identification of IPPFE. Large international studies are needed to better characterize pathogenesis and pheno/endotypes of disease, a key step towards the development of effective treatments.

Deficient retinoid-driven angiogenesis may contribute to failure of adult human lung regeneration in emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Molecular pathways that regulate alveolar development and adult repair represent potential therapeutic targets for emphysema. Signalling via retinoic acid (RA), derived from vitamin A, is required for mammalian alveologenesis, and exogenous RA can induce alveolar regeneration in rodents. Little is known about RA signalling in the human lung and its potential role in lung disease. OBJECTIVES: To examine regulation of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial repair by RA, and characterise RA signalling in human emphysema. METHODS: The role of RA signalling in alveolar epithelial repair was investigated with a scratch assay using an alveolar cell line (A549) and primary human alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells from resected lung, and the role in angiogenesis using a tube formation assay with human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). Localisation of RA synthetic (RALDH-1) and degrading (cytochrome P450 subfamily 26 A1 (CYP26A1)) enzymes in human lung was determined by immunofluorescence. Regulation of RA pathway components was investigated in emphysematous and control human lung tissue by quantitative real-time PCR and Western analysis. RESULTS: RA stimulated HLMVEC angiogenesis in vitro; this was partially reproduced with a RAR-α agonist. RA induced mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGFR2. RA did not modulate AT2 repair. CYP26A1 protein was identified in human lung microvasculature, whereas RALDH-1 partially co-localised with vimentin-positive fibroblasts. CYP26A1 mRNA and protein were increased in emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: RA regulates lung microvascular angiogenesis; the endothelium produces CYP26A1 which is increased in emphysema, possibly leading to reduced RA availability. These data highlight a role for RA in maintenance of the human pulmonary microvascular endothelium.

A Validation Study for the Use of ROS1 Immunohistochemical Staining in Screening for ROS1 Translocations in Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ROS1) rearrangements in lung cancers confers sensitivity to ROS kinase inhibitors, including crizotinib. However, they are rare abnormalities (in ∼1% of non-small cell lung carcinomas) that are typically identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and so screening using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining would be both cost- and time-efficient. METHODS: A cohort of lung tumors negative for other common mutations related to targeted therapies were screened to assess the sensitivity and specificity of IHC staining in detecting ROS1 gene rearrangements, enriched by four other cases first identified by FISH. A review of published data was also undertaken. RESULTS: IHC staining was 100% sensitive (95% confidence interval: 48-100) and 83% specific (95% confidence interval: 86-100) overall when an h-score higher than 100 was used. Patients with ROS1 gene rearrangements were younger and typically never-smokers, with the tumors all being adenocarcinomas with higher-grade architectural features and focal signet ring morphologic features (two of five). Four patients treated with crizotinib showed a partial response, with three also showing a partial response to pemetrexed. Three of four patients remain alive at 13, 27, and 31 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: IHC staining can be used to screen for ROS1 gene rearrangements, with patients herein showing a response to crizotinib. Patients with tumors that test positive according to IHC staining but negative according to FISH were also identified, which may have implications for treatment selection.

Diagnostic yield of transbronchial cryobiopsy in interstitial lung disease: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is required for evaluation in selected patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The diagnostic yield of histopathologic assessment is variable and is influenced by factors such as the size of samples and the presence of crush artefacts left by conventional biopsy forceps. We compared the diagnostic yield and safety of TBLB with cryoprobe sampling versus conventional forceps sampling. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial analysed data for 77 patients undergoing TBLB for evaluation of ILD; patients were assigned to either a conventional-forceps group or a cryoprobe group. Two pathologists assessed the tissue samples and agreed on histopathologic diagnoses. We also compared the duration of procedures, complications and sample-quality variables. RESULTS: The most frequent diagnosis observed in the cryoprobe group was non-specific interstitial pneumonia. Histopathologic diagnoses were identified in more cases in the cryoprobe group (74.4%) than in the conventional-forceps group (34.1%) (P < 0.001), and the diagnostic yield was higher in the cryoprobe group (51.3% vs 29.1% in the conventional forceps group; P = 0.038). A larger mean area of tissue was harvested by cryoprobe (14.7 ± 11 mm(2) ) than by conventional forceps (3.3 ± 4.1 mm(2)) (P < 0.001). More grade 2 bleeding (not statistically significant) occurred in the cryoprobe group (56.4%) than in the conventional-forceps group (34.2%). No differences in other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: TBLB by cryoprobe is safe and potentially useful in the diagnosis of ILD. Larger multisite randomized trials are required to confirm the potential benefits of this procedure. Clinical trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01064609.

KAP degradation by calpain is associated with CK2 phosphorylation and provides a novel mechanism for cyclosporine A-induced proximal tubule injury.

The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) is limited by its severe nephrotoxicity that includes reversible vasoconstrictor effects and proximal tubule cell injury, the latter associated whith chronic kidney disease progression. The mechanisms of CsA-induced tubular injury, mainly on the S3 segment, have not been completely elucidated. Kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP) is exclusively expressed in kidney proximal tubule cells, interacts with the CsA-binding protein cyclophilin B and its expression diminishes in kidneys of CsA-treated mice. Since we reported that KAP protects against CsA toxicity in cultured proximal tubule cells, we hypothesized that low KAP levels found in kidneys of CsA-treated mice might correlate with proximal tubule cell injury. To test this hypothesis, we used KAP Tg mice developed in our laboratory and showed that these mice are more resistant to CsA-induced tubular injury than control littermates. Furthermore, we found that calpain, which was activated by CsA in cell cultures and kidney, is involved in KAP degradation and observed that phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues found in KAP PEST sequences by protein kinase CK2 enhances KAP degradation by calpain. Moreover, we also observed that CK2 inhibition protected against CsA-induced cytotoxicity. These findings point to a novel mechanism for CsA-induced kidney toxicity that might be useful in developing therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing tubular cell damage while maintaining the immunosuppressive effects of CsA.

Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial por metales duros / Hard Metal Interstitial Lung Disease

La neumonitis por metales duros es una enfermedad infrecuente que aqueja a personas expuestas a polvo de metales duros. La presentación clínica es la de una neumonitis por hipersensibilidad y los pacientes pueden evolucionar a una fibrosis pulmonar, dependiendo probablemente de su susceptibilidad. Presentamos 2 casos correspondientes a 2 mujeres con fibrosis pulmonar. La anamnesis exhaustiva y el estudio del tejido de la biopsia para descartar la presencia de metales duros permitieron el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad. Se discute la utilidad de la biopsia para su valoración histológica y su estudio posterior con el microscopio electrónico de barrido (AU)

Hard metal lung disease is an unusual disease which can occur in individuals exposed to hard metals. Clinically, the condition resembles hypersensitivity pneumonitis depending mainly on individual susceptibility, which eventually progresses to pulmonary fibrosis. We present two patients with pulmonary fibrosis, who were actually diagnosed after an exhaustive anamnesis and examination of the tissue by scanning microscope to discard hard metals. The evaluation of wedge biopsies by scanning electronic microscope can be very helpful in those cases without a specific diagnosis (AU)

Cumplimiento del tratamiento en el trasplante renal pediátrico / Compliance with treatment in paediatric renal transplant

Son numerosas las causas del incumplimiento terapéutico en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante renal. El objetivo de este trabajo fue, identificar las dificultades que presentaban las familias y los pacientes para el correcto cumplimiento del tratamiento en receptores de trasplante renal pediátrico. Para ello se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal con la participación de 41 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 5 y 18 años. Como instrumento de medida se diseñó una encuesta con preguntas cerradas sobre aspectos demográficos, conocimientos y actitudes con respecto al tratamiento recibido, autonomía o dependencia en la administración, adhesión y cansancio del paciente y cuidador. Se realizó la encuesta al paciente y cuidador principal. El porcentaje de incumplimiento fue del 12,1% observándose mayor incumplimiento en receptores adolescentes. Los pacientes que presentaron rechazo de injerto fueron 14, de los cuales, 9 por causa inmunológica y 5 por abandono de tratamiento. El 90% de los pacientes manifestaban haber recibido una información completa respecto a conocimientos e importancia de la toma. Presentaban un correcto conocimiento de los inmunosupresores, el horario y la adherencia de la toma. El 18% manifestaron desconocimiento sobre los efectos secundarios. Las razones para dejar de tomar la medicación fueron principalmente el cansancio del paciente o cuidador (70%) y olvido en un 50%, de los cuales el 22% presentaron olvido sólo en una ocasión. En cuanto a las incidencias en la toma del tratamiento, se observaron diarreas (50%) y vómitos (42%). La mayoría de los pacientes tienen supervisión de la toma de medicación por parte de un cuidador, que habitualmente la madre. Todos los pacientes estudiados disponían de ayuda social (100%) y financiación del tratamiento. En general podemos decir que los pacientes se sienten motivados a seguir el tratamiento, pero se sienten agotados debido al largo periodo del mismo (AU)

There are numerous causes of therapeutic noncompliance in paediatric patients with a renal transplant. The aim of this study was to identify the difficulties presented by families and patients for correct compliance with treatment in paediatric recipients of renal transplants. To do so, a transversal, descriptive observational study was carried out with the participation of 41 patients of ages ranging from 5 to 18. As a measuring instrument, a questionnaire was designed with closed questions on demographic aspects, knowledge and attitudes to the treatment received, self-sufficiency or dependence in administration, compliance and tiredness of the patient and carer. The questionnaire was applied to the patient and main carer. The percentage of non-compliance was 12.1%, and was observed to be higher in adolescent recipients. A total of 14 patients presented graft rejection, of which 9 were for immunological reasons and 5 due to abandoning the treatment. 90% of patients stated that they had received full information about the medication and its importance. They showed correct knowledge of the immunosuppressant medication, timetable and compliance with dosage. 18% expressed lack of knowledge of side effects. The reasons for stopping to take the medication were mainly tiredness of the patient or carer (70%) and forgetfulness in 50%, of whom 22% only forgot to take the medication on one occasion. As regards incidents associated to taking the medication, diarrhoea (50%) and vomiting (42%) were observed. Most patients are supervised in taking their medication by a carer, usually their mother. All the patients studied had social assistance (100%) and financing of the treatment. In general, we can say that patients feel motivated to continue the treatment, but feel exhausted due to its long duration (AU)

Differential lymphocyte infiltration in small airways and lung parenchyma in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: In COPD, although histological lesions at both the small airways (wall thickening and tissue remodeling) and lung parenchyma (emphysematous destruction) are definitely different, the inflammatory cells involved in both processes are the same. Our study aims to determine if these histopathological phenotypes are related to two different lymphocyte profiles. METHODS: Distribution and cell density of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and B lymphocytes were compared in small airways and parenchymal interstitium of 9 non-smokers, 18 smokers without COPD, 16 smokers with moderate COPD and 16 patients with very severe COPD undergoing lung transplantation. Spatial distribution of lymphocytes in periemphysematous parenchyma was also assessed. RESULTS: CD3(+) and B cell densities were significantly higher in small airways than parenchyma interstitium of very severe COPD patients. Furthermore, CD8(+) cells were increased in the epithelium of airways of moderate COPD patients compared to non-smokers. Although CD8(+) cell density was increased in parenchyma of COPD patients, CD8(+) and B cell densities were similar when comparing periemphysematous and non-emphysematous alveolar interstitium. CONCLUSIONS: In COPD, it is true that the small airways' wall shows a clear inflammatory pattern, with a high mononuclear infiltration and tissue remodeling. However, parenchymal interstitium shows a milder CD8(+) infiltration which, moreover, is not spatially related to emphysematous destroyed areas.

[Hard metal interstitial lung disease]. / Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial por metales duros.

Hard metal lung disease is an unusual disease which can occur in individuals exposed to hard metals. Clinically, the condition resembles hypersensitivity pneumonitis depending mainly on individual susceptibility, which eventually progresses to pulmonary fibrosis. We present two patients with pulmonary fibrosis, who were actually diagnosed after an exhaustive anamnesis and examination of the tissue by scanning microscope to discard hard metals. The evaluation of wedge biopsies by scanning electronic microscope can be very helpful in those cases without a specific diagnosis.

Sesión de hemodiálisis en pacientes con peso inferior a 6 kilos / No disponible

No disponible