[Open surgical management of recurrent pigmented villonodular synovitis: case report and literature review]. / Manejo quirúrgico abierto de la sinovitis villonodular pigmentada recurrente: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura.

INTRODUCTION: pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign condition that affects the knee, leading to abnormal proliferation of the synovial membrane and the accumulation of hemosiderin in the joint cavity. Although it can be surgically treated, PVNS tends to have a high recurrence rate, potentially resulting in chronic joint damage. CASE REPORT: we present the case of a young woman who experienced localized pain in her right knee due to a recurrence of PVNS. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple multilobulated cystic lesions affecting the entire joint, including the ligaments. The patient underwent open surgical resection with a favorable clinical outcome. Histopathological examinations confirmed the absence of malignancy. CONCLUSION: while arthroscopy is typically the preferred treatment for PVNS, this case highlights the tendency for recurrence associated with this approach. Open surgical resection, supported by benign histopathological findings in this case, suggests a favorable long-term prognosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la sinovitis villonodular pigmentada (SVNP) es una enfermedad benigna que afecta la articulación de la rodilla, que causa una proliferación anormal de la membrana sinovial y la acumulación de hemosiderina en la cavidad articular. A pesar de que es posible tratarla mediante cirugía, la SVNP tiende a tener una alta tasa de recurrencia, lo que puede resultar en daño articular crónico. REPORTE DEL CASO: se presenta el caso de una mujer joven que experimentó dolor localizado en la rodilla derecha debido a una recurrencia de SVNP. La resonancia magnética reveló múltiples lesiones quísticas multilobuladas que afectaban a toda la articulación, incluyendo los ligamentos. La paciente fue sometida a una resección quirúrgica abierta, con una evolución clínica favorable. Los exámenes histopatológicos confirmaron la ausencia de malignidad. CONCLUSIÓN: aunque la artroscopía se considera el tratamiento de elección para la SVNP, este caso ilustra la tendencia a la recurrencia asociada con este enfoque. La resección quirúrgica abierta, respaldada por los hallazgos histopatológicos benignos en este caso, sugiere un pronóstico favorable a largo plazo.

Mecapegfilgrastim for prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma: a prospective, single-arm, pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The chemotherapy regimens recommended for both rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients are myelosuppressive and can reduce the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and subsequently increase the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN). However, only a few studies have focused on the efficacy and safety of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) drugs in pediatric and adolescent patients with RMS and ES. Our objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of mecapegfilgrastim, a biosimilar of pegfilgrastim, in prophylaxis of FN for pediatric and adolescent patients with RMS or ES. METHODS: In this single-arm, single-center, prospective study, pediatric and adolescent patients with RMS or ES were enrolled to receive either VAC (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, dactinomycin) regimen or VDC (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin) regimen in a 3-week cycle, followed by treatment with mecapegfilgrastim (100 µg/kg, maximum 6 mg) given at 24 h after completing chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of FN. Secondary endpoints included the incidence rate of grade 4 neutropenia, duration of ANC ≤ 0.5 × 109/L, incidence rate of chemotherapy delay or reduction, use of antibiotics, and safety profile. RESULTS: In total, 2 of the 30 (6.7%, 95% CI: 0.82-22.07) patients experienced FN after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Eight (26.7%, 95% CI: 12.28-45.89) patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia after receiving prophylactic mecapegfilgrastim. Eight patients experienced ANC ≤ 0.5 × 109/L with a median duration of 4.5 days; among them, 6 patients reached the lowest point of their ANC level on day 7, and 5 of them recovered by day 10. No dose reductions, delays, or discontinuation of chemotherapy was reported. Twenty-one (70.0%) patients received antibiotics during the treatment period. No patient experienced FN in the 0-5 years and the 13-18 years groups, and 2 patients experienced FN in the 6-12 years group. Two patients, 6 patients, and no patient experienced grade 4 neutropenia in the 0-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mecapegfilgrastim showed acceptable efficacy and safety profile in pediatric and adolescent patients with RMS or ES. Further randomized studies with large sample size are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered at Chictr.org.cn (No.ChiCTR1900022249). Registered on March 31, 2019.

The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor produced during Streptococcus suis infection controls neutrophil recruitment in the blood without affecting bacterial clearance.

Streptococcus suis causes diseases in pigs and has emerged as a zoonotic agent. When infected, the host develops an exacerbated inflammation that can lead to septic shock and meningitis. Although neutrophils greatly infiltrate the lesions, their dynamics during S. suis infection remain poorly described. Moreover, very few studies reported on the production and role of a key factor in the regulation of neutrophils: the colony-stimulating granulocyte factor (G-CSF). In this study, we characterized the G-CSF-neutrophil axis in the pathogenesis of S. suis induced disease. Using a mouse model of S. suis infection, we first evaluated the recruitment of neutrophils and their activation profile by flow cytometry. We found that infection provokes a massive neutrophil recruitment from the bone marrow to the blood and spleen. In both compartments, neutrophils displayed multiple activation markers. In parallel, we observed high systemic levels of G-CSF, with a peak of production coinciding with that of neutrophil recruitment. We then neutralized the effects of G-CSF and highlighted its role in the release of neutrophils from the bone marrow to the blood. However, it did not affect bacteremia nor the cytokine storm induced by S. suis. In conclusion, systemic G-CSF induces the release of neutrophils from the bone marrow to the blood, but its role in inflammation or bacterial clearance seems to be compensated by unknown factors. A better understanding of the role of neutrophils and inflammatory mediators could lead to better strategies for controlling the infection caused by S. suis.

The choroid plexus synergizes with immune cells during neuroinflammation.

The choroid plexus (ChP) is a vital brain barrier and source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here, we use longitudinal two-photon imaging in awake mice and single-cell transcriptomics to elucidate the mechanisms of ChP regulation of brain inflammation. We used intracerebroventricular injections of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to model meningitis in mice and observed that neutrophils and monocytes accumulated in the ChP stroma and surged across the epithelial barrier into the CSF. Bi-directional recruitment of monocytes from the periphery and, unexpectedly, macrophages from the CSF to the ChP helped eliminate neutrophils and repair the barrier. Transcriptomic analyses detailed the molecular steps accompanying this process and revealed that ChP epithelial cells transiently specialize to nurture immune cells, coordinating their recruitment, survival, and differentiation as well as regulation of the tight junctions that control the permeability of the ChP brain barrier. Collectively, we provide a mechanistic understanding and a comprehensive roadmap of neuroinflammation at the ChP brain barrier.

A retrospective study on the efficacy of pegfilgrastim-filgrastim combination regimen in the mobilization for autologous stem cell transplantation in lymphoma patients.

BACKGROUND: The high mobilization failure rate with the mobilization strategy of combining chemotherapy and filgrastim (rhG-CSF) in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in lymphomas is one of the unresolved issues. Whether the combination of polyethylene glycol filgrastim [pegfilgrastim (PEG-FIL), PEG-rhG-CSF] and filgrastim (FIL) improves the mobilization success rate and the timing of combination therapy has not been studied. METHODS: 107 lymphoma patients who received auto-HSCT were retrospectively enrolled and divided into groups of PEG+FIL and FIL. The group of PEG+FIL received pegfilgrastim (9 mg) on the third day of the chemotherapy, followed by filgrastim (10 µg/kg/day) based on the counts of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). The group of FIL received filgrastim 10 µg /kg/day depending on the number of PBSCs. RESULTS: The incidence of neutropenic fever in the group of PEG+FIL was significantly lower than in the group of FIL. The mean recovery time of leukocytes at autologous stem cell transplantation was significantly shorter in the group of PEG+FIL than in the group of FIL. Compared to the groups of FIL, the group of PEG+FIL had lower hospitalization costs. We found that the combination therapy is more recommended for patients with a bone marrow hematopoietic area of less than 30 %. Filgrastim is best administered 5-6 days after pegfilgrastim administration. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional filgrastim mobilization, the combination of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim schedule has high efficacy, non-inferior safety, and superior health economic benefits during auto-HSCT.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor hydrogel in treating second- or third-degree burn wounds in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The efficacy and safety of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) hydrogel in adults with deep partial-thickness burns have been confirmed. However, the clinical safety and efficacy analysis of rhGM-CSF in pediatrics is lacking, and the results are questionable. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rhGM-CSF hydrogel in children with second- or third-degree burn injury to provide evidence-based medicine for clinical application. Methods: Articles on rhGM-CSF hydrogel for the treatment of pediatric burn wounds were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang from the inception of the databases to March 2024. Two reviewers screened articles and extracted the following data: general characteristics, intervention and treatment course, outcome measure. The meta-analysis was conducted using Revman 5.4 software. Results: Eight reports (336 patients: experimental 175, control 161) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis, which showed that the experimental group (rhGM-CSF hydrogel ± other therapy) was superior to the control group (treatments without rhGM-CSF hydrogel) in terms of the wound healing rates at day 7 [mean difference (MD) =13.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.25 to 20.00, P<0.001], day 14 (MD =15.59, 95% CI: 12.50 to 18.69, P<0.001), and day 21 (MD =7.47, 95% CI: 7.36 to 7.58, P<0.001), and the wound healing time (MD =-3.10, 95% CI: -3.50 to -2.71, P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant. For the risks of bias, one study had a "high risk" in allocation sequence concealment, and the others were classified as "low risk" and "unclear risk". Conclusions: rhGM-CSF hydrogel is significantly effective in improving the wound healing rate and shortening the wound healing time in children with second- or third-degree burns.

Sysmex XN-HPC: study of reference intervals and clinical decision limits in healthy allogeneic donors mobilised with G-CSF.

The Sysmex XN series haematopoietic progenitor cell (XN-HPC) is a novel tool for assessing stem cell yield before allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to establish a reference interval (RI) for XN-HPC in peripheral blood allogeneic transplant donors following granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulation and determine its clinical significance. All specimens were analysed using Sysmex XN-20. Samples were collected and analysed using non-parametric percentile methods to define the RIs. Quantile regression was used to explore the dependency of the RIs on sex and age. Samples were included in clinical decision limits for apheresis based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The non-parametrically estimated RI for XN-HPC was 623.50 (90% confidence interval [CI90%] 510.00-657.00) to 4,144.28 (CI90% 3,761.00-4,547.00). The RIs for the XN-HPC were not age-dependent but were sex-dependent. The RI for males was 648.40 (CI90% 582.00-709.00)-4,502.60 (CI90% 4,046.00-5,219.00) and for females was 490.90 (CI90% 311.00-652.00)-3,096.90 (CI90% 2,749.00-3,782.00). Comparisons based on XN-HPC values between the poor and less-than-optimal groups, good and less-than-optimal groups, and good and non-good groups had areas under the curve of 0.794 (P < 0.001), 0.768 (P < 0.001), and 0.806 (P < 0.001), respectively, indicating a good predictive value for mobilisation effectiveness. XN-HPC data exceeding 3974 × 106/L suggested that a sufficient number of stem cells could be collected clinically. Values > 5318 < 106/L indicated 100% mobilisation effectiveness. We established an RI for XN-HPC in peripheral blood allogeneic transplant donors following G-CSF stimulation and determined clinical decision thresholds for mobilisation efficiency.

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia management in a patient with metastatic breast cancer and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS): a case report.

Background: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome associated with cytopenia and the development of hematologic malignancies. Solid tumor occurrence is rare and, historically, these patients have had poor outcomes due to chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections. We report the administration of cytotoxic systemic therapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in a patient with SDS and metastatic breast cancer. We describe the risk-benefit profile of utilizing G-CSF in managing this patient to improve her therapeutic outcome and review the prior literature. Case Description: A 41-year-old Caucasian female with SDS developed stage IV triple-positive [estrogen positive, progesterone positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive] invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast with liver metastases. She had lifelong thrombocytopenia with other hematologic parameters within normal limits, no tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation, and no history of marrow dysplasia. Based on her underlying SDS, paclitaxel was favored over docetaxel due to the reduced risk of myelosuppression and weekly dosing schedule. Her regimen included weekly paclitaxel with trastuzumab and pertuzumab every 21 days. She experienced chemotherapy-induced neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count of less than 1,500 leading to the utilization of G-CSF support. She received chemotherapy with twice-weekly G-CSF and did not experience severe infections. After nine cycles of therapy, she had no evidence of metastatic disease on imaging. The patient has an ongoing complete response at 18 months since treatment initiation. Conclusions: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with SDS and metastatic breast cancer with cytotoxic chemotherapy and G-CSF. G-CSF facilitated ongoing chemotherapy administration and reduced the risk of infection leading to an optimal therapeutic outcome. There should be careful consideration of early G-CSF use in patients with SDS to optimize continuous chemotherapy dosing.

Impact of PEG-GCSF in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Single Center Experience and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges in healthcare systems globally. Pegylated granulocyte colony stimulating factor (PEG-GCSF) is recommended to reduce febrile neutropenia (FN), however there are a few reports that G-CSF might worsen COVID-19 disease, and its appropriate use during the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the association between PEG-GCSF use and COVID-19 infection and severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy at the Nagoya Tokushukai General Hospital between October 2020 and April 2023 were included. Patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms during each chemotherapy cycle underwent COVID-19 antigen testing. To assess the potential impact of PEG-GCSF on COVID-19 severity, we collected data on patient background, chemotherapy regimens, PEG-GCSF use, COVID-19 antigen tests, and COVID-19 infection from their medical records. RESULTS: Thirty patients received chemotherapy. In total, 71 cycles were administered comprising adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC; 37 cycles), docetaxel (DTX; 26 cycles) and docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC; eight cycles). Among those patients, suspected COVID-19 symptoms were observed in only one of 62 cycles of the three regimens (1.6%) with PEG-GCSF compared to two of nine cycles (22.2%) without PEG-GCSF (p=0.0405). However, because none developed COVID-19 infection during chemotherapy, we could not assess COVID-19 severity and PEG-GCSF use. CONCLUSION: A potential role of PEG-GCSF in reducing suspected COVID-19 symptoms during chemotherapy, reducing the anxiety and need for hospital visits, thus improving patients' quality of life, is suggested. These insights could contribute to optimizing the care of breast cancer patients in situations like the current pandemic.

Efficacy and safety of G-CSF prophylaxis in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer receiving chemoimmunotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis during chemoimmunotherapy with carboplatin plus etoposide and atezolizumab in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter study enrolled ES-SCLC patients receiving carboplatin plus etoposide and atezolizumab, categorized into G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups. Demographic and disease-related data were collected. Response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 119 patients (median age: 63 years), the overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 72.3% and 81.5%, respectively. In the G-CSF group, the ORR was 76.4% compared to 60.0% in the non-G-CSF group (p = 0.33), and the DCR was 85.4% versus 70.0%, respectively (p = 0.46). Median PFS was 8.3 months (95% CI, 6.8-9.8) in the G-CSF group and 6.8 months (95% CI, 6.2-7.5) in the non-G-CSF group (p = 0.24). Median OS was 13.8 months (95% CI, 9.6-18.1) for the G-CSF group and 10.6 months (95% CI, 7.9-13.3) for the non-G-CSF group (p = 0.47). Grade 3 ≥ adverse events were similar between groups (49.4% vs. 33.3%, respectively, p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: G-CSF prophylaxis can be safely used in ES-SCLC patients undergoing carboplatin plus etoposide and atezolizumab regimen without significantly altering efficacy or increasing toxicity.

A radioligand for in vitro autoradiography of CSF1R in post-mortem CNS tissues.

BACKGROUND: Reactive microglia and recruited peripheral macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Monocytes, macrophages and microglia all express the marker colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). 4-Cyano-N-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide (1) is a high-affinity antagonist for CSF1R. We report the radiosynthesis of both [3H]1 and [11C]1. The PET imaging properties of [11C]1 in mice and baboon were investigated. [3H]1 was studied in Bmax measurement in post-mortem autoradiography in the frontal cortex, inferior parietal cortex and hippocampus from donors diagnosed with AD and age-matched controls. In vitro binding affinity of 1 was measured commercially. Nor-methyl-1 precursor was radiolabeled with [11C]iodomethane or [3H]iodomethane to produce [11C]1 and [3H]1, respectively. Ex vivo brain biodistribution of [11C]1 was compared in normal mice versus lipopolysaccharide-administered (LPS) murine model of neuroinflammation. Dynamic PET imaging was performed in a healthy male Papio anubis baboon. Post-mortem autoradiography with [3H]1 was performed in frozen sections using a standard saturation binding technique. RESULTS: Compound 1 exhibits a high in vitro CSF1R binding affinity (0.59 nM). [11C]1 was synthesized with high yield. [3H]1 was synthesized similarly (commercially). Biodistribution of [11C]1 in healthy mice demonstrated moderate brain uptake. In LPS-treated mice the brain uptake of [11C]1 was ~ 50% specific for CSF1R. PET/CT [11C]1 study in baboon revealed low brain uptake (0.36 SUV) of [11C]1. Autoradiography with [3H]1 gave significantly elevated Bmax values in AD frontal cortex versus control (47.78 ± 26.80 fmol/mg vs. 12.80 ± 5.30 fmol/mg, respectively, P = 0.023) and elevated, but not significantly different binding in AD hippocampus grey matter and inferior parietal cortex (IPC) white matter. CONCLUSIONS: Compound 1 exhibits a high in vitro CSF1R binding affinity. [11C]1 specifically labels CSF1R in the mouse neuroinflammation, but lacks the ability to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier in baboon PET. [3H]1 specifically labels CSF1R in post-mortem human brain. The binding of [3H]1 is significantly higher in the post-mortem frontal cortex of AD versus control subjects.

Elevated Salt or Angiotensin II Levels Induce CD38+ Innate Immune Cells in the Presence of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor.

Hypertension (HTN) impacts almost half of adults, predisposing them to cardiovascular disease and renal damage. Salt-sensitive HTN (SSHTN) and angiotensin II (A2)-induced HTN (A2HTN) both involve immune system activation and renal innate immune cell infiltration. Subpopulations of activated [Cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38)] innate immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), play distinct roles in modulating renal function and blood pressure. It is unknown how these cells become CD38+ or which subtypes are pro-hypertensive. When bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) were grown in granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and treated with salt or A2, CD38+ macrophages and CD38+ DCs increased. The adoptive transfer of GM-CSF-primed BMDMs into mice with either SSHTN or A2HTN increased renal CD38+ macrophages and CD38+ DCs. Flow cytometry revealed increased renal M1 macrophages and type-2 conventional DCs (cDC2s), along with their CD38+ counterparts, in mice with either SSHTN or A2HTN. These results were replicable in vitro. Either salt or A2 treatment of GM-CSF-primed BMDMs significantly increased bone marrow-derived (BMD)-M1 macrophages, CD38+ BMD-M1 macrophages, BMD-cDC2s, and CD38+ BMD-cDC2s. Overall, these data suggest that GM-CSF is necessary for the salt or A2 induction of CD38+ innate immune cells, and that CD38 distinguishes pro-hypertensive immune cells. Further investigation of CD38+ M1 macrophages and CD38+ cDC2s could provide new therapeutic targets for both SSHTN and A2HTN.

Heterozygous missense CSF1R variants hamper in vitro CD34+-derived dendritic cell generation but not in vivo dendritic cell development.

Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) is an essential receptor for both colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) and interleukin (IL) 34 signaling expressed on monocyte precursors and myeloid cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells (DC), and microglia. In humans, dominant heterozygous pathogenic variants in CSF1R cause a neurological condition known as CSF1R-related disorder (CSF1R-RD), typically with late onset, previously referred to as adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP). CSF1R-RD is characterized by microglia reduction and altered monocyte function; however, the impact of pathogenic CSF1R variants on the human DC lineage remains largely unknown. We previously reported that cord blood CD34+ stem cell-derived DCs generated in vitro originate specifically from CSF1R expressing precursors. In this study, we examined the DC lineage of four unrelated patients with late-onset CSF1R-RD who carried heterozygous missense CSF1R variants (c.2330G>A, c.2375C>A, c.2329C>T, and c.2381T>C) affecting different amino acids in the protein tyrosine kinase domain of CSF1R. CD34+ stem cells and CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood and subjected to an in vitro culture protocol to differentiate towards conventional DCs and monocyte-derived DCs, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that monocytes from patients with late-onset CSF1R-RD were still able to differentiate into monocyte-derived DCs in vitro, whereas the ability of CD34+ stem cells to differentiate into conventional DCs was impaired. Strikingly, the peripheral blood of patients contained all naturally occurring DC subsets. We conclude that the in vitro abrogation of DC-development in patients with heterozygous pathogenic missense CSF1R variants does not translate to an impairment in DC development in vivo and speculate that CSF1R signalling in vivo is compensated, which needs further study.

Hematopoietic Growth Factors Regulate the Entry of Monocytes into the Adult Brain via Chemokine Receptor CCR5.

Monocytes are circulating macrophage precursors generated from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. In adults, monocytes continuously replenish cerebral border-associated macrophages under physiological conditions. Monocytes also rapidly infiltrate the brain in pathological settings. The mechanisms of recruiting monocyte-derived macrophages into the brain under pathological conditions have been extensively studied. However, it remains unclear how monocytes enter the brain to renew border-associated macrophages under physiological conditions. Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, this study reveals that a combination of two hematopoietic growth factors, stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), complementarily and synergistically enhances the adhesion of monocytes to cerebral endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in brain endothelial cells, but not the cell adhesion molecules mediating neuroinflammation-related infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages, modulates SCF+G-CSF-enhanced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. Blocking CCR5 or genetically deleting CCR5 reduces monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion induced by SCF+G-CSF. The SCF+G-CSF-enhanced recruitment of bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages into the cerebral perivascular space is also reduced in adult CCR5 knockout mice. This study demonstrates the role of SCF and G-CSF in regulating the entry of monocytes into the adult brain to replenish perivascular macrophages.

The clinical impact of primary granulocyte-colony stimulating factor prophylaxis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who underwent induction chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Data describing the risk factors for the occurrence of severe infections in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients following induction chemotherapy and the role of prophylactic granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the era of antimicrobials prophylaxis are limited. METHODS: This study enrolled 188 children aged ≤18 years with newly diagnosed ALL who received Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group ALL-2002 and 2013 treatments between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2021. Prophylactic G-CSF was administered when a patient continues neutropenia after achieving the first bone marrow remission since June 1, 2015. Clinical factors were assessed for their association with severe infections. RESULTS: From January 2010 to May 2015, 80 children experienced a total of 11 (13.5%) episodes of severe infections; while 10 (9.2%) episodes were reported to occur in 108 patients who received prophylactic G-CSF. Reduction of severe infections occurrence did not achieve statistical significance during prophylactic G-CSF administration in ALL patients. Compared with ALL-high risk (HR) and very high risk patients with no G-CSF prophylaxis, the use of G-CSF prophylaxis significantly reduced episodes of febrile neutropenia. Occurrence of grade III-IV intestinal ileus, grade II-III oral mucositis, prolonged neutropenia, central venous catheter (CVC) placement, or the requirement insulin therapy for hyperglycemia were associated with higher risk of bloodstream infections. CONCLUSIONS: ALL-HR patients with G-CSF prophylaxis were associated with reduction of febrile neutropenia episodes. Occurrence of severe ileus, oral mucositis, hyperglycemia, CVC placement, or prolonged neutropenia were associated with severe infections in ALL patients receiving induction chemotherapy.

A Case of Revelation Due to Pegfilgrastim.

Pegfilgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor used in non-myeloid cancer patients to prevent infections and neutropenic fevers. Although this medication is widely used to induce granulocytosis in pancytopenia patients, there are certain instances where such a situation can cause severe side effects. In this case, we present a patient with a history of metastatic colon cancer who is currently taking pegfilgrastim to counter the agranulocytosis caused by his chemotherapy treatment. However, the patient shortly developed localized left-sided jaw swelling, and upon further investigation, the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor revealed an underlying bacteremia. A discussion will also be held regarding the mechanism of action of how pegfilgrastim induced this patient's symptoms as well as the risks and benefits.

Subcutaneous G-CSF administration improves IVF outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure presenting a KIR/HLA-C mismatch.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Despite advances in assisted reproductive technologies, many blastocysts are lost unexpectedly during implantation. Alterations in maternal immune tolerance towards fetal antigens may contribute to adverse IVF outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether administering Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) to couples with a Human Leukocyte Antigen/Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (HLA/KIR) mismatch could positively modulate the implantation process in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). A KIR/HLA-C mismatch occurs when the interaction between KIRs and HLA-C causes an inhibition of NK cells, which may result in reduced G-CSF secretion leading to impaired placentation and increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. DESIGN: A retrospective monocentric cohort study conducted at the IVI Clinic in Rome, including women with a history of at least two failed blastocyst transfers. Couples underwent KIR and HLA-C testing. Couples with a KIR/HLA-C mismatch received G-CSF subcutaneously up to week nine of gestation. The mismatch included cases with inhibitory KIR genotypes and HLA-C2C2 females with HLA-C1C1, or C1C2 males or HLA-C1C2 females with male HLA-C2C2. The reproductive outcomes were assessed, and the logistic regression models controlled for potential confounders affecting IVF outcomes. RESULTS: 79 patients with RIF and a KIR/HLA-C mismatch were included in the study. 30 patients were administered G-CSF, and 49 received no treatment. In the univariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were reported in the reproductive outcomes after IVF between the women treated with G-CSF and the control group. However, the logistic regression analysis that controlled for confounding factors showed that patients treated with subcutaneous G-CSF had statistically significant higher ongoing-pregnancy (aOR=3.808) and live-birth (aOR=4.998) rates, and a lower miscarriage rate (aOR=0.057). No statistically significant differences were found in other reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of subcutaneous G-CSF in patients with a KIR/HLA-C mismatch undergoing IVF may reduce miscarriage and improve live-birth rates. G-CSF may modulate NK-mediated immune mechanisms and improve trophoblast invasion and development. Randomized trials are warranted to validate these findings and enhance the chances of successful pregnancies in couples with an immunological mismatch.

Autoantibodies Neutralizing GM-CSF in HIV-Negative Colombian Patients Infected with Cryptococcus gattii and C. neoformans.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii. Neutralizing autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in otherwise healthy adults with cryptococcal meningitis have been described since 2013. We searched for neutralizing auto-Abs in sera collected from Colombian patients with non-HIV-associated cryptococcosis in a retrospective national cohort from 1997 to 2016. METHODS: We reviewed clinical and laboratory records and assessed the presence of neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF in 30 HIV negative adults with cryptococcosis (13 caused by C. gattii and 17 caused by C. neoformans). RESULTS: We detected neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF in the sera of 10 out of 13 (77%) patients infected with C. gattii and one out of 17 (6%) patients infected with C. neoformans. CONCLUSIONS: We report eleven Colombian patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis who had auto-Abs that neutralize GM-CSF. Among these patients, ten were infected with C. gattii and only one with C. neoformans.

The impact of G-CSF on mouse immune cells in alcoholic liver disease, focusing on variations in T cells and their subsets.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) significantly affects immune cell function and leads to immunological dysregulation. This study explored the potential of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on immune cells in a mouse model of ALD. To investigate the capacity of G-CSF, ALD was induced using a 17-day alcohol-enriched diet, followed by a single G-CSF dose prior to sampling. We focused on the dynamics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells using high-dimensional mass cytometry to detect subtle changes. Alcohol intake reduced the number of B cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and NK cells while increasing the number of T cells. Notably, G-CSF treatment reversed the alcohol-induced increase in total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. This effect was remarkable in naïve, effector CD4+ T cells and naïve CD8+ T cells. PhenoGraph and FlowSOM analysis further revealed the recovery effect of G-CSF on specific T cell subgroups, including central memory CD8+ T cells and double-negative T cells expressing Ly6chighCD44high, which are adversely affected by alcohol. These results enhance our understanding of the effect of ALD on immune function and suggest that G-CSF is a potential therapeutic agent, laying the foundation for future clinical research.

An update on novel and emerging therapeutic targets in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) remains a significant focus of extensive research aimed at developing effective therapeutic strategies. Current treatments primarily target symptom management, with limited success in altering the course of the disease. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches that can modify the progression of PD.This review concentrates on emerging therapeutic targets poised to address the underlying mechanisms of PD. Highlighted novel and emerging targets include Protein Abelson, Rabphilin-3 A, Colony Stimulating Factor 1-Receptor, and Apelin, each showing promising potential in preclinical and clinical settings for their ability to modulate disease progression. By examining recent advancements and outcomes from trials focusing on these targets, the review aims to elucidate their efficacy and potential as disease-modifying therapies.Furthermore, the review explores the concept of multi-target approaches, emphasizing their relevance in tackling the complex pathology of PD. By providing comprehensive insights into these novel targets and their therapeutic implications, this review aims to guide future research directions and clinical developments toward more effective treatments for PD and related neurodegenerative disorders.