Variation in Endoscopic Activity Assessment and Endoscopy Score Validation in Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is assessed endoscopically (endoscopic activity), based on grades of edema, rings, exudates, furrows, and strictures (EREFS). We examined variations in endoscopic assessments of severity, developed and validated 3 EREFS-based scoring systems, and assessed responsiveness of these systems using data from a randomized placebo-controlled trial of patients with EoE. METHODS: For the development set, 5 gastroenterologists reviewed EREFS findings from 266 adults with EoE and provided endoscopist global assessment scores (EndoGA, scale of 0 to 10); variation (ΔEndoGA) was assessed using linear regression. We evaluated simple scores (features given arbitrary values from 0 to 3) and developed 2 scoring systems (adjusted score range, 0-100). We then fitted our linear regression model with mean EndoGA to data from 146 adults recruited in centers in Switzerland and the United States between April 2011 and December 2012. For the validation set, we collected data from 120 separate adults (recruited in centers in Switzerland and the United States between May 2013 and July 2014), assessing regression coefficient-based scores using Bland-Altman method. We assessed the responsiveness of our scoring systems using data from a randomized trial of patients with EoE given fluticasone (n=16) or placebo (n=8). RESULTS: The distribution of EndoGA values differed among endoscopists (mean ΔEndoGA, 2.6±1.8; range 0-6.6). We developed 2 regression-based scoring systems to assess overall and proximal and distal esophageal findings; variation in endoscopic features accounted for more than 90% of the mean EndoGA variation. In the validation group, differences between mean EndoGA and regression-based scores were small (ranging from -4.70 to 2.03), indicating good agreement. In analyses of data from the randomized trial, the baseline to end of study change in patients given fluticasone was a reduction of 24.3 in simple score (reduction of 4.6 in patients given placebo, P=.052); a reduction of 23.5 in regression-based overall score (reduction of 6.56 in patients given placebo, P=.12), and a reduction of 23.8 (reduction of 8.44 in patients given placebo, P=.11). CONCLUSION: Assessments of endoscopic activity in patients with EoE vary among endoscopists. In an analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial, we found that newly developed scoring systems are no better than simple scoring system in detecting changes in endoscopic activity. These results support the use of a simple scoring system in evaluation of endoscopic activity in patients with EoE. clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT00939263 and NCT01386112.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in pediatric type 2 diabetes: Metabolic and histologic characteristics in 38 subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In children with T2D and liver biopsies, we investigated correlations between NAFLD/NASH and transaminase activity, A1c, lipids, and histologic changes in repeat biopsies. METHODS: Liver histology of children with T2D was evaluated using the NASH CRN scoring system and NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). We included results ≤6 months from biopsy and A1c nearest biopsy. RESULTS: Thirty-eight subjects (21 females, 17 males, 63.2% Hispanic, 15.8% Caucasian) had T2D diagnosed at 13.4 ± 2.7 years, 78.9% using metformin and 50% on insulin. Histological diagnosis of NAFLD occurred at mean age 14.3 ± 2.3 years, notable for NASH in 61%. Steatosis grade was higher in children with NASH than those without (mean 2.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.1 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Stage 3 fibrosis was noted only in subjects with NASH (26%). ALT was higher in NASH vs those without (112 ± 56 vs 85 ± 112, P = 0.016). NAS correlated with A1c (r = 0.51, P < 0.01) and triglycerides (r = 0.5, P < 0.01), and inversely with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = -0.42, P = 0.04). Males had lower HDL and higher triglycerides (P < 0.04). In eight subjects with repeat biopsies, NAS was equal (37.5%) or improved (62.5%), and steatosis decreased (68.1% to 32.8%, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: In children with T2D and NAFLD, NASH is common. Having advanced fibrosis in 26% of NASH cases at this age is concerning. Better control of lipids, weight, and diabetes may help avoid worsening in NAS.

Interleukin 9 Alters Epithelial Barrier and E-cadherin in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic TH2-assocated inflammatory condition accompanied by substantial impairments in epithelial barrier function and increased numbers of interleukin 9 (IL-9) expressing inflammatory cells. While IL-9 is known to affect barrier function in the intestine, the functional effects of IL-9 on the esophagus are unclear. Herein we aimed to understand the expression of the IL-9 receptor and effects of IL-9 on the epithelium in EoE. METHODS: We used esophageal biopsies from pediatric EoE patients with active and inactive disease to analyze the expression of the IL-9 receptor, the adherens junction protein E-cadherin and the tight junction protein claudin-1. We treated primary human esophageal epithelial cells with IL-9 to understand its effects on E-cadherin expression and function. RESULTS: Active EoE subjects had increased epithelial expression of IL-9 receptor mRNA and protein (P < 0.05) and decreased membrane bound E-cadherin (P < 0.01) and claudin-1 (P < 0.05) expression. IL-9 receptor expression and mislocalized claudin-1 positively correlated and while membrane bound E-cadherin expression negatively correlated with the degree of histologic epithelial remodeling (P < 0.05). IL-9 decreased epithelial resistance in stratified primary human esophageal epithelial cells (P < 0.01) and membrane bound E-cadherin in epithelial cell monolayers (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IL-9, its receptor, and its effects on E-cadherin may be important mechanisms for epithelial barrier disruption in EoE.

Symptoms Have Modest Accuracy in Detecting Endoscopic and Histologic Remission in Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear whether symptoms alone can be used to estimate the biologic activity of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to evaluate whether symptoms can be used to identify patients with endoscopic and histologic features of remission. METHODS: Between April 2011 and June 2014, we performed a prospective, observational study and recruited 269 consecutive adults with EoE (67% male; median age, 39 years old) in Switzerland and the United States. Patients first completed the validated symptom-based EoE activity index patient-reported outcome instrument and then underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophageal biopsy collection. Endoscopic and histologic findings were evaluated with a validated grading system and standardized instrument, respectively. Clinical remission was defined as symptom score <20 (range, 0-100); histologic remission was defined as a peak count of <20 eosinophils/mm(2) in a high-power field (corresponds to approximately <5 eosinophils/median high-power field); and endoscopic remission as absence of white exudates, moderate or severe rings, strictures, or combination of furrows and edema. We used receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the best symptom score cutoff values for detection of remission. RESULTS: Of the study subjects, 111 were in clinical remission (41.3%), 79 were in endoscopic remission (29.7%), and 75 were in histologic remission (27.9%). When the symptom score was used as a continuous variable, patients in endoscopic, histologic, and combined (endoscopic and histologic remission) remission were detected with area under the curve values of 0.67, 0.60, and 0.67, respectively. A symptom score of 20 identified patients in endoscopic remission with 65.1% accuracy and histologic remission with 62.1% accuracy; a symptom score of 15 identified patients with both types of remission with 67.7% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with EoE, endoscopic or histologic remission can be identified with only modest accuracy based on symptoms alone. At any given time, physicians cannot rely on lack of symptoms to make assumptions about lack of biologic disease activity in adults with EoE. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT00939263.

Long-term assessment of esophageal remodeling in patients with pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis treated with topical corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic TH2 inflammatory disease characterized by tissue remodeling that leads to esophageal strictures and food impactions. Effects of therapy on long-term remodeling in patients with pediatric eosinophil-associated diseases have not been previously described. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the long-term control of esophageal remodeling in patients with EoE. METHODS: We assessed endoscopic and histologic remodeling and TGF-ß1 expression in esophageal biopsy specimens from children (n = 32) with EoE treated with topical corticosteroids (TCSs) over 10 years (mean, 4.5 years). We used standardized EoE scoring tools to gauge endoscopic and symptom features. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-eight biopsy specimens from 246 endoscopic procedures were evaluated over 10 years. Four hundred eighty-six biopsy specimens had adequate lamina propria for evaluation of subepithelial remodeling. The severity of epithelial esophageal eosinophilia correlated with epithelial remodeling (basal zone hyperplasia, desquamation, and dilated intercellular spaces; P < .0001), lamina propria eosinophilia (P < .0001), and fibrosis (P < .0001). Sixteen subjects were initial responders (<15 eosinophils/high-power field) to TCSs. Responders and nonresponders spent 54% and 97% of their total disease duration with active EoE (P < .001) and 23% and 53% (P < .02) with maximal fibrosis scores, respectively. Responders had lower endoscopy scores during their disease duration (P = .013). Having less than 15 eosinophils/high-power field at any time correlated with lower fibrosis and endoscopic severity. TGF-ß1(+) cell counts decreased in responders at the first biopsy, but this was not sustained. Symptoms did not correlate with other disease features. CONCLUSIONS: Children with EoE have substantial esophageal remodeling, which associates with inflammation and can improve in a sustainable manner with TCSs. Although endoscopic features correspond to histologic features, symptoms did not correlate with inflammation or fibrosis.

TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 contributes to a profibrotic network in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic disease of increasing worldwide incidence. Complications are due to tissue remodeling and involve TGF-ß1-mediated fibrosis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1/serpinE1) can be induced by TGF-ß1, but its role in EoE is not known. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the expression and role of PAI-1 in patients with EoE. METHODS: We used esophageal biopsy specimens and plasma samples from control subjects and patients with EoE, primary human esophageal epithelial cells, and fibroblasts from patients with EoE in immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and immunoassay experiments to understand the induction of PAI-1 by TGF-ß1, the relationship between PAI-1 and esophageal fibrosis, and the role of PAI-1 in fibrotic gene expression. RESULTS: PAI-1 expression was significantly increased in epithelial cells of biopsy specimens from patients with active EoE compared with that seen in biopsy specimens from patients with inactive EoE or control subjects (P < .001). Treatment of primary esophageal epithelial cells with recombinant TGF-ß1 increased PAI-1 transcription, intracellular protein expression, and secretion. Esophageal PAI-1 expression correlated with basal zone hyperplasia, fibrosis, and markers of esophageal remodeling, including vimentin, TGF-ß1, collagen I, fibronectin, and matrix metalloproteases, and plasma PAI-1 levels correlated with plasma TGF-ß1 levels. PAI-1 inhibition significantly decreased baseline and TGF-ß1-induced fibrotic gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: PAI-1 expression is significantly increased in the epithelium in patients with EoE and reflects fibrosis, and its inhibition decreases TGF-ß1-induced gene expression. Epithelial PAI-1 might serve as a marker of EoE severity and form part of a TGF-ß1-induced profibrotic network.

How do gastroenterologists assess overall activity of eosinophilic esophagitis in adult patients?

OBJECTIVES: There is no "gold standard" for assessing disease activity in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to compare physicians' judgment of EoE activity with patients' judgment of symptom severity. We also aimed to examine the relative contribution of symptoms as well as endoscopic and histologic findings in shaping physicians' judgment of EoE activity. METHODS: Six gastroenterologists (all EoE experts) assessed EoE-associated symptoms in adult patients. Patients completed a symptom instrument and provided global assessment of EoE symptom severity (PatGA) (Likert scale: 0 (inactive) to 10 (most active)). Following esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy sampling, gastroenterologists provided a global assessment of EoE activity (PhysGA) (Likert scale from 0 to 10) based on patient history and endoscopic and histologic findings. Linear regression and analysis of variance was used to quantify the extent to which variations in severity of EoE symptoms and endoscopic and histologic findings explain variations in PhysGA. RESULTS: A total of 149 EoE patients were prospectively included (71.8% male, median age at inclusion 38 years, 71.8% with concomitant allergies). A moderate positive correlation between PhysGA and PatGA (rho=0.442, P<0.001) was observed and the mean difference in the Bland-Altman plot was 1.77. Variations in severity of endoscopic findings, symptoms, and histologic findings alone explained 53%, 49%, and 30%, of the variability in PhysGA, respectively. Together, these findings explained 75% of variability in PhysGA. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroenterologists rate EoE activity mainly on the basis of endoscopic findings and symptoms and, to a lesser extent, on histologic findings.

MMPs-2 and -14 Are Elevated in Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Reduced Following Topical Corticosteroid Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, antigen-mediated disease in children and adults associated with substantial esophageal remodeling and fibrosis. The expression of the remodeling-associated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has not been previously detailed in EoE. METHODS: MMP-2 and -14 expression and cellular localization were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence in EoE fibroblasts, active and inactive pediatric EoE biopsies, and nondiseased control biopsies. The effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 treatment on MMP-2 expression in cultured esophageal epithelial (HET1A) cells was analyzed. RESULTS: MMP-2 and -14 mRNA were expressed in EoE fibroblasts and biopsies. Proliferating epithelial cells produced MMP-14 more abundantly in EoE than in controls (P < 0.001) and the degree of epithelial MMP-14 expression correlated positively with basal zone hyperplasia (r = 0.65, P = 0.002). EoE lamina propria had higher numbers of MMP-2- and -14-positive cells (906 ±â€Š167 and 701 ±â€Š93 cells/mm²) as compared with controls (258 ±â€Š93 cells/mm², P < 0.01 and 232 ±â€Š54 cells/mm², P < 0.01), and MMP-14 expression correlated with the severity of fibrosis. Following therapy with topical corticosteroids, MMP-14 and -2 were significantly diminished (P < 0.01). TGF-ß1 increased the expression and secretion of MMP-2 from esophageal epithelial HET1A cells. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 and -14 are elevated in pediatric patients with EoE and significantly decrease following topical corticosteroid therapy. TGF-ß1 increases MMP-2 in esophageal epithelial cells. This alludes to previously unappreciated role for MMPs in EoE-associated esophageal remodeling and a potential positive feedback loop via TGF-ß1.

TGF-ß1-induced phospholamban expression alters esophageal smooth muscle cell contraction in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen-mediated disease characterized by esophageal eosinophilia, remodeling, and fibrosis. TGF-ß1 is a central regulator of EoE remodeling and increases esophageal smooth muscle (ESM) cell contraction. OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-ß1 could induce ESM cell contraction. METHODS: We used primary human ESM cells and esophageal myofibroblasts (EMFs) to assess the mechanisms of TGF-ß1-induced contraction. We analyzed the expression, phosphorylation, and function of phospholamban (PLN), a sarcoendoplasmic reticulum regulatory protein induced by TGF-ß1. Expression of PLN, phospho-PLN, and its regulatory pathway was analyzed in the ESM of biopsy specimens from patients with EoE and control subjects. Gene silencing in EMFs from patients with EoE was used to understand the role of PLN in contraction. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 induced and phosphorylated PLN in primary human ESM cells and EMFs from patients with EoE. PLN and phospho-PLN levels were increased in smooth muscle from patients with EoE compared with that seen in smooth muscle from control subjects in vivo. PLN inhibition significantly diminished TGF-ß1-induced EMF contraction in patients with EoE. PLN expression and ESM/EMF contraction depended on TGF-ß receptor I signals. CONCLUSION: We describe a previously unrecognized mechanism for ESM cell contraction that depends on TGF-ß1, its receptors, and PLN. Because PLN levels are increased in smooth muscle from patients with EoE and PLN silencing diminishes contraction, we provide a novel potential mechanistic framework and therapeutic target for ESM dysfunction in patients with EoE.

Glioblastoma multiforme arising from dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor in a child in the absence of therapy.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are considered as low-grade tumors commonly associated with intractable seizures. We report a case of an unusual hemispheric DNET in a young child presenting with new-onset focal seizures. The tumor was notable for its atypical neuroimaging features and very rapid malignant transformation into a glioblastoma multiforme in the absence of radiation or chemotherapy, 1-year postdiagnosis. Our case highlights the malignant potential of atypical DNETs in the absence of therapy.

Anti-IL-5 therapy reduces mast cell and IL-9 cell numbers in pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic entity of increasing worldwide prevalence. IL-5 is essential for eosinophil trafficking, and anti-IL-5 therapy decreases esophageal eosinophilia. EoE is associated with prominent mast cell infiltration. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab) treatment reduced esophageal mast cell accumulation in biopsy specimens from pediatric patients with EoE from a previous randomized anti-IL-5 trial. METHODS: A subanalysis was completed for children treated with 0.55, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg mepolizumab monthly for 12 weeks followed by no treatment until week 24. Quantitative immunochemistry was used to assess the numbers of eosinophils, tryptase-positive mast cells, IL-9(+) cells, and mast cell-eosinophil couplets before and after treatment. RESULTS: Forty-three biopsy specimens had adequate tissue for paired analysis. Forty percent of subjects responded to anti-IL-5 (defined as <15 eosinophils per high-power field [hpf] after mepolizumab therapy), and 77% of all subjects had decreased numbers of mast cells after anti-IL-5. In responders epithelial mast cell numbers decreased from 62 to 19 per hpf (P < .001), were significantly lower than in nonresponders after therapy (P < .05), and correlated with eosinophil numbers (r = 0.75, P < .0001). Mast cells and eosinophils were found in couplets before therapy, and these were significantly decreased only in responders after anti-IL-5 (P < .001). Esophageal eosinophils comprised the majority of cells that made the mast cell growth factor IL-9. IL-9(+) cell numbers decreased from 102 to 71 per hpf (P < .001) after anti-IL-5. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with EoE had significantly fewer mast cells, IL-9(+) cells, and mast cell-eosinophil couplets in the esophageal epithelium after anti-IL-5 therapy. Because eosinophils were one source of IL-9, they might support esophageal mastocytosis.

Mutations of complement factor I and potential mechanisms of neuroinflammation in acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis.

PURPOSE: Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare demyelinating disorder of acute onset, rapid deterioration and significant morbidity and mortality. Most often described as a post-infectious complication of an upper respiratory illness, its precise pathophysiology remains unclear. We describe two pediatric patients with AHLE with partial complement factor I (FI) deficiency whose successful treatment included the interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, anakinra, implicating a role for FI and IL-1 in this disorder. METHODS: Extensive clinical workup of two patients presenting with AHLE revealed complement abnormalities, specifically related to the alternative pathway and its regulator, FI. Aggressive management with steroids, immunoglobulin, and anakinra ultimately led to improvement of clinical status and near return to neurologic baseline in both patients. Genetic sequencing of the FI coding regions of the patients and their families was performed. In vitro protein expression studies and immunohistochemistry of fixed brain tissue was used to investigate pathogenic mechanisms. RESULTS: Two novel mutations in FI were identified in our patients, which result in failure to secrete FI. Immunohistochemical evaluation of brain tissue demonstrated positive staining for C3, membrane attack complex (MAC) and IL-1. CONCLUSIONS: We propose AHLE is an unreported, rare phenotype for partial FI deficiency. The upregulation of C3, MAC and IL-1 with subsequent demyelination support a pathologic role for complement activation in AHLE, and suggest anakinra as an important adjunctive therapy in this disease.

Transient PPI responsive esophageal eosinophilia may be a clinical sub-phenotype of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) both cause esophageal eosinophilia. Reports show that esophageal eosinophilia meeting criteria for EoE may respond to acid suppression mono-therapy. Consensus guidelines have termed this entity "PPI-responsive esophageal eosinophilia" (PPIRee) and recommend a trial with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) prior to a definitive EoE diagnosis. The mechanisms of PPIRee and whether this represents a sub-phenotype of GERD, a sub-phenotype of EoE, or its own distinct entity remain unclear. METHODS: A database search revealed children who had an initial histologic response to PPI monotherapy but had recurrence of esophageal eosinophilia and symptoms despite continued PPI therapy. In order to understand the patterns of esophageal inflammatory cells during PPI therapy we performed quantitative immunohistochemistry for mast cells, CD1a positive antigen presenting cells, and CD45RO memory T cells. RESULTS: Four pediatric patients (mean age 9.5 years) had a mean peak eosinophil count of 52 eos/hpf which initially resolved completely during PPI mono-therapy. However, despite continued PPI therapy, endoscopic abnormalities and pan-esophageal eosinophilia recurred (mean peak eosinophil count of 64 eos/hpf). There was no seasonal variation or lack of PPI adherence that explained the return of eosinopihlia. Similar to eosinophilia, mastocytosis and CD45RO cells were transiently decreased during PPI therapy. CONCLUSION: PPIs appear to be capable of transiently resolving multiple inflammatory cell subsets including eosinophils, mast cells, and CD45RO cells. Our data suggest that patients with PPIRee should have continued monitoring for EoE during PPI monotherapy. The numbers of patients in whom PPIRee is a transient phenomenon and whether PPIRee represents a sub-phenotype of EoE in children merits further investigation.

Mutational analysis using next generation sequencing in pediatric thyroid cancer reveals BRAF and fusion oncogenes are common.

BACKGROUND: We previously described mutation rates of BRAFV600E, RAS, RET-PTC and PAX8-PPARγ in pediatric subjects with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). We expanded the cohort adding next-generation sequencing (NGS) and assessed genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort examining thyroidectomy tissue blocks from consecutive pediatric WDTC patients between 2001 and 2015. Tissues were analyzed at Quest Diagnostics for BRAF, RAS mutations, RET-PTC and PAX8-PPARγ, and additional fusions, using standalone and NGS tests. WDTC included papillary (PTC), follicular (FTC) and follicular-variant PTC (FVPTC). RESULTS: We genotyped 46 samples (36 females). Mean age at diagnosis was 14.7 years and the cohort comprised of mostly Hispanic (60.9%) and Caucasian (26.1%) patients. Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. Genetic alterations (GA) were noted in 69.6%, with BRAFV600E (n = 11), and RET-PTC (n = 8) detected only in PTC. GA were detected in 2/7 FTC (1 PAX8-PPARγ, 1 NRAS) and 6/10 FVPTC (3 PAX8-PPARγ, 1 STRN-ALK, 1 BRAFK601E, 1 NRAS). Patients with BRAFV600E were predominantly Hispanic (81.8%) and >15 years (81.8%), whereas 87.5% RET-PTC and 50% other-fusions occurred in patients ≤15 years (p = 0.044). Of the 29 PTC patients, 82.8% had GA: BRAFV600E (37.9%), RET-PTC (27.6%), 17.2% other fusion-oncogenes (2 -ALK, 3 -NTRK). Non-RET fusions had the highest vascular invasion (100%, p = 0.042 vs RET-PTC) and frequent lymphatic invasion (80%). GA were most common in PTC with cervical metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: BRAFV600E was the most common single mutation, especially in older and Hispanic adolescents. All fusions combined are more common than BRAFV600E. NGS reveals a genetic basis in most pediatric WDTC, which may have implications for the role of molecular testing and systemic therapy.

Mast cells infiltrate the esophageal smooth muscle in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, express TGF-ß1, and increase esophageal smooth muscle contraction.

BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of mast cells are present in the esophageal epithelium in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). However, mast cell infiltration into the esophageal lamina propria (LP) and smooth muscle (SM) and the effects of their products on SM function has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: We investigated mast cell localization and characterization in esophageal SM, the functional significance of mast cell TGF-ß1 expression to contraction of human esophageal smooth muscle (HESM) cells in vitro, and the effect of topical corticosteroids on the number of tryptase-positive (MC(T)) and chymase-positive (MC(C)) mast cells in patients with EE. METHODS: MC(T)- and MC(C)-positive mast cell numbers were quantitated in the epithelium, the LP before and after topical corticosteroid therapy, and the muscularis mucosa in patients with EE and control subjects by using immunohistology. Double immunofluorescence was used to assess mast cell production of TGF-ß1. The ability of TGF-ß1 to influence HESM cell contractility was assessed in vitro. RESULTS: In the SM in patients with EE, significantly increased numbers of MC(T)- and TGF-ß1-positive cells (but only low levels of eosinophils) were detected compared with those seen in control subjects. MC(T) expressed TGF-ß1, which increased the contractility of cultured primary HESM cells in vitro. Topical corticosteroid therapy in patients with EE significantly reduced epithelial MC(T) numbers but not LP tryptase-chymase-positive mast cell numbers. CONCLUSIONS: MC(T) numbers, rather than eosinophil numbers, are increased in the SM in patients with EE, express TGF-ß1, and increase the contractility of HESM cells in vitro. As such, mast cells localized to SM in patients with EE might modulate esophageal contractility.

Diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in pediatric thyroid nodules based on Bethesda Classification.

OBJECTIVES: The Bethesda system for reporting cytopathology (TBSRTC) has been widely adopted in the management of thyroid nodules. Based on the limited pediatric data available, the implied malignancy risk for each of the categories may be significantly different in pediatrics vs. adults, especially in the indeterminate categories (Bethesda Class III or IV). We report the diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy at our institution based on the Bethesda system and the risk of malignancy in each category. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent a thyroid FNA at our tertiary pediatric hospital from 12/1/2002 to 11/30/2018. FNA results were classified according to TBSRTC. Patient demographics, cytology, histopathology, radiological and clinical follow-ups were examined. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were included with 203 cytological samples. Average age at initial FNA was 14.7 years (range 6.9-18.6 years). The numbers of nodules reported for Bethesda categories I-VI were 29, 106, 22, 14, 6 and 26, respectively, and the rate of malignancy was: 13.8, 4.7, 22.7, 35.7, 83.3 and 100%, respectively. Use of ultrasound guidance reduced the non-diagnostic rate from 38.1 to 11.5%. Introduction of on-site adequacy testing further reduced the non-diagnostic rate to 6.5% since 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of malignancy for thyroid nodules in this pediatric cohort is higher than reported in adults. However, rates described here are much closer to adult ranges than previously published pediatric cohorts. The addition of adequacy testing improved the non-diagnostic rate of FNA procedures performed with ultrasound guidance.

Antifibrotic Effects of the Thiazolidinediones in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Pathologic Remodeling: A Preclinical Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T-helper 2 (Th2), eosinophilic disease associated with pathologic tissue remodeling that leads to end-organ dysfunction. During early-stage disease, inflammation and subepithelial fibrosis are coupled and reversible, but in late-stage or therapy-resistant disease, there can be uncoupling of these features with progressive esophageal rigidity and strictures contributing to clinical dysphagia and food impactions. No current pharmacotherapeutic interventions directly target esophageal fibrosis. Based on the ability of the thiazolidinediones (TZD) to regulate intestinal and hepatic fibrosis, we tested the antifibrotic effects of the TZDs, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, in preclinical studies using primary human esophageal fibroblasts. METHODS: Primary fibroblasts isolated from normal or EoE esophagi were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 in the absence or presence of TZDs and, in some experiments, without or with budesonide and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Immunohistochemical analysis of human esophageal biopsies was performed. RESULTS: EoE esophageal biopsies and esophageal fibroblasts expressed higher levels of the TZD receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), than normal controls. PPAR-γ was inducible by the Th2 cytokine, interleukin 4 (IL-4). TZD significantly reduced TGF-ß1-induced myofibroblast and fibrotic gene and protein expression preferentially in EoE, but not normal esophageal fibroblasts. In esophageal fibroblasts, TGF-ß1 increased phosphorylated Smad2/3 and p38, but TZDs preferentially inhibited p38 phosphorylation, suggesting signaling pathway-specific effects. The TZDs were more potent than budesonide at decreasing collagen-1α1 expression. DISCUSSION: The TZDs preferentially exert antifibrotic effects in TGF-ß1-activated EoE fibroblasts and provide a preclinical foundation for further investigation of the potential of the TZDs in EoE pathologic remodeling.

Identification of EpCAM as the gene for congenital tufting enteropathy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a rare autosomal recessive diarrheal disorder presenting in the neonatal period. CTE is characterized by intestinal epithelial cell dysplasia leading to severe malabsorption and significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis and genetics of this disorder are not well understood. The objective of this study was to identify the gene responsible for CTE. METHODS: A family with 2 children affected with CTE was identified. The affected children are double second cousins providing significant statistical power for linkage. Using Affymetrix 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips, genotyping was performed on only 2 patients and 1 unaffected sibling. Direct DNA sequencing of candidate genes, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were performed on specimens from patients and controls. RESULTS: SNP homozygosity mapping identified a unique 6.5-Mbp haplotype of homozygous SNPs on chromosome 2p21 where approximately 40 genes are located. Direct sequencing of genes in this region revealed homozygous G>A substitution at the donor splice site of exon 4 in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) of affected patients. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of duodenal tissue demonstrated a novel alternative splice form with deletion of exon 4 in affected patients. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot of patient intestinal tissue revealed decreased expression of EpCAM. Direct sequencing of EpCAM from 2 additional unrelated patients revealed novel mutations in the gene. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the gene for EpCAM are responsible for CTE. This information will be used to gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of this disease.

Development and Application of a Functional Human Esophageal Mucosa Explant Platform to Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

There is an increasing prevalence of esophageal diseases but intact human tissue platforms to study esophageal function, disease mechanisms, and the interactions between cell types in situ are lacking. To address this, we utilized full thickness human donor esophagi to create and validate the ex vivo function of mucosa and smooth muscle (n = 25). Explanted tissue was tested for contractile responses to carbachol and histamine. We then treated ex vivo human esophageal mucosa with a cytokine cocktail to closely mimic the Th2 and inflammatory milieu of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and assessed alterations in smooth muscle and extracellular matrix function and stiffening. We found that full thickness human esophagus as well as the individual layers of circular and longitudinal muscularis propria developed tension in response to carbachol ex vivo and that mucosa demonstrated squamous cell differentiation. Treatment of mucosa with Th2 and fibrotic cytokines recapitulated the majority of the clinical Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnostic Profile (EDP) on fluidic transcriptional microarray. Transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGFß1) increased gene expression of fibronectin, smooth muscle actin, and phospholamban (p < 0.001). The EoE cocktail also increased stiffness and decreased mucosal compliance, akin to the functional alterations in EoE (p = 0.001). This work establishes a new, transcriptionally intact and physiologically functional human platform to model esophageal tissue responses in EoE.