Profiling of cell-free DNA methylation and histone signatures in pediatric NAFLD: A pilot study.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, increasing the risk of its progression toward nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and cancer. There is an urgent need for noninvasive early diagnostic and prognostic tools such as epigenetic marks (epimarks), which would replace liver biopsy in the future. We used plasma samples from 67 children with biopsy-proven NAFLD, and as controls we used samples from 20 children negative for steatosis by ultrasound. All patients were genotyped for patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7), and klotho-β (KLB) gene variants, and data on anthropometric and biochemical parameters were collected. Furthermore, plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation was quantified using a commercially available kit, and ImageStream(X) was used for the detection of free circulating histone complexes and variants. We found a significant enrichment of the levels of histone macroH2A1.2 in the plasma of children with NAFLD compared to controls, and a strong correlation between cfDNA methylation levels and NASH. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that combination of cfDNA methylation, PNPLA3 rs738409 variant, coupled with either high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or alanine aminotransferase levels can strongly predict the progression of pediatric NAFLD to NASH with area under the curve >0.87. Conclusion: Our pilot study combined epimarks and genetic and metabolic markers for a robust risk assessment of NAFLD development and progression in children, offering a promising noninvasive tool for the consistent diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric NAFLD. Further studies are necessary to identify their pathogenic origin and function

Detection of cell-free histones in the cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric central nervous system malignancies by imaging flow cytometry

Introduction: Pediatric brain tumours (PBT) are one of the most common malignancies during childhood, with variable severity according to the location and histological type. Certain types of gliomas, such a glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), have a much higher mortality than ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Early detection of PBT is essential for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Liquid biopsies have been demonstrated using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mostly restricted to cell free DNA, which display limitations of quantity and integrity. In this pilot study, we sought to demonstrate the detectability and robustness of cell free histones in the CSF. Methods: We collected CSF samples from a pilot cohort of 8 children with brain tumours including DIPG, medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, ependymoma and others. As controls, we collected CSF samples from nine children with unrelated blood malignancies and without brain tumours. We applied a multichannel flow imaging approach on ImageStream(X) to image indiviual histone or histone complexes on different channels. Results: Single histones (H2A, macroH2A1.1, macroH2A1.2 H2B, H3, H4 and histone H3 bearing the H3K27M mutation), and histone complexes are specifically detectable in the CSF of PBT patients. H2A and its variants macroH2A1.1/macroH2A1/2 displayed the strongest signal and abundance, together with disease associated H3K27M. In contrast, mostly H4 is detectable in the CSF of pediatric patients with blood malignancies. Discussion: In conclusion, free histones and histone complexes are detectable with a strong signal in the CSF of children affected by brain tumours, using ImageStream(X) technology and may provide additive diagnostic and predictive information

Detection of cell-free histones in the cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric central nervous system malignancies by imaging flow cytometry

Introduction: Pediatric brain tumours (PBT) are one of the most common malignancies during childhood, with variable severity according to the location and histological type. Certain types of gliomas, such a glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), have a much higher mortality than ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Early detection of PBT is essential for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Liquid biopsies have been demonstrated using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mostly restricted to cell free DNA, which display limitations of quantity and integrity. In this pilot study, we sought to demonstrate the detectability and robustness of cell free histones in the CSF.Methods: We collected CSF samples from a pilot cohort of 8 children with brain tumours including DIPG, medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, ependymoma and others. As controls, we collected CSF samples from nine children with unrelated blood malignancies and without brain tumours. We applied a multichannel flow imaging approach on ImageStream(X) to image indiviual histone or histone complexes on different channels.Results: Single histones (H2A, macroH2A1.1, macroH2A1.2 H2B, H3, H4 and histone H3 bearing the H3K27M mutation), and histone complexes are specifically detectable in the CSF of PBT patients. H2A and its variants macroH2A1.1/macroH2A1/2 displayed the strongest signal and abundance, together with disease associated H3K27M. In contrast, mostly H4 is detectable in the CSF of pediatric patients with blood malignancies.Discussion: In conclusion, free histones and histone complexes are detectable with a strong signal in the CSF of children affected by brain tumours, using ImageStream(X) technology and may provide additive diagnostic and predictive information.</jats:p

Токсичность и эффективность комбинации гемцитабина и nab-паклитаксела (паклитаксел + альбумин) в Российской популяции больных раком поджелудочной железы: результаты многоцентрового ретроспективного исследования

Introduction. The results of randomized MPACT study have demonstrated that the addition of nab-paclitaxel to gemcitabine leads to a statistically significant increase in life expectancy. The main objective of this retrospective study was to obtain up-to-date efficacy and toxicity data for this drug combination in Russian real-world clinical setting.Materials and methods. The study enrolled patients with morphologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who had ECOG Performance Status scores of 0-2 and received treatment with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Immediate and long-term outcomes, as well as treatment toxicity and dose modifications, were assessed.Results. The study included 142 patients who received treatment from 2009 to 2019 at 17 centers in 11 regions of Russia. Full dose gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel were administered at baseline in 74 % of the cases. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 4 (range, from 1 to 16). Nab-paclitaxel dose was reduced in 32 % of the cases, and that of gemcitabine in 23 % of them. Regression analysis revealed no prognostic factors associated with increased toxicity of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel administration. However, previous use of two or more chemotherapy lines had an impact on decisions made by physicians, making them reduce the baseline dose of gemcitabine and/or nab-paclitaxel (OR=6.1, 95% CI 1.5-24.2, р=0.010). An objective response was assessed in 134 subjects with positive response observed in 34 cases (25.4 %). The median time to progression was found to be 6.1 months, and the median life expectancy was 14.2 months.Conclusions. The combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel exhibits comparatively high efficacy. The acceptable toxicity profile allows its use in selected patients even with ECOG 2 and in the presence of serious comorbidities.Введение. Результаты рандомизированного исследования MPACT продемонстрировали, что добавление к гемцитабину nab-паклитаксела приводит к статистически значимому увеличению продолжительности жизни. Задачей данного ретроспективного исследования является получение актуальных данных об эффективности и токсичности данной комбинации в реальной клинической практике в России.Материалы и методы. В исследование включались пациенты с морфологически доказанным местнораспространенным или метастатическим раком поджелудочной железы, имеющие общее состояние по шкале ECOG 0-2, которым проводилась терапия гемцитабином и nab-паклитакселом. Оценивались непосредственные и отдаленные результаты лечения, а также токсичность лечения и модификации доз препаратов.Результаты. В исследование включено 142 пациента, получивших лечение в период с 2009 по 2019 гг. в 17 центрах из 11 регионов России. Гемцитабин и nab-паклитаксел назначались исходно в полных дозах в 74% случаев. Медиана числа проведенных курсов химиотерапии составила 4 (1-16 курсов). В процессе химиотерапии доза nab-паклитаксела редуцировалась в 32 % случаев, гемцитабина — в 23 % случаев. Регрессионный анализ не выявил прогностических факторов, ассоциированных с повышенной токсичностью гемцитабина и nab-паклитаксела. Однако назначение ранее двух или более линий химиотерапии влияло на решение врачей в пользу исходной редукции дозы гемцитабина и/ или nab-паклитаксела (ОШ=6,1, 95 % ДИ 1,5-24,2, р=0,010). Оценка объективного эффекта произведена у 134 пациентов. Объективный ответ зарегистрирован в 34 (25,4%) случаях. Медиана времени без прогрессирования составила 6,1 месяца, медиана продолжительности жизни составила 14,2 месяца.Выводы. Комбинация гемцитабина и nab-паклитаксела обладает сравнительно высокой эффективностью. Приемлемый профиль токсичности позволяет применять ее у отобранных пациентов даже при статусе ECOG 2 и наличии серьезной сопутствующей патологии

Histone H2A: a promising diagnostic marker in heart failure with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction.

The diagnosis of heart failure with preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a challenge, with score-based algorithms showing varying diagnostic performance and biomarkers sometimes inconclusive. This study aimed to examine whether circulating histones and histone complexes, which recently emerged as robust biomarkers of inflammation and stroke, show distinct profiles in plasma from healthy individuals, HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and HFpEF patients. We evaluated the plasma histone profile of 30 sex/age-matched healthy individuals, 22 HFpEF and 25 HFrEF prior any therapeutic intervention. ImageStreamX-based detection approach was used to measure the levels of circulating particles positive for core histones H2A, H2B, H3, H4, histone variants macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2. While we found increased levels of most of the histones and histone complexes in both HFpEF and HFrEF patients, H2A was significantly elevated only in HFpEF, compared to healthy individuals (p-value = 0.002) and to HFrEF (p-value = 0.00008). In line with these findings, H2A showed positive correlation with EF (r = 0.493). We identified a plasma histone profile able to detect HF and differentiate between HFpEF and HFrEF using a high throughput and imaging flow cytometry-adapted liquid biopsy

Circulating histone signature of human lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

BACKGROUND:Although metabolic associate fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is associated with obesity, it can also occur in lean patients. MAFLD is more aggressive in lean patients compared to obese patients, with a higher risk of mortality. Specific biomarkers to diagnose differentially lean or overweight MAFLD are missing. Histones and nucleosomes are released in the bloodstream upon cell death. Here, we propose a new, fast, imaging and epigenetics based approach to investigate the severity of steatosis in lean MAFLD patients. RESULTS:A total of 53 non-obese patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of MAFLD were recruited. Twenty patients displayed steatosis grade 1 (0-33%), 24 patients with steatosis grade 2 (34-66%) and 9 patients with steatosis grade 3 (67-100%). The levels of circulating nucleosomes were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while individual histones or histone dimers were assayed in serum samples by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. Circulating nucleosome levels associated poorly with MAFLD in the absence of obesity. We implemented successfully a multi-channel flow methodology on ImageStream(X), to image single histone staining (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2). We report here a significant depletion of the levels of histone variants macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in the serum of lean MAFLD patients, either individually or in complex with H2B. CONCLUSIONS:In summary, we identified a new circulating histone signature able to discriminate the severity of steatosis in individuals with lean MAFLD, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology

Circulating histone signature of human lean metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)

Background: Although metabolic associate fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is associated with obesity, it can also occur in lean patients. MAFLD is more aggressive in lean patients compared to obese patients, with a higher risk of mortality. Specific biomarkers to diagnose differentially lean or overweight MAFLD are missing. Histones and nucleosomes are released in the bloodstream upon cell death. Here, we propose a new, fast, imaging and epigenetics based approach to investigate the severity of steatosis in lean MAFLD patients. / Results: A total of 53 non-obese patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of MAFLD were recruited. Twenty patients displayed steatosis grade 1 (0–33%), 24 patients with steatosis grade 2 (34–66%) and 9 patients with steatosis grade 3 (67–100%). The levels of circulating nucleosomes were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while individual histones or histone dimers were assayed in serum samples by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. Circulating nucleosome levels associated poorly with MAFLD in the absence of obesity. We implemented successfully a multi-channel flow methodology on ImageStream(X), to image single histone staining (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2). We report here a significant depletion of the levels of histone variants macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 in the serum of lean MAFLD patients, either individually or in complex with H2B. / Conclusions: In summary, we identified a new circulating histone signature able to discriminate the severity of steatosis in individuals with lean MAFLD, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology

Extracellular Histones Profiles of Pediatric H3K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma

Background Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered (DMG) is a fatal tumour that arises in the midline structures of the brain. When located in the pons, it is more commonly referred to as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). DMG/DIPG is usually diagnosed when children are < 10 years, and it has a median overall survival of < 12 months after diagnosis. Radiological imaging is still the gold standard for DIPG diagnosis while the use of biopsy procedures led to our knowledge on its biology, such as with the identification of the canonical histone H3K27M mutation. However, the need to improve survival encourages the development of non-invasive, fast and inexpensive assays on biofluids for optimizing molecular diagnoses in DMG/DIPG. Here, we propose a rapid, new, imaging and epigenetics-based approach to diagnose DMG/DIPG in the plasma of paediatric patients. Methods A total of 20 healthy children (mean age: 10.5 years) and 24 children diagnosed with DMG/DIPG (mean age: 8.5 years) were recruited. Individual histones (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2), histone dimers and nucleosomes were assayed in biofluids by means of a new advanced flow cytometry ImageStream(X)-adapted method. Results We report a significant increase in circulating histone dimers and tetramers (macroH2A1.1/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; macroH2A1.2/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H2A/H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H3/H4 versus control: p value = 0.008; H2A/H2B/H3/H4 versus control: p value < 0.0001) and a significant downregulation of individual histones (H2B versus control: p value < 0.0001; H3 versus control: p value < 0.0001; H4 versus control: p value < 0.0001). Moreover, histones were also detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with DMG/DIPG and in the supernatant of SF8628, OPBG-DIPG002 and OPBG-DIPG004 DMG/DIPG cell lines, with patterns mostly similar to each other, but distinct compared to blood plasma. Conclusions In summary, we identified circulating histone signatures able to detect the presence of DMG/DIPG in biofluids of children, using a rapid and non-invasive ImageStream(X)-based imaging technology, which may improve diagnosis and benefit the patients