291 research outputs found

    Hepcidin induces HIV-1 transcription inhibited by ferroportin

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Physiological regulation of cellular iron involves iron export by the membrane protein, ferroportin, the expression of which is induced by iron and negatively modulated by hepcidin. We previously showed that iron chelation is associated with decreased HIV-1 transcription. We hypothesized that increased iron export by ferroportin might be associated with decreased HIV-1 transcription, and degradation of ferroportin by hepcidin might in turn induce HIV-1 transcription and replication. Here, we analyzed the effect of ferroportin and hepcidin on HIV-1 transcription.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expression of ferroportin was associated with reduced HIV-1 transcription in 293T cells and addition of hepcidin to ferroportin-expressing cells counteracted this effect. Furthermore, exposure of promonocytic THP-1 cells to hepcidin was associated with decreased ferroportin expression, increased intracellular iron and induction of reporter luciferase gene expression. Finally, exposure of human primary macrophages and CD4<sup>+ </sup>T cells to hepcidin and iron was also associated with induction of viral production.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results suggest that the interplay between ferroportin-mediated iron export and hepcidin-mediated degradation of ferroportin might play a role in the regulation of HIV-1 transcription and may be important for understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis.</p

    Association of G6PD 202A,376G with lower haemoglobin concentration but not increased haemolysis in patients with sickle cell anaemia

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    The genetic bases of the highly variable degrees of anaemia and haemolysis in persons with Hb SS are not fully known, but several studies have indicated that G6PD deficiency is not a factor. The G6PD 202A and G6PD 376G alleles and α-thalassaemia were determined by molecular genetic testing in 261 children and adolescents with Hb SS in a multicentre study. G6PD 202A,376G (G6PD A−) was defined as hemizygosity for both alleles in males and homozygosity in females. Among the participants 41% were receiving hydroxycarbamide. The prevalence of G6PD 202A,376G was 13·6% in males and 3·3% in females with an overall prevalence of 8·7%. G6PD 202A,376G was associated with a 10 g/l decrease in haemoglobin concentration ( P  = 0·008) but not with increased haemolysis as measured by lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, aspartate-aminotransferase, reticulocyte count or a haemolytic component derived from these markers ( P  > 0·09). Similar results were found within a sub-group of children who were not receiving hydroxycarbamide. By comparison, single and double α-globin deletions were associated with progressively higher haemoglobin concentrations ( P  = 0·005 for trend), progressively lower values for haemolytic component ( P  = 0·007), and increased severe pain episodes ( P  < 0·001). In conclusion, G6PD 202A,376G may be associated with lower haemoglobin concentration in sickle cell anaemia by a mechanism other than increased haemolysis.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/79250/1/j.1365-2141.2010.08215.x.pd

    A critical role for the host mediator macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the pathogenesis of malarial anemia

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    The pathogenesis of malarial anemia is multifactorial, and the mechanisms responsible for its high mortality are poorly understood. Studies indicate that host mediators produced during malaria infection may suppress erythroid progenitor development (Miller, K.L., J.C. Schooley, K.L. Smith, B. Kullgren, L.J. Mahlmann, and P.H. Silverman. 1989. Exp. Hematol. 17:379–385; Yap, G.S., and M.M. Stevenson. 1991. Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 628:279–281). We describe an intrinsic role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the development of the anemic complications and bone marrow suppression that are associated with malaria infection. At concentrations found in the circulation of malaria-infected patients, MIF suppressed erythropoietin-dependent erythroid colony formation. MIF synergized with tumor necrosis factor and γ interferon, which are known antagonists of hematopoiesis, even when these cytokines were present in subinhibitory concentrations. MIF inhibited erythroid differentiation and hemoglobin production, and it antagonized the pattern of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation that normally occurs during erythroid progenitor differentiation. Infection of MIF knockout mice with Plasmodium chabaudi resulted in less severe anemia, improved erythroid progenitor development, and increased survival compared with wild-type controls. We also found that human mononuclear cells carrying highly expressed MIF alleles produced more MIF when stimulated with the malarial product hemozoin compared with cells carrying low expression MIF alleles. These data suggest that polymorphisms at the MIF locus may influence the levels of MIF produced in the innate response to malaria infection and the likelihood of anemic complications

    Publication of data collection forms from NHLBI funded sickle cell disease implementation consortium (SCDIC) registry

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    Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive blood disorder affecting approximately 100,000 Americans and 3.1 million people globally. The scarcity of relevant knowledge and experience with rare diseases creates a unique need for cooperation and infrastructure to overcome challenges in translating basic research advances into clinical advances. Despite registry initiatives in SCD, the unavailability of descriptions of the selection process and copies of final data collection tools, coupled with incomplete representation of the SCD population hampers further research progress. This manuscript describes the SCDIC (Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium) Registry development and makes the SCDIC Registry baseline and first follow-up data collection forms available for other SCD research efforts. Results: Study data on 2400 enrolled patients across eight sites was stored and managed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Standardized data collection instruments, recruitment and enrollment were refined through consensus of consortium sites. Data points included measures taken from a variety of validated sources (PHENX, PROMIS and others). Surveys were directly administered by research staff and longitudinal follow-up was coordinated through the DCC. Appended registry forms track medical records, event-related patient invalidation, pregnancy, lab reporting, cardiopulmonary and renal functions. Conclusions: The SCDIC Registry strives to provide an accurate, updated characterization of the adult and adolescent SCD population as well as standardized, validated data collecting tools to guide evidence-based research and practice

    Angiogenic and Inflammatory Markers of Cardiopulmonary Changes in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease

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    Background: Pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction are complications of sickle cell disease. Pulmonary hypertension is associated with hemolysis and hypoxia, but other unidentified factors are likely involved in pathogenesis as well. Design and Methods: Plasma concentrations of three angiogenic markers (fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived growth factor-BB [PDGF-BB], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and seven inflammatory markers implicated in pulmonary hypertension in other settings were determined by Bio-Plex suspension array in 237 children and adolescents with sickle cell disease at steady state and 43 controls. Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (which reflects systolic pulmonary artery pressure), mitral valve E/Edti ratio (which reflects left ventricular diastolic dysfunction), and a hemolytic component derived from four markers of hemolysis and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were also determined. Results: Plasma concentrations of interleukin-8, interleukin-10 and VEGF were elevated in the patients with sickle cell disease compared to controls (P≤0.003). By logistic regression, greater values for PDGF-BB (P = 0.009), interleukin-6 (P = 0.019) and the hemolytic component (P = 0.026) were independently associated with increased odds of elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity while higher VEGF concentrations were associated with decreased odds (P = 0.005) among the patients with sickle cell disease. These findings, which are consistent with reports that PDGF-BB stimulates and VEGF inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, did not apply to E/Etdi. Conclusions: Circulating concentrations of angiogenic and pro-Inflammatory markers are altered in sickle cell disease children and adolescents with elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity, a subgroup that may be at risk for developing worsening pulmonary hypertension. Further studies to understand the molecular changes in these children are indicated

    Crizanlizumab for the Prevention of Pain Crises in Sickle Cell Disease

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    The up-regulation of P-selectin in endothelial cells and platelets contributes to the cell–cell interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusion and sickle cell–related pain crises. The safety and efficacy of crizanlizumab, an antibody against the adhesion molecule P-selectin, were evaluated in patients with sickle cell disease

    Tricuspid regurgitation velocity and other biomarkers of mortality in children, adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease in the United States: The PUSH study

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    In the US, mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD) increases after age 18- 20- years. Biomarkers of mortality risk can identify patients who need intensive follow- up and early or novel interventions. We prospectively enrolled 510 SCD patients aged 3- 20- years into an observational study in 2006- 2010 and followed 497 patients for a median of 88- months (range 1- 105). We hypothesized that elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure as reflected in tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) would be associated with mortality. Estimated survival to 18- years was 99% and to 25- years, 94%. Causes of death were known in seven of 10 patients: stroke in four (hemorrhagic two, infarctive one, unspecified one), multiorgan failure one, parvovirus B19 infection one, sudden death one. Baseline TRV - ¥2.7 m/second (>2 SD above the mean in age- matched and gender- matched non- SCD controls) was observed in 20.0% of patients who died vs 4.6% of those who survived (P =- .012 by the log rank test for equality of survival). The baseline variable most strongly associated with an elevated TRV was a high hemolytic rate. Additional biomarkers associated with mortality were ferritin - ¥2000- μg/L (observed in 60% of patients who died vs 7.8% of survivors, P <- .001), forced expiratory volume in 1 minute to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) <0.80 (71.4% of patients who died vs 18.8% of survivors, P <- .001), and neutrophil count - ¥10x109/L (30.0% of patients who died vs 7.9% of survivors, P =- .018). In SCD children, adolescents and young adults, steady- state elevations of TRV, ferritin and neutrophils and a low FEV1/FVC ratio may be biomarkers associated with increased risk of death.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155951/1/ajh25799_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155951/2/ajh25799.pd
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