Genetic polymorphisms of toll-like receptor 9 influence the immune response to CpG and contribute to hyper-IgM in primary biliary cirrhosis

The serum hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), found in 95% of patients. However, nearly every patient with PBC, including those who are AMA-negative, has an elevation in serum IgM. This hyper-IgM is neither representative of other Ig isoforms, nor is due to the levels of AMA. In fact, we have recently reported that the hyper-IgM is an innate immune response and can be induced with CpG-B with concurrent up-regulation of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). Based on these observations, we performed a two-tier study. First, we quantitated TLR9 genotypes in patients with PBC and controls and correlated these data with the B cell response to CpG-B. Second, based on these data, we performed an extensive TLR9 genotyping in a large cohort of patients and controls. We report herein that the 2848 AA TLR9 genotype is associated with enhanced gene expression and higher frequency of intracellular IgM(+) B cells following CpG stimulation. Interestingly, however, despite the functional association, there is no difference in the distribution of TLR9 genotypes between patients and controls. Our data emphasize the importance of dissecting the innate immune response in PBC.     

Toll样受体4多态性与强直性脊柱炎易感性的荟萃分析

目的 用荟萃分析方法评价toll样受体(TLR)4基因多态性与强直性脊柱炎的关系. 方法 检索在2007年2月前在PubMed及中国期刊全文数据库发表的中英文献.用RevMan 4.2对纳入文献进行荟萃分析,评价合并效应量、功效、异质性及发表偏倚. 结果 共纳入4篇有关Asp299Gly多态位点和3篇Thr399Ile多态位点的病例对照研究.未发现异质性及发表偏倚,合并后功效在80%左右.Asp299Gly位点合并效应量OR=0.94(95%CI:0.66～1.35),Thr399Ile位点合并效应量OR=1.08(95%CI:0.70～1.65). 结论 TLR4基因不是强直性脊柱炎的主要易感基因.     

Chromolipid-induced portal lymphadenopathy in primary biliary cirrhosis

Yellow or brown granules of chromolipid, often called Hamazaki-Wesenberg bodies, have previously been described in the sinuses of lymph nodes. They have been seen in normal nodes and nodes showing non-specific reactive changes; particular interest has been shown in a suggested association with sarcoidosis. We describe two patients, both with primary biliary cirrhosis, in whom the accumulation of large numbers of such bodies in the sinuses of lymph nodes of the porta hepatis led to a prominent lymphadenopathy.     

Quantitative analysis of macrophages and perisinusoidal cells in primary biliary cirrhosis

Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to quantify alterations in the Kupffer cell and 'activated' perisinusoidal cell populations in the different stages of primary biliary cirrhosis. Anti-CD68 macrophage antibodies were used to detect Kupffer cells, and anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), PR 2D3 and anti-desmin antibodies to detect perisinusoidal cells. Liver biopsy material was available from 26 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and 23 patients with histologically normal liver. Increased Kupffer cell numbers were observed in periportal/periseptal zones of stage 3 primary biliary cirrhosis ( n = 9), and in random parenchymal areas of stage 3 and stage 4 cases. Significantly increased 'activated' perisinusoidal cell numbers were seen only in periportal/periseptal zones of stage 3 and stage 4 primary biliary cirrhosis. Neither Kupffer cell nor perisinusoidal cell numbers altered significantly in stage 1 and 2 primary biliary cirrhosis ( n = 6). PR 2D3 positivity and increased α-SMA immunoreactivity by perisinusoidal cells in primary biliary cirrhosis support myofibroblastic differentiation of these cells. Human perisinusoidal cells, unlike their rodent counterparts, did not express desmin in primary biliary cirrhosis or control liver. Kupffer cell and 'activated' perisinusoidal cell accumulation in periportal/periseptal zones of the precirrhotic and cirrhotic primary biliary cirrhosis liver support the concept of Kupffer cell-mediated stimulation of perisinusoidal cells. Furthermore, these findings indicate that Kupffer cell–perisinusoidal interactions play an important role in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in primary biliary cirrhosis.     

Anti-pyruvate dehydrogenase autoantibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis

Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) may be detected in 95% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The target autoantigens for the AMA were recently identified as four closely related metabolic enzymes located in the mitochondria. We have purified the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) enzyme from bovine heart, showing that all PBC sera reacted with a 74-kd band. PDH was utilized to establish an ELISA assay for detecting the relevant antibodies. One hundred twelve of 120 sera from patients with PBC (95%) reacted with the PDH but none of the 201 control sera, including normal subjects and a panel of sera from other patients with liver diseases, showed similar reactivity. In 77% of the PBC sera the anti-PDH antibody isotype was identified as a combination of IgG and IgM, while in 18% only IgM was detected. In 5% of the sera the isotype was confined to IgG. PBC sera specifically inhibited the PDH enzyme activity. The enzyme inhibition correlated with the anti-PDH antibody titers. Thus, PDH seems to be one of the major target epitopes for AMA observed in sera of patients with PBC.     

Diagnosis and management of primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized histologically by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts and serologically by the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies. The incidence and prevalence of PBC are increasing. Fatigue and pruritus are common symptoms in PBC, although the proportion of asymptomatic PBC is increasing due to the widespread use of screening biochemical tests and antimitochondrial antibody assays. PBC may eventually lead to cirrhosis and its consequent complications. In the 1980s, PBC was the leading indication for liver transplantation. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the only US FDA-approved therapeutic agent for PBC. Clinical trials have shown that the use of ursodeoxycholic acid in PBC results in reduction of liver biochemistries, a delay in histological progression, a delay in the development of varices and improvement in survival without liver transplantation.     

Surgical treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are progressive cholestatic liver diseases of supposed auto-immune etiology. The clinical course is unpredictable and, in many patients, leads to end-stage liver disease or a poor quality of life. Conservative therapy only has a limited effect on the natural history, but orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) offers a definitive therapeutic option. Retrospective analysis was performed for 38 patients with PBC and 17 patients with PSC who underwent OLT between January 1986 and June 2003 at our institution. Median follow-up after OLT was 72 mo. Cumulative survival at 5 yr post-OLT was 84% in the PBC group and 73% in the PSC group. Compared with OLT for other benign diseases, actuarial survival rates at 5 and 10 yr post-OLT were significantly better for patients with PBC, whereas there was no difference in survival after OLT for patients with PSC. Survival rate at 5 yr post-OLT was significantly increased for patients with PBC who had a Child-Pugh B liver cirrhosis (93%) compared with those who had Child-Pugh C cirrhosis (60%). Retransplantation rate was 18.2% (resulting from biliary complications in three cases). Surgical techniques had no effect on outcome after OLT in both groups. We concluded that liver transplantation represents a safe and beneficial therapy for patients with end-stage PBC. Cirrhotic patients with PSC also benefit from OLT, with an outcome comparable to that of liver cirrhosis of other etiologies.     

Human leukocyte antigen class II alleles in Caucasian women with primary biliary cirrhosis

In the current study, we investigated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles in Caucasian women with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a disease that preferentially affects women. Alleles of DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 were determined by DNA-based HLA typing for women with PBC (n = 72) and healthy women (n = 381). All study subjects were Caucasian. HLA DRB1*08 was significantly increased in women with PBC compared to healthy women. The increase was primarily due to the DRB1*0801 allele, also the most common DRB1*08 allele among controls. DQB1*04 and DQA1*0401 were significantly increased. DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102, and DQB1*0602 were associated with decreased risk. Analyses conducted comparing parous women with PBC to parous healthy women (n = 68 and n = 282, respectively) yielded similar significant results. Although the DRB1*08-DQA1*0401-DQB1*04 haplotype was significantly associated with PBC, consistent with other studies, this haplotype nevertheless represented only 19% (14/72) of all PBC patients and can account for only a minority of the risk of PBC.     

Hepatic expression of toll-like receptor 4 in primary biliary cirrhosis

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide, which is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of disease of hepatobiliary tracts. To explore a possible role for this receptor in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), we investigated the expression of TLR4 in liver tissues from PBC patients. We studied liver biopsy sections from 62 PBC patients and 41 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Expression of TLR4 in paraffin-embedded sections was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The bile duct epithelial cells (BECs) of PBC liver tissues markedly expressed TLR4, whereas BECs of CHC liver tissues barely expressed TLR4. The TLR4 expression was also observed in periportal hepatocytes of PBC liver tissues and its expression was extended to interlobular hepatocytes in advanced stage PBC. Although periportal hepatocytes of CHC liver tissues expressed TLR4, its expression levels were not correlated with the fibrosis stage. Our data demonstrated that TLR4 was expressed in BECs and periportal hepatocytes in PBC livers, suggesting the possible involvement of bacterial pathogens and TLR4 in the inflammatory processes of PBC.     

Autoantibodies to GW bodies and other autoantigens in primary biliary cirrhosis

Autoantibodies to intracellular targets in mitochondria and nuclei are serological hallmarks of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). One of the most recently identified cellular targets of PBC autoantibodies is a novel cytoplasmic structure referred to as GW bodies [GWB, G (glycine) W (tryptophan)-containing bodies (GWB)]. GWB are indentified as discrete cytoplasmic domains that are involved in mRNA processing via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Key components of GWB include the proteins GW182, Ago2, RNA-associated protein 55 (RAP55) and Ge-1/Hedls. The primary objective was to study the frequency and clinical association of antibodies directed to GWB components, in 109 PBC patients. Autoantibodies to mitochondrial antigen-pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (M2), branched-chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex and 2-oxo glutarate dehydrogenase complex (3E-BPO), gp210, sp100, promyelocytic leukaemia cell antigen (PML) and liver kidney microsomal-1 antigen (LKM-1) were detected by a line immunoassay and antibodies to GWB (GW182, RAP55, Ge-1, GW2, GW3) and glutamate receptor interacting protein (GRIP)-associated protein-1 (GRASP-1), by an addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA). The most common GWB autoantigen targets were: RAP55-28%, GW182-12%, GW2-2% and antibodies to GRASP-1-17%. By comparison, the frequency of reactivity to established PBC autoantigens was: gp210, 27%; sp100, 27% and PML, 17%. None of the autoantibodies were associated with differences in Mayo risk score or liver decompensation. This study is the first study to show that antibodies to RAP55, GW182 and GRASP-1 are the most common GWB targets in PBC.     

新型的抗线粒体抗体M2亚型IgG和IgA抗体的检测方法在原发性胆汁性肝硬化诊断中的价值

目的: 评价以新型天然M2抗原和BPO融合蛋白M2-3E(BPO)为靶抗原的 ELISA法(抗-M2-3E ELISA)检测抗线粒体抗体M2亚型(AMA-M2)IgG和IgA抗体在原发性胆汁化肝硬化(PBC)诊断中的敏感性、特异性。 方法: 分别用间接免疫荧光法(IFL)、以丙酮酸脱氢酶复合体(PDC)为靶抗原的ELISA法(抗- PDC ELISA)、抗-M2-3E ELISA法检测107例PBC、31例自身免疫肝炎(AIH)、10例原发性硬化性胆管炎(PSC)、17例丙型病毒性肝炎(HCV)、29例乙型病毒性肝炎(HBV)患者和26例健康体检者。 结果: (1)107例PBC患者用IFL、抗-PDC ELISA和抗-M2-3E ELISA 3种方法检测AMA-M2 IgG的检出率分别为:87/107(81.3%)、78/107(72.9%)、97/107(90.6%)。特异性分别为98.1%、97.2%、98.3%。抗-M2-3E ELISA法AMA-M2 IgG的检出率(90.6%)显著高于IFL法(81.3%)和抗-PDC ELISA法(72.9%)(均P<0.01)。用抗-M2-3E ELISA法检测AMA-M2 IgA的检出率为59/107(55.1%),特异性为97.2%。而总体AMA-M2 IgG和/或IgA的检出率99/107(92.5%),特异性为95.2%。(2)IFL 和 抗-M2-3E ELISA的重叠度为85%,抗-M2-3E ELISA可以在超过一半的IFL阴性的患者中检出AMA-M2 IgG和/或IgA。 结论: 抗-M2-3E ELISA法具有比IFL和抗-PDC ELISA法更高的敏感性、特异性。但是,AMA-M2 IgG和IgA都不可以单独用于诊断PBC的标记。     

Nuclear membrane-staining antinuclear antibody in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

An antinuclear antibody specific for nuclear membrane (ANMA) was observed by the immunofluorescence method in sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). ANMA was present in 18 of 63 PBC sera (28.5) and in 1 of 431 control sera (0.2%). Its reaction appeared as a thin fluorescent ring confined to the nuclear envelope and was more evident when the sera were highly diluted and the fluorescence, due to frequently associated antimitochondrial antibody, faded. The ANMA fluorescent pattern was confirmed by indirect immunoperoxidase staining. ANMA was seen on both tissue cryostat sections and HEp-2 cells. It was a poorly or non-complement-fixing IgG, specific for an antigen resistant to DNase I, RNase, and trypsin. The significance of its presence in PBC in unknown at present. Identification of its antigen with one of the centromeric antigens is suggested.     

Regenerative pattern of liver cells in primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, posthepatitic cirrhosis (HBV-related) and hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparative analysis by computerized morphometry

Computerized morphometrical measurements were made of liver cells and their nuclei taken from biopsy specimens of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), alcoholic cirrhosis, posthepatttic cirrhosis (HBV-related), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The specimens were stained with hematoxylln-eosin (HE), Mallory's stain for collagen fibers, orcein method, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reaction, and silver impregnation. Light microscopic views were then selected and original liver cells were magnified × 1000. The size of liver cell nuclei, distance between corresponding liver cell nuclei and distribution pattern of hepatocytes were calculated by computer. Variation in regenerative activity among the four disease groups was noted. Regenerative features of liver cells were mild in degree in PBC. In alcoholic cirrhosis, regenerative features of liver cells were less prominent than in posthepatitic cirrhosis. In posthepatitic cirrhosis, regenerative liver cells were well developed, showing remarkable pleomorphlsm of liver cell nuclei and expansive arrangement of liver cell cords. This tendency towards regenerative activity suggests that the possibility of HCC occurring Is greater In posthepatitic cirrhosis than in PBC or alcoholic cirrhosis. It was concluded that morphologically, there is a greater possibility of occurrence of HCC in posthepatitic cirrhosis than in any other type of cirrhosis, because of its high regenerative hepatocytic activity. Also etiological factors of liver diseases are more important in the developement of liver cell regeneration. Furthermore, regenerative activity can be measured by computerized morphometry as an established methodology.     

Liver biopsy in primary biliary cirrhosis: Clinicopathological data and stage

The purpose of the present study was to characterize histopathological lesions in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to assess the relationship between histopathological lesions and biochemistry. Liver biopsies of 252 patients with PBC were investigated. A laboratory database was established. Histopathological characterization was performed. Relationships between detailed histopathological features and biochemistry were calculated statistically. Combining the data, a PBC group, consisting of an anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive and -negative subgroup, and an overlap group were defined, with a female preponderance of >90% and higher activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the overlap group. Histopathological changes were characteristic in >80%. Periductal concentric fibrosis, lobular granuloma formation and steatosis were frequently remarkable. Correlations were found between alanine aminotransferase activity and modified hepatitis activity index in the overlap group and the AMA-positive group. A positive significant relationship was demonstrated between mean AST activity and portal fibrosis for the AMA-positive group. A highly significant positive link was seen between mean concentration of bilirubin and stage of fibrosis. Biochemistry reflects only in part the degree of severity of histopathological lesions in PBC. Histopathology indicates comorbidity in a high percentage of patients.     

中国人自身免疫性肝病相关性 CTLA-4基因多态性研究

目的　探讨细胞毒性 T细胞相关抗原 - 4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte- associated antigen- 4 ,CTL A- 4 )基因启动子 - 318和第 1外显子区第 4 9位基因多态性与中国人自身免疫性肝炎 (autoimmunehepatitis,AIH)、原发性胆汁性肝硬化 (primary biliary cirrhosis,PBC)发病的相关性。方法　应用限制性片段长度多态性方法分析 6 2例 AIH和 77例 PBC患者外周血单核细胞基因组 DNA CTL A- 4启动子 -318T/ C、第 1外显子区第 4 9位基因 A/ G多态性 ,并与 16 0名正常对照比较。结果　 AIH组 CTL A- 4启动子 - 318位 T/ C基因型分布与对照组比较差异无显著性 ,但 C等位基因频率明显高于正常对照组 (P=0 .0 2 ,OR=2 .4 3)。 PBC患者 CTL A- 4第 1外显子区第 4 9等位基因分布与正常对照组比较差异非常显著(P=0 .0 0 6 ) ,PBC患者 G等位基因频率明显高于正常组 (P=0 .0 0 4 6 ,OR=1.8)。联合分析 CTL A- 4启动子与第 1外显子的基因多态性分布 ,虽然 AIH组和 PBC组 GG- CC型携带率均比正常人高 (AIH组 :32 .3% ,PBC组 :37.7% ,对照组 :2 2 .5 % ) ,但是统计学分析结果均显示两组患者与正常人差异无显著性。结论　 CTL A- 4启动子 - 318和第 1外显子区第 4 9位基因多态性可能与中国人 AIH、PBC易感性相关。     

Association of toll-like receptor 10 polymorphisms with pediatric pneumococcal meningitis

We aimed to investigate whether the gene polymorphisms of TLR10 were associated with risk and severity of pneumococcal meningitis (PM) and serum cytokine levels in children. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR10 rs4129009 (2676A > G), rs10004195 (1018T > A) and rs11466617 (40735A > G) were studied in 95 laboratory-confirmed PM pediatric patients and 330 healthy controls by PCR-based sequencing. Ten serum cytokines were determined by multiplex immunoassay. The frequency of variant haplotype GAG of TLR10 was significantly lower in patients than controls (11.3% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001), although frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of the three SNPs did not differ between patients and controls. Frequency of variant haplotype GAG was significantly lower in patients who had CSF protein >1000 mg/L than those who had CSF protein ≤1000 mg/L (3.50% vs 32.4%, p < 0.001). Moreover, higher frequency of the haplotype GAG was found in patients who had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1β. Our finding suggested that the variant haplotype GAG in TLR10 is associated with decreased risk of PM in Chinese children.     

Genetic variations in toll-like receptor pathway and lung function decline in Cystic Fibrosis patients

The toll-like receptor (TLR) family maintains pulmonary homeostasis by pathogen recognition, clearance and regulation of inflammation. Genes affecting inflammation response play a key role in modifying Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease severity. We assessed the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR genes (TLR1 to TLR10, CD14, lipopolyssacharide-binding protein (LBP)) on lung function in CF patients. Each SNP was tested for time-dependent effect on FEV1, using six genetic models. In addition, we investigated associations between SNP genotypes and extreme subject specific slopes of FEV1 decline. Variant alleles of polymorphisms of TLR2 rs1898830, rs5743708, and rs3804100 demonstrated a consistent association with lung disease severity (p = 0.008, p = 0.006 and p = 0.029 respectively). Patients homozygous for variant C allele of TLR5 polymorphism rs5744174 are more frequently associated with extreme fast FEV1 decline (OR: 20 (95% Confidence Interval:1.85–216.18)). Patients homozygous AA for TLR1 polymorphism rs5743551 are more frequently associated with faster decline of FEV1 compared to heterozygous genotype (OR:7.33 (95% CI:1.63–33.11). Our findings indicate that variations in TLR1, TLR2 and TLR5 genes may influence CF lung function decline. Further functional analysis is required to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of TLRs in CF lung disease severity.     

Periductal interleukin-17 production in association with biliary innate immunity contributes to the pathogenesis of cholangiopathy in primary biliary cirrhosis

An innate immune response to bacterial components is speculated to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Recently, CD4-positive T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, characterized by the secretion of interleukin (IL)-17, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Human Th17 cells are generated from Th0 cells by IL-6 and IL-1β and maintained by IL-23. In this study, the role of IL-17 in PBC and its association with biliary innate immunity were examined. Using cultured human biliary epithelial cells (BECs), the expression of Th17-related cytokines and chemokines and changes therein on treatment with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and IL-17 were examined. Immunohistochemistry for IL-17 and Th17-related cytokines was performed using tissue samples of human liver. Consequently, the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23p19 and IL-23/IL-12p40 mRNAs, and their up-regulation by PAMPs, were found in BECs. Moreover, BECs possessed IL-17-receptors and stimulation with IL-17 induced production of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23p19 and chemokines. Several IL-17-positive cells had infiltrated damaged bile ducts and the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β was enhanced in the bile ducts of PBC patients. In conclusion, IL-17-positive cells are associated with the chronic inflammation of bile ducts in PBC which is associated causally with the biliary innate immune responses to PAMPs.     

维生素D受体基因ApaⅠ和TaqⅠ位点多态性与帕金森病的相关性研究

目的 探讨维生素D受体(vitamin D receptor,VDR)基因ApaⅠ和Taq Ⅰ位点多态性与帕金森病(Parkinson's disease,PD)遗传易感性的相关性.方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性技术和基因测序方法,检测285例中国北方汉族散发PD患者与285名正常对照VDR基因ApaⅠ和TaqⅠ位点多态性,并比较两组基因型和等位基因频率的差异.结果 ApaⅠ和Taq Ⅰ位点基因型和等位基因频率在PD组和对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).将样本按性别及发病年龄分组后比较,ApaⅠ位点各亚组间基因型频率和等位基因频率差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而TaqⅠ位点的基因型分布在男性PD组(168例)与男性对照组(1 60名)之间差异有统计学意义(x2=4.187,P=0.032,OR=2.149,95％CI:1.011～4.567),男性PD组T等位基因频率较男性对照组显著增高(x2=3.867,P=0.036,OR=2.064,95％CI:0.989～4.307).结论 VDR基因ApaⅠ位点多态性与PD风险间无相关性,但TaqⅠ可能是男性PD的风险因素.