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Micro and nanoparticles as possible pathogenetic co-factors in mixed cryoglobulinemia
E Artoni1,2, G L Sighinolfi3, A M Gatti4
1Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical and Metabolic Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy.
Background:
Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a rare multisystem disease whose aetiopathogenesis is not completely understood. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may have a causative role, and genetic and/or environmental factors may also contribute.
Aims:
To investigate the presence and possible role of environmental agents in MC.
Methods:
We recruited 30 HCV-infected MC patients with different clinical manifestations and a control group of 30 healthy, sex-/age-matched volunteers. We collected serum samples from each patient and incubated at 4°C for 7 days to obtain cryoprecipitate samples. We used environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis to verify the presence of microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in serum and cryoprecipitate samples. We evaluated environmental exposure using a medical and occupational history questionnaire for each subject.
Results:
MC patients had a significantly higher risk of occupational exposure (OR 5.6; 95% CI 1.84-17.50) than controls. ESEM evaluation revealed a significantly higher concentration, expressed as number of positive spots (NS), of serum inorganic particles in MC patients compared with controls (mean NS 18, SD = 16 versus NS 5.4, SD = 5.1; P < 0.05). Cryoprecipitate samples of MC patients showed high concentrations of inorganic particles (mean NS 49, SD = 19). We found a strong correlation between NS and cryocrit (i.e. percentage of cryoprecipitate/total serum after centrifugation at 4°C) levels (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
In addition to HCV infection, MPs and NPs might play an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of MC.
Insights
Environmental microparticles and nanoparticles may contribute to mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) alongside Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. MC patients showed higher occupational exposure and particle concentrations in serum and cryoprecipitate.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Materials Science
Background:
- Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a rare multisystem disease with unclear causes.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a known risk factor.
- Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of environmental agents in MC.
- To analyze microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in MC patients.
- To correlate environmental exposures with MC development.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 30 HCV-infected MC patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Collected serum and cryoprecipitate samples.
- Utilized environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for particle analysis.
- Assessed environmental exposure via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- MC patients had higher occupational exposure risk (OR 5.6).
- Significantly higher concentrations of serum inorganic particles were found in MC patients (P < 0.05).
- Cryoprecipitate showed high inorganic particle concentrations, correlating strongly with cryocrit levels (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) may be important in MC aetiopathogenesis.
- Environmental agents are potential contributors to MC.
- Further research into environmental factors in MC is warranted.
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