Glycogen storage disease types I and II: treatment updates

Prior to 2006 therapy for glycogen storage diseases consisted primarily of dietary interventions, which in the case of glycogen storage disease (GSD) type II (GSD II; Pompe disease) remained essentially palliative. Despite improved survival and growth, long-term complications of GSD type I (GSD I) have not responded to dietary therapy with uncooked cornstarch or continuous gastric feeding. The recognized significant risk of renal disease and liver malignancy in GSD I has prompted efforts towards curative therapy, including organ transplantation, in those deemed at risk. Results of clinical trials in infantile Pompe disease with alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme) showed prolonged survival reversal of cardiomyopathy, and motor gains. This resulted in broad label approval of Myozyme for Pompe disease in 2006. Furthermore, the development of experimental therapies, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy, holds promise for the availability of curative therapy in GSD I and GSD II/Pompe disease in the future.

Lattice Monte Carlo simulation of coil-helix transition

An improved self-avoiding lattice model was put forward to study coil-helix transition via dynamic Monte Carlo simulation. Each residue occupies eight simple lattices. By introducing a virtual-imino group and a virtual-carbonyl group, the helical period is not necessarily to be an integer. The Gö-like restriction of hydrogen bonding interaction has also been partially released. The coil-helix transition was well reproduced and consistent with the Zimm-Bragg theory. Non-native hydrogen bonding interaction seems significant around transition temperature. In characterization of a statistically helical structure, a novel correlation function was put forward and verified.

Surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity in subjects with hypertension

The purpose of the study is to compare surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity with a directly measured insulin sensitivity index, steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) from insulin suppression test (IST), in subjects with hypertension. Two hundred and twenty-eight hypertensive patients who received IST for SSPG were included for analysis. Estimates from fasting measurements alone, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)), and indices from fasting and/or 2 h samples (ISI(0,120) and ISI(TX)) were calculated. In addition to Pearson and partial correlations, variance-component models were used to test the relationship between surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity and SSPG. A large proportion of variance owing to covariates in the variance-component models indicated the goodness of model fit, irrespective of the independence among variables. SSPG was positively correlated with logarithmic transformation (Log) (HOMA-IR) and negatively correlated with QUICKI, Log (ISI(0,120)) and ISI(TX) (all P<0.0001). Log (ISI(0,120)) seemed to have a better correlation with SSPG (r=-0.72) than other measures in partial correlation. The proportion of variance owing to all covariates of Log (ISI(0,120)) and ISI(TX) were larger than those of Log (HOMA-IR) and QUICKI in the variance-component models. After adjustments for demographic and obesity covariates, the proportion of variance explained by Log (ISI(0,120)) were largest among the surrogate measures in the variance-component models. Our results showed that ISI(0,120) and ISI(TX) correlated better with SSPG than those used fasting measures alone (HOMA-IR and QUICKI). Log (ISI(0,120)) currently showing the strongest association with SSPG than other estimates is adaptable for use in large studies of hypertension.

Recombinant human acid [alpha]-glucosidase: major clinical benefits in infantile-onset Pompe disease

BACKGROUND

Pompe disease is a progressive metabolic neuromuscular disorder resulting from deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). Infantile-onset Pompe disease is characterized by cardiomyopathy, respiratory and skeletal muscle weakness, and early death. The safety and efficacy of recombinant human (rh) GAA were evaluated in 18 patients with rapidly progressing infantile-onset Pompe disease.

METHODS

Patients were diagnosed at 6 months of age and younger and exhibited severe GAA deficiency and cardiomyopathy. Patients received IV infusions of rhGAA at 20 mg/kg (n = 9) or 40 mg/kg (n = 9) every other week. Analyses were performed 52 weeks after the last patient was randomized to treatment.

RESULTS

All patients (100%) survived to 18 months of age. A Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that treatment reduced the risk of death by 99%, reduced the risk of death or invasive ventilation by 92%, and reduced the risk of death or any type of ventilation by 88%, as compared to an untreated historical control group. There was no clear advantage of the 40-mg/kg dose with regard to efficacy. Eleven of the 18 patients experienced 164 infusion-associated reactions; all were mild or moderate in intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase is safe and effective for treatment of infantile-onset Pompe disease. Eleven patients experienced adverse events related to treatment, but none discontinued. The young age at which these patients initiated therapy may have contributed to their improved response compared to previous trials with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase in which patients were older.

Plasma vitrification and re-use of non-combustible fiber reinforced plastic, gill net and waste glass

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material has widespread use in general tank, special chemical tank and body of yacht, etc. The purpose of this study is directed towards the volume reduction of non-combustible FRP by thermal plasma and recycling of vitrified slag with specific procedures. In this study, we have employed three main wastes such as, FRP, gill net and waste glass. The thermal molten process was applied to treat vitrified slag at high temperatures whereas in the post-heat treatment vitrified slags were mixed with specific additive and ground into powder form and then heat treated at high temperatures. With a two-stage heat treatment, the treated sample was generated into four crystalline phases, cristobalite, albite, anorthite and wollastonite. Fine and relatively high dense structures with desirable properties were obtained for samples treated by the two-stage heating treatment. Good physical and mechanical properties were achieved after heat treatment, and this study reveals that our results could be comparable with the commercial products.

Access to bone mineral density testing in patients at risk for osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have documented suboptimal diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis in many settings. Consistent predictors of suboptimal management include patient age, physician training, and physician gender. We assessed whether access to bone mineral density (BMD) testing was a predictor of osteoporosis management in an at-risk population of patients from New Jersey.

METHODS

Based on health care claims data, we identified three groups of at-risk beneficiaries, including women >or=65 (n=8,283), men and women >or=45 with a fracture (n=740), and men and women >or=45 taking chronic oral glucocorticoids (n=616). As the outcome of interest, we determined whether beneficiaries had undergone a BMD test and/or filled a prescription for a medicine used for osteoporosis (alendronate, calcitonin, hormone therapy, etidronate, risedronate, raloxifene, teriparatide) during the period 1 September 2002-31 August 2004. We assessed the relationship between this outcome and access to BMD testing. Access was characterized using two different measures: (1) the estimated driving time between each beneficiary's residence and the nearest BMD testing center ("driving time") and (2) the number of persons >or=65 years of age per BMD testing machine ("BMD scanner ratio") for each of the 21 counties in New Jersey.

RESULTS

Of the 9,640 beneficiaries, we found that 3,104 (32%) had undergone a BMD test, 2,893 (30%) had filled a prescription for an osteoporosis medication, and 4,364 (45%) had one or both. Across the 21 counties of New Jersey, the percentage of at-risk patients who had a BMD test and/or medication for osteoporosis ranged from 38 to 52%. In models adjusted for patient factors and the clustering of patients in counties, driving time was not associated with patients being screened or treated for osteoporosis. The BMD scanner ratio was a weak predictor of osteoporosis management.

CONCLUSION

Among beneficiaries of one large health insurer in New Jersey, two different measures of access to BMD testing were not important predictors of receiving testing and/or medications for osteoporosis.

Changes of brachial flow-mediated vasodilation in different ischemic stroke subtypes

The relationship between endothelial dysfunction and stroke subtypes is unclear. We prospectively measured brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in 143 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 40 controls. The overall stroke patients had impaired FMD, but only lacunar infarction had significantly impaired FMD vs the controls. Impaired FMD was an independent predictor for lacunar infarction. Ischemic stroke is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is more conspicuous in lacunar infarction.

Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase in infantile-onset Pompe disease

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an open-label, multinational, multicenter study examining the safety and efficacy of recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase (rhGAA) in treatment of infantile-onset Pompe disease.

STUDY DESIGN

We enrolled 8 infant patients who had Pompe disease with GAA activity <1% of normal, cardiomyopathy, and hypotonia. In the 52-week initial phase, rhGAA was infused intravenously at 10 mg/kg weekly; an extension phase continued survivors' treatment with 10 to 20 mg/kg of rhGAA weekly or 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks for as long as 153 weeks. Safety measurements included adverse events, laboratory tests, and anti-rhGAA antibody titers. Efficacy evaluations included survival, ventilator use, echocardiograms, growth, and motor and cognitive function.

RESULT

After 52 weeks of treatment, 6 of 8 patients were alive, and 5 patients were free of invasive ventilator support. Clinical improvements included ameliorated cardiomyopathy and improved growth and cognition. Five patients acquired new motor milestones; 3 patients walked independently. Four patients died after the initial study phase; the median age at death or treatment withdrawal for all patients was 21.7 months, significantly later than expected for patients who were not treated. Treatment was safe and well tolerated; no death was drug-related.

CONCLUSION

rhGAA improved ventilator-free survival, cardiomyopathy, growth, and motor function in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease compared with outcomes expected for patients without treatment.

Association study of genetic polymorphisms of SLC2A10 gene and type 2 diabetes in the Taiwanese population

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The gene encoding solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter, member 10 (SLC2A10, previously known as glucose transporter 10 [GLUT10]) is a promising candidate gene for type 2 diabetes since it is highly expressed in liver and pancreas and is located on human chromosome region 20q12-q13.1, a region previously shown to harbour type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes. We investigated whether the SLC2A10 gene could be a type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene in the Taiwanese population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sequencing of SLC2A10 gene from 48 diabetic subjects detected short tandem repeat polymorphisms in the promoter region, but did not detect any other sequence variants or new single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) other than those already in the SNPper database ( http://snpper.chip.org ) (30 June 2005).

RESULTS

Using these genetic polymorphisms, we divided the SLC2A10 gene into four distinct linkage disequilibrium blocks and performed a case-control association study in a group of type 2 diabetes subjects (n = 375) and normoglycaemic individuals (n=377). The HapD (A-G-T-C) haplotype in block 3, a rare haplotype, which consisted of four SNPs (rs3092412, rs2235491, rs2425904 and rs1059217), was modestly associated with type 2 diabetes with a haplotype score of -2.95567 (p = 0.012 with the haplotype-specific test).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that SLC2A10 genetic variations do not appear to be major determinants for type 2 diabetes susceptibility in the Taiwanese population.

Early, sustained efficacy of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene therapy in glycogen storage disease type Ia

The deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) underlies life-threatening hypoglycemia and growth retardation in glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia). An adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding G6Pase was pseudotyped as AAV8 and administered to 2-week-old GSD-Ia mice (n = 9). Median survival was prolonged to 7 months following vector administration, in contrast to untreated GSD-Ia mice that survived for only 2 weeks. Although GSD-Ia mice were initially growth-retarded, treated mice increased fourfold in weight to normal size. Blood glucose was partially corrected by 2 weeks following treatment, whereas blood cholesterol normalized. Glucose-6-phosphatase activity was partially corrected to 25% of the normal level at 7 months of age in treated mice, and blood glucose during fasting remained lower in treated, affected mice than in normal mice. Glycogen storage was partially corrected in the liver by 2 weeks following treatment, but reaccumulated to pre-treatment levels by 7 months old (m.o.). Vector genome DNA decreased between 3 days and 3 weeks in the liver following vector administration, mainly through the loss of single-stranded genomes; however, double-stranded vector genomes were more stable. Although CD8+ lymphocytic infiltrates were present in the liver, partial biochemical correction was sustained at 7 m.o. The development of efficacious AAV vector-mediated gene therapy could significantly reduce the impact of long-term complications in GSD-Ia, including hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia and growth failure.

Ambulatory electrocardiogram analysis in infants treated with recombinant human acid α-glucosidase enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease

PURPOSE

Infantile Pompe disease is caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase. Trials with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) show a decrease in left ventricular mass and improved function. We evaluated 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms (ECGs) at baseline and during ERT in patients with infantile Pompe disease.

METHODS

Thirty-two ambulatory ECGs were evaluated for 12 patients with infantile Pompe disease from 2003 to 2005. Patients had a median age of 7.4 months (2.9-37.8 months) at initiation of ERT. Ambulatory ECGs were obtained at determined intervals and analyzed.

RESULTS

Significant ectopy was present in 2 of 12 patients. Patient 1 had 211 and 229 premature ventricular contractions (0.2% of heart beats) at baseline and at 11.5 weeks of ERT, respectively. Patient 2 had 10,445 premature ventricular contractions (6.7% of heart beats) at 11 weeks of therapy.

CONCLUSION

Infantile Pompe disease may have preexisting ectopy; it may also develop during the course of ERT. Therefore, routinely monitoring patients using 24-hour ambulatory ECGs is useful. Periods of highest risk may be early in the course of ERT when there is a substantial decrease in left ventricular mass and an initial decrease in ejection fraction.

Electrocardiographic response to enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease

PURPOSE

Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are universal in infantile Pompe disease or glycogen storage disease type II, a fatal genetic muscle disorder caused by deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). Hallmarks of this disease include a shortened PR interval, an increased QT dispersion (QTd), and large left ventricular (LV) voltages. We evaluated the effect of recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on these ECG parameters in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease.

METHODS

A total of 134 ECGs were evaluated from 19 patients (5 females and 14 males) with a median age of 5.5 months at the time of enrollment in open-label clinical trials exploring the safety and efficacy of ERT at a single center from 1999 to 2004. rhGAA was purified from genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary cells overproducing GAA and infused intravenously at doses ranging from 10 mg/kg per week to 20 to 40 mg/kg every 2 weeks in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. The PR interval, QTd (longest to shortest QT), and LV voltage (SV1 + RV6) were blindly determined by two independent observers.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 6 months (range 2-30 months). The PR interval lengthened from 83 (42-110) ms to 107 (95-130) ms (P < .001), and the QTd decreased from 83 (40-125) ms to 53 (20-80) ms (P = .003). There were significant decreases in LV voltage (67 [17-83] mV vs. 48 [18-77] mV, P = .03), which correlated with decrease in LV mass on two-dimensional echocardiogram. There was no evident change in the QTc interval (429 [390-480] ms vs. 413 [370-450] ms, P = not significant).

CONCLUSION

rhGAA ERT for infantile Pompe disease results in an increase in PR interval and a decrease in both the QTd and the LV voltage. These results suggest that these ECG parameters may be useful markers of the severity of cardiac disease and the response to ERT treatment in patients with infantile Pompe disease.

Evasion of immune responses to introduced human acid alpha-glucosidase by liver-restricted expression in glycogen storage disease type II

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II; Pompe disease) is caused by a deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA; acid maltase) and manifests as muscle weakness, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and respiratory failure. Adeno-associated virus vectors containing either a liver-specific promoter (LSP) (AAV-LSPhGAApA) or a hybrid CB promoter (AAV-CBhGAApA) to drive human GAA expression were pseudotyped as AAV8 and administered to immunocompetent GAA-knockout mice. Secreted hGAA was detectable in plasma between 1 day and 12 weeks postadministration with AAV-LSPhGAApA and only from 1 to 8 days postadministration for AAV-CBGAApA. No anti-GAA antibodies were detected in response to AAV-LSPhGAApA (<1:200), whereas AAV-CBhGAApA provoked an escalating antibody response starting 2 weeks postadministration. The LSP drove approximately 60-fold higher GAA expression than the CB promoter in the liver by 12 weeks following vector administration. Furthermore, the detected cellular immunity was provoked by AAV-CBhGAApA, as detected by ELISpot and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte immunodetection. GAA activity was increased to higher than normal and glycogen content was reduced to essentially normal levels in the heart and skeletal muscle following administration of AAV-LSPhGAApA. Therefore, liver-restricted GAA expression with an AAV vector evaded immunity and enhanced efficacy in GSD-II mice.

Amylopectinosis disease isolated to the heart with normal glycogen branching enzyme activity and gene sequence

We report a 17-month-old female patient with a rare cause of cardiomyopathy secondary to accumulation of amylopectin-like material (fibrillar glycogen) isolated to the heart. Evidence of amylopectinosis isolated to cardiac myocytes in this patient was demonstrated by histology and electron microscopy. Glycogen content, glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) activity, as well as phosphofructokinase enzyme activities measured in liver, skeletal muscle, fibroblasts and ex-transplanted heart tissue were all in the normal to lower normal ranges. Normal skeletal muscle and liver tissue histology and GBE activity, normal GBE activity in skin fibroblasts, plus normal GBE gene sequence in this patient exclude the classical branching enzyme deficiency (type IV GSD). We believe that this is an as yet uncharacterized and novel phenotype of GSD associated with cardiomyopathy, in which there is an imbalance in the regulation of glycogen metabolism limited to the heart.

Improved efficacy of gene therapy approaches for Pompe disease using a new, immune-deficient GSD-II mouse model

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II) is a lysosomal storage disorder in which the lack of human acid-alpha glucosidase (hGAA) activity results in massive accumulations of glycogen in cardiac and skeletal muscle fibers. Affected individuals die of cardiorespiratory failure secondary to the skeletal and/or cardiac muscle involvement. Recombinant hGAA enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is currently in clinical trials and, although promising, ERT may be limited by large-scale production issues and/or the need for frequent infusions. These limitations could be circumvented or augmented by gene therapy strategies. Previous findings in our lab demonstrated that hepatic targeting of a modified adenovirus vector expressing human GAA was able to correct the glycogen accumulation in multiple affected muscles in the GAA-KO mice, by virtue of high-level, hepatic secretion of hGAA. However, although the vector persisted and expressed hGAA for 6 months in the liver, plasma hGAA was not detectable beyond 10 dpi (days postinjection), and reaccumulation of glycogen was observed. Two possibilities may have contributed to this phenomenon, the shut down of the CMV promoter and/or the onset of high levels of anti-hGAA antibodies. In order to test these and other possibilities, we have now developed an immune-deficient mouse model of GSD-II by interbreeding GAA-KO mice with severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice, generating double knockout, GAA-KO/SCID mice. In this new mouse model, we evaluated the efficacy of an [E1-, polymerase-] AdhGAA vector, in the absence of anti-hGAA antibody responses. After intravenous injection, GAA detection in the plasma was prolonged for at least 6 months secondary to the lack of anti-hGAA antibody production in all of the treated mice. GAA-KO/SCID mice treated with high doses of viral vector demonstrated longer durations of glycogen correction in both skeletal and cardiac muscles, relative to mice injected with lower doses of the vector. Notably, within 2 weeks of vector injection, muscle strength and coordination was normalized, and the improved muscle function persisted for at least 6 months. In summary, this new mouse model of GSD-II now makes it possible to assess the full potential for efficacy of any GAA-expressing vector (and/or ERT) contemplated for use in GSD-II gene therapy, without the negative influence that anti-hGAA antibodies entail.

Hypertension and impaired glycine handling in mice lacking the orphan transporter XT2

A family of orphan transporters has been discovered that are structurally related to the Na(+)-Cl(-)-dependent neurotransmitter transporters, including the dopamine transporter. One member of this family, the mouse XT2 gene, is predominantly expressed in the kidney and has 95% homology to rat ROSIT (renal osmotic stress-induced Na(+)-Cl(-) organic solute cotransporter). To study the physiological functions of this transporter, we generated XT2-knockout mice by gene targeting. XT2(-/-) mice develop and survive normally with no apparent abnormalities. To attempt to identify potential substrates for XT2, we screened urine from XT2-knockout mice by high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry and found significantly elevated concentrations of glycine. To study glycine handling, XT2(+/+) and XT2(-/-) mice were injected with radiolabeled glycine, and urine samples were collected to monitor glycine excretion. After 2 h, XT2(-/-) mice were found to excrete almost twice as much glycine as the XT2(+/+) controls (P = 0.03). To determine whether the absence of the XT2 transporter affected sodium and fluid homeostasis, we measured systolic blood pressure by computerized tail-cuff manometry. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in XT2(-/-) mice (127 +/- 3 mmHg) than in wild-type controls (114 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.001). This difference in systolic blood pressure was maintained on high and low salt feeding. To examine whether the alteration in blood pressure and the defect in glycine handling were related, we measured systolic blood pressure in the XT2(-/-) mice during dietary glycine supplementation. Glycine loading caused systolic blood pressure to fall in the XT2(-/-) mice from 127 +/- 3 to 115 +/- 3 mmHg (P < 0.001), a level virtually identical to that of the wild-type controls. These data suggest that the XT2 orphan transporter is involved in glycine reabsorption and that the absence of this transporter is sufficient to cause hypertension.

[Isoelectric focusing analysis of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolex antigens]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the components of the crude antigens of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces.

METHODS

Isoelectric focusing was carried out to fractionate the protein components of E. multilocularis protoscoleces. The individual fractions were collected and subjected to SDS-PAGE, the gels were analyzed by a gel analysis system.

RESULTS

The pI values of individual fractions varied from 4.0 to 8.5, while the molecule weights of main protein bands were 72/73, 62/63, 42/44, 35/36, 34 and 21/22 kDa.

CONCLUSION

An alternative separation method of crude antigens of Echinococcus multilocularis was established.

Arsenic trioxide in comparison with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukaemia

BACKGROUND

The best overall treatment strategy for patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in relapse with chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) based therapy remains undefined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical course and treatment outcome of 143 APL cases seen in four major hospitals in Hong Kong over a 10-year period.

RESULTS

Complete remission (CR) was attained in 113 cases (79%) with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy. Relapse occurred at a median of 16 months in 54 cases, with a 3-year disease free survival of 56%. Post-relapse treatment was successful in 41 cases (76%), giving an actuarial 3-year overall survival (OS) of 81% from CR1. Three different protocols were used: chemotherapy alone (n = 19), allogeneic BMT (n = 14) and an As(2)O(3)-based regimen (n = 21). Chemotherapy was associated with the highest treatment-related mortality (TRM) at 53%, giving a CR2 rate of 47%. TRM was 36% for BMT. The CR2 rate for the As(2)O(3)-based regimen was 100%, with no TRM. However, 38% of As(2)O(3) treated patients had subsequent relapses, which were further salvaged in 75% by combined As(2)O(3) plus ATRA. The actuarial OS for the three protocols leveled off by 2 years at 82% for As(2)O(3), 43% for BMT and 23% for chemotherapy (P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that As(2)O(3) may be superior to chemotherapy and BMT for the treatment of APL in relapse.

Multiple muscles in the AMD quail can be "cross-corrected" of pathologic glycogen accumulation after intravenous injection of an [E1-, polymerase-] adenovirus vector encoding human acid-alpha-glucosidase

BACKGROUND

Previously, in murine models of acid maltase deficiency (AMD), we demonstrated that intravenous administration of an improved adenovirus (Ad) vector encoding human acid alpha glucosidase (hGAA) resulted in liver transduction, followed by high-level hepatocyte-mediated secretion of hGAA into the plasma space. The hGAA secreted by the liver was taken up and targeted to muscle cell lysosomes. The levels of hGAA achieved by this approach resulted in clearance of lysosomal glycogen accumulations; in some muscle tissues the effect was prolonged (>6 months). We next wished to demonstrate whether this approach could be generalized across divergent species. To accomplish this goal, we determined whether a similar approach would also result in efficacy, but in a quail model of AMD.

METHODS

An [E1-, E2b-]Ad vector encoding hGAA was intravenously injected into AMD quails. At several time points thereafter, plasma, liver, and multiple muscle tissues were assayed for evidence of hGAA gene expression, liver-mediated hGAA secretion, uptake of hGAA by skeletal muscles, and evidence of glycogen correction in AMD skeletal muscles. These results were compared with those obtained from mock-injected AMD or wild-type quails.

RESULTS

Intravenous [E1-, E2b-]Ad/hGAA vector injection resulted in high-level liver transduction and hepatic secretion of precursor forms of hGAA. The hepatically secreted hGAA was found to not only be efficiently taken up by cardiac and skeletal muscles, but was also proteolytically cleaved and processed equivalently to the quail-GAA protein detected in wild-type quails. The observations suggest that the signals regulating muscle cell uptake (but not proteolytic cleavage) of lysosomal enzymes are conserved and recognized across divergent species of vertebrates. Importantly, once localized to skeletal muscle lysosomes, the hGAA was able to effectively clear the glycogen accumulations present in AMD quail muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenovirus-mediated transduction of the hGAA gene, followed by hepatic secretion, uptake, and cross-correction of the pathologic glycogen accumulation noted in multiple muscles of both the AMD mouse and AMD quail, adds support to the notion that gene transfer strategies (Ad-mediated or other agents) targeting liver tissues with the hGAA gene are likely to be highly efficacious in humans affected by AMD.

Consolidation therapy with autologous blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with primary plasma cell leukaemia

Primary plasma cell leukaemia (PPCL) is a rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia. Conventional melphalan-based treatment is often ineffective, with a reported median survival of 2-7 months only. We report a 53-year-old man with PPCL who was treated with four cycles of combination chemotherapy including vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone that resulted in a good partial remission. High-dose melphalan 200 mg/m2 and autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) rescue was then given 6 months after diagnosis. Maintenance interferon-alpha was started 8 weeks after transplantation with good drug compliance. Complete remission was achieved and molecular remission was documented 11 months after autologous PBSC transplantation. In conclusion, high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue is a feasible option for PPCL that can result in a reasonably sustained remission.

Investigation of Notch3 as a candidate gene for bipolar disorder using brain hyperintensities as an endophenotype

The purpose of the study was to consider MRI hyperintensities as a potential endophenotype for bipolar disorder (BPD) and to investigate Notch3 (CADASIL) as a candidate gene for BPD. MRI scans were performed on 21 members of a family with a high incidence of BPD. Two-point and multipoint linkage analyses were performed and two exons of Notch3 were investigated with SSCP. Fifteen of 21 family members had MRI hyperintensities, including all bipolar patients and six family members with no affective illness. Two-point linkage analysis yielded negative results for all models. Multipoint linkage analysis yielded negative results except for Model 1a, in which a maximal LOD score was -1.24. A mutation screen of Exons 3 and 4 was negative. Notch3 does not appear to be a candidate gene for BPD in this family.