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Mann RH. Impaired Thiamine Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Its Potential Treatment With Benfotiamine: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e40511. [PMID: 37333039 PMCID: PMC10274516 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Homogenates of brain tissue from the frontal cortex at autopsy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) showed dramatically reduced levels of the enzyme thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) to thiamine monophosphate (TMP). Additionally, free thiamine (vitamin B1) and TMP levels have been shown to be significantly reduced in the plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of patients with ALS. These findings suggest that there is impaired thiamine metabolism in patients with ALS. Impaired thiamine metabolism decreases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and is a well-established cause of neurodegeneration. Decreased levels of TPPase, resulting in decreased levels of TMP in the cells of the frontal cortex, might account for the focal neurodegenerative changes observed in motor neurons in ALS. Benfotiamine, a safe, lipid-soluble, highly absorbable thiamine analogue, significantly raises free thiamine, TMP, and TPP levels in the blood. A case in which benfotiamine may have positively impacted the symptoms of a patient with ALS is presented. The use of benfotiamine in patients with ALS appears to be a promising therapeutic option. Considering the severity and the lack of satisfactory treatment options associated with this disease, more research on the effects of benfotiamine on the course of ALS is urgently needed.
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Mantle D, Hargreaves IP. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Role of Nutritional Supplementation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12603. [PMID: 36293457 PMCID: PMC9604531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multisystem atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. This article is concerned specifically with mitochondrial dysfunction as defined by reduced capacity for ATP production, the role of depleted levels of key nutritionally related metabolites, and the potential benefit of supplementation with specific nutrients of relevance to normal mitochondrial function in the above neurodegenerative disorders. The article provides a rationale for a combination of CoQ10, B-vitamins/NADH, L-carnitine, vitamin D, and alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of the above neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iain Parry Hargreaves
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Merseyside L3 5UX, UK
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Bedlack RS, Joyce N, Carter GT, Paganoni S, Karam C. Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2015; 33:909-36. [PMID: 26515629 PMCID: PMC4712627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Given the severity of their illness and lack of effective disease-modifying agents, it is not surprising that most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) consider trying complementary and alternative therapies. Some of the most commonly considered alternative therapies include special diets, nutritional supplements, cannabis, acupuncture, chelation, and energy healing. This article reviews these in detail. The authors also describe 3 models by which physicians may frame discussions about alternative therapies: paternalism, autonomy, and shared decision making. Finally, the authors review a program called ALSUntangled, which uses shared decision making to review alternative therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27702, USA.
| | - Nanette Joyce
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4860 Y Street Suite 3850, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Gregory T Carter
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute, 711 South Cowley, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston VA Health Care System, Harvard Medical School, Massachussets General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chafic Karam
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 170 Manning Drive, Campus Box 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7025, USA
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Karam CY, Paganoni S, Joyce N, Carter GT, Bedlack R. Palliative Care Issues in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Evidenced-Based Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2014; 33:84-92. [PMID: 25202033 DOI: 10.1177/1049909114548719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As palliative care physicians become increasingly involved in the care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), they will be asked to provide guidance regarding the use of supplements, diet, exercise, and other common preventive medicine interventions. Moreover, palliative care physicians have a crucial role assisting patients with ALS in addressing health care decisions to maximize quality of life and cope with a rapidly disabling disease. It is therefore important for palliative care physicians to be familiar with commonly encountered palliative care issues in ALS. This article provides an evidenced-based review of palliative care options not usually addressed in national and international ALS guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chafic Y Karam
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Boston VA Healthcare System
| | - Nanette Joyce
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neuromuscular Section, University of California, Davis Medical School, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gregory T Carter
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation St Luke's Rehabilitation Institute, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Richard Bedlack
- Duke University School of Medicine, and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Tallaksen CME, Berg JE. Miglustat therapy in juvenile Sandhoff disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2009; 32 Suppl 1:S289-93. [PMID: 19898953 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-009-1224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
GM(2)-gangliosidosis is a rare and heterogeneous inherited metabolic disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in genes encoding the lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase, resulting in the accumulation of ganglioside GM(2) in various tissues, particularly the central nervous system. It is characterized by progressive neurological deterioration that mainly affects motor and spinocerebellar function. Several forms of GM(2)-gangliosidosis exist, including the Sandhoff variant. Currently there is no treatment for these conditions, except for palliative care. Miglustat (Zavesca) is a reversible inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, which catalyses the first committed step in the synthesis of glucose-based glycolipids. Miglustat has pharmacokinetic properties that allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier, and preclinical data suggest that it may benefit neuronopathic lysosomal storage diseases. Here we present a case report of a Norwegian patient with Sandhoff disease treated with miglustat at our centre in Norway. The patient initially presented with ataxia and dysarthria at 2-3 years of age, which progressed slowly during childhood. At age 14, he experienced episodes of depression and apathy, leading to weight loss. He was diagnosed with Sandhoff disease at age 16. Following 2.5 years of treatment with miglustat, his body weight was stabilized and disease progression appeared to have slowed, as evidenced by the lack of progressive brain atrophy. His depressive symptoms were managed using electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), which improved general functioning. These findings suggest that miglustat may provide beneficial effects in patients with juvenile Sandhoff disease, and that ECT may alleviate depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M E Tallaksen
- Department of Neurology, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0407, Oslo, Norway.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate thiamin and its phosphoester content in plasma and erythrocytes for a complete picture of thiamin status in obese individuals. DESIGN Comparative study of the thiamin status of obese vs normal individuals. SUBJECTS In all, 10 healthy, overweight, fertile age women (age: 33.1+/-5.1 y; BMI: 47.0+/-0.2 kg/m(2)) and 10 normal women (age: 30.1+/-3.5 y; BMI: 22.8+/-0.2 kg/m(2)). METHODS a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of thiamin and its phosphoesters in the plasma and erythrocytes of the subjects. RESULTS The major findings were: (1) significant decrease of plasma thiamin, its monophosphate and total thiamin contents in obese vs normal women; (2) significant decrease of thiamin pyrophosphate ester and total thiamin content in obese vs normal women; (3) significant increase in plasma thiamin/thiamin monophosphate ratio (in practice, it was inverted) and corresponding decrease of the plasma thiamin monophosphate/erythrocytes thiamin pyrophosphate ratio in obese vs normal women, where plasma thiamin monophosphate and erythrocytes thiamin pyrophosphate contents are an index of thiamin status. CONCLUSIONS This study advances the hypothesis that obese women maintain higher levels of thiamin compared to normal weight subjects by storing greater amounts of thiamin in cells through preferential intracellular thiamin recycling to compensate for relatively lower levels of thiamin.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Patrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section for Human Physiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Mastrogiacomo F, Bergeron C, Kish SJ. Brain alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activity in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 1993; 61:2007-14. [PMID: 8245957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1993.tb07436.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We measured the activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (alpha-KGDHC), a rate-limiting Krebs cycle enzyme, in postmortem brain samples from 38 controls and 30 neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases, in both the presence and absence of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the enzyme's cofactor. Statistically significant correlations between brain pH and lactate levels and alpha-KGDHC activity in the controls were observed, suggesting an influence of agonal status on the activity of alpha-KGDHC. As compared with the controls, mean alpha-KGDHC activity, with added TPP, was significantly (p < 0.005) reduced in AD brain in frontal (-56%), temporal (-60%), and parietal (-68%) cortices, with the reductions (-25 to -53%) in the occipital cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and caudate failing to reach statistical significance. In the absence of exogenously administered TPP, mean alpha-KGDHC activity was reduced to a slightly greater extent in all seven AD brain areas (-39 to -83%), with the reductions now reaching statistical significance in the four cerebral cortical areas and hippocampus. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between alpha-KGDHC activity and neurofibrillary tangle count in AD parietal cortex, the brain area exhibiting the most marked reduction in enzyme activity; this suggests that the enzyme activity reduction in AD brain may be related to the disease process and severity. In each brain area examined, TPP produced a greater stimulatory effect on alpha-KGDHC activity in the AD group (23-280% mean stimulation) as compared with the controls (-4 to +50%); this TPP effect could be explained by reduced endogenous TPP levels in AD brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mastrogiacomo
- Human Neurochemical Pathology Laboratory, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Laforenza U, Patrini C, Poloni M, Mazzarello P, Ceroni M, Gajdusek DC, Garruto RM. Thiamin mono- and pyrophosphatase activities from brain homogenate of Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia patients. J Neurol Sci 1992; 109:156-61. [PMID: 1321889 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(92)90162-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Thiamin-pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and thiamin-monophosphatase (TMPase) were determined using a spectrophotometric method at various pH values (5.5, 7.5, and 9.0) in brain tissue obtained at autopsy from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism-dementia (PD) patients from Guam and from Guamanian patients who died from other diseases (controls). TPPase separation by thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (IEF) was also performed using both gray and white matter. TPPase content, chemically determined at pH 9.0, was found to be significantly reduced in the frontal cortex of ALS and PD patients compared to controls. TMPase content, on the contrary, was unchanged. IEF analysis showed 9 clear-cut bands with TPPase activity in the pH range 5.4-7.2 and a broad band at pH 4.7-5.2. The enzymatic activity was higher in gray than in white matter. In one patient the pattern was clearly different, with two additional bands observed at pH 7.1 and 6.7, and thought to be due to genetic microheterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Laforenza
- Institute of Human Physiology, University of Pavia, Italy
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Sillevis Smitt PA, de Jong JM. Animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the spinal muscular atrophies. J Neurol Sci 1989; 91:231-58. [PMID: 2671267 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(89)90056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The causes of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) are, almost without exception, unknown. This ignorance has stimulated the search for animal models to obtain insight into the etiology, pathogenesis and biochemical mechanisms underlying the human disorders. None of the 38 animal models, described in this review, provides an exact animal copy of a specific human motor neuron disease. Most of the models reproduce certain structural or physiological aspects of their human counterparts. The various experimental models can be classified according to the pathogenetic mechanism involved and according to the structural changes observed. Models based on experimentally induced disease, include heavy metals and trace elements (lead intoxication in guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, cats and primates; mercury intoxication in rats; aluminium intoxication in rabbits; swayback in goat kids; calcium and magnesium deficient rabbits and primates and calcium deficient cynomolgus monkeys), toxins (IDPN, vincristine, vinblastine, podophyllotoxin, colchicine, maytansine, maytanprine, L-BMAA, lectins, adriamycin), nutritional factors (ascorbic acid deficient guinea pigs), virus infection (spongiform polioencephalomyelitis, attenuated poliovirus, lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus), and immunological factors (immunization with motor neurons). Hereditary models comprise hereditary canine spinal muscular atrophy, hereditary neurogenic amyotrophy in the pointer dog, Stockard paralysis, Swedish Lapland dog paralysis, "wobbler" mouse, "shaker" calf, and hereditary spinal muscular atrophy in zebra foals, crossbred rabbits,
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Patrini C, Reggiani C, Laforenza U, Rindi G. Blood-brain transport of thiamine monophosphate in the rat: a kinetic study in vivo. J Neurochem 1988; 50:90-3. [PMID: 3335853 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1988.tb13234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To calculate the kinetic parameters of thiamine monophosphate transport across the rat blood-brain barrier in vivo, different doses of a [35S]thiamine monophosphate preparation with a specific activity of 14.8 mCi.mmol-1 were injected in the femoral vein and the radioactivity was measured in arterial femoral blood and in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, pons, and medulla 20 s after the injection. This short experimental time was used to prevent thiamine monophosphate hydrolysis. Thiamine monophosphate was transported into the nervous tissue by a saturable mechanism. The maximal transport rate (Jmax) and the half-saturation concentration (Km) equaled 27-39 pmol.g-1.min-1 and 2.6-4.8 microM, respectively. When compared with that of thiamine, thiamine monophosphate transport seemed to be characterized by a lower affinity and a lower maximal influx rate. At physiological plasma concentrations, thiamine monophosphate transport rate ranged from 2.06 to 4.90 pmol.g-1.min-1, thus representing a significant component of thiamine supply to nervous tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Patrini
- Institute of Human Physiology, University of Pavia, Italy
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McLane JA, Khan T, Held IR. Increased axonal transport in peripheral nerves of thiamine-deficient rats. Exp Neurol 1987; 95:482-91. [PMID: 2433148 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4886(87)90154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Thiamine deficiency has been implicated as a significant contributing factor in the development of peripheral neuropathies in chronic alcoholic patients. We hypothesized that thiamine deficiency may lead to an alteration in axonal transport because it has been associated with "dying-back" neuropathies and its importance in neural tissue has been demonstrated with antimetabolites. To test this possibility rats were made thiamine-deficient by feeding a liquid diet lacking thiamine. Control rats were pair-fed a complete liquid diet. The deficiency developed after 3 to 4 weeks and was evidenced by anorexia, weight-loss, and a significant increase in the erythrocyte transketolase activity ratio. Also, the sural nerve conduction velocity was found to be significantly reduced in these animals (18.74 m/s) relative to that of pair-fed control rats (31.99 m/s). In vitro transport experiments utilizing dorsal root ganglia-sciatic nerve preparations indicated that twice as much [35S]methionine-labeled protein accumulated at a ligation by fast transport in the thiamine-deficient rats as in nerves of their pair-fed controls. There was no difference in the level of incorporation of radioactive precursor into the dorsal root ganglia. The increase in transport suggests that thiamine deficiency per se has no detrimental effects on the transport machinery and process, but may indicate extensive regenerative activity in the distal portions of these axons.
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Pinelli P. The electromyographic, physiopathogenetic evaluation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1987; 209:83-7. [PMID: 3577936 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4684-5302-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Poloni M, Mazzarello P, Patrini C, Pinelli P. Inversion of T/TMP ratio in ALS: a specific finding? ITALIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES 1986; 7:333-5. [PMID: 3015835 DOI: 10.1007/bf02340871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Thiamine (T) and thiamine monophosphate (TMP) levels were determined by an electrophoretic fluorometric method in the CSF of patients with typical sporadic ALS (50 cases), in other motor neuron diseases (MND) (14 cases) and in patients with upper and/or lower motor neuron lesions of varying origin (disseminated sclerosis, polyneuropathy, spondylotic myelopathy). T/TMP ratio was greater than or equal to 1 in a high percentage of patients with typical sporadic ALS (94%), in 35.7% of cases with other MND, while it was below 1 in the all other patients. The decrease of TMP with the inversion of the T/TMP ratio is a finding highly specific to typical sporadic ALS.
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Abstract
The pathogenesis of the motor neuronal degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear, though several possible etiological factors are currently being investigated. A unifying hypothesis will have to explain the diverse geographical occurrence, clinical features, and selective vulnerability and relative resistance of different neuronal populations in the disease. It is possible that different biochemical defects underlie this diversity, or alternatively that the many factors incriminated in the etiology may act upon an underlying genetic-biochemical abnormality to trigger premature neuronal death. Viruses, metals, endogenous toxins, immune dysfunction, endocrine abnormalities, impaired DNA repair, altered axonal transport, and trauma have all been etiologically linked with ALS, but convincing research evidence of a causative role for any of these factors is yet to be demonstrated.
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