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Panis B, Vos EN, Barić I, Bosch AM, Brouwers MCGJ, Burlina A, Cassiman D, Coman DJ, Couce ML, Das AM, Demirbas D, Empain A, Gautschi M, Grafakou O, Grunewald S, Kingma SDK, Knerr I, Leão-Teles E, Möslinger D, Murphy E, Õunap K, Pané A, Paci S, Parini R, Rivera IA, Scholl-Bürgi S, Schwartz IVD, Sdogou T, Shakerdi LA, Skouma A, Stepien KM, Treacy EP, Waisbren S, Berry GT, Rubio-Gozalbo ME. Brain function in classic galactosemia, a galactosemia network (GalNet) members review. Front Genet 2024; 15:1355962. [PMID: 38425716 PMCID: PMC10902464 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1355962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Classic galactosemia (CG, OMIM #230400, ORPHA: 79,239) is a hereditary disorder of galactose metabolism that, despite treatment with galactose restriction, affects brain function in 85% of the patients. Problems with cognitive function, neuropsychological/social emotional difficulties, neurological symptoms, and abnormalities in neuroimaging and electrophysiological assessments are frequently reported in this group of patients, with an enormous individual variability. In this review, we describe the role of impaired galactose metabolism on brain dysfunction based on state of the art knowledge. Several proposed disease mechanisms are discussed, as well as the time of damage and potential treatment options. Furthermore, we combine data from longitudinal, cross-sectional and retrospective studies with the observations of specialist teams treating this disease to depict the brain disease course over time. Based on current data and insights, the majority of patients do not exhibit cognitive decline. A subset of patients, often with early onset cerebral and cerebellar volume loss, can nevertheless experience neurological worsening. While a large number of patients with CG suffer from anxiety and depression, the increased complaints about memory loss, anxiety and depression at an older age are likely multifactorial in origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Panis
- Department of Pediatrics, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - E. Naomi Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ivo Barić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia, and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Annet M. Bosch
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn C. G. J. Brouwers
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Alberto Burlina
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Reference Centre Expanded Newborn Screening, University Hospital Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - David Cassiman
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David J. Coman
- Queensland Children’s Hospital, Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - María L. Couce
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Diagnosis and Treatment Unit of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, IDIS-Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, CIBERER, RICORS Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Anibh M. Das
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Department of Paediatrics, Pediatric Metabolic Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Didem Demirbas
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aurélie Empain
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Department of Paediatrics, Metabolic and Nutrition Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital for Children Queen Fabiola, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Matthias Gautschi
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Swiss Reference Centre for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Site Bern, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olga Grafakou
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- IEM Clinic, Arch Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stephanie Grunewald
- Metabolic Unit Great Ormond Street Hospital and Institute for Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra D. K. Kingma
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ina Knerr
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elisa Leão-Teles
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Reference Centre of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dorothea Möslinger
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elaine Murphy
- Charles Dent Metabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), London, United Kingdom
| | - Katrin Õunap
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Adriana Pané
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Paci
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital - ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella Parini
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, San Gerardo Hospital IRCCS, Monza, Italy
| | - Isabel A. Rivera
- iMed.ULisboa–Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sabine Scholl-Bürgi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Division of Pediatrics I-Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ida V. D. Schwartz
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Triantafyllia Sdogou
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Newborn Screening Department, Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Loai A. Shakerdi
- Adult Metabolics/Genetics, National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anastasia Skouma
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- Newborn Screening Department, Institute of Child Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Karolina M. Stepien
- Salford Royal Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen P. Treacy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, National Rare Diseases Office, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Waisbren
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gerard T. Berry
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston, MA, United States
| | - M. Estela Rubio-Gozalbo
- Department of Pediatrics, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN) Member, Padova, Italy
- United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Smith NH, Hendrickson ET, Garrett OS, Chernoff RA, Orloff DH, Druss JJ, Stettner NM, Paull NH, Fridovich-Keil JL. Long-term complications in classic galactosemia are not progressive. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107708. [PMID: 37866059 PMCID: PMC10842379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Classic galactosemia (CG) is a potentially lethal genetic disorder that results from profound deficiency of galactose-1-P uridylyltransferase. Despite early detection and life-long dietary restriction of galactose, which is the current standard of care, many patients with CG grow to experience a range of long-term developmental complications that can include difficulties with speech/voice/language, cognitive, motor, and psychosocial outcomes, among other problems. That these complications are common in CG is well-documented, but whether they are also progressive has been a point of controversy for decades. Here, we addressed the question of whether long-term outcomes in CG are progressive by analyzing a robust data set in each of 4 ways. First, we compared cross-sectional Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scales scores for 101 cases and 65 unaffected sibling controls and found no evidence of consistently declining scores with age. Second, we analyzed longitudinal Vineland-3 subdomain scores for 45 cases and 34 controls to see if individual participants demonstrated developmental gains (positive slope) or losses (negative slope) over time. The changes in most growth scale value (GSV) scores, which are not normed, were positive for both cases and controls <10y, and either positive or near zero for participants ≥10y. In contrast, the slopes of most v-Scale scores, which are normed, were negative for many cases <10y, indicating that these children, while gaining milestones, were gaining them at a slower pace than their counterparts in the reference population. Third, we analyzed medical records from 76 cases, assigning ordinal scores for complications and gathering the quantitative results of relevant formal assessments where available. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of both ordinal and formal assessment scores confirmed that outcomes were mostly stable, albeit with some ups and downs in isolated cases. Finally, we analyzed data collected via custom family-response surveys from 124 cases and 67 controls regarding each participant's perceived symptom severity over time. Among cases, the percentages of respondents reporting worsening symptoms over time for speech, cognitive, motor, and psychosocial outcomes were 0.8%, 6.6%, 5.2%, and 9.8%, respectively. Among controls, the corresponding percentages were 0.0%, 1.5%, 1.5%, and 6.5%, respectively. These results provide compelling evidence that long-term developmental complications are not progressive for a majority of patients with CG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole H Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emma T Hendrickson
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Olivia S Garrett
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel A Chernoff
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Danielle H Orloff
- Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jared J Druss
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Nathan H Paull
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Procopio R, Pulido JS, Gunton KB, Syed ZA, Lee D, Moster ML, Sergott R, Neidich JA, Reynolds MM. Comparing Gene Panels for Non-Retinal Indications: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:738. [PMID: 36981008 PMCID: PMC10047970 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance: The options for genetic testing continue to grow for ocular conditions, including optic atrophy, anterior segment dysgenesis, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, nystagmus, and glaucoma. Gene panels can vary in content and coverage, as we and others have evaluated in inherited retinal disease (IRD). Objective: To describe gene panel testing options for inherited eye disease phenotypes and their differences. This review is important for making diagnostic decisions. Evidence review: A licensed, certified genetic counselor (RP) used Concert Genetics and the search terms optic atrophy, corneal dystrophy, cataract, glaucoma, anterior segment dysgenesis, microphthalmia/anophthalmia, and nystagmus to identify available testing options performed by CLIA-certified commercial genetic testing laboratories. Other co-authors were surveyed with respect to genetic panels used for the indications of interest. Ophthalmic panels were then compared using Concert Genetics in addition to their own websites. Findings: Panels from each clinical category were included and summarized. This comparison highlighted the differences and similarities between panels so that clinicians can make informed decisions. Conclusions: Access to genetic testing is increasing. The diagnostic yield of genetic testing is increasing. Each panel is different, so phenotyping or characterizing clinical characteristics that may help predict a specific genotype, as well as pre-test hypotheses regarding a genotype, should shape the choice of panels.
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Lotz-Havla AS, Christmann T, Parhofer KG, Maier EM, Havla J. Optical Coherence Tomography: Retinal Imaging Contributes to the Understanding of Brain Pathology in Classical Galactosemia. J Clin Med 2023; 12. [PMID: 36902816 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It remains unresolved whether central nervous system involvement in treated classical galactosemia (CG) is a progressive neurodegenerative process. This study aimed to investigate retinal neuroaxonal degeneration in CG as a surrogate of brain pathology. Global peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (GpRNFL) and combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were analysed in 11 CG patients and 60 controls (HC) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Visual acuity (VA) and low-contrast VA (LCVA) were acquired to test visual function. GpRNFL and GCIPL did not differ between CG and HC (p > 0.05). However, in CG, there was an effect of intellectual outcome on GCIPL (p = 0.036), and GpRNFL and GCIPL correlated with neurological rating scale scores (p < 0.05). A single-case follow-up analysis showed GpRNFL (0.53-0.83%) and GCIPL (0.52-0.85%) annual decrease beyond the normal aging effect. VA and LCVA were reduced in CG with intellectual disability (p = 0.009/0.006), likely due to impaired visual perception. These findings support that CG is not a neurodegenerative disease, but that brain damage is more likely to occur early in brain development. To clarify a minor neurodegenerative component in the brain pathology of CG, we propose multicenter cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using retinal imaging.
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Badiu Tișa I, Achim AC, Cozma-Petruț A. The Importance of Neonatal Screening for Galactosemia. Nutrients 2022; 15. [PMID: 36615667 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Galactosemia is an inborn metabolic disorder caused by a deficient activity in one of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of galactose. The first description of galactosemia in newborns dates from 1908, ever since complex research has been performed on cell and animal models to gain more insights into the molecular and clinical bases of this challenging disease. In galactosemia, the newborn appears to be born in proper health, having a window of opportunity before developing major morbidities that may even be fatal following ingestion of milk that contains galactose. Galactosemia cannot be cured, but its negative consequences on health can be avoided by establishing precocious diagnosis and treatment. All the foods that contain galactose should be eliminated from the diet when there is a suspicion of galactosemia. The neonatal screening for galactosemia can urge early diagnosis and intervention, preventing complications. All galactosemia types may be detected during the screening of newborns for this disorder. The major target is, however, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency galactosemia, which is diagnosed by applying a combination of total galactose and GALT enzyme analysis as well as, in certain programs, mutation screening. Most critically, infants who exhibit symptoms suggestive of galactosemia should undergo in-depth testing for this condition even when the newborn screening shows normal results. The decision to enroll global screening for galactosemia among the specific population still faces many challenges. In this context, the present narrative review provides an updated overview of the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of galactosemia, questioning under the dome of these aspects related to the disease the value of its neonatal monitoring.
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Rodrigues KF, Yong WTL, Bhuiyan MSA, Siddiquee S, Shah MD, Venmathi Maran BA. Current Understanding on the Genetic Basis of Key Metabolic Disorders: A Review. Biology 2022; 11:biology11091308. [PMID: 36138787 PMCID: PMC9495729 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Metabolic disorders (MD) are a challenge to healthcare systems; the emergence of the modern socio-economic system has led to a profound change in lifestyles in terms of dietary habits, exercise regimens, and behavior, all of which complement the genetic factors associated with MD. Diabetes Mellitus and Familial hypercholesterolemia are two of the 14 most widely researched MD, as they pose the greatest challenge to the public healthcare system and have an impact on productivity and the economy. Research findings have led to the development of new therapeutic molecules for the mitigation of MD as well as the invention of experimental strategies, which target the genes themselves via gene editing and RNA interference. Although these approaches may herald the emergence of a new toolbox to treat MD, the current therapeutic approaches still heavily depend on substrate reduction, dietary restrictions based on genetic factors, exercise, and the maintenance of good mental health. The development of orphan drugs for the less common MD such as Krabbe, Farber, Fabry, and Gaucher diseases, remains in its infancy, owing to the lack of investment in research and development, and this has driven the development of personalized therapeutics based on gene silencing and related technologies. Abstract Advances in data acquisition via high resolution genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms have driven the discovery of the underlying factors associated with metabolic disorders (MD) and led to interventions that target the underlying genetic causes as well as lifestyle changes and dietary regulation. The review focuses on fourteen of the most widely studied inherited MD, which are familial hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher disease, Hunter syndrome, Krabbe disease, Maple syrup urine disease, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Niemann-Pick disease, Phenylketonuria (PKU), Porphyria, Tay-Sachs disease, Wilson’s disease, Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) and Galactosemia based on genome wide association studies, epigenetic factors, transcript regulation, post-translational genetic modifications and biomarker discovery through metabolomic studies. We will delve into the current approaches being undertaken to analyze metadata using bioinformatic approaches and the emerging interventions using genome editing platforms as applied to animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Francis Rodrigues
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (K.F.R.); (B.A.V.M.); Tel.: +60-16-2096905 (B.A.V.M.)
| | - Wilson Thau Lym Yong
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Muhammad Dawood Shah
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (K.F.R.); (B.A.V.M.); Tel.: +60-16-2096905 (B.A.V.M.)
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Fridovich-Keil JL, Berry GT. Pathophysiology of long-term complications in classic galactosemia: What we do and do not know. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:33-39. [PMID: 35882174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite many decades of research involving both human subjects and model systems, the underlying pathophysiology of long-term complications in classic galactosemia (CG) remains poorly understood. In this review, intended for those already familiar with galactosemia, we focus on the big questions relating to outcomes, mechanism, and markers, drawing on relevant literature where available, attempting to navigate inconsistencies where they appear, and acknowledging gaps in knowledge where they persist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard T Berry
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Hagen-Lillevik S, Johnson J, Siddiqi A, Persinger J, Hale G, Lai K. Harnessing the Power of Purple Sweet Potato Color and Myo-Inositol to Treat Classic Galactosemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158654. [PMID: 35955788 PMCID: PMC9369367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Classic Galactosemia (CG) is a devastating inborn error of the metabolism caused by mutations in the GALT gene encoding the enzyme galactose-1 phosphate uridylyltransferase in galactose metabolism. Severe complications of CG include neurological impairments, growth restriction, cognitive delays, and, for most females, primary ovarian insufficiency. The absence of the GALT enzyme leads to an accumulation of aberrant galactose metabolites, which are assumed to be responsible for the sequelae. There is no treatment besides the restriction of dietary galactose, which does not halt the development of the complications; thus, additional treatments are sorely needed. Supplements have been used in other inborn errors of metabolism but are not part of the therapeutic regimen for CG. The goal of this study was to test two generally recognized as safe supplements (purple sweet potato color (PSPC) and myo-inositol (MI)) that may impact cellular pathways contributing to the complications in CG. Our group uses a GalT gene-trapped mouse model to study the pathophysiology in CG, which phenocopy many of the complications. Here we report the ability of PSPC to ameliorate dysregulation in the ovary, brain, and liver of our mutant mice as well as positive results of MI supplementation in the ovary and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synneva Hagen-Lillevik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Correspondence: (S.H.-L.); (K.L.); Tel.: +1-253-592-8692 (S.H.-L.)
| | - Joshua Johnson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anwer Siddiqi
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA
| | - Jes Persinger
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
| | - Gillian Hale
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kent Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Correspondence: (S.H.-L.); (K.L.); Tel.: +1-253-592-8692 (S.H.-L.)
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Patel S, Fridovich-Keil S, Rasmussen SA, Fridovich-Keil JL. DAB-quant: An open-source digital system for quantifying immunohistochemical staining with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271593. [PMID: 35857792 PMCID: PMC9299305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe DAB-quant, a novel, open-source program designed to facilitate objective quantitation of immunohistochemical (IHC) signal in large numbers of tissue slides stained with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB). Scanned slides are arranged into separate folders for negative controls and test slides, respectively. Otsu's method is applied to the negative control slides to define a threshold distinguishing tissue from empty space, and all pixels deemed tissue are scored for normalized red minus blue (NRMB) color intensity. Next, a user-defined tolerance for error is applied to the negative control slides to set a NRMB threshold distinguishing stained from unstained tissue and this threshold is applied to calculate the fraction of stained tissue pixels on each test slide. Results are recorded in a spreadsheet and pseudocolor images are presented to document how each pixel was categorized. Slides can be analyzed in full, or sampled using small boxes scattered randomly and automatically across the tissue area. Quantitation of sampling boxes enables faster processing, reveals the degree of heterogeneity of signal, and enables exclusion of problem areas on a slide, if needed. This system should prove useful for a broad range of applications. The code, usage instructions, and sample data are freely and publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/sarafridov/DAB-quant) and at protocols.io (dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.dm6gpb578lzp/v1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneh Patel
- Emory College, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Sara Fridovich-Keil
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Shauna A. Rasmussen
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Judith L. Fridovich-Keil
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Succoio M, Sacchettini R, Rossi A, Parenti G, Ruoppolo M. Galactosemia: Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Newborn Screening, and Treatment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070968. [PMID: 35883524 PMCID: PMC9313126 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galactosemia is an inborn disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by the inability to metabolize galactose, a sugar contained in milk (the main source of nourishment for infants), and convert it into glucose, the sugar used by the body as the primary source of energy. Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that can be diagnosed at birth, even in the absence of symptoms, with newborn screening by assessing the level of galactose and the GALT enzyme activity, as GALT defect constitutes the most frequent cause of galactosemia. Currently, galactosemia cannot be cured, but only treated by means of a diet with a reduced content of galactose and lactose. Although the diet is able to reverse the neonatal clinical picture, it does not prevent the development of long-term complications. This review provides an overview of galactose metabolism, molecular genetics, newborn screening and therapy of galactosemia. Novel treatments for galactosemia currently being investigated in (pre)clinical studies and potentially able to prevent long-term complications are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Succoio
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Rosa Sacchettini
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Giancarlo Parenti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.R.); (G.P.)
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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