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Balwani M, Keel S, Meissner P, Sonderup M, Stein P, Yasuda M. Case-based discussion of the acute hepatic porphyrias: Updates on pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38618923 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) include three autosomal dominant disorders, acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria, and the ultra-rare autosomal recessive 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase-deficient porphyria. All four are characterized by episodic acute neurovisceral attacks that can be life-threatening if left untreated. The attacks are precipitated by factors that induce hepatic 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1), resulting in accumulation of the porphyrin precursors, 5-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen, which are believed to cause neurotoxicity. Diagnosis of these rare disorders is often delayed because the symptoms are non-specific with many common aetiologies. However, once clinical suspicion of an AHP is raised, diagnosis can be made by specialized biochemical testing, particularly during attacks. Moderate or severe attacks are treated with intravenous hemin infusions, together with supportive care to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prophylactic treatments are recommended in patients with confirmed recurrent attacks (≥4 attacks in a maximum period of 12 months), the most effective being givosiran, an RNAi therapeutic targeting hepatocyte ALAS1 mRNA. AHP patients with clinically and/or biochemically active disease are at elevated risk for developing long-term complications, including chronic kidney disease, chronic hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma, thus, surveillance is recommended. Here, using a case-based format, we provide an update on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the AHPs based on literature review and clinical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Balwani
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Siobán Keel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter Meissner
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Sonderup
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Penelope Stein
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Makiko Yasuda
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Lissing M, Wang B, Wahlin S. Liver transplantation and primary liver cancer in porphyria. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38456621 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The porphyrias are a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders that result from defects in heme synthesis. The metabolic defects are present in all cells, but symptoms are mainly cutaneous or related to neuropathy. The porphyrias are highly relevant to hepatologists since patients can present with symptoms and complications that require liver transplantation (LT), and some porphyrias are associated with a high risk for primary liver cancer (PLC). Among the cutaneous porphyrias, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) can lead to cholestatic liver failure where LT cures the liver disease but not the porphyria. In acute porphyria (AP), neurotoxic porphyrin precursors are produced in the liver and LT is a curative treatment option in patients with recurrent severe neuropathic attacks. Patients with AP, mainly acute intermittent porphyria, have a significantly increased risk for PLC that warrants surveillance and adequate follow-up of high-risk groups. LT is well established in both EPP with liver failure and AP with recurrent attacks, but most transplant centres have little porphyria experience and cooperation between transplant hepatologists, and porphyria experts is important in the often-difficult decisions on timing and management of comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Lissing
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruce Wang
- Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
The porphyrias are a group of rare diseases, each resulting from a defect in a different enzymatic step of the heme biosynthetic pathway. They can be broadly divided into two categories, hepatic and erythropoietic porphyrias, depending on the primary site of accumulation of heme intermediates. These disorders are multisystemic with variable symptoms that can be encountered by physicians in any specialty. Here, we review the porphyrias and describe their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. We discuss novel therapies that are approved or in development. Early diagnosis is key for the appropriate management and prevention of long-term complications in these rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Dickey
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Karp Leaf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Manisha Balwani
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA;
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Lissing M, Nowak G, Adam R, Karam V, Boyd A, Gouya L, Meersseman W, Melum E, Ołdakowska‐Jedynak U, Reiter FP, Colmenero J, Sanchez R, Herden U, Langendonk J, Ventura P, Isoniemi H, Boillot O, Braun F, Perrodin S, Mowlem E, Wahlin S. Liver Transplantation for Acute Intermittent Porphyria. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:491-501. [PMID: 37160035 PMCID: PMC8248103 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) result in poor quality of life and significant risks of morbidity and mortality. Liver transplantation (LT) offers a cure, but published data on outcomes after LT are limited. We assessed the pretransplant characteristics, complications, and outcomes for patients with AIP who received a transplant. Data were collected retrospectively from the European Liver Transplant Registry and from questionnaires sent to identified transplant and porphyria centers. We studied 38 patients who received transplants in 12 countries from 2002 to 2019. Median age at LT was 37 years (range, 18-58), and 34 (89%) of the patients were women. A total of 9 patients died during follow-up, and 2 patients were retransplanted. The 1-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 92% and 82%, which are comparable with other metabolic diseases transplanted during the same period. Advanced pretransplant neurological impairment was associated with increased mortality. The 5-year survival rate was 94% among 19 patients with moderate or no neuropathy at LT and 83% among 10 patients with severe neuropathy (P = 0.04). Pretransplant renal impairment was common. A total of 19 (51%) patients had a GFR < 60 mL/minute. Although few patients improved their renal function after LT, neurological impairments improved, and no worsening of neurological symptoms was recorded. No patient had AIP attacks after LT, except for a patient who received an auxiliary graft. LT is a curative treatment option for patients with recurrent attacks of AIP. Severe neuropathy and impaired renal function are common and increase the risk for poor outcomes. If other treatment options fail, an evaluation for LT should be performed early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Lissing
- Hepatology DivisionDepartment of Upper GI DiseasesPorphyria Centre SwedenKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Greg Nowak
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC)Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - René Adam
- Paul Brousse HospitalUniversity Paris‐SudInserm U935VillejuifFrance
| | - Vincent Karam
- Paul Brousse HospitalUniversity Paris‐SudInserm U935VillejuifFrance
| | | | - Laurent Gouya
- Centre Francais des PorphyriesHôpital Louis MourierAssistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de ParisParisFrance
| | - Wouter Meersseman
- Department of General Internal MedicineUniversitair Ziekenhuis (UZ) LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Espen Melum
- Section for GastroenterologyNorwegian Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) Research CenterDepartment of Transplantation MedicineResearch Institute of Internal MedicineDivision of SurgeryInflammatory Diseases and TransplantationOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletHybrid Technology Hub‐Centre of ExcellenceInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesInstitute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | | | - Florian P. Reiter
- Liver Center MunichDepartment of Medicine IIUniversity HospitalLudwig Maximilian University (LMU) MunichMunichGermany
| | - Jordi Colmenero
- Liver Transplant UnitHospital Clínic de BarcelonaInstitut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i SunyerCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y DigestivasUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rosario Sanchez
- Institute of Sanitary and Biomedical Investigation of AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | - Uta Herden
- Department of Visceral Transplant SurgeryUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Janneke Langendonk
- Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamPorphyria Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Paolo Ventura
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and AdultsUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaUnit of Internal MedicinePoliclinico Hospital of ModenaModenaItaly
| | - Helena Isoniemi
- Department of Transplantation and Liver SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Felix Braun
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric SurgeryUniversitätsklinikum Schleswig‐Holstein (UKSH)Campus KielKielGermany
| | - Stéphanie Perrodin
- Department of Visceral Surgery and MedicineInselspital University Hospital of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Elizabeth Mowlem
- The Liver UnitAddenbrooke's HospitalCambridge University HospitalsCambridgeUK
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology DivisionDepartment of Upper GI DiseasesPorphyria Centre SwedenKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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Di Pierro E, Granata F. Nutrients and Porphyria: An Intriguing Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103462. [PMID: 32422947 PMCID: PMC7279006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Porphyria refers to a group of fascinating diseases from a metabolic and nutritional standpoint as it provides an example of how metabolic manipulation can be used for therapeutic purposes. It is characterized by defects in heme synthesis, particularly in the erythrocytes and liver. Specific enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis directly depend on adequate levels of vitamins and minerals in the tissues. Moreover, micronutrients that are required for producing succinyl CoA and other intermediates in the Krebs (TCA) cycle are indirectly necessary for heme metabolism. This review summarizes articles that describe the nutritional status, supplements intake, and dietary practices of patients affected by porphyria, paying special attention to the therapeutic use of nutrients that may help or hinder this group of diseases.
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Chan A, Liebow A, Yasuda M, Gan L, Racie T, Maier M, Kuchimanchi S, Foster D, Milstein S, Charisse K, Sehgal A, Manoharan M, Meyers R, Fitzgerald K, Simon A, Desnick RJ, Querbes W. Preclinical Development of a Subcutaneous ALAS1 RNAi Therapeutic for Treatment of Hepatic Porphyrias Using Circulating RNA Quantification. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e263. [PMID: 26528940 PMCID: PMC4877445 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias are caused by inherited enzymatic deficiencies in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Induction of the first enzyme 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) by triggers such as fasting or drug exposure can lead to accumulation of neurotoxic heme intermediates that cause disease symptoms. We have demonstrated that hepatic ALAS1 silencing using siRNA in a lipid nanoparticle effectively prevents and treats induced attacks in a mouse model of acute intermittent porphyria. Herein, we report the development of ALN-AS1, an investigational GalNAc-conjugated RNAi therapeutic targeting ALAS1. One challenge in advancing ALN-AS1 to patients is the inability to detect liver ALAS1 mRNA in the absence of liver biopsies. We here describe a less invasive circulating extracellular RNA detection assay to monitor RNAi drug activity in serum and urine. A striking correlation in ALAS1 mRNA was observed across liver, serum, and urine in both rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs) following treatment with ALN-AS1. Moreover, in donor-matched human urine and serum, we demonstrate a notable correspondence in ALAS1 levels, minimal interday assay variability, low interpatient variability from serial sample collections, and the ability to distinguish between healthy volunteers and porphyria patients with induced ALAS1 levels. The collective data highlight the potential utility of this assay in the clinical development of ALN-AS1, and in broadening our understanding of acute hepatic porphyrias disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Chan
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Makiko Yasuda
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tim Racie
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Maier
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Don Foster
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Alfica Sehgal
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Rachel Meyers
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amy Simon
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert J Desnick
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Singal AK, Parker C, Bowden C, Thapar M, Liu L, McGuire BM. Liver transplantation in the management of porphyria. Hepatology 2014; 60:1082-9. [PMID: 24700519 PMCID: PMC4498564 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Porphyrias are a group of eight metabolic disorders, each resulting from a mutation that affects an enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway. Porphyrias are classified as hepatic or erythropoietic, depending upon the site where the gene defect is predominantly expressed. Clinical phenotypes are classified as follows: (1) acute porphyrias with neurovisceral symptoms: acute intermittent porphyria; delta amino-levulinic acid hydratase deficiency porphyria; hereditary coproporphyria; and variegate porphyria and (2) cutaneous porphyrias with skin blistering and photosensitivity: porphyria cutanea tarda; congenital erythropoietic porphyria; hepatoerythropoietic porphyria and both erythropoietic protoporphyrias: autosomal dominant and X-linked. Liver transplantation (LT) may be needed for recurrent and/or life-threatening acute attack in acute intermittent porphyria or acute liver failure or end-stage chronic liver disease in erythropoietic protoporphyria. LT in acute intermittent porphyria is curative. Erythropoietic protoporphyria patients needing LT should be considered for bone marrow transplantation to achieve cure. CONCLUSION This article provides an overview of porphyria with diagnostic approaches and management strategies for specific porphyrias and recommendations for LT with indications, pretransplant evaluation, and posttransplant management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani K. Singal
- the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham, AL
| | - Charles Parker
- Division of Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Manish Thapar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lawrence Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Brendan M. McGuire
- the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham, AL
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RNAi-mediated silencing of hepatic Alas1 effectively prevents and treats the induced acute attacks in acute intermittent porphyria mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:7777-82. [PMID: 24821812 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1406228111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited disorders of heme biosynthesis characterized by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. Factors that induce the expression of hepatic 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) result in the accumulation of the neurotoxic porphyrin precursors 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG), which recent studies indicate are primarily responsible for the acute attacks. Current treatment of these attacks involves i.v. administration of hemin, but a faster-acting, more effective, and safer therapy is needed. Here, we describe preclinical studies of liver-directed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting Alas1 (Alas1-siRNAs) in a mouse model of acute intermittent porphyria, the most common acute hepatic porphyria. A single i.v. dose of Alas1-siRNA prevented the phenobarbital-induced biochemical acute attacks for approximately 2 wk. Injection of Alas1-siRNA during an induced acute attack significantly decreased plasma ALA and PBG levels within 8 h, more rapidly and effectively than a single hemin infusion. Alas1-siRNA was well tolerated and a therapeutic dose did not cause hepatic heme deficiency. These studies provide proof-of-concept for the clinical development of RNA interference therapy for the prevention and treatment of the acute attacks of the acute hepatic porphyrias.
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Tracy JA, Dyck PJB. Porphyria and its neurologic manifestations. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 120:839-49. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-4087-0.00056-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Sardh E, Wahlin S, Björnstedt M, Harper P, Andersson DEH. High risk of primary liver cancer in a cohort of 179 patients with Acute Hepatic Porphyria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2013; 36:1063-71. [PMID: 23344888 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Previous studies have indicated a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in acute hepatic porphyrias. In this retrospective study we present the incidence of primary liver cancer and clinical characteristics in a cohort of 179 acute porphyria patients above the age of 50 years. METHODS Twenty-three cases with primary liver cancer were found either by a surveillance program or due to clinical suspicion. Standardized rate ratio was used to estimate the relative risk of primary liver cancer after indirect standardization. Survival data were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The mean age at diagnosis was 69 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma was found in 19 patients while four patients had cholangiocarcinoma or a combination of the two. Four patients had underlying cirrhosis. Mean tumour size was 4.3 cm in the surveillance group and 10.3 cm in the non-surveillance group (p = 0.01). The overall relative risk of primary liver cancer was 86 above the age of 50: 150 for women and 37 for men. Mean survival time was 5.7 years. CONCLUSION Acute hepatic porphyria carries a high risk of primary liver cancer above the age of 50 which warrants ultrasound surveillance. Sex distribution and frequency of cirrhosis differs from more common aetiologies of primary liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Sardh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm South Hospital, 11883, Stockholm, Sweden,
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Abstract
Porphyric neuropathy often poses a diagnostic dilemma; it is typically associated with the hepatic porphyrias, characterized by acute life-threatening attacks of neurovisceral symptoms that mimic a range of acute medical and psychiatric conditions. The development of acute neurovisceral attacks is responsive to environmental factors, including drugs, hormones, and diet. This chapter reviews the clinical manifestations, genetics, pathophysiology, and mechanisms of neurotoxicity of the acute hepatic porphyrias. While the etiology of the neurological manifestations in the acute porphyrias remains undefined, the main hypotheses include toxicity of porphyrin precursors and deficiency of heme synthesis. These hypotheses will be discussed with reference to novel experimental models of porphyric neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Shin-Yi Lin
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Frei P, Minder EI, Corti N, Muellhaupt B, Geier A, Adams H, Dutertre JP, Rudiger A, Dutkowski P, Maggiorini M, Ganter CC. Liver Transplantation because of Acute Liver Failure due to Heme Arginate Overdose in a Patient with Acute Intermittent Porphyria. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2012; 6:190-6. [PMID: 22649331 PMCID: PMC3362186 DOI: 10.1159/000338354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In acute attacks of acute intermittent porphyria, the mainstay of treatment is glucose and heme arginate administration. We present the case of a 58-year-old patient with acute liver failure requiring urgent liver transplantation after erroneous 6-fold overdose of heme arginate during an acute attack. As recommended in the product information, albumin and charcoal were administered and hemodiafiltration was started, which could not prevent acute liver failure, requiring super-urgent liver transplantation after 6 days. The explanted liver showed no preexisting liver cirrhosis, but signs of subacute liver injury and starting regeneration. The patient recovered within a short time. A literature review revealed four poorly documented cases of potential hepatic and/or renal toxicity of hematin or heme arginate. This is the first published case report of acute liver failure requiring super-urgent liver transplantation after accidental heme arginate overdose. The literature and recommendations in case of heme arginate overdose are summarized. Knowledge of a potentially fatal course is important for the management of future cases. If acute liver failure in case of heme arginate overdose is progressive, super-urgent liver transplantation has to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Frei
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Song HW, Shin YH, Ko JS, Gwak MS, Kim GS. A case report of anesthesia management in the liver transplantation recipient with porphyria -A case report-. Korean J Anesthesiol 2012; 62:83-6. [PMID: 22323960 PMCID: PMC3272535 DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2012.62.1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrias are a group of diseases characterized by an enzyme deficiency in the heme biosynthesis pathway, resulting in accumulation of precursor molecules in the tissue. Some porphyric patients develop progressive liver disease that requires liver transplantation. This case report describes special anesthetic challenges, including careful selection of drugs and the use of special filters that can exclude harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet, in a patient with porphyria who underwent living donor liver transplantation. Understanding the patient's status and disease process, and avoiding triggering factors of porphyria attacks, are important for successful liver transplantation anesthesia in patients with porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Song
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hee Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Justin Sangwook Ko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Sook Gwak
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gaab Soo Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hift RJ, Thunell S, Brun A. Drugs in porphyria: From observation to a modern algorithm-based system for the prediction of porphyrogenicity. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 132:158-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Kuo HC, Huang CC, Chu CC, Lee MJ, Chuang WL, Wu CL, Wu T, Ning HC, Liu CY. Neurological complications of acute intermittent porphyria. Eur Neurol 2011; 66:247-52. [PMID: 21986212 DOI: 10.1159/000330683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an inherited disorder of heme biosynthesis, the clinical manifestations of which are incompletely understood. In this report, we describe 12 cases of AIP, focusing on the neurological manifestations. METHODS Twelve patients were diagnosed with AIP on the basis of characteristic clinical findings, erythrocyte porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) activity, and molecular genetics. Central and peripheral nervous system manifestations were noted, and electrophysiological and radiological studies performed. Potential precipitating factors were recorded. RESULTS Eleven PBGD gene mutations were identified in 12 patients. Nine patients experienced neurological symptoms involving the central nervous system (consciousness disturbance, n = 8; convulsion/seizure, n = 4; behavior change, n = 1), while 7 patients experienced peripheral neuropathies (motor paresis, n = 7; impairment of bulbar or respiratory function, n = 4). The electrophysiological and electroencephalographic findings were consistent with the neurological symptoms of AIP. Urinary PBG and δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were elevated in all patients. PBGD enzyme activity levels were below normal in all patients. Eight patients had documented exposure to porphyrogenic agents. CONCLUSIONS Our detailed description of a relatively large number of cases of AIP may help clinicians to recognize this often difficult-to-diagnose disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chou Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, ROC.
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Treatment options in acute porphyria, porphyria cutanea tarda, and erythropoietic protoporphyria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 10:444-55. [PMID: 18221605 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-007-0044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The porphyrias are a group of uncommon metabolic diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies within heme biosynthesis that lead to neurotoxic or phototoxic heme precursor accumulation. There are four acute porphyrias characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms: acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Treatment includes elimination of any porphyrogenic factor and symptomatic treatment. Carbohydrate and intravenous heme administration constitute specific therapies in the disorders' acute phase. The mainstay treatment in the cutaneous porphyrias is avoidance of sunlight exposure. In porphyria cutanea tarda and the two acute porphyrias with skin manifestations, variegate porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria, care of the vulnerable skin is important. In porphyria cutanea tarda, specific treatment is accomplished by a series of phlebotomies and/or by low-dose chloroquine administration. In erythropoietic protoporphyria, light-protective beta-carotene is prescribed.
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Siegesmund M, van Tuyll van Serooskerken AM, Poblete-Gutiérrez P, Frank J. The acute hepatic porphyrias: current status and future challenges. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2010; 24:593-605. [PMID: 20955962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The porphyrias are predominantly inherited metabolic disorders, which result from a specific deficiency of one of the eight enzymes along the pathway of haem biosynthesis. Historically, they have been classified into hepatic and erythropoietic forms, based on the primary site of expression of the prevailing dysfunctional enzyme. From a clinical point of view, however, it is more convenient to subdivide them into acute and non-acute porphyrias, thereby primarily considering the potential occurrence of life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. Unrecognised or untreated, such an acute porphyric attack is associated with a significant mortality of up to 10%. The acute hepatic porphyrias comprise acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Making a precise diagnosis may be difficult because the different types of porphyrias may show overlapping clinical and biochemical characteristics. To date, the therapeutic possibilities are limited and mainly symptomatic. In this overview we report on what is currently known about pathogenesis, clinic, diagnostics, and therapy of the acute hepatic porphyrias. We further point out actual and future challenges in the management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Siegesmund
- Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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AAV8-mediated gene therapy prevents induced biochemical attacks of acute intermittent porphyria and improves neuromotor function. Mol Ther 2009; 18:17-22. [PMID: 19861948 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an autosomal dominant hepatic porphyria due to half-normal hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMB-synthase) activity, is manifested by life-threatening acute neurological attacks that are precipitated by factors that induce heme biosynthesis. The acute attacks are currently treated with intravenous hemin, but a more continuous therapy is needed, particularly for patients experiencing frequent attacks. Thus, a recombinant AAV8-based serotype vector expressing murine HMB-synthase driven by liver-specific regulatory elements was generated and its effectiveness to prevent the biochemical induction of an acute attack was evaluated in an AIP mouse model. Intraperitoneal administration of the adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector resulted in a rapid and dose-dependent increase of HMB-synthase activity that was restricted to the liver. Stable expression of hepatic HMB-synthase was achieved and wild-type or greater levels were sustained for 36 weeks. When heme synthesis was periodically induced by a series of phenobarbital injections, the treated mice did not accumulate urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or porphobilinogen (PBG), indicating that the expressed enzyme was functional in vivo and prevented induction of the acute attack. Further, rotarod performance and footprint analyses improved significantly. Thus, liver-directed gene therapy provided successful long-term correction of the hepatic metabolic abnormalities and improved neuromotor function in the murine model of human AIP.
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Yasuda M, Domaradzki ME, Armentano D, Cheng SH, Bishop DF, Desnick RJ. Acute intermittent porphyria: vector optimization for gene therapy. J Gene Med 2008; 9:806-11. [PMID: 17654633 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by the half-normal activity of hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMB-synthase). Affected individuals can experience episodic, life-threatening, acute neurological attacks that are precipitated by various drugs, dieting, and hormonal changes. Intravenous hematin is used to treat the attacks, but a more effective, preventive therapy is needed, especially for patients with frequent attacks. Since the disease is a hepatic encephalopathy, efforts were focused towards evaluating four different combinations of liver-specific enhancers and promoters for maximal hepatic HMB-synthase expression. METHODS Four different mammalian expression vectors, each carrying a unique combination of liver-specific enhancers and promoters driving murine HMB-synthase cDNA expression, were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The vectors included: HMBS-1; human alpha1-microglobulin enhancer/alpha1-antityrpsin promoter (alpha1Me/alpha1ATp), HMBS-2; alpha1Me/human serum albumin promoter (alpha1Me/SAp), HMBS-3; human prothrombin enhancer/SAp (PTe/SAp), and HMBS-4; (PTe/alpha1ATp). Each HMB-synthase construct and a luciferase reporter construct were hydrodynamically coinjected into mice with HMB-synthase deficiency and evaluated for hepatic expression 24 h post-injection, the time-point of peak hepatic HMB-synthase expression. RESULTS Following transient transfection into HepG2 cells, HMBS-1 (alpha1Me/alpha1ATp) had the highest HMB-synthase expression level, with an approximately 8-fold increase over endogenous cellular activities. Construct HMBS-1 also had the highest hepatic HMB-synthase activity following hydrodynamic delivery into HMB-synthase deficient mice, with a approximately 6-fold increase over saline-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS These studies support the use of a gene therapy vector containing the alpha1Me/alpha1ATp combination for preclinical studies of the efficacy and safety of liver-targeted gene therapy for AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Yasuda
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Seth AK, Badminton MN, Mirza D, Russell S, Elias E. Liver transplantation for porphyria: who, when, and how? Liver Transpl 2007; 13:1219-27. [PMID: 17763398 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Porphyrias are a heterogenous group of diseases that may result in disabling or life threatening neurovisceral symptoms and/or cutaneous photosensitivity. In acute intermittent porphyria, the clinical features, particularly neurological symptoms, may be life-threatening and disabling. Conventional treatment with human hemin, though effective in reducing symptoms, does not reverse neuropathy when structural nerve damage has occurred and may cause intense phlebitis. Liver transplantation (LT) may be considered as treatment for those with repeated life-threatening acute attacks resulting in poor quality of life, requirement of ventilatory support, and progressive loss of venous access due to hemin infusion. Patients with variegate porphyria (VP) present after puberty with neurovisceral symptoms and skin manifestations. LT resolved VP in the 1 patient reported in the literature. Aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase deficient porphyria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder and a child who presented with failure to thrive and required transfusions and parenteral nutrition did not improve with LT. In erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), there is excessive production of protoporphyrin in the bone marrow. Protoporphyrin is hepatotoxic and pigment loading of hepatocytes and bile canalicular sludging may result in progressive cholestasis and cirrhosis. LT is beneficial for such patients with end-stage liver disease. Perioperative management includes use of filters on operative lights to prevent skin burns and intestinal perforation. Other concerns include development of neuropathy, biliary complications, and recurrent liver disease. This review addresses the rationale, patient selection, evaluation, management issues, and technique of performing LT in various types of porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avnish Kumar Seth
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Ajioka RS, Phillips JD, Kushner JP. Biosynthesis of heme in mammals. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2006; 1763:723-36. [PMID: 16839620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2006.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Revised: 05/10/2006] [Accepted: 05/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Most iron in mammalian systems is routed to mitochondria to serve as a substrate for ferrochelatase. Ferrochelatase inserts iron into protoporphyrin IX to form heme which is incorporated into hemoglobin and cytochromes, the dominant hemoproteins in mammals. Tissue-specific regulatory features characterize the heme biosynthetic pathway. In erythroid cells, regulation is mediated by erythroid-specific transcription factors and the availability of iron as Fe/S clusters. In non-erythroid cells the pathway is regulated by heme-mediated feedback inhibition. All of the enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway have been crystallized and the crystal structures have permitted detailed analyses of enzyme mechanisms. All of the genes encoding the heme biosynthetic enzymes have been cloned and mutations of these genes are responsible for a group of human disorders designated the porphyrias and for X-linked sideroblastic anemia. The biochemistry, structural biology and the mechanisms of tissue-specific regulation are presented in this review along with the key features of the porphyric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Ajioka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Bonkovsky HL. Neurovisceral porphyrias: what a hematologist needs to know. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2005:24-30. [PMID: 16304355 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2005.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The acute or inducible hepatic porphyrias comprise four inherited disorders of heme biosynthesis. They usually remain asymptomatic for most of the lifespan of individuals who inherit the specific enzyme deficiencies but may cause life-threatening attacks of neurovisceral symptoms. Failure to consider the diagnosis frequently delays effective treatment, and inappropriate diagnostic tests and/or mistaken interpretation of results may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The four disorders are ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. Other conditions that clinically and biochemically may mimic acute porphyria include lead poisoning and hereditary tyrosinemia type I. The diagnosis of one of these acute porphyric syndromes should be considered in many patients with otherwise unexplained abdominal pain, severe constipation, systemic arterial hypertension, or other characteristic symptoms. Critical to the rapid diagnosis of the three most common of these disorders is demonstration of markedly increased urinary porphobilinogen (PBG) in a single-void urine specimen. The treatment of choice for all but mild attacks of the acute porphyrias is intravenous hemin therapy, which should be started as soon as possible. Intravenous glucose alone is recommended only for mild attacks (no weakness or hyponatremia) or until hemin is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert L Bonkovsky
- The Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Center, University of Connecticut, MC-1111, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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