1
|
Honey MIJ, Jaspers YRJ, Engelen M, Kemp S, Huffnagel IC. Molecular Biomarkers for Adrenoleukodystrophy: An Unmet Need. Cells 2021; 10:3427. [PMID: 34943935 PMCID: PMC8699919 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an inherited progressive neurometabolic disease caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene and the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids in plasma and tissues. Patients present with heterogeneous clinical manifestations which can include adrenal insufficiency, myelopathy, and/or cerebral demyelination. In the absence of a genotype-phenotype correlation, the clinical outcome of an individual cannot be predicted and currently there are no molecular markers available to quantify disease severity. Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need for sensitive biomarkers to monitor and/or predict disease progression and evaluate therapy efficacy. The increasing amount of biological sample repositories ('biobanking') as well as the introduction of newborn screening creates a unique opportunity for identification and evaluation of new or existing biomarkers. Here we summarize and review the many studies that have been performed to identify and improve knowledge surrounding candidate molecular biomarkers for ALD. We also highlight several shortcomings of ALD biomarker studies, which often include a limited sample size, no collection of longitudinal data, and no validation of findings in an external cohort. Nonetheless, these studies have generated a list of interesting biomarker candidates and this review aspires to direct future biomarker research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison I. J. Honey
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Yorrick R. J. Jaspers
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Marc Engelen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.E.); (I.C.H.)
| | - Stephan Kemp
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.E.); (I.C.H.)
| | - Irene C. Huffnagel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.E.); (I.C.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van de Stadt SIW, Mooyer PAW, Dijkstra IME, Dekker CJM, Vats D, Vera M, Ruzhnikov MRZ, van Haren K, Tang N, Koop K, Willemsen MA, Hui J, Vaz FM, Ebberink MS, Engelen M, Kemp S, Ferdinandusse S. Biochemical Studies in Fibroblasts to Interpret Variants of Unknown Significance in the ABCD1 Gene. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121930. [PMID: 34946879 PMCID: PMC8701351 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), and the use of exome sequencing in clinical practice, the detection of variants of unknown significance (VUS) in the ABCD1 gene is increasing. In these cases, functional tests in fibroblasts may help to classify a variant as (likely) benign or pathogenic. We sought to establish reference ranges for these tests in ALD patients and control subjects with the aim of helping to determine the pathogenicity of VUS in ABCD1. Fibroblasts from 36 male patients with confirmed ALD, 26 healthy control subjects and 17 individuals without a family history of ALD, all with an uncertain clinical diagnosis and a VUS identified in ABCD1, were included. We performed a combination of tests: (i) a test for very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) levels, (ii) a D3-C22:0 loading test to study the VLCFA metabolism and (iii) immunoblotting for ALD protein. All ALD patient fibroblasts had elevated VLCFA levels and a reduced peroxisomal ß-oxidation capacity (as measured by the D3-C16:0/D3-C22:0 ratio in the D3-C22:0 loading test) compared to the control subjects. Of the VUS cases, the VLCFA metabolism was not significantly impaired (most test results were within the reference range) in 6/17, the VLCFA metabolism was significantly impaired (most test results were within/near the ALD range) in 9/17 and a definite conclusion could not be drawn in 2/17 of the cases. Biochemical studies in fibroblasts provided clearly defined reference and disease ranges for the VLCFA metabolism. In 15/17 (88%) VUS we were able to classify the variant as being likely benign or pathogenic. This is of great clinical importance as new variants will be detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie I. W. van de Stadt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.I.W.v.d.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Petra A. W. Mooyer
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| | - Inge M. E. Dijkstra
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| | - Conny J. M. Dekker
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| | - Divya Vats
- Regional Metabolic Clinic, Department of Medical Genetics, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Moin Vera
- Regional Metabolic Clinic, Department of Medical Genetics, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Maura R. Z. Ruzhnikov
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Pediatrics, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (M.R.Z.R.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Keith van Haren
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Pediatrics, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (M.R.Z.R.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Nelson Tang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Klaas Koop
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Michel A. Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Joannie Hui
- Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Frédéric M. Vaz
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| | - Merel S. Ebberink
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| | - Marc Engelen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.I.W.v.d.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Stephan Kemp
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.I.W.v.d.S.); (M.E.)
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sacha Ferdinandusse
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.A.W.M.); (I.M.E.D.); (C.J.M.D.); (F.M.V.); (M.S.E.); (S.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Takashima S, Toyoshi K, Itoh T, Kajiwara N, Honda A, Ohba A, Takemoto S, Yoshida S, Shimozawa N. Detection of unusual very-long-chain fatty acid and ether lipid derivatives in the fibroblasts and plasma of patients with peroxisomal diseases using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 120:255-268. [PMID: 28089346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic changes occur in patients with peroxisomal diseases owing to impairments in the genes involved in peroxisome function. For diagnostic purposes, saturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) such as C24:0 and C26:0, phytanic acid, pristanic acid, and plasmalogens are often measured as metabolic hallmarks. As the direct pathology of peroxisomal disease is yet to be fully elucidated, we sought to explore the fatty acid species that accumulate in patients with peroxisomal diseases. We developed a method for detecting a range of fatty acids implicated in peroxisomal diseases such as Zellweger syndrome (ZS) and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). To this end, we employed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) coupled with negatively charged electrospray ionization. Fatty acids from patients and control subjects were extracted from total lipids by acid-hydrolysis and compared. In accordance with previous results, the amounts of VLCFAs, phytanic acid, and pristanic acid differed between the two groups. We identified extremely long and highly polyunsaturated VLCFAs (ultra-VLC-PUFAs) such as C44:12 in ZS samples. Moreover, three unknown molecules were prominent in control samples but scarcely detectable in ZS samples. LC-MS/MS analysis identified these as 1-alkyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphates derived from ether lipids containing fatty alcohols such as C16:0, C18:0, or C18:1. Our method provides an approach to observing a wide range of lipid-derived fatty acids and related molecules in order to understand the metabolic changes involved in peroxisomal diseases. This technique can therefore be used in identifying metabolic markers and potential clinical targets for future treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Takashima
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan.
| | - Kayoko Toyoshi
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Takahiro Itoh
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Naomi Kajiwara
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Ayako Honda
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Akiko Ohba
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Shoko Takemoto
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshida
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shimozawa
- Division of Genomics Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jang J, Kang HC, Kim HS, Kim JY, Huh YJ, Kim DS, Yoo JE, Lee JA, Lim B, Lee J, Yoon TM, Park IH, Hwang DY, Daley GQ, Kim DW. Induced pluripotent stem cell models from X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients. Ann Neurol 2011; 70:402-9. [PMID: 21721033 DOI: 10.1002/ana.22486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because of a lack of an appropriate animal model system and the inaccessibility of human oligodendrocytes in vivo, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD)-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) would provide a unique cellular model for studying etiopathophysiology and development of therapeutics for X-ALD. METHODS We generated and characterized iPSCs of the 2 major types of X-ALD, childhood cerebral ALD (CCALD) and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), and differentiated them into oligodendrocytes and neurons. We evaluated disease-relevant phenotypes by pharmacological and genetic approaches. RESULTS We established iPSCs from the patients with CCALD and AMN. Both CCALD and AMN iPSCs normally differentiated into oligodendrocytes, the cell type primarily affected in the X-ALD brain, indicating no developmental defect due to the ABCD1 mutations. Although low in X-ALD iPSCs, very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) level was significantly increased after oligodendrocyte differentiation. VLCFA accumulation was much higher in CCALD oligodendrocytes than AMN oligodendrocytes but was not significantly different between CCALD and AMN neurons, indicating that the severe clinical manifestations in CCALD might be associated with abnormal VLCFA accumulation in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, the abnormal accumulation of VLCFA in the X-ALD oligodendrocytes can be reduced by the upregulated ABCD2 gene expression after treatment with lovastatin or 4-phenylbutyrate. INTERPRETATION X-ALD iPSC model recapitulates the key events of disease development (ie, VLCFA accumulation in oligodendrocytes), provides new clues for better understanding of the disease, and allows for early and accurate diagnosis of the disease subtypes. X-ALD oligodendrocytes can be a useful cell model system to develop new therapeutics for treating X-ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiho Jang
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science and Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fourcade S, Ruiz M, Camps C, Schlüter A, Houten SM, Mooyer PAW, Pàmpols T, Dacremont G, Wanders RJA, Giròs M, Pujol A. A key role for the peroxisomal ABCD2 transporter in fatty acid homeostasis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 296:E211-21. [PMID: 18854420 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.90736.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisomes are essential organelles exerting key functions in fatty acid metabolism such as the degradation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFAs accumulate in X-adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a disease caused by deficiency of the Abcd1 peroxisomal transporter. Its closest homologue, Abcd2, exhibits a high degree of functional redundancy on the catabolism of VLCFA, being able to prevent X-ALD-related neurodegeneration in the mouse. In the search for specific roles of Abcd2, we screened fatty acid profiles in organs and primary neurons of mutant knockout mice lacking Abcd2 in basal conditions and under dietary challenges. Our results indicate that ABCD2 plays a role in the degradation of long-chain saturated and omega9-monounsaturated fatty acids and in the synthesis of docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Also, we demonstrated a defective VLCFA beta-oxidation ex vivo in brain slices of Abcd1 and Abcd2 knockouts, using radiolabeled hexacosanoic acid and the precursor of DHA as substrates. As DHA levels are inversely correlated with the incidence of Alzheimer's and several degenerative conditions, we suggest that ABCD2 may act as modulator/modifier gene and therapeutic target in rare and common human disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Fourcade
- Centre de Genètica Mèdica i Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Powers JM, Moser HW. Peroxisomal disorders: genotype, phenotype, major neuropathologic lesions, and pathogenesis. Brain Pathol 2006; 8:101-20. [PMID: 9458170 PMCID: PMC8098283 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1998.tb00139.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological dysfunction is a prominent feature of most peroxisomal disorders. Enormous progress in defining their gene defects has been achieved. The genes and gene products, peroxins (PEX), in five of the complementation groups have been defined. These studies confirm that Zellweger syndrome (ZS), neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (NALD), and infantile Refsum disease (IRD) are a disease continuum. The gene defect in adreno-leukodystrophy (ALD) / adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) involves an integral peroxisomal membrane protein. Neuropathologic lesions are of three major classes: (i) abnormalities in neuronal migration or differentiation, (ii) defects in the formation or maintenance of central white matter, and (iii) postdevelopmental neuronal degenerations. The central white matter lesions are those of: (i) inflammatory demyelination, (ii) non-inflammatory dysmyelination, and (iii) non-specific reductions in myelin volume or staining with or without reactive astrocytosis. The neuronal degenerations are of two major types: (i) the axonopathy of AMN involving ascending and descending tracts of the spinal cord, and (ii) cerebellar atrophy in rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata and probably IRD. We postulate that the abnormal fatty acids in peroxisomal disorders, particularly very long chain fatty acids and phytanic acid, are incorporated into cell membranes and perturb their microenvironments resulting in dysfunction, atrophy and death of vulnerable cells. The advent of mouse models for ZS and ALD is anticipated to provide even greater pathogenetic insights into the peroxisomal disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Powers
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology and Postmortem Medicine), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Asheuer M, Bieche I, Laurendeau I, Moser A, Hainque B, Vidaud M, Aubourg P. Decreased expression of ABCD4 and BG1 genes early in the pathogenesis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 14:1293-303. [PMID: 15800013 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCER), adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and AMN with cerebral demyelination (AMN-C) are the main phenotypic variants of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). It is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene encoding a half-size peroxisomal transporter that has to dimerize to become functional. The biochemical hallmark of ALD is the accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma and tissues. However, there is no correlation between the ALD phenotype and the ABCD1 gene mutations or the accumulation of VLCFA in plasma and fibroblast from ALD patients. The absence of genotype-phenotype correlation suggests the existence of modifier genes. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the phenotypic variability of ALD, we studied the expression of ABCD1, three other peroxisomal transporter genes of the same family (ABCD2, ABCD3 and ABCD4) and two VLCFA synthetase genes (VLCS and BG1) involved in VLCFA metabolism, as well as the VLCFA concentrations in the normal white matter (WM) from ALD patients with CCER, AMN-C and AMN phenotypes. This study shows that: (1) ABCD1 gene mutations leading to truncated ALD protein are unlikely to cause variation in the ALD phenotype; (2) accumulation of saturated VLCFA in normal-appearing WM correlates with ALD phenotype and (3) expression of the ABCD4 and BG1, but not of the ABCD2, ABCD3 and VLCS genes, tends to be correlated with the severity of the disease, acting early in the pathogenesis of ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Asheuer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U561, Hôpital Saint-Vincent de Paul, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pai GS, Khan M, Barbosa E, Key LL, Craver JR, Curé JK, Betros R, Singh I. Lovastatin therapy for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: clinical and biochemical observations on 12 patients. Mol Genet Metab 2000; 69:312-22. [PMID: 10870849 DOI: 10.1006/mgme.2000.2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a progressive demyelinating disorder whose neurological signs and symptoms can manifest in childhood as cerebral ALD or in adulthood in the form of a progressive myelopathy (AMN). The consistent metabolic abnormality in all forms of X-ALD is an inherited defect in the peroxisomal beta-oxidation of very long chain (VLC) fatty acids (>C(22:0)) which may in turn lead to a neuroinflammatory process associated with demyelination of the cerebral white matter. The current treatment for X-ALD with Lorenzo's oil aims to lower the excessive quantities of VLC fatty acids that accumulate in the patients' plasma and tissues, but does not directly address the inflammatory process in X-ALD. We have previously demonstrated that lovastatin and other 3-HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are capable of normalizing VLC fatty acid levels in primary skin fibroblasts derived from X-ALD patients. Lovastatin can block the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokines in astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages in vitro. In a preliminary report, we demonstrated that lovastatin therapy can normalize VLC fatty acids in the plasma of patients with X-ALD. Here we report our clinical and biochemical observations on 12 patients with X-ALD who were treated with lovastatin for up to 12 months. Our results show that the high plasma levels of hexacosanoic acid (C(26:0)) showed a decline from pretreatment values within 1 to 3 months of starting therapy with 40 mg of lovastatin per day and stabilized at various levels during a period of observation up to 12 months. The percentage decline from pretreatment values varied and did not correlate with the type of ALD gene mutation (point mutation versus gene deletion). In 6 patients, in whom red cell membrane fatty acid composition was studied, a mean correction of 50% of the excess C(26:0) was observed after 6 months of therapy suggesting sustained benefit. In a few patients who discontinued lovastatin therapy plasma C(26:0) levels reverted to pretreatment values suggesting a cause and effect relationship between these events. Two patients dropped out of the study claiming no clinical benefit, 1 was withdrawn due to adverse effects, and an adult patient with cerebral involvement died during the study. A 10-year-old boy with severe cerebral involvement showed worsening of his neurological status. All patients with AMN remained neurologically stable or showed modest subjective improvement. All patients who did not have Addison's disease at the time of enrollment maintained normal adrenal function throughout the study. The implications of our findings for developing an effective therapy for X-ALD are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G S Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moser AB, Kreiter N, Bezman L, Lu S, Raymond GV, Naidu S, Moser HW. Plasma very long chain fatty acids in 3,000 peroxisome disease patients and 29,000 controls. Ann Neurol 1999; 45:100-10. [PMID: 9894883 DOI: 10.1002/1531-8249(199901)45:1<100::aid-art16>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The assay of plasma very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), developed in our laboratory in 1981, has become the most widely used procedure for the diagnosis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and other peroxisomal disorders. We present here our 17 years' experience with this assay. Three VLCFA parameters, the level of hexacosanoic acid (C26:0), the ratio of C26:0 to tetracosanoic acid (C24:0), and of C26:0 to docosanoic acid (C22:0), were measured in 1,097 males (hemizygotes) with X-ALD, 1,282 women heterozygous for this disorder, including 379 obligate heterozygotes, 797 patients with other peroxisomal disorders, and 29,600 control subjects. All X-ALD hemizygotes who had not previously received Lorenzo's oil or a diet with a high erucic acid content had increased VLCFA levels, but the application of a discriminant function based on all three measurements is required to avoid the serious consequences of a false-negative result. VLCFA levels are increased at day of birth, thus providing the potential for neonatal mass screening, are identical in the childhood and adult forms, and do not change with age. Eighty-five percent of obligate heterozygotes had abnormally high VLCFA levels, but a normal result does not exclude carrier status. VLCFA levels were increased in all patients homozygous for Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, infantile Refsum's disease, and in patients with deficiencies of peroxisomal acyl-coenzyme A oxidase, bifunctional enzyme, and 3-oxoacyl-coenzyme A thiolase. In these patients the degree of VLCFA excess correlated with clinical severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Moser
- Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kemp S, Wei HM, Lu JF, Braiterman LT, McGuinness MC, Moser AB, Watkins PA, Smith KD. Gene redundancy and pharmacological gene therapy: implications for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Nat Med 1998; 4:1261-8. [PMID: 9809549 DOI: 10.1038/3242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
As more functional redundancy in mammalian cells is discovered, enhanced expression of genes involved in alternative pathways may become an effective form of gene therapy. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder with impaired very-long-chain fatty acid metabolism. The X-ALD gene encodes a peroxisomal membrane protein (ALDP) that is part of a small family of related peroxisomal membrane proteins. We show that 4-phenylbutyrate treatment of cells from both X-ALD patients and X-ALD knockout mice results in decreased levels of and increased beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids; increased expression of the peroxisomal protein ALDRP; and induction of peroxisome proliferation. We also demonstrate that ALDP and ALDRP are functionally related, by ALDRP cDNA complementation of X-ALD fibroblasts. Finally, we demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of dietary 4-phenylbutyrate treatment through its production of a substantial reduction of very-long-chain fatty acid levels in the brain and adrenal glands of X-ALD mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kemp
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
McGuinness MC, Powers JM, Bias WB, Schmeckpeper BJ, Segal AH, Gowda VC, Wesselingh SL, Berger J, Griffin DE, Smith KD. Human leukocyte antigens and cytokine expression in cerebral inflammatory demyelinative lesions of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 1997; 75:174-82. [PMID: 9143252 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(97)00020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The two most common forms of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) are the cerebral forms (CER) with an inflammatory demyelinating reaction that resembles multiple sclerosis, and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) which involves primarily the spinal cord and in which the inflammatory reaction is mild or absent. We found no significant association between the childhood cerebral form (CCER) or AMN and the human leukocyte (HLA) class I and Class II antigens including the class II DR2 haplotypes associated with multiple sclerosis. Inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-4, interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma) gene expression was increased in multiple sclerosis brain lesions, as has been reported previously, but much less so in CER brain lesions. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response in X-ALD differs from that in multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Moser HW, Powers JM, Smith KD. Adrenoleukodystrophy: molecular genetics, pathology, and Lorenzo's oil. Brain Pathol 1995; 5:259-66. [PMID: 8520725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00602.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge about adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a disorder which was described first in 1923, has increased greatly during recent years. The principal biochemical abnormality, the presumed enzyme defect, and the gene defect, have been defined. A dietary therapy has been proposed and attracted world-wide attention through a motion picture. Nevertheless, many questions remain and cannot be answered without a more fundamental understanding of pathology and pathogenesis. This article will provide a review of the history, clinical features, pathology, biochemistry, and the gene defect, and then appraise current efforts to clarify pathogenesis and develop therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H W Moser
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Korenke GC, Hunneman DH, Kohler J, Stöckler S, Landmark K, Hanefeld F. Glyceroltrioleate/glyceroltrierucate therapy in 16 patients with X-chromosomal adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy: effect on clinical, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters. Eur J Pediatr 1995; 154:64-70. [PMID: 7895759 DOI: 10.1007/bf01972976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We have investigated the effect of glyceroltrioleate/glyceroltrierucate (GTO/GTE) therapy on X-chromosomal adrenoleukodystrophy in 16 patients with adrenoleukodystrophy (n = 6), adrenomyeloneuropathy (n = 3), Addison disease without neurological involvement (n = 2), and neurologically and endocrinologically asymptomatic patients (n = 5). Therapy was carried out for 19.4 +/- 10 months. All patients showed a normalization of C 26:0 plasma fatty acid concentrations. None of the seven neurologically asymptomatic patients developed neurological symptoms. Somatosensory evoked potentials of the tibialis nerve was the most sensitive electrophysiological parameter, showing a slight improvement in neurologically asymptomatic patients during therapy. In none of the patients with normal cranial MRI at start of therapy (n = 6) has MRI deterioration been observed whilst on therapy. Follow up of the neurologically asymptomatic children supports the hypothesis that GTO/GTE therapy might prevent the development of neurological symptoms. Six of the nine neurologically symptomatic patients deteriorated to varying degrees whilst on therapy. MRI alterations have worsened in all patients with clinical deterioration. CONCLUSION GTO/GTE treatment should be initiated in all neurological asymptomatic boys before first neurological symptoms develop. To discover these patients very long-chain fatty acid determination should be performed in all family members at risk when adrenoleukodystrophy or adrenomyeloneuropathy is diagnosed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Korenke
- Department of Paediatrics and Neuropaediatrics, University of Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Our laboratory has identified nearly 2000 patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and conducted therapeutic trials in groups of patients who represent the major phenotypes. We report recent results of dietary therapy with a mixture of glyceryl trioleate and glyceryl trierucate oil, also referred to as Lorenzo's Oil, in the asymptomatic and childhood cerebral phenotypes. Fifty-three patients started this therapy at a mean age of 7.5 years at a time when they were free of neurological symptoms. Although analysis of data is hampered by the lack of a concurrent control group, follow-up studies after 39 months of therapy suggest that subsequent neurological involvement was less frequent and less severe than anticipated from historical controls. Retrospective analysis of the effect of the oil in patients with the severe childhood cerebral phenotype indicates that there was a slight but statistically significant slowing of clinical progression and delay of death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H W Moser
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Moser HW, Moser AB, Smith KD, Bergin A, Borel J, Shankroff J, Stine OC, Merette C, Ott J, Krivit W. Adrenoleukodystrophy: phenotypic variability and implications for therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 1992; 15:645-64. [PMID: 1528023 DOI: 10.1007/bf01799621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a relatively common disorder that shows a great deal of phenotypic variability. Approximately half of the patients have the rapidly progressive childhood cerebral form that is associated with an inflammatory response in brain and leads to total disability or death during the first decade. Twenty five per cent or more of the patients have adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), a form that progresses slowly, involves the spinal cord mainly, shows little or no inflammatory response, manifests in adulthood, and is compatible with a near-normal life span. The two forms of the disease occur frequently within the same kindreds and nuclear families. Segregation analysis based on 3862 individuals in 89 kindreds points to the existence of an autosomal modifier locus with a likelihood ratio of 20:1. In addition, we present preliminary results of three types of therapy. Two hundred and four patients have received a dietary regimen that combines the administration of oils containing mono-unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and erucic) with the restricted intake of very long-chain fatty acids. This regimen normalizes the levels of satured very long-chain fatty acids in plasma within 4 weeks. It appears to improve peripheral nerve function in patients with AMN, and a large-scale trial is in progress to determine whether it can prevent the onset of neurological involvement in patients who have the biochemical abnormality of ALD but are neurologically intact. We report early results of bone marrow transplantation in 14 patients. There is encouraging but still preliminary evidence that transplantation can arrest the progression of the disease in patients with mild neurological involvement. There is urgent need to develop methods to combat the rapid progression of the cerebral forms of the disease, which so far has resisted therapeutic intervention, including immunosuppression or the administration of immunoglobulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H W Moser
- Kennedy Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Craemer D, Zweens MJ, Lyonnet S, Wanders RJ, Poll-The BT, Schutgens RB, Waelkens JJ, Saudubray JM, Roels F. Very large peroxisomes in distinct peroxisomal disorders (rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata and acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency): novel data. VIRCHOWS ARCHIV. A, PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY 1991; 419:523-5. [PMID: 1750197 DOI: 10.1007/bf01650683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We report very large hepatic peroxisomes (d-circle greater than 1 micron) in a patient with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata and a patient with acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency. The effects of peroxisomal enlargement on the enzymatic activity are discussed. As increase in peroxisomal size is also reported in at least 12 other patients with peroxisomal disorders, we propose a relationship between the enlargement of the organelles and their functional deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D De Craemer
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|