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Pieroni M, Namdar M, Olivotto I, Desnick RJ. Anderson-Fabry disease management: role of the cardiologist. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:1395-1409. [PMID: 38486361 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by glycolipid accumulation in cardiac cells, associated with a peculiar form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Up to 1% of patients with a diagnosis of HCM indeed have AFD. With the availability of targeted therapies for sarcomeric HCM and its genocopies, a timely differential diagnosis is essential. Specifically, the therapeutic landscape for AFD is rapidly evolving and offers increasingly effective, disease-modifying treatment options. However, diagnosing AFD may be difficult, particularly in the non-classic phenotype with prominent or isolated cardiac involvement and no systemic red flags. For many AFD patients, the clinical journey from initial clinical manifestations to diagnosis and appropriate treatment remains challenging, due to late recognition or utter neglect. Consequently, late initiation of treatment results in an exacerbation of cardiac involvement, representing the main cause of morbidity and mortality, irrespective of gender. Optimal management of AFD patients requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team, in which the cardiologist plays a decisive role, ranging from the differential diagnosis to the prevention of complications and the evaluation of timing for disease-specific therapies. The present review aims to redefine the role of cardiologists across the main decision nodes in contemporary AFD clinical care and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Pieroni
- Cardiovascular Department, San Donato Hospital, Via Pietro Nenni 22, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Mehdi Namdar
- Cardiology Division, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi Hospital and Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Robert J Desnick
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Germain DP, Linhart A. Pegunigalsidase alfa: a novel, pegylated recombinant alpha-galactosidase enzyme for the treatment of Fabry disease. Front Genet 2024; 15:1395287. [PMID: 38680424 PMCID: PMC11045972 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1395287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease, a rare X-linked genetic disorder, results from pathogenic variants in GLA, leading to deficient lysosomal α-galactosidase A enzyme activity and multi-organ manifestations. Since 2001, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), using agalsidase alfa or agalsidase beta, has been the mainstay treatment, albeit with limitations such as rapid clearance and immunogenicity. Pegunigalsidase alfa, a novel PEGylated recombinant alpha-galactosidase, offers promise as an alternative. Produced in plant cells, pegunigalsidase alfa exhibits enhanced stability, prolonged half-life, and reduced immunogenicity due to pegylation. A phase 1/2 clinical trial demonstrated Gb3 clearance from renal capillary endothelial cells and its 48-month extension study revealed notable outcomes in renal function preservation. Three phase 3 clinical trials (BRIDGE, BRIGHT, and BALANCE) have shown favorable efficacy and safety profile, although caution is warranted in interpreting the results of BRIDGE and BRIGHT which lacked control groups. In BALANCE, the pivotal phase 3 trial comparing pegunigalsidase alfa with agalsidase beta, an intention-to-treat analysis of the eGFR decline over 2 years showed that the intergroup difference [95%confidence interval] in the median slope was -0.36 mL/min/1.73 m2/year [-2.44; 1.73]. The confidence interval had a lower limit above the prespecified value of -3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year and included zero. Despite challenges such as occasional hypersensitivity reactions and immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritis, pegunigalsidase alfa approval by the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration represents a significant addition to Fabry disease therapeutic landscape providing an option for patients in whom enzyme replacement therapy with current formulations is poorly tolerated or poorly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique P. Germain
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Versailles–St Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris–Saclay University, Montigny, France
- Second Department of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ales Linhart
- Second Department of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
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Coelho-Ribeiro B, Silva HG, Sampaio-Marques B, Fraga AG, Azevedo O, Pedrosa J, Ludovico P. Inflammation and Exosomes in Fabry Disease Pathogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:654. [PMID: 38667269 PMCID: PMC11049543 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry Disease (FD) is one of the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorders, resulting from mutations in the GLA gene located on the X chromosome. This genetic mutation triggers glo-botriaosylceramide (Gb-3) buildup within lysosomes, ultimately impairing cellular functions. Given the role of lysosomes in immune cell physiology, FD has been suggested to have a profound impact on immunological responses. During the past years, research has been focusing on this topic, and pooled evidence strengthens the hypothesis that Gb-3 accumulation potentiates the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, revealing the existence of an acute inflammatory process in FD that possibly develops to a chronic state due to stimulus persistency. In parallel, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention due to their function as intercellular communicators. Considering EVs' capacity to convey cargo from parent to distant cells, they emerge as potential inflammatory intermediaries capable of transporting cytokines and other immunomodulatory molecules. In this review, we revisit the evidence underlying the association between FD and altered immune responses and explore the potential of EVs to function as inflammatory vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Coelho-Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena G. Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Belém Sampaio-Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexandra G. Fraga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Olga Azevedo
- Reference Center on Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Jorge Pedrosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Paula Ludovico
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.C.-R.); (H.G.S.); (B.S.-M.); (A.G.F.); (J.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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Sansone L, Barreca F, Belli M, Aventaggiato M, Russo A, Perrone GA, Russo MA, Tafani M, Frustaci A. Infertility in Fabry's Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1340188. [PMID: 38455658 PMCID: PMC10917934 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1340188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fabry's disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility. Methods To test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD). Results OM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli's and Leydig's cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli's cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli's cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Sansone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barreca
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Belli
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Aventaggiato
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- UOC of Pathologic Anatomy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Matteo A. Russo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Frustaci
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
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Lenzini L, Iori E, Vettore M, Gugelmo G, Radu C, Padoan A, Carraro G, Simioni P, Calò L, Avogaro A, Rossi GP, Vitturi N. Increased Soluble Interleukin 6 Receptors in Fabry Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 13:218. [PMID: 38202225 PMCID: PMC10780051 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosome storage disease that results in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) throughout the body leading to irreversible target organ damage. As the role of secondary mediators (inflammatory molecules) and their mechanisms has not been fully elucidated, we focused on the interleukin (IL)-6 system in adult FD patients and in matched healthy subjects. To obtain insights into the complex regulation of IL-6 actions, we used a novel approach that integrates information from plasma and exosomes of FD patients (n = 20) and of healthy controls (n = 15). Soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) levels were measured in plasma with the ELISA method, and membrane-bound IL-6R was quantified in plasma and urinary exosomes using flow cytometry. In FD patients, the levels of soluble IL-6R in plasma were higher than in control subjects (28.0 ± 5.4 ng/mL vs. 18.9 ± 5.4 ng/mL, p < 0.0001); they were also higher in FD subjects with the classical form as compared to those with the late-onset form of the disease (36.0 ± 11.4 ng/mL vs. 26.1 ± 4.5 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). The percentage of urinary exosomes positive for IL-6R was slightly lower in FD (97 ± 1 vs. 100 ± 0% of events positive for IL-6R, p < 0.05); plasma IL-6 levels were not increased. These results suggest a potential role of IL-6 in triggering the inflammatory response in FD. As in FD patients only the levels of sIL-6Rs are consistently higher than in healthy controls, the IL-6 pathogenic signal seems to prevail over the homeostatic one, suggesting a potential mechanism causing multi-systemic damage in FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lenzini
- Internal & Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (G.P.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Iori
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.I.); (M.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Monica Vettore
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.I.); (M.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Giorgia Gugelmo
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Claudia Radu
- General Medicine and Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Andrea Padoan
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Gianni Carraro
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Paolo Simioni
- General Medicine and Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Calò
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Angelo Avogaro
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.I.); (M.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Gian Paolo Rossi
- Internal & Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (G.P.R.)
| | - Nicola Vitturi
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.I.); (M.V.); (A.A.)
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