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Platt I, Bisgin A, Kilavuz S. Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy: a literature review and two new cases of mild phenotype. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3827-3852. [PMID: 37458841 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06904-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a rare intoxication-type metabolic disorder with multisystem involvement. It is caused by mutations in ETHE1, which encodes the ETHE1 enzyme in the mitochondrial matrix that plays a key role in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detoxification acting as a sulphur dioxygenase. RESULTS This review focuses on the clinical, metabolic, genetic and neuroradiological features of 70 reported cases, including two new cases. The common manifestations of EE are psychomotor regression, hypotonia, developmental delay, petechia, pyramidal signs, chronic diarrhoea, orthostatic acrocyanosis and failure to thrive, respectively. A significant difference was found in EMA and C4 levels (p=0.003, p=0.0236) between classical and mild phenotypes. Urinary EMA, C4 and C5 levels were found to exhibit normal values in milder cases during attack-free periods. The most common ETHE1 gene homozygous state mutations were (p.R163Q) (c.488G>A), exon 4 deletion, (p.R163W)(c.487C>T), (p.Glu44ValfsTer62)(c.131_132delAG) and (p.M1I)(c.3G>T) mutations, respectively. Fifty-two patients underwent cranial MRI. Basal ganglia signal alterations were detected in 42 cases. Of the 70 cases, eight had a mild phenotype and slow neurological progression with low levels of ethylmalonic acid (EMA) and C4 acylcarnitine. The current age of alive patients in the published articles with mild phenotype was significantly higher than the classical phenotype. (p=0.002). Reducing the accumulation and inducing detoxification of sulfide is the main long-term treatment strategy for EE, including metronidazole, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), dietary modification, liver transplantation and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). CONCLUSION Measuring EMA and C4 acylcarnitine during metabolic attacks is critical to diagnosing EE, allowing for early treatment initiation to prevent further encephalopathic crises. Experience with liver transplantation, diet and CRRT, is currently limited. An early multidisciplinary approach with combination therapies is vital to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atil Bisgin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cukurova University AGENTEM (Adana Genetic Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Center), Adana, Turkey
| | - Sebile Kilavuz
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
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Kashima DT, Sloan-Heggen CM, Gottlieb-Smith RJ, Barone Pritchard A. An atypically mild case of ethylmalonic encephalopathy with pathogenic ETHE1 variant. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:1614-1618. [PMID: 36891747 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a rare, severe, autosomal recessive condition caused by pathogenic variants in ETHE1 leading to progressive encephalopathy, hypotonia evolving to dystonia, petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, diarrhea, and elevated ethylmalonic acid in urine. In this case report, we describe a patient with only mild speech and gross motor delays, subtle biochemical abnormalities, and normal brain imaging found to be homozygous for a pathogenic ETHE1 variant (c.586G>A) via whole exome sequencing. This case highlights the clinical heterogeneity of ETHE1 mutations and the utility of whole-exome sequencing in diagnosing mild cases of EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Kashima
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christina M Sloan-Heggen
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rachel J Gottlieb-Smith
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanda Barone Pritchard
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Wang G, Zhao Z, Li Y. A case report of atypical ethylmalonic encephalopathy with peripheral neuropathy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:971-973. [PMID: 36601669 PMCID: PMC9928541 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guan‐Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, School of Clinical MedicineWeifang Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Ze‐Yu Zhao
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina,Shandong Institute of NeuroimmunologyJinanChina
| | - Yan‐Bin Li
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina,Shandong Institute of NeuroimmunologyJinanChina
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Lopriore P, Gomes F, Montano V, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Mitochondrial Epilepsy, a Challenge for Neurologists. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113216. [PMID: 36362003 PMCID: PMC9656379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary mitochondrial diseases are relatively common inborn errors of energy metabolism, with a combined prevalence of 1 in 4300. These disorders typically affect tissues with high energy requirements, including the brain. Epilepsy affects >1% of the worldwide population, making it one of the most common neurological illnesses; it may be the presenting feature of a mitochondrial disease, but is often part of a multisystem clinical presentation. The major genetic causes of mitochondrial epilepsy are mutations in mitochondrial DNA and in the nuclear-encoded gene POLG. Treatment of mitochondrial epilepsy may be challenging, often representing a poor prognostic feature. This narrative review will cover the most recent advances in the field of mitochondrial epilepsy, from pathophysiology and genetic etiologies to phenotype and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piervito Lopriore
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fábio Gomes
- Neurology Department, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vincenzo Montano
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Neurological Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Cirino G, Szabo C, Papapetropoulos A. Physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Physiol Rev 2022; 103:31-276. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
H2S belongs to the class of molecules known as gasotransmitters, which also includes nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Three enzymes are recognized as endogenous sources of H2S in various cells and tissues: cystathionine g-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). The current article reviews the regulation of these enzymes as well as the pathways of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation and elimination. The multiple interactions of H2S with other labile endogenous molecules (e.g. NO) and reactive oxygen species are also outlined. The various biological targets and signaling pathways are discussed, with special reference to H2S and oxidative posttranscriptional modification of proteins, the effect of H2S on channels and intracellular second messenger pathways, the regulation of gene transcription and translation and the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. The pharmacological and molecular tools currently available to study H2S physiology are also reviewed, including their utility and limitations. In subsequent sections, the role of H2S in the regulation of various physiological and cellular functions is reviewed. The physiological role of H2S in various cell types and organ systems are overviewed. Finally, the role of H2S in the regulation of various organ functions is discussed as well as the characteristic bell-shaped biphasic effects of H2S. In addition, key pathophysiological aspects, debated areas, and future research and translational areas are identified A wide array of significant roles of H2S in the physiological regulation of all organ functions emerges from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papapetropoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece & Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
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Panagaki T, Lozano-Montes L, Janickova L, Zuhra K, Szabo MP, Majtan T, Rainer G, Maréchal D, Herault Y, Szabo C. Overproduction of hydrogen sulfide, generated by cystathionine β-synthase, disrupts brain wave patterns and contributes to neurobehavioral dysfunction in a rat model of down syndrome. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102233. [PMID: 35042677 PMCID: PMC9039679 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a novel rat model of Down syndrome (DS), the functional role of the cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS)/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway was investigated on the pathogenesis of brain wave pattern alterations and neurobehavioral dysfunction. Increased expression of CBS and subsequent overproduction of H2S was observed in the brain of DS rats, with CBS primarily localizing to astrocytes and the vasculature. DS rats exhibited neurobehavioral defects, accompanied by a loss of gamma brain wave activity and a suppression of the expression of multiple pre- and postsynaptic proteins. Aminooxyacetate, a prototypical pharmacological inhibitor of CBS, increased the ability of the DS brain tissue to generate ATP in vitro and reversed the electrophysiological and neurobehavioral alterations in vivo. Thus, the CBS/H2S pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological dysfunction in DS, most likely through dysregulation of cellular bioenergetics and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Panagaki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laura Lozano-Montes
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Visual Cognition Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Janickova
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marcell P Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Majtan
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Rainer
- Visual Cognition Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Damien Maréchal
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Olivieri G, Martinelli D, Longo D, Grimaldi C, Liccardo D, Di Meo I, Pietrobattista A, Sidorina A, Semeraro M, Dionisi-Vici C. Ethylmalonic encephalopathy and liver transplantation: long-term outcome of the first treated patient. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:229. [PMID: 34011365 PMCID: PMC8136189 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is a severe intoxication-type metabolic disorder with multisystem clinical features and leading to early death. In 2014, based on the promising results obtained by liver-targeted gene therapy in Ethe1−/− mouse model, we successfully attempted liver transplantation in a 9-month-old EE girl. Here we report her long-term follow-up, lasting over 6 years, with a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, instrumental and biochemical assessments. Results Neurological signs initially reverted, with a clinical stabilization during the entire follow-up course. Accordingly, gross motor functions improved and then stabilized. Psychomotor evaluations documented an increasing communicative intent, the acquisition of new social skills and the capability to carry out simple orders. Neurophysiological assessments, which included EEG, VEP/ERG and BAEPs, remained unchanged. Brain MRI also stabilized, showing no further lesions and cerebral atrophy improvement. Compared to pre-transplant assessments, urinary ethylmalonic acid strikingly reduced, and plasma thiosulphate fully normalized. The child maintained good clinical conditions and never experienced metabolic crises nor epileptic seizures. Conclusions The long-term follow-up of the first EE transplanted patient demonstrates that liver transplantation stabilizes, or even improves, disease course, therefore representing a potentially elective option especially in early-diagnosed patients, such as those detected by newborn screening, before irreversible neurological damage occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Olivieri
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Grimaldi
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Liccardo
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Di Meo
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pietrobattista
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Sidorina
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Semeraro
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Dionisi-Vici
- Division of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
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