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Mackels L, Servais L. The Importance of Early Treatment of Inherited Neuromuscular Conditions. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:253-274. [PMID: 38306060 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
There has been tremendous progress in treatment of neuromuscular diseases over the last 20 years, which has transformed the natural history of these severely debilitating conditions. Although the factors that determine the response to therapy are many and in some instance remain to be fully elucidated, early treatment clearly has a major impact on patient outcomes across a number of inherited neuromuscular conditions. To improve patient care and outcomes, clinicians should be aware of neuromuscular conditions that require prompt treatment initiation. This review describes data that underscore the importance of early treatment of children with inherited neuromuscular conditions with an emphasis on data resulting from newborn screening efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurane Mackels
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Adult Neurology Department, Citadelle Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Centre, Division of Paediatrics, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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2
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Landfeldt E, Alemán A, Abner S, Zhang R, Werner C, Tomazos I, Ferizovic N, Lochmüller H, Kirschner J. Predictors of Loss of Ambulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:579-612. [PMID: 38669554 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to describe predictors of loss of ambulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis included searches of MEDLINE ALL, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2022, for predictors of loss of ambulation in DMD. Search terms included "Duchenne muscular dystrophy" as a Medical Subject Heading or free text term, in combination with variations of the term "predictor". Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed meta-analysis pooling of hazard ratios of the effects of glucocorticoids (vs. no glucocorticoid therapy) by fitting a common-effect inverse-variance model. Results The bibliographic searches resulted in the inclusion of 45 studies of children and adults with DMD from 17 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Glucocorticoid therapy was associated with delayed loss of ambulation (overall meta-analysis HR deflazacort/prednisone/prednisolone: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.40-0.48]) (n = 25 studies). Earlier onset of first signs or symptoms, earlier loss of developmental milestones, lower baseline 6MWT (i.e.,<350 vs. ≥350 metres and <330 vs. ≥330 metres), and lower baseline NSAA were associated with earlier loss of ambulation (n = 5 studies). Deletion of exons 3-7, proximal mutations (upstream intron 44), single exon 45 deletions, and mutations amenable of skipping exon 8, exon 44, and exon 53, were associated with prolonged ambulation; distal mutations (intron 44 and downstream), deletion of exons 49-50, and mutations amenable of skipping exon 45, and exon 51 were associated with earlier loss of ambulation (n = 13 studies). Specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CD40 gene rs1883832, LTBP4 gene rs10880, SPP1 gene rs2835709 and rs11730582, and TCTEX1D1 gene rs1060575 (n = 7 studies), as well as race/ethnicity and level of family/patient deprivation (n = 3 studies), were associated with loss of ambulation. Treatment with ataluren (n = 2 studies) and eteplirsen (n = 3 studies) were associated with prolonged ambulation. Magnetic resonance biomarkers (MRI and MRS) were identified as significant predictors of loss of ambulation (n = 6 studies). In total, 33% of studies exhibited some risk of bias. Conclusion Our synthesis of predictors of loss of ambulation in DMD contributes to the understanding the natural history of disease and informs the design of new trials of novel therapies targeting this heavily burdened patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Alemán
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - R Zhang
- PTC Therapeutics Sweden AB, Askim, Sweden
| | - C Werner
- PTC Therapeutics Germany GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - I Tomazos
- PTC Therapeutics Inc, South Plainfield, NJ, USA
| | | | - H Lochmüller
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
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Saad FA, Siciliano G, Angelini C. Advances in Dystrophinopathy Diagnosis and Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1319. [PMID: 37759719 PMCID: PMC10526396 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopathies are x-linked muscular disorders which emerge from mutations in the Dystrophin gene, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, Duchenne muscular dystrophy interconnects with bone loss and osteoporosis, which are exacerbated by glucocorticoids therapy. Procedures for diagnosing dystrophinopathies include creatine kinase assay, haplotype analysis, Southern blot analysis, immunological analysis, multiplex PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, Sanger DNA sequencing, and next generation DNA sequencing. Pharmacological therapy for dystrophinopathies comprises glucocorticoids (prednisone, prednisolone, and deflazacort), vamorolone, and ataluren. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and β-blockers are the first-line to prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in dystrophinopathy patients. Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy strategies involve gene transfer, exon skipping, exon reframing, and CRISPR gene editing. Eteplirsen, an antisense-oligonucleotide drug for skipping exon 51 from the Dystrophin gene, is available on the market, which may help up to 14% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. There are various FDA-approved exon skipping drugs including ExonDys-51 for exon 51, VyonDys-53 and Viltolarsen for exon 53 and AmonDys-45 for exon 45 skipping. Other antisense oligonucleotide drugs in the pipeline include casimersen for exon 45, suvodirsen for exon 51, and golodirsen for exon 53 skipping. Advances in the diagnosis and therapy of dystrophinopathies offer new perspectives for their early discovery and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzy A. Saad
- Department of Gene Therapy, Saad Pharmaceuticals, Juhkentali 8, 10132 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa University School of Medicine, Via Paradisa 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Corrado Angelini
- Department of Neurosciences, Padova University School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 5, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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4
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Landfeldt E, Ferizović N, Buesch K. Timing of Clinical Interventions in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Grading of Evidence. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:353-364. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-220804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Clinical medical management guidelines of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) emphasize prevention and early identification and treatment. Objective: The objective of our study was to review, synthesize, and grade published evidence of the impact of the timing of clinical interventions in DMD. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for records published from inception up until November 19, 2021, reporting evidence of the impact of the timing of clinical interventions in DMD. We assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework. Results: We included 12 publications encompassing 1,623 patients with DMD from seven countries (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America). Six (50%) studies reported evidence of an impact of the timing of initiation of glucocorticoids on loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy, fractures, forced vital capacity, and height and BMI; four (33%) of cardiac medication (i.e., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and eplerenone) on left ventricular size and function and survival; one (8%) of lower limb surgery on motor quotient and loss of ambulation; and one (8%) of ataluren on lower extremity and motor function. The overall quality of the body of evidence was low. Conclusion: While there is a clinical rationale for anticipatory diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, evidence of the impact of the timing of initiation of treatments in patients with DMD is still emerging. Further research of this topic is warranted to inform treatment guidelines in this indication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - K. Buesch
- PTC Therapeutics Switzerland GmbH, Zug, Switzerland
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5
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Ferizovic N, Summers J, de Zárate IBO, Werner C, Jiang J, Landfeldt E, Buesch K. Prognostic indicators of disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A literature review and evidence synthesis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265879. [PMID: 35333888 PMCID: PMC8956179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, severely debilitating, and fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Like in many orphan diseases, randomized controlled trials are uncommon in DMD, resulting in the need to indirectly compare treatment effects, for example by pooling individual patient-level data from multiple sources. However, to derive reliable estimates, it is necessary to ensure that the samples considered are comparable with respect to factors significantly affecting the clinical progression of the disease. To help inform such analyses, the objective of this study was to review and synthesise published evidence of prognostic indicators of disease progression in DMD. We searched MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid) and the Cochrane Library (via Wiley) for records published from inception up until April 23 2021, reporting evidence of prognostic indicators of disease progression in DMD. Risk of bias was established with the grading system of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM). RESULTS Our search included 135 studies involving 25,610 patients from 18 countries across six continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America). We identified a total of 23 prognostic indicators of disease progression in DMD, namely age at diagnosis, age at onset of symptoms, ataluren treatment, ATL1102, BMI, cardiac medication, DMD genetic modifiers, DMD mutation type, drisapersen, edasalonexent, eteplirsen, glucocorticoid exposure, height, idebenone, lower limb surgery, orthoses, oxandrolone, spinal surgery, TAS-205, vamorolone, vitlolarsen, ventilation support, and weight. Of these, cardiac medication, DMD genetic modifiers, DMD mutation type, and glucocorticoid exposure were designated core prognostic indicators, each supported by a high level of evidence and significantly affecting a wide range of clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION This study provides a current summary of prognostic indicators of disease progression in DMD, which will help inform the design of comparative analyses and future data collection initiatives in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermina Ferizovic
- MAP BioPharma Ltd, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
- BresMed Health Solutions, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Joel Jiang
- PTC Therapeutics, South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States of America
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Pascual-Morena C, Cavero-Redondo I, Saz-Lara A, Sequí-Domínguez I, Lucerón-Lucas-Torres M, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Genetic Modifiers and Phenotype of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080798. [PMID: 34451895 PMCID: PMC8401629 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway could modulate the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) phenotype. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the association of genetic variants involved in the TGFβ pathway, including the latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4 (LTBP4) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) genes, among others, with age of loss of ambulation (LoA) and cardiac function in patients with DMD. Meta-analyses were conducted for the hazard ratio (HR) of LoA for each genetic variant. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients treated exclusively with glucocorticoids. Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four in the meta-analyses. The systematic review suggests a protective effect of LTBP4 haplotype IAAM (recessive model) for LoA. It is also suggested that the SPP1 rs28357094 genotype G (dominant model) is associated with early LoA in glucocorticoids-treated patients. The meta-analysis of the LTBP4 haplotype IAAM showed a protective association with LoA, with an HR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67–0.90). No association with LoA was observed for the SPP1 rs28357094. The LTBP4 haplotype IAAM is associated with a later LoA, especially in the Caucasian population, while the SPP1 rs28357094 genotype G could be associated with a poor response to glucocorticoids. Future research is suggested for SPP1 rs11730582, LTBP4 rs710160, and THBS1 rs2725797.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pascual-Morena
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center (CIRES), Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 72819, Chile
| | - Alicia Saz-Lara
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Irene Sequí-Domínguez
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-917-9100
| | - Maribel Lucerón-Lucas-Torres
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (I.C.-R.); (A.S.-L.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (V.M.-V.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
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Description of a Novel Mechanism Possibly Explaining the Antiproliferative Properties of Glucocorticoids in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Fibroblasts Based on Glucocorticoid Receptor GR and NFAT5. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239225. [PMID: 33287327 PMCID: PMC7731298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are drugs of choice in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), prolonging patients’ ambulation. Their mode of action at the protein level is not completely understood. In DMD, muscle tissue is replaced by fibrotic tissue produced by fibroblasts, reducing mobility. Nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) is involved in fibroblast proliferation. By treating one DMD fibroblast cell culture and one of unaffected skeletal muscle fibroblasts with methylprednisolone (MP) or hydrocortisone (HC) for 24 h or 12 d, the antiproliferative properties of glucocorticoids could be unraveled. NFAT5 localization and expression was explored by immunocytochemistry (ICC), Western blotting (WB) and RT-qPCR. NFAT5 and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) colocalization was measured by ImageJ. GR siRNA was used, evaluating GR’s influence on NFAT5 expression during MP and HC treatment. Cell proliferation was monitored by IncuCyte ZOOM. In DMD fibroblasts, treatment with MP for 24 h induced dots (ICC) positive for NFAT5 and colocalizing with GR. After 12 d of MP or HC in DMD fibroblasts, NFAT5 expression was decreased (RT-qPCR and WB) and growth arrest was observed (Incucyte ZOOM), whereas NFAT5 expression and cell growth remained unchanged in unaffected skeletal muscle fibroblasts. This study may help understand the antiproliferative properties of glucocorticoids in DMD fibroblasts.
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Steroid Responsiveness in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Predictive Value of Epigenetic Regulator Histone Deacetylase 2. Indian J Pediatr 2020; 87:692-698. [PMID: 32314166 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-020-03183-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find the role of an epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase (HDAC-2) in predicting steroid responsiveness in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from three milliliters of venous blood sample of patients with DMD for estimation of HDAC-2 levels. The patients were then given prednisolone at 0.75 mg/kg/d and followed up for response. Improvement in muscle power and timed function tests were evaluated 2 monthly for 6 mo. Side- effects of steroids were also noted. RESULTS HDAC-2 values showed a linear correlation with improvement in muscle power at 6 mo as reflected in direct assessment and in various functional tests. When ≥3 point change from baseline was considered in power of various muscle groups at 6 mo as cut off to distinguish good responders (GR) from poor responders (PR) of steroid, a HDAC-2 value of ≥4.40 seemed to be 92.6% sensitive and 100% specific to distinguish GRs. CONCLUSIONS The degree of improvement in power and various timed function tests at 6 mo could be predicted from the HDAC-2 value of the individual patient recorded at baseline. HDAC-2 levels at baseline might be a good biomarker for predicting steroid response in patients with DMD.
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Passarelli C, Selvatici R, Carrieri A, Di Raimo FR, Falzarano MS, Fortunato F, Rossi R, Straub V, Bushby K, Reza M, Zharaieva I, D'Amico A, Bertini E, Merlini L, Sabatelli P, Borgiani P, Novelli G, Messina S, Pane M, Mercuri E, Claustres M, Tuffery-Giraud S, Aartsma-Rus A, Spitali P, T'Hoen PAC, Lochmüller H, Strandberg K, Al-Khalili C, Kotelnikova E, Lebowitz M, Schwartz E, Muntoni F, Scapoli C, Ferlini A. Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor SF10A (TNFRSF10A) SNPs Correlate With Corticosteroid Response in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Genet 2020; 11:605. [PMID: 32719714 PMCID: PMC7350910 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare and severe X-linked muscular dystrophy in which the standard of care with variable outcome, also due to different drug response, is chronic off-label treatment with corticosteroids (CS). In order to search for SNP biomarkers for corticosteroid responsiveness, we genotyped variants across 205 DMD-related genes in patients with differential response to steroid treatment. Methods and Findings We enrolled a total of 228 DMD patients with identified dystrophin mutations, 78 of these patients have been under corticosteroid treatment for at least 5 years. DMD patients were defined as high responders (HR) if they had maintained the ability to walk after 15 years of age and low responders (LR) for those who had lost ambulation before the age of 10 despite corticosteroid therapy. Based on interactome mapping, we prioritized 205 genes and sequenced them in 21 DMD patients (discovery cohort or DiC = 21). We identified 43 SNPs that discriminate between HR and LR. Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) prioritized 2 response-associated SNPs in the TNFRSF10A gene. Validation of this genotype was done in two additional larger cohorts composed of 46 DMD patients on corticosteroid therapy (validation cohorts or VaC1), and 150 non ambulant DMD patients and never treated with corticosteroids (VaC2). SNP analysis in all validation cohorts (N = 207) showed that the CT haplotype is significantly associated with HR DMDs confirming the discovery results. Conclusion We have shown that TNFRSF10A CT haplotype correlates with corticosteroid response in DMD patients and propose it as an exploratory CS response biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Passarelli
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,U.O.C. Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Paediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Carrieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Sofia Falzarano
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fortunato
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rachele Rossi
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Bushby
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mojgan Reza
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Zharaieva
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Center, University College London Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Molecular Medicine and Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Paediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Molecular Medicine and Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Paediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Merlini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Sabatelli
- IRCCS Rizzoli & Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Borgiani
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Neuromed, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Nemo Sud Clinical Center, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Centro Clinico Nemo, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Centro Clinico Nemo, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mireille Claustres
- Laboratory of Genetics of Rare Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Tuffery-Giraud
- Laboratory of Genetics of Rare Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Pietro Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter A C T'Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin Strandberg
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Al-Khalili
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Center, University College London Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,NIH Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferlini
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Dubowitz Neuromuscular Center, University College London Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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The "Usual Suspects": Genes for Inflammation, Fibrosis, Regeneration, and Muscle Strength Modify Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050649. [PMID: 31083420 PMCID: PMC6571893 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most severe form of dystrophinopathy, is quite homogeneous with regards to its causative biochemical defect, i.e., complete dystrophin deficiency, but not so much with regards to its phenotype. For instance, muscle weakness progresses to the loss of independent ambulation at a variable age, starting from before 10 years, to even after 16 years (with glucocorticoid treatment). Identifying the bases of such variability is relevant for patient counseling, prognosis, stratification in trials, and identification of therapeutic targets. To date, variants in five loci have been associated with variability in human DMD sub-phenotypes: SPP1, LTBP4, CD40, ACTN3, and THBS1. Four of these genes (SPP1, LTBP4, CD40, and THBS1) are implicated in several interconnected molecular pathways regulating inflammatory response to muscle damage, regeneration, and fibrosis; while ACTN3 is known as “the gene for speed”, as it contains a common truncating polymorphism (18% of the general population), which reduces muscle power and sprint performance. Studies leading to the identification of these modifiers were mostly based on a “candidate gene” approach, hence the identification of modifiers in “usual suspect” pathways, which are already known to modify muscle in disease or health. Unbiased approaches that are based on genome mapping have so far been applied only initially, but they will probably represent the focus of future developments in this field, and will hopefully identify novel, “unsuspected” therapeutic targets. In this article, we summarize the state of the art of modifier loci of human dystrophin deficiency, and attempt to assess their relevance and implications on both clinical management and translational research.
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Eriksen PL, Kreutzfeldt M, Grønbaek H, Thorsen K, Vang S, Jessen N, Vilstrup H. Enrichment of Genetic Variants in the Glucocorticoid Receptor Signalling Pathway in Autoimmune Hepatitis with Failure of Standard Treatment. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 121:189-194. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lykke Eriksen
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Martin Kreutzfeldt
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Kasper Thorsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Søren Vang
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Niels Jessen
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus C Denmark
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Wright CR, Allsopp GL, Addinsall AB, McRae NL, Andrikopoulos S, Stupka N. A Reduction in Selenoprotein S Amplifies the Inflammatory Profile of Fast-Twitch Skeletal Muscle in the mdx Dystrophic Mouse. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:7043429. [PMID: 28592916 PMCID: PMC5448157 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7043429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive inflammation is a hallmark of muscle myopathies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). There is interest in characterising novel genes that regulate inflammation due to their potential to modify disease progression. Gene polymorphisms in Selenoprotein S (Seps1) are associated with elevated proinflammatory cytokines, and in vitro SEPS1 is protective against inflammatory stress. Given that SEPS1 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, we investigated whether the genetic reduction of Seps1 exacerbated inflammation in the mdx mouse. F1 male mdx mice with a heterozygous Seps1 deletion (mdx:Seps1-/+) were generated. The mdx:Seps1-/+ mice had a 50% reduction in SEPS1 protein expression in hindlimb muscles. In the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (Mcp-1) (P = 0.034), macrophage marker F4/80 (P = 0.030), and transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgf-β1) (P = 0.056) were increased in mdx:Seps1-/+ mice. This was associated with a reduction in muscle fibre size; however, ex vivo EDL muscle strength and endurance were unaltered. In dystrophic slow twitch soleus muscles, SEPS1 reduction had no effect on the inflammatory profile nor function. In conclusion, the genetic reduction of Seps1 appears to specifically exacerbate the inflammatory profile of fast-twitch muscle fibres, which are typically more vulnerable to degeneration in dystrophy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Body Composition/genetics
- Body Composition/physiology
- Female
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/physiology
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Selenoproteins/genetics
- Selenoproteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Robert Wright
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Giselle Larissa Allsopp
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex Bernard Addinsall
- Molecular Medical Research SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Natasha Lee McRae
- Molecular Medical Research SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Stupka
- Molecular Medical Research SRC, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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13
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Petnikota H, Madhuri V, Gangadharan S, Agarwal I, Antonisamy B. Retrospective cohort study comparing the efficacy of prednisolone and deflazacort in children with muscular dystrophy: A 6 years' experience in a South Indian teaching hospital. Indian J Orthop 2016; 50:551-557. [PMID: 27746500 PMCID: PMC5017179 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5413.189609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscular dystrophies are inherited myogenic disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness of variable distribution and severity. They are a heterogeneous group characterized by variable degree of skeletal and cardiac muscle involvement. The most common and the most severe form of muscular dystrophy is DMD. Currently, there is no curative treatment for muscular dystrophies. Several drugs have been studied to retard the progression of the muscle weakness. There is much controversy about steroid usage in muscular dystrophy with respect to regimen, adverse effects, and whether long term benefits outweigh side effects. This study is to assess steroid efficacy in children with muscular dystrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS All children with diagnosed muscular dystrophy by muscle biopsy, immunohistochemistry and/or genetic test were enrolled in the study. They were started on either prednisolone (0.75 mg/kg/day) or deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/day based on affordability. All were followed up every 6 months with clinical assessment, quality of life questionnaire and clinical and laboratory assessment of side effects. Outcome measures of children on deflazacort and prednisolone at 1 year followup were summarized as numbers and percentages and were compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Twenty two children with muscular dystrophy were included (prednisolone group: 10 and deflazacort group: 12). The mean age was 7.7 years at an average followup of 26.4 months. Twenty children were diagnosed to have Duchenne's; one had Becker's muscular dystrophy while one had sarcoglycanopathy by Type 2C. All children from prednisolone group maintained their ambulatory status at 2 and 4 years followups while three on deflazacort lost their ability to walk at an average age of 11.3 years. All activities of daily living were found to be better in prednisolone group. Muscle function and time taken to walk improved in prednisolone group. Weight gain in children on prednisolone was three times more. CONCLUSIONS Prednisolone is more beneficial than deflazacort at doses of 0.75 mg/kg/day and 0.9 mg/kg/day, respectively, however it is associated with adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Petnikota
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, CMC, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vrisha Madhuri
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, CMC, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Vrisha Madhuri, Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Paul Brand Building, Christian Medical College, Vellore - 632 004, Tamil Nadu, India. E-mail:
| | | | - Indira Agarwal
- Department of Child Health, CMC, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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14
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Matthews E, Brassington R, Kuntzer T, Jichi F, Manzur AY. Corticosteroids for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD003725. [PMID: 27149418 PMCID: PMC8580515 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003725.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. Untreated, this incurable disease, which has an X-linked recessive inheritance, is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability, leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is a major aim of treatment. Evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) indicates that corticosteroids significantly improve muscle strength and function in boys with DMD in the short term (six months), and strength at two years (two-year data on function are very limited). Corticosteroids, now part of care recommendations for DMD, are largely in routine use, although questions remain over their ability to prolong walking, when to start treatment, longer-term balance of benefits versus harms, and choice of corticosteroid or regimen.We have extended the scope of this updated review to include comparisons of different corticosteroids and dosing regimens. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of corticosteroids on prolongation of walking ability, muscle strength, functional ability, and quality of life in DMD; to address the question of whether benefit is maintained over the longer term (more than two years); to assess adverse events; and to compare efficacy and adverse effects of different corticosteroid preparations and regimens. SEARCH METHODS On 16 February 2016 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and LILACS. We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts. We checked references in identified trials, handsearched journal abstracts, and searched trials registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered RCTs or quasi-RCTs of corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, prednisolone, and deflazacort) given for a minimum of three months to patients with a definite DMD diagnosis. We considered comparisons of different corticosteroids, regimens, and corticosteroids versus placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The review authors followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS We identified 12 studies (667 participants) and two new ongoing studies for inclusion. Six RCTs were newly included at this update and important non-randomised cohort studies have also been published. Some important studies remain unpublished and not all published studies provide complete outcome data. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE one two-year deflazacort RCT (n = 28) used prolongation of ambulation as an outcome measure but data were not adequate for drawing conclusions. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES meta-analyses showed that corticosteroids (0.75 mg/kg/day prednisone or prednisolone) improved muscle strength and function versus placebo over six months (moderate quality evidence from up to four RCTs). Evidence from single trials showed 0.75 mg/kg/day superior to 0.3 mg/kg/day on most strength and function measures, with little evidence of further benefit at 1.5 mg/kg/day. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), timed walk, four-stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade, and forced vital capacity. One new RCT (n = 66), reported better strength, function and quality of life with daily 0.75 mg/kg/day prednisone at 12 months. One RCT (n = 28) showed that deflazacort stabilised muscle strength versus placebo at two years, but timed function test results were too imprecise for conclusions to be drawn.One double-blind RCT (n = 64), largely at low risk of bias, compared daily prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day) with weekend-only prednisone (5 mg/kg/weekend day), finding no overall difference in muscle strength and function over 12 months (moderate to low quality evidence). Two small RCTs (n = 52) compared daily prednisone 0.75 mg/kg/day with daily deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/day, but study methods limited our ability to compare muscle strength or function. ADVERSE EFFECTS excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance, and excessive hair growth were all previously shown to be more common with corticosteroids than placebo; we assessed the quality of evidence (for behavioural changes and weight gain) as moderate. Hair growth and cushingoid features were more frequent at 0.75 mg/kg/day than 0.3 mg/kg/day prednisone. Comparing daily versus weekend-only prednisone, both groups gained weight with no clear difference in body mass index (BMI) or in behavioural changes (low quality evidence for both outcomes, one study); the weekend-only group had a greater linear increase in height. Very low quality evidence suggested less weight gain with deflazacort than with prednisone at 12 months, and no difference in behavioural abnormalities. Data are insufficient to assess the risk of fractures or cataracts for any comparison.Non-randomised studies support RCT evidence in showing improved functional benefit from corticosteroids. These studies suggest sustained benefit for up to 66 months. Adverse effects were common, although generally manageable. According to a large comparative longitudinal study of daily or intermittent (10 days on, 10 days off) corticosteroid for a mean period of four years, a daily regimen prolongs ambulation and improves functional scores over the age of seven, but with a greater frequency of side effects than an intermittent regimen. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Moderate quality evidence from RCTs indicates that corticosteroid therapy in DMD improves muscle strength and function in the short term (twelve months), and strength up to two years. On the basis of the evidence available for strength and function outcomes, our confidence in the effect estimate for the efficacy of a 0.75 mg/kg/day dose of prednisone or above is fairly secure. There is no evidence other than from non-randomised trials to establish the effect of corticosteroids on prolongation of walking. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common with corticosteroids than placebo, but not clinically severe. A weekend-only prednisone regimen is as effective as daily prednisone in the short term (12 months), according to low to moderate quality evidence from a single trial, with no clear difference in BMI (low quality evidence). Very low quality evidence indicates that deflazacort causes less weight gain than prednisone after a year's treatment. We cannot evaluate long-term benefits and hazards of corticosteroid treatment or intermittent regimens from published RCTs. Non-randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits, but also identify clinically significant adverse effects of long-term treatment, and a possible divergence of efficacy in daily and weekend-only regimens in the longer term. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Matthews
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryMRC Centre for Neuromuscular DiseasesQueen SquareLondonUK
| | - Ruth Brassington
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryMRC Centre for Neuromuscular DiseasesQueen SquareLondonUK
| | - Thierry Kuntzer
- CHU Vaudois and University of LausanneNerve‐Muscle Unit, Service of NeurologyLausanneSwitzerland1011
| | - Fatima Jichi
- Joint Research Office, University College LondonUCL School of Life & Medical SciencesGower StreetLondonUKWC1E 6BT
| | - Adnan Y Manzur
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS TrustDubowitz Neuromuscular CentreGreat Ormond StreetLondonUKWC1N 3JH
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15
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Khan HN, Jilani U, Arora S. Case Report: Elevated CPK, an indicator of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy? F1000Res 2016; 5:164. [PMID: 27540467 PMCID: PMC4965691 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7681.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymyositis is a rare disease with incidence rates at about 1 per 100,000 people annually. In this case report we will review a case of proximal muscle weakness with an elevated creatine phosphokinase that was initially misdiagnosed twice as rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, emphasizing that idiopathic inflammatory myopathy is a potential cause of myasthenia that must be considered in the differential. The case will also describe the current treatment and treatment response in polymyositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina N. Khan
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Usman Jilani
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Long Island, USA
| | - Shitij Arora
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
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16
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Falzarano MS, Scotton C, Passarelli C, Ferlini A. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: From Diagnosis to Therapy. Molecules 2015; 20:18168-84. [PMID: 26457695 PMCID: PMC6332113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules201018168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked inherited neuromuscular disorder due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to the absence of dystrophin protein that causes degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. The molecular diagnostic of DMD involves a deletions/duplications analysis performed by quantitative technique such as microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), Multiple Ligation Probe Assay MLPA. Since traditional methods for detection of point mutations and other sequence variants require high cost and are time consuming, especially for a large gene like dystrophin, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a useful tool available for clinical diagnosis. The dystrophin gene is large and finely regulated in terms of tissue expression, and RNA processing and editing includes a variety of fine tuned processes. At present, there are no effective treatments and the steroids are the only fully approved drugs used in DMD therapy able to slow disease progression. In the last years, an increasing variety of strategies have been studied as a possible therapeutic approach aimed to restore dystrophin production and to preserve muscle mass, ameliorating the DMD phenotype. RNA is the most studied target for the development of clinical strategies and Antisense Oligonucleotides (AONs) are the most used molecules for RNA modulation. The identification of delivery system to enhance the efficacy and to reduce the toxicity of AON is the main purpose in this area and nanomaterials are a very promising model as DNA/RNA molecules vectors. Dystrophinopathies therefore represent a pivotal field of investigation, which has opened novel avenues in molecular biology, medical genetics and novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofia Falzarano
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121 Italy.
| | - Chiara Scotton
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121 Italy.
| | | | - Alessandra Ferlini
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, 44121 Italy.
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17
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Cuzzoni E, De Iudicibus S, Franca R, Stocco G, Lucafò M, Pelin M, Favretto D, Pasini A, Montini G, Decorti G. Glucocorticoid pharmacogenetics in pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 16:1631-48. [PMID: 26419298 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.15.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome represents the most common type of primary glomerular disease in children: glucocorticoids (GCs) are the first-line therapy, even if considerable interindividual differences in their efficacy and side effects have been reported. Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs are mainly due to the GC-mediated transcription regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes. This mechanism of action is the result of a complex multistep pathway that involves the glucocorticoid receptor and several other proteins, encoded by polymorphic genes. Aim of this review is to highlight the current knowledge on genetic variants that could affect GC response, particularly focusing on children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Cuzzoni
- Graduate School in Reproduction & Developmental Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara De Iudicibus
- Institute for Maternal & Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, I-34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Franca
- Institute for Maternal & Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, I-34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Stocco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marianna Lucafò
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Pelin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Diego Favretto
- Institute for Maternal & Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, I-34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Montini
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, I-20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana Decorti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
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18
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Koper JW, van Rossum EFC, van den Akker ELT. Glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms and haplotypes and their expression in health and disease. Steroids 2014; 92:62-73. [PMID: 25150015 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cortisol is involved in many physiological processes, including immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, and therefore cortisol and its synthetic analogs are widely used to treat a large number of diseases. In glucocorticoid treatment, a large variability of clinical responses is observed. This variability may, in part, be ascribed to genetic variation in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene. In this review we present a catalogue of the various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the glucocorticoid receptor gene and their consequences for human health and disease. Many different GR SNP association studies have been described. However, most studies come down to only a few SNPs reported with different annotations. In this review we clarified these different annotations to uniform names. Most associations between GR SNPs and phenotype have been found in body composition, metabolism, the cardiovascular system, the immune system and psychiatric illnesses. However, many associations have not been replicated (yet), and future replication studies and meta-analyses are needed. There is a substantial body of evidence for GR SNPs to have effects on clinical phenotype. However, as most SNP frequencies are low and their variation is within the range of the general population, the impact of a single SNP for health and disease in the general population is probably modest. However, in-depth studying of the molecular mechanisms of repeatedly observed clinical associations could lead to new possibilities for drug development. In particular the development of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators holds promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan W Koper
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erica L T van den Akker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Eipel OT, Németh K, Török D, Csordás K, Hegyi M, Ponyi A, Ferenczy A, Erdélyi DJ, Csóka M, Kovács GT. The glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphism N363S predisposes to more severe toxic side effects during pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Int J Hematol 2013; 97:216-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-012-1236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Scully MA, Pandya S, Moxley RT. Review of Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2012. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2013.746939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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21
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Old and new therapeutic developments in steroid treatment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2012; 31:9-15. [PMID: 22655511 PMCID: PMC3440806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Steroids have been used since two decades and several trials were conducted to establish their efficacy in DMD patients with various regimens. The clinical outcomes showed increased function in the treated boys, and in a single trial with deflazacort, prolongation of ambulation but with different side effects. Steroids clinical efficacy is now established. The main concern is to increase steroid efficacy and decrease side effect and toxicity. A trial comparing daily prednisone, deflazacort and intermittent glucocorticoids (prednisone 10 days on/10 days off) (FOR-DMD) is starting under NIH grant. The primary outcomes will be muscle strength, forced vital capacity and patient/parents satisfaction.
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22
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Iudicibus SD, Franca R, Martelossi S, Ventura A, Decorti G. Molecular mechanism of glucocorticoid resistance in inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:1095-108. [PMID: 21448414 PMCID: PMC3063901 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i9.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely employed in a number of inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, remain the first-line treatment for inducing remission in moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite their extensive therapeutic use and the proven effectiveness, considerable clinical evidence of wide inter-individual differences in GC efficacy among patients has been reported, in particular when these agents are used in inflammatory diseases. In recent years, a detailed knowledge of the GC mechanism of action and of the genetic variants affecting GC activity at the molecular level has arisen from several studies. GCs interact with their cytoplasmic receptor, and are able to repress inflammatory gene expression through several distinct mechanisms. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is therefore crucial for the effects of these agents: mutations in the GR gene (NR3C1, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1) are the primary cause of a rare, inherited form of GC resistance; in addition, several polymorphisms of this gene have been described and associated with GC response and toxicity. However, the GR is not self-standing in the cell and the receptor-mediated functions are the result of a complex interplay of GR and many other cellular partners. The latter comprise several chaperonins of the large cooperative hetero-oligomeric complex that binds the hormone-free GR in the cytosol, and several factors involved in the transcriptional machinery and chromatin remodeling, that are critical for the hormonal control of target genes transcription in the nucleus. Furthermore, variants in the principal effectors of GCs (e.g. cytokines and their regulators) have also to be taken into account for a comprehensive evaluation of the variability in GC response. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the transport and/or metabolism of these hormones have also been suggested as other possible candidates of interest that could play a role in the observed inter-individual differences in efficacy and toxicity. The best-characterized example is the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein, a membrane transporter that extrudes GCs from cells, thereby lowering their intracellular concentration. This protein is encoded by the ABCB1/MDR1 gene; this gene presents different known polymorphic sites that can influence its expression and function. This editorial reviews the current knowledge on this topic and underlines the role of genetics in predicting GC clinical response. The ambitious goal of pharmacogenomic studies is to adapt therapies to a patient’s specific genetic background, thus improving on efficacy and safety rates.
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23
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Kim HK, Laor T, Horn PS, Wong B. Quantitative assessment of the T2 relaxation time of the gluteus muscles in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a comparative study before and after steroid treatment. Korean J Radiol 2010; 11:304-11. [PMID: 20461184 PMCID: PMC2864857 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2010.11.3.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of using T2 mapping as a quantitative method to longitudinally follow the disease activity in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are treated with steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS ELEVEN BOYS WITH DMD (AGE RANGE: 5-14 years) underwent evaluation with the clinical functional score (CFS), and conventional pelvic MRI and T2 mapping before and during steroid therapy. The gluteus muscle inflammation and fatty infiltration were evaluated on conventional MRI. The histograms and mean T2 relaxation times were obtained from the T2 maps. The CFS, the conventional MRI findings and the T2 values were compared before and during steroid therapy. RESULTS None of the patients showed interval change of their CFSs. On conventional MRI, none of the images showed muscle inflammation. During steroid treatment, two boys showed increased fatty infiltration on conventional MRI, and both had an increase of the mean T2 relaxation time (p < 0.05). The remaining nine boys had no increase in fatty infiltration. Of these, three showed an increased mean T2 relaxation time (p < 0.05), two showed no change and four showed a decreased mean T2 relaxation time (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION T2 mapping is a feasible technique to evaluate the longitudinal muscle changes in those children who receive steroid therapy for DMD. The differences of the mean T2 relaxation time may reflect alterations in disease activity, and even when the conventional MRI and CFS remain stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Kyung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA.
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Manenschijn L, van den Akker ELT, Lamberts SWJ, van Rossum EFC. Clinical features associated with glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms. An overview. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1179:179-98. [PMID: 19906240 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is crucial for the effects of glucocorticoids (GCs). Several polymorphisms of the GR are associated with altered sensitivity to GCs. For the ER22/23EK polymorphism, a relative GC resistance has been demonstrated. In vivo, this was suggested by a smaller response to a dexamethasone suppression test (DST), whereas in vitro experiments showed a diminished transactivational activity. The associated features of ER22/23EK carriers consist of favorable metabolic and body compositional conditions. In elderly subjects this polymorphism was associated with longevity and decreased risk of dementia. Interestingly, recent studies also showed an increased risk of major depression. In contrast, the N363S polymorphism was reported to be associated with an enhanced sensitivity to GCs, as was demonstrated by a DST. This polymorphism has also been associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, additional studies yielded conflicting results, showing no associations with being overweight. The BclI polymorphism is also associated with increased GC sensitivity. In addition, associations with increased abdominal fat mass, Crohn's disease and, remarkably, major depression have been reported. Another GR polymorphism, located in exon 9beta, is associated with increased expression and stabilization of the dominant negative splice variant GR-beta. Carriers of this polymorphism displayed a relative GC resistance in vitro as evidenced by diminished transrepressional activity, which is important for the immune system and inflammation. Associations have been found with increased inflammatory parameters, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this article, studies concerning these clinically relevant GR variants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Manenschijn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. This incurable disease is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is one of the major aims of treatment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to assess whether glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize or improve muscle strength and walking in boys with DMD. SEARCH STRATEGY This is an update of the Cochrane systematic review first published in 2004 (Manzur 2004). We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register (August 2006) using the term 'Duchenne muscular dystrophy'. We also searched MEDLINE (January 1966 to July 2007), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2006), CINAHL and LILACS (January 1982 to August 2006). We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts in this disease to help identify other trials, checked the references in the identified trials and hand searched the abstracts of relevant journals. SELECTION CRITERIA Types of studies: randomised or quasi-randomised trials. TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS all patients with a definite diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Types of interventions: glucocorticoids such as prednisone, prednisolone, deflazacort or others, with a minimum treatment period of three months. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE prolongation of walking (independent walking without long leg calipers). SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES strength outcome measures, manual muscle strength testing using Medical Research Council strength scores, functional outcome measures and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We identified six randomised controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for our review, and one of these (Beenakker 2005) is a new addition to this update, as it was published subsequent to our first review (Manzur 2004). Two review authors independently selected the trials for the review and assessed methodological quality. Data extraction and inputting were double-checked. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE data from one small study used prolongation of walking as an outcome measure and did not show significant benefit. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The meta-analysis of the results from four randomised controlled trials with altogether 249 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids improved muscle strength and function over six months. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), nine metres walking time, four-stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade and forced vital capacity. One randomised controlled trial with altogether 28 participants showed that glucocorticoid corticosteroids stabilize muscle strength and function for up to two years. The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given in a daily dose regime. Not enough data were available to compare efficacy of prednisone with deflazacort. Adverse effects: Excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance and excessive hair growth were all more common with glucocorticoid corticosteroids than placebo. Long-term adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy could not be evaluated because of the short-term duration of the randomised studies.Non-randomised studies: A number of non-randomised studies with important efficacy and adverse effects data are tabulated and discussed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence from randomised controlled studies that glucocorticoid corticosteroid therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy improves muscle strength and function in the short-term (six months to two years). The most effective prednisolone regime appears to be 0.75 mg/kg/day, given daily. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common but not clinically severe. Long-term benefits and hazards of glucocorticoid treatment cannot be evaluated from the currently published randomised studies. Non-randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits but also identify clinically significant adverse effects of long-term treatment. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research studies and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Manzur
- Hammersmith Hospital, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, DuCane Road, London, UK, W12 OHS.
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van Winsen LML, Hooper-van Veen T, van Rossum EFC, Koper JW, Barkhof F, Polman CH, Uitdehaag BMJ. Glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms associated with more aggressive disease phenotype in MS. J Neuroimmunol 2007; 186:150-5. [PMID: 17395275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2006] [Revised: 02/17/2007] [Accepted: 02/21/2007] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, in which unknown environmental factors are thought to trigger disease in genetically susceptible persons. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in controlling chronic inflammatory diseases, like MS. Three polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene (N363S, ER22/23EK and the Bcl I C/G) have been shown to alter glucocorticoid sensitivity, and therefore may influence disease course. We investigated the influence of these polymorphisms on clinical and MRI parameters. The ER22/23EK polymorphism was associated with a more aggressive MS phenotype, measured both clinically and on MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M L van Winsen
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Over the years various steroid trials have been conducted in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In children who are still able to walk as well as in those who are wheelchair-bound, corticosteroids have been found to stabilize muscle strength for a period of time. Controlled clinical observations have shown that some boys remain ambulatory for years longer than reported in natural history data. The two main steroids used are prednisone/prednisolone and deflazacort. They are probably equally effective in stabilizing muscle strength but may have different side-effect profiles; for instance, deflazacort causes less weight gain. The exact mechanism by which steroids slow the dystrophic process is under investigation. DMD children treated long term also seem to develop other complications of the condition less frequently. For instance, they develop respiratory insufficiency later and have fewer cardiac symptoms. The therapeutic value of corticosteroids is limited, but these drugs represent the best treatment option currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Angelini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 5, Padova, Italy.
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Abstract
Granulysin expression or glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms may be factors underlying the variable steroid response in patients with myopathies
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