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Feil K, Rattay TW, Adeyemi AK, Goldschagg N, Strupp ML. [What's behind cerebellar dizziness? - News on diagnosis and therapy]. Laryngorhinootologie 2024; 103:337-343. [PMID: 37989215 DOI: 10.1055/a-2192-7278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Vertigo and dizziness comprise a multisensory and multidisciplinary syndrome of different etiologies. The term "cerebellar vertigo and dizziness" comprises a heterogenous group of disorders with clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction and is caused by vestibulo-cerebellar, vestibulo-spinal or cerebellar systems. About 10 % of patients in an outpatient clinic for vertigo and balance disorders suffer from cerebellar vertigo and dizziness. According to the course of the symptoms, one can considers 3 types: permanent complaints, recurrent episodes of vertigo and balance disorders, or an acute onset of complaints. The most common diagnoses in patients with cerebellar vertigo and dizziness were as follows: degenerative disease, hereditary forms and acquired forms. In a subgroup of patients with cerebellar vertigo, central cerebellar oculomotor dysfunction is indeed the only clinical correlate of the described symptoms. 81 % of patients with cerebellar vertigo suffer from permanent, persistent vertigo and dizziness, 31 % from vertigo attacks, and 21 % from both. Typical clinical cerebellar signs, including gait and limb ataxia or dysarthria, were found less frequently. Key to diagnosis is a focused history as well as a thorough clinical examination with particular attention to oculomotor function. Regarding oculomotor examination, the most common findings were saccadic smooth pursuit, gaze-evoked nystagmus, provocation nystagmus, rebound nystagmus, central fixation nystagmus, most commonly downbeat nystagmus, and disturbances of saccades. Thus, oculomotor examination is very sensitive in diagnosing cerebellar vertigo and dizziness, but not specific in distinguishing different etiologies. Laboratory examinations using posturography and a standardized gait analysis can support the diagnosis, but also help to estimate the risk of falls and to quantify the course and possible symptomatic treatment effects. Patients with cerebellar vertigo and dizziness should receive multimodal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Feil
- Schwerpunkt neurovaskuläre Erkrankungen, Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim W Rattay
- Schwerpunkt neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie-Institut für klinische Hirnforschung, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - Adedolapo Kamaldeen Adeyemi
- Schwerpunkt neurovaskuläre Erkrankungen, Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolina Goldschagg
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
- Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, DSGZ, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Michael Leo Strupp
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
- Deutsches Schwindel- und Gleichgewichtszentrum, DSGZ, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
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Beyraghi-Tousi M, Sahebkar A, Houra M, Sarvghadi P, Jamialahmadi T, Bagheri R, Tavallaie S, Gumpricht E, Saberi-Karimian M. Efficacy and safety of N-acetyl-L-leucine in patients with ataxia telangiectasia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 50:57-63. [PMID: 38669738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder. Most patients have progressive cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, frequent pulmonary infection, and an increased risk of malignancies. Although N-acetyl-dl-leucine (ADLL) has shown some efficacy in patients with AT, its more pharmacologically active enantiomer, N-acetyl-l-leucine (NALL), has just recently been investigated in ataxic individuals. The current study assessed the efficacy of NALL in patients with AT. METHODS This 2 × 2 crossover, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients with AT. After excluding four patients, 16 subjects (eight females, eight males; mean age 9.8 ± 3.5 years) with a definitive genetic diagnosis of AT were randomly assigned to one of two study groups, with one group receiving 1-4 g/day NALL or a placebo for six weeks. Subjects then had a 4-week washout before crossing over to the other treatment for an additional six weeks. The Spinocerebellar Ataxia Functional Index (SCAFI) and the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score assessed patients' motor function. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated by a specialist using the PedsQL questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken from all subjects before and after each intervention to determine potential side effects. RESULTS Although patients' nausea and constipation were improved, the results failed to reveal any significant benefits of NALL treatment on ataxia symptoms. NALL treatment had no significant effects on SARA, SCAFI-9HPT (9-hole peg test) nondominant, SCAFI-9HPT dominant, or SCAFI-8WMT (8 m walking time) (p > 0.05). Our patient's Physical Health score in Child self-report and Parent proxy-report did not significantly change in the treatment group compared to the placebo (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant changes in energy and macronutrient intake after NALL treatment. None of the volunteers reported serious or moderate side effects. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this was the first placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial exploring NALL's potential effects for treating AT. Despite improvements in some symptomss, NALL intervention failed to improve motor function significantly. However, patients' nausea and constipation were improved by NALL, which can be a relevant benefit clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Beyraghi-Tousi
- Department of Pediatric Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahsa Houra
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Bagheri
- Lung Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shima Tavallaie
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Saberi-Karimian
- Lung Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Saberi-Karimian M, Houra M, Jamialahmadi T, Sarvghadi P, Nikbaf M, Akhlaghi S, Sahebkar A. The Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine on the Improvement of Symptoms in a Patient with Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:1250-1256. [PMID: 36482027 PMCID: PMC9735006 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with specific clinical findings such as psychomotor retardation and neurological deterioration. No therapy is available for this genetic disorder. Previous studies have shown that N-acetyl-L-leucine (NALL) can improve the neurological inflammation in the cerebellum.In the current study, the effects of NALL on ataxia symptoms and quality of life were explored in a patient with MSD.This study was a crossover case study. The subject, a girl aged 12 years old, received NALL at a dose of 3 g/day (1 g in the morning, 1 g in the afternoon, and 1 g in the evening). A fasting blood sample was taken from the subject to evaluate side effects before the intervention and 4 weeks after taking supplement/placebo in every study stage. The ataxia moving symptoms were evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score in every study stage. Dietary intake was measured using 24-h dietary recall before and after the intervention. The diet compositions were assessed by Nutritionist IV software. Serum IL-6 level was measured using an ELISA kit.There was no significant change in complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemical factors in the patient with MSD after receiving NALL (3 g/day) over 4 weeks. The SARA score was reduced by 25%. The gait whose maximum score accounts for approximately one-fifth of the maximum total SARA score (8/40) was decreased. The heel-to-shin slide, the only SARA item performed without visual control, was also improved after therapy. Furthermore, there was a downward trend in the 8MWT (8.71 to 7.93 s). Regarding quality of life assessments, the parent and child reported improved quality of life index, physical health, and emotional function after taking NALL. Moreover, total energy intake was increased with NALL treatment through the study period.Supplementation with NALL at a dose of 3 g/day over 4 weeks was well tolerated and improved ataxia symptoms, quality of life measure, and serum IL-6 levels in the patient with MSD. Further proof-of-concept trials are warranted to confirm the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Saberi-Karimian
- International UNESCO Center for Health Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahsa Houra
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mahlagha Nikbaf
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Akhlaghi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Manto M, Cendelin J, Strupp M, Mitoma H. Advances in cerebellar disorders: pre-clinical models, therapeutic targets, and challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:965-987. [PMID: 37768297 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2263911] [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] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent neurological disorders with multiple etiologies and a high phenotypic variability. Despite progress in the understanding of pathogenesis, few therapies are available so far. Closing the loop between preclinical studies and therapeutic trials is important, given the impact of CAs upon patients' health and the roles of the cerebellum in multiple domains. Because of a rapid advance in research on CAs, it is necessary to summarize the main findings and discuss future directions. AREAS COVERED We focus our discussion on preclinical models, cerebellar reserve, the therapeutic management of CAs, and suitable surrogate markers. We searched Web of Science and PubMed using keywords relevant to cerebellar diseases, therapy, and preclinical models. EXPERT OPINION There are many symptomatic and/or disease-modifying therapeutic approaches under investigation. For therapy development, preclinical studies, standardization of disease evaluation, safety assessment, and demonstration of clinical improvements are essential. Stage of the disease and the level of the cerebellar reserve determine the goals of the therapy. Deficits in multiple categories and heterogeneity of CAs may require disease-, stage-, and symptom-specific therapies. More research is needed to clarify how therapies targeting the cerebellum influence both basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex, poorly explored domains in CAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Kuhn K, Lederman HM, McGrath-Morrow SA. Ataxia-telangiectasia clinical trial landscape and the obstacles to overcome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:693-704. [PMID: 37622329 PMCID: PMC10530584 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2249399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a life-limiting autosomal recessive disease characterized by cerebellar degeneration, ocular telangiectasias, and sinopulmonary disease. Since there is no cure for A-T, the standard of care is primarily supportive. AREAS COVERED We review clinical trials available in PubMed from 1990 to 2023 focused on lessening A-T disease burden. These approaches include genetic interventions, such as antisense oligonucleotides, designed to ameliorate disease progression in patients with select mutations. These approaches also include pharmacologic treatments that target oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial exhaustion, to attenuate neurological progression in A-T. Finally, we discuss the use of biological immunotherapies for the treatment of malignancies and granulomatous disease, along with other supportive therapies being used for the treatment of pulmonary disease and metabolic syndrome. EXPERT OPINION Barriers to successful genetic and pharmacologic interventions in A-T include the need for personalized treatment approaches based on patient-specific ATM mutations and phenotypes, lack of an animal model for the neurologic phenotype, and extreme rarity of disease making large-scale randomized trials difficult to perform. Ongoing efforts are needed to diagnose patients earlier, discover more effective therapies, and include more individuals in clinical trials, with the goal to lessen disease burden and to find a cure for patients with A-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kuhn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States of America
| | - Howard M. Lederman
- Johns Hopkins University Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Kolb SA. Beneficial effect of N-acetyl-DL-leucine on cognitive function, emotional well-being and QoL in a mentally healthy elderly person. J Neurol 2023; 270:2317-2319. [PMID: 36527488 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11534-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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