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Badminton MN, Anderson KE, Deybach JC, Harper P, Sandberg S, Elder GH. From chemistry to genomics: A concise history of the porphyrias. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38767598 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
We describe developments in understanding of the porphyrias associated with each step in the haem biosynthesis pathway and the role of individuals whose contributions led to major advances over the past 150 years. The first case of erythropoietic porphyria was reported in 1870, and the first with acute porphyria in 1889. Photosensitisation by porphyrin was confirmed by Meyer-Betz, who self-injected haematoporphyrin. Günther classified porphyrias into haematoporphyria acuta, acuta toxica, congenita and chronica. This was revised by Waldenström into porphyria congenita, acuta and cutanea tarda, with the latter describing those with late-onset skin lesions. Waldenström was the first to recognise porphobilinogen's association with acute porphyria, although its structure was not solved until 1953. Hans Fischer was awarded the Nobel prize in 1930 for solving the structure of porphyrins and the synthesis of haemin. After 1945, research by several groups elucidated the pathway of haem biosynthesis and its negative feedback regulation by haem. By 1961, following the work of Watson, Schmid, Rimington, Goldberg, Dean, Magnus and others, aided by the availability of modern techniques of porphyrin separation, six of the porphyrias were identified and classified as erythropoietic or hepatic. The seventh, 5-aminolaevulinate dehydratase deficiency porphyria, was described by Doss in 1979. The discovery of increased hepatic 5-aminolaevulinate synthase activity in acute porphyria led to development of haematin as a treatment for acute attacks. By 2000, all the haem biosynthesis genes were cloned, sequenced and assigned to chromosomes and disease-specific mutations identified in all inherited porphyrias. These advances have allowed definitive family studies and development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl E Anderson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jean-Charles Deybach
- French Porphyria Reference Center (CRMR Porphyries France), University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Harper
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for inherited Metabolic Diseases, Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverre Sandberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for inherited Metabolic Diseases, Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Norwegian Porphyria Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Organization for Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations (Noklus), Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of four inherited diseases of heme biosynthesis that present with episodic, acute neurovisceral symptoms. The four types are 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase deficiency porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. Their diagnoses are often missed or delayed because the clinical symptoms mimic other more common disorders. Recent results indicate that acute intermittent porphyria, the most severe of the more common types of AHP, is more prevalent than previously thought, occurring in about 1 in 1600 Caucasians, but with low clinical penetrance (approximately 2%-3%). Here we provide an updated review of relevant literature and discuss recent and emerging advances in treatment of these disorders. Symptomatic attacks occur primarily in females between 14 and 45 years of age. AHP is diagnosed by finding significantly elevated levels of porphyrin precursors ALA and porphobilinogen in urine. Acute attacks should be treated promptly with intravenous heme therapy to avoid the development of potentially irreversible neurologic sequelae. All patients should be counseled about avoiding potential triggers for acute attacks and monitored regularly for the development of long-term complications. Their first-degree relatives should undergo targeted gene testing. Patients who suffer recurrent acute attacks can be particularly challenging to manage. Approximately 20% of patients with recurrent symptoms develop chronic and ongoing pain and other symptoms. We discuss newer treatment options in development, including small interfering RNA, to down-regulate ALA synthase-1 and/or wild-type messenger RNA of defective genes delivered selectively to hepatocytes for these patients. We expect that the newer treatments will diminish and perhaps obviate the need for liver transplantation as treatment of these inborn metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
| | - Sean Rudnick
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNC
| | - Brent Cengia
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNC
| | - Herbert L. Bonkovsky
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNC
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Abstract
Porphyrias comprise a heterogeneous group of predominantly genetically determined metabolic diseases which are due to a dysfunction in heme biosynthesis. Variegate porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria are referred to as neurocutaneous porphyrias because affected patients can develop both cutaneous symptoms on light-exposed body sites and potentially life-threatening acute neurovisceral symptoms, thereby mimicking several other diseases. In this overview, we provide an update on pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and therapy of these two types of porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Frank
- Hautklinik und Europäisches Porphyriezentrum, Universitätsklinikum der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
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Abstract
Porphyria is a compelling disease--disrupted enzyme pathways, heightened sensitivities, and a fascinating history tied in with tales of Dracula. This review discusses the history, pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of porphyria. It further discusses the way in which research on the etiologies of the various porphyrias has led to the development of porphyrin-based photodynamic therapy, which shows great promise in targeted therapy for a variety of serious pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Norman
- Department of Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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Abstract
In a family inheriting the hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) gene, where 414 descendants have been traced through six generations and 135 members screened for faecal porphyrins, 27 subjects were found to have inherited the gene as well as the proband. Seven (six female and one male) in retrospect had probably previously suffered from a clinical attack of porphyria. Enzymological studies were carried out on 15 members and two unaffected parents and these results in general agreed with the faecal coproporphyrin readings. Symptomatic illness is low in HCP and is almost always precipitated by drugs known to have an adverse effect on the condition. If the gene is inherited, an attack can occur at any time between puberty and old age, such as in the proband at 84 years. We have detected abnormal faecal coproporphyrin levels in members of this pedigree as young as 12 years and as old as 87 years. Recommendations are given concerning the necessity of tracing relatives who may have inherited the gene and arranging for their biochemical screening and genetic counseling if indicated.
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Doss M, von Tiepermann R, Pflüger KH. Coexistence of hereditary coproporphyria and epilepsy: coproporphyrinogen oxidase deficiency in liver and kidney. J Neurol 1981; 226:25-33. [PMID: 6181213 DOI: 10.1007/bf00313315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Doss M, v. Tiepermann R, Verspohl F. Hereditäre Koproporphyrie in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Clin Chem Lab Med 1978. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm.1978.16.9.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Roberts DT, Brodie MJ, Moore MR, Thompson GG, Goldberg A, MacSween RN. Hereditary coproporphyria presenting with photosensitivity induced by the contraceptive pill. Br J Dermatol 1977; 96:549-54. [PMID: 871392 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1977.tb07161.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A 26-year-old woman developed photosensitivity and jaundice after starting on an oral contraceptive agent. She was found to have hereditary coproporphyria. Histological examination of two liver biopsies taken during and after the acute attack did not reveal any changes thought to be due to hereditary coproporphyria. Screening of the patient's family revealed a further six latent cases.
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Hunter JA, Khan SA, Hope E, Beattie AD, Beveridge GW, Smith AW, Goldberg A. Hereditary coproporphyria. Photosensitivity, jaundice and neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with pregnancy. Br J Dermatol 1971; 84:301-10. [PMID: 5575195 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1971.tb14223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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