1
|
Vasta R, Callegaro S, Sgambetterra S, Cabras S, Di Pede F, De Mattei F, Matteoni E, Grassano M, Bombaci A, De Marco G, Fuda G, Marchese G, Palumbo F, Canosa A, Mazzini L, De Marchi F, Moglia C, Manera U, Chiò A, Calvo A. Presymptomatic geographical distribution of ALS patients suggests the involvement of environmental factors in the disease pathogenesis. J Neurol 2023; 270:5475-5482. [PMID: 37491680 PMCID: PMC10576667 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11888-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that the pathogenetic process of ALS begins many years prior to its clinical onset, examining patients' residential histories may offer insights on the disease risk factors. Here, we analyzed the spatial distribution of a large ALS cohort in the 50 years preceding the disease onset. METHODS Data from the PARALS register were used. A spatial cluster analysis was performed at the time of disease onset and at 1-year intervals up to 50 years prior to that. RESULTS A total of 1124 patients were included. The analysis revealed a higher-incidence cluster in a large area (435,000 inhabitants) west of Turin. From 9 to 2 years before their onset, 105 cases were expected and 150 were observed, resulting in a relative risk of 1.49 (P = 0.04). We also found a surprising high number of patients pairs (51) and trios (3) who lived in the same dwelling while not being related. Noticeably, these occurrences were not observed in large dwellings as we would have expected. The probability of this occurring in smaller buildings only by chance was very low (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04 for pairs and trios, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We identified a higher-incidence ALS cluster in the years preceding the disease onset. The cluster area being densely populated, many exposures could have contributed to the high incidence ALS cluster, while we could not find a shared exposure among the dwellings where multiple patients had lived. However, these findings support that exogenous factors are likely involved in the ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vasta
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - S Callegaro
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - S Sgambetterra
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Cabras
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- International School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - F Di Pede
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - F De Mattei
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - E Matteoni
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - M Grassano
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Bombaci
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - G De Marco
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Fuda
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Marchese
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - F Palumbo
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - A Canosa
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Science and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - L Mazzini
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, and University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - F De Marchi
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, and University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - C Moglia
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - U Manera
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - A Chiò
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Science and Technologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - A Calvo
- ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vasta R, D'Ovidio F, Canosa A, Manera U, Torrieri MC, Grassano M, De Marchi F, Mazzini L, Moglia C, Calvo A, Chiò A. Plateaus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression: results from a population‐based cohort. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1397-1404. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.14287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Vasta
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - F. D'Ovidio
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - A. Canosa
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - U. Manera
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - M. C. Torrieri
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - M. Grassano
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
| | - F. De Marchi
- Department of Neurology ALS Center Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità NovaraItaly
| | - L. Mazzini
- Department of Neurology ALS Center Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità NovaraItaly
| | - C. Moglia
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
- Neurology 1 Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza Turin Italy
| | - A. Calvo
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
- Neurology 1 Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza Turin Italy
| | - A. Chiò
- ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’ Department of Neuroscience ALS Center University of Turin TurinItaly
- Neurology 1 Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza Turin Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Canosa A, Pagani M, Brunetti M, Barberis M, Iazzolino B, Ilardi A, Cammarosano S, Manera U, Moglia C, Calvo A, Cistaro A, Chiò A. Correlation between Apolipoprotein E genotype and brain metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2018; 26:306-312. [PMID: 30240096 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the metabolic correlates of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to investigate the role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment. METHODS A total of 159 ALS cases underwent APOE and ALS-related genes analysis, neuropsychological assessment and cerebral 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography. The APOE genotype was regressed against whole brain metabolism as assessed by 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography, with age, sex, education, type of onset and C9orf72 status as covariates. RESULTS Brain metabolism was significantly positively correlated with APOE genotype from ε2/ε2 to ε3/ε4 in the left prefrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 10], orbitofrontal (BAs 11, 45, 47) and anterior cingulate (BA 32) cortices. There was a tendency to a relative hypometabolism going towards the ε2/ε2 extreme. CONCLUSIONS We found a highly significant, relatively lower metabolism in association with the ε2 allele in extra-motor areas typically affected in frontotemporal dementia (left prefrontal, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices), strengthening the finding of a role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in ALS. Our data suggested a link between cholesterol homeostasis and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Canosa
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - M Pagani
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (CNR), Rome, Italy.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Brunetti
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - M Barberis
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - B Iazzolino
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - A Ilardi
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - S Cammarosano
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - U Manera
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin
| | - C Moglia
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin
| | - A Calvo
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin
| | - A Cistaro
- PET Centre AFFIDEA IRMET, Turin, Italy
| | - A Chiò
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (CNR), Rome, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin.,Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Turin
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marrali G, Casale F, Salamone P, Fuda G, Ilardi A, Manera U, Calvo A, Zibetti M, Lopiano L, Chiò A. NADPH oxidases 2 activation in patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2018; 49:110-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
5
|
Vasta R, Calvo A, Moglia C, Cammarosano S, Manera U, Canosa A, D'Ovidio F, Mazzini L, Chiò A. Spatial epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Italy: a population-based cluster analysis. Eur J Neurol 2018; 25:756-761. [PMID: 29377594 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The analysis of the spatial distribution of cases could give important cues on putative environmental causes of a disease. Our aim was to perform a spatial analysis of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley ALS register (PARALS) over a 20-year period. METHODS The address at the moment of diagnosis was considered for each ALS case. Municipalities' and census divisions' resident populations during the 1995-2014 period were obtained. A cluster analysis was performed adopting both Moran's index and the Kulldorff spatial scan statistic. RESULTS A total of 2702 ALS patients were identified. An address was retrieved for 2671 (99%) patients. Moran's index was -0.01 (P value 0.83), thus revealing no clusters. SaTScan identified no statistically significant clusters. When census divisions were considered, Moran's index was 0.13 (P value 0.45); SaTScan revealed one statistically significant small cluster in the province of Alessandria. Here, 0.0099 cases were expected and three cases were observed (relative risk 304.60; 95% confidence interval 109.83-845.88, P value 0.03). DISCUSSION Our study showed a substantial homogeneous distribution of ALS cases in Piedmont and Aosta Valley. The population-based setting and the adoption of proper statistical analyses strengthen the validity of our results. Such a finding further suggests the involvement of multiple environmental and genetic factors in ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Vasta
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Calvo
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - C Moglia
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - S Cammarosano
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - U Manera
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Canosa
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F D'Ovidio
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Mazzini
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - A Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
De Marco G, Lomartire A, Calvo A, Risso A, De Luca E, Mostert M, Mandrioli J, Caponnetto C, Borghero G, Manera U, Canosa A, Moglia C, Restagno G, Fini N, Tarella C, Giordana MT, Rinaudo MT, Chiò A. Monocytes of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis linked to gene mutations display altered TDP-43 subcellular distribution. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2016; 43:133-153. [PMID: 27178390 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cytoplasmic accumulation of the nuclear protein transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an early determinant of motor neuron degeneration in most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases. We previously disclosed this accumulation in circulating lymphomonocytes (CLM) of ALS patients with mutant TARDBP, the TDP-43-coding gene, as well as of a healthy individual carrying the parental TARDBP mutation. Here, we investigate TDP-43 subcellular localization in CLM and in the constituent cells, lymphocytes and monocytes, of patients with various ALS-linked mutant genes. METHODS TDP-43 subcellular localization was analysed with western immunoblotting and immunocytofluorescence in CLM of healthy controls (n = 10), patients with mutant TARDBP (n = 4, 1 homozygous), valosin-containing protein (VCP; n = 2), fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS; n = 2), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1; n = 6), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72; n = 4), without mutations (n = 5) and neurologically unaffected subjects with mutant TARDBP (n = 2). RESULTS TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation was found (P < 0.05 vs. controls) in CLM of patients with mutant TARDBP or VCP, but not FUS, in line with TDP-43 subcellular localization described for motor neurons of corresponding groups. Accumulation also characterized CLM of the healthy individuals with mutant TARDBP and of some patients with mutant SOD1 or C9ORF72. In 5 patients, belonging to categories described to carry TDP-43 mislocalization in motor neurons (3 C9ORF72, 1 TARDBP and 1 without mutations), TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation was not detected in CLM or in lymphocytes but was in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS In ALS forms characterized by TDP-43 mislocalization in motor neurons, monocytes display this alteration, even when not manifest in CLM. Monocytes may be used to support diagnosis, as well as to identify subjects at risk, of ALS and to develop/monitor targeted treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G De Marco
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Lomartire
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,ALS Center, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - A Risso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - E De Luca
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Mostert
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - J Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Sant'Agostino Estense Hospital, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - C Caponnetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Rehabilitation and Child Health, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Borghero
- Department of Neurology, AOU and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - U Manera
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,ALS Center, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - A Canosa
- ALS Center, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Rehabilitation and Child Health, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,ALS Center, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - G Restagno
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - N Fini
- Department of Neuroscience, Sant'Agostino Estense Hospital, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - C Tarella
- Clinical Hemato-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy
| | - M T Giordana
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M T Rinaudo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,ALS Center, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chiò A, Battistini S, Calvo A, Caponnetto C, Conforti FL, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Sabatelli M, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A, Lunetta C, Pintor GL, Salvi F, Bartolomei I, Quattrone A, Gambardella A, Logroscino G, Simone I, Pisano F, Spataro R, La Bella V, Colletti T, Mancardi G, Origone P, Sola P, Borghero G, Marrosu F, Marrosu MG, Murru MR, Floris G, Cannas A, Piras V, Costantino E, Pani C, Sotgiu MA, Pugliatti M, Parish LD, Cossu P, Ticca A, Rodolico C, Portaro S, Ricci C, Moglia C, Ossola I, Brunetti M, Barberis M, Canosa A, Cammarosano S, Bertuzzo D, Fuda G, Ilardi A, Manera U, Pastore I, Sproviero W, Logullo F, Tanel R, Ajmone C, Mastro E, Pain D, Mandich P, Penco S, Restagno G, Zollino M, Surbone A. Genetic counselling in ALS: facts, uncertainties and clinical suggestions. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014; 85:478-85. [PMID: 23833266 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-305546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The clinical approach to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been largely modified by the identification of novel genes, the detection of gene mutations in apparently sporadic patients, and the discovery of the strict genetic and clinical relation between ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As a consequence, clinicians are increasingly facing the dilemma on how to handle genetic counselling and testing both for ALS patients and their relatives. On the basis of existing literature on genetics of ALS and of other late-onset life-threatening disorders, we propose clinical suggestions to enable neurologists to provide optimal clinical and genetic counselling to patients and families. Genetic testing should be offered to ALS patients who have a first-degree or second-degree relative with ALS, FTD or both, and should be discussed with, but not offered to, all other ALS patients, with special emphasis on its major uncertainties. Presently, genetic testing should not be proposed to asymptomatic at-risk subjects, unless they request it or are enrolled in research programmes. Genetic counselling in ALS should take into account the uncertainties about the pathogenicity and penetrance of some genetic mutations; the possible presence of mutations of different genes in the same individual; the poor genotypic/phenotypic correlation in most ALS genes; and the phenotypic pleiotropy of some genes. Though psychological, social and ethical implications of genetic testing are still relatively unexplored in ALS, we recommend multidisciplinary counselling that addresses all relevant issues, including disclosure of tests results to family members and the risk for genetic discrimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Torino, and Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, , Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moglia C, Calvo A, Ilardi A, Canosa A, Cammarosano S, Bersano E, Bertuzzo D, Manera U, Lo Presti A, Casale F, Montuschi A, Chio A. Does Recognition of Facial Expression of Primary and Social Emotions in ALS Patients Interfere with Social Competence? (P01.110). Neurology 2012. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.78.1_meetingabstracts.p01.110] [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] Open
|