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Harding CO, Longo N, Northrup H, Sacharow S, Singh R, Thomas JA, Vockley J, Zori RT, Bulloch Whitehall K, Lilienstein J, Lindstrom K, Levy DG, Jones S, Burton BK. Pegvaliase for the treatment of phenylketonuria: Final results of a long-term phase 3 clinical trial program. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 39:101084. [PMID: 38694233 PMCID: PMC11061743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101084] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which results in phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation in the blood and brain, and requires lifelong treatment to keep blood Phe in a safe range. Pegvaliase is an enzyme-substitution therapy approved for individuals with PKU and uncontrolled blood Phe concentrations (>600 μmol/L) despite prior management. Aggregated results from the PRISM clinical trials demonstrated substantial and sustained reductions in blood Phe with a manageable safety profile, but also noted individual variation in time to and dose needed for a first response. This analysis reports longer-term aggregate findings and characterizes individual participant responses to pegvaliase using final data from the randomized trials PRISM-1 (NCT01819727) and PRISM-2 (NCT01889862), and the open-label extension study 165-304 (NCT03694353). In 261 adult participants with a mean of 36.6 months of pegvaliase treatment, 71.3%, 65.1%, and 59.4% achieved clinically significant blood Phe levels of ≤600, ≤360, and ≤ 120 μmol/L, respectively. Some participants achieved blood Phe reductions with <20 mg/day pegvaliase, although most required higher doses. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, median (minimum, maximum) time to first achievement of a blood Phe threshold of ≤600, ≤360, or ≤ 120 μmol/L was 4.4 (0.0, 54.0), 8.0 (0.0, 57.0), and 11.6 (0.0, 66.0) months, respectively. Once achieved, blood Phe levels remained below clinical threshold in most participants. Sustained Phe response (SPR), a new method described within for measuring durability of blood Phe response, was achieved by 85.5%, 84.7%, and 78.1% of blood Phe responders at blood Phe thresholds of ≤600, ≤360, or ≤ 120 μmol/L, respectively. Longer-term safety data were consistent with previous reports, with the most common adverse events (AEs) being arthralgia, injection site reactions, headache, and injection site erythema. The incidence of most AEs, including hypersensitivity AEs, was higher during the early treatment phase (≤6 months) than later during treatment. In conclusion, using data from three key pegvaliase clinical trials, participants treated with pegvaliase were able to reach clinically significant blood Phe reductions to clinical thresholds of ≤600, ≤360, or ≤ 120 μmol/L during early treatment, with safety profiles improving from early to sustained treatment. This study also supports the use of participant-level data and new ways of looking at durable blood Phe responses to better characterize patients' individual PKU treatment journeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cary O. Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nicola Longo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Sacharow
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rani Singh
- Emory University School of Medicine, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Janet A. Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jerry Vockley
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Buckland AJ, Huynh NV, Menezes CM, Cheng I, Kwon B, Protopsaltis T, Braly BA, Thomas JA. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion at L4-L5 has a low rate of complications in appropriately selected patients when using a standardized surgical technique. Bone Joint J 2024; 106-B:53-61. [PMID: 38164083 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.106b1.bjj-2023-0693.r2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to reassess the rate of neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications associated with L4-L5 lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) undertaken using a standardized preoperative assessment and surgical technique. Methods This was a multicentre retrospective study involving consecutively enrolled patients who underwent L4-L5 LLIF by seven surgeons at seven institutions in three countries over a five-year period. The demographic details of the patients and the details of the surgery, reoperations and complications, including femoral and non-femoral neuropraxia, thigh pain, weakness of hip flexion, and abdominal complications, were analyzed. Neurological and psoas-related complications attributed to LLIF or posterior instrumentation and persistent symptoms were recorded at one year postoperatively. Results A total of 517 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 65.0 years (SD 10.3) and their mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m2 (SD 5.5). A mean of 1.2 levels (SD 0.6) were fused with LLIF, and a mean of 1.6 (SD 0.9) posterior levels were fused. Femoral neuropraxia occurred in six patients (1.2%), of which four (0.8%) were LLIF-related and two (0.4%) had persistent symptoms one year postoperatively. Non-femoral neuropraxia occurred in nine patients (1.8%), one (0.2%) was LLIF-related and five (1.0%) were persistent at one year. All LLIF-related neuropraxias resolved by one year. A total of 32 patients (6.2%) had thigh pain, 31 (6.0%) were LLIF-related and three (0.6%) were persistent at one year. Weakness of hip flexion occurred in 14 patients (2.7%), of which eight (1.6%) were LLIF-related and three (0.6%) were persistent at one year. No patients had bowel injury, three (0.6%) had an intraoperative vascular injury (not LLIF-related), and five (1.0%) had ileus. Reoperations occurred in five patients (1.0%) within 30 days, 37 (7.2%) within 90 days, and 41 (7.9%) within one year postoperatively. Conclusion LLIF involving the L4-L5 disc level has a low rate of persistent neurological, psoas-related, and abdominal complications in patients with the appropriate indications and using a standardized surgical technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Buckland
- Melbourne Orthopaedic Group, Melbourne, Australia
- Spine and Scoliosis Research Associates Australia, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Orthopaedics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nam V Huynh
- Spine and Scoliosis Research Associates Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Ivan Cheng
- Austin Spine Surgery, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Brian Kwon
- Division of Spine Surgery, New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - J A Thomas
- Atlantic Neurosurgical and Spine Specialists, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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van Vliet K, Dijkstra AM, Bouva MJ, van der Krogt J, Bijsterveld K, van der Sluijs F, de Sain-van der Velden MG, Koop K, Rossi A, Thomas JA, Patera CA, Kiewiet MBG, Waters PJ, Cyr D, Boelen A, van Spronsen FJ, Heiner-Fokkema MR. Maleic acid is a biomarker for maleylacetoacetate isomerase deficiency; implications for newborn screening of tyrosinemia type 1. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023; 46:1104-1113. [PMID: 37545091 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12669] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Dried blood spot succinylacetone (SA) is often used as a biomarker for newborn screening (NBS) for tyrosinemia type 1 (TT1). However, false-positive SA results are often observed. Elevated SA may also be due to maleylacetoacetate isomerase deficiency (MAAI-D), which appears to be clinically insignificant. This study investigated whether urine organic acid (uOA) and quantitative urine maleic acid (Q-uMA) analyses can distinguish between TT1 and MAAI-D. We reevaluated/measured uOA (GC-MS) and/or Q-uMA (LC-MS/MS) in available urine samples of nine referred newborns (2 TT1, 7 false-positive), eight genetically confirmed MAAI-D children, and 66 controls. Maleic acid was elevated in uOA of 5/7 false-positive newborns and in the three available samples of confirmed MAAI-D children, but not in TT1 patients. Q-uMA ranged from not detectable to 1.16 mmol/mol creatinine in controls (n = 66) and from 0.95 to 192.06 mmol/mol creatinine in false-positive newborns and MAAI-D children (n = 10). MAAI-D was genetically confirmed in 4/7 false-positive newborns, all with elevated Q-uMA, and rejected in the two newborns with normal Q-uMA. No sample was available for genetic analysis of the last false-positive infant with elevated Q-uMA. Our study shows that MAAI-D is a recognizable cause of false-positive TT1 NBS results. Elevated urine maleic acid excretion seems highly effective in discriminating MAAI-D from TT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- K van Vliet
- Section of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A M Dijkstra
- Section of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M J Bouva
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - J van der Krogt
- Laboratory of Metabolic diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Bijsterveld
- Laboratory of Metabolic diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F van der Sluijs
- Laboratory of Metabolic diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M G de Sain-van der Velden
- Section Metabolic Diagnostics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K Koop
- Department of Pediatrics, section Metabolic Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Rossi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - J A Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - C A Patera
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Shodair Children's Hospital, Helena, Montana, USA
| | - M B G Kiewiet
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - P J Waters
- Medical Genetics Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, CHU Sherbrooke and Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - D Cyr
- Medical Genetics Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, CHU Sherbrooke and Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - A Boelen
- Endocrine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F J van Spronsen
- Section of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M R Heiner-Fokkema
- Laboratory of Metabolic diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Vockley J, Sondheimer N, Puurunen M, Diaz GA, Ginevic I, Grange DK, Harding C, Northrup H, Phillips JA, Searle S, Thomas JA, Zori R, Denney WS, Ernst SL, Humphreys K, McWhorter N, Kurtz C, Brennan AM. Efficacy and safety of a synthetic biotic for treatment of phenylketonuria: a phase 2 clinical trial. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1685-1690. [PMID: 37770764 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00897-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite available treatment options, many patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot achieve target plasma phenylalanine (Phe) levels1. We previously modified Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to metabolize Phe in the gut after oral administration (SYNB1618) and designed a second strain (SYNB1934) with enhanced activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase2,3. In a 14-day open-label dose-escalation study (Synpheny-1, NCT04534842 ), we test a primary endpoint of change from baseline in labeled Phe (D5-Phe AUC0-24; D5-Phe area under the curve (AUC) over 24 hours after D5-Phe administration) in plasma after D5-Phe challenge in adult participants with screening Phe of greater than 600 µM. Secondary endpoints were the change from baseline in fasting plasma Phe and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. A total of 20 participants (ten male and ten female) were enrolled and 15 completed the study treatment. Here, we show that both strains lower Phe levels in participants with PKU: D5-Phe AUC0-24 was reduced by 43% from baseline with SYNB1934 and by 34% from baseline with SYNB1618. SYNB1934 led to a decrease in fasting plasma Phe of 40% (95% CI, -52, -24). There were no serious adverse events or infections. Four participants discontinued because of adverse events, and one withdrew during the baseline period. We show that synthetic biotics can metabolize Phe in the gut, lower post-prandial plasma Phe levels and lower fasting plasma Phe in patients with PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vockley
- Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - George A Diaz
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilona Ginevic
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dorothy K Grange
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cary Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Shawn Searle
- Early Clinical & Bioanalytical Research, ICON, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Roberto Zori
- Division of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Thomas JA, Ditchman N, Beedle RB. The impact of knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma on STI testing intention among college students. J Am Coll Health 2022; 70:1415-1425. [PMID: 32790582 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1799808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Young people represent over half of the new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States. This study examined how STI knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma impact STI testing intention among sexually active college students using path model analysis. Participants: Participants included 76 college students (74.1% undergraduate, Mage = 23.05). Method: Data were collected via online survey. Path analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS, and MacKinnon's ab product approach in RMediation was used to test mediating effects. Results: The hypothesized path model fit the data well and the relationships between self-efficacy and knowledge, stigma, and STI testing intention were significant. Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect paths for knowledge and stigma on STI testing intention through self-efficacy. Conclusion: Findings suggest that college health providers may be able to increase the frequency of STI testing behavior by promoting strategies to increase students' self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - N Ditchman
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - R B Beedle
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kripps KA, Baker PR, Thomas JA, Skillman HE, Bernstein L, Gaughan S, Burns C, Coughlin CR, McCandless SE, Larson AA, Kochar A, Stillman CF, Wymore EM, Hendricks EG, Woontner M, Van Hove JLK. REVIEW: Practical strategies to maintain anabolism by intravenous nutritional management in children with inborn metabolic diseases. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:231-241. [PMID: 33985889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the most vital elements of management for patients with inborn errors of intermediary metabolism is the promotion of anabolism, the state in which the body builds new components, and avoidance of catabolism, the state in which the body breaks down its own stores for energy. Anabolism is maintained through the provision of a sufficient supply of substrates for energy, as well as critical building blocks of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins for synthetic function and growth. Patients with metabolic diseases are at risk for decompensation during prolonged fasting, which often occurs during illnesses in which enteral intake is compromised. During these times, intravenous nutrition must be supplied to fully meet the specific nutritional needs of the patient. We detail our approach to intravenous management for metabolic patients and its underlying rationale. This generally entails a combination of intravenous glucose and lipid as well as early introduction of protein and essential vitamins. We exemplify the utility of our approach in case studies, as well as scenarios and specific disorders which require a more careful administration of nutritional substrates or a modification of macronutrient ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Kripps
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Peter R Baker
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Heather E Skillman
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurie Bernstein
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sommer Gaughan
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Casey Burns
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Curtis R Coughlin
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shawn E McCandless
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin A Larson
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Aaina Kochar
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chelsey F Stillman
- Section of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erica M Wymore
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ellie G Hendricks
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Woontner
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Johan L K Van Hove
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Gilani A, Hove JLV, Thomas JA, Kleinschmidt-DeMasters BK. Distinguishing Encephaloclastic Lesions Resulting From Primary or Secondary Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency From Other Neonatal or Infantile Cavitary Brain Lesions. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2020; 23:189-196. [PMID: 31542992 DOI: 10.1177/1093526619876448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a highly complex and energy-dependent organ that is subject to a wide variety of metabolic, hypoxic-ischemic, and infectious insults that result in cystic changes. Diagnosis of metabolic defects causing extensive cystic changes is particularly challenging for the pediatric pathologist, due to the rarity of these conditions. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is one of the most common etiologies of congenital lactic acidosis, caused by mutations in subunits of the large mitochondrial matrix complex, and characterized by periventricular cysts, although few detailed reports focusing on neuropathologic findings exist. In addition, rare defects in other mitochondrial enzymes such as short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (SCEH, encoded by ECHS1 gene) can cause secondary PDH deficiency and present with neonatal lactic acidosis, but neuropathological findings have never been reported. Nonmetabolic conditions can also produce CNS cystic lesions, primarily in newborns. The pathologist must therefore distinguish between these etiologically disparate conditions which can produce CNS cavitary lesions. Here, we compare and contrast the gross and microscopic findings of cysts associated with cases of PDH and SCEH deficiencies with other neonatal cystic brain diseases including periventricular leukomalacia, neonatal Alexander disease, Canavan disease, and a case of cysts associated with a vascular abnormality. Our studies show that PDH and SCEH deficiencies are not grossly or histologically distinguishable from each other and both are associated with smooth-walled cysts largely limited to the telencephalic germinal matrix. Both show an absence of prominent hemosiderin deposits, Rosenthal fibers, vacuolization of the white matter, and gliosis or axonal damage in the surrounding parenchyma. These features can help distinguish PDH/SCEH deficiency from other pediatric/neonatal cystic CNS disorders, especially those produced by hypoxic ischemic conditions. Cysts, usually bilateral, confined to the telencephalic germinal matrix should elicit metabolic and genetic testing to appropriately diagnose PDH and SCEH and distinguish them from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gilani
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Johan Lk Van Hove
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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Van Hove JLK, Freehauf CL, Ficicioglu C, Pena LDM, Moreau KL, Henthorn TK, Christians U, Jiang H, Cowan TM, Young SP, Hite M, Friederich MW, Stabler SP, Spector EB, Kronquist KE, Thomas JA, Emmett P, Harrington MJ, Pyle L, Creadon-Swindell G, Wempe MF, MacLean KN. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction in inherited cystathionine β-synthase deficient homocystinuria and the impact of taurine treatment in a phase 1/2 human clinical trial. J Inherit Metab Dis 2019; 42:424-437. [PMID: 30873612 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE A phase 1/2 clinical trial was performed in individuals with cystathionine β synthase (CBS) deficient homocystinuria with aims to: (a) assess pharmacokinetics and safety of taurine therapy, (b) evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function in CBS deficiency, and (c) evaluate the impact of short-term taurine treatment. METHODS Individuals with pyridoxine-nonresponsive CBS deficiency with homocysteine >50 μM, without inflammatory disorder or on antioxidant therapy were enrolled. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [FMD]), and disease-related metabolites obtained at baseline were compared to normal values. While maintaining current treatment, patients were treated with 75 mg/kg taurine twice daily, and treatment response assessed after 4 hours and 4 days. RESULTS Fourteen patients (8-35 years; 8 males, 6 females) were enrolled with baseline homocysteine levels 161 ± 67 μM. The study found high-dose taurine to be safe when excluding preexisting hypertriglyceridemia. Taurine pharmacokinetics showed a rapid peak level returning to near normal levels at 12 hours, but had slow accumulation and elevated predosing levels after 4 days of treatment. Only a single parameter of oxidative stress, 2,3-dinor-8-isoprostaglandin-F2α, was elevated at baseline, with no elevated inflammatory parameters, and no change in FMD values overall. Taurine had no effect on any of these parameters. However, the effect of taurine was strongly related to pretreatment FMD values; and taurine significantly improved FMD in the subset of individuals with pretreatment FMD values <10% and in individuals with homocysteine levels >125 μM, pertinent to endothelial function. CONCLUSION Taurine improves endothelial function in CBS-deficient homocystinuria in patients with preexisting reduced function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan L K Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cynthia L Freehauf
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Can Ficicioglu
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Loren D M Pena
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Geriatric Research and Education Center, Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas K Henthorn
- iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Uwe Christians
- iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tina M Cowan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sarah P Young
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michelle Hite
- Research Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Marisa W Friederich
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elaine B Spector
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kathryn E Kronquist
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Peggy Emmett
- CTRC Core Laboratory, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary J Harrington
- CTRC Core Laboratory, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura Pyle
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Michael F Wempe
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth N MacLean
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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Zori R, Thomas JA, Shur N, Rizzo WB, Decker C, Rosen O, Li M, Schweighardt B, Larimore K, Longo N. Induction, titration, and maintenance dosing regimen in a phase 2 study of pegvaliase for control of blood phenylalanine in adults with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 125:217-227. [PMID: 30146451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme activity that leads to phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation in the blood and brain. Elevated blood Phe levels are associated with complications in adults, including neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive issues. Even with nutrition and pharmacological management, the majority of adults with PKU do not maintain blood Phe levels at or below guideline recommended levels. Pegvaliase, PEGylated recombinant Anabaena variabilis phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), converts Phe to trans-cinnamic acid and ammonia, and is an investigational enzyme substitution therapy to lower blood Phe in adults with PKU. METHODS Pegvaliase was administered using an induction, titration, and maintenance dosing regimen in adults with PKU naïve to pegvaliase treatment. Doses were gradually increased until blood Phe ≤ 600 μmol/L was achieved. The maintenance dose was the dose at which participants achieved and sustained blood Phe ≤ 600 μmol/L for at least 4 weeks without dose modification. Analyses were performed for participants who achieved (Group A, n = 11) and did not achieve (Group B, n = 13) maintenance dose during the first 24 weeks of study treatment. RESULTS Baseline mean blood Phe for Group A and Group B were 1135 μmol/L and 1198 μmol/L, respectively. Mean blood Phe ≤ 600 μmol/L was achieved for Group A by Week 11 (mean blood Phe of 508 ± 483 μmol/L) and for Group B by Week 48 (mean blood Phe of 557 ± 389 μmol/L). The most common adverse events involved hypersensitivity reactions, which were mostly mild to moderate in severity and decreased over time. One participant in Group B had four acute systemic hypersensitivity events of anaphylaxis consistent with clinical National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network criteria; all events were non-IgE mediated and resolved without sequelae, with pegvaliase dosing discontinued after the fourth event. The incidence and titers of anti-drug antibodies were generally lower in Group A compared to Group B. CONCLUSIONS Pegvaliase administered with an induction, titration, and maintenance dosing regimen demonstrated substantial efficacy at reducing blood Phe in both Group A and Group B by Week 48, with a manageable safety profile in most participants. Blood Phe reduction due to pegvaliase appears to be related to dose, treatment duration, and individual immune response; given additional time on treatment and dose titration, later Phe responders (Group B) achieved benefit similar to early Phe responders (Group A), with similar long-term safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zori
- Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Natasha Shur
- Pediatrics Genetics Group, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - William B Rizzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Orli Rosen
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA
| | - Mingjin Li
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Nicola Longo
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Longo N, Zori R, Wasserstein MP, Vockley J, Burton BK, Decker C, Li M, Lau K, Jiang J, Larimore K, Thomas JA. Long-term safety and efficacy of pegvaliase for the treatment of phenylketonuria in adults: combined phase 2 outcomes through PAL-003 extension study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:108. [PMID: 29973227 PMCID: PMC6031112 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase causes phenylketonuria (PKU) with elevated phenylalanine (Phe) levels and associated neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive symptoms. Pegvaliase (PEGylated phenylalanine ammonia lyase) is an investigational agent to lower plasma Phe in adults with PKU. This study aimed to characterize the long-term efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of pegvaliase in adults with PKU. METHODS PAL-003 is an ongoing, open-label, long-term extension study of the pegvaliase dose-finding parent phase 2 studies. Participants continued the dose of pegvaliase from one of three parent studies, with dose adjustments to achieve a plasma Phe concentration between 60 and 600 μmol/L. RESULTS Mean (standard deviation [SD]) plasma Phe at treatment-naïve baseline for 80 participants in the parent studies was 1302.4 (351.5) μmol/L. In the 68 participants who entered the extension study, plasma Phe decreased 58.9 (39)% from baseline, to 541.6 (515.5) μmol/L at Week 48 of treatment. Plasma Phe concentrations ≤120 μmol/L, ≤360 μmol/L, and ≤ 600 μmol/L were achieved by 78.7, 80.0, and 82.5% of participants, respectively. Mean (SD) protein intake at baseline was 69.4 (40.4) g/day (similar to the recommended intake for the unaffected population) and remained stable throughout the study. All participants experienced adverse events (AEs), which were limited to mild or moderate severity in most (88.8%); the most common AEs were injection-site reaction (72.5%), injection-site erythema (67.5%), headache (67.5%), and arthralgia (65.0%). The AE rate decreased from 58.3 events per person-year in the parent studies to 18.6 events per person-year in the extension study. CONCLUSIONS Pegvaliase treatment in adults with PKU produced meaningful and persistent reductions in mean plasma Phe concentration with a manageable safety profile for most subjects that continued with long-term treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT00924703. Registered June 18, 2009, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00924703.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Longo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Roberto Zori
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of Florida, PO Box 100296 UFHSC, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Melissa P. Wasserstein
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, 3415 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 USA
| | - Jerry Vockley
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 USA
| | - Barbara K. Burton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, Birth Defects & Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Celeste Decker
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 USA
| | - Mingjin Li
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 USA
| | - Kelly Lau
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 USA
| | - Joy Jiang
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 USA
| | - Kevin Larimore
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 USA
| | - Janet A. Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado Hospital, 12605 E. 16th St, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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Van Hove JLK, Thomas JA, Baker PR, Larson AA. In memoriam. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:10.1007/s10545-018-0191-2. [PMID: 29736632 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-018-0191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan L K Van Hove
- University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Janet A Thomas
- University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter R Baker
- University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin A Larson
- University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Clarke LA, Atherton AM, Burton BK, Day-Salvatore DL, Kaplan P, Leslie ND, Scott CR, Stockton DW, Thomas JA, Muenzer J. Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Newborn Screening: Best Practices for Diagnosis and Management. J Pediatr 2017; 182:363-370. [PMID: 27939258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorne A Clarke
- Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | - Barbara K Burton
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Paige Kaplan
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - David W Stockton
- Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | - Joseph Muenzer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Booth JL, Pan PH, Thomas JA, Harris LC, D'Angelo R. A retrospective review of an epidural blood patch database: the incidence of epidural blood patch associated with obstetric neuraxial anesthetic techniques and the effect of blood volume on efficacy. Int J Obstet Anesth 2016; 29:10-17. [PMID: 27378709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal volume of blood required to treat post-dural puncture headache remains in question. In our institution a target volume of 30mL is used for an epidural blood patch unless the patient experiences pain during injection. METHODS The institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for epidural blood patch and delivery statistics over a 15-year period to determine if the volume of blood administered during the procedure directly correlated with the number of epidural blood patches administered. The primary endpoint was defined as the need for a repeat epidural blood patch. RESULTS There were 466 epidural blood patches performed on 394 patients, associated with 84 804 obstetric neuraxial procedures. Thirty-two percent (95% CI 28.3 to 34.9%) of patients who had an inadvertent dural puncture with an epidural needle received an epidural blood patch versus 0.19% (0.16% to 0.22%) of patients who received neuraxial anesthesia with no documented dural puncture with an epidural needle. All patients experienced relief of post-dural puncture headache, although 17% required two and 1.5% required three epidural blood patches. The mean±SD volume of blood administered was 20.5±5.4mL and only 35 patients (8.9%) received 30mL. CONCLUSION Increasing blood volumes up to 30mL did not reduce the need for repeat epidural blood patch. Although the optimal volume of blood to administer during epidural blood patch placement remains unknown, our institution will continue to administer up to 30mL or until the patient experiences pain during epidural injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Booth
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - P H Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - J A Thomas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - L C Harris
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - R D'Angelo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Cox
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , UK
| | - J A Thomas
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , UK
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15
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Ganguly J, Sarada K, Jayaram M, Joshi PS, Das RC, Murthy SK, Thomas JA, Bhargava MK. On the systemic mode of action of vitamin A. World Rev Nutr Diet 2015; 31:59-64. [PMID: 735141 DOI: 10.1159/000401301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Chatfield KC, Coughlin CR, Friederich MW, Gallagher RC, Hesselberth JR, Lovell MA, Ofman R, Swanson MA, Thomas JA, Wanders RJA, Wartchow EP, Van Hove JLK. Mitochondrial energy failure in HSD10 disease is due to defective mtDNA transcript processing. Mitochondrion 2015; 21:1-10. [PMID: 25575635 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Muscle, heart and liver were analyzed in a male subject who succumbed to HSD10 disease. Respiratory chain enzyme analysis and BN-PAGE showed reduced activities and assembly of complexes I, III, IV, and V. The mRNAs of all RNase P subunits were preserved in heart and overexpressed in muscle, but MRPP2 protein was severely decreased. RNase P upregulation correlated with increased expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors and preserved mitochondrial enzymes in muscle, but not in heart where this compensatory mechanism was incomplete. We demonstrate elevated amounts of unprocessed pre-tRNAs and mRNA transcripts encoding mitochondrial subunits indicating deficient RNase P activity. This study provides evidence of abnormal mitochondrial RNA processing causing mitochondrial energy failure in HSD10 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn C Chatfield
- Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Curtis R Coughlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marisa W Friederich
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Renata C Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jay R Hesselberth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Program in Molecular Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark A Lovell
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rob Ofman
- Laboratory of Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Swanson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ronald J A Wanders
- Laboratory of Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric P Wartchow
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Johan L K Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Rasmussen JA, Hejl AM, Einhellig FA, Thomas JA. Sorgoleone from root exudate inhibits mitochondrial functions. J Chem Ecol 2013; 18:197-207. [PMID: 24254909 DOI: 10.1007/bf00993753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/1991] [Accepted: 10/21/1991] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to determine if sorgoleone (SGL), a hydrophobic compound inSorghum bicolor (L.) Moench root exudate, interferes with mitochondrial functions. Tests were conducted on mitochondria isolated from etiolated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings. The data show SGL is a potent inhibitor of state 3 and state 4 respiration rates in both soybean and corn. Using either NADH, succinate, or malate as substrate, the I50 was about 0.5μM SGL for state 3 and 5.0μM for state 4 based on 0.3-0.5 mg mitochondrial protein. Absorption spectra indicate SGL blocks electron transport at theb-c 1 complex. These data show that disruption of mitochondrial function may be a mechanism of SGL-mediated growth inhibition previously reported and demonstrate a probable role of SGL inSorghum allelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Rasmussen
- Department of Biology, Southern Arkansas University, 71753, Magnolia, Arkansas
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18
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Coder PS, Thomas JA, Stedman DB, Bowman CJ. Placental transfer of (125)Iodinated humanized immunoglobulin G2Δa in the Sprague Dawley rat. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 38:37-46. [PMID: 23462583 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-like biopharmaceuticals cross the placenta by utilizing transport pathways available for transfer of maternal antibodies to the conceptus. To characterize the timing and magnitude of this transfer in the rat, embryo/fetal biodistribution of maternally administered radiolabeled humanized IgG2 was quantified over the course of gestation using gamma counting and whole body autoradiography. The result was humanized IgG2 found in rat embryo/fetal tissues as early as gestation day 11 with a >1000-fold increase in the amount of total IgG2 by day 21. The concentration of IgG2 in rat embryo/fetal tissues generally remained unchanged from gestation day 11 to 17 with a slight increase from day 17 to 21. In addition, fetal-maternal tissue concentration ratios remained stable during organogenesis with a slight increase from gestation day 17 to 21. Based on the empirical amount of antibody present in the embryo/fetus during specific developmental windows, direct antibody binding to biological targets could potentially result in adverse developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Coder
- WIL Research, 1407 George Road, Ashland, OH, United States
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of geographic access to care on metabolic control and compliance in phenylketonuria (PKU). STUDY DESIGN Phenylalanine (Phe) levels and number of samples obtained were abstracted from a data base of 76 patients age <21 years and compared for age, sex, and distance to clinic. Levels and number of samples were compared to the clinic guidelines for age. RESULTS There was a strong positive correlation between age and Phe levels in adolescents and young adults while age and number of samples submitted were negatively correlated. There was not a significant correlation between Phe levels and distance to clinic, nor was there a significant difference in the Phe levels by distant categories (Denver metro, Front Range, distant area). However, there was a decrease in number of samples sent compared to clinic guidelines by distance, with patients residing in distant areas (>100 miles) sending significantly less samples. CONCLUSION Geographic access to care does not impact control of Phe levels, but it does affect the number of monitoring samples sent to the clinic. Age groups of adolescents and young adults have a strong impact on both control of Phe levels and number of monitoring samples compared to clinic guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Freehauf
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Education 2 South, Mailstop 8400, 13121 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Gordon P, Thomas JA, Suter R, Jurecki E. Evolving patient selection and clinical benefit criteria for sapropterin dihydrochloride (Kuvan®) treatment of PKU patients. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:672-6. [PMID: 22310224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand current patient selection, dosing, and response criteria used for sapropterin dihydrochloride (sapropterin, Kuvan®) to treat phenylketonuria (PKU). METHODS Results of a 2010 survey of twenty-nine academic medical centers are reported to describe practice patterns in comparison to results of a survey done in 2008 and to what is reported in the literature. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS In addition to reduction in blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels, clinicians report using broader disease-management approaches when evaluating clinical benefit of sapropterin, including consideration of increased Phe tolerance and behavioral changes. Similar approaches are reported in the literature.
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Keating AK, Freehauf C, Jiang H, Brodsky GL, Stabler SP, Allen RH, Graham DK, Thomas JA, Van Hove JL, Maclean KN. Constitutive induction of pro-inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines in cystathionine beta-synthase deficient homocystinuria. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 103:330-7. [PMID: 21601502 PMCID: PMC4141465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficient homocystinuria (HCU) is an inherited metabolic defect that if untreated, typically results in cognitive impairment, connective tissue disturbances, atherosclerosis and thromboembolic disease. In recent years, chronic inappropriate expression of the inflammatory response has emerged as a major driving force of both thrombosis and atherosclerotic lesion development. We report here a characterization of the abnormalities in cytokine expression induced in both a mouse model of HCU and human subjects with the disease in the presence and absence of homocysteine lowering therapy. HCU mice exhibited highly significant induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Il-1alpha, Il-1beta and TNF-alpha. Similarly, in untreated/poorly compliant human subjects with HCU we observed constitutive induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, Il-17 and IL-12(p70)) and chemotactic chemokines (fractalkine, MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta) compared to normal controls. These HCU patients also exhibited significant induction of IL-9, TGF-alpha and G-CSF. The expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were unaffected in both HCU mice and human subjects with the disease. In the human subjects, homocysteine lowering therapy was associated with either normalization or significant reduction of all of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines investigated. We conclude that HCU is a disease of chronic inflammation and that aberrant cytokine expression has the potential to contribute to multiple aspects of pathogenesis. Our findings indicate that anti-inflammatory strategies could serve as a useful adjuvant therapy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K. Keating
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cynthia Freehauf
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Gary L. Brodsky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sally P. Stabler
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert H. Allen
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Janet A. Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Johan L.K. Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth N. Maclean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8313, Aurora, CO, 80045-0511, USA. Fax: +1 303 315 3838., (K.N. Maclean)
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Case N, Sen B, Thomas JA, Styner M, Xie Z, Jacobs CR, Rubin J. Steady and oscillatory fluid flows produce a similar osteogenic phenotype. Calcif Tissue Int 2011; 88:189-97. [PMID: 21165611 PMCID: PMC3588160 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-010-9448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical loading induces positive changes in the skeleton due to direct effects on bone cells, which may include regulation of transcription factors that support osteoblast differentiation and function. Flow effects on osteoblast transcription factors have generally been evaluated after short exposures. In this work, we assayed flow effects on osteogenic genes at early and late time points in a preosteoblast (CIMC-4) cell line and evaluated both steady and oscillatory flows. Four hours of steady unidirectional flow decreased the level of RANKL mRNA 53 ± 7% below that of nonflowed cells, but increases in Runx2 and osterix mRNA (44 ± 22% and 129 ± 12%, respectively) were significant only after 12-19 h of continuous flow. Late flow effects on RANKL and osterix were also induced by an intermittent flow-rest protocol (four cycles of 1 h on/1 h off + overnight rest). Four hours of oscillatory flow decreased RANKL mRNA at this early time point (63 ± 2%) but did not alter either osterix or Runx2. When oscillatory flow was delivered using the intermittent flow-rest protocol, Runx2 and osterix mRNA increased significantly (85 ± 19% and 161 ± 22%, respectively). Both β-catenin and ERK1/2, known to be involved in RANKL regulation, were rapidly activated by steady flow. Inhibition of flow-activated ERK1/2 prevented the increase in osterix mRNA but not Runx2; Runx2 phosphorylation was increased by flow, an effect which likely contributes to osterix induction. This work shows that both steady and oscillatory fluid flows can support enhancement of an osteogenic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Case
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27599, USA.
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Thomas JA, Lipps GE. Subjective well-being of adults with homozygous sickle cell disease in Jamaica. W INDIAN MED J 2011; 60:181-187. [PMID: 21942124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study compared the subjective well-being of adults with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease to a matched group of healthy adult peers. The differential influence of sociodemographic factors on the subjective well-being of Sickle Cell patients was also examined. METHODS The Ferran and Powers Quality of Life Index and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were used to assess subjective well-being. Seventy-five homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease patients and sixty-seven matched controls (adults with normal haemoglobin: AA) from the Sickle Cell Disease Cohort Study in Jamaica were interviewed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences between the groups. RESULT Patients with Sickle cell (SS) disease were less satisfied than matched controls with their lives overall, their health and functioning, social and economic situation and psychological functioning. Sickle cell disease patients reported lower levels of positive affect but similar levels of negative affect as controls. Unemployed sickle cell disease patients were less satisfied than all other adults with their lives overall, health and functioning, psychological functioning and social and economic situation. Sickle cell disease patients with lower occupational status were less satisfied with their family life than all other adults. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that subjective well-being is compromised in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease. These patients may benefit from interventions designed to improve their subjective well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Caribbean Child Development Centre, Consortium for Social Development and Research, The University of the West Indies, Open Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies.
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Thomas JA, Laraque F, Munsiff S, Piatek A, Harris TG. Hospitalizations for tuberculosis in New York City: how many could be avoided? Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2010; 14:1603-1612. [PMID: 21144247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine which factors were associated with hospitalization for tuberculosis (TB) in New York City (NYC), United States, and to estimate the proportion of potentially avoidable admissions. DESIGN Patients diagnosed with TB from April to June 2003 were included. Records of hospitalized patients were reviewed to determine whether hospitalization was appropriate. Hospitalization was considered appropriate if patients met ≥1 of the NYC health department hospitalization criteria and/or needed hospitalization per study physicians' judgment. The association of patient characteristics with hospitalization and with having an inappropriate hospitalization was evaluated using multivariate analyses. TB cases from 2008 were also evaluated to determine whether more recent cases had similar associations with hospitalization. RESULTS Of 315 patients diagnosed with TB during the study, 226 (72%) were hospitalized. Hospitalized patients were more likely to have a cavitary chest radiograph (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.11, 95%CI 1.82-36.20), abuse alcohol/drugs (aOR 6.53, 95%CI 2.06-20.67), be Black non-Hispanic (aOR 3.05, 95%CI 1.00-9.38), have unknown human immunodeficiency virus status (aOR 2.67, 95%CI 1.24-5.76), and to have been first evaluated by a private medical provider (aOR 2.37, 95%CI 1.11-5.08). Eighty-seven (38%) of the hospitalizations may have been inappropriate; foreign-born (aOR 3.16, 95%CI 1.39-7.14) and acid-fast bacilli sputum smear-positive (aOR 2.49, 95%CI 1.18-5.23) patients were more likely to be hospitalized inappropriately. CONCLUSION Many TB hospitalizations in NYC may be avoidable. Existing guidelines for diagnosing and managing cases as out-patients need to be put into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York 10007, USA.
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Thomas JA, Antonelli JA, Lloyd JC, Masko EM, Poulton SH, Phillips TE, Pollak M, Freedland SJ. Effect of intermittent fasting on prostate cancer tumor growth in a mouse model. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2010; 13:350-5. [PMID: 20733612 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2010.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, CR may be difficult to apply in humans secondary to compliance and potentially deleterious effects. An alternative is intermittent CR, or in the extreme case intermittent fasting (IF). In a previous small pilot study, we found 2 days per week of IF with ad libitum feeding on the other days resulted in trends toward prolonged survival of mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts. We sought to confirm these findings in a larger study. A total of 100 (7- to 8-week-old) male severe combined immunodeficiency mice were injected subcutaneously with 1 × 10(5) LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells. Mice were randomized to either ad libitum Western Diet (44% carbohydrates, 40% fat and 16% protein) or ad libitum Western Diet with twice-weekly 24 h fasts (IF). Tumor volumes and mouse bodyweights were measured twice weekly. Mice were killed when tumor volumes reached 1000 mm(3). Serum and tumor were collected for analysis of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) hormonal axis. Overall, there was no difference in mouse survival (P=0.37) or tumor volumes (P ≥ 0.10) between groups. Mouse body weights were similar between arms (P=0.84). IF mice had significantly higher serum IGF-1 levels and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratios at killing (P<0.001). However, no difference was observed in serum insulin, IGFBP-3 or tumor phospho-Akt levels (P ≥ 0.39). IF did not improve mouse survival nor did it delay prostate tumor growth. This may be secondary to metabolic adaptations to the 24 h fasting periods. Future studies are required to optimize CR for application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke Prostate Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Thomas JA, Beck M, Clarke JTR, Cox GF. Childhood onset of Scheie syndrome, the attenuated form of mucopolysaccharidosis I. J Inherit Metab Dis 2010; 33:421-7. [PMID: 20532982 PMCID: PMC2903709 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-010-9113-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scheie syndrome is the most attenuated and rarest form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), an inherited lysosomal storage disorder. Only small patient series have previously been reported. Using natural history data from the uniquely large population of 78 Scheie patients enrolled in the MPS I Registry, we characterized the onset and prevalence of clinical manifestations and explored reasons for delayed diagnosis of the disease. Median patient age was 17.5 years; 46% of the patients were male, and 88% were Caucasian. Of 25 MPS I-related clinical features, cardiac valve abnormalities, joint contractures, and corneal clouding were each reported by >80% and all three by 53% of patients. Carpal tunnel syndrome, hernia, coarse facial features, and hepatomegaly were each reported by >50% of patients. Age at onset of the clinical features varied widely between individuals, but the median age at onset was 3 years for hernia and between 5 and 12 years for most features, including coarse facial features, hepatomegaly, joint contractures, bone deformities, cardiac valve abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and corneal clouding. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and myelopathy arose more commonly during adolescence or adulthood. Delays up to 47 years intervened between symptom onset and disease diagnosis, and the longest delays were associated with later age at symptom onset and symptom onset before 1980. In summary, Scheie syndrome usually emerges during childhood, and recognition of attenuated MPS I requires awareness of the multisystemic disease manifestations and their diverse presentation. Given the availability of etiologic treatment, prompt diagnosis is important.
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Van Hove JLK, Saenz MS, Thomas JA, Gallagher RC, Lovell MA, Fenton LZ, Shanske S, Myers SM, Wanders RJA, Ruiter J, Turkenburg M, Waterham HR. Succinyl-CoA ligase deficiency: a mitochondrial hepatoencephalomyopathy. Pediatr Res 2010; 68:159-64. [PMID: 20453710 PMCID: PMC2928220 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181e5c3a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This patient presented on the first day of life with pronounced lactic acidosis with an elevated lactate/pyruvate ratio. Urine organic acids showed Krebs cycle metabolites and mildly elevated methylmalonate and methylcitrate. The acylcarnitine profile showed elevated propionylcarnitine and succinylcarnitine. Amino acids showed elevated glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, and alanine. From the age 2 of mo on, she had elevated transaminases and intermittent episodes of liver failure. Liver biopsy showed steatosis and a decrease of mitochondrial DNA to 50% of control. She had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Over the course of the first 2 y of life, she developed a progressively severe myopathy with pronounced muscle weakness eventually leading to respiratory failure, Leigh disease, and recurrent hepatic failure. The hepatic symptoms and the metabolic parameters temporarily improved on treatment with aspartate, but neither muscle symptoms nor brain lesions improved. Laboratory testing revealed a deficiency of succinyl-CoA ligase enzyme activity and protein in fibroblasts because of a novel homozygous mutation in the SUCLG1 gene: c.40A>T (p.M14L). Functional analysis suggests that this methionine is more likely to function as the translation initiator methionine, explaining the pathogenic nature of the mutation. Succinyl-CoA ligase deficiency due to an SUCLG1 mutation is a new cause for mitochondrial hepatoencephalomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan L K Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
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McGlade JP, Strickland DH, Lambert MJM, Gorman S, Thomas JA, Judge MA, Burchell JT, Zosky GR, Hart PH. UV inhibits allergic airways disease in mice by reducing effector CD4 T cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2010; 40:772-85. [PMID: 20214669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human asthma, and experimental allergic airways disease in mice, antigen-presenting cells and CD4(+) effector cells at the airway mucosa orchestrate, and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells attenuate, allergen immunity. UV irradiation of skin before sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) causes significantly reduced asthma-like responses in respiratory tissues. OBJECTIVE To determine whether UV-induced changes in CD11c(+) cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) effector cells or CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory cells in the trachea and airway draining lymph nodes (ADLNs) were responsible for reduced allergic airways disease. METHODS The phenotype and function of CD11c(+) cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in the trachea and ADLNs of UV- and non-irradiated, OVA-sensitized mice was examined 24 h after a single exposure to aerosolized OVA. RESULTS No changes in the function of CD11c(+) cells from UV-irradiated mice were observed. CD4(+)CD25(+) cells from UV-irradiated, OVA-sensitized mice harvested 24 h after OVA aerosol proliferated less in response to OVA in vitro and were unable to suppress the proliferation of OVA-sensitized responder cells. This result suggested reduced activation of effector T cells in the airway mucosa of UV-irradiated, OVA-sensitized mice. To exclude regulatory cells of any type, there was similar proliferation in vivo to aerosolized OVA by CFSE-loaded, OVA-TCR-specific CD4(+) cells adoptively transferred into UV- and non-irradiated, OVA-sensitized mice. In addition, there was no difference in the expression of regulatory T cell markers (Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-beta mRNA). To examine effector T cells, ADLN cells from UV-irradiated, OVA-sensitized and -challenged mice were cultured with OVA. There was reduced expression of the early activation marker CD69 by CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, and reduced proliferation in the absence of the regulatory cytokine, IL-10. CONCLUSION Reduced allergic airways disease in UV-irradiated mice is due to fewer effector CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in the trachea and ADLNs, and not due to UV-induced regulatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P McGlade
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ants to live in dominant, fiercely protected societies. Their signals, however, may be mimicked by other insects that coexist as commensals with ants or interact with them as mutualists or social parasites. We consider the role of acoustics in ant communication and its exploitation by social parasites. Social parasitism has been studied mainly in the butterfly genus Maculinea, the final instar larvae of which are host-specific parasites of Myrmica ants, preying either on ant grubs (predatory Maculinea) or being fed by trophallaxis (cuckoo Maculinea). We found similar significant differences between the stridulations of model queen and worker ant castes in both Myrmica sabuleti and Myrmica scabrinodis to that previously reported for Myrmica schencki. However, the sounds made by queens of all three Myrmica species were indistinguishable, and among workers, stridulations did not differ significantly in two of three species-pairs tested. Sounds recorded from the predatory caterpillars and pupae of Maculinea arion had similar or closer patterns to the acoustics of their host Myrmica sabuleti than those previously reported for the cuckoo Maculinea rebeli and its host Myrmica schencki, even though Maculinea rebeli caterpillars live more intimately with their host. We conclude that chemical mimicry enables Maculinea larvae to be accepted as colony members by worker ants, but that caterpillars and pupae of both predatory and cuckoo butterflies employ acoustical mimicry of queen ant calls to elevate their status towards the highest attainable position within their host's social hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barbero
- Department of Animal and Human Biology, University of Turin, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Van Hove JLK, Josefsberg S, Freehauf C, Thomas JA, Thuy LP, Barshop BA, Woontner M, Mock DM, Chiang PW, Spector E, Meneses-Morales I, Cervantes-Roldán R, León-Del-Río A. Management of a patient with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 95:201-5. [PMID: 18974016 PMCID: PMC2630166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We investigated in a patient with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency, the relation between the biochemical and genetic factors of the mutant protein with the pharmacokinetic factors of successful biotin treatment. A girl exhibited abnormal skin at birth, and developed in the first days of life neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and metabolic abnormalities diagnostic of multiple carboxylase deficiency. Enzyme assays showed low carboxylase activities. Fibroblast analysis showed poor incorporation of biotin into the carboxylases, and low transfer of biotin by the holocarboxylase synthetase enzyme. Kinetic studies identified an increased Km but a preserved Vmax. Mutation analysis showed the child to be a compound heterozygote for a new nonsense mutation Q379X and for a novel missense mutation Y663H. This mutation affects a conserved amino acid, which is located the most 3' of all recorded missense mutations thus far described, and extends the region of functional biotin interaction. Treatment with biotin 100mg/day gradually improved the biochemical abnormalities in blood and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), corrected the carboxylase enzyme activities, and provided clinical stability and a normal neurodevelopmental outcome. Plasma concentrations of biotin were increased to more than 500 nM, thus exceeding the increased Km of the mutant enzyme. At these pharmacological concentrations, the CSF biotin concentration was half the concentration in blood. Measuring these pharmacokinetic variables can aid in optimizing treatment, as individual tailoring of dosing to the needs of the mutation may be required.
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Brautbar A, Wang J, Abdenur JE, Chang RC, Thomas JA, Grebe TA, Lim C, Weng SW, Graham BH, Wong LJ. The mitochondrial 13513G>A mutation is associated with Leigh disease phenotypes independent of complex I deficiency in muscle. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 94:485-490. [PMID: 18495510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial 13513G>A (D393N) mutation in the ND5 subunit of the respiratory chain complex I was initially described in association with MELAS syndrome. Recent observations have linked this mutation to Leigh disease. We screened for the 13513G>A mutation in a cohort of 265 patients with Leigh and Leigh-like disease. The mutation was found in a total of 5 patients. An additional patient who had clinical presentation consistent with a Leigh-like phenotype but with a normal brain MRI was added to the cohort. None of an additional 88 patients meeting MELAS disease criteria, nor 56 patients with respiratory chain deficiency screened for the 13513G>A were found positive for the mutation. The most frequent clinical manifestations in our patients were hypotonia, ocular and cerebellar involvement. Low mutation heteroplasmy in the range of 20-40% was observed in all 6 patients. This observation is consistent with the previously reported low heteroplasmy of this mutation in some patients with the 13513G>A mutation and complex I deficiency. However, normal complex I activity was observed in two patients in our cohort. As most patients with Leigh-like disease and the 13513G>A mutation have been described with complex I deficiency, this report adds to the previously reported subset of patients with normal respiratory complex function. We conclude that in any patient with Leigh or Leigh-like disease, testing for the 13513G>A mutation is clinically relevant and low mutant loads in blood or muscle may be considered pathogenic, in the presence of normal respiratory chain enzyme activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Brautbar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NAB 2015, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NAB 2015, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jose E Abdenur
- Division of Metabolic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Richard C Chang
- Division of Metabolic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Janet A Thomas
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Theresa A Grebe
- Phoenix Genetics Program, St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cynthia Lim
- Phoenix Genetics Program, St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shao-Wen Weng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Brett H Graham
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NAB 2015, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lee-Jun Wong
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NAB 2015, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Van Hove JLK, Freehauf C, Miyamoto S, Vladutiu GD, Pancrudo J, Bonilla E, Lovell MA, Mierau GW, Thomas JA, Shanske S. Infantile cardiomyopathy caused by the T14709C mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA glutamic acid gene. Eur J Pediatr 2008; 167:771-6. [PMID: 17891417 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-007-0587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A 6-week-old child presented with hypotonia, myopathy, and a rapidly worsening dilated cardiomyopathy with severe atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension, which proved fatal at age 3 months. Biochemical analysis showed a combined deficiency of the enzymatic activities of complexes I and IV and molecular studies identified a T14709C mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA glutamic acid gene. A review of symptomatology in patients with this mutation shows that it mainly presents in childhood or young adults with mild myopathy and diabetes mellitus. Infants with a high, nearly homoplasmic mutant load can present with more severe symptoms including cardiomyopathy. Families with this mitochondrial DNA mutation should be aware that increased mutant load in a subsequent generation may result in severe and often fatal cardiac symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan L K Van Hove
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center and The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO 80045, USA.
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Abstract
Molecular dynamics and Langevin dynamics simulations are used to elucidate the behavior of liquid atoms near a solid boundary. Correlations between the surface wettability and spatial variations in liquid density and structure are identified. The self-diffusion coefficient tensor is predicted, revealing highly anisotropic and spatially varying mass transfer phenomena near the solid boundary. This behavior affects self-diffusion at a range of time scales. Near a more-wetting surface, self-diffusion is impeded by strong solid-liquid interactions that induce sharp liquid density gradients and enhanced liquid structure. Conversely, near a less-wetting surface, where solid-liquid interactions are weaker, the liquid density is low, the atoms are disordered, and diffusion is enhanced. These findings suggest that altering the wettability of a micro- or nanochannel may provide a passive means for controlling the diffusion of select targets towards a functionalized surface and controlling the reaction rate in diffusion-limited reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Gardner MG, Schönrogge K, Elmes GW, Thomas JA. Increased genetic diversity as a defence against parasites is undermined by social parasites: Microdon mutabilis hoverflies infesting Formica lemani ant colonies. Proc Biol Sci 2007; 274:103-10. [PMID: 17035169 PMCID: PMC1679886 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2006.3694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity can benefit social insects by providing variability in immune defences against parasites and pathogens. However, social parasites of ants infest colonies and not individuals, and for them a different relationship between genetic diversity and resistance may exist. Here, we investigate the genetic variation, assessed using up to 12 microsatellite loci, of workers in 91 Formica lemani colonies in relation to their infestation by the specialist social parasite Microdon mutabilis. At the main study site, workers in infested colonies exhibited lower relatedness and higher estimated queen numbers, on average, than uninfested ones. Additionally, estimated queen numbers were negatively correlated with estimated average numbers of mates per queen within infested colonies. At another site, infested colonies also exhibited significantly lower worker relatedness, and estimated queen numbers were comparable in trend. In contrast, in two populations of F. lemani where M. mutabilis was absent, relatedness within colonies was high (40 and 90% with R>0.6). While high genetic variation can benefit social insects by increasing their resistance to pathogens, there may be a cost in the increased likelihood of infiltration by social parasites owing to greater variation in nestmate recognition cues. This study provides the first empirical test of this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gardner
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (NERC), CEH Dorset, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8ZD, UK.
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Tsai ACH, Morel CF, Scharer G, Yang M, Lerner-Ellis JP, Rosenblatt DS, Thomas JA. Late-onset combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria (cblC) and neuropsychiatric disturbance. Am J Med Genet A 2007; 143A:2430-4. [PMID: 17853453 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We report on the case of a 36-year-old Hispanic woman with a spinal cord infarct, who was subsequently diagnosed with methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cblC type (cblC). Mutation analysis revealed c.271dupA and c.482G > A mutations in the MMACHC gene. The patient had a past medical history significant for joint hypermobility, arthritis, bilateral cataracts, unilateral hearing loss, anemia, frequent urinary tract infections, and mental illness. There was no significant past history of mental retardation, failure to thrive, or seizure disorder as reported in classic cases of cblC. Prior to the thrombotic incident, the patient experienced increased paresthesia in the lower extremities, myelopathy, and impaired gait. Given her previous psychiatric history, she was misdiagnosed with malingering until hemiplegia and incontinence became apparent. The authors would like to emphasize the recognition of a neuropsychiatric presentation in late onset cblC. Ten other reported late onset cases with similar presentations are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Chun-Hui Tsai
- Division of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, The Children's Hospital, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80218, USA.
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Thomas JA, Jacobs S, Kierstein J, Van Hove J. Outcome after three years of laronidase enzyme replacement therapy in a patient with Hurler syndrome. J Inherit Metab Dis 2006; 29:762. [PMID: 17089217 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-006-0457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2006] [Revised: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase, recombinant alpha-L-iduronidase, for mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) has been clinically available since April 2003. Pre-approval studies were performed on patients with the more attenuated forms of MPS I, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndromes. The clinical efficacy of laronidase on the severe form of MPS I, Hurler syndrome, is not well known. We present a patient with Hurler syndrome who has been treated with laronidase for 3 years. Clinically, the patient demonstrated improvement in urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels and hepatomegaly, but continued to experience decline in respiratory status, musculoskeletal and spinal involvement, and developmental skills. Overall, the benefit of ERT with laronidase in advanced Hurler syndrome appeared to be minimal in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, University of Colorado and The Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorado, USA.
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Schönrogge K, Gardner MG, Elmes GW, Napper EKV, Simcox DJ, Wardlaw JC, Breen J, Barr B, Knapp JJ, Pickett JA, Thomas JA. Host propagation permits extreme local adaptation in a social parasite of ants. Ecol Lett 2006; 9:1032-40. [PMID: 16925652 DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2006.00957.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The Red Data Book hoverfly species Microdon mutabilis is an extreme specialist that parasitises ant societies. The flies are locally adapted to a single host, Formica lemani, more intimately than was thought possible in host-parasite systems. Microdon egg survival plummeted in F. lemani colonies > 3 km away from the natal nest, from c. 96% to 0% to < 50%, depending on the hoverfly population. This is reflected in the life-time dispersal of females, measured at < 2 m, resulting in oviposition back into the same ant nests for generation after generation. To counter destabilizing effects on the host, Microdon manipulates the social dynamics of F. lemani by feeding selectively on ant eggs and small larvae, which causes surviving larvae to switch development into queens. Infested colonies rear double the number of new queens, thus propagating the vulnerable local genotype and compensating for damage to the host colonies. The consequences of such extreme host specificity for insect conservation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schönrogge
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, CEH Dorset, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester DT2 8XE, UK.
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Struys EA, Verhoeven NM, Salomons GS, Berthelot J, Vianay-Saban C, Chabrier S, Thomas JA, Tsai ACH, Gibson KM, Jakobs C. D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria in three patients with proven SSADH deficiency: genetic coincidence or a related biochemical epiphenomenon? Mol Genet Metab 2006; 88:53-7. [PMID: 16442322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2005] [Revised: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency and D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D-2-HGA) are rare inborn errors of metabolism primarily revealed by urinary organic acid screening. Three patients with proven SSADH deficiency excreted, in addition to GHB considerable amounts of D-2-HG. We examined whether these patients suffered from two inborn errors of metabolism by measuring D-2-HG concentrations in the culture medium of cells from these patients. In addition, mutation analysis of the D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase gene was performed. Normal concentrations of D-2-HG were measured in the culture media of fibroblasts or lymphoblasts derived from the three patients. In one patient, we found a heterozygous likely pathogenic mutation in the D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase gene. These combined results argue against the hypothesis that the patients are affected with "primary" D-2-HGA in combination with their SSADH deficiency. Moderately increased levels of D-2-HG were also found in urine, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid samples derived from 12 other patients with SSADH deficiency, revealing that D-2-HG is a common metabolite in this disease. The increase of D-2-HG in SSADH deficiency can be explained by the action of hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase, a reversible enzyme that oxidases GHB in the presence of 2-ketoglutarate yielding SSA and D-2-HG.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Struys
- Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Kahook MY, Mandava N, Bateman JB, Thomas JA. Glycosylation type Ic disorder: idiopathic intracranial hypertension and retinal degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol 2006; 90:115-6. [PMID: 16361681 PMCID: PMC1478164 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2005.080648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Wieser A, Debuyst R, Fattibene P, Meghzifene A, Onori S, Bayankin SN, Brik A, Bugay A, Chumak V, Ciesielski B, Hoshi M, Imata H, Ivannikov A, Ivanov D, Junczewska M, Miyazawa C, Penkowski M, Pivovarov S, Romanyukha A, Romanyukha L, Schauer D, Scherbina O, Schultka K, Sholom S, Skvortsov V, Stepanenko V, Thomas JA, Tielewuhan E, Toyoda S, Trompier F. The Third International Intercomparison on EPR Tooth Dosimetry: part 2, final analysis. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2006; 120:176-83. [PMID: 16702247 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nci549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the Third International Intercomparison on EPR Tooth Dosimetry was to evaluate laboratories performing tooth enamel dosimetry <300 mGy. Final analysis of results included a correlation analysis between features of laboratory dose reconstruction protocols and dosimetry performance. Applicability of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tooth dosimetry at low dose was shown at two applied dose levels of 79 and 176 mGy. Most (9 of 12) laboratories reported the dose to be within 50 mGy of the delivered dose of 79 mGy, and 10 of 12 laboratories reported the dose to be within 100 mGy of the delivered dose of 176 mGy. At the high-dose tested (704 mGy) agreement within 25% of the delivered dose was found in 10 laboratories. Features of EPR dose reconstruction protocols that affect dosimetry performance were found to be magnetic field modulation amplitude in EPR spectrum recording, EPR signal model in spectrum deconvolution and duration of latency period for tooth enamel samples after preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wieser
- Institute of Radiation Protection, GSF-National Research Centre for Environment and Health, D-85758 Neuherberg, Germany
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Sun L, Eklund EA, Van Hove JLK, Freeze HH, Thomas JA. Clinical and molecular characterization of the first adult congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) type Ic patient. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 137:22-6. [PMID: 16007612 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) type Ic, the second largest subtype of CDG, is caused by mutations in human ALG6 (hALG6). This gene encodes the alpha1,3-glucosyltransferase that catalyzes transfer of the first glucose residue to the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor for N-linked glycosylation. In this report, we describe the first adult patient diagnosed with CDG-Ic, carrying two previously unknown mutations. The first is a three base deletion (897-899delAAT) leading to the loss of I299, the second is an intronic mutation (IVS7 + 2T > G) that causes aberrant splicing. Wildtype hALG6, delivered by a lentiviral vector into patient's fibroblasts, clearly improves the biochemical phenotype, which confirms that the mutations are disease-causing. Striking clinical findings include limb deficiencies in the fingers, resembling brachydactyly type B, a deep vein thrombosis, pseudotumor cerebri, and endocrine disturbances with pronounced hyperandrogenism and virilization. However, even in adulthood, this patient shows normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangwu Sun
- The Burnham Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Abstract
Conservative estimates suggest that 50-90% of the existing insect species on Earth have still to be discovered, yet the named insects alone comprise more than half of all known species of organism. With such poor baseline knowledge, monitoring change in insect diversity poses a formidable challenge to scientists and most attempts to generalize involve large extrapolations from a few well-studied taxa. Butterflies are often the only group for which accurate measures of change can be obtained. Four schemes, used successfully to assess change in British butterflies, that are increasingly being applied across the world are described: Red Data Books (RDB) list the best judgements of experts of the conservation status of species in their field of expertise; mapping schemes plot the changing distributions of species at scales of 1-100 km2; transect monitoring schemes generate time series of changes in abundance in sample populations of species on fixed sites across the UK; and occasional surveys measure the number, boundaries and size of all populations of a (usually RDB) species at intervals of 10-30 years. All schemes describe consistent patterns of change, but if they are to be more generally useful, it is important to understand how well butterflies are representative of other taxa. Comparisons with similarly measured changes in native bird and plant species suggest that butterflies have declined more rapidly that these other groups in Britain; it should soon be possible to test whether this pattern exists elsewhere. It is also demonstrated that extinction rates in British butterflies are similar to those in a range of other insect groups over 100 years once recording bias is accounted for, although probably lower than in aquatic or parasitic taxa. It is concluded that butterflies represent adequate indicators of change for many terrestrial insect groups, but recommended that similar schemes be extended to other popular groups, especially dragonflies, bumblebees, hoverflies and ants. Given institutional backing, similar projects could be employed internationally and standardized. Finally, a range of schemes designed to monitor change in communities of aquatic macro-invertebrates is described. Although designed to use invertebrates as a bio-indicator of water quality for human use, these programmes could be extended to monitor the 2010 biodiversity targets of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Dorset Laboratory, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester DT2 8ZD, UK.
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Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze the lower limit of detection (LLD), linearity of dose response, variation of radiation sensitivity between different tooth enamel samples, and time/temperature stability of EPR biodosimetry in tooth enamel. The theoretical LLD is shown to be 0.46 mGy, which is far lower than the measured value of about 30 mGy. The main issues to lowering LLD are the differentiation of the radiation-induced component against the total EPR spectrum and the complex nature of the dose dependence of the EPR signal. The following questions are also discussed in detail: need for exfoliated or extracted teeth from persons of interest, accounting for background radiation contribution; conversion of tooth enamel absorbed dose to effective dose; accounting for internal exposure specifically from bone-seeking radionuclides. Conclusions on future development of EPR retrospective biodosimetry are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Romanyukha
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA
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Abstract
Spectral acquisition time is one of the limiting factors in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) retrospective biodosimetry in teeth. Acquisition times for one sample can be from 2 to 4h. This problem is even more acute for in vivo EPR measurements in L-band. Patients cannot be expected to remain stationary for these lengths of time. In order to overcome this limitation, we investigated the dependence of EPR dose measurements on the number of data points in an EPR spectrum. We have shown that this number could be reduced from 1024 to 256 (factor of 4 reduction in spectral acquisition time) at 5 mT magnetic field sweep without a loss of precision in the dose measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Romanyukha
- Uniformed Services, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA
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Abstract
Modern biotechnology has resulted in a resurgence of interest in the production of new therapeutic agents using botanical sources. With nearly 500 biotechnology products approved or in development globally, and with production capacity limited, the need for efficient means of therapeutic protein production is apparent. Through genetic engineering, plants can now be used to produce pharmacologically active proteins, including mammalian antibodies, blood product substitutes, vaccines, hormones, cytokines, and a variety of other therapeutic agents. Efficient biopharmaceutical production in plants involves the proper selection of host plant and gene expression system, including a decision as to whether a food crop or a non-food crop is more appropriate. Product safety issues relevant to patients, pharmaceutical workers, and the general public must be addressed, and proper regulation and regulatory oversight must be in place prior to commercial plant-based biopharmaceutical production. Plant production of pharmaceuticals holds great potential, and may become an important production system for a variety of new biopharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Goldstein
- Monsanto Company A2NE, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St Louis, MO 63167, USA.
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Schönrogge K, Wardlaw JC, Peters AJ, Everett S, Thomas JA, Elmes GW. Changes in chemical signature and host specificity from larval retrieval to full social integration in the myrmecophilous butterfly Maculinea rebeli. J Chem Ecol 2004; 30:91-107. [PMID: 15074659 DOI: 10.1023/b:joec.0000013184.18176.a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The ant social parasite, Maculinea rebeli shows high levels of host specificity at a regional scale. While 68-88% of caterpillars in the field are adopted by nonhost Myrmica ants, 95-100% of the butterflies emerge from the natural host M. schencki the following year. While retrieval of preadoption caterpillars is specific to the genus Myrmica, it does not explain differential survival with different Myrmica species. We present survival data with host and nonhost Myrmica species suggesting that, with nonhosts (M. sabuleti and M. rubra), survival depends on the physiological state of the colony. We also compared the similarities of the epicuticular surface hydrocarbon signatures of caterpillars that were reared by host and nonhost Myrmica for 3 weeks with those from tending workers. Counterintuitively, the hydrocarbons of postadoption caterpillars were more similar (78%, 73%) to the ant colony profiles of the nonhost species than were caterpillars reared in colonies of M. schencki (42% similarity). However, caterpillars from M. schencki nests that were then isolated for 4 additional days showed unchanged chemical profiles, whereas the similarities of those from nonhost colonies fell to 52 and 56%, respectively. Six compounds, presumably newly synthesized, were detected on the isolated caterpillars that could not have been acquired from M. sabuleti and M. rubra (nor occurred on preadoption caterpillars), five of which were found on the natural host M. schencki. These new compounds may relate to the high rank the caterpillars attain within the hierarchy of M. schencki societies. The same compounds would identify the caterpillars as intruders in non-schencki colonies, where their synthesis appeared to be largely suppressed. The ability to synthesize or suppress additional compounds once adopted explains the pattern of mortalities found among fully integrated caterpillars in Myrmica colonies of different species and physiological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schönrogge
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester DT2 8ZD, United Kingdom.
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Thomas JA, Telfer MG, Roy DB, Preston CD, Greenwood JJD, Asher J, Fox R, Clarke RT, Lawton JH. Comparative losses of British butterflies, birds, and plants and the global extinction crisis. Science 2004; 303:1879-81. [PMID: 15031508 DOI: 10.1126/science.1095046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
There is growing concern about increased population, regional, and global extinctions of species. A key question is whether extinction rates for one group of organisms are representative of other taxa. We present a comparison at the national scale of population and regional extinctions of birds, butterflies, and vascular plants from Britain in recent decades. Butterflies experienced the greatest net losses, disappearing on average from 13% of their previously occupied 10-kilometer squares. If insects elsewhere in the world are similarly sensitive, the known global extinction rates of vertebrate and plant species have an unrecorded parallel among the invertebrates, strengthening the hypothesis that the natural world is experiencing the sixth major extinction event in its history.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thomas
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Dorset Laboratory, Winfrith Technology Centre, Dorchester DT2 8ZD, UK.
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Abstract
In this article we demonstrate the effect of room illuminance and surrounding monitor black level luminance on image quality for soft copy interpretation. Luminance values of a 10% central target and image quality evaluations and observer performance using a contrast-detail mammography (CDMAM) phantom demonstrate these effects. Our results indicate that high room illuminance has a more damaging effect on image quality when the surrounding monitor luminance is 0% to 5% of the maximum monitor luminance. The effect of room illuminance is less obvious when the surrounding monitor luminance is 20% of the maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chakrabarti
- Radiological Devices Branch, HFZ-470, Food and Drug Administration/DRARD/ODE/CDRH, 9200 Corporate Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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