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Kenneson A, Singh RH. Natural history of children and adults with phenylketonuria in the NBS-PKU Connect registry. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 134:243-249. [PMID: 34654619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency, or phenylketonuria (PKU), is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. Early diagnosis via newborn screening (NBS) and initiation of treatment prevent the development of cognitive impairment and other co-morbidities. The purpose of this study is to describe the natural history of PKU in the United States, including prevalence of co-morbidities and predictors of outcomes. METHODS We analyzed data from a self-report survey in the NBS-PKU Connect online registry. We describe the participants' nutrition management strategies, barriers to management, outcomes of bone disorders, skin, and psychological co-morbidities, and the use of special education or other special services. Predictors of outcomes were identified and assessed, including the impact of sex, age, age at diagnosis, blood phenylalanine concentration, use of sapropterin, use of medical food, adherence to prescribed diet, use of low protein modified foods, whether they had ever been off-diet, and use of tyrosine supplementation. RESULTS The 219 respondents included individuals with PKU or hyperphenylalanemia (n = 78), or their caregivers (n = 141). Most (84.3%) started treatment before the age of two weeks. About one-third indicated that they had been off-diet at some point in their lives, and 81.4% reported that they currently adhered to their prescribed diet, with adherence to prescribed diet decreasing with age. Blood phenylalanine concentration was under the recommended threshold of 360 μmol/L for 68.5% of participants. One-quarter of respondents reported psychological co-morbidities, with anxiety and ADD/ADHD being the most common. The incidence of psychological co-morbidities increased with age and with ever having been off diet. Special education or other special services were more likely to be reported by individuals who were diagnosed after one week of age. Skin disorders such as acne and eczema were more common in females than males, and a minority of participants reported bone disorders. CONCLUSIONS Despite recommendations to maintain blood phenylalanine concentrations in the therapeutic range throughout life, it is not uncommon for adults with PKU to discontinue dietary management of their disorder. Early diagnosis was associated with reduced need for special education or other special services, and continuous treatment was associated with decreased psychological co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Kenneson
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Rani H Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
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Dijkstra AM, van Vliet N, van Vliet D, Romani C, Huijbregts SCJ, van der Goot E, Hovens IB, van der Zee EA, Kema IP, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Spronsen FJ. Correlations of blood and brain biochemistry in phenylketonuria: Results from the Pah-enu2 PKU mouse. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 134:250-256. [PMID: 34656426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In phenylketonuria (PKU), treatment monitoring is based on frequent blood phenylalanine (Phe) measurements, as this is the predictor of neurocognitive and behavioural outcome by reflecting brain Phe concentrations and brain biochemical changes. Despite clinical studies describing the relevance of blood Phe to outcome in PKU patients, blood Phe does not explain the variance in neurocognitive and behavioural outcome completely. METHODS In a PKU mouse model we investigated 1) the relationship between plasma Phe and brain biochemistry (Brain Phe and monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations), and 2) whether blood non-Phe Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA) would be of additional value to blood Phe concentrations to explain brain biochemistry. To this purpose, we assessed blood amino acid concentrations and brain Phe as well as monoaminergic neurotransmitter levels in in 114 Pah-Enu2 mice on both B6 and BTBR backgrounds using (multiple) linear regression analyses. RESULTS Plasma Phe concentrations were strongly correlated to brain Phe concentrations, significantly negatively correlated to brain serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations and only weakly correlated to brain dopamine concentrations. From all blood markers, Phe showed the strongest correlation to brain biochemistry in PKU mice. Including non-Phe LNAA concentrations to the multiple regression model, in addition to plasma Phe, did not help explain brain biochemistry. CONCLUSION This study showed that blood Phe is still the best amino acid predictor of brain biochemistry in PKU. Nevertheless, neurocognitive and behavioural outcome cannot fully be explained by blood or brain Phe concentrations, necessitating a search for other additional parameters. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Blood Phe is still the best amino acid predictor of brain biochemistry in PKU. Nevertheless, neurocognitive and behavioural outcome cannot fully be explained by blood or brain Phe concentrations, necessitating a search for other additional parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allysa M Dijkstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ninke van Vliet
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Danique van Vliet
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Romani
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephan C J Huijbregts
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies-Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Faculty of Social Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Els van der Goot
- University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris B Hovens
- University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ido P Kema
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of laboratory Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Rebecca Heiner-Fokkema
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of laboratory Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Viau K, Wessel A, Martell L, Sacharow S, Rohr F. Nutrition status of adults with phenylketonuria treated with pegvaliase. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:345-351. [PMID: 34116943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pegvaliase is an enzyme substitution therapy that reduces blood phenylalanine (Phe) in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU), and often allows normalization of protein intake (≥0.8 g protein/kg). Here we examine the nutrition status of adults with PKU consuming a normal protein intake without medical food after being treated with pegvaliase for ≥1 year. METHODS A cross-sectional study evaluating nutritional intake (3-day food record and food frequency questionnaire), anthropometrics, laboratory indices of protein, micronutrient, and essential fatty acid (EFA) status, and questionnaires evaluating food neophobia and Epicurean eating pleasure. RESULTS Participants (n = 18, 61% female) started pegvaliase 4.9 ± 2.1 years prior to enrollment and were aged 38.2 ± 8.8 years with a mean BMI of 29.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2. Participants consumed a mean of 73.2 ± 17.6 g protein/d (1.0 ± 0.3 g/kg/d). Eleven participants had low blood Phe (<30 μmol/L) with adequate protein intake and normal indices of protein status. Micronutrient and EFA concentrations were normal except for mildly low vitamin D (<30 ng/mL, n = 12). Intakes of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars exceeded recommendations for healthy adults, though mean diet quality was comparable to a US adult reference population. Lower food neophobia scores correlated with an increased aesthetic appreciation of food. However, 53% of participants self-reported having moderate (n = 6) to high (n = 3) food neophobia. DISCUSSION Participants treated with pegvaliase consumed an unrestricted diet with adequate dietary protein and, overall, had normal protein, micronutrient, and fatty acid status. Despite low blood Phe, protein nutriture was not compromised. While nutritional deficiencies were not identified, diet quality was suboptimal and some participants reported food neophobia. Nutrition education remains an important component of care as patients adapt to a normal diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Viau
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Ann Wessel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Leslie Martell
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Stephanie Sacharow
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Fran Rohr
- Met Ed, Boulder, CO 80302, United States
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Waisbren S, Burton BK, Feigenbaum A, Konczal LL, Lilienstein J, McCandless SE, Rowell R, Sanchez-Valle A, Whitehall KB, Longo N. Long-term preservation of intellectual functioning in sapropterin-treated infants and young children with phenylketonuria: A seven-year analysis. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 132:119-127. [PMID: 33485801 PMCID: PMC8684368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.01.001] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sapropterin dihydrochloride has been approved for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia in infants and young children with phenylketonuria (PKU). Sapropterin can reduce phenylalanine (Phe) levels in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-responsive patients, potentially preventing the intellectual impairment caused by elevated Phe levels. The long-term effect of sapropterin on intellectual functioning was assessed using the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) in 62 children who began treatment before the age of 6 years. Over each 2-year interval, the estimate of mean change in FSIQ was -0.5768 with a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of -1.60. At the end of the follow-up period (Year 7), the least squares mean estimate of the change in FSIQ from baseline was 1.14 with a lower limit of the 95% CI of -3.53. These lower limits were both within the clinically expected variation of 5 points. During the whole study period, mean blood Phe levels remained within the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) target range of 120-360 μmol/L. In addition, height, weight, and head circumference were maintained within normal ranges throughout follow-up, as defined by growth charts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children below and above the age of 24 months, respectively. All patients (n = 65) enrolled in this study experienced at least one adverse event, as expected from previous studies. In conclusion, long-term use of sapropterin in individuals with PKU helps to control blood Phe, preserve intellectual functioning, and maintain normal growth in BH4-responsive children who initiated treatment between the ages of 0 to 6 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Waisbren
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara K Burton
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Annette Feigenbaum
- The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura L Konczal
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Shawn E McCandless
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Longo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Simonet S, Gosgnach W, Billou L, Lucats L, Royere E, Crespo C, Lapret I, Ragonnet L, Moreau K, Vayssettes-Courchay C, Berson P, Bourguignon MP. GTP-cyclohydrolase deficiency induced peripheral and deep microcirculation dysfunction with age. Microvasc Res 2021; 133:104078. [PMID: 32980388 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104078] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed the impact of impaired tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) production on vasoreactivity from conduit and small arteries along the vascular tree as seen during aging. For this purpose, the mutant hyperphenylalaninemic mouse (hph-1) was used. This model is reported to be deficient in GTP cyclohydrolase I, a rate limiting enzyme in BH4 biosynthesis. BH4 is a key regulator of vascular homeostasis by regulating the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) activity. In GTP-CH deficient mice, the aortic BH4 levels were decreased, by -77% in 12 week-middle-aged mice (young) and by -83% in 35-45 week-middle-aged mice (middle-aged). In young hph-1, the mesenteric artery ability to respond to flow was slightly reduced by 9%. Aging induced huge modification in many vascular functions. In middle-aged hph-1, we observed a decrease in aortic cGMP levels, biomarker of NO availability (-46%), in flow-mediated vasodilation of mesenteric artery (-31%), in coronary hyperemia response measured in isolated heart following transient ischemia (-27%) and in cutaneous microcirculation dilation in response to acetylcholine assessed in vivo by laser-doppler technic (-69%). In parallel, the endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in conduit blood vessel, measured on isolated aorta rings, was unchanged in hph-1 mice whatever the age. Our findings demonstrate that in middle-aged GTP-CH depleted mice, the reduction of BH4 was characterized by an alteration of microcirculation dilatory properties observed in various parts of the vascular tree. Large conduit blood vessels vasoreactivity, ie aorta, was unaltered even in middle-aged mice emphasizing the main BH4-deletion impact on the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Simonet
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Willy Gosgnach
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Lucie Billou
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Laurence Lucats
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Royere
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Christine Crespo
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Isabelle Lapret
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Lea Ragonnet
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | - Kevin Moreau
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
| | | | - Pascal Berson
- SERVIER Research Institute, Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery Research, Suresnes, France
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Verduci E, Carbone MT, Borghi E, Ottaviano E, Burlina A, Biasucci G. Nutrition, Microbiota and Role of Gut-Brain Axis in Subjects with Phenylketonuria (PKU): A Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3319. [PMID: 33138040 PMCID: PMC7692600 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition and functioning of the gut microbiota, the complex population of microorganisms residing in the intestine, is strongly affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, among which diet is key. Important perturbations of the microbiota have been observed to contribute to disease risk, as in the case of neurological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, among others. Although mechanisms are not fully clarified, nutrients interacting with the microbiota are thought to affect host metabolism, immune response or disrupt the protective functions of the intestinal barrier. Similarly, key intermediaries, whose presence may be strongly influenced by dietary habits, sustain the communication along the gut-brain-axis, influencing brain functions in the same way as the brain influences gut activity. Due to the role of diet in the modulation of the microbiota, its composition is of high interest in inherited errors of metabolism (IEMs) and may reveal an appealing therapeutic target. In IEMs, for example in phenylketonuria (PKU), since part of the therapeutic intervention is based on chronic or life-long tailored dietetic regimens, important variations of the microbial diversity or relative abundance have been observed. A holistic approach, including a healthy composition of the microbiota, is recommended to modulate host metabolism and affected neurological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Verduci
- Department of Paediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital-University of Milan, Via Lodovico Castelvetro, 32, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (E.O.)
| | - Maria Teresa Carbone
- UOS Metabolic and Rare Diseases, AORN Santobono, Via Mario Fiore 6, 80122 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (E.O.)
| | - Emerenziana Ottaviano
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (E.O.)
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Services, University Hospital of Padua, Via Orus 2B, 35129 Padua, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Department of Paediatrics & Neonatology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Via Taverna Giuseppe, 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy;
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Lubout CMA, Blanco FA, Bartosiewicz K, Feillet F, Gizewska M, Hollak C, van der Lee JH, Maillot F, Stepien KM, Wagenmakers MAEM, Welsink‐Karssies MM, van Spronsen FJ, Bosch AM. Bone mineral density is within normal range in most adult phenylketonuria patients. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:251-258. [PMID: 31587319 PMCID: PMC7078943 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Low bone mineral density (BMD) as a risk factor for fractures has been a long-standing concern in phenylketonuria (PKU). It is hypothesised that the disease itself or the dietary treatment might lead to a low BMD. Previous studies show conflicting results of BMD in PKU due to differences in age, techniques to assess BMD and criteria used. To assess the prevalence of low BMD and define possible risk factors in a large number of adult, early treated PKU (ETPKU) patients. European centres were invited for a survey, collecting retrospective data including results of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of adult ETPKU patients. BMD of 183 adult ETPKU patients aged 18-46 (median age 28, all females premenopausal) years was lower than in the general population at most skeletal sites but the frequency of low BMD (Z-score <-2) was at maximum 5.5%. No risk factors for low BMD in PKU patients could be identified. Low BMD occurs only in a small subset of PKU patients. DXA scans should be considered for well controlled patients from age 35-40 years and up and on indication in those PKU patients considered to be at increased risk for fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. A. Lubout
- Department of PediatricsEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC – Location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Katarzyna Bartosiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental AgePomeranian Medical University in SzczecinSzczecinPoland
| | - François Feillet
- Department of Pediatrics, Hôpital d'Enfants BraboisCHU NancyNancyFrance
| | - Maria Gizewska
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental AgePomeranian Medical University in SzczecinSzczecinPoland
| | - Carla Hollak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam UMC – Location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Johanna H. van der Lee
- Pediatric Clinical Research Office, Woman‐Child CenterAmsterdam UMC – Location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - François Maillot
- Service de Médecine Interne, CHRU de Tours, Université de ToursUMR INSERMToursFrance
| | - Karolina M. Stepien
- Mark Holland Metabolic Unit, Adult Inherited Metabolic DisordersSalford Royal NHS Foundation TrustSalfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Margreet A. E. M. Wagenmakers
- Center for lysosomal and metabolic disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mendy M. Welsink‐Karssies
- Department of PediatricsEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC – Location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Francjan J. van Spronsen
- Section of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children's HospitalUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Annet M. Bosch
- Department of PediatricsEmma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC – Location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Levy H, Lamppu D, Anastosoaie V, Baker JL, DiBona K, Hawthorne S, Lindenberger J, Kinch D, Seymour A, McIlduff M, Watling S, Vockley J. 5-year retrospective analysis of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemia treated at two specialized clinics. Mol Genet Metab 2020; 129:177-185. [PMID: 31883647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the PAH gene, resulting in deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), an enzyme that converts phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine (Tyr). The purpose of this study was to capture real-world data associated with managing PKU under current standard of care and to characterize a representative population for a planned gene therapy trial. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted at two U.S. clinics for individuals 10-40 years old diagnosed with PKU-related hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). Demographics, medical history, treatments and blood Phe data were collected from electronic medical records spanning a five-year period ending in November 2017. RESULTS 152 patients were enrolled (65.8% had classical PKU). Although >95% of patients were prescribed a Phe-restricted diet, blood Phe concentrations remained substantially elevated, particularly in patients diagnosed with classical PKU. As the Phe threshold was lowered (Phe < 600, 360, 120 or 30 μmol/L), the number of patients with consecutive lab values below the threshold decreased, suggesting that many patients' Phe levels are inadequately controlled. 62.5% of patients were reported as having a history of at least one neuropsychiatric comorbidity, and adults were more likely than adolescents (69.5% vs. 54.3%). 92 of 98 PAH genotypes collected were distinct mutations; the 6 null-null genotypes were associated with classical PKU. Overall the demographics and clinical data were consistent across both sites. CONCLUSION Despite dietary restrictions, mean Phe concentrations were > 360 μmol/L (a level considered well-controlled based on current U.S. treatment guidelines) for mild, moderate, and classical PKU patients. There remains an unmet need for therapies to control Phe concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey Levy
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Vera Anastosoaie
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Baker
- Division Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin DiBona
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Hawthorne
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Lindenberger
- Division Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Mark McIlduff
- Boston Biomedical Associates, LLC, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | | | - Jerry Vockley
- Division Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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9
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Vardy ERLC, MacDonald A, Ford S, Hofman DL. Phenylketonuria, co-morbidity, and ageing: A review. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:167-178. [PMID: 31675115 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic condition which, left untreated, results in severe and irreversible brain damage. Newborn screening and the development of the low phenylalanine (Phe) diet have transformed the outcomes for people with PKU. Those who have benefited from early treatment are now approaching their fifth and sixth decade. It is therefore timely to consider multi-morbidity in PKU and the effects of ageing, in parallel with the wider benefits of emerging treatment options in addition to dietary relaxation. We have conducted the first literature review of co-morbidity and ageing in the context of PKU. Avenues explored have emerged from limited study of multi-morbidity to date and the knowledge and critical enquiry of the authors. Findings suggest PKU to have a wider impact than brain development, and result in several intriguing questions that require investigation to attain the best outcomes for people with PKU in adulthood moving through to older age. We recognise the difficulty in studying longitudinal outcomes in rare diseases and emphasise the necessity to develop PKU registries and cohorts that facilitate well-designed studies to answer some of the questions raised in this review. Whilst awaiting new information in these areas we propose that clinicians engage with patients to make personalised and well-informed decisions around Phe control and assessment for co-morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R L C Vardy
- Department of Ageing and Complex Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Part of Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Salford, UK
| | - Anita MacDonald
- Department of dietetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Suzanne Ford
- National Society for Phenylketonuria, Preston, UK
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10
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Abstract
Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder resulting in high phenylalanine (Phe) blood concentrations due to the deficiency of the hepatic enzyme Phe hydroxylase. High Phe levels are currently treated with diet, thus avoiding mental retardation, psychomotor delay, etc. The aim of this study was to find out the self-presentation of the disease by the patients. Methods A total number of 110 patients self-represented their disease: food allergy (Phe allergy) n = 34/110 (30.9%), health problems n = 31/110 (28.2%), severe health problems n = 26/110 (23.6%), very severe health problems n = 19/110 (17.3%). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III) psychometric test was utilized for the evaluation of IQ scores of each participant. A special questionnaire was used focusing on quality of life (QL), social discrimination (SD) and anxiety or depression (AD). Results IQ scores were found to be higher in food allergy self-represented patients than those of the other tested groups. The lowest IQ scores were observed in those who represented very severe disease. QL, SD and AD were not observed in the food allergy groups. On the contrary, those who self-presented as very severe diseased patients felt high a disturbance of QL, SD and AD. Conclusions The food allergy group seemed to be a very clever excuse for adhering to PKU treatment resulting in high IQ scores and absence of the mentioned upsets. In contrast, in the other groups of patients' IQ scores were found to be lower than that of food allergy group. Damage of QL, SD, AD were also apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Iakovou
- Psychologist, Institute Child of Health, Inborn Errors of Metabolism Department, Athens, Greece
| | - Kleopatra Schulpis
- Institute Child of Health, Inborn Errors of Metabolism Department, Athens, Greece
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11
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Tomé CS, Lopes RR, Sousa PMF, Amaro MP, Leandro J, Mertens HDT, Leandro P, Vicente JB. Structure of full-length wild-type human phenylalanine hydroxylase by small angle X-ray scattering reveals substrate-induced conformational stability. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13615. [PMID: 31541188 PMCID: PMC6754429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) hydroxylates L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) to L-tyrosine, a precursor for neurotransmitter biosynthesis. Phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by mutations in PAH that impair PAH function, leads to neurological impairment when untreated. Understanding the hPAH structural and regulatory properties is essential to outline PKU pathophysiological mechanisms. Each hPAH monomer comprises an N-terminal regulatory, a central catalytic and a C-terminal oligomerisation domain. To maintain physiological L-Phe levels, hPAH employs complex regulatory mechanisms. Resting PAH adopts an auto-inhibited conformation where regulatory domains block access to the active site. L-Phe-mediated allosteric activation induces a repositioning of the regulatory domains. Since a structure of activated wild-type hPAH is lacking, we addressed hPAH L-Phe-mediated conformational changes and report the first solution structure of the allosterically activated state. Our solution structures obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering support a tetramer with distorted P222 symmetry, where catalytic and oligomerisation domains form a core from which regulatory domains protrude, positioning themselves close to the active site entrance in the absence of L-Phe. Binding of L-Phe induces a large movement and dimerisation of regulatory domains, exposing the active site. Activated hPAH is more resistant to proteolytic cleavage and thermal denaturation, suggesting that the association of regulatory domains stabilises hPAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Raquel R Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro M F Sousa
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Amaro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
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12
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Nardecchia F, Manti F, De Leo S, Carducci C, Leuzzi V. Clinical characterization of tremor in patients with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2019; 128:53-56. [PMID: 31208951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylketonuria (PKU) is due to the deficit of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, the first step of dopamine synthesis. If not early treated the disease results in severe neurological impairment. Minor neurological signs have been reported in early treated PKU (ETPKU) subjects. Prolactin level is affected by (and reflects) brain dopamine availability. Object of the study was to assess the occurrence, age at onset, distribution, associated neurological signs, and possible pathogenetic biomarkers of tremor in ETPKU. METHODS Fifty-nine ETPKU and 43 control subjects (age range 7-54) underwent individual and familiar tremor history, clinical assessment of tremor by means of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale, and IQ evaluation. Historical and concomitant biochemical data (blood levels of Phe) and serum prolactin were included in the analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two percent of ETPKU patients were affected by postural and kinetic tremor. We found a significant correlation between severity of tremor and: prolactin level at the day of examination (part A: rs = 0.320; p = .014; part C: rs = 0.319; p = .014), Phe fluctuations from 12 years onwards (part B: rs = 0.300; p = .036). We also found a significant correlation between prolactin (18.2 ± 9.6 ng/ml) and Phe levels (852 ± 472 μmol/l) on the day of assessment (rs = 0.470; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The main clinical features of tremor in ETPKU evoke those of essential tremor, although with a higher prevalence and an earlier onset than in general population. The severity of tremor was related to concomitant prolactin rather than Phe levels. This pattern suggests that metabolic alterations associated with PKU may result in an anticipation of the tremor onset in subjects who are possibly prone to this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina De Leo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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13
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van Vliet K, Rodenburg IL, van Ginkel WG, Lubout CMA, Wolffenbuttel BHR, van der Klauw MM, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Spronsen FJ. Biomarkers of Micronutrients in Regular Follow-Up for Tyrosinemia Type 1 and Phenylketonuria Patients. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2011. [PMID: 31461828 PMCID: PMC6769775 DOI: 10.3390/nu11092011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is treated with dietary restrictions and sometimes tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). PKU patients are at risk for developing micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, likely due to their diet. Tyrosinemia type 1 (TT1) is similar to PKU in both pathogenesis and treatment. TT1 patients follow a similar diet, but nutritional deficiencies have not been investigated yet. In this retrospective study, biomarkers of micronutrients in TT1 and PKU patients were investigated and outcomes were correlated to dietary intake and anthropometric measurements from regular follow-up measurements from patients attending the outpatient clinic. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact and Spearman correlation tests. Furthermore, descriptive data were used. Overall, similar results for TT1 and PKU patients (with and without BH4) were observed. In all groups high vitamin B12 concentrations were seen rather than B12 deficiencies. Furthermore, all groups showed biochemical evidence of vitamin D deficiency. This study shows that micronutrients in TT1 and PKU patients are similar and often within the normal ranges and that vitamin D concentrations could be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimber van Vliet
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris L Rodenburg
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem G van Ginkel
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M A Lubout
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce H R Wolffenbuttel
- Department of Endocrinology, Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie M van der Klauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Rebecca Heiner-Fokkema
- Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Couce ML, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C, Leis R. Effects of LC-PUFA Supplementation in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071537. [PMID: 31284588 PMCID: PMC6682937 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests a role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), in which animal foods are especially rich, in optimal neural development. The LC-PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid, found in high concentrations in the brain and retina, have potential beneficial effects on cognition, and motor and visual functions. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism. The treatment of PKU consists of a phenylalanine-free diet, which limits the intake of natural proteins of high biological value. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence supporting a role for LC-PUFA supplementation as an effective means of increasing LC-PUFA levels and improving visual and neurocognitive functions in PKU patients. Data from controlled trials of children and adults (up to 47 years of age) were obtained by searching the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For each selected study, the risk of bias was assessed applying the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration. The findings indicate that DHA supplementation in PKU patients from 2 weeks to 47 years of age improves DHA status and decreases visual evoked potential P100 wave latency in PKU children from 1 to 11 years old. Neurocognitive data are inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luz Couce
- Department of Pediatrics, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- IDIS-Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- CIBERER, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - María José de Castro
- Department of Pediatrics, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- IDIS-Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBERER, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmela de Lamas
- CIBERER, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Metabolism and Research Unit, Reina Sofia University Hospital, IMIBIC, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Rosaura Leis
- Department of Pediatrics, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- IDIS-Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBERER, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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15
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Ahmed S, Majid H, Jafri L, Khan AH, Ali ZZ, Afroze B. Retrospective Study of Patients with Hyperphenylalaninemia- Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan. J PAK MED ASSOC 2019; 69:509-513. [PMID: 31000854] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical and biochemical features as well as outcome of hyperphenylalaninemia patients. Methods The descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from January 2013 to February 2017 of plasma amino acid analysed at the Biochemical Genetic Laboratory of patients with phenylalanine levels >120 umol/L. Medical charts of patients registered with the Metabolic Clinics were reviewed, while outside referrals were contacted by telephone to collect data on a pre-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS Of the 18 patients, 13(72%) were males. Overall median age was 606 days (interquartile range: 761) and median phenylalanine levels were 1280 (interquartile range: 935) umol/L. Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency was present in 5(28%) patients while 3(16.6%) had defects in the metabolism or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin. The most common clinical features was intellectual deficit and seizures 14(78%) each, followed by lighter hair colour 10(55.5%) and hypotonia 11(61%). High treatment cost was the leading reason for cessation of therapy in 7(39%) followed by refusal by patient's family 5(28%). CONCLUSIONS Most hyperphenylalaninemia cases were diagnosed late when intellectual disability had already developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibtain Ahmed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University
| | - Hafsa Majid
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Lena Jafri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University
| | - Aysha Habib Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University
| | - Zeba Zulfiqar Ali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
| | - Bushra Afroze
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
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16
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Bruinenberg VM, van Vliet D, van der Goot E, Counotte DS, Kuhn M, van Spronsen FJ, van der Zee EA. Long-term dietary intervention with low Phe and/or a specific nutrient combination improve certain aspects of brain functioning in phenylketonuria (PKU). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213391. [PMID: 30875376 PMCID: PMC6420157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In phenylketonuria (PKU), a gene mutation in the phenylalanine metabolic pathway causes accumulation of phenylalanine (Phe) in blood and brain. Although early introduction of a Phe-restricted diet can prevent severe symptoms from developing, patients who are diagnosed and treated early still experience deficits in cognitive functioning indicating shortcomings of current treatment. In the search for new and/or additional treatment strategies, a specific nutrient combination (SNC) was postulated to improve brain function in PKU. In this study, a long-term dietary intervention with a low-Phe diet, a specific combination of nutrients designed to improve brain function, or both concepts together was investigated in male and female BTBR PKU and WT mice. MATERIAL & METHODS 48 homozygous wild-types (WT, +/+) and 96 PKU BTBRPah2 (-/-) male and female mice received dietary interventions from postnatal day 31 till 10 months of age and were distributed in the following six groups: high Phe diet (WT C-HP, PKU C-HP), high Phe plus specific nutrient combination (WT SNC-HP, PKU SNC-HP), PKU low-Phe diet (PKU C-LP), and PKU low-Phe diet plus specific nutrient combination (PKU SNC- LP). Memory and motor function were tested at time points 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment initiation in the open field (OF), novel object recognition test (NOR), spatial object recognition test (SOR), and the balance beam (BB). At the end of the experiments, brain neurotransmitter concentrations were determined. RESULTS In the NOR, we found that PKU mice, despite being subjected to high Phe conditions, could master the task on all three time points when supplemented with SNC. Under low Phe conditions, PKU mice on control diet could master the NOR at all three time points, while PKU mice on the SNC supplemented diet could master the task at time points 6 and 9 months. SNC supplementation did not consistently influence the performance in the OF, SOR or BB in PKU mice. The low Phe diet was able to normalize concentrations of norepinephrine and serotonin; however, these neurotransmitters were not influenced by SNC supplementation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that both a long-lasting low Phe diet, the diet enriched with SNC, as well as the combined diet was able to ameliorate some, but not all of these PKU-induced abnormalities. Specifically, this study is the first long-term intervention study in BTBR PKU mice that shows that SNC supplementation can specifically improve novel object recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke M. Bruinenberg
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danique van Vliet
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Els van der Goot
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Francjan J. van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy A. van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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17
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Evans S, Daly A, Wildgoose J, Cochrane B, Chahal S, Ashmore C, Loveridge N, MacDonald A. Growth, Protein and Energy Intake in Children with PKU Taking a Weaning Protein Substitute in the First Two Years of Life: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11030552. [PMID: 30841589 PMCID: PMC6471165 DOI: 10.3390/nu11030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth issues have been observed in young children with phenylketonuria (PKU), but studies are conflicting. In infancy, there is an increasing trend to introduce a second-stage semi-solid weaning protein substitute (WPS) but there is concern that this may not meet energy requirements. In this longitudinal, prospective study, 20 children with PKU transitioning to a WPS, and 20 non-PKU controls were observed monthly from weaning commencement (4–6 months) to 12 m and at 15, 18 and 24 months of age for: weight, length, head circumference, body mass index (BMI), energy and macronutrient intake. Growth parameters were within normal range at all ages in both groups with no significant difference in mean z-scores except for accelerated length in the PKU group. No child with PKU had z-scores < −2 for any growth parameter at age 2 years. Total protein and energy intake in both groups were similar at all ages; however, from 12–24 months in the PKU group, the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrate increased (60%) but from fat decreased (25%) and inversely for controls (48% and 36%). In PKU, use of low volume WPS meets Phe-free protein requirements, facilitates transition to solid foods and supports normal growth. Further longitudinal study of growth, body composition and energy/nutrient intakes in early childhood are required to identify any changing trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Evans
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
| | - Anne Daly
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
| | - Jo Wildgoose
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK.
| | | | - Satnam Chahal
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
| | - Catherine Ashmore
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
| | - Nik Loveridge
- Danone Early Life Nutrition, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Anita MacDonald
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
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18
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Feldmann R, Osterloh J, Onon S, Fromm J, Rutsch F, Weglage J. Neurocognitive functioning in adults with phenylketonuria: Report of a 10-year follow-up. Mol Genet Metab 2019; 126:246-249. [PMID: 30598390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term prognosis of early treated phenylketonuria (PKU) is still under discussion. Aim of this controlled long-term study was to assess the neurological and neuropsychological outcome in adult patients with early-treated PKU. METHODS We investigated 35 patients with early-treated classical PKU aged 29 to 51 years (mean age 41 years) and 18 healthy controls matched for age and socioeconomic status. Patients and controls were assessed for their intelligence quotient (IQ), attention and information-processing abilities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed in all patients. Neuropsychological assessments and MRI were repeated at a five-year and a ten-year follow-up. RESULTS In the entire interval IQ, information processing and attention of patients and controls remained constant. At both follow-up assessment times the IQ scores were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. Older adult patients (> 42 years) showed poorer information processing and attention at both assessment times compared to young adult patients (< 42 years) and controls. IQ, information processing and attention showed no correlation to imaging results. IQ, however, was significantly correlated to blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in patients´ childhood and adolescence, and Phe levels had been higher in the adolescent years of older adult patients. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive performance in adult patients with early-treated PKU does not seem to deteriorate in a ten-year interval. Neuropsychological assessment in adults with PKU revealed neurocognitive impairment particularly in older adult patients. This seems to refer to an early relaxation of diet that was recommended when the older patients were adolescents. Results indicate a benefit of dietary control during adolescence in PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Feldmann
- University of Münster, Department of Pediatrics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - J Osterloh
- University of Münster, Department of Pediatrics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S Onon
- University of Münster, Department of Pediatrics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - J Fromm
- University of Münster, Department of Clinical Radiology, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - F Rutsch
- University of Münster, Department of Pediatrics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - J Weglage
- University of Münster, Department of Pediatrics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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19
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Campistol Plana J. [Early diagnosis of phenylketonuria. Physiopathology of the neuronal damage and therapeutic options]. Medicina (B Aires) 2019; 79 Suppl 3:2-5. [PMID: 31603834] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria, also known as PKU, is the most frequent congenital inborn error of metabolism. The severe form or classic PKU untreated causes intellectual disability, although with the early detection programs in the neonatal period, diagnosis and treatment prevent the appearance of the symptoms. Despite early diagnosis and treatment we have observed some neurotoxicity in treated PKU patients. We analyzed the factors involved apart from the toxicity due to the high cerebral concentrations of phenylalanine (Phe), the defects of synthesis of neurotransmitters, the alteration of cerebral myelination, the effect of the elevation of Phe in the processes of transport and distribution of neutral amino acids with an abnormal synthesis of brain proteins, plasma and cerebral tyrosine deficiency, the neurotoxicity of Phe metabolites, the defect of cholesterol biosynthesis or the increase of oxidative stress. White matter alterations in early treated PKU patients have an important role in neurological manifestations. The treatment of PKU is for life and is based on the reduction of foods containing Phe combined with the administration of a special formula or tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) treatment. New therapeutic options will be analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Campistol Plana
- Servicio de Neuropediatría, Hospital Universitario Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, España. E-mail:
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20
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Demmelmair H, MacDonald A, Kotzaeridou U, Burgard P, Gonzalez-Lamuno D, Verduci E, Ersoy M, Gokcay G, Alyanak B, Reischl E, Müller-Felber W, Faber FL, Handel U, Paci S, Koletzko B. Determinants of Plasma Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels and Their Relationship to Neurological and Cognitive Functions in PKU Patients: A Double Blind Randomized Supplementation Study. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121944. [PMID: 30544518 PMCID: PMC6316534 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) follow a protein restricted diet with negligible amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Low DHA intakes might explain subtle neurological deficits in PKU. We studied whether a DHA supply modified plasma DHA and neurological and intellectual functioning in PKU. In a double-blind multicentric trial, 109 PKU patients were randomized to DHA doses from 0 to 7 mg/kg&day for six months. Before and after supplementation, we determined plasma fatty acid concentrations, latencies of visually evoked potentials, fine and gross motor behavior, and IQ. Fatty acid desaturase genotypes were also determined. DHA supplementation increased plasma glycerophospholipid DHA proportional to dose by 0.4% DHA per 1 mg intake/kg bodyweight. Functional outcomes were not associated with DHA status before and after intervention and remained unchanged by supplementation. Genotypes were associated with plasma arachidonic acid levels and, if considered together with the levels of the precursor alpha-linolenic acid, also with DHA. Functional outcomes and supplementation effects were not significantly associated with genotype. DHA intakes up to 7 mg/kg did not improve neurological functions in PKU children. Nervous tissues may be less prone to low DHA levels after infancy, or higher doses might be required to impact neurological functions. In situations of minimal dietary DHA, endogenous synthesis of DHA from alpha-linolenic acid could relevantly contribute to DHA status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Demmelmair
- Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Urania Kotzaeridou
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Peter Burgard
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy.
| | - Melike Ersoy
- Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gulden Gokcay
- Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Behiye Alyanak
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Eva Reischl
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Fabienne Lara Faber
- Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Uschi Handel
- Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sabrina Paci
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy.
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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Hofman DL, Champ CL, Lawton CL, Henderson M, Dye L. A systematic review of cognitive functioning in early treated adults with phenylketonuria. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:150. [PMID: 30165883 PMCID: PMC6117942 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though early dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU) successfully prevents severe neurological impairments, deficits in cognitive functioning are still observed. These deficits are believed to be the result of elevated levels of phenylalanine throughout life. Research on cognitive functioning in adults with PKU (AwPKU) often focuses on domains shown to be compromised in children with PKU, such as attention and executive functions, whereas other cognitive domains have received less attention. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of cognitive functioning across domains examined in early treated (ET) AwPKU. METHODS A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE(R), PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and PubMed for observational studies on cognitive performance in ET AwPKU. RESULTS Twenty-two peer-reviewed publications, reporting on outcomes from 16 studies were reviewed. Collectively, the results most consistently showed deficits in vigilance, working memory and motor skills. Deficits in other cognitive domains were less consistently observed or were understudied. Furthermore, despite reports of several associations between cognitive performance and phenylalanine (Phe) levels throughout life the relationship remains unclear. Inconsistencies in findings across studies could be explained by the highly heterogeneous nature of study samples, resulting in large inter- and intra-variability in Phe levels, as well as the use of a variety of tests across cognitive domains, which differ in sensitivity. The long-term cognitive outcomes of early and continuous management of PKU remain unclear. CONCLUSIONS To better understand the development of cognitive deficits in ET AwPKU, future research would benefit from 1) (inter)national multicentre-studies; 2) more homogeneous study samples; 3) the inclusion of other nutritional measures that might influence cognitive functioning (e.g. Phe fluctuations, Phe:Tyrosine ratio and micronutrients such as vitamin B12); and 4) careful selection of appropriate cognitive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mick Henderson
- Biochemical Genetics, Specialist Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Block 46, Leeds, LS9 7TF UK
| | - Louise Dye
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
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Verduci E, Moretti F, Bassanini G, Banderali G, Rovelli V, Casiraghi MC, Morace G, Borgo F, Borghi E. Phenylketonuric diet negatively impacts on butyrate production. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 28:385-392. [PMID: 29502926 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Phenylalanine (Phe) restricted diet, combined with Phe-free l-amino acid supplementation, is the mainstay of treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU). Being the diet a key factor modulating gut microbiota composition, the aim of the present paper was to compare dietary intakes, gut microbiota biodiversity and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in children with PKU, on low-Phe diet, and in children with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP), on unrestricted diet. METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled 21 PKU and 21 MHP children matched for gender, age and body mass index z-score. Dietary intakes, including glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), and fecal microbiota analyses, by means of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and Real-time PCR were assessed. Fecal SCFAs were quantified by gas chromatographic analysis. RESULTS We observed an increased carbohydrate (% of total energy), fiber and vegetables intakes (g/day) in PKU compared with MHP children (p = 0.047), as well a higher daily GI and GL (maximum p < 0.001). Compared with MHP, PKU showed a lower degree of microbial diversity and a decrease in fecal butyrate content (p = 0.02). Accordingly, two of the most abundant butyrate-producing genera, Faecalibacterium spp. and Roseburia spp., were found significantly depleted in PKU children (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION The low-Phe diet, characterized by a higher carbohydrate intake, increases GI and GL, resulting in a different quality of substrates for microbial fermentation. Further analyses, thoroughly evaluating microbial species altered by PKU diet are needed to better investigate gut microbiota in PKU children and to eventually pave the way for pre/probiotic supplementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - F Moretti
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Bassanini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Banderali
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Rovelli
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Casiraghi
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Morace
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - F Borgo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Hermida-Ameijeiras A, Crujeiras V, Roca I, Calvo C, Leis R, Couce ML. Arterial stiffness assessment in patients with phenylketonuria. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e9322. [PMID: 29390507 PMCID: PMC5758209 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000009322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) compliant to diet greater tendency to overweight and higher inflammatory biomarkers levels than controls were reported. Although this could lead to atherogenesis, the elastic properties of large arteries in PKU patients have never been assessed. The aim of this study was to assess arterial stiffness measured by applanation tonometry in PKU patients compared to healthy controls.We carried out a cross-sectional study in 41 PKU patients (range age: 6-50 years old) and 41 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Evaluated data included pharmacological treatment with sapropterin, clinical, and biochemical parameters. Aortic stiffness was assessed noninvasively by applanation tonometry measuring central blood pressure, aortic augmentation index (Aix@HR75), augmentation pressure (AP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV).We found higher PWV in classic PKU patients (6.60 m/second vs 5.26 m/second; P: .044). Percentage of PKU patients with PWV above 90 percentile was higher than controls (14.63% vs 2.32%; P: .048). A positive relationship was observed between the annual Phe median and PWV (r: 0.496; P: .012). PKU subjects with lower Phe tolerance showed more body weight (67.6 kg vs 56.8 kg; P: .012) and more PWV than those with higher Phe tolerance (6.55 m/second vs 5.42 m/second; P: .044).Our data show increased aortic stiffness in PKU patients, measured by applanation tonometry, when compared to healthy controls. Higher Phe levels are associated with a bigger PWV increase, which is not present in those subjects compliant to diet or under sapropterin treatment. These results could have marked effects in both research and clinical daily practice for a proper evaluation of cardiovascular risk in PKU subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Hermida-Ameijeiras
- Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, Service of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, CIBERER, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), A Choupana
- Unit of Hypertension and Vascular Risk, Department of Medicine, Hospital and University of Santiago de Compostela
| | - Vanesa Crujeiras
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago, CiberObn, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Iria Roca
- Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, Service of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, CIBERER, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), A Choupana
| | - Carlos Calvo
- Unit of Hypertension and Vascular Risk, Department of Medicine, Hospital and University of Santiago de Compostela
| | - Rosaura Leis
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago, CiberObn, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María-Luz Couce
- Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, Service of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, CIBERER, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), A Choupana
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Manti F, Nardecchia F, Paci S, Chiarotti F, Carducci C, Carducci C, Dalmazzone S, Cefalo G, Salvatici E, Banderali G, Leuzzi V. Predictability and inconsistencies in the cognitive outcome of early treated PKU patients. J Inherit Metab Dis 2017; 40:793-799. [PMID: 28836033 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Long-term cognitive outcome and treatment of adult early treated (ET)PKU patients is a main issue in PKU research. We questioned whether the intellectual development of ETPKU patients is stable and to what extent its variation may be predicted by the quality of metabolic control. The aims of the present longitudinal retrospective study were to assess in young adult ETPKU patients: i) the relationship between IQ and metabolic control during the first two decades of life; and ii) the intra- and interindividual variability in the developmental trajectory which cannot be predicted by the disease's biomarkers. We collected biochemical data from 65 ETPKU patients (diagnostic blood Phe > 360 μmol/l) who were assessed twice for IQ (Wechsler Intelligence Scale) during their lifetime (mean age: 10.2 and 19.6 years, respectively). Results show that in ETPKU patients IQ over the second decade of life remained stable in about half of the patients (51%); while the rest experienced a gain (7 to 15 points) or loss (7 to 28 points) in IQ scores (23 and 26% respectively) whatever the quality of metabolic control was. The main factor affecting the second IQ was the value of the first IQ (p < 0.000) whose effect overruled that of the markers of metabolic control. Looking at the developmental trajectory of our ETPKU patients, the present study disclosed a remarkable interindividual variability in their cognitive outcome and also an inconsistent linkage between cognitive performances and biochemical control, thus supporting the hypothesis of an individual resilience or vulnerability to Phe in young adult ETPKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Manti
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardecchia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paci
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Dalmazzone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cefalo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Salvatici
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Banderali
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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25
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Evans M, Truby H, Boneh A. The relationship between dietary intake, growth and body composition in Phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 122:36-42. [PMID: 28739202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of protein metabolism that results from perturbation in phenylalanine hydroxylase activity leading to elevated blood levels of phenylalanine (phe). We aimed to explore the relationships between dietary patterns (total-protein, natural-protein, amino-acid formula), and the ratio of protein to energy intake with growth and body composition. METHOD Longitudinal prospective data (1-6 measurements) of growth, dietary intake and body composition in patients treated with phe-restricted diet only (D-PKU; n=32), and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)±phe-restricted diet (BH4-PKU; n=5) were collected over a two-year period. Healthy siblings provided control data (n=21). RESULTS There were no significant differences in weight-, height-, BMI z-score or percent body fat mass (%fatmass) between the D-PKU, BH4-PKU and control groups or between the all-types of PKU combined and controls, which confirmed 'normal' growth in the PKU cohort. Total-protein intake in the all-types of PKU group met or exceeded WHO safe protein recommendations. There were no significant relationships between anthropometric and dietary variables. Significant negative correlations were found in body composition: %fatmass and total-protein intake (rs=-0.690, p≤0.001), natural-protein intake (rs=-0.534, p=0.001), and AAF intake (rs=-0.510, p=0.001). Age was significantly correlated with %fatmass (rs=0.493, p=0.002) A total-protein intake of 1.5-2.6g/kg/day and natural-protein intake >0.5g/kg/day were associated with improved body composition. An apparent safe P:E ratio of 3.0-4.5g protein/100kcal was strongly associated with appropriate growth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Clinical decision-making needs to consider both the enhancement of natural-protein tolerance and the application of an apparent 'safe' protein to energy ratio to support optimal growth and body composition in PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Evans
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Nutrition and Food Services, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Be Active Sleep Eat (BASE) Facility, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road Notting Hill, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Helen Truby
- Be Active Sleep Eat (BASE) Facility, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road Notting Hill, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Avihu Boneh
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Be Active Sleep Eat (BASE) Facility, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 1, 264 Ferntree Gully Road Notting Hill, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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26
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Goldfinger M, Zeile WL, Corado CR, O'Neill CA, Tsuruda LS, Laipis PJ, Cooper JD. Partial rescue of neuropathology in the murine model of PKU following administration of recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pegvaliase). Mol Genet Metab 2017; 122:33-35. [PMID: 28506393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pegylated recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pegvaliase) is an enzyme substitution therapy being evaluated for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is characterized by elevated plasma phenylalanine, which is thought to lead to a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmitters and ultimately, neurocognitive dysfunction. A natural history evaluation in a mouse model of PKU demonstrated a profound decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in several brain regions, beginning at 4weeks of age. Following treatment with pegvaliase, the number of TH positive neurons was increased in several brain regions compared to placebo treated ENU2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Goldfinger
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | | | - Carley R Corado
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Charles A O'Neill
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Laurie S Tsuruda
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Cooper
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK.
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27
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Huijbregts S, Jansen A. Genetic disorders and neurobehavioural phenotypes. J Intellect Disabil Res 2017; 61:819-822. [PMID: 28833840 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Huijbregts
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Jansen
- Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center, Brussels, Belgium
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Jani R, Coakley K, Douglas T, Singh R. Protein intake and physical activity are associated with body composition in individuals with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 121:104-110. [PMID: 28465125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine whether body composition as it relates to dietary protein in patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is associated with genotype, dietary factors, and lifestyle choices. METHODS We examined associations between protein intake (intact and medical foods: MF) and body composition in PAH-deficient patients along with, physical activity, and genotype. Protein intakes (total, intact, and MF) were analysed from three-day food records with Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) in 59 children and 27 adults (N=86, median age=16.0years). The severity of PAH deficiency was classified using the genotype assigned value method (AV sum). Physical activity was assessed using a study-developed question (light vs. intense activity). Body composition was measured by DXA, including android:gynoid ratio (A:G), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat mass index (FMI), and FMI:FFMI ratio. RESULTS High intact protein intake was associated with high FFMI (rs=0.75, p=0.008) and low FMI:FFMI (rs=-0.59, p=0.04) in adults. Only in children, MF protein (rs=0.38, p=0.04) was directly proportional to FFMI. Median intact protein intakes of adults (25.1 vs. 9.9g/d, p<0.001) and children (11 vs. 6g/d, p<0.001) were higher than prescribed. Only in adults, the actual median MF protein intake was lower than prescribed (53 vs. 60g/d, p=0.03). In adults and children, light activity was associated with higher fat mass indices compared to intense activity (adults: FMI:FFMI: β=1.1, p=0.001, children: FMI:FFMI: β=1.1, p=0.007; FMI β=2.1, p=0.01; A:G β=1.1, p=0.04). All associations remained significant after covariate adjustment. Genotype was not associated with body composition. CONCLUSIONS Although fat-free mass in adults was positively associated with intact protein intake, it should be consumed as prescribed per individual tolerance to maintain plasma Phe concentrations within treatment range. In children, total protein maximized with MF should be encouraged to promote lean mass. Nutrition counselling could be complemented with physical activity recommendations for optimal clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rati Jani
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Kathryn Coakley
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Teresa Douglas
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Choukair D, Kneppo C, Feneberg R, Schönau E, Lindner M, Kölker S, Hoffmann GF, Tönshoff B. Analysis of the functional muscle-bone unit of the forearm in patients with phenylketonuria by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. J Inherit Metab Dis 2017; 40:219-226. [PMID: 27878409 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-016-0002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bone disease in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) is incompletely characterized. We therefore analyzed, in a cross-sectional study radius macroscopic bone architecture and forearm muscle size by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and muscle strength by hand dynamometry in a large cohort (n = 56) of adolescent and adult patients with PKU aged 26.0 ± 8.9 (range, 11.8-41.5) years. Data were compared with a reference population (n = 700) from the DONALD study using identical methodology. We observed a significant reduction of cortical thickness (z-score -1.01 ± 0.79), Strength-Strain Index (SSI) (z-score -0.81 ± 1.03), and total bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal radius (z-score -1.05 ± 1.00). Mean muscle cross-sectional area (z-score -0.98 ± 1.19) and muscle grip force (z-score -0.64 ± 1.26) were also significantly reduced, indicating an impaired muscular system as part of the clinical phenotype of PKU. SSI positively correlated (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) with the corresponding muscle cross-sectional area in the reference population; however, the regression line slope in PKU patients was less steep (P < 0.001), indicating that bone strength is not adequately adapted to muscle force. In conclusion, the radial bone in PKU patients is characterized by reduced bone strength in relation to muscular force, decreased cortical thickness, and impaired total BMD at the metaphyseal site. These alterations indicate a mixed bone defect in PKU, both of which are due to primary alterations of bone metabolism and to secondary alterations in response to neuromuscular abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Choukair
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Carolin Kneppo
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Feneberg
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- ICON Clinical Research GmbH, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Martin Lindner
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- University Children's Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Jahja R, van Spronsen FJ, de Sonneville LMJ, van der Meere JJ, Bosch AM, Hollak CEM, Rubio-Gozalbo ME, Brouwers MCGJ, Hofstede FC, de Vries MC, Janssen MCH, van der Ploeg AT, Langendonk JG, Huijbregts SCJ. Social-cognitive functioning and social skills in patients with early treated phenylketonuria: a PKU-COBESO study. J Inherit Metab Dis 2016; 39:355-362. [PMID: 26914933 PMCID: PMC4851698 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-016-9918-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early treatment of phenylketonuria (ET-PKU) prevents mental retardation, but many patients still show cognitive and mood problems. In this study, it was investigated whether ET-PKU-patients have specific phenylalanine (Phe-)related problems with respect to social-cognitive functioning and social skills. METHODS Ninety five PKU-patients (mean age 21.6 ± 10.2 years) and 95 healthy controls (mean age 19.6 ± 8.7 years) were compared on performance of computerized and paper-and-pencil tasks measuring social-cognitive abilities and on parent- and self-reported social skills, using multivariate analyses of variance, and controlling for general cognitive ability (IQ-estimate). Further comparisons were made between patients using tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4, N = 30) and patients not using BH4. Associations with Phe-levels on the day of testing, during childhood, during adolescence and throughout life were examined. RESULTS PKU-patients showed poorer social-cognitive functioning and reportedly had poorer social skills than controls (regardless of general cognitive abilities). Quality of social-cognitive functioning was negatively related to recent Phe-levels and Phe-levels between 8 and 12 years for adolescents with PKU. Quality of social skills was negatively related to lifetime phenylalanine levels in adult patients, and specifically to Phe-levels between 0 and 7, and between 8 and 12 years. There were no differences with respect to social outcome measures between the BH4 and non-BH4 groups. CONCLUSION PKU-patients have Phe-related difficulties with social-cognitive functioning and social skills. Problems seem to be more evident among adolescents and adults with PKU. High Phe-levels during childhood and early adolescence seem to be of greater influence than current and recent Phe-levels for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Jahja
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Division of Metabolic Diseases CA33, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Division of Metabolic Diseases CA33, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo M J de Sonneville
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies & Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van der Meere
- Department of Developmental and Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - M Estela Rubio-Gozalbo
- Laboratory Genetics Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C G J Brouwers
- Laboratory Genetics Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Floris C Hofstede
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike C de Vries
- University Medical Center St Radboud Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirian C H Janssen
- University Medical Center St Radboud Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ans T van der Ploeg
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan C J Huijbregts
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies & Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Coakley KE, Douglas TD, Goodman M, Ramakrishnan U, Dobrowolski SF, Singh RH. Modeling correlates of low bone mineral density in patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis 2016; 39:363-372. [PMID: 26883219 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-015-9910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder requiring life-long restriction of dietary protein and phenylalanine-free medical food. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is reported, but factors associated with BMD Z-score (standard deviations from normal) are unknown. We examined associations between clinical and dietary parameters and total BMD Z-score in PAH deficiency patients, and developed models to predict Z-score. Data collected from patients >4 years of age (n = 88; mean age = 18.8 y; 61 % female) included demographic, clinical, laboratory, and dietary intakes. Adjusted Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between parameters and TBMD Z-score, measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Parameters approaching significance (p-value < 0.10) were candidate predictors for four linear regression models predicting TBMD Z-score. To validate, model-predicted Z-scores were compared to DXA Z-scores. Mean TBMD Z-score was -0.326; 18 (20.4 %) had Z-score < -1. Z-scores were positively correlated with dietary vitamin D, calcium, and medical food intake and compliance with prescription, and negatively with dietary carbohydrate, sugar, caffeine intake, glycemic load, and prescribed medical food (grams protein/day; p-value < 0.05). The best model included medical food compliance, medical food intake, caffeine intake, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (r-square = 0.364). This model predicted Z-score category [normal or low (<-1)] with sensitivity = 66.7 %, likelihood ratio = 14.7, and AUC = 0.83 compared to DXA Z-score. No subjects had low BMD for chronological age (Z-score ≤ -2). Compliance with medical food prescription was the strongest predictor of TBMD Z-score. One model, if validated in a separate sample of patients with more cases of low BMD, showed potential to estimate TBMD Z-score using routine clinical patient parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Coakley
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- , 2165 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.
| | - Teresa D Douglas
- Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Goodman
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Usha Ramakrishnan
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven F Dobrowolski
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rani H Singh
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Chuaiphichai S, Starr A, Nandi M, Channon KM, McNeill E. Endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency attenuates LPS-induced vascular dysfunction and hypotension. Vascul Pharmacol 2016; 77:69-79. [PMID: 26276526 PMCID: PMC4746318 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) is thought to be a key mediator of the vascular dysfunction and severe hypotension in patients with endotoxaemia and septic shock. The contribution of NO produced directly in the vasculature by endothelial cells to the hypotension seen in these conditions, vs. the broader systemic increase in NO, is unclear. To determine the specific role of endothelium derived NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular dysfunction we administered LPS to mice deficient in endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), the essential co-factor for NO production by NOS enzymes. Mice deficient in endothelial BH4 production, through loss of the essential biosynthesis enzyme Gch1 (Gch1(fl/fl)Tie2cre mice) received a 24hour challenge with LPS or saline control. In vivo LPS treatment increased vascular GTP cyclohydrolase and BH4 levels in aortas, lungs and hearts, but this increase was significantly attenuated in Gch1(fl/fl)Tie2cre mice, which were also partially protected from the LPS-induced hypotension. In isometric tension studies, in vivo LPS treatment reduced the vasoconstriction response and impaired endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilatations in mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice, but not in Gch1(fl/fl)Tie2cre mesenteric arteries. Ex vivo LPS treatment decreased vasoconstriction response to phenylephrine in aortic rings from wild-type and not in Gch1(fl/fl)Tie2cre mice, even in the context of significant eNOS and iNOS upregulation. These data provide direct evidence that endothelial cell NO has a significant contribution to LPS-induced vascular dysfunction and hypotension and may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of systemic inflammation and patients with septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surawee Chuaiphichai
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK; Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Starr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Manasi Nandi
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Keith M Channon
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK; Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Eileen McNeill
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK; Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK; Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, UK.
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Htun P, Nee J, Ploeckinger U, Eder K, Geisler T, Gawaz M, Bocksch W, Fateh-Moghadam S. Fish-Free Diet in Patients with Phenylketonuria Is Not Associated with Early Atherosclerotic Changes and Enhanced Platelet Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135930. [PMID: 26291823 PMCID: PMC4546235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Since patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) have to follow a lifelong restriction of natural protein to lower phenylalanine-intake, they never eat fish. This diet may lead to a chronic deficit of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with the risk of early atherosclerotic changes. The aim of the study was to analyse the fatty acid profile of PKU patients and to correlate the results with surrogate markers of early atherosclerotic changes [enhanced carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ß-stiffness index] and platelet activation. Methods In 43 PKU patients and in 58 healthy controls we prospectively examined the fatty acid profile, CIMT, ß-stiffness index and platelet activation (flow cytometric determination of markers of platelet activation). CIMT was measured bilaterally by ultrasound. CIMT mean was defined as the mean value of the sum of CIMT left and CIMT right. Results Despite of lower HDL-cholesterol and higher triglyceride concentrations in the PKU group, there was no significant difference in the omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acid profile, CIMT, ß-stiffness index between both groups. Platelet activation was not enhanced in the PKU group. Conclusions Fish-free diet does not induce early atherosclerotic changes or enhanced platelet activation in PKU patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Htun
- Zentrale Notaufnahme und Medizinische Klinik IV, Zentralklinikum Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jens Nee
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Nephrologie und Intensivmedizin, Charite-Universitaetsmedizin Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Ploeckinger
- Interdisziplinaeres Stoffwechsel-Centrum, Charite-Universitaetsmedizin Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Eder
- Institut für Tierernährung und Ernährungsphysiologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Geisler
- Medizinische Klinik III, Abteilung für Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Eberhard-Karls Universitaet Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Medizinische Klinik III, Abteilung für Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Eberhard-Karls Universitaet Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bocksch
- Medizinische Klinik III, Abteilung für Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Eberhard-Karls Universitaet Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Suzanne Fateh-Moghadam
- Medizinische Klinik III, Abteilung für Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Eberhard-Karls Universitaet Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Nardecchia F, Manti F, Chiarotti F, Carducci C, Carducci C, Leuzzi V. Neurocognitive and neuroimaging outcome of early treated young adult PKU patients: A longitudinal study. Mol Genet Metab 2015; 115:84-90. [PMID: 25952249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [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: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the outcome of neurocognitive deficits and neuroimaging correlates in young adult early treated phenylketonuric (PKU) patients. We conducted a longitudinal study of 14 PKU patients that were assessed for IQ and neuropsychological functioning including executive functions (EF) over 14 years of follow-up (age range at 1st and 2nd assessments were 7.8-13.5 and 22.2-27.7 years, respectively). The IQ of all 14 PKU patients was within the normal range. With respect to the 1st assessment, mean IQ at follow-up did not decrease significantly. Compared to control subjects (n = 14), mean IQ of patients was significantly lower (p = .0005). Throughout adolescence and early adulthood there was an improvement of neuropsychological functioning of PKU patients in spite of the relaxation of diet, however some deficits were still detectable when compared to controls. All patients that underwent a second MRI scan showed white matter alterations ranging from mild to severe which was correlated neither with IQ nor with EF scoring. Cognitive, neuropsychological and neuroimaging outcome was influenced from life-long and/or second decade of life metabolic control. Nevertheless patients' developmental trajectories were in some cases independent from metabolic control. Our results support the hypothesis of an individual vulnerability to phenylalanine. However, as long as individual factors that account for the vulnerability to Phe are not recognized, strict dietary control is recommended for all the patients also in the second decade of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nardecchia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Filippo Manti
- Department of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carla Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Aldámiz-Echevarría L, Bueno MA, Couce ML, Lage S, Dalmau J, Vitoria I, Llarena M, Andrade F, Blasco J, Alcalde C, Gil D, García MC, González-Lamuño D, Ruiz M, Ruiz MA, Peña-Quintana L, González D, Sánchez-Valverde F. 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin treated PKU patients below 4 years of age: Physical outcomes, nutrition and genotype. Mol Genet Metab 2015; 115:10-6. [PMID: 25882749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Phenylalanine-restricted diets have proven effective in treating phenylketonuria. However, such diets have occasionally been reported to hinder normal development. Our study aimed to assess whether treating 0-4-year-old phenylketonuric patients with 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin might prevent growth retardation later in life. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal retrospective study which examined anthropometric characteristics of phenylketonuric patients on 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin therapy (22 subjects), and compared them with a group of phenylketonuric patients on protein-restricted diets (44 subjects). Nutritional issues were also considered. We further explored possible relationships between mutations in the PAH gene, BH4 responsiveness and growth outcome. RESULTS No significant growth improvements were observed in either the group on 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin treatment (height Z-score: initial= -0.57 ± 1.54; final=-0.52 ± 1.29; BMI Z-score: initial=0.17 ± 1.05; final=0.18 ± 1.00) or the diet-only group (height Z-score: initial=-0.92 ± 0.96; final= -0.78 ± 1.08; BMI Z-score: initial=0.17 ± 0.97; final=-0.07 ± 1.03) over the 1-year observation period. Furthermore, we found no significant differences (p>0.05) between the two groups at any of the time points considered (0, 6 and 12 months). Patients on 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin increased their phenylalanine intake (from 49.1 [25.6-60.3] to 56.5 [39.8-68.3] mgkg(-1)day(-1)) and natural protein intake (from 1.0 [0.8-1.7] to 1.5 [1.0-1.8] g kg(-1)day(-1)), and some patients managed to adopt normal diets. Higher phenylalanine and natural protein intakes were positively correlated with better physical outcomes in the diet-only group (p<0.05). No correlation was found between patient genotype and physical outcomes, results being similar regardless of the nutritional approach used. We did not detect any side effects due to 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin administration. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that treating 0-4-year-old phenylketonuric patients with 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin is safe. However, poor developmental outcomes were observed, despite increasing the intake of natural proteins. Genotype could be a valid predictor of tetrahydrobiopterin-responsiveness, since patients who carried the same genotype responded similarly to the 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin loading test. On the other hand, harbouring 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin responsive genotypes did not predispose patients to better physical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Aldámiz-Echevarría
- Division of Metabolism, BioCruces Health Research Institute, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - María A Bueno
- Metabolic Disorders, Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Manuel Siurot Avenue s/n, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - María L Couce
- Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases, Neonatology Service, Department of Pediatrics. Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), IDIS, Spain.
| | - Sergio Lage
- Division of Metabolism, BioCruces Health Research Institute, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - Jaime Dalmau
- Nutrition and Metabolopathologies Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Bulevar Sur s/n, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isidro Vitoria
- Nutrition and Metabolopathologies Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Bulevar Sur s/n, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marta Llarena
- Division of Metabolism, BioCruces Health Research Institute, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - Fernando Andrade
- Division of Metabolism, BioCruces Health Research Institute, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - Javier Blasco
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Child Nutrition Unit, Carlos Haya University Hospital, Avda. Arroyo de los Ángeles s/n, 29011, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Carlos Alcalde
- Paediatrics Unit, Río Hortega University Hospital, Calle Dulzaina 2, 47012, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - David Gil
- Gastroenterology Unit, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena s/n, El Palmar, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
| | - María C García
- Metabolic Pathologies Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo de Isabel La Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Domingo González-Lamuño
- Nephrology and Metabolism Unit, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Avda. Valdecilla 25, 39008, Santander, Spain.
| | - Mónica Ruiz
- Paediatrics Unit, Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital, Carretera del Rosario 145, 38010, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
| | - María A Ruiz
- Metabolic Pathologies and Neuropaediatrics Unit, Son Espases University Hospital, Carretera de Valldemossa 79, 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Luis Peña-Quintana
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Mother and Child Hospital Complex, Avda. Marítima del Sur s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - David González
- Metabolic Pathologies Unit, Maternal and Child Hospital, Calle de la Violeta 1, 06010, Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Felix Sánchez-Valverde
- Gastroenterology and Paediatric Nutrition Unit, Virgen del Camino Hospital, C/ De Irunlarrea 4, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Bushueva TV, Borovik TE, Ladodo KS, Kuzenkova LM, Maslova OI, Gevorkyan AK. [Evaluation of physical development in children with classical phenylketonuria]. Vopr Pitan 2015; 84:34-43. [PMID: 26841554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Classical phenylketonuria (PKU) is hereditary disease, which is based on the disturbance of phenylalanine conversion to tyrosine. The basic treatment of PKU is low phenylalanine diet. Prolonged restriction of natural protein may have a negative impact to PKU patient growth and physical development. The objective was to evaluate the physical development of patients with classical PKU at birth and on the diet based on the products with different chemical composition without phenylalanine. 257 PKU patients have been examined with the computer program "WHO Anthroplus 2009". All patient were born at term. Z-score of body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) to age has been retrospectively estimated. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1--101 children born in 1980-1993 were fed by unadapted specialty products based on protein hydrolyzate with restricted phenylalanine, and group 2--156 children born in 1995-2012 were fed by contemporary amino acid mixtures without phenylalanine. All newborn PKU patients had the middle for age Z-score of weight and BMI, 21% of neonates had high Z-score growth. Before the diet therapy BMI Z-score was normal in 84.1% patients in group 1 and 87.2% patients of group 2. After 6 mo of treatment with low phenylalanine diet the number of patient with normal BMI Z-score was 71.3% in group 1 against 95.6% in group 2. Thus, using of modern amino acid mixtures without phenylalanine, enriched with essential nutrients can promote the normal physical development of PKU patients.
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Sawin EA, Murali SG, Ney DM. Differential effects of low-phenylalanine protein sources on brain neurotransmitters and behavior in C57Bl/6-Pah(enu2) mice. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 111:452-61. [PMID: 24560888 PMCID: PMC3995025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which metabolizes phenylalanine (phe) to tyrosine. A low-phe diet plus amino acid (AA) formula is necessary to prevent cognitive impairment; glycomacropeptide (GMP) contains minimal phe and provides a palatable alternative to the AA formula. Our objective was to assess neurotransmitter concentrations in the brain and the behavioral phenotype of PKU mice (Pah(enu2) on the C57Bl/6 background) and how this is affected by low-phe protein sources. Wild type (WT) and PKU mice, both male and female, were fed high-phe casein, low-phe AA, or low-phe GMP diets between 3 and 18 weeks of age. Behavioral phenotype was assessed using the open field and marble burying tests, and brain neurotransmitter concentrations were measured using HPLC with electrochemical detection system. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA with genotype, sex, and diet as the main treatment effects. Brain mass and the concentrations of catecholamines and serotonin were reduced in PKU mice compared to WT mice; the low-phe AA and GMP diets improved these parameters in PKU mice. Relative brain mass was increased in female PKU mice fed the GMP diet compared to the AA diet. PKU mice exhibited hyperactivity and impaired vertical exploration compared to their WT littermates during the open field test. Regardless of genotype or diet, female mice demonstrated increased vertical activity time and increased total ambulatory and horizontal activity counts compared with male mice. PKU mice fed the high-phe casein diet buried significantly fewer marbles than WT control mice fed casein; this was normalized in PKU mice fed the low-phe AA and GMP diets. In summary, C57Bl/6-Pah(enu2) mice showed an impaired behavioral phenotype and reduced brain neurotransmitter concentrations that were improved by the low-phe AA or GMP diets. These data support lifelong adherence to a low-phe diet for PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Sawin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Sangita G Murali
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Denise M Ney
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Guida M, Pesaresi I, Fabbri S, Sartucci F, Cosottini M, Giorgi FS. Epilepsy and phenylketonuria: a case description and EEG-fMRI findings. Funct Neurol 2014; 29:75-79. [PMID: 25014052 PMCID: PMC4172251] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is characterized by phenylalanine accumulation due to phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency. Up to 50% of PKU patients experience seizures. We evaluated an adult PKU patient who suffered from absences and primarily generalized tonicclonic seizures, associated with generalized spikeand-wave discharges (GSWs) on EEG. An analysis of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes during interictal epileptiform discharges showed early activation of the left perirolandic cortex followed by a BOLD signal decrease within cortical regions belonging to the default mode network and left frontoparietal cortex. Moreover, deactivation of the head of the right caudate nucleus and the left thalamus was observed. The fMRI pattern observed in our patient during GSWs is similar but not identical to that observed in idiopathic generalized epilepsy, suggesting different neurophysiological mechanisms. This is the first description of BOLD-fMRI patterns in a PKU patient with epilepsy. Similar studies in more patients might help to uncover the pathophysiology of seizures in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Guida
- Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa and Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, A.O.U.P., Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Serena Fabbri
- Neuroradiology Unit, A.O.U.P., Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Sartucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa and Neurology Section of Cisanello H., Department of Neuroscience, A.O.U.P., Pisa, Italy
| | - Mirco Cosottini
- Neuroradiology Unit, A.O.U.P., Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa and Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, A.O.U.P., Pisa, Italy
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Bushueva TV, Kuzenkova LM, Borovik TÉ, Nazarenko LP, Seitova GN, Filimonova MN, Pichkur NA, Samonenko NV, Shkurko TA, Akhmadeeva ÉN, Mardanova AK, Garifullina ÉR, Kovtun OP, Bazhenova IL, Alimova IL, Kostiakova EA, Minaĭcheva LI, Saliukova OA, Sivokha VM, Rozenson OL. [Open, non-comparative phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sapropterin in patients with phenylketonuria and hyperphenylalaninemia]. Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk 2014; 69:69-77. [PMID: 25563006 DOI: 10.15690/vramn.v69i7-8.1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease associated with impaired metabolism of the amino acids phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine. The main criterion for diagnosis of PKU is high blood Phe level determined during neonatal screening. In case where PKU patient is responsive to tetrahydrobiopterin treatment, sapropterin restores the impaired activity of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, resulting in the stimulation of normal Phe metabolism and thereby enhancing patient tolerance to natural products. AIM The present open, non-comparative clinical study was initiated to assess the degree and frequency of response after 8-day sapropterin administration and assess the safety of 6-week sapropterin treatment in patients with PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study enrolled 90 patients with PKU. The criterion of response to 8-day sapropterin therapy was the reduction of Phe blood levels ≥ 30% compared with the baseline value. RESULTS Positive response to treatment was observed in 30 (33.3%) patients (95% CI 23.7-44.1). The mean percentage change in Phe blood levels after the 8-day response test period compared to Phe levels prior to dosing was 14.1 ± 28.4% in the overall subject population (95% CI 8.2-20.1) and 44.3 ± 15.1% in the subpopulation of patients with a positive response (95% CI 38.6-49.9). During the study, adverse events were reported in 24 (26.7%) patients in the overall population in 16 (53.3%) patients in the subpopulation who had a response. CONCLUSION The study results confirmed the efficacy and safety of sapropterin therapy in patients with PKU, which is consistent with international clinical trials data.
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Pascucci T, Giacovazzo G, Andolina D, Accoto A, Fiori E, Ventura R, Orsini C, Conversi D, Carducci C, Leuzzi V, Puglisi-Allegra S. Behavioral and neurochemical characterization of new mouse model of hyperphenylalaninemia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84697. [PMID: 24376837 PMCID: PMC3869930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) refers to all clinical conditions characterized by increased amounts of phenylalanine (PHE) in blood and other tissues. According to their blood PHE concentrations under a free diet, hyperphenylalaninemic patients are commonly classified into phenotypic subtypes: classical phenylketonuria (PKU) (PHE > 1200 µM/L), mild PKU (PHE 600-1200 µM/L) and persistent HPA (PHE 120-600 µM/L) (normal blood PHE < 120 µM/L). The current treatment for hyperphenylalaninemic patients is aimed to keep blood PHE levels within the safe range of 120-360 µM/L through a PHE-restricted diet, difficult to achieve. If untreated, classical PKU presents variable neurological and mental impairment. However, even mildly elevated blood PHE levels, due to a bad compliance to dietary treatment, produce cognitive deficits involving the prefrontal cortical areas, extremely sensible to PHE-induced disturbances. The development of animal models of different degrees of HPA is a useful tool for identifying the metabolic mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits induced by PHE. In this paper we analyzed the behavioral and biochemical phenotypes of different forms of HPA (control, mild-HPA, mild-PKU and classic-PKU), developed on the base of plasma PHE concentrations. Our results demonstrated that mice with different forms of HPA present different phenotypes, characterized by increasing severity of behavioral symptoms and brain aminergic deficits moving from mild HPA to classical PKU forms. In addition, our data identify preFrontal cortex and amygdala as the most affected brain areas and confirm the highest susceptibility of brain serotonin metabolism to mildly elevated blood PHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Accoto
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Fiori
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Orsini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - David Conversi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Patologia, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Psichiatriche e Riabilitative dell'Età Evolutiva, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Cleary M, Trefz F, Muntau AC, Feillet F, van Spronsen FJ, Burlina A, Bélanger-Quintana A, Giżewska M, Gasteyger C, Bettiol E, Blau N, MacDonald A. Fluctuations in phenylalanine concentrations in phenylketonuria: a review of possible relationships with outcomes. Mol Genet Metab 2013; 110:418-23. [PMID: 24090706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fluctuations in blood phenylalanine concentrations may be an important determinant of intellectual outcome in patients with early and continuously treated phenylketonuria (PKU). This review evaluates the studies on phenylalanine fluctuations, factors affecting fluctuations, and if stabilizing phenylalanine concentrations affects outcomes, particularly neurocognitive outcome. Electronic literature searches of Embase and PubMed were performed for English-language publications, and the bibliographies of identified publications were also searched. In patients with PKU, phenylalanine concentrations are highest in the morning. Factors that can affect phenylalanine fluctuations include age, diet, timing and dosing of protein substitute and energy intake, dietary adherence, phenylalanine hydroxylase genotype, changes in dietary phenylalanine intake and protein metabolism, illness, and growth rate. Even distribution of phenylalanine-free protein substitute intake throughout 24h may reduce blood phenylalanine fluctuations. Patients responsive to and treated with 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin seem to have less fluctuation in their blood phenylalanine concentrations than controls. An increase in blood phenylalanine concentration may result in increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid phenylalanine concentrations within hours. Although some evidence suggests that stabilization of blood phenylalanine concentrations may have benefits in patients with PKU, more studies are needed to distinguish the effects of blood phenylalanine fluctuations from those of poor metabolic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Cleary
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Hennermann
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,
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White DA, Antenor-Dorsey JAV, Grange DK, Hershey T, Rutlin J, Shimony JS, McKinstry RC, Christ SE. White matter integrity and executive abilities following treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in individuals with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2013; 110:213-7. [PMID: 23928118 PMCID: PMC3832288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) lowers blood phenylalanine (Phe) in individuals with PKU who are responders, but its effects on the brain and cognition have not been explored thoroughly. We examined blood Phe, microstructural white matter integrity, and executive abilities in 12 BH(4) responders before (i.e., baseline) and after (i.e., follow-up) six months of treatment with BH(4). Compared with baseline, Phe in these responders decreased by 51% during a 4 week screening period after initiation of treatment and remained lowered by 37% over the 6 month follow-up period. Significant improvements in white matter integrity, evaluated by mean diffusivity from diffusion tensor imaging, were also found following six months of treatment. Improvements in executive abilities were not identified, although six months may have been a period too brief for changes in cognition to follow changes in the brain. To our knowledge, our study is the first to explore relationships among Phe, white matter integrity, executive abilities, and BH(4) treatment within a single study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée A White
- Department of Psychology, Campus Box 1125, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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Hennermann JB, Roloff S, Gellermann J, Vollmer I, Windt E, Vetter B, Plöckinger U, Mönch E, Querfeld U. Chronic kidney disease in adolescent and adult patients with phenylketonuria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2013; 36:747-56. [PMID: 23138985 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A lifelong phenylalanine-restricted diet with supplementation of a phenylalanine-free amino acid formula is recommended in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). The effect of a long-term PKU diet on renal function and blood pressure has not been investigated yet. DESIGN We analyzed renal function in 67 patients with PKU, aged 15-43 years, by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow by isotope clearance ((51)Cr-EDTA, (123)J-Hippuran), estimated GFR, blood retention parameters, urinary protein and electrolyte excretion. Renal ultrasound and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed additionally. Patients were divided into three groups according to their: 1) current diet (CD), i.e., daily protein intake: ICD <0.8 g/kg, IICD 0.8-1.04 g/kg, IIICD >1.04 g/kg; 2) life-long diet time (LDT), i.e., cumulative years of life in which daily protein intake exceeded dietary recommendations: ILDT <15 years, IILDT 15-19 years, IIILDT >19 years. RESULTS GFR was decreased in 19 % of the patients. With increasing protein intake, GFR decreased significantly (ICD 111 ml/min; IICD 105 ml/min; IIICD 99 ml/min. ILDT 112 ml/min; IILDT 103 ml/min; IIILDT 99 ml/min). Proteinuria was detected in 31 %, microalbuminuria in 7 %, and hypercalciuria in 23 % of the patients. 23 % of the patients had arterial hypertension, and 41 % revealed a nocturnal non-dipping status. CONCLUSIONS In patients with PKU on a lifelong diet we could detect impaired renal function in 19 %, proteinuria in 31 %, and arterial hypertension in 23 %. Thus, chronic kidney disease may develop in PKU patients, and routine renal function tests should be performed during long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Hennermann
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Wang KD, Cui G, Shen M. [Electroencephalogram evaluation of hyperphenylalaninemia patients on dietetic treatments]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2013; 93:2217-2219. [PMID: 24169333] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the electroencephalographic changes of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) after dietetic treatments. METHODS From July 2005 to February 2010, 34 HPA patients with abnormal electroencephalograms were recruited from China-Japan Friendship Hospital. Their electroencephalographic results and clinical features were compared before and after dietetic and antiepileptic treatments. There were 16 males and 18 females with an age range of 2 months to 8 years. All electroencephalographic results were abnormal. Among them, there were epileptic discharges (n = 17), atypical sharp-slow wave complex (n = 1) and slow wave background (n = 16). All patients received a low intake of phenylalanine at 13-50 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1). Twenty patients had antiepileptic drug therapy. Before and after treatment for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, blood phenylalanine concentration, electroencephalogram, convulsion and other clinical parameters were observed. Before and after 1 year treatment, the tests of developmental quotient (DQ) or intelligence quotient (IQ) were performed. RESULTS The phenylalanine concentrations of the same patient group decreased significantly after 3 months, 6 months, 1 and 2 years after dietetic treatment ( (0.51 ± 0.39) , (0.50 ± 0.29), (0.59 ± 0.42), (0.53 ± 0.27) vs (1.33 ± 0.64) mmol/L, all P = 0.000). Among 19 epileptic cases, 16 ceased after treatment. And 14 stayed convulsion-free within 3 months post-treatments, 2 cases had intermittent tonic-clonic seizures while there was 1 case of focal seizures. Fourteen cases withdrew antiepileptic medications or reduced their doses. After treatment, the electroencephalographic results became totally normal in 8 of the 19 epileptic cases. Electroencephalographic results improved in 5 cases versus pre-treatment. Spikes were controlled in 10 cases including 5 patients with hyperarrhythmia in the abnormal electroencephalographic group with epilepsy. Six cases continued abnormal electroencephalogram. In the abnormal electroencephalographic group without epilepsy (n = 15) , electroencephalograms were normal (n = 3), improved (n = 6) and continued mild abnormal waves (n = 2). However, there were 4 cases with deteriorated electroencephalogram and 3 of them showed spikes. DQ (IQ) was evaluated in 16 cases. And variable mental retardation was observed in all of them. After, year treatment, 7 cases were evaluated DQ (IQ), and their results showed improved (57 ± 16 vs 50 ± 16, t = -5.42, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Etiological treatment for HPA patients is important for controlling epilepsy and improving brain function. And electroencephalogram is useful for monitoring brain functions and evaluating treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-di Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health, Beijing 100029, China
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Heintz C, Cotton RGH, Blau N. Tetrahydrobiopterin, its mode of action on phenylalanine hydroxylase, and importance of genotypes for pharmacological therapy of phenylketonuria. Hum Mutat 2013; 34:927-36. [PMID: 23559577 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In about 20%-30% of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients (all phenotypes of PAH deficiency), Phe levels may be controlled through phenylalanine hydroxylase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin therapy. These patients can be diagnosed by an oral tetrahydrobiopterin challenge and are characterized by mutations coding for proteins with substantial residual PAH activity. They can be treated with a commercially available synthetic form of tetrahydrobiopterin, either as a monotherapy or as adjunct to the diet. This review article summarizes molecular and metabolic bases of PKU and the importance of the tetrahydrobiopterin loading test used for PKU patients. On the basis of in vitro residual PAH activity, more than 1,200 genotypes from patients challenged with tetrahydrobiopterin were categorized as predictive for tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveness or non-responsiveness and correlated with the loading test, phenotype, and residual in vitro PAH activity. The coexpression of two distinct PAH mutant alleles revealed possible dominance effects (positive or negative) by one of the mutations on residual activity as result of interallelic complementation. The treatment of the transfected cells with tetrahydrobiopterin showed an increase in residual PAH activity with several mutations coexpressed.
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Bilder DA, Burton BK, Coon H, Leviton L, Ashworth J, Lundy BD, Vespa H, Bakian AV, Longo N. Psychiatric symptoms in adults with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2013; 108:155-60. [PMID: 23339767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify psychiatric symptom patterns reported by individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) in the outpatient clinic setting. METHODS Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) results, phenylalanine (phe) levels, and demographic information were collected through a retrospective chart review on 64 participants in the study, "A Diversified Approach for PKU Treatment" (ADAPT). RESULTS The number of BSI scores meeting clinical threshold was significantly elevated for all global indexes and 6 out of 7 symptom subscales in patients with PKU. Recent and mean phe levels were correlated with age at the time of screening (R(2)=0.10, R(2)=0.10, respectively; p<0.05). Psychoticism and the Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI) scores were associated with metabolic control. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate a positive correlation between phe levels and psychiatric symptom severity in individuals with PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Abstract
6R l-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for several enzymes including phenylalanine hydroxylase and the nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Oral supplementation of BH4 has been successfully employed to treat subsets of patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia. More recently, research efforts have focussed on understanding whether BH4 supplementation may also be efficacious in cardiovascular disorders that are underpinned by reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Whilst numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated a positive association between enhanced BH4 and vascular function, the efficacy of orally administered BH4 in human cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Furthermore, interventions that limit BH4 bioavailability may provide benefit in diseases where nitric oxide over production contributes to pathology. This review describes the pathways involved in BH4 bio-regulation and discusses other endogenous mechanisms that could be harnessed therapeutically to manipulate vascular BH4 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Starr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street,London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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Nasser A, Bjerrum OJ, Heegaard AM, Møller AT, Larsen M, Dalbøge LS, Dupont E, Jensen TS, Møller LB. Impaired behavioural pain responses in hph-1 mice with inherited deficiency in GTP cyclohydrolase 1 in models of inflammatory pain. Mol Pain 2013; 9:5. [PMID: 23421753 PMCID: PMC3626862 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTP-CH1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), encoded by the GCH1 gene, has been implicated in the development and maintenance of inflammatory pain in rats. In humans, homozygous carriers of a "pain-protective" (PP) haplotype of the GCH1 gene have been identified exhibiting lower pain sensitivity, but only following pain sensitisation. Ex vivo, the PP GCH1 haplotype is associated with decreased induction of GCH1 after stimulation, whereas the baseline BH4 production is not affected. Contrary, loss of function mutations in the GCH1 gene results in decreased basal GCH1 expression, and is associated with DOPA-responsive dystonia (DRD). So far it is unknown if such mutations affect acute and inflammatory pain. RESULTS In the current study, we examined the involvement of the GCH1 gene in pain models using the hyperphenylalaninemia 1 (hph-1) mouse, a genetic model for DRD, with only 10% basal GTP-CH1 activity compared to wild type mice. The study included assays for determination of acute nociception as well as models for pain after sensitisation. Pain behavioural analysis of the hph-1 mice showed reduced pain-like responses following intraplantar injection of CFA, formalin and capsaicin; whereas decreased basal level of GTP-CH1 activity had no influence in naïve hph-1 mice on acute mechanical and heat pain thresholds. Moreover, the hph-1 mice showed no signs of motor impairment or dystonia-like symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrate novel evidence that genetic mutations in the GCH1 gene modulate pain-like hypersensitivity. Together, the present data suggest that BH4 is not important for basal heat and mechanical pain, but they support the hypothesis that BH4 plays a role in inflammation-induced hypersensitivity. Our studies suggest that the BH4 pathway could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions. Moreover, the hph-1 mice provide a valid model to study the consequence of congenital deficiency of GCH1 in painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafat Nasser
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Applied Human Molecular Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Ole J Bjerrum
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Heegaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anette T Møller
- The Danish Pain Research Center, Århus University Hospital, Århus, Denmark
| | - Majbritt Larsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise S Dalbøge
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Dupont
- Department of Neurology, Århus University Hospital, Århus, Denmark
| | - Troels S Jensen
- The Danish Pain Research Center, Århus University Hospital, Århus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth B Møller
- Applied Human Molecular Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
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