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Elias-Mas A, Wang JY, Rodríguez-Revenga L, Kim K, Tassone F, Hessl D, Rivera SM, Hagerman R. Enlarged perivascular spaces and their association with motor, cognition, MRI markers and cerebrovascular risk factors in male fragile X premutation carriers. J Neurol Sci 2024; 461:123056. [PMID: 38772058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
FMR1 premutation carriers (55-200 CGG repeats) are at risk of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor and cognitive impairment. Bilateral hyperintensities of the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP sign) are the major radiological hallmarks of FXTAS. In the general population, enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) are biomarkers of small vessel disease and glymphatic dysfunction and are associated with cognitive decline. Our aim was to determine if premutation carriers show higher ratings of PVS than controls and whether enlarged PVS are associated with motor and cognitive impairment, MRI features of neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular risk factors and CGG repeat length. We evaluated 655 MRIs (1-10 visits/participant) from 229 carriers (164 with FXTAS and 65 without FXTAS) and 133 controls. PVS in the basal ganglia (BG-EPVS), centrum semiovale, and midbrain were evaluated with a semiquantitative scale. Mixed-effects models were used for statistical analysis adjusting for age. In carriers with FXTAS, we revealed that (1) BG-PVS ratings were higher than those of controls and carriers without FXTAS; (2) BG-PVS severity was associated with brain atrophy, white matter hyperintensities, enlarged ventricles, FXTAS stage and abnormal gait; (3) age-related increase in BG-PVS was associated with cognitive dysfunction; and (4) PVS ratings of all three regions showed robust associations with CGG repeat length and were higher in carriers with the MCP sign than carriers without the sign. This study demonstrates clinical relevance of PVS in FXTAS especially in the basal ganglia region and suggests microangiopathy and dysfunctional cerebrospinal fluid circulation in FXTAS physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Elias-Mas
- Radiology Department, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Research and Innovation Parc Taulí (I3PT), Sabadell, Spain; Genetics Doctorate Program, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Laia Rodríguez-Revenga
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Flora Tassone
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, CA, United States; MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States.
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Quintas S, Sanles‐Falagan R, Berbís MÁ. I 123-FP-CIT (DaTSCAN) SPECT beyond the Most Common Causes of Parkinsonism: A Systematic Review. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2024; 11:613-625. [PMID: 38693679 PMCID: PMC11145110 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is fundamentally clinical, the usefulness of ioflupane (123I) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or DaTSCAN as a diagnostic tool has been a matter of debate for years. The performance of DaTSCAN is generally recommended in the follow-up of patients with a clinically uncertain diagnosis, especially in those with a suspected essential tremor, drug-induced parkinsonism, or vascular parkinsonism. However, there is a dearth of DaTSCAN findings regarding neurodegenerative parkinsonisms besides PD and atypical parkinsonisms. To date, a specific nigrostriatal dopamine uptake pattern that would help differentiate PD from the most frequent atypical parkinsonisms is yet to be described. This fact is further complicated by the possible visualization of abnormalities in the uptake pattern in patients with rarer neurodegenerative parkinsonisms. OBJECTIVES We aimed to summarize the current literature regarding DaTSCAN findings in patients with rare neurodegenerative parkinsonisms. METHODS The PubMed database was systematically screened for studies in English or Spanish up to October 15, 2023, using search terms "DaTSCAN", "ioflupane", "DaT-SPECT", "123I-FP-CIT SPECT", "dopamine transporter imaging", and "[123I] FP-CIT SPECT". Duplicated publications and studies regarding PD, atypical parkinsonisms, dystonia-parkinsonism, essential tremor, and parkinsonism due to non-degenerative causes were excluded. RESULTS The obtained results were reviewed and summarized, including DaTSCAN findings in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, prion diseases, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, hereditary spastic paraparesis, metabolic disorders, and other diseases (anti-IgLON5 disease, ring chromosome 20 syndrome, chorea-acanthocytosis, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis). CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the need to determine in the future the utility and cost-effectiveness of DaTSCAN, both as a diagnostic and a prognostic tool, in patients with parkinsonian symptoms in rare neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Quintas
- Department of NeurologyLa Princesa University HospitalMadridSpain
| | | | - M. Álvaro Berbís
- Department of RadiologyHT Médica, San Juan de Dios HospitalCórdobaSpain
- Faculty of MedicineAutonomous University of MadridMadridSpain
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Li Z, Li H, Miao Z, Wan B, Xu X. Advances on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies in Non-coding CGG Repeat Expansion Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9. [PMID: 38780719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions within the 5' untranslated region are implicated in a range of neurological disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. This review outlined the general characteristics of diseases associated with non-coding CGG repeat expansions, detailing their clinical manifestations and neuroimaging patterns, which often overlap and indicate shared pathophysiological traits. We summarized the underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders, providing new insights into the roles that DNA, RNA, and toxic proteins play. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. These strategies include a range of approaches, such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, genomic DNA editing, small molecule interventions, and other treatments aimed at correcting the dysregulated processes inherent in these disorders. A deeper understanding of the shared mechanisms among non-coding CGG repeat expansion disorders may hold the potential to catalyze the development of innovative therapies, ultimately offering relief to individuals grappling with these debilitating neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhang
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Zeheng Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Hao Li
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Bo Wan
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Departments of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- The Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Cimmino AT, Sanginario P, Bentivoglio AR, Petracca M, Di Lazzaro G. Managing tremor in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome with botulinum neurotoxin: report of a success. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07594-6. [PMID: 38758451 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Sanginario
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Bentivoglio
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Petracca
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lazzaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy
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Zhong S, Liu J, Lian Y, Zhou B, Wang X, Ding J. Reversible encephalitis-like episodes in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: a case report. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:154. [PMID: 38714961 PMCID: PMC11075229 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03641-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CGG repeat expansion of FMR1 gene. Both FXTAS and neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) belong to polyglycine diseases and present similar clinical, radiological, and pathological features, making it difficult to distinguish these diseases. Reversible encephalitis-like attacks are often observed in NIID. It is unclear whether they are presented in FXTAS and can be used for differential diagnosis of NIID and FXTAS. CASE PRESENTATION A 63-year-old Chinese male with late-onset gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and reversible attacks of fever, consciousness impairment, dizziness, vomiting, and urinary incontinence underwent neurological assessment and examinations, including laboratory tests, electroencephalogram test, imaging, skin biopsy, and genetic test. Brain MRI showed T2 hyperintensities in middle cerebellar peduncle and cerebrum, in addition to cerebellar atrophy and DWI hyperintensities along the corticomedullary junction. Lesions in the brainstem were observed. Skin biopsy showed p62-positive intranuclear inclusions. The possibilities of hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, epileptic seizures, and cerebrovascular attacks were excluded. Genetic analysis revealed CGG repeat expansion in FMR1 gene, and the number of repeats was 111. The patient was finally diagnosed as FXTAS. He received supportive treatment as well as symptomatic treatment during hospitalization. His encephalitic symptoms were completely relieved within one week. CONCLUSIONS This is a detailed report of a case of FXTAS with reversible encephalitis-like episodes. This report provides new information for the possible and rare features of FXTAS, highlighting that encephalitis-like episodes are common in polyglycine diseases and unable to be used for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yangye Lian
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Binbin Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Timm EC, Purcell NL, Ouyang B, Berry-Kravis E, Hall DA, O’Keefe JA. Potential Prodromal Digital Postural Sway Markers for Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) Detected via Dual-Tasking and Sensory Manipulation. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2586. [PMID: 38676203 PMCID: PMC11054629 DOI: 10.3390/s24082586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
FXTAS is a neurodegenerative disorder occurring in some Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene premutation carriers (PMCs) and is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, tremor, and cognitive deficits that negatively impact balance and gait and increase fall risk. Dual-tasking (DT) cognitive-motor paradigms and challenging balance conditions may have the capacity to reveal markers of FXTAS onset. Our objectives were to determine the impact of dual-tasking and sensory and stance manipulation on balance in FXTAS and potentially detect subtle postural sway deficits in FMR1 PMCs who are asymptomatic for signs of FXTAS on clinical exam. Participants with FXTAS, PMCs without FXTAS, and controls underwent balance testing using an inertial sensor system. Stance, vision, surface stability, and cognitive demand were manipulated in 30 s trials. FXTAS participants had significantly greater total sway area, jerk, and RMS sway than controls under almost all balance conditions but were most impaired in those requiring vestibular control. PMCs without FXTAS had significantly greater RMS sway compared with controls in the feet apart, firm, single task conditions both with eyes open and closed (EC) and the feet together, firm, EC, DT condition. Postural sway deficits in the RMS postural sway variability domain in asymptomatic PMCs might represent prodromal signs of FXTAS. This information may be useful in providing sensitive biomarkers of FXTAS onset and as quantitative balance measures in future interventional trials and longitudinal natural history studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Timm
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.C.T.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Nicollette L. Purcell
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.C.T.); (E.B.-K.)
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (B.O.); (D.A.H.)
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.C.T.); (E.B.-K.)
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (B.O.); (D.A.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (B.O.); (D.A.H.)
| | - Joan Ann O’Keefe
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.C.T.); (E.B.-K.)
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (B.O.); (D.A.H.)
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Scaravilli A, Tranfa M, Pontillo G, Brais B, De Michele G, La Piana R, Saccà F, Santorelli FM, Synofzik M, Brunetti A, Cocozza S. A Review of Brain and Pituitary Gland MRI Findings in Patients with Ataxia and Hypogonadism. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:757-774. [PMID: 37155088 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The association of cerebellar ataxia and hypogonadism occurs in a heterogeneous group of disorders, caused by different genetic mutations often associated with a recessive inheritance. In these patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic workflow, with a variable involvement of the cerebellar cortex, alone or in combination with other brain structures. Neuroimaging involvement of the pituitary gland is also variable. Here, we provide an overview of the main clinical and conventional brain and pituitary gland MRI imaging findings of the most common genetic mutations associated with the clinical phenotype of ataxia and hypogonadism, with the aim of helping neuroradiologists in the identification of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scaravilli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Tranfa
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta La Piana
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Matthis Synofzik
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tubingen, Germany
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 27, 72076, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Dufour BD, Bartley T, McBride E, Allen E, McLennan YA, Hagerman RJ, Martínez-Cerdeño V. FXTAS Neuropathology Includes Widespread Reactive Astrogliosis and White Matter Specific Astrocyte Degeneration. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:558-575. [PMID: 38069470 PMCID: PMC10922917 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset progressive genetic neurodegenerative disorder that occurs in FMR1 premutation carriers. The temporal, spatial, and cell-type specific patterns of neurodegeneration in the FXTAS brain remain incompletely characterized. Intranuclear inclusion bodies are the neuropathological hallmark of FXTAS, which are largest and occur most frequently in astrocytes, glial cells that maintain brain homeostasis. Here, we characterized neuropathological alterations in astrocytes in multiple regions of the FXTAS brain. METHODS Striatal and cerebellar sections from FXTAS cases (n = 12) and controls (n = 12) were stained for the astrocyte markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1L1 (ALDH1L1) using immunohistochemistry. Reactive astrogliosis severity, the prevalence of GFAP+ fragments, and astrocyte density were scored. Double label immunofluorescence was utilized to detect co-localization of GFAP and cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS FXTAS cases showed widespread reactive gliosis in both grey and white matter. GFAP staining also revealed remarkably severe astrocyte pathology in FXTAS white matter - characterized by a significant and visible reduction in astrocyte density (-38.7% in striatum and - 32.2% in cerebellum) and the widespread presence of GFAP+ fragments reminiscent of apoptotic bodies. White matter specific reductions in astrocyte density were confirmed with ALDH1L1 staining. GFAP+ astrocytes and fragments in white matter were positive for cleaved caspase-3, suggesting that apoptosis-mediated degeneration is responsible for reduced astrocyte counts. INTERPRETATION We have established that FXTAS neuropathology includes robust degeneration of astrocytes, which is specific to white matter. Because astrocytes are essential for maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system, a loss of astrocytes likely further exacerbates neuropathological progression of other cell types in the FXTAS brain. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:558-575.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett D. Dufour
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Trevor Bartley
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Erin McBride
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Erik Allen
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yingratana A. McLennan
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM), Shriner’s Hospital for Children and UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Rudaks LI, Yeow D, Kumar KR. Expert commentary for fragile X premutation mimicking late onset hereditary spastic paraplegia. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 119:105969. [PMID: 38155044 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ivete Rudaks
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Neurology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Genomic and Inherited Disease Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia; Clinical Genetics Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Rd, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
| | - Dennis Yeow
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Neurology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Genomic and Inherited Disease Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia; Neurodegenerative Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Kishore Raj Kumar
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Neurology Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Rd, Concord, NSW, 2139, Australia; The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Genomic and Inherited Disease Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Healthcare Campus, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, De Lacy Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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10
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Tak Y, Tassone F, Hagerman RJ. Case Series: Vestibular Migraines in Fragile X Premutation Carriers. J Clin Med 2024; 13:504. [PMID: 38256638 PMCID: PMC10816080 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vestibular migraine (VM) is one of the most common causes of recurrent vertigo and presents with a history of spontaneous or positional vertigo with a history of migraine headaches. While research has identified a high prevalence of migraine headaches and vestibular deficits among fragile X premutation carriers, there has been no discussion about VM within this population. OBJECTIVE This case series and review seeks to describe the clinical characteristics and pathophysiology of VM among individuals with the fragile X premutation. We also seek to discuss treatment and future steps in addressing VM in this population. METHODS A review of the literature regarding vestibular migraine and presentation of migraine headaches and vestibular deficits among premutation carriers was performed. A detailed clinical history of migraine headaches and vertigo was obtained from three patients with the fragile X premutation seen by the senior author (RJH). RESULTS All three cases first developed symptoms of migraine headaches earlier in life, with the development of VM near menopause. Two of the three cases developed progressive balance issues following the development of VM. All three cases found that their VM episodes were improved or resolved with pharmacological and/or lifestyle interventions. CONCLUSIONS It is important to recognize VM among premutation carriers because beneficial treatments are available. Future studies are needed regarding the prevalence of VM and the relationship to subsequent FXTAS. The pathophysiology of VM remains uncertain but possibilities include mitochondrial abnormalities, cranial nerve VIII toxicity secondary to neurotoxic protein accumulation, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling dysfunction due to altered levels of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP).
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Affiliation(s)
- YeEun Tak
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento Campus, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.T.); (F.T.)
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento Campus, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.T.); (F.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento Campus, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.T.); (F.T.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Fielding-Gebhardt H, Kelly SE, Unruh KE, Schmitt LM, Pulver SL, Khemani P, Mosconi MW. Sensorimotor and inhibitory control in aging FMR1 premutation carriers. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1271158. [PMID: 38034068 PMCID: PMC10687573 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1271158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging FMR1 premutation carriers are at risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), and there is a need to identify biomarkers that can aid in identification and treatment of these disorders. While FXTAS is more common in males than females, females can develop the disease, and some evidence suggests that patterns of impairment may differ across sexes. Few studies include females with symptoms of FXTAS, and as a result, little information is available on key phenotypes for tracking disease risk and progression in female premutation carriers. Our aim was to examine quantitative motor and cognitive traits in aging premutation carriers. We administered oculomotor tests of visually guided/reactive saccades (motor) and antisaccades (cognitive control) in 22 premutation carriers (73% female) and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Neither reactive saccade latency nor accuracy differed between groups. FMR1 premutation carriers showed increased antisaccade latencies relative to controls, both when considering males and females together and when analyzing females separately. Reduced saccade accuracy and increased antisaccade latency each were associated with more severe clinically rated neuromotor impairments. Findings indicate that together male and female premutation carriers show a reduced ability to rapidly exert volitional control over prepotent responses and that quantitative differences in oculomotor behavior, including control of visually guided and antisaccades, may track with FXTAS - related degeneration in male and female premutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathryn E. Unruh
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Lauren M. Schmitt
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Stormi L. Pulver
- Division of Autism and Related Disorders, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pravin Khemani
- Movement Disorders Program, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
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12
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Alvarez-Mora MI, Garrabou G, Molina-Porcel L, Grillo-Risco R, Garcia-Garcia F, Barcos T, Cantó-Santos J, Rodriguez-Revenga L. Exploration of SUMO2/3 Expression Levels and Autophagy Process in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome: Addressing Study Limitations and Insights for Future Research. Cells 2023; 12:2364. [PMID: 37830578 PMCID: PMC10571773 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder that appears in adult FMR1 premutation carriers. The neuropathological hallmark of FXTAS is an intranuclear inclusion in neurons and astrocytes. Nearly 200 different proteins have been identified in FXTAS inclusions, being the small ubiquitin-related modifier 2 (SUMO2), ubiquitin and p62 the most highly abundant. These proteins are components of the protein degradation machinery. This study aimed to characterize SUMO2/3 expression levels and autophagy process in human postmortem brain samples and skin fibroblast cultures from FXTAS patients. Results revealed that FXTAS postmortem brain samples are positive for SUMO2/3 conjugates and supported the idea that SUMO2/3 accumulation is involved in inclusion formation. Insights from RNA-sequencing data indicated that SUMOylation processes are significantly upregulated in FXTAS samples. In addition, the analysis of the autophagy flux showed the accumulation of p62 protein levels and autophagosomes in skin fibroblasts from FXTAS patients. Similarly, gene set analysis evidenced a significant downregulation in gene ontology terms related to autophagy in FXTAS samples. Overall, this study provides new evidence supporting the role of SUMOylation and autophagic processes in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying FXTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Alvarez-Mora
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.I.A.-M.); (T.B.)
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.G.)
- Fundacio de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Glòria Garrabou
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.G.)
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Muscle Disorders’ Research Laboratory (U722), Cellex-IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Internal Medicine Department––Hospital Clínic Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Molina-Porcel
- Fundacio de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Neurological Tissue Bank of the Biobanc-Hospital Clinic-FCRB-IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Grillo-Risco
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), 46012 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-R.); (F.G.-G.)
| | - Francisco Garcia-Garcia
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), 46012 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-R.); (F.G.-G.)
| | - Tamara Barcos
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.I.A.-M.); (T.B.)
| | - Judith Cantó-Santos
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.G.)
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Muscle Disorders’ Research Laboratory (U722), Cellex-IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Internal Medicine Department––Hospital Clínic Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Rodriguez-Revenga
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.I.A.-M.); (T.B.)
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.G.)
- Fundacio de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
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13
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Tassone F, Protic D, Allen EG, Archibald AD, Baud A, Brown TW, Budimirovic DB, Cohen J, Dufour B, Eiges R, Elvassore N, Gabis LV, Grudzien SJ, Hall DA, Hessl D, Hogan A, Hunter JE, Jin P, Jiraanont P, Klusek J, Kooy RF, Kraan CM, Laterza C, Lee A, Lipworth K, Losh M, Loesch D, Lozano R, Mailick MR, Manolopoulos A, Martinez-Cerdeno V, McLennan Y, Miller RM, Montanaro FAM, Mosconi MW, Potter SN, Raspa M, Rivera SM, Shelly K, Todd PK, Tutak K, Wang JY, Wheeler A, Winarni TI, Zafarullah M, Hagerman RJ. Insight and Recommendations for Fragile X-Premutation-Associated Conditions from the Fifth International Conference on FMR1 Premutation. Cells 2023; 12:2330. [PMID: 37759552 PMCID: PMC10529056 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The premutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene is characterized by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats (55 to 200 CGGs) in the 5' untranslated region and increased levels of FMR1 mRNA. Molecular mechanisms leading to fragile X-premutation-associated conditions (FXPAC) include cotranscriptional R-loop formations, FMR1 mRNA toxicity through both RNA gelation into nuclear foci and sequestration of various CGG-repeat-binding proteins, and the repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN)-initiated translation of potentially toxic proteins. Such molecular mechanisms contribute to subsequent consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. Clinically, premutation carriers may exhibit a wide range of symptoms and phenotypes. Any of the problems associated with the premutation can appropriately be called FXPAC. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), and fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND) can fall under FXPAC. Understanding the molecular and clinical aspects of the premutation of the FMR1 gene is crucial for the accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, and appropriate management of affected individuals and families. This paper summarizes all the known problems associated with the premutation and documents the presentations and discussions that occurred at the International Premutation Conference, which took place in New Zealand in 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Fragile X Clinic, Special Hospital for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Neurology, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emily Graves Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Alison D. Archibald
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Genomics in Society Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anna Baud
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Ted W. Brown
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY 10314, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Fragile X Alliance Clinic, Melbourne, VIC 3161, Australia;
| | - Brett Dufour
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Rachel Eiges
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel;
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lidia V. Gabis
- Keshet Autism Center Maccabi Wolfson, Holon 5822012, Israel;
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Samantha J. Grudzien
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Abigail Hogan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - Jessica Ezzell Hunter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Poonnada Jiraanont
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand;
| | - Jessica Klusek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.H.); (J.K.)
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Claudine M. Kraan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Diagnosis and Development, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129 Padova, Italy; (N.E.); (C.L.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Lee
- Fragile X New Zealand, Nelson 7040, New Zealand;
| | - Karen Lipworth
- Fragile X Association of Australia, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia;
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA;
| | - Danuta Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Marsha R. Mailick
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Apostolos Manolopoulos
- Intramural Research Program, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Yingratana McLennan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | | | - Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA;
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Sarah Nelson Potter
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Melissa Raspa
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Katharine Shelly
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (E.G.A.); (P.J.); (K.S.)
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 4148 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.J.G.); (P.K.T.)
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tutak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA;
| | - Anne Wheeler
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (J.E.H.); (S.N.P.); (M.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang 502754, Central Java, Indonesia;
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95817, USA; (B.D.); (D.H.); (V.M.-C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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14
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Espay AJ, Fasano A. The Existential Essentialism in Tremor Nosology - 7 Pitfalls, 2 Remedies, and a Path Ahead. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:S36-S41. [PMID: 37637985 PMCID: PMC10448133 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J. Espay
- James J and Joan A Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of NeurologyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Alfonso Fasano
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's DiseaseMorton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Division of Neurology, University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Krembil Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
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15
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Muthusamy K, Sivadasan A, Dixon L, Sudhakar S, Thomas M, Danda S, Wszolek ZK, Wierenga K, Dhamija R, Gavrilova R. Adult-onset leukodystrophies: a practical guide, recent treatment updates, and future directions. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1219324. [PMID: 37564735 PMCID: PMC10410460 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1219324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult-onset leukodystrophies though individually rare are not uncommon. This group includes several disorders with isolated adult presentations, as well as several childhood leukodystrophies with attenuated phenotypes that present at a later age. Misdiagnoses often occur due to the clinical and radiological overlap with common acquired disorders such as infectious, immune, inflammatory, vascular, metabolic, and toxic etiologies. Increased prevalence of non-specific white matter changes in adult population poses challenges during diagnostic considerations. Clinico-radiological spectrum and molecular landscape of adult-onset leukodystrophies have not been completely elucidated at this time. Diagnostic approach is less well-standardized when compared to the childhood counterpart. Absence of family history and reduced penetrance in certain disorders frequently create a dilemma. Comprehensive evaluation and molecular confirmation when available helps in prognostication, early initiation of treatment in certain disorders, enrollment in clinical trials, and provides valuable information for the family for reproductive counseling. In this review article, we aimed to formulate an approach to adult-onset leukodystrophies that will be useful in routine practice, discuss common adult-onset leukodystrophies with usual and unusual presentations, neuroimaging findings, recent advances in treatment, acquired mimics, and provide an algorithm for comprehensive clinical, radiological, and genetic evaluation that will facilitate early diagnosis and consider active treatment options when available. A high index of suspicion, awareness of the clinico-radiological presentations, and comprehensive genetic evaluation are paramount because treatment options are available for several disorders when diagnosed early in the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Muthusamy
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Ajith Sivadasan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, India
| | - Luke Dixon
- Department of Radiology, Imperial College, NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sniya Sudhakar
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Thomas
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, India
| | - Sumita Danda
- Department of Medical Genetics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Klaas Wierenga
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Radhika Dhamija
- Department of Clinical Genomics and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ralitza Gavrilova
- Department of Clinical Genomics and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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16
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Wang JY, Sonico GJ, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Hagerman RJ, Martinez-Cerdeno V. A Postmortem MRI Study of Cerebrovascular Disease and Iron Content at End-Stage of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1898. [PMID: 37508562 PMCID: PMC10377990 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain changes at the end-stage of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) are largely unknown due to mobility impairment. We conducted a postmortem MRI study of FXTAS to quantify cerebrovascular disease, brain atrophy and iron content, and examined their relationships using principal component analysis (PCA). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was observed in 4/17 FXTAS cases, among which one was confirmed by histologic staining. Compared with seven control brains, FXTAS cases showed higher ratings of T2-hyperintensities (indicating cerebral small vessel disease) in the cerebellum, globus pallidus and frontoparietal white matter, and significant atrophy in the cerebellar white matter, red nucleus and dentate nucleus. PCA of FXTAS cases revealed negative associations of T2-hyperintensity ratings with anatomic volumes and iron content in the white matter, hippocampus and amygdala, that were independent from a highly correlated number of regions with ICH and iron content in subcortical nuclei. Post-hoc analysis confirmed PCA findings and further revealed increased iron content in the white matter, hippocampus and amygdala in FXTAS cases compared to controls, after adjusting for T2-hyperintensity ratings. These findings indicate that both ischemic and hemorrhagic brain damage may occur in FXTAS, with the former being marked by demyelination/iron depletion and atrophy, and the latter by ICH and iron accumulation in basal ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Gerard J. Sonico
- Imaging Research Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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17
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Ishiura H, Tsuji S, Toda T. Recent advances in CGG repeat diseases and a proposal of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease, and oculophryngodistal myopathy (FNOP) spectrum disorder. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:169-174. [PMID: 36670296 PMCID: PMC9968658 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
While whole genome sequencing and long-read sequencing have become widely available, more and more focuses are on noncoding expanded repeats. Indeed, more than half of noncoding repeat expansions related to diseases have been identified in the five years. An exciting aspect of the progress in this field is an identification of a phenomenon called repeat motif-phenotype correlation. Repeat motif-phenotype correlation in noncoding repeat expansion diseases is first found in benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy. The concept is extended in the research of CGG repeat expansion diseases. In this review, we focus on newly identified CGG repeat expansion diseases, update the concept of repeat motif-phenotype correlation in CGG repeat expansion diseases, and propose a clinical concept of FNOP (fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy)-spectrum disorder, which shares clinical features and thus probably share some common disease pathophysiology, to further facilitate discussion and progress in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ishiura
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Medical Genomics, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Toda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Lin CYR, Kuo SH. Ataxias: Hereditary, Acquired, and Reversible Etiologies. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:48-64. [PMID: 36828010 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
A variety of etiologies can cause cerebellar dysfunction, leading to ataxia symptoms. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of the cause for cerebellar ataxia can be challenging. A step-wise investigation will reveal underlying causes, including nutritional, toxin, immune-mediated, genetic, and degenerative disorders. Recent advances in genetics have identified new genes for both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive ataxias, and new therapies are on the horizon for targeting specific biological pathways. New diagnostic criteria for degenerative ataxias have been proposed, specifically for multiple system atrophy, which will have a broad impact on the future clinical research in ataxia. In this article, we aim to provide a review focus on symptoms, laboratory testing, neuroimaging, and genetic testing for the diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia causes, with a special emphasis on recent advances. Strategies for the management of cerebellar ataxia is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ying R Lin
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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19
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Wang JY, Sonico GJ, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Hagerman RJ, Martínez-Cerdeño V. A postmortem MRI study of cerebrovascular disease and iron content at end-stage of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2440612. [PMID: 36711694 PMCID: PMC9882645 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2440612/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Brain changes at end-stage of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) are largely unknown due to mobility impairment. We conducted a postmortem MRI study of FXTAS to quantify cerebrovascular disease, brain atrophy, and iron content and examined their relationships using principal component analysis (PCA). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was observed in 4/17 FXTAS cases among which one was confirmed by histologic staining. Compared with seven control brains, FXTAS cases showed higher ratings of T2-hyperintensities (indicating cerebral small vessel disease) in the cerebellum, globus pallidus, and frontoparietal white matter and significant atrophy in cerebellar white matter, red nucleus, and dentate nucleus. PCA of FXTAS cases revealed negative associations of T2-hyperintensity ratings with anatomic volumes and iron content in the white matter, hippocampus, and amygdala, that were independent from highly correlated number of regions with ICH and iron content in subcortical nuclei. Post hoc analysis confirmed PCA findings and further revealed increased iron content in the white matter, hippocampus, and amygdala in FXTAS cases than controls after adjusting for T2-hyperintensity ratings. These findings indicate that both ischemic and hemorrhagic brain damage may occur in FXTAS, with the former marked by demyelination/iron depletion and atrophy and the latter, ICH and iron accumulation in basal ganglia.
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20
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Masingue M, Fernández-Eulate G, Debs R, Tard C, Labeyrie C, Leonard-Louis S, Dhaenens CM, Masson MA, Latour P, Stojkovic T. Strategy for genetic analysis in hereditary neuropathy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:10-29. [PMID: 36566124 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inherited neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of slowly progressive disorders affecting either motor, sensory, and/or autonomic nerves. Peripheral neuropathy may be the major component of a disease such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a feature of a more complex multisystemic disease involving the central nervous system and other organs. The goal of this review is to provide the clinical clues orientating the genetic diagnosis in a patient with inherited peripheral neuropathy. This review focuses on primary inherited neuropathies, amyloidosis, inherited metabolic diseases, while detailing clinical, neurophysiological and potential treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Masingue
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - G Fernández-Eulate
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - R Debs
- Service de neurophysiologie, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - C Tard
- CHU de Lille, clinique neurologique, centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, 59037 Lille cedex, France
| | - C Labeyrie
- Service de neurologie, hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - S Leonard-Louis
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - C-M Dhaenens
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU de Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - M A Masson
- Inserm U1127, Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 7225, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - P Latour
- Service de biochimie biologie moléculaire, CHU de Lyon, centre de biologie et pathologie Est, 69677 Bron cedex, France
| | - T Stojkovic
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
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21
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Fabbri M, Foubert-Samier A, Pavy-le Traon A, Rascol O, Meissner WG. Atrofia multisistemica. Neurologia 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(22)47094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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22
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Hocking DR, Loesch DZ, Stimpson P, Tassone F, Atkinson A, Storey E. Relationships of Motor Changes with Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Features in FMR1 Male Carriers Affected with Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111549. [PMID: 36421873 PMCID: PMC9688438 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The premutation expansion of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene on the X chromosome has been linked to a range of clinical and subclinical features. Nearly half of men with FMR1 premutation develop a neurodegenerative disorder; Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). In this syndrome, cognitive executive decline and psychiatric changes may co-occur with major motor features, and in this study, we explored the interrelationships between these three domains in a sample of adult males affected with FXTAS. A sample of 23 adult males aged between 48 and 80 years (mean = 62.3; SD = 8.8), carrying premutation expansions between 45 and 118 CGG repeats, and affected with FXTAS, were included in this study. We employed a battery of cognitive assessments, two standard motor rating scales, and two self-reported measures of psychiatric symptoms. When controlling for age and/or educational level, where appropriate, there were highly significant correlations between motor rating score for ICARS gait domain, and the scores representing global cognitive decline (ACE-III), processing speed (SDMT), immediate memory (Digit Span), and depression and anxiety scores derived from both SCL90 and DASS instruments. Remarkably, close relationships of UPDRS scores, representing the contribution of Parkinsonism to FXTAS phenotypes, were exclusive to psychiatric scores. Highly significant relationships between CGG repeat size and most scores for three phenotypic domains suggest a close tracking with genetic liability. These findings of relationships between a constellation of phenotypic domains in male PM carriers with FXTAS are reminiscent of other conditions associated with disruption to cerebro-cerebellar circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren R. Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor & Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Danuta Z. Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Paige Stimpson
- Psychology Department, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3068, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Anna Atkinson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Alfred Hospital Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3068, Australia
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23
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Movement disorders and neuropathies: overlaps and mimics in clinical practice. J Neurol 2022; 269:4646-4662. [PMID: 35657406 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders as well as peripheral neuropathies are extremely frequent in the general population; therefore, it is not uncommon to encounter patients with both these conditions. Often, the coexistence is coincidental, due to the high incidence of common causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes and other age-related disorders, as well as of Parkinson disease (PD), which has a typical late onset. Nonetheless, there is broad evidence that PD patients may commonly develop a sensory and/or autonomic polyneuropathy, triggered by intrinsic and/or extrinsic mechanisms. Similarly, some peripheral neuropathies may develop some movement disorders in the long run, such as tremor, and rarely dystonia and myoclonus, suggesting that central mechanisms may ensue in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Although rare, several acquired or hereditary causes may be responsible for the combination of movement and peripheral nerve disorders as a unique entity, some of which are potentially treatable, including paraneoplastic, autoimmune and nutritional aetiologies. Finally, genetic causes should be pursued in case of positive family history, young onset or multisystemic involvement, and examined for neuroacanthocytosis, spinocerebellar ataxias, mitochondrial disorders and less common causes of adult-onset cerebellar ataxias and spastic paraparesis. Deep phenotyping in terms of neurological and general examination, as well as laboratory tests, neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and next-generation genetic analysis, may guide the clinician toward the correct diagnosis and management.
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24
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Zhang S, Shen L, Jiao B. Cognitive Dysfunction in Repeat Expansion Diseases: A Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:841711. [PMID: 35478698 PMCID: PMC9036481 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.841711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of the sequencing technique, more than 40 repeat expansion diseases (REDs) have been identified during the past two decades. Moreover, the clinical features of these diseases show some commonality, and the nervous system, especially the cognitive function was affected in part by these diseases. However, the specific cognitive domains impaired in different diseases were inconsistent. Here, we survey literature on the cognitive consequences of the following disorders presenting cognitive dysfunction and summarizing the pathogenic genes, epidemiology, and different domains affected by these diseases. We found that the cognitive domains affected in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) were widespread including the executive function, memory, information processing speed, attention, visuospatial function, and language. Patients with C9ORF72-frontotemporal dementia (FTD) showed impairment in executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial function. While in Huntington's disease (HD), the executive function, memory, and information processing speed were affected, in the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), executive function, memory, information processing speed, and attention were impaired. Moreover, the spinocerebellar ataxias showed broad damage in almost all the cognitive domains except for the relatively intact language ability. Some other diseases with relatively rare clinical data also indicated cognitive dysfunction, such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), Huntington disease like-2 (HDL2), and cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS). We drew a cognitive function landscape of the related REDs that might provide an aspect for differential diagnosis through cognitive domains and effective non-specific interventions for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Jiao
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25
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MRI CNS Atrophy Pattern and the Etiologies of Progressive Ataxias. Tomography 2022; 8:423-437. [PMID: 35202200 PMCID: PMC8877967 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MRI shows the three archetypal patterns of CNS volume loss underlying progressive ataxias in vivo, namely spinal atrophy (SA), cortical cerebellar atrophy (CCA) and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). The MRI-based CNS atrophy pattern was reviewed in 128 progressive ataxias. A CNS atrophy pattern was identified in 91 conditions: SA in Friedreich’s ataxia, CCA in 5 acquired and 72 (24 dominant, 47 recessive,1 X-linked) inherited ataxias, OPCA in Multi-System Atrophy and 12 (9 dominant, 2 recessive,1 X-linked) inherited ataxias. The MRI-based CNS atrophy pattern may be useful for genetic assessment, identification of shared cellular targets, repurposing therapies or the enlargement of drug indications in progressive ataxias.
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26
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Wang JY, Grigsby J, Placido D, Wei H, Tassone F, Kim K, Hessl D, Rivera SM, Hagerman RJ. Clinical and Molecular Correlates of Abnormal Changes in the Cerebellum and Globus Pallidus in Fragile X Premutation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:797649. [PMID: 35211082 PMCID: PMC8863211 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.797649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X premutation carriers (55-200 CGG triplets) may develop a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), after the age of 50. The neuroradiologic markers of FXTAS are hyperintense T2-signals in the middle cerebellar peduncle-the MCP sign. We recently noticed abnormal T2-signals in the globus pallidus in male premutation carriers and controls but the prevalence and clinical significance were unknown. METHODS We estimated the prevalence of the MCP sign and pallidal T2-abnormalities in 230 male premutation carriers and 144 controls (aged 8-86), and examined the associations with FXTAS symptoms, CGG repeat length, and iron content in the cerebellar dentate nucleus and globus pallidus. RESULTS Among participants aged ≥45 years (175 premutation carriers and 82 controls), MCP sign was observed only in premutation carriers (52 vs. 0%) whereas the prevalence of pallidal T2-abnormalities approached significance in premutation carriers compared with controls after age-adjustment (25.1 vs. 13.4%, p = 0.069). MCP sign was associated with impaired motor and executive functioning, and the additional presence of pallidal T2-abnormalities was associated with greater impaired executive functioning. Among premutation carriers, significant iron accumulation was observed in the dentate nucleus, and neither pallidal or MCP T2-abnormalities affected measures of the dentate nucleus. While the MCP sign was associated with CGG repeat length >75 and dentate nucleus volume correlated negatively with CGG repeat length, pallidal T2-abnormalities did not correlate with CGG repeat length. However, pallidal signal changes were associated with age-related accelerated iron depletion and variability and having both MCP and pallidal signs further increased iron variability in the globus pallidus. CONCLUSIONS Only the MCP sign, not pallidal abnormalities, revealed independent associations with motor and cognitive impairment; however, the occurrence of combined MCP and pallidal T2-abnormalities may present a risk for greater cognitive impairment and increased iron variability in the globus pallidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jim Grigsby
- Departments of Psychology and Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Diego Placido
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - David Hessl
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Departments of Psychology and Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Randi J. Hagerman
- The MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
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27
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Kauppila LA, Ten Holter SE, van de Warrenburg B, Bloem BR. A Guide for the Differential Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy in Clinical Practice. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2015-2027. [PMID: 36057832 PMCID: PMC9661336 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex differential diagnosis. A range of disorders- also of nondegenerative etiology- can mimic MSA, expanding its differential diagnosis. Both misdiagnosis and diagnostic delays are relatively common in clinical practice. A correct diagnosis is vital for daily clinical practice, in order to facilitate proper counselling and to timely install therapies in treatable disorders that mimic MSA. A correct diagnosis is also essential for including properly classified individuals into research studies that aim to better understand the pathophysiology of MSA, to develop specific biomarkers or to evaluate novel symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies. Here, we offer some practical guidance to support the diagnostic process, by highlighting conditions that may be considered as MSA lookalikes, by emphasizing some key clinical aspects of these mimics, and by discussing several useful ancillary diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Azevedo Kauppila
- CNS – Campus Neurológico, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne E.M. Ten Holter
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R. Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Lee A, Sarva H. Approach to Tremor Disorders. Semin Neurol 2021; 41:731-743. [PMID: 34826875 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tremor disorders are diverse and complex. Historical clues and examination features play a major role in diagnosing these disorders, but diagnosis can be challenging due to phenotypic overlap. Ancillary testing, such as neuroimaging or laboratory testing, is driven by the history and examination, and should be performed particularly when there are other neurological or systemic manifestations. The pathophysiology of tremor is not entirely understood, but likely involves multiple networks along with the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways. Treatment options include medications, botulinum toxin, surgery, and nonpharmacologic interventions utilizing physical and occupational therapies and assistive devices. Further work is needed in developing accurate diagnostic tests and better treatment options for tremor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lee
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Harini Sarva
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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29
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Franco G, Lazzeri G, Di Fonzo A. Parkinsonism and ataxia. J Neurol Sci 2021; 433:120020. [PMID: 34711421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia is not a common feature in Parkinson's disease. Nevertheless, some rare forms of parkinsonism have ataxia as one of the main features in their clinical picture, especially those with juvenile or early-onset. On the other side, in cerebellar degenerative diseases, parkinsonism might accompany the typical symptoms and even become predominant in some cases. Many disorders involving different neurological systems present with a movement phenomenology reflecting the underlying pattern of pathological involvement, such as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, neurodegeneration associated with calcium deposition, and metabolic and mitochondrial disorders. The prototype of sporadic disorders that present with a constellation of symptoms due to the involvement of multiple Central Nervous System regions is multiple system atrophy, whose motor symptoms at onset can be cerebellar ataxia or parkinsonism. Clinical syndromes encompassing both parkinsonian and cerebellar features might represent a diagnostic challenge for neurologists. Recognizing acquired and potentially treatable causes responsible for complex movement disorders is of paramount importance, since an early diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent consequences. The present review aims to provide a pragmatic overview of the most common diseases characterized by the coexistence of cerebellar and parkinsonism features and suggests a possible diagnostic approach for both inherited and sporadic disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue "Parkinsonism across the spectrum of movement disorders and beyond" edited by Joseph Jankovic, Daniel D. Truong and Matteo Bologna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Franco
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzeri
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Wang JY, McLennan YA, Doan M, Cabal-Herrera AM, Jimenez S, Wolf-Ochoa MW, Sanchez D, Juarez P, Tassone F, Durbin-Johnson B, Hagerman RJ, Martínez-Cerdeño V. Cerebral Microbleeds in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1935-1943. [PMID: 33760253 PMCID: PMC10929604 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease of late onset developed by carriers of the premutation in the fragile x mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Pathological features of neurodegeneration in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome include toxic levels of FMR1 mRNA, ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions, white matter disease, iron accumulation, and a proinflammatory state. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of cerebral microbleeds in the brains of patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and investigate plausible causes for cerebral microbleeds in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. METHODS We collected cerebral and cerebellar tissue from 15 fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome cases and 15 control cases carrying FMR1 normal alleles. We performed hematoxylin and eosin, Perls and Congo red stains, ubiquitin, and amyloid β protein immunostaining. We quantified the number of cerebral microbleeds, amount of iron, presence of amyloid β within the capillaries, and number of endothelial cells containing intranuclear inclusions. We evaluated the relationships between pathological findings using correlation analysis. RESULTS We found intranuclear inclusions in the endothelial cells of capillaries and an increased number of cerebral microbleeds in the brains of those with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, both of which are indicators of cerebrovascular dysfunction. We also found a suggestive association between the amount of capillaries that contain amyloid β in the cerebral cortex and the rate of disease progression. CONCLUSION We propose microangiopathy as a pathologic feature of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yingratana A McLennan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mai Doan
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle (MACOS), Cali, Colombia
| | - Sara Jimenez
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Marisol W Wolf-Ochoa
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Desiree Sanchez
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Juarez
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Blythe Durbin-Johnson
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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31
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Fargeot G, Echaniz-Laguna A. Sensory neuronopathies: new genes, new antibodies and new concepts. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:jnnp-2020-325536. [PMID: 33563795 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and its central and peripheral projections provokes sensory neuronopathy (SN), a rare disorder with multiple genetic and acquired causes. Clinically, patients with SN usually present with proprioceptive ataxia, patchy and asymmetric sensory abnormalities, widespread areflexia and no weakness. Classic causes of SN include cancer, Sjögren's syndrome, vitamin deficiency, chemotherapy, mitochondrial disorders and Friedreich ataxia. More recently, new genetic and dysimmune disorders associated with SN have been described, including RFC1 gene-linked cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) and anti-FGFR3 antibodies. In this review, we detail the pathophysiology of DRG degeneration, and the genetic and acquired causes of SN, with a special focus on the recently described CANVAS and anti-FGFR3 antibodies. We also propose a user-friendly and easily implemented SN diagnostic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fargeot
- Department of Neurology, APHP, CHU de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Andoni Echaniz-Laguna
- Department of Neurology, APHP, CHU de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- French National Reference Center for Rare Neuropathies (NNERF), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM U1195, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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32
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Loesch DZ, Tassone F, Atkinson A, Stimpson P, Trost N, Pountney DL, Storey E. Differential Progression of Motor Dysfunction Between Male and Female Fragile X Premutation Carriers Reveals Novel Aspects of Sex-Specific Neural Involvement. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:577246. [PMID: 33511153 PMCID: PMC7835843 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.577246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansions of the CGG repeat in the non-coding segment of the FMR1 X-linked gene are associated with a variety of phenotypic changes. Large expansions (>200 repeats), which cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, the fragile x syndrome (FXS), are transmitted from the mothers carrying smaller, unstable expansions ranging from 55 to 200 repeats, termed the fragile X premutation. Female carriers of this premutation may themselves experience a wide range of clinical problems throughout their lifespan, the most severe being the late onset neurodegenerative condition called "Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome" (FXTAS), occurring between 8 and 16% of these carriers. Male premutation carriers, although they do not transmit expanded alleles to their daughters, have a much higher risk (40-50%) of developing FXTAS. Although this disorder is more prevalent and severe in male than female carriers, specific sex differences in clinical manifestations and progress of the FXTAS spectrum have been poorly documented. Here we compare the pattern and rate of progression (per year) in three motor scales including tremor/ataxia (ICARS), tremor (Clinical Tremor Rating scale, CRST), and parkinsonism (UPDRS), and in several cognitive and psychiatric tests scores, between 13 female and 9 male carriers initially having at least one of the motor scores ≥10. Moreover, we document the differences in each of the clinical and cognitive measures between the cross-sectional samples of 21 female and 24 male premutation carriers of comparable ages with FXTAS spectrum disorder (FSD), that is, who manifest one or more features of FXTAS. The results of progression assessment showed that it was more than twice the rate in male than in female carriers for the ICARS-both gait ataxia and kinetic tremor domains and twice as high in males on the CRST scale. In contrast, sex difference was negligible for the rate of progress in UPDRS, and all the cognitive measures. The overall psychiatric pathology score (SCL-90), as well as Anxiety and Obsessive/Compulsive domain scores, showed a significant increase only in the female sample. The pattern of sex differences for progression in motor scores was consistent with the results of comparison between larger, cross-sectional samples of male and female carriers affected with the FSD. These results were in concert with sex-specific distribution of MRI T2 white matter hyperintensities: all males, but no females, showed the middle cerebellar peduncle white matter hyperintensities (MCP sign), although the distribution and severity of these hyperintensities in the other brain regions were not dissimilar between the two sexes. In conclusion, the magnitude and specific pattern of sex differences in manifestations and progression of clinically recorded changes in motor performance and MRI lesion distribution support, on clinical grounds, the possibility of certain sex-limited factor(s) which, beyond the predictable effect of the second, normal FMR1 alleles in female premutation carriers, may have neuroprotective effects, specifically concerning the cerebellar circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Z. Loesch
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anna Atkinson
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Paige Stimpson
- Wellness and Recovery Centre, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Trost
- Medical Imaging Department, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dean L. Pountney
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, NC, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University, Alfred Hospital Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Zafarullah M, Durbin-Johnson B, Fourie ES, Hessl DR, Rivera SM, Tassone F. Metabolomic Biomarkers Are Associated With Area of the Pons in Fragile X Premutation Carriers at Risk for Developing FXTAS. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:691717. [PMID: 34483988 PMCID: PMC8415564 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.691717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and cognition in male and female carriers of a premutation allele (55-200 CGG repeats; PM) in the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene. It is currently unknown how the observed brain changes are associated with metabolic signatures in individuals who develop the disorder over time. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between longitudinal changes in the brain (area of the pons, midbrain, and MCP width) and the changes in the expression level of metabolic biomarkers of early diagnosis and progression of FXTAS in PM who, as part of an ongoing longitudinal study, emerged into two distinct categories. These included those who developed symptoms of FXTAS (converters, CON) at subsequent visits and those who did not meet the criteria of diagnosis (non-converters, NCON) and were compared to age-matched healthy controls (HC). We assessed CGG repeat allele size by Southern Blot and PCR analysis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs) acquisition was obtained on a 3T Siemens Trio scanner and metabolomic profile was obtained by ultra-performance liquid chromatography, accurate mass spectrometer, and an Orbitrap mass analyzer. Our findings indicate that differential metabolite levels are linked with the area of the pons between healthy control and premutation groups. More specifically, we observed a significant association of ceramides and mannonate metabolites with a decreased area of the pons, both at visit 1 (V1) and visit 2 (V2) only in the CON as compared to the NCON group suggesting their potential role in the development of the disorder. In addition, we found a significant correlation of these metabolic signatures with the FXTAS stage at V2 indicating their contribution to the progression and pathogenesis of FXTAS. Interestingly, these metabolites, as part of lipid and sphingolipid lipids pathways, provide evidence of the role that their dysregulation plays in the development of FXTAS and inform us as potential targets for personalized therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Blythe Durbin-Johnson
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Emily S Fourie
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - David R Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
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34
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Loesch DZ, Kemp BE, Bui MQ, Fisher PR, Allan CY, Sanislav O, Ngoei KRW, Atkinson A, Tassone F, Annesley SJ, Storey E. Cellular Bioenergetics and AMPK and TORC1 Signalling in Blood Lymphoblasts Are Biomarkers of Clinical Status in FMR1 Premutation Carriers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:747268. [PMID: 34880790 PMCID: PMC8645580 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.747268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting carriers of premutation alleles (PM) of the X-linked FMR1 gene, which contain CGG repeat expansions of 55-200 range in a non-coding region. This late-onset disorder is characterised by the presence of tremor/ataxia and cognitive decline, associated with the white matter lesions throughout the brain, especially involving the middle cerebellar peduncles. Nearly half of older male and ~ 20% of female PM carriers develop FXTAS. While there is evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in neural and some peripheral tissues from FXTAS patients (though less obvious in the non-FXTAS PM carriers), the results from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are still controversial. Motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric impairments were correlated with measures of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial respiratory activity, AMPK, and TORC1 cellular stress-sensing protein kinases, and CGG repeat size, in a sample of adult FXTAS male and female carriers. Moreover, the levels of these cellular measures, all derived from Epstein- Barr virus (EBV)- transformed and easily accessible blood lymphoblasts, were compared between the FXTAS (N = 23) and non-FXTAS (n = 30) subgroups, and with baseline data from 33 healthy non-carriers. A significant hyperactivity of cellular bioenergetics components as compared with the baseline data, more marked in the non-FXTAS PMs, was negatively correlated with repeat numbers at the lower end of the CGG-PM distribution. Significant associations of these components with motor impairment measures, including tremor-ataxia and parkinsonism, and neuropsychiatric changes, were prevalent in the FXTAS subgroup. Moreover, a striking elevation of AMPK activity, and a decrease in TORC1 levels, especially in the non-FXTAS carriers, were related to the size of CGG expansion. The bioenergetics changes in blood lymphoblasts are biomarkers of the clinical status of FMR1 carriers. The relationship between these changes and neurological involvement in the affected carriers suggests that brain bioenergetic alterations are reflected in this peripheral tissue. A possible neuroprotective role of stress sensing kinase, AMPK, in PM carriers, should be addressed in future longitudinal studies. A decreased level of TORC1-the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex, suggests a possible future approach to therapy in FXTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Z Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Bruce E Kemp
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VA, Australia.,St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VA, Australia
| | - Minh Q Bui
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic, Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VA, Australia
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Claire Y Allan
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Kevin R W Ngoei
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VA, Australia
| | - Anna Atkinson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VA, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Monash University, Alfred Hospital Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Schneider A, Summers S, Tassone F, Seritan A, Hessl D, Hagerman P, Hagerman R. Women with Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:910-919. [PMID: 33163562 PMCID: PMC7604678 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder linked to the FMR1 premutation. OBJECTIVES FXTAS in women is far less common than in men, and this study represents the largest sample reported to date. METHODS A total of 53 female premutation carriers with FXTAS (meanage, 66.83 years; FXTAS stages 2-5) and 55 age-matched and demographic background-matched control participants (meanage, 61.94 years) underwent a comprehensive molecular, physiological, neuropsychological, and psychiatric assessment. RESULTS The large sample of female premutation carriers showed a wide range of variability of clinical signs and symptom progression. The imaging results showed a middle cerebellar peduncles sign in only 6 patients; another symptom included high-signal intensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum, and diffuse cerebral deep white matter changes (e.g., in the pons) are more common. The rate of psychiatric disorders, especially depression, is higher than in the general population. There is a clear impairment in executive functioning and fine motor skills in connection with a higher FXTAS stage. CONCLUSIONS The manifestation of FXTAS symptoms in female carriers can be diverse with a milder phenotype and a lower penetrance than those observed in male premutation carriers. The middle cerebellar peduncles sign is present in only a small percentage of the sample, and we propose that the imaging criteria for FXTAS in women need to be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schneider
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders InstituteSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of MedicineUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott Summers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Andreea Seritan
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for NeurosciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - David Hessl
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders InstituteSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paul Hagerman
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders InstituteSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of MedicineUniversity of California–Davis, Medical CenterSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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36
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O'Keefe JA, Guan J, Robertson E, Biskis A, Joyce J, Ouyang B, Liu Y, Carnes D, Purcell N, Berry-Kravis E, Hall DA. The Effects of Dual Task Cognitive Interference and Fast-Paced Walking on Gait, Turns, and Falls in Men and Women with FXTAS. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 20:212-221. [PMID: 33118140 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, tremor, and cognitive dysfunction. We examined the impact of dual-task (DT) cognitive-motor interference and fast-paced (FP) gait on gait and turning in FXTAS. Thirty participants with FXTAS and 35 age-matched controls underwent gait analysis using an inertial sensor-based 2-min walk test under three conditions: (1) self-selected pace (ST), (2) FP, and (3) DT with a concurrent verbal fluency task. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between FXTAS diagnosis and gait and turn outcomes. Correlations between gait variables and fall frequency were also calculated. FXTAS participants had reduced stride length and velocity, swing time, and peak turn velocity and greater double limb support time and number of steps to turn compared to controls under all three conditions. There was greater dual task cost of the verbal fluency task on peak turn velocity in men with FXTAS compared to controls. Additionally, stride length variability was increased and cadence was reduced in FXTAS participants in the FP condition. Stride velocity variability under FP gait was significantly associated with the number of self-reported falls in the last year. Greater motor control requirements for turning likely made men with FXTAS more susceptible to the negative effects of DT cognitive interference. FP gait exacerbated gait deficits in the domains of rhythm and variability, and increased gait variability with FP was associated with increased falls. These data may inform the design of rehabilitation strategies in FXTAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A O'Keefe
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Joseph Guan
- Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin Robertson
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Alexandras Biskis
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jessica Joyce
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Danielle Carnes
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Nicollette Purcell
- Department of Cell & Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deborah A Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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37
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O'Keefe JA, Bang D, Robertson EE, Biskis A, Ouyang B, Liu Y, Pal G, Berry‐Kravis E, Hall DA. Prodromal Markers of Upper Limb Deficits in FMR1 Premutation Carriers and Quantitative Outcome Measures for Future Clinical Trials in Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:810-819. [PMID: 33043077 PMCID: PMC7533995 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a rare, late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia, affecting premutation carriers (PMC) of CGG expansions (range, 55-200) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Discovery of early predictors for FXTAS and quantitative characterization of motor deficits are critical for identifying disease onset, monitoring disease progression, and determining efficacy of interventions. METHODS A total of 39 PMC with FXTAS, 20 PMC without FXTAS, and 27 healthy controls performed a series of upper extremity (UE) motor tasks assessing tremor, bradykinesia, and rapid alternating movements that were quantified using an inertial-based sensor system (Kinesia One; Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies, Cleveland, OH, USA). Sub-scores from the clinician-rated FXTAS Rating Scale were correlated with the severity scores generated by the sensor system to determine its validity in FXTAS. RESULTS PMC with FXTAS had significantly worse postural and kinetic tremor compared with PMC without FXTAS (P = 0.02, 0.03) and controls (P = 0.001, 0.0001), respectively, and slower finger tap (P = 0.001), hand movement (P = 0.0001), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.04) than controls. PMC without FXTAS had significantly worse right finger tap (P = 0.004), hand movement (P = 0.01), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.02) than controls. FXTAS Rating Scale subscores significantly correlated with all tremorography scores except for finger taps and left rapid alternating movement. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the use of inertial sensor quantification systems as promising measures for preclinical FXTAS symptom detection in PMC, characterization of the natural history of FXTAS, assessment of medication responses, and outcome assessment in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A. O'Keefe
- Department of Cell & Molecular MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Deborah Bang
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Erin E. Robertson
- Department of Cell & Molecular MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Alexandras Biskis
- Department of Cell & Molecular MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of PediatricsRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Gian Pal
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elizabeth Berry‐Kravis
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of BiochemistryRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
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38
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Magrinelli F, Latorre A, Balint B, Mackenzie M, Mulroy E, Stamelou M, Tinazzi M, Bhatia KP. Isolated and combined genetic tremor syndromes: a critical appraisal based on the 2018 MDS criteria. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2020; 77:121-140. [PMID: 32818815 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 2018 consensus statement on the classification of tremors proposes a two-axis categorization scheme based on clinical features and etiology. It also defines "isolated" and "combined" tremor syndromes depending on whether tremor is the sole clinical manifestation or is associated with other neurological or systemic signs. This syndromic approach provides a guide to investigate the underlying etiology of tremors, either genetic or acquired. Several genetic defects have been proven to cause tremor disorders, including autosomal dominant and recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial diseases, as well as chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, some tremor syndromes are recognized in individuals with a positive family history, but their genetic confirmation is pending. Although most genetic tremor disorders show a combined clinical picture, there are some distinctive conditions in which tremor may precede the appearance of other neurological signs by years or remain the prominent manifestation throughout the disease course, previously leading to misdiagnosis as essential tremor (ET). Advances in the knowledge of genetically determined tremors may have been hampered by the inclusion of heterogeneous entities in previous studies on ET. The recent classification of tremors therefore aims to provide more consistent clinical data for deconstructing the genetic basis of tremor syndromes in the next-generation and long-read sequencing era. This review outlines the wide spectrum of tremor disorders with defined or presumed genetic etiology, both isolated and combined, unraveling diagnostic clues of these conditions and focusing mainly on ET-like phenotypes. Furthermore, we suggest a phenotype-to-genotype algorithm to support clinicians in identifying tremor syndromes and guiding genetic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Magrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Anna Latorre
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Bettina Balint
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Melissa Mackenzie
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Eoin Mulroy
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria Stamelou
- Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
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39
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McKinney WS, Bartolotti J, Khemani P, Wang JY, Hagerman RJ, Mosconi MW. Cerebellar-cortical function and connectivity during sensorimotor behavior in aging FMR1 gene premutation carriers. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 27:102332. [PMID: 32711390 PMCID: PMC7381687 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
FMR1 premutation carriers show increased variability in motor control. Premutation carriers show reduced extrastriate activation during motor behavior. Premutation carriers show reduced extrastriate-cerebellar functional connectivity. Reduced extrastriate-cerebellar functional connectivity is related to motor issues.
Introduction Premutation carriers of the FMR1 gene are at risk of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric decline as well as cerebellar and cerebral white matter pathology. Several studies have documented preclinical sensorimotor issues in aging premutation carriers, but the extent to which sensorimotor brain systems are affected and may represent early indicators of atypical neurodegeneration has not been determined. Materials and methods Eighteen healthy controls and 16 FMR1 premutation carriers (including five with possible, probable, or definite FXTAS) group-matched on age, sex, and handedness completed a visually guided precision gripping task with their right hand during fMRI. During the test, they used a modified pinch grip to press at 60% of their maximum force against a custom fiber-optic transducer. Participants viewed a horizontal white force bar that moved upward with increased force and downward with decreased force and a static target bar that was red during rest and turned green to cue the participant to begin pressing at the beginning of each trial. Participants were instructed to press so that the white force bar stayed as steady as possible at the level of the green target bar. Trials were 2-sec in duration and alternated with 2-sec rest periods. Five 24-sec blocks consisting of six trials were presented. Participants’ reaction time, the accuracy of their force relative to the target force, and the variability of their force accuracy across trials were examined. BOLD signal change and task-based functional connectivity (FC) were examined during force vs. rest. Results Relative to healthy controls, premutation carriers showed increased trial-to-trial variability of force output, though this was specific to younger premutation carriers in our sample. Relative to healthy controls, premutation carriers also showed reduced extrastriate activation during force relative to rest. FC between ipsilateral cerebellar Crus I and extrastriate cortex was reduced in premutation carriers compared to controls. Reduced Crus I-extrastriate FC was related to increased force accuracy variability in premutation carriers. Increased reaction time was associated with more severe clinically rated neurological abnormalities. Conclusions Findings of reduced activation in extrastriate cortex and reduced Crus I-extrastriate FC implicate deficient visual feedback processing and reduced cerebellar modulation of corrective motor commands. Our results are consistent with documented cerebellar pathology and visual-spatial processing in FXTAS and pre-symptomatic premutation carriers, and suggest FC alterations of cerebellar-cortical networks during sensorimotor behavior may represent a “prodromal” feature associated with FXTAS degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S McKinney
- Life Span Institute and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
| | - James Bartolotti
- Life Span Institute and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
| | - Pravin Khemani
- Department of Neurology, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98122, USA.
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, USA.
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- MIND Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 2825 50th St., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Matthew W Mosconi
- Life Span Institute and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
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Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS): Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124391. [PMID: 32575683 PMCID: PMC7352421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder seen in older premutation (55-200 CGG repeats) carriers of FMR1. The premutation has excessive levels of FMR1 mRNA that lead to toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. The clinical features usually begin in the 60 s with an action or intention tremor followed by cerebellar ataxia, although 20% have only ataxia. MRI features include brain atrophy and white matter disease, especially in the middle cerebellar peduncles, periventricular areas, and splenium of the corpus callosum. Neurocognitive problems include memory and executive function deficits, although 50% of males can develop dementia. Females can be less affected by FXTAS because of a second X chromosome that does not carry the premutation. Approximately 40% of males and 16% of female carriers develop FXTAS. Since the premutation can occur in less than 1 in 200 women and 1 in 400 men, the FXTAS diagnosis should be considered in patients that present with tremor, ataxia, parkinsonian symptoms, neuropathy, and psychiatric problems. If a family history of a fragile X mutation is known, then FMR1 DNA testing is essential in patients with these symptoms.
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Zhao C, Liu Y, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang B, Yue Y, Zhang J. A Chinese case of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) with orthostatic tremor:case report and literature review on tremor in FXTAS. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:145. [PMID: 32312236 PMCID: PMC7171746 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01726-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late onset, X-linked genetic, neurodegenerative disorder caused by a "premutation (PM)" in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Here we report a case of FXTAS from mainland of China who presented with rare orthostatic tremor. A review of tremor of FXTAS in the literature is also included. CASE PRESENTATION A 67-year-old right-handed farmer started with tremor of both legs 8 years ago which was present while standing but absent when sitting or lying and progressed with unsteady gait one and a half years ago. The brain MRI showed high intensity signal in the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP) in T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images and gene test for premutation for FMR1 was positive with 101 CGG repeats. The patient met the the diagnosis of definite FXTAS. Clonazepam and topiramate were administered to control tremor. We reviewed the literature and identified 64 cases with detailed clinical and genetic information. Orthostatic tremor associated with FXTAS is very rare. We found 85.2% patients reported tremor,42.6% with intention tremor,36.1% with kinetic tremor,32.8% with rest tremor and 29.5% with posture tremor. 37.7% of patients who have tremor showed at least two types of tremor. There were 6 patients with isolated rest tremor. There was 2 patient with voice tremor and 6 with head tremor. We also found that 74.6% FXTAS patients had family history of FMR1 gene associated diseases including Fragile X syndrome (FXS), FXTAS or fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). CONCLUSIONS Adding our data to the available literature suggests that orthostatic tremor could be a rare initial manifestation of FXTAS and the review will increasing our understanding the phenotype of tremor in FXTAS. Family history of FMR1 gene associated diseases might be an important clue to the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yihua Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yaoxian Yue
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jianyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua west Rd, Jinan, 250012, China
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Islam F, Lee W. A Case of Generalized Chorea Presenting as an Early Feature of Fragile-X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:464-466. [PMID: 32373667 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fariha Islam
- Neurology Department, Eastern Health Box Hill Victoria Australia
| | - Will Lee
- Neurology Department, Eastern Health Box Hill Victoria Australia
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Claeys T, Boogers A, Vanneste D. MRI findings in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Acta Neurol Belg 2020; 120:181-183. [PMID: 31707683 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01237-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Robertson EE, Hall DA, Pal G, Ouyang B, Liu Y, Joyce JM, Berry-Kravis E, O'Keefe JA. Tremorography in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Clin Park Relat Disord 2020; 3:100040. [PMID: 34316626 PMCID: PMC8298795 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2020.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting carriers of a 55-200 CGG repeat in the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene, may receive an initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET) due to overlapping motor symptoms. Therefore, tremor and bradykinesia were compared in these disorders using quantitative tremorography. Methods The inertial sensor based Kinesia ™ system was used to quantify upper extremity tremor and bradykinesia in participants with FXTAS (n = 25), PD (n = 23), ET (n = 18) and controls (n = 20) and regression analysis was performed to determine whether tremorography measures distinguished between the groups. The FXTAS Rating scale (FXTAS-RS) was administered to determine whether sub-score items on the clinician rated scale correlated with tremorography variables. Results FXTAS participants had reduced finger tap speed compared to those with ET, and ET had increased kinetic tremor compared to PD. Higher kinetic tremor distinguished FXTAS from PD (p = .02), and lower finger tap speed distinguished FXTAS from ET (p = .004). FXTAS-RS tremor and bradykinesia items correlated with tremorography measures (p = .005 to <0.0001). Conclusions This is the first quantitative study to compare tremor and bradykinesia in FXTAS, PD and ET. Kinetic tremor and bradykinesia measures using a quantitative inertial sensor system distinguished FXTAS from PD and ET, respectively. Such technologies may be useful for detecting precise tremor and bradykinesia abnormalities and distinguishing the tremor and bradykinesia profiles in each of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Robertson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Gian Pal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Bichun Ouyang
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Jessica M Joyce
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joan A O'Keefe
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America.,Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Pollini L, Galosi S, Nardecchia F, Musacchia F, Castello R, Nigro V, Leuzzi V. Parkinsonism, Intellectual Disability, and Catatonia in a Young Male With MECP2 Variant. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2019; 7:118-119. [PMID: 31970230 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pollini
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine Pozzuoli Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
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Payne K, Walls B, Wojcieszek J. Approach to Assessment of Parkinson Disease with Emphasis on Genetic Testing. Med Clin North Am 2019; 103:1055-1075. [PMID: 31582004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a nongeneticist's guide to understanding the genetics of Parkinson disease (PD), including clinical diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, symptom management, when to suspect a hereditary factor, a summary of autosomal dominant and recessive PD genes, and proposed algorithm for genetic testing. There is increasing availability of genetic testing for PD but there are few recommendations on how these tests should be used in clinical practice. This article guides clinicians on the overall management of patients with PD, with emphasis on determining which patients should have genetic testing and how to interpret the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Payne
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Suite 4700, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Brooke Walls
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Suite 4700, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Joanne Wojcieszek
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Suite 4700, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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López-Blanco R, Uriarte-Pérez de Urabayen D, Méndez-Guerrero A. Reader response: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease showing intranuclear inclusions in renal biopsy 12 years earlier. Neurology 2019; 93:414. [PMID: 31451594 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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48
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Hocking DR, Loesch DZ, Trost N, Bui MQ, Hammersley E, Francis D, Tassone F, Storey E. Total and Regional White Matter Lesions Are Correlated With Motor and Cognitive Impairments in Carriers of the FMR1 Premutation. Front Neurol 2019; 10:832. [PMID: 31456732 PMCID: PMC6700239 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the relationships between hemispheric and cerebellar white matter lesions and motor and cognitive impairments in male carriers of Fragile-X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation alleles, and in a subgroup of these carriers affected with Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Regional and total white matter hyperintensities (wmhs) on MRI, assessed using semiquantitative scores, were correlated with three motor rating scales (ICARS, UPDRS, Tremor), and neuropsychological measures of non-verbal reasoning, working memory and processing speed, in a sample of 30 male premutation carriers aged 39–81 years, and separately in a subsample of 17 of these carriers affected with FXTAS. There were significant relationships between wmhs in the infratentorial region and all three motor scales, as well as several cognitive measures—Prorated IQ, Matrix Reasoning, Similarities, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), in the total sample of carriers, as well as in the FXTAS group separately. This shows that whms within the infratentorial region correlates across the categories of clinical status with a range of motor and cognitive impairments. In the FXTAS group, there was a highly significant relationship between supratentorial (periventricular) lesions and parkinsonism, and between both periventricular and supratentorial deep white matter and ICARS ataxia score. These findings further support the relevance of white matter changes in different brain regions to the motor and cognitive deficits across the spectrum of premutation involvement. Future longitudinal studies using larger sample sizes will be necessary to examine the factors that lead to conversion to a greater extent of neurological involvement as seen in the progression across the FXTAS spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren R Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Danuta Z Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Trost
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Minh Q Bui
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eleanor Hammersley
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Francis
- VCGS Cytogenetics Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,School of Medicine, MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine (Neuroscience), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Fay-Karmon T, Hassin-Baer S. The spectrum of tremor among carriers of the FMR1 premutation with or without the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 65:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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50
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Lieto M, Roca A, Santorelli FM, Fico T, De Michele G, Bellofatto M, Saccà F, De Michele G, Filla A. Degenerative and acquired sporadic adult onset ataxia. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1335-1342. [PMID: 30927137 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of sporadic adult onset ataxia is a challenging task since a large collection of hereditary and non-hereditary disorders should be taken into consideration. Sporadic adult onset ataxias include degenerative non-hereditary, hereditary, and acquired ataxias. Multiple system atrophy and idiopathic late cerebellar ataxia are degenerative non-hereditary ataxias. Late-onset Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 and 2, and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome account for most sporadic hereditary ataxias. Alcoholic cerebellar degeneration, paraneoplastic and other autoimmune cerebellar degeneration, vitamin deficiencies, and toxic-induced and infectious cerebellar syndrome are the main causes of acquired cerebellar degeneration. The diagnostic approach should include a history taking, disease progression, general and neurological examination, brain MRI, and laboratory and genetic tests. Novel opportunities in massive gene sequencing will increase the likelihood to define true etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lieto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Roca
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Tommasina Fico
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Bellofatto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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