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Ott P, Sandahl T, Ala A, Cassiman D, Couchonnal-Bedoya E, Cury RG, Czlonkowska A, Denk G, D’Inca R, de Assis Aquino Gondim F, Moore J, Poujois A, Twardowschy CA, Weiss KH, Zuin M, Kamlin CF, Schilsky ML. Non-ceruloplasmin copper and urinary copper in clinically stable Wilson disease: Alignment with recommended targets. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101115. [PMID: 39139457 PMCID: PMC11321293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101115] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Wilson disease (WD) is caused by accumulation of copper primarily in the liver and brain. During maintenance therapy of WD with D-penicillamine, current guidelines recommend on-treatment ranges of urinary copper excretion (UCE) of 200-500 μg/24 h and serum non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) of 50-150 μg/L. We compared NCC (measured by two novel assays) and UCE from patients with clinically stable WD on D-penicillamine therapy with these recommendations. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from the Chelate trial (NCT03539952) that enrolled physician-selected patients with clinically stable WD on D-penicillamine maintenance therapy (at an unaltered dose for at least 4 months). We analyzed laboratory samples from the first screening visit, prior to interventions. NCC was measured by either protein speciation (NCC-Sp) using anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography protein speciation followed by copper determination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy or as exchangeable copper (NCC-Ex). NCC-Sp was also analyzed in healthy controls (n = 75). Results In 76 patients with WD with 21.3±14.3 average treatment-years, NCC-Sp (mean±SD: 56.6±26.2 μg/L) and NCC-Ex (mean±SD: 57.9±24.7 μg/L) were within the 50-150 μg/L target in 61% and 54% of patients, respectively. In addition, 36% and 31%, respectively, were even below the normal ranges (NCC-Sp: 46-213 μg/L, NCC-Ex: 41-71 μg/L). NCC-Ex positively correlated with NCC-Sp (r2 = 0.66, p <0.001) but with systematic deviation. UCE was outside the 200-500 μg/24 h target range in 58%. Only 14/69 (20%) fulfilled both the NCC-Sp and UCE targets. Clinical or biochemical signs of copper deficiency were not detected. Conclusion Clinically stable patients with WD on maintenance D-penicillamine therapy frequently have lower NCC-Sp or higher UCE than current recommendations without signs of overtreatment. Further studies are warranted to identify appropriate target ranges of NCC-Sp, NCC-Ex and UCE in treated WD. Impact and implications Chelator treatment of patients with Wilson disease (WD) is currently guided by measurements of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) and 24 h urinary copper excretion (UCE) but validation is limited. In 76 adults with ≈21 years history of treated WD and clinically stable disease on D-penicillamine therapy, NCC was commonly found to be below normal values and recommended target ranges whether measured by protein speciation (NCC-Sp) or as exchangeable copper (NCC-Ex), while UCE values were above the recommended target range in 49%. Common wisdom would suggest overtreatment in these cases, but no clinical or biochemical signs of copper deficiency were observed. Exploratory analysis of liver enzymes suggested that NCC below levels seen in controls may be beneficial, while the relation to UCE was less clear. The data calls for critical re-evaluation of target ranges for treatment of WD, specific for drug and laboratory methodology. Clinical trial number (NCT03539952).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ott
- Dept. of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital,8200 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas Sandahl
- Dept. of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital,8200 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Aftab Ala
- Institute of Liver Studies King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Cassiman
- University Hospitals, Leuven - Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Dept. of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eduardo Couchonnal-Bedoya
- Hospices Civils de Lyon- Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant - Hépatologie, Gastroentérologie et Nutrition pédiatrique, Centre de Référence de la maladie de Wilson, 59 boulevard Pinel, 69677 BRON, France
| | - Rubens Gisbert Cury
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, R. Dr. Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255- Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Czlonkowska
- 2 Depatment of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02 957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerald Denk
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II/Transplantation Center, LMU Klinikum, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Renata D’Inca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francisco de Assis Aquino Gondim
- Nucleo de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos – Universidade Federal do Ceará - Rodolfo Teófilo R. Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza CE60430-275, Brazil
| | - Joanna Moore
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Merville Building, LS9 7TF Leeds, UK
| | - Aurelia Poujois
- Département de Neurologie, Centre de Reference de la Maladie de Wilson, Hopital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | | | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Salem Medical Center, Dept. Of Internal Medicine, Zeppelinstr. 11-33, Heidelberg 69121, Germany
| | - Massimo Zuin
- U.O. Medicina Generale Epatologia e Gastroenterologia Medica ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo. Via A. Di Rudinì, 8, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Michael L. Schilsky
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Sections of Digestive Diseases and Transplant and Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, LMP 1080, New Haven - Connecticut 06510, USA
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Gromadzka G, Wilkaniec A, Tarnacka B, Hadrian K, Bendykowska M, Przybyłkowski A, Litwin T. The Role of Glia in Wilson's Disease: Clinical, Neuroimaging, Neuropathological and Molecular Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7545. [PMID: 39062788 PMCID: PMC11276698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147545] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by pathogenic variants of the ATP7B gene, which are responsible for impaired copper transport in the cell, inhibition of copper binding to apoceruloplasmin, and biliary excretion. This leads to the accumulation of copper in the tissues. Copper accumulation in the CNS leads to the neurological and psychiatric symptoms of WD. Abnormalities of copper metabolism in WD are associated with impaired iron metabolism. Both of these elements are redox active and may contribute to neuropathology. It has long been assumed that among parenchymal cells, astrocytes have the greatest impact on copper and iron homeostasis in the brain. Capillary endothelial cells are separated from the neuropil by astrocyte terminal legs, putting astrocytes in an ideal position to regulate the transport of iron and copper to other brain cells and protect them if metals breach the blood-brain barrier. Astrocytes are responsible for, among other things, maintaining extracellular ion homeostasis, modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity, obtaining metabolites, and protecting the brain against oxidative stress and toxins. However, excess copper and/or iron causes an increase in the number of astrocytes and their morphological changes observed in neuropathological studies, as well as a loss of the copper/iron storage function leading to macromolecule peroxidation and neuronal loss through apoptosis, autophagy, or cuproptosis/ferroptosis. The molecular mechanisms explaining the possible role of glia in copper- and iron-induced neurodegeneration in WD are largely understood from studies of neuropathology in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the mechanisms of glial involvement in neuroprotection/neurotoxicity is important for explaining the pathomechanisms of neuronal death in WD and, in the future, perhaps for developing more effective diagnostic/treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Gromadzka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wilkaniec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Tarnacka
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Warsaw, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Hadrian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland (A.P.)
| | - Maria Bendykowska
- Students Scientific Association “Immunis”, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Przybyłkowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland (A.P.)
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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Chaturvedi A, Sharma S, Shukla R. Nano-Mediated Molecular Targeting in Diagnosis and Mitigation of Wilson Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4240-4258. [PMID: 38066399 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene disrupts copper metabolism, leading to its harmful accumulation in hepatocytes, the brain, and other organs. It affects roughly 1 in 30,000 individuals, with 1 in 90 being gene carriers. Beyond gene mutations, the disease involves complex factors contributing to copper imbalance. Ongoing research seeks to unravel intricate molecular pathways, offering fresh insights into the disease's mechanisms. Simultaneously, there is a dedicated effort to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-driven formulations are showing promise for both treatment and early diagnosis of Wilson disease. This comprehensive review covers the entire spectrum of the condition, encompassing pathophysiology, potential biomarkers, established and emerging therapies, ongoing clinical trials, and innovative nanotechnology applications. This multifaceted approach holds the potential to improve our understanding, diagnosis, and management of Wilson's disease, which remains a challenging and potentially life-threatening disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Chaturvedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli (NIPER-Raebareli), Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow, UP, 226002, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali University, Banasthali, Rajasthan, 304022, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli (NIPER-Raebareli), Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow, UP, 226002, India.
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Antos A, Członkowska A, Bembenek J, Skowronska M, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Litwin T. Blood Based Biomarkers of Central Nervous System Involvement in Wilson's Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091554. [PMID: 37174946 PMCID: PMC10177361 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism with clinical symptoms related to pathological copper accumulation, which are mainly hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric. The disease is potentially treatable with pharmacological agents (chelators or zinc salts). As such, key factors for a favorable treatment outcome are early diagnosis and anti-copper treatment initiation as well as appropriate treatment monitoring for safety and efficacy. Despite the generally favorable outcome in most treated patients, almost 10% of the general population of WD patients and about 25% of patients in the group with initial neurological phenotype of disease experience early neurological deterioration. In almost 50% of patients with neurological symptoms, the symptoms persist. A search for new treatment modalities (e.g., gene therapy, molybdenum salts) aims to prevent early neurological deterioration as well as improve treatment outcomes. In addition to evaluating the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, serum biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring are very important for WD management. Sensitive serum biomarkers of copper metabolism and liver injury are well described. However, there is a need to establish blood-based biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) injury to help identify patients at risk of early neurological deterioration and aid in their monitoring. Based on the available literature and studies of WD patients, the authors reviewed serum biomarkers of CNS involvement in WD, as well as their potential clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Bembenek
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skowronska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Kurkowska-Jastrzębska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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Ryan A, Twomey PJ, Cook P. Wilson's disease: best practice. J Clin Pathol 2023:jcp-2022-208551. [PMID: 37045587 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208551] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder arising from pathogenic variants in the Atp7b gene on chromosome 13. The defective translated ATPase copper (Cu) transport protein produced leads to Cu accumulation, initially affecting the liver but eventually affecting other cells. It is just over 20 years since the last Best Practice on this topic in this journal. This review is an update on this, covering new disease biomarkers, pathogenesis, assumptions around clinical features and developments in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Ryan
- Chemical Pathology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland, Cork University Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory, Cork, Ireland
- Pathology, School of Medicine, University College Cork College of Medicine and Health, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick J Twomey
- Clinical Chemistry, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University College Dublin School of Medicine and Medical Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Cook
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Smolinski L, Ziemssen T, Akgun K, Antos A, Skowrońska M, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Członkowska A, Litwin T. Brain Atrophy Is Substantially Accelerated in Neurological Wilson's Disease: A Longitudinal Study. Mov Disord 2022; 37:2446-2451. [PMID: 36165286 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although brain atrophy is common in neurological Wilson's disease, longitudinal studies are lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to measure longitudinal brain atrophy rate and to relate it to the change in neurological impairment in Wilson's disease. METHODS We included patients with brain imaging done at diagnosis and at least 12 months later. The atrophy rate was measured as percentage change in ventricular volume, whereas the change in neurological impairment was scored on the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale. RESULTS Of 57 patients, 36 had neurological presentation, 17 had hepatic presentation, and 4 were presymptomatic. The annualized atrophy rate was significantly greater in patients with the neurological presentation than in other patients (P = 0.001). In the neurological presentation, the atrophy rate correlated with the change in impairment (rho = 0.39, P = 0.018) and was significantly greater in those with worsening after diagnosis than in those without worsening (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Brain atrophy rate appears as a promising marker of neurodegeneration in Wilson's disease. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Smolinski
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus & Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Akgun
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus & Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skowrońska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Brain microstructural abnormalities in patients with Wilson’s disease: A systematic review of diffusion tenor imaging studies. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:2809-2840. [DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00733-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Petzold A. The 2022 Lady Estelle Wolfson lectureship on neurofilaments. J Neurochem 2022; 163:179-219. [PMID: 35950263 PMCID: PMC9826399 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurofilament proteins (Nf) have been validated and established as a reliable body fluid biomarker for neurodegenerative pathology. This review covers seven Nf isoforms, Nf light (NfL), two splicing variants of Nf medium (NfM), two splicing variants of Nf heavy (NfH), α -internexin (INA) and peripherin (PRPH). The genetic and epigenetic aspects of Nf are discussed as relevant for neurodegenerative diseases and oncology. The comprehensive list of mutations for all Nf isoforms covers Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, Spinal muscular atrophy, Parkinson Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Next, emphasis is given to the expanding field of post-translational modifications (PTM) of the Nf amino acid residues. Protein structural aspects are reviewed alongside PTMs causing neurodegenerative pathology and human autoimmunity. Molecular visualisations of NF PTMs, assembly and stoichiometry make use of Alphafold2 modelling. The implications for Nf function on the cellular level and axonal transport are discussed. Neurofilament aggregate formation and proteolytic breakdown are reviewed as relevant for biomarker tests and disease. Likewise, Nf stoichiometry is reviewed with regard to in vitro experiments and as a compensatory mechanism in neurodegeneration. The review of Nf across a spectrum of 87 diseases from all parts of medicine is followed by a critical appraisal of 33 meta-analyses on Nf body fluid levels. The review concludes with considerations for clinical trial design and an outlook for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Petzold
- Department of NeurodegenerationQueen Square Insitute of Neurology, UCLLondonUK
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Ziemssen T, Smolinski L, Członkowska A, Akgun K, Antos A, Bembenek J, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Przybyłkowski A, Skowrońska M, Redzia-Ogrodnik B, Litwin T. Serum neurofilament light chain and initial severity of neurological disease predict the early neurological deterioration in Wilson's disease. Acta Neurol Belg 2022:10.1007/s13760-022-02091-z. [PMID: 36098934 PMCID: PMC9469052 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background In Wilson’s disease (WD), early neurological deterioration after treatment initiation is associated with poor outcomes; however, data on this phenomenon are limited. Our study analysed the frequency and risk factors of early neurological deterioration in WD. Methods Early neurological deterioration, within 6 months from diagnosis, was defined based on the Unified Wilson’s Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS): any increase in part II or an increase of ≥ 4 in part III. In total, 61 newly diagnosed WD patients were included. UWDRS scores, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores, copper metabolism parameters, treatment type and serum neuro-filament light chain (sNfL) concentrations at diagnosis were analysed as potential risk factors of early deterioration. Results Early neurological deterioration was observed in 16.3% of all WD patients; all cases of worsening occurred in the neurological phenotype (27.7%). Higher scores were seen in those who deteriorated compared with those who did not for UWDRS part II (4.3 ± 5.0 vs 2.0 ± 5.9; p < 0.05), UWDRS part III (21.5 ± 14.1 vs 9.3 ± 16.4; p < 0.01) and MRI-assessed chronic damage (3.2 ± 1.6 vs 1.4 ± 2.2; p = 0.006); all these variables indicated the initial severity of neurological disease. Pre-treatment sNfL concentrations were significantly higher in patients who deteriorated compared with those who did not (33.2 ± 23.5 vs 27.6 ± 62.7 pg/mL; p < 0.01). In univariate logistic regression amongst all patients, chronic damage MRI scores, UWDRS part III scores and sNfL concentrations predicated early deterioration. In the neurological WD, only sNFL were a significant predictor. In bivariate logistic regression amongst all patients, sNfL remained the only significant predictor of deterioration when corrected for MRI scores. Conclusion sNfL concentrations are a promising biomarker of the risk of early neurological deterioration in WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus and Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lukasz Smolinski
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katja Akgun
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus and Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Bembenek
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Kurkowska-Jastrzębska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Przybyłkowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skowrońska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
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Avan A, Członkowska A, Gaskin S, Granzotto A, Sensi SL, Hoogenraad TU. The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Wilson’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169316. [PMID: 36012580 PMCID: PMC9409413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson’s disease (WD) is a hereditary disorder of copper metabolism, producing abnormally high levels of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper, the determinant of the pathogenic process causing brain and hepatic damage and dysfunction. Although the disease is invariably fatal without medication, it is treatable and many of its adverse effects are reversible. Diagnosis is difficult due to the large range and severity of symptoms. A high index of suspicion is required as patients may have only a few of the many possible biomarkers. The genetic prevalence of ATP7B variants indicates higher rates in the population than are currently diagnosed. Treatments have evolved from chelators that reduce stored copper to zinc, which reduces the toxic levels of circulating non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper. Zinc induces intestinal metallothionein, which blocks copper absorption and increases excretion in the stools, resulting in an improvement in symptoms. Two meta-analyses and several large retrospective studies indicate that zinc is equally effective as chelators for the treatment of WD, with the advantages of a very low level of toxicity and only the minor side effect of gastric disturbance. Zinc is recommended as a first-line treatment for neurological presentations and is gaining acceptance for hepatic presentations. It is universally recommended for lifelong maintenance therapy and for presymptomatic WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Avan
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 93518-88415, Iran
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Członkowska
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Susan Gaskin
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNISC), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stefano L. Sensi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNISC), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Tjaard U. Hoogenraad
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Shribman S, Burrows M, Convery R, Bocchetta M, Sudre CH, Acosta-Cabronero J, Thomas DL, Gillett GT, Tsochatzis EA, Bandmann O, Rohrer JD, Warner TT. Neuroimaging Correlates of Cognitive Deficits in Wilson's Disease. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1728-1738. [PMID: 35723521 PMCID: PMC9542291 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is common in neurological presentations of Wilson's disease (WD). Various domains can be affected, and subclinical deficits have been reported in patients with hepatic presentations. Associations with imaging abnormalities have not been systematically tested. OBJECTIVE The aim was to determine the neuroanatomical basis for cognitive deficits in WD. METHODS We performed a 16-item neuropsychological test battery and magnetic resonance brain imaging in 40 patients with WD. The scores for each test were compared between patients with neurological and hepatic presentations and with normative data. Associations with Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale neurological examination subscores were examined. Quantitative, whole-brain, multimodal imaging analyses were used to identify associations with neuroimaging abnormalities in chronically treated stable patients. RESULTS Abstract reasoning, executive function, processing speed, calculation, and visuospatial function scores were lower in patients with neurological presentations than in those with hepatic presentations and correlated with neurological examination subscores. Deficits in abstract reasoning and phonemic fluency were associated with lower putamen volumes even after controlling for neurological severity. About half of patients with hepatic presentations had poor performance in memory for faces, cognitive flexibility, or associative learning relative to normative data. These deficits were associated with widespread cortical atrophy and/or white matter diffusion abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Subtle cognitive deficits in patients with seemingly hepatic presentations represent a distinct neurological phenotype associated with diffuse cortical and white matter pathology. This may precede the classical neurological phenotype characterized by movement disorders and executive dysfunction and be associated with basal ganglia damage. A binary phenotypic classification for WD may no longer be appropriate. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Shribman
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
| | - Maggie Burrows
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
| | - Rhian Convery
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martina Bocchetta
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carole H Sudre
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David L Thomas
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.,Neuroradiological Academic Unit, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Godfrey T Gillett
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health and Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Bandmann
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas T Warner
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London
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12
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Wang RM, Xu WQ, Zheng ZW, Yang GM, Zhang MY, Ke HZ, Xia N, Dong Y, Wu ZY. Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in Wilson's Disease: A Promising Indicator but Unparallel to Real-Time Treatment Response. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1531-1535. [PMID: 35507442 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilson's disease (WD) currently lacks a promising indicator that could reflect neurological impairment and monitor treatment outcome. We aimed to investigate whether serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) functions as a candidate for disease assessment and treatment monitoring of WD. METHODS We assessed preclinical and manifested WD patients' sNfL levels compared to controls and analyzed the differences between patients with various clinical symptoms. We then explored the correlation between clinical scales and sNfL levels. And repeated measurements were performed in 34 patients before and after treatment. RESULTS WD patients with neurological involvement had significantly higher sNfL levels than both hepatic patients and controls. Positive correlations were found between Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale scores and sNfL and between semiquantitative magnetic resonance imaging scales and sNfL levels in WD patients. However, in the treatment follow-up analysis, the trend of sNfL before and after treatment disaccorded with clinical response. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that sNfL levels can be an ideal indicator for the severity of neurological involvement but fail to evaluate change in disease condition after treatment. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rou-Min Wang
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Qing Xu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zheng
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Min Yang
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Zhen Ke
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Wu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Genetics in Second Affiliated Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
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13
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Hou H, Chen D, Liu J, Feng L, Zhang J, Liang X, Xu Y, Li X. Clinical and Genetic Analysis in Neurological Wilson’s Disease Patients With Neurological Worsening Following Chelator Therapy. Front Genet 2022; 13:875694. [PMID: 35444691 PMCID: PMC9013891 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.875694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: None of the previous studies have focused on the genetic effect on neurological worsening in neurological Wilson’s disease (WD) patients following chelator therapy. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and genetic role in the occurrence of neurological worsening. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of neurological WD patients who received initial chelator therapy and genetic test. Clinical, laboratory, and genetic data were collected. The genotype was classified into two types: 1) severe mutation genotype: patients who carried at least one of the following three types of mutations: frameshift mutation, splicing mutation, or nonsense mutation; 2) non-severe mutation genotype: patients who only carried missense mutations. Then, the clinical features and genotype of the patients with and without neurological worsening were investigated. Results: Forty-seven neurological WD patients were identified with a median age at onset of 16.17 years (range 7.75–47 years) and 35 (74.5%) males. The mean interval from onset to diagnosis was 0.6 years (range: 0.5 months-6.25 years). Neurological deterioration was observed in 29 patients (61.7%) and the other 18 patients (38.3%) were stable or improved during anti-copper treatment. The neurological worsening was completely irreversible in 6 cases (20.7%) and partially irreversible in 16 cases (55.2%). The common deteriorated symptoms were as follows: rigidity in 20 cases (69%), speech difficulties in 20 cases (69%)), walking difficulties in 13 cases (44.8%), dysphagia in 9 cases (31%), and salivation in 9 cases (31%). The patients with neurological worsening had significantly younger age (p = 0.028), shorter delayed diagnosis time (p = 0.011), higher rate of dystonia (p = 0.003), and severe mutation genotype (p = 0.036), compared to those without neurological worsening. Conclusion: We found that younger age of onset, the presence of dystonia, and genotype with severe mutations may be predictive of neurological worsening in the neurological WD patients that received chelator therapy. For those patients, chelator therapy should be given with caution and needs closer observation during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiman Hou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dingbang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxiu Liu
- The First People’s Hospital of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuling Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuming Xu, ; Xunhua Li,
| | - Xunhua Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuming Xu, ; Xunhua Li,
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14
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Ziemssen T, Akgun K, Członkowska A, Antos A, Bembenek J, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Przybyłkowski A, Skowrońska M, Smolinski L, Litwin T. Serum Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker of Brain Injury in Wilson's Disease: Clinical and Neuroradiological Correlations. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1074-1079. [PMID: 35114010 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical scales and neuroimaging are used to monitor nervous system injury in Wilson's disease, while data on serum markers are scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether serum concentrations of neurofilament light chain (sNfL) correlate with brain injury in Wilson's disease patients. METHODS In 61 treatment-naïve patients, the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale and a validated semiquantitative brain magnetic resonance imaging scale were compared with concentrations of sNfL. RESULTS Concentrations of sNfL were significantly higher in patients with neurological disease compared with patients presenting with other forms (39.7 ± 73.4 pg/mL vs. 13.3 ± 9.2 pg/mL; P < 0.01). Moreover, the sNfL concentration positively correlated with neurological severity scores and with acute and chronic brain damage based on the neuroimaging scale. CONCLUSIONS Neurofilament light chain concentrations may be used as a marker of brain injury in Wilson's disease, in addition to the clinical and neuroimaging disease severity scales. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus & Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Akgun
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus & Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Bembenek
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Adam Przybyłkowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skowrońska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Smolinski
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Plasma neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in Wilson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 95:5-10. [PMID: 34942565 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofilament light chain (NfL) was recently proposed as a promising blood biomarker for nervous system diseases, including Wilson's disease (WD). In this study, we investigated plasma NfL concentrations in patients with different types of WD and their correlations with clinical manifestations and brain atrophy. METHODS Seventy-five WD cases (54 neurological type, 21 hepatic type) and 27 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. We compared plasma NfL concentrations between the different types and correlated them with Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) scores. Patients were allocated to stable and unstable groups according to changes in UWDRS scores and clinical assessment. We compared the differences in plasma NfL concentrations between groups. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and FreeSurfer software were used to analyze MRI images. We investigated the correlation between plasma NfL concentrations and volume of gray matter, white matter, and several areas of interest in the brain MRI of 24 patients. RESULTS Plasma NfL concentrations were significantly higher in neurological type WD than in hepatic type WD (8.16 vs. 3.19 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Plasma NfL concentrations were positively correlated with UWDRS scores (r = 0.291, p = 0.035) in patients with neurological type WD. Plasma NfL was significantly higher in unstable patients than in stable patients (10.74 vs. 7.23 pg/mL, p = 0.004). Significant negative associations were found between plasma NfL level and the volumes of total gray matter, bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen, and nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION Plasma NfL is valuable as a biomarker for neurological damage in patients with WD.
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16
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Shribman S, Poujois A, Bandmann O, Czlonkowska A, Warner TT. Wilson's disease: update on pathogenesis, biomarkers and treatments. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:1053-1061. [PMID: 34341141 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Wilson's disease is an autosomal-recessive disorder of copper metabolism caused by mutations in ATP7B and associated with neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and hepatic manifestations. Decoppering treatments are used to prevent disease progression and reduce symptoms, but neurological outcomes remain mixed. In this article, we review the current understanding of pathogenesis, biomarkers and treatments for Wilson's disease from the neurological perspective, with a focus on recent advances. The genetic and molecular mechanisms associated with ATP7B dysfunction have been well characterised, but despite extensive efforts to identify genotype-phenotype correlations, the reason why only some patients develop neurological or psychiatric features remains unclear. We discuss pathological processes through which copper accumulation leads to neurodegeneration, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, the role of brain iron metabolism and the broader concept of selective neuronal vulnerability in Wilson's disease. Delayed diagnoses continue to be a major problem for patients with neurological presentations. We highlight limitations in our current approach to making a diagnosis and novel diagnostic biomarkers, including the potential for newborn screening programmes. We describe recent progress in developing imaging and wet (fluid) biomarkers for neurological involvement, including findings from quantitative MRI and other neuroimaging studies, and the development of a semiquantitative scoring system for assessing radiological severity. Finally, we cover the use of established and novel chelating agents, paradoxical neurological worsening, and progress developing targeted molecular and gene therapy for Wilson's disease, before discussing future directions for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Shribman
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Aurelia Poujois
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Centre for Wilson's Disease, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Oliver Bandmann
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Czlonkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Thomas T Warner
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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17
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Yuan A, Nixon RA. Neurofilament Proteins as Biomarkers to Monitor Neurological Diseases and the Efficacy of Therapies. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:689938. [PMID: 34646114 PMCID: PMC8503617 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.689938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, prognosis, and measure treatment efficacy. Neurofilament proteins (NfPs) are well suited as biomarkers in these contexts because they are major neuron-specific components that maintain structural integrity and are sensitive to neurodegeneration and neuronal injury across a wide range of neurologic diseases. Low levels of NfPs are constantly released from neurons into the extracellular space and ultimately reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood under physiological conditions throughout normal brain development, maturation, and aging. NfP levels in CSF and blood rise above normal in response to neuronal injury and neurodegeneration independently of cause. NfPs in CSF measured by lumbar puncture are about 40-fold more concentrated than in blood in healthy individuals. New ultra-sensitive methods now allow minimally invasive measurement of these low levels of NfPs in serum or plasma to track disease onset and progression in neurological disorders or nervous system injury and assess responses to therapeutic interventions. Any of the five Nf subunits - neurofilament light chain (NfL), neurofilament medium chain (NfM), neurofilament heavy chain (NfH), alpha-internexin (INA) and peripherin (PRPH) may be altered in a given neuropathological condition. In familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), plasma NfL levels may rise as early as 22 years before clinical onset in familial AD and 10 years before sporadic AD. The major determinants of elevated levels of NfPs and degradation fragments in CSF and blood are the magnitude of damaged or degenerating axons of fiber tracks, the affected axon caliber sizes and the rate of release of NfP and fragments at different stages of a given neurological disease or condition directly or indirectly affecting central nervous system (CNS) and/or peripheral nervous system (PNS). NfPs are rapidly emerging as transformative blood biomarkers in neurology providing novel insights into a wide range of neurological diseases and advancing clinical trials. Here we summarize the current understanding of intracellular NfP physiology, pathophysiology and extracellular kinetics of NfPs in biofluids and review the value and limitations of NfPs and degradation fragments as biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidong Yuan
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ralph A. Nixon
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, (NYU), Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, United States
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