1
|
Hosseini K, Fallahi J, Razban V, Sirat RZ, Varasteh M, Tarhriz V. Overview of clinical, molecular, and therapeutic features of Niemann-Pick disease (types A, B, and C): Focus on therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4028. [PMID: 38715125 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4028] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is another type of metabolic disorder that is classified as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The main cause of the disease is mutation in the SMPD1 (type A and B) or NPC1 or NPC2 (type C) genes, which lead to the accumulation of lipid substrates in the lysosomes of the liver, brain, spleen, lung, and bone marrow cells. This is followed by multiple cell damage, dysfunction of lysosomes, and finally dysfunction of body organs. So far, about 346, 575, and 30 mutations have been reported in SMPD1, NPC1, and NPC2 genes, respectively. Depending on the type of mutation and the clinical symptoms of the disease, the treatment will be different. The general aim of the current study is to review the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with NPD and study various treatment methods for this disease with a focus on gene therapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Gool R, Golden E, Goodlett B, Zhang F, Vogel AP, Tourville JA, Yao K, Cay M, Tiwari S, Yang E, Zekelman LR, Todd N, O'Donnell LJ, Ren B, Bodamer OA, Al-Hertani W, Upadhyay J. Characterization of central manifestations in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C. Genet Med 2024; 26:101053. [PMID: 38131307 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101053] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study investigated pathophysiological mechanisms underlying motor deficits, particularly speech production, and cognitive impairment. METHODS We prospectively phenotyped 8 adults with NPC and age-sex-matched healthy controls using a comprehensive assessment battery, encompassing clinical presentation, plasma biomarkers, hand-motor skills, speech production, cognitive tasks, and (micro-)structural and functional central nervous system properties through magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Patients with NPC demonstrated deficits in fine-motor skills, speech production timing and coordination, and cognitive performance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced cortical thickness and volume in cerebellar subdivisions (lobule VI and crus I), cortical (frontal, temporal, and cingulate gyri) and subcortical (thalamus and basal ganglia) regions, and increased choroid plexus volumes in NPC. White matter fractional anisotropy was reduced in specific pathways (intracerebellar input and Purkinje tracts), whereas diffusion tensor imaging graph theory analysis identified altered structural connectivity. Patients with NPC exhibited altered activity in sensorimotor and cognitive processing hubs during resting-state and speech production. Canonical component analysis highlighted the role of cerebellar-cerebral circuitry in NPC and its integration with behavioral performance and disease severity. CONCLUSION This deep phenotyping approach offers a comprehensive systems neuroscience understanding of NPC motor and cognitive impairments, identifying potential central nervous system biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel van Gool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emma Golden
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Goodlett
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam P Vogel
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Redenlab Inc., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason A Tourville
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Kylie Yao
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mariesa Cay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sneham Tiwari
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edward Yang
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Leo R Zekelman
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nick Todd
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren J O'Donnell
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Boyu Ren
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA
| | - Olaf A Bodamer
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Walla Al-Hertani
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jaymin Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bremova-Ertl T, Schneider S. Current advancements in therapy for Niemann-Pick disease: progress and pitfalls. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1229-1247. [PMID: 37211769 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2215386] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disorder. To combat the progressive neurodegeneration in NPC, disease-modifying treatment needs to be introduced early in the course of the disease. The only approved, disease-modifying treatment is a substrate-reduction treatment, miglustat. Given miglustat's limited efficacy, new compounds are under development, including gene therapy; however, many are still far from clinical use. Moreover, the phenotypic heterogeneity and variable course of the disease can impede the development and approval of new agents. AREAS COVERED Here, we offer an expert review of these therapeutic candidates, with a broad scope not only on the main pharmacotherapies, but also on experimental approaches, gene therapies, and symptomatic strategies. The National Institute of Health (NIH) database PubMed has been searched for the combination of the words 'Niemann-Pick type C'+ 'treatment' or 'therapy' or 'trial.' The website clinicaltrials.gov has also been consulted. EXPERT OPINION We conclude a combination of treatment strategies should be sought, with a holistic approach, to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova-Ertl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital) and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cariati I, Masuelli L, Bei R, Tancredi V, Frank C, D’Arcangelo G. Neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: An Updated Review on Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Counteract Brain and Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126600. [PMID: 34202978 PMCID: PMC8234817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive storage disorder, characterized by abnormal sequestration of unesterified cholesterol in the late endo-lysosomal system of cells. Progressive neurological deterioration and the onset of symptoms, such as ataxia, seizures, cognitive decline, and severe dementia, are pathognomonic features of the disease. In addition, different pathological similarities, including degeneration of hippocampal and cortical neurons, hyperphosphorylated tau, and neurofibrillary tangle formation, have been identified between NPC disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet well understood, and even a real cure to counteract neurodegeneration has not been identified. Therefore, the combination of current pharmacological therapies, represented by miglustat and cyclodextrin, and non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical exercise and appropriate diet, could represent a strategy to improve the quality of life of NPC patients. Based on this evidence, in our review we focused on the neurodegenerative aspects of NPC disease, summarizing the current knowledge on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for cognitive impairment, and suggesting physical exercise and nutritional treatments as additional non-pharmacologic approaches to reduce the progression and neurodegenerative course of NPC disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Cariati
- Medical-Surgical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Frank
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Maresca G, Nocito V, De Salvo S, Formica C, Leonardi S, Bramanti P, de Cola MC, Corallo F. Assessment and rehabilitation of cognitive deficit in a Niemann-Pick type C disease patient. Neurocase 2021; 27:113-116. [PMID: 33730974 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2020.1864409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a lipid storage disorder characterized by visceral (hepatosplenomegaly) and neurological symptoms: ataxia, dystonia, cognitive disorder, psychiatric disorder, and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. Cognitive impairment is one of the core symptoms of NP-C disease, but there are few data about the cognitive rehabilitation treatment in NP-C patients. This case report aims to evaluate the effects of the cognitive rehabilitation treatment of a young woman affected by NP-C. Cognitive rehabilitation was performed with pc-based and paper and pencil exercises. We used a clinical approach that includes psychotherapy-based diagnostic and rehabilitation procedures and neuropsychological methods, using strategies to improve cognitive residual abilities. Our data showed an improvement of cognitive functions and quality of life after an intensive rehabilitation program.
Collapse
|
6
|
Poswar FDO, Vairo F, Burin M, Michelin-Tirelli K, Brusius-Facchin AC, Kubaski F, Souza CFMD, Baldo G, Giugliani R. Lysosomal diseases: Overview on current diagnosis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2019; 42:165-177. [PMID: 31067291 PMCID: PMC6687355 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2018-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal diseases (LDs), also known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), are a heterogeneous group of conditions caused by defects in lysosomal function. LDs may result from deficiency of lysosomal hydrolases, membrane-associated transporters or other non-enzymatic proteins. Interest in the LD field is growing each year, as more conditions are, or will soon be treatable. In this article, we review the diagnosis of LDs, from clinical suspicion and screening tests to the identification of enzyme or protein deficiencies and molecular genetic diagnosis. We also cover the treatment approaches that are currently available or in development, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy, small molecules, and gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano de Oliveira Poswar
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Filippo Vairo
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maira Burin
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Francyne Kubaski
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Baldo
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberto Giugliani
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Santiago-Mujica E, Flunkert S, Rabl R, Neddens J, Loeffler T, Hutter-Paier B. Hepatic and neuronal phenotype of NPC1 -/- mice. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01293. [PMID: 30923761 PMCID: PMC6423819 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a defect in the intracellular transport of lipoproteins leading to the accumulation of lipids in diverse tissues. A visceral and neuronal phenotype mimicking human NPC1 disease has been described in NPC1 mutant mice. These mice are by now the most widely used NPC1 rodent model to study NPC and developmental compounds against this devastating disease. Here we characterized NPC1-/- mice for their hepatic and neuronal phenotype to confirm the stability of the phenotype, provide a characterization of disease progression and pinpoint the age of robust phenotype onset. Animals of 4-10 weeks of age were analyzed for general health, motor deficits as well as hepatic and neuronal alterations with a special focus on cerebellar pathology. Our results show that NPC1-/- mice have a reduced general health at the age of 9-10 weeks. Robust motor deficits can be observed even earlier at 8 weeks of age. Hepatic changes included increased organ weight and cholesterol levels at 6 weeks of age accompanied by severely increased liver enzyme levels. Analysis of NPC1-/- brain pathology showed decreased cholesterol and increased Aβ levels in the hippocampus at the age of 6 weeks. Further analysis revealed a decrease of the cytokine IL-12p70 in the cerebellum along with a very early increase of astrocytosis. Hippocampal IL-12p70 levels were increased at the age of 6 weeks followed by increased activated microglia levels. By the age of 10 weeks, also cerebellar Aβ levels were increased along with strongly reduced Calbindin D-28k levels. Our results validate and summarize the progressive development of the hepatic and neuronal phenotype of NPC1-/- mice that starts with cerebellar astrocytosis, making this mouse model a valuable tool for the development of new compounds against NPC.
Collapse
Key Words
- AAALAC, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANOVA, Analysis of variance
- AOI, Area of interest
- AP, alkaline phosphatase
- APP, Amyloid Precursor Protein
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CD45, cluster of differentiation 45
- CNS, central nervous system
- Cell biology
- DAPI, 4′,6-Diamidin-2-phenylindol
- GFAP, Glial fibrillary acidic protein
- IFN-γ, Interferon-gamma
- IL-10/12, Interleukin-10/12
- KC, keratinocyte chemoattractant
- MAP2, microtubuli-associated protein 2
- Molecular biology
- NPC, Niemann-Pick type C
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha
- WT, wildtype
Collapse
|
8
|
Psychiatric and Cognitive Symptoms Associated with Niemann-Pick Type C Disease: Neurobiology and Management. CNS Drugs 2019; 33:125-142. [PMID: 30632019 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lysosomal storage disorder that presents with a spectrum of clinical manifestations from infancy and childhood or in early or mid-adulthood. Progressive neurological symptoms including ataxia, dystonia and vertical gaze palsy are a hallmark of the disease, and psychiatric symptoms such as psychosis and mood disorders are common. These latter symptoms often present early in the course of NPC and thus these patients are often diagnosed with a major psychotic or affective disorder before neurological and cognitive signs present and the diagnosis is revised. The commonalities and characteristics of psychotic symptoms in both NPC and schizophrenia may share neuronal pathways and mechanisms and provide potential targets for research in both disorders. The neurobiology of NPC and its relationship to the pattern of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms is described in this review. A number of neurobiological models are proposed as mechanisms by which NPC causes psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, informed from models proposed in schizophrenia and other metabolic disorders. There are a number of symptomatic and illness-modifying treatments for NPC currently available. The current evidence is discussed; focussing on two medications which have shown promise, miglustat and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pineda M, Walterfang M, Patterson MC. Miglustat in Niemann-Pick disease type C patients: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:140. [PMID: 30111334 PMCID: PMC6094874 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0844-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a rare, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease associated with a wide variety of progressive neurological manifestations. Miglustat is indicated for the treatment of progressive neurological manifestations in both adults and children. Since approval in 2009 there has been a vast growth in clinical experience with miglustat. The effectiveness of miglustat has been assessed using a range of measures. METHODS Comprehensive review of published data from studies of cellular neuropathological markers and structural neurological indices in the brain, clinical impairment/disability, specific clinical neurological manifestations, and patient survival. RESULTS Cranial diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies have shown reduced levels of choline (a neurodegeneration marker), and choline/N-acetyl aspartate ratio (indicating increased neuronal viability) in the brain during up to 5 years of miglustat therapy, as well as a slowing of reductions in fractional anisotropy (an axonal/myelin integrity marker). A 2-year immunoassay study showed significant reductions in CSF-calbindin during treatment, indicating reduced cerebellar Purkinje cell loss. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have demonstrated a protective effect of miglustat on cerebellar and subcortical structure that correlated with clinical symptom severity. Numerous cohort studies assessing core neurological manifestations (impaired ambulation, manipulation, speech, swallowing, other) using NP-C disability scales indicate neurological stabilization over 2-8 years, with a trend for greater benefits in patients with older (non-infantile) age at neurological onset. A randomized controlled trial and several cohort studies have reported improvements or stabilization of saccadic eye movements during 1-5 years of therapy. Swallowing was also shown to improve/remain stable during the randomized trial (up to 2 years), as well as in long-term observational cohorts (up to 6 years). A meta-analysis of dysphagia - a potent risk factor for aspiration pneumonia and premature death in NP-C - demonstrated a survival benefit with miglustat due to improved/stabilized swallowing function. CONCLUSIONS The effects of miglustat on neurological NP-C manifestations has been assessed using a range of approaches, with benefits ranging from cellular changes in the brain through to visible clinical improvements and improved survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Pineda
- Fundacio Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain. .,Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu No. 2, Esplugues, 8950, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Heitz C, Epelbaum S, Nadjar Y. Cognitive impairment profile in adult patients with Niemann pick type C disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:166. [PMID: 29047377 PMCID: PMC5648435 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive impairment is one of the core symptoms of Niemann Pick type C (NPC) disease, but few data concerning the neuropsychological profile of NPC patients are available. The aim of our study was to characterize cognitive impairments in NPC disease and to assess the evolution of these symptoms and the impact of miglustat on cognitive follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 21 adult patients diagnosed with NPC disease. Neuropsychological data (global cognitive efficiency, language, attention, executive functions, praxis, and visuoconstructive functions tests) were retrieved to describe the cognitive profile of patients. Cognitive impairment scores over time were assessed under treatment by miglustat. Results The majority of patients (90%) were impaired in one or more cognitive function. Executive functions and attention were the most impaired cognitive functions. Conversely, storage in the episodic memory was preserved in 61.5% of cases. Mean neuropsychological scores were stable during the period under miglustat (mean of 3.8 years). Conclusions This study is one of the first to assess the cognitive profile of adult NPC patients. This profile is not specific to attention and executive dysfunctions; however, the preservation of storage in the episodic memory is promising for cognitive remediation. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of miglustat on cognition, but in this study, patients were stable under this treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Heitz
- Neurology Department, Hôpital Universitaire de Nîmes, Nîmes, France.
| | - Stéphane Epelbaum
- Neurology Department, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Hospital of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Yann Nadjar
- Neurology Department, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Hospital of Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|