Involvement of globus pallidus and midbrain nuclei in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: measurement of T2 and T2* time

Applications of T1 and T2 relaxation time calculation in tissue differentiation and cancer diagnostics-a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this review was to summarize current applications of non-contrast-enhanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) in tissue differentiation, considering healthy tissues as well as comparisons of malignant and benign samples. The analysis concentrates mainly on the epithelium and epithelial breast tissue, especially breast cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review has been performed based on current recommendations by publishers and foundations. An exhaustive overview of currently used techniques and their potential in medical sciences was obtained by creating a search strategy and explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

PubMed and Elsevier (Scopus & Science Direct) search was narrowed down to studies reporting T1 or T2 values of human tissues, resulting in 404 initial candidates, out of which roughly 20% were found relevant and fitting the review criteria. The nervous system, especially the brain, and connective tissue such as cartilage were the most frequently analyzed, while the breast remained one of the most uncommon subjects of studies. There was little agreement between published T1 or T2 values, and methodologies and experimental setups differed strongly. Few contemporary (after 2000) resources have been identified that were dedicated to studying the relaxation times of tissues and their diagnostic applications. Most publications concentrate on recommended diagnostic standards, for example, breast acquisition of T1- or T2-weighted images using gadolinium-based contrast agents. Not enough data is available yet to decide how repeatable or reliable analysis of relaxation times is in diagnostics, so it remains mainly a research topic. So far, qMRI might be recommended as a diagnostic help providing general insight into the nature of lesions (benign vs. malignant). However, additional means are generally necessary to differentiate between specific lesion types.

Cerebral Iron Deposition in Neurodegeneration

Disruption of cerebral iron regulation appears to have a role in aging and in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Possible unfavorable impacts of iron accumulation include reactive oxygen species generation, induction of ferroptosis, and acceleration of inflammatory changes. Whole-brain iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques allow the examination of macroscopic patterns of brain iron deposits in vivo, while modern analytical methods ex vivo enable the determination of metal-specific content inside individual cell-types, sometimes also within specific cellular compartments. The present review summarizes the whole brain, cellular, and subcellular patterns of iron accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases of genetic and sporadic origin. We also provide an update on mechanisms, biomarkers, and effects of brain iron accumulation in these disorders, focusing on recent publications. In Parkinson’s disease, Friedreich’s disease, and several disorders within the neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation group, there is a focal siderosis, typically in regions with the most pronounced neuropathological changes. The second group of disorders including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shows iron accumulation in the globus pallidus, caudate, and putamen, and in specific cortical regions. Yet, other disorders such as aceruloplasminemia, neuroferritinopathy, or Wilson disease manifest with diffuse iron accumulation in the deep gray matter in a pattern comparable to or even more extensive than that observed during normal aging. On the microscopic level, brain iron deposits are present mostly in dystrophic microglia variably accompanied by iron-laden macrophages and in astrocytes, implicating a role of inflammatory changes and blood–brain barrier disturbance in iron accumulation. Options and potential benefits of iron reducing strategies in neurodegeneration are discussed. Future research investigating whether genetic predispositions play a role in brain Fe accumulation is necessary. If confirmed, the prevention of further brain Fe uptake in individuals at risk may be key for preventing neurodegenerative disorders.

New Perspectives in Iron Chelation Therapy for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Iron chelation has been introduced as a new therapeutic concept for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with features of iron overload. At difference with iron chelators used in systemic diseases, effective chelators for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases must cross the blood–brain barrier. Given the promissory but still inconclusive results obtained in clinical trials of iron chelation therapy, it is reasonable to postulate that new compounds with properties that extend beyond chelation should significantly improve these results. Desirable properties of a new generation of chelators include mitochondrial destination, the center of iron-reactive oxygen species interaction, and the ability to quench free radicals produced by the Fenton reaction. In addition, these chelators should have moderate iron binding affinity, sufficient to chelate excessive increments of the labile iron pool, estimated in the micromolar range, but not high enough to disrupt physiological iron homeostasis. Moreover, candidate chelators should have selectivity for the targeted neuronal type, to lessen unwanted secondary effects during long-term treatment. Here, on the basis of a number of clinical trials, we discuss critically the current situation of iron chelation therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with an iron accumulation component. The list includes Parkinson’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, Huntington disease and Alzheimer’s disease. We also review the upsurge of new multifunctional iron chelators that in the future may replace the conventional types as therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

A Novel Deletion Mutation of Exon 2 of the C19orf12 Gene in an Omani Family with Mitochondrial Membrane Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (MPAN)

Mutations in the C19orf12 gene are known to cause mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN), which is a neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) type 4 disorder. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a genetically confirmed case of MPAN from Oman. A novel homozygous deletion of exon 2 of the C19orf12 gene was confirmed on the proband, a seven-year-old girl, who presented with gait instability. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed iron deposition on the basal ganglia. This report highlights the importance of genetic testing of such a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition among a population with a high consanguinity rate. To overcome the diagnostic difficulty, implementation of a cost-effective approach to perform cascade screening of carriers at risk is needed as well as programs to address risky consanguineous marriages.

Changes of cerebral white matter in patients suffering from Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN): A diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study

BACKGROUND

To look for microstructural white matter alterations in patients with dystonia due to Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 21 genetically confirmed patients and an age-matched group of 21 healthy controls by diffusion tensor imaging. Evaluation of data was performed by tract-based spatial statistics analysis and a voxel-wise comparison of calculated maps of fractional anisotropy. Findings were compared between groups and correlated to the dystonia score of the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Scale (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

Patients showed reductions of fractional anisotropy mainly in the periventricular substance surrounding the third ventricle, in the medial part of both putamina and in the frontal white matter including the anterior limbs of the internal capsules and the corpus callosum. Infratentorially, the cerebellar white matter and dorsal parts of the pons and medulla were affected.

CONCLUSION

In addition to cortical grey matter changes, we now have a second structural finding pointing to a more widespread affection of cerebral tissue in PKAN dystonia than just the lesion and iron accumulation in the globus pallidus.

7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Brain Iron Quantification in Homozygous and Heterozygous PANK2 Mutation Carriers

Pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by iron deposits in basal ganglia. The aim of this study was to quantify iron concentrations of deep gray matter structures in heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers and in PKAN patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping MRI. By determining iron concentration, we intended to find mutation-specific brain parenchymal stigmata in heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers in comparison to age-matched healthy volunteers. We studied 11 heterozygous PANK2 gene mutation carriers (mean age: 43.4 years; standard deviation [SD]: 10.5), who were found to be clinically asymptomatic by neurological examination. These carriers were compared to 2 clinically affected PKAN patients 21 and 32 years of age and to 13 age-matched, healthy controls (mean age: 39.7; SD, 13.6). Scanning was performed on a 7.0-Tesla whole-body scanner applying three-dimensional susceptibility-weighted gradient echo acquisitions. Susceptibility maps were calculated by threshold-based k-space division with single-orientation acquisition. Magnetic susceptibility values, relative to the occipital white matter, were determined for the following regions of interest (ROI): globus pallidus (GP), thalamus, putamen, internal capsule (IC), caudate nucleus, substantia nigra (SN), and red nucleus. Heterozygous PANK2 mutation carriers did not show increased brain iron concentrations, compared to healthy controls (P > 0.05), in any of the examined ROIs. In PKAN patients, more than 3 times higher concentrations of iron were found in the GP, SN, and IC. Our results suggest that heterozygous mutations in PANK2 gene do not cause brain iron accumulation nor do they cause movement disorders.

Pathophysiology and treatment of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation in the pediatric population

OPINION STATEMENT

Syndromes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) are characterized by increased iron deposition in the basal ganglia leading to complex progressive neurological symptoms. Several genetically distinct subforms have been recognized. In addition to pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN, NBIA1) and PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN, NBIA2), further genetic causes continue to be identified. Most of these present in childhood and are inherited following an autosomal recessive trait. However, the clinical and pathological spectrum has broadened and new age-dependent presentations have been described and there is overlap between the different NBIA disorders and with other diseases (such as spastic paraplegias, leukodystrophies and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis). Thus, additional clinical information (e.g., radiological findings such as precise patters of deposition of iron or co-occurrence of white matter lesions) may be useful when prioritizing genetic screening. Neuropathological work-up demonstrated variable involvement of iron deposition, but also Lewy bodies, neurofibrillary tangles and spheroid bodies. Treatment remains symptomatic. Here we review characteristic features of NBIA syndromes with a focus on pediatric cases.

Genetics and Pathophysiology of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)

Our understanding of the syndromes of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) continues to grow considerably. In addition to the core syndromes of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN, NBIA1) and PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN, NBIA2), several other genetic causes have been identified (including FA2H, C19orf12, ATP13A2, CP and FTL). In parallel, the clinical and pathological spectrum has broadened and new age-dependent presentations are being described. There is also growing recognition of overlap between the different NBIA disorders and other diseases including spastic paraplegias, leukodystrophies and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis which makes a diagnosis solely based on clinical findings challenging. Autopsy examination of genetically-confirmed cases demonstrates Lewy bodies, neurofibrillary tangles, and other hallmarks of apparently distinct neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease. Until we disentangle the various NBIA genes and their related pathways and move towards pathogenesis-targeted therapies, the treatment remains symptomatic. Our aim here is to provide an overview of historical developments of research into iron metabolism and its relevance in neurodegenerative disorders. We then focus on clinical features and investigational findings in NBIA and summarize therapeutic results reviewing reports of iron chelation therapy and deep brain stimulation. We also discuss genetic and molecular underpinnings of the NBIA syndromes.

Excess iron harms the brain: the syndromes of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA)

Regulation of iron metabolism is crucial: both iron deficiency and iron overload can cause disease. In recent years, our understanding of the syndromes of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) continues to grow considerably. These are characterized by excessive iron deposition in the brain, mainly the basal ganglia. Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN, NBIA1) and PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN, NBIA2) are the core syndromes, but several other genetic causes have been identified (including FA2H, C19orf12, ATP13A2, CP and FTL). These conditions show a wide clinical and pathological spectrum, with clinical overlap between the different NBIA disorders and other diseases including spastic paraplegias, leukodystrophies, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Lewy body pathology was confirmed in some clinical subtypes (C19orf12-associated neurodegeneration and PLAN). Research aims at disentangling the various NBIA genes and their related pathways to move towards pathogenesis-targeted therapies. Until then treatment remains symptomatic. Here we will introduce the group of NBIA syndromes and review the main clinical features and investigational findings.