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Bernardini G, Braconi D, Zatkova A, Sireau N, Kujawa MJ, Introne WJ, Spiga O, Geminiani M, Gallagher JA, Ranganath LR, Santucci A. Alkaptonuria. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38453957 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase activity. The consequent homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation in body fluids and tissues leads to a multisystemic and highly debilitating disease whose main features are dark urine, ochronosis (HGA-derived pigment in collagen-rich connective tissues), and a painful and severe form of osteoarthropathy. Other clinical manifestations are extremely variable and include kidney and prostate stones, aortic stenosis, bone fractures, and tendon, ligament and/or muscle ruptures. As an autosomal recessive disorder, alkaptonuria affects men and women equally. Debilitating symptoms appear around the third decade of life, but a proper and timely diagnosis is often delayed due to their non-specific nature and a lack of knowledge among physicians. In later stages, patients' quality of life might be seriously compromised and further complicated by comorbidities. Thus, appropriate management of alkaptonuria requires a multidisciplinary approach, and periodic clinical evaluation is advised to monitor disease progression, complications and/or comorbidities, and to enable prompt intervention. Treatment options are patient-tailored and include a combination of medications, physical therapy and surgery. Current basic and clinical research focuses on improving patient management and developing innovative therapies and implementing precision medicine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernardini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatkova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Mariusz J Kujawa
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wendy J Introne
- Human Biochemical Genetics Section, Medical Genetics Branch, Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - James A Gallagher
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lakshminarayan R Ranganath
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Genovese F, Frederiksen P, Bay-Jensen AC, Karsdal MA, Milan AM, Olsson B, Rudebeck M, Gallagher JA, Ranganath LR. Nitisinone Treatment Affects Biomarkers of Bone and Cartilage Remodelling in Alkaptonuria Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10996. [PMID: 37446173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitisinone has been approved for treatment of alkaptonuria (AKU). Non-invasive biomarkers of joint tissue remodelling could aid in understanding the molecular changes in AKU pathogenesis and how these can be affected by treatment. Serological and urinary biomarkers of type I collagen and II collagen in AKU were investigated in patients enrolled in the randomized SONIA 2 (NCT01916382) clinical study at baseline and yearly until the end of the study (Year 4). The trajectories of the biomarkers over time were observed. After treatment with nitisinone, the biomarkers of type I collagen remodelling increased at Year 1 (19% and 40% increase in CTX-I and PRO-C1, respectively), which was potentially reflected in the higher degree of mobility seen following treatment. The biomarkers of type II collagen remodelling decreased over time in the nitisinone group: C2M showed a 9.7% decline at Year 1, and levels then remained stable over the following visits; CTX-II showed a 26% decline at Year 3 and 4 in the nitisinone-treated patients. Nitisinone treatment induced changes in biomarkers of bone and cartilage remodelling. These biomarkers can aid patient management and deepen our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of this rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna M Milan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | | | | | - James A Gallagher
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Lakshminarayan R Ranganath
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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Davison AS, Norman BP. Alkaptonuria – Past, present and future. Adv Clin Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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Ebrahim IC, Hoang TD, Vietor NO, Schacht JP, Shakir MKM. Dilemmas in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in a patient with alkaptonuria: Successful treatment with teriparatide. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6729. [PMID: 36583204 PMCID: PMC9794677 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of osteoporosis in patients with alkaptonuria can be challenging. This is the first case report confirming the effectiveness of teriparatide following zoledronic acid therapy in treating osteoporosis and preventing fragility fractures in a patient with alkaptonuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail C. Ebrahim
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Thanh D. Hoang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA,Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineUniformed Service University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Nicole O. Vietor
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA,Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineUniformed Service University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - John P. Schacht
- Department of GeneticsWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Mohamed K. M. Shakir
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA,Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineUniformed Service University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Ahmad MSZ, Ahmed M, Khedr M, Borgia A, Madden A, Ranganath LR, Kaye S. Association of alkaptonuria and low dose nitisinone therapy with cataract formation in a large cohort of patients. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:351-360. [PMID: 35822094 PMCID: PMC9259401 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Homogentisic acid (HGA) lowering, disease modifying off‐label nitisinone therapy has been used in the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) since 2012. This study evaluated the serendipitous observation of cataract in a large cohort of patients with the very rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU), over a 5‐year period. Patients with AKU who attended the NAC since 2012. Standard physical examination and ocular assessment, including photographs of the crystalline lens were taken before commencement of nitisinone 2 mg daily and annually over 5 years. Photographs were randomised and graded by two independent observers using the WHO cataract classification. AKU patients who did not receive nitisinone were included as a control group. HGA was measured on acidified 24 h urine (u‐HGA24) and HGA and tyrosine in fasting acidified serum samples (sHGA, sTYR) at each visit. Patients without suitable lens images were excluded. Cataract (mean grade 1) was noted at baseline in 47 out of 62 (76%) with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14) years. In nitisinone‐treated patients, there were significant increases in the mean grade of nuclear (0.18, p < 0.01) and cortical (0.38, p < 0.01) lens opacities over the mean duration of 4.93 years of the study. Worsening of the nuclear cataract and cortical lens opacities by at least 1 grade was noted in 14 out of 46 (30%) and 11 out of 46 (24%) patients, respectively. There is an increased prevalence and progression of cataract in AKU and a possible association of nitisinone with cataract progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Ophthalmology Royal Liverpool University Hospital Liverpool UK
| | - Milad Khedr
- Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine Royal Liverpool University Hospital Liverpool UK
| | - Alfredo Borgia
- Department of Ophthalmology Royal Liverpool University Hospital Liverpool UK
| | - Andrea Madden
- Department of Ophthalmology Royal Liverpool University Hospital Liverpool UK
| | | | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Ophthalmology Royal Liverpool University Hospital Liverpool UK
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Ranganath LR, Milan AM, Hughes AT, Khedr M, Norman BP, Alsbou M, Imrich R, Gornall M, Sireau N, Gallagher JA, Jackson R. Comparing nitisinone 2 mg and 10 mg in the treatment of alkaptonuria-An approach using statistical modelling. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:80-92. [PMID: 35028273 PMCID: PMC8743340 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes from studies employing nitisinone 10 mg and 2 mg in alkaptonuria were compared. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-nine patients in each of the nitisinone (10 mg daily) and controls of suitability of nitisinone in alkaptonuria 2 (SONIA 2), as well as 37 and 23 in nitisinone (2 mg daily) and control cohorts at the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC), respectively, were followed up for 4 years. Severity of alkaptonuria (AKU) was assessed by the AKU Severity Score Index (AKUSSI). 24-h urine homogentisic acid (uHGA24), serum HGA (sHGA), serum tyrosine (sTYR) and serum nitisinone (sNIT) were also analysed at each time point. Dietetic support was used in the NAC, but not in SONIA 2. Safety outcomes were also compared. All statistical analyses were post hoc. RESULTS The slope of the AKUSSI was 0.55, 0.19, 0.30, and 0.06 per month in the control NAC, nitisinone NAC, control SONIA 2, and nitisinone SONIA 2 cohorts, respectively. The intersection of the slopes on the x-axis was -132, -411, -295, and - 1460 months, respectively. The control and nitisinone slope comparisons were statistically significant both in the NAC (p < 0.001) and the SONIA 2 (p < 0.001). Corneal keratopathy occurred in 3 and 10 patients in the NAC and SONIA 2, respectively. DISCUSSION The nitisinone 10 mg dose decreased disease progression more than the 2 mg dose although the incidence of corneal keratopathy was 14.5% and 4.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION Nitisinone 10 mg decreased urine and serum HGA, increased serum tyrosine, and decreased disease progression more than 2 mg. Low-protein dietetic support may be needed to mitigate tyrosinaemia following nitisinone. HIGHLIGHTS Nitisinone 10 mg apparently slows alkaptonuria disease progression more than 2 mg in adults.Corneal keratopathy during nitisinone therapy was more common in men.Serum nitisinone concentrations increased significantly over time.Nitisinone may inhibit cytochrome P450 self catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshminarayan R. Ranganath
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic MedicineLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustsLiverpoolUK
- Musculoskeletal Biology and AgeingUniversity of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan BuildingLiverpoolUK
| | - Anna M. Milan
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic MedicineLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustsLiverpoolUK
- Musculoskeletal Biology and AgeingUniversity of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan BuildingLiverpoolUK
| | - Andrew T. Hughes
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic MedicineLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustsLiverpoolUK
- Musculoskeletal Biology and AgeingUniversity of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan BuildingLiverpoolUK
| | - Milad Khedr
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic MedicineLiverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustsLiverpoolUK
| | - Brendan P. Norman
- Musculoskeletal Biology and AgeingUniversity of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan BuildingLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Richard Imrich
- National Institute of Rheumatic DiseasesPiešťanySlovakia
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of SciencesBratislavaSlovakia
| | - Matthew Gornall
- Liverpool Cancer Trials UnitUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | - James A. Gallagher
- Musculoskeletal Biology and AgeingUniversity of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan BuildingLiverpoolUK
| | - Richard Jackson
- Liverpool Cancer Trials UnitUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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Ranganath LR, Khedr M, Mistry A, Vinjamuri S, Gallagher JA. Treatment of osteoporotic fractures in alkaptonuria by teriparatide stimulates bone formation and decreases fracture rate - A report of two cases. Bone Rep 2021; 15:101151. [PMID: 34926730 PMCID: PMC8649650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2021.101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cases of advanced alkaptonuria (AKU) with co-existing osteoporosis are described. Case 1 developed multiple non-vertebral fragility fractures, while Case 2 developed vertebral fragility fractures, both refractory to bisphosphonates. Difficulties in diagnosing osteoporosis in AKU complicated by extensive calcifying and ossifying spondylosis are discussed. Both patients continued to fracture despite nitisinone therapy for metabolic control of AKU, as well as bisphosphonate antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis. Subsequently the patients were treated with teriparatide 20 μg subcutaneous injections daily for two years, leading to reduction in fractures soon after commencing therapy in both cases. Markers of bone remodelling P1NP and CTX were stimulated. No complications due hypercalcaemia or calcification were encountered in either case. We conclude that teriparatide is an effective adjunct in the treatment of AKU when bisphosphonates prove ineffective. Two case of osteoporosis are described in patients with the ultra-rare genetic disorder, Alkaptonuria (AKU) Diagnosis of osteoporosis in AKU is complicated by extensive calcifying and ossifying spondylosis Treatment of AKU with Nitisinone and or antiresorptive did not improve bone health in these patients Teriparatide led to a reduction in fractures and is an effective adjunct in AKU when bisphosphonates prove ineffective
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Ranganath
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, United Kingdom.,IACD, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - M Khedr
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, United Kingdom
| | - A Mistry
- Department of Radiology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, United Kingdom
| | - S Vinjamuri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, United Kingdom
| | - J A Gallagher
- IACD, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
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Gallagher JA, Dillon JP, Ranganath LR. Development of an Effective Therapy for Alkaptonuria - Lessons for Osteoarthritis. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2021; 2:79-85. [PMID: 36465977 PMCID: PMC9524786 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major causes of disability and pain worldwide, yet despite a massive international research effort, no effective disease-modifying drugs have been identified to date. In this review, we put forward the proposition that greater focus on rarer forms of OA could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of more common OA. We have investigated the severe osteoarthropathy of the ultra-rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU). In addition to the progress made in finding a treatment for AKU, our research has revealed important lessons for more common OA, including the identification of high-density mineralized protrusions (HDMPs), new pathoanatomical structures which may play an important role in joint destruction and pain in AKU and in OA. AKU is an inherited disorder of tyrosine metabolism, caused by genetic lack of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase (HGD), which leads to failure to breakdown homogentisic acid (HGA). While most HGA is excreted over time, some of it is deposited as a pigment in connective tissues, a process described as ochronosis. Ochronotic pigment alters the mechanical properties of tissues, leading to inevitable joint destruction and frequently to cardiac valve disease. Until recently, there was no effective therapy for AKU, but preclinical studies demonstrated that upstream inhibition of tyrosine metabolism by nitisinone, a drug previously used in hereditary tyrosinaemia 1 (HT1), completely prevented ochronosis in AKU mice. This was followed by successful clinical trials which have resulted in nitisinone being approved for therapy of AKU by the European Medicines Agency, making AKU the only cause of OA for which there is an effective therapy to date. Study of other rare causes of OA should be a higher priority for researchers and funders to ensure further advances in understanding and eventual therapy of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Gallagher
- Musculoskeletal Biology and Ageing, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolL7 8TX, UK
| | - Jane P. Dillon
- Musculoskeletal Biology and Ageing, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolL7 8TX, UK
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Ranganath LR, Milan AM, Bay-Jensen AC, Thudium CS. A case report of pregnancy in untreated alkaptonuria - Focus on urinary tissue remodelling markers. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 27:100766. [PMID: 33996493 PMCID: PMC8102796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 34-year old woman with alkaptonuria had an elective pregnancy, during which she collected urine samples over the duration of her pregnancy until parturition. She had been attending the National Alkaptonuria Centre from the age of 31 years and continued to attend after delivery for a further three annual visits. Data from her NAC visits as well as urine samples collected during pregnancy were analysed. Urine CTX-1/urine creatinine, urine αCTX-I/ urine creatinine, urine CTX-II/ urine creatinine, and urine C3M/urine creatinine all showed a rapid increase early in pregnancy, returning to baseline before increasing in late pregnancy, indicating significant remodelling of bone, subchondral bone, cartilage and other organs and connective tissue rich in collagens I, II and III. The pattern of tissue remodelling in AKU pregnancy has been described for the very first time. Further research is needed to understand pregnancy in AKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Ranganath
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Herlev, Denmark
| | - A M Milan
- Departments of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Herlev, Denmark
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