1
|
Schoen MS, Boland KM, Christ SE, Cui X, Ramakrishnan U, Ziegler TR, Alvarez JA, Singh RH. Total choline intake and working memory performance in adults with phenylketonuria. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:222. [PMID: 37516884 PMCID: PMC10386684 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite early diagnosis and compliance with phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diets, many individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) still exhibit neurological changes and experience deficits in working memory and other executive functions. Suboptimal choline intake may contribute to these impairments, but this relationship has not been previously investigated in PKU. The objective of this study was to determine if choline intake is correlated with working memory performance, and if this relationship is modified by diagnosis and metabolic control. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that included 40 adults with PKU and 40 demographically matched healthy adults. Web-based neurocognitive tests were used to assess working memory performance and 3-day dietary records were collected to evaluate nutrient intake. Recent and historical blood Phe concentrations were collected as measures of metabolic control. RESULTS Working memory performance was 0.32 z-scores (95% CI 0.06, 0.58) lower, on average, in participants with PKU compared to participants without PKU, and this difference was not modified by total choline intake (F[1,75] = 0.85, p = 0.36). However, in a subgroup with complete historical blood Phe data, increased total choline intake was related to improved working memory outcomes among participants with well controlled PKU (Phe = 360 µmol/L) after adjusting for intellectual ability and mid-childhood Phe concentrations (average change in working memory per 100 mg change in choline = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.20; p = 0.02). There also was a trend, albeit nonsignificant (p = 0.10), for this association to be attenuated with increased Phe concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Clinical monitoring of choline intake is essential for all individuals with PKU but may have important implications for working memory functioning among patients with good metabolic control. Results from this study should be confirmed in a larger controlled trial in people living with PKU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meriah S Schoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 7130, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Kelly M Boland
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Shawn E Christ
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Xiangqin Cui
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Usha Ramakrishnan
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas R Ziegler
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica A Alvarez
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rani H Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 7130, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schoen MS, Singh RH. Plasma metabolomic profile changes in females with phenylketonuria following a camp intervention. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 115:811-821. [PMID: 34864852 PMCID: PMC8895208 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab400] [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: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There remains a limited understanding of the metabolic perturbations, beyond phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism, that contribute to phenotypic variability in phenylketonuria (PKU). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterize changes in the PKU plasma metabolome following a 5-d metabolic camp intervention and to compare PKU profiles with those of matched healthy controls. METHODS In 28 females (aged 12-57 y), fasting plasma samples were collected on the first (day 1) and final (day 5) days of camp to measure metabolic control and to complete untargeted metabolomic profiling. Three-day dietary records were collected to assess changes in dietary adherence and composition. Univariate (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U test) and multivariate (random forest, hierarchical clustering) analyses were performed to identify clinical and metabolic features that were associated with the intervention and disease state. RESULTS Relative to healthy controls, Phe catabolites, ketones, and carnitine- and glycine-conjugated fatty acids were elevated in females with PKU at baseline, whereas fatty acylcholine metabolites were substantially lower. After the camp intervention, plasma Phe concentrations decreased [median change: -173 µmol/L (IQR: -325, -28 µmol/L)] and 70% of PKU participants demonstrated improved dietary adherence by decreasing Phe intake and/or increasing medical food consumption. This was accompanied by a shift in abundance for 223 metabolites (q < 0.05). Compounds associated with the metabolism of Phe, fatty acids, and choline contributed most to profile differences between camp days 1 and 5. CONCLUSIONS In females with PKU, untargeted metabolomics identified prominent perturbations in amino acid and lipid metabolites associated with bioenergetic impairment and oxidative stress. Choline-conjugated lipids could have fundamental roles in these pathways and they have not been previously evaluated in PKU. A short-term camp intervention was effective for improving or fully normalizing the abundance of the identified discriminatory metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rani H Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kiyama R, Wada-Kiyama Y. Estrogenic endocrine disruptors: Molecular mechanisms of action. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 83:11-40. [PMID: 26073844 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive summary of more than 450 estrogenic chemicals including estrogenic endocrine disruptors is provided here to understand the complex and profound impact of estrogen action. First, estrogenic chemicals are categorized by structure as well as their applications, usage and effects. Second, estrogenic signaling is examined by the molecular mechanism based on the receptors, signaling pathways, crosstalk/bypassing and autocrine/paracrine/homeostatic networks involved in the signaling. Third, evaluation of estrogen action is discussed by focusing on the technologies and protocols of the assays for assessing estrogenicity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action is important to assess the action of endocrine disruptors and will be used for risk management based on pathway-based toxicity testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan.
| | - Yuko Wada-Kiyama
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He M, Pei Z, Mohsen AW, Watkins P, Murdoch G, Van Veldhoven PP, Ensenauer R, Vockley J. Identification and characterization of new long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 102:418-29. [PMID: 21237683 PMCID: PMC3073726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acids are an important source of energy in muscle and heart where the acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs) participate in consecutive cycles of β-oxidation to generate acetyl-CoA and reducing equivalents for generating energy. However, the role of long-chain fatty acid oxidation in the brain and other tissues that do not rely on fat for energy is poorly understood. Here we characterize two new ACADs, ACAD10 and ACAD11, both with significant expression in human brain. ACAD11 utilizes substrates with primary carbon chain lengths between 20 and 26, with optimal activity towards C22CoA. The combination of ACAD11 with the newly characterized ACAD9 accommodates the full spectrum of long chain fatty acid substrates presented to mitochondrial β-oxidation in human cerebellum. ACAD10 has significant activity towards the branched-chain substrates R and S, 2 methyl-C15-CoA and is highly expressed in fetal but not adult brain. This pattern of expression is similar to that of LCAD, another ACAD previously shown to be involved in long branched chain fatty acid metabolism. Interestingly, the ACADs in human cerebellum were found to have restricted cellular distribution. ACAD9 was most highly expressed in the granular layer, ACAD11 in the white matter, and MCAD in the molecular layer and axons of specific neurons. This compartmentalization of ACADs in the human central nerve system suggests that β-oxidation in cerebellum participates in different functions other than generating energy, for example, the synthesis and/or degradation of unique cellular lipids and catabolism of aromatic amino acids, compounds that are vital to neuronal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Zhengtong Pei
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Al-Walid Mohsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Paul Watkins
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Geoffrey Murdoch
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Paul P Van Veldhoven
- Laboratory of Lipid Biochemistry and Protein Interactions, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Regina Ensenauer
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Children’s Research Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Jerry Vockley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Beloborodova NV, Khodakova AS, Bairamov IT, Olenin AY. Microbial origin of phenylcarboxylic acids in the human body. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2010; 74:1350-5. [PMID: 19961416 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297909120086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies we demonstrated increased amounts of phenylcarboxylic acids (PCA) in serum of patients with sepsis. This observation prompted the present study of the ability of the human microbiome bacteria to produce PCA in vitro. PCA were detected in culture media by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Increased amounts of phenyllactic and p-hydroxyphenyllactic acids were produced by Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Certain strict anaerobes (bifidobacteria, lactobacteria, eubacteria) have also been found to actively produce these PCA, but these bacteria are not etiologically linked to sepsis. Thus our results demonstrate the ability of sepsis-related bacteria to produce PCA and provide experimental support for the theory that the accumulation of PCA in the blood of patients with sepsis results from microbial degradation of phenylalanine and tyrosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N V Beloborodova
- Bakoulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 121522, Russia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Far upstream element-binding protein-1, a novel caspase substrate, acts as a cross-talker between apoptosis and the c-myc oncogene. Oncogene 2009; 28:1529-36. [PMID: 19219071 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2009.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Far upstream element-binding protein-1 (FBP-1) binds to an upstream element of the c-myc promoter and regulates the c-myc mRNA level. Earlier, FBP-1 was identified as a candidate substrate of caspase-7. Here, we report that FBP-1 is cleaved by executor caspases, both in vitro and during apoptosis. Cleavage occurs at the caspase consensus site (DQPD(74)) located within the classical bipartite nuclear localization signal sequence. In cells subjected to apoptotic stimuli, the caspase-mediated cleavage of FBP-1 leads to its decreased presence in the nucleus, concomitant with the marked downregulation of c-Myc and its various target proteins. By contrast, cells transfected with a non-cleavable mutant of FBP-1 (D74A) maintain higher levels of c-Myc and are protected from apoptosis. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the oncogenic potential of c-Myc is 'switched off' after apoptosis induction as a consequence of the caspase-mediated cleavage of FBP-1.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sidell N, Hao L, Pasquali M, McDonald JD. Carcinogenic effects in a phenylketonuria mouse model. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4292. [PMID: 19172175 PMCID: PMC2625399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder caused by impaired phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This condition results in hyperphenylalaninemia and elevated levels of abnormal phenylalanine metabolites, among which is phenylacetic acid/phenylacetate (PA). In recent years, PA and its analogs were found to have anticancer activity against a variety of malignancies suggesting the possibility that PKU may offer protection against cancer through chronically elevated levels of PA. We tested this hypothesis in a genetic mouse model of PKU (PAH(enu2)) which has a biochemical profile that closely resembles that of human PKU. Plasma levels of phenylalanine in homozygous (HMZ) PAH(enu2) mice were >12-fold those of heterozygous (HTZ) littermates while tyrosine levels were reduced. Phenylketones, including PA, were also markedly elevated to the range seen in the human disease. Mice were subjected to 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) carcinogenesis, a model which is sensitive to the anticancer effects of the PA derivative 4-chlorophenylacetate (4-CPA). Tumor induction by DMBA was not significantly different between the HTZ and HMZ mice, either in total tumor development or in the type of cancers that arose. HMZ mice were then treated with 4-CPA as positive controls for the anticancer effects of PA and to evaluate its possible effects on phenylalanine metabolism in PKU mice. 4-CPA had no effect on the plasma concentrations of phenylalanine, phenylketones, or tyrosine. Surprisingly, the HMZ mice treated with 4-CPA developed an unexplained neuromuscular syndrome which precluded its use in these animals as an anticancer agent. Together, these studies support the use of PAH(enu2) mice as a model for studying human PKU. Chronically elevated levels of PA in the PAH(enu2) mice were not protective against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hassan MH, Salama SA, Arafa HMM, Hamada FMA, Al-Hendy A. Adenovirus-mediated delivery of a dominant-negative estrogen receptor gene in uterine leiomyoma cells abrogates estrogen- and progesterone-regulated gene expression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:3949-57. [PMID: 17635941 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-0823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human uterine leiomyomas are very common smooth muscle cell tumors that occur in reproductive-age women and are the leading reason for performing hysterectomies. The present study was conducted to explore the potential mechanism behind the effects exerted by dominant-negative estrogen receptors (DNERs) delivered by adenovirus to leiomyoma cells to ascertain the utility of DNERs as a novel strategy for treatment of uterine fibroids. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We investigated the ability of DNER to affect estrogen response element (ERE) activity induced by wild-type estrogen receptor (ER) by using the adenovirus ERE luciferase (Ad-ERE-luc) system in ELT3 cells and the effect of graded doses of DNER (10, 50, and 100 plaque-forming units/cell) on the expression of some selected genes controlling cultured human leiomyoma cell proliferation (cyclin D1, Cox2, PCNA, VEGF, and EGF), apoptosis (Bcl2 and Bax), estrogen metabolism (COMT), and extracellular matrix formation (MMP(1)) as well as progesterone receptors (A and B) were assessed using Western blot analysis. These genes are all regulated by estrogen and/or progesterone. RESULTS DNER has the ability to suppress the ERE luc activity induced by wild-type ER (P < 0.01) and significantly (P < 0.05) reverse the expression of all estrogen- and progesterone-regulated genes in this study. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that interruption of the estrogen signaling pathway using DNER results in modulation of both estrogen- and progesterone-regulated genes that control leiomyoma cell apoptosis, proliferation, extracellular matrix formation, progesterone receptors, and estrogen metabolism, which might account for the DNER mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Memy H Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0587, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sidell N, Kirma N, Morgan ET, Nair H, Tekmal RR. Inhibition of estrogen-induced mammary tumor formation in MMTV-aromatase transgenic mice by 4-chlorophenylacetate. Cancer Lett 2007; 251:302-10. [PMID: 17215075 PMCID: PMC1940067 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2006] [Revised: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer with selective estrogen selective modulators (SERMs) and, more recently, aromatase inhibitors has met with wide success. However, antagonism of estrogen receptor (ER) activity in breast carcinomas by SERMs such as tamoxifen has been associated with increased risk of cancer in other tissue such as the endometrium. Furthermore, current therapies using aromatase inhibitors have side effects on bone resulting in development of osteoporosis in some patients. We present in this paper the results of a study using 4-chlorophenylacetate (4-CPA), a compound which belongs to a family of small aromatic fatty acids that has been shown to possess anticancer properties, to treat DMBA exposed MMTV-aromatase mice. These animals exhibit elevated levels of estrogen in their mammary glands and develop estrogen-responsive tumors. Consistent with our earlier findings showing that 4-CPA inhibited the growth of ER positive breast cancer cells in vitro, we now demonstrate that this compound inhibits tumor formation in MMTV-aromatase mice. This effect was not associated with reduction of ER expression in their mammary tissue, or to alteration of aromatase levels or activity. The data suggest that 4-CPA is a novel therapeutic agent that could be used in the prevention or treatment of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|