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Genetic architecture of motor neuron diseases. J Neurol Sci 2021; 434:120099. [PMID: 34965490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are rare and frequently fatal neurological disorders in which motor neurons within the brainstem and spinal cord regions slowly die. MNDs are primarily caused by genetic mutations, and > 100 different mutant genes in humans have been discovered thus far. Given the fact that many more MND-related genes have yet to be discovered, the growing body of genetic evidence has offered new insights into the diverse cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of MNDs. This search may aid in the selection of potential candidate genes for future investigation and, eventually, may open the door to novel interventions to slow down disease progression. In this review paper, we have summarized detailed existing research findings of different MNDs, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal bulbar muscle atrophy (SBMA) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) in relation to their complex genetic architecture.
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Dynamic Balance in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: Relationship between Strength and Performance of Forward Lunge, Step Up and Over, and Step Quick Turn. Rehabil Res Pract 2021; 2021:2540324. [PMID: 34725572 PMCID: PMC8557083 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2540324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular disorder that leads to progressive weakness of bulbar and extremity muscles. Dynamic balance during functional tasks has not been reported in people with SBMA. Objectives (1) To evaluate the ability to safely complete a forward lunge (FL), step quick turn (SQT), and step up and over (SUO), (2) to determine the presence and severity of dynamic balance impairments by comparing performance to normative data, and (3) to investigate the relationship between lower extremity strength and ability to complete each task. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Participants. Fifty-three people with SBMA were included in a cross-sectional analysis. Normative datasets provided by the NeuroCom manufacturer and isometric strength literature facilitated patient comparisons. Outcome Measures. Force plate-based dynamic balance measures included FL (distance, impact index, contact time, and force impulse), SQT (turn time and turn sway), and SUO (lift up index, movement time, and impact index). Maximal isometric contractions of knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors, ankle plantar flexors, and hip extensors were measured with fixed frame dynamometry. Results The most difficult test, per completion rate, was SUO (52%), followed by FL (57%) and SQT (65%). t-tests revealed significant abnormalities in eight of nine balance variables (p < 0.05) accompanied by large Cohen′s D effect sizes ≥ 0.8. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed knee extensor (SUO 95% CI =0.78–1.00, SQT 95% CI =0.64-0.92) and ankle plantar flexor strength (SUO 95%CI = 0.75–0.99, SQT 95%CI = 0.64 − 0.92) significantly discriminated the ability to perform SUO and SQT tests with acceptable to excellent areas under the curve. Conclusions Considerable dynamic balance abnormalities were observed. Lower extremity strength helps explain low test completion rates. Patients modified task movement patterns, enabling safe task performance. Study results can help direct patient care and future protocol design for people with SBMA.
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The French national protocol for Kennedy's disease (SBMA): consensus diagnostic and management recommendations. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:90. [PMID: 32276665 PMCID: PMC7149864 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kennedy’s disease (KD), also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is a rare, adult-onset, X-linked recessive neuromuscular disease caused by CAG expansions in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene (AR). The objective of the French national diagnostic and management protocol is to provide evidence-based best practice recommendations and outline an optimised care pathway for patients with KD, based on a systematic literature review and consensus multidisciplinary observations. Results The initial evaluation, confirmation of the diagnosis, and management should ideally take place in a tertiary referral centre for motor neuron diseases, and involve an experienced multidisciplinary team of neurologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists and allied healthcare professionals. The diagnosis should be suspected in an adult male presenting with slowly progressive lower motor neuron symptoms, typically affecting the lower limbs at onset. Bulbar involvement (dysarthria and dysphagia) is often a later manifestation of the disease. Gynecomastia is not a constant feature, but is suggestive of a suspected diagnosis, which is further supported by electromyography showing diffuse motor neuron involvement often with asymptomatic sensory changes. A suspected diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing. The multidisciplinary assessment should ascertain extra-neurological involvement such as cardiac repolarisation abnormalities (Brugada syndrome), signs of androgen resistance, genitourinary abnormalities, endocrine and metabolic changes (glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia). In the absence of effective disease modifying therapies, the mainstay of management is symptomatic support using rehabilitation strategies (physiotherapy and speech therapy). Nutritional evaluation by an expert dietician is essential, and enteral nutrition (gastrostomy) may be required. Respiratory management centres on the detection and treatment of bronchial obstructions, as well as screening for aspiration pneumonia (chest physiotherapy, drainage, positioning, breath stacking, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, cough assist machnie, antibiotics). Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is seldom needed. Symptomatic pharmaceutical therapy includes pain management, endocrine and metabolic interventions. There is no evidence for androgen substitution therapy. Conclusion The French national Kennedy’s disease protocol provides management recommendations for patients with KD. In a low-incidence condition, sharing and integrating regional expertise, multidisciplinary experience and defining consensus best-practice recommendations is particularly important. Well-coordinated collaborative efforts will ultimately pave the way to the development of evidence-based international guidelines.
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Preliminary design and validation of the “6-K-scale” for bulbar symptoms evaluation in SBMA. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1393-1401. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Halievski K, Nath SR, Katsuno M, Adachi H, Sobue G, Breedlove SM, Lieberman AP, Jordan CL. Disease Affects Bdnf Expression in Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Regions of Skeletal Muscle of Three SBMA Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061314. [PMID: 30875922 PMCID: PMC6470984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a slowly progressive, androgen-dependent neuromuscular disease in men that is characterized by both muscle and synaptic dysfunction. Because gene expression in muscle is heterogeneous, with synaptic myonuclei expressing genes that regulate synaptic function and extrasynaptic myonuclei expressing genes to regulate contractile function, we used quantitative PCR to compare gene expression in these two domains of muscle from three different mouse models of SBMA: the "97Q" model that ubiquitously expresses mutant human androgen receptor (AR), the 113Q knock-in (KI) model that expresses humanized mouse AR with an expanded glutamine tract, and the "myogenic" model that overexpresses wild-type rat AR only in skeletal muscle. We were particularly interested in neurotrophic factors because of their role in maintaining neuromuscular function via effects on both muscle and synaptic function, and their implicated role in SBMA. We confirmed previous reports of the enriched expression of select genes (e.g., the acetylcholine receptor) in the synaptic region of muscle, and are the first to report the synaptic enrichment of others (e.g., glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor). Interestingly, all three models displayed comparably dysregulated expression of most genes examined in both the synaptic and extrasynaptic domains of muscle, with only modest differences between regions and models. These findings of comprehensive gene dysregulation in muscle support the emerging view that skeletal muscle may be a prime therapeutic target for restoring function of both muscles and motoneurons in SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Halievski
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115, USA.
| | - Samir R Nath
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Adachi
- Department of Neurology, University of Occupational and Environment Health School of Medicine, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - S Marc Breedlove
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115, USA.
| | - Andrew P Lieberman
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Cynthia L Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115, USA.
- Physiology Department, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1115, USA.
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Querin G, Bede P, Marchand-Pauvert V, Pradat PF. Biomarkers of Spinal and Bulbar Muscle Atrophy (SBMA): A Comprehensive Review. Front Neurol 2018; 9:844. [PMID: 30364135 PMCID: PMC6191472 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy's disease, is a rare, X-linked, late onset neuromuscular disorder. The disease is caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene. It is characterized by slowly progressive lower motor neurons degeneration, primary myopathy and widespread multisystem involvement. Respiratory involvement is rare, and the condition is associated with a normal life expectancy. Despite a plethora of therapeutic studies in mouse models, no effective disease-modifying therapy has been licensed for clinical use to date. The development of sensitive monitoring markers for the particularly slowly progressing pathology of SBMA is urgently required to aid future clinical trials. A small number of outcome measures have been proposed recently, including promising biochemical markers, which show correlation with clinical disability and disease-stage and progression. Nevertheless, a paucity of SBMA-specific biomarker studies persists, delaying the development of monitoring markers for pharmaceutical trials. Collaborative efforts through international consortia and multicenter registries are likely to contribute to the characterization of the natural history of the condition, the establishment of disease-specific biomarker panels and ultimately contribute to the development of disease-modifying drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Querin
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Centre Référent SLA, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Peter Bede
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Centre Référent SLA, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Computational Neuroimaging Group, Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Pierre-Francois Pradat
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Centre Référent SLA, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, United Kingdom
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7
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Kennedy’s disease (spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy): a clinically oriented review of a rare disease. J Neurol 2018; 266:565-573. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8968-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Rosenbohm A, Hirsch S, Volk AE, Grehl T, Grosskreutz J, Hanisch F, Herrmann A, Kollewe K, Kress W, Meyer T, Petri S, Prudlo J, Wessig C, Müller HP, Dreyhaupt J, Weishaupt J, Kubisch C, Kassubek J, Weydt P, Ludolph AC. The metabolic and endocrine characteristics in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. J Neurol 2018; 265:1026-1036. [PMID: 29464380 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is caused by an abnormal expansion of the CAG repeat in the androgen receptor gene. This study aimed to systematically phenotype a German SBMA cohort (n = 80) based on laboratory markers for neuromuscular, metabolic, and endocrine status, and thus provide a basis for the selection of biomarkers for future therapeutic trials. METHODS We assessed a panel of 28 laboratory parameters. The clinical course and blood biomarkers were correlated with disease duration and CAG repeat length. A subset of 11 patients was evaluated with body fat MRI. RESULTS Almost all patients reported muscle weakness (99%), followed by dysphagia (77%), tremor (76%), and gynecomastia (75%) as major complaints. Creatine kinase was the most consistently elevated (94%) serum marker, which, however, did not relate with either the disease duration or the CAG repeat length. Paresis duration and CAG repeat length correlated with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate after correction for body mass index and age. The androgen insensitivity index was elevated in nearly half of the participants (48%). CONCLUSIONS Metabolic alterations in glucose homeostasis (diabetes) and fat metabolism (combined hyperlipidemia), and sex hormone abnormalities (androgen insensitivity) could be observed among SBMA patients without association with the neuromuscular phenotype. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was the only biomarker that correlated strongly with both weakness duration and the CAG repeat length after adjusting for age and BMI, indicating its potential as a biomarker for both disease severity and duration and, therefore, its possible use as a reliable outcome measure in future therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rosenbohm
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Hirsch
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander E Volk
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus Rüttenscheid, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Frank Hanisch
- Department of Neurology, University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Research Site Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Kollewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfram Kress
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Carsten Wessig
- Department of Neurology, Bavaria Clinic, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Müller
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen Weishaupt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Kubisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Gerontopsychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Previously Undiagnosed Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy as a Cause of Airway Obstruction after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Case Rep Anesthesiol 2017; 2017:9780265. [PMID: 28798877 PMCID: PMC5535701 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9780265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preoperative vocal cord paralysis is a risk factor for postoperative respiratory distress following extubation after general anesthesia. We present an unusual case where a geriatric patient developed airway obstruction after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Case Presentation A 67-year-old male, who had suffered from left vocal cord paralysis of unknown etiology, was scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). General anesthesia was performed without any problems. The patient, however, developed airway obstruction one hour after extubation and was reintubated following commencement of mechanical ventilation for one day. At the age of 70 years, the patient received an emergency tracheostomy due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis and then was diagnosed with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Although no muscle weakness of either upper or lower extremities was observed, rocuronium showed hypersensitivity during total laryngectomy under general anesthesia. Conclusions Vocal cord paralysis combined with postoperative laryngeal edema, the cause of which was presumed to be SBMA, likely caused airway obstruction after RALP. As neuromuscular symptoms progress gradually in patients with SBMA, muscle relaxants should be used carefully, even if patients with SBMA present no immobility of their extremities.
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Otto-Duessel M, Tew BY, Vonderfecht S, Moore R, Jones JO. Identification of neuron selective androgen receptor inhibitors. World J Biol Chem 2017; 8:138-150. [PMID: 28588757 PMCID: PMC5439165 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v8.i2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify neuron-selective androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors, which could be useful in the treatment of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), or Kennedy’s disease, a neuromuscular disorder in which deterioration of motor neurons leads to progressive muscle weakness.
METHODS Cell lines representing prostate, kidney, neuron, adipose, and muscle tissue were developed that stably expressed the CFP-AR-YFP FRET reporter. We used these cells to screen a library of small molecules for cell type-selective AR inhibitors. Secondary screening in luciferase assays was used to identify the best cell-type specific AR inhibitors. The mechanism of action of a neuron-selective AR inhibitor was examined in vitro using luciferase reporter assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and immunoprecipitations. Rats were treated with the most potent compound and tissue-selective AR inhibition was examined using RT-qPCR of AR-regulated genes and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS We identified the thiazole class of antibiotics as compounds able to inhibit AR signaling in a neuronal cell line but not a muscle cell line. One of these antibiotics, thiostrepton is able to inhibit the activity of both wild type and polyglutamine expanded AR in neuronal GT1-7 cells with nanomolar potency. The thiazole antibiotics are known to inhibit FOXM1 activity and accordingly, a novel FOXM1 inhibitor FDI-6 also inhibited AR activity in a neuron-selective fashion. The selective inhibition of AR is likely indirect as the varied structures of these compounds would not suggest that they are competitive antagonists. Indeed, we found that FOXM1 expression correlates with cell-type selectivity, FOXM1 co-localizes with AR in the nucleus, and that shRNA-mediated knock down of FOXM1 reduces AR activity and thiostrepton sensitivity in a neuronal cell line. Thiostrepton treatment reduces FOXM1 levels and the nuclear localization of beta-catenin, a known co-activator of both FOXM1 and AR, and reduces the association between beta-catenin and AR. Treatment of rats with thiostrepton demonstrated AR signaling inhibition in neurons, but not muscles.
CONCLUSION Our results suggest that thiazole antibiotics, or other inhibitors of the AR-FOXM1 axis, can inhibit AR signaling selectively in motor neurons and may be useful in the treatment or prevention of SBMA symptoms.
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Chen Y, Luo P, Li Z, Hu H, Wu D, Xu T, Wang X, Xie H. Kennedy disease with difficulty in differential diagnosis: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6792. [PMID: 28489755 PMCID: PMC5428589 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Kennedy disease (KD) is also known as spinal bulbar muscular dystrophy. As KD has similar symptoms with most neuromuscular diseases, so it is difficult to make a rapid diagnosis clinically. PATIENT CONCERNS We report a case of a 43-year-old male with progressive limb proximal weakness without family history. Physical examination showed gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, bilateral tendon reflex and quadriceps weakness, and tongue muscle atrophy. DIAGNOSES Laboratory examination found increased creatine kinase, impaired glucose tolerance, and abnormal lactic acid values. There was no mutation or copy number variant in SMN1 gene and related mitochondrion genes tested, even with the use of multiplex ligation probe- dependent amplification technique. Diagnosis was confirmed with genetic analysis which displayed trinucleotide CAG (glutamine)- repeat expansion in the androgen-receptor gene. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES The patient achieved good prognosis with symptomatic treatment after diagnosis. LESSONS To diagnose KD, clinicians should pay more attention to differentiate KD and myasthenia gravis, mitochondrial myopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Gene analysis was the key in detecting this rare confusing disease in the patient.
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Pennuto M, Gozes I. Introduction to the Special Issue on Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 58:313-6. [PMID: 26875173 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This special issue is dedicated to spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and is based on the conference sponsored by the European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) held in March 2015. SBMA, also known as Kennedy's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an expansion of a repeat of the trinucleotide CAG encoding glutamine in the gene encoding androgen receptor (AR). Expansion of polyglutamine in the AR results in selective lower motor neuron degeneration and skeletal muscle atrophy. SBMA belongs to the family of polyglutamine diseases, which also includes Huntington's disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy, and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17. Within the family of polyglutamine diseases, SBMA is unique in its gender-specificity, with full disease manifestation restricted to males. Since the disease is ligand (androgen)-dependent, SBMA manifests primarily in males which have high levels of circulating androgens in the serum; females are usually asymptomatic. Indeed, the polyglutamine-expanded AR is converted to a neurotoxic species upon binding to androgens. The mechanisms through which androgen binding triggers the disease are under investigation. Although several therapeutic strategies have been proposed to date, there is currently no effective therapy to arrest or delay disease progression in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pennuto
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute Lab of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Illana Gozes
- Lily and Avraham Gildor Chair for the Investigation of Growth Factors, Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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Pareyson D, Fratta P, Pradat PF, Sorarù G, Finsterer J, Vissing J, Jokela ME, Udd B, Ludolph AC, Sagnelli A, Weydt P. Towards a European Registry and Biorepository for Patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 58:394-400. [PMID: 26744358 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0704-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pathomechanisms of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) have been extensively investigated and are partially understood, but no effective treatment is currently available for this disabling disorder. Its rarity, the slow disease progression, and lack of sensitive-to-change outcome measures render design and conduction of clinical trials a challenging task. Therefore, it is fundamental to strengthen the network of clinical centers interested in SBMA for clinical trial readiness. We propose to create and maintain an International SBMA Registry where as many well-characterized patients as possible can be included, with the following aims: facilitate planning of clinical trials and recruitment of patients, define natural history of the disease, characterize epidemiology, develop standards of care, and inform the community of patients about research progresses and ongoing trials. We also aim at developing harmonized and coordinated biorepositories. The experience obtained during the last years in the field of other neuromuscular disorders and of Huntington disease offers valuable precedents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Pareyson
- Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS Foundation, "C. Besta" Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases and Sobell Department for Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75013, Paris, France.,APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriere, Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Centre référent SLA, Paris, France
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Postfach 20, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manu E Jokela
- Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tampere University and Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Anna Sagnelli
- Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS Foundation, "C. Besta" Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Clinic of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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