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Godbole NP, Haxton E, Rowe OE, Locascio JJ, Schmahmann JD, Eichler FS, Ratai E, Stephen CD. Clinical and imaging predictors of late-onset GM2 gangliosidosis: A scoping review. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:207-224. [PMID: 38009419 PMCID: PMC10791033 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Late-onset GM2 gangliosidosis (LOGG) subtypes late-onset Tay-Sachs (LOTS) and Sandhoff disease (LOSD) are ultra-rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders presenting with weakness, ataxia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Previous studies considered LOTS and LOSD clinically indistinguishable; recent studies have challenged this. We performed a scoping review to ascertain whether imaging and clinical features may differentiate these diseases. METHODS We examined MEDLINE/non-MEDLINE databases up to May 2022. Articles reporting brain imaging findings in genetically/enzymatically confirmed LOGG, symptom onset at age ≥ 10 years (or evaluated at least once ≥18 years) were included, yielding 170 LOGG patients (LOTS = 127, LOSD = 43) across 68 papers. We compared LOTS versus LOSD and performed regression analyses. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Age of onset was lower in LOTS versus LOSD (17.9 ± 8.2 vs. 23.9 ± 14.4 years, p = 0.017), although disease duration was similar (p = 0.34). LOTS more commonly had psychosis/bipolar symptoms (35.0% vs. 9.30%, p = 0.011) but less frequent swallowing problems (4.10% vs. 18.60%, p = 0.041). Cerebellar atrophy was more common in LOTS (89.0%) versus LOSD (60.5%), p < 0.0001, with more severe atrophy in LOTS (p = 0.0005). Brainstem atrophy was documented only in LOTS (14.2%). Independent predictors of LOTS versus LOSD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) included the presence of psychosis/bipolar symptoms (4.95 [1.59-19.52], p = 0.011), no swallowing symptoms (0.16 [0.036-0.64], p = 0.011), and cerebellar atrophy (5.81 [2.10-17.08], p = 0.0009). Lower age of onset (0.96 [0.93-1.00], p = 0.075) and tremor (2.50 [0.94-7.43], p = 0.078) were marginally statistically significant but felt relevant to include in the model. INTERPRETATION These data suggest significant differences in symptomatology, disease course, and imaging findings between LOTS and LOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha P. Godbole
- Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elizabeth Haxton
- Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Olivia E. Rowe
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Department of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joseph J. Locascio
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Catalyst Biostatistical Consulting Group, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jeremy D. Schmahmann
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Florian S. Eichler
- Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Eva‐Maria Ratai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Department of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christopher D. Stephen
- Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Kwan J, Vullaganti M. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimics. Muscle Nerve 2022; 66:240-252. [PMID: 35607838 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27567] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of cortical, bulbar, and spinal motor neurons. When a patient presents with a progressive upper and/or lower motor syndrome, clinicians must pay particular attention to any atypical features in the history and/or clinical examination suggesting an alternate diagnosis, as up to 10% percent of patients initially diagnosed with ALS have a mimic of ALS. ALS is a clinical diagnosis and requires the exclusion of other disorders that may have similar presentations but a more favorable prognosis or an effective therapy. Because there is currently no specific diagnostic biomarker that is sensitive or specific for ALS, understanding the spectrum of clinical presentations of ALS and its mimics is paramount. While true mimics of ALS are rare, the clinician must correctly identify these disorders to avoid the misdiagnosis of ALS and to initiate effective treatment where available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Kwan
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mithila Vullaganti
- Department of Neurology, Tufts Medical Center, Tuft University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Diagnostic Tips from a Video Series and Literature Review of Patients with Late-Onset Tay-Sachs Disease. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2022; 12:34. [PMID: 36618998 PMCID: PMC9801838 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Late-Onset Tay-Sachs (LOTS) disease is a rare, progressive neurological condition that can dramatically affect the life of these patients. The diagnosis of LOTS is easily missed because of the multifaced presentation of these patients, who can initially be assessed by neuromuscular or movement disorder specialists, or psychiatrists. Clinical trials are now becoming available for LOTS. Therefore, early diagnosis can be detrimental for these patients and for insuring informative research outcomes. Methods We characterized a cohort of nine patients with LOTS through a detailed clinical and video description. We then reviewed the available literature regarding the clinical description of patients with LOTS. Our findings were summarized based on the predominant phenotype of presentation to highlight diagnostic clues to guide the diagnosis of LOTS for different neurology specialists (neuromuscular, movement disorders) and psychiatrist. Results We described a cohort of 9 new patients with LOTS seen at our clinic. Our literature review identified 76 patients mainly presenting with a neuromuscular, cerebellar, psychiatric, stuttering, or movement disorder phenotype. Diagnostic tips, such as the triceps sign, distinct speech patterns, early psychiatric presentation and impulsivity, as well as neurological symptoms (cerebellar or neuromuscular) in patients with a prominent psychiatric presentation, are described. Discussion Specific diagnostics clues can help neurologists and psychiatrists in the early diagnosis of LOTS disease. Our work also represent the first video presentation of a cohort of patients with LOTS that can help different specialists to familiarize with these features and improve diagnostic outcomes. Highlights Late-Onset Tay-Sachs (LOTS) disease, a severe progressive neurological condition, has multifaced presentations causing diagnostic delays that can significantly affect research outcomes now that clinical trials are available. We highlight useful diagnostic clues from our cohort (including the first video representation of a LOTS cohort) and comprehensive literature review.
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Pontocerebellar atrophy is the hallmark neuroradiological finding in late-onset Tay-Sachs disease. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:3273-3281. [PMID: 34800199 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05757-3] [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: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Late-onset Tay-Sachs disease (LOTS) is a form of GM2 gangliosidosis, an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, lower motor neuron disease, and psychiatric impairment due to mutations in the HEXA gene. The aim of our work was to identify the characteristic brain MRI findings in this presumably underdiagnosed disease. METHODS Clinical data and MRI findings from 16 patients (10F/6 M) with LOTS from two centers were independently assessed by two readers and compared to 16 age- and sex-related controls. RESULTS Lower motor neuron disease (94%), psychiatric symptoms-psychosis (31%), cognitive impairment (38%) and depression (25%)-and symptoms of cerebellar impairment including dysarthria (94%), ataxia (81%) and tremor (69%), were the most common clinical features. On MRI, pontocerebellar atrophy was a constant finding. Compared to controls, LOTS patients had smaller mean middle cerebellar peduncle diameter (p < 0.0001), mean superior cerebellar peduncle diameter (p = 0.0002), mesencephalon sagittal area (p = 0.0002), pons sagittal area (p < 0.0001), and larger 4th ventricle transversal diameter (p < 0.0001). Mild corpus callosum thinning (37.5%), mild cortical atrophy (18.8%), and white matter T2 hyperintensities (12.5%) were also present. CONCLUSION Given the characteristic clinical course and MRI findings of the pontocerebellar atrophy, late-onset Tay-Sachs disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset cerebellar ataxias.
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Rowe OE, Rangaprakash D, Weerasekera A, Godbole N, Haxton E, James PF, Stephen CD, Barry RL, Eichler FS, Ratai EM. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in late-onset GM2-gangliosidosis. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:386-396. [PMID: 34226107 PMCID: PMC8289742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to quantify structural changes in relation to metabolic abnormalities in the cerebellum, thalamus, and parietal cortex of patients with late-onset GM2-gangliosidosis (LOGG), which encompasses late-onset Tay-Sachs disease (LOTS) and Sandhoff disease (LOSD). METHODS We enrolled 10 patients with LOGG (7 LOTS, 3 LOSD) who underwent a neurological assessment battery and 7 age-matched controls. Structural MRI and MRS were performed on a 3 T scanner. Structural volumes were obtained from FreeSurfer and normalized by total intracranial volume. Quantified metabolites included N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), myo-inositol (mI), creatine (Cr), and combined glutamate-glutamine (Glx). Metabolic concentrations were corrected for partial volume effects. RESULTS Structural analyses revealed significant cerebellar atrophy in the LOGG cohort, which was primarily driven by LOTS patients. NAA was lower and mI higher in LOGG, but this was also significantly driven by the LOTS patients. Clinical ataxia deficits (via the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) were associated with neuronal injury (via NAA), neuroinflammation (via mI), and volumetric atrophy in the cerebellum. INTERPRETATION The decrease of NAA in the cerebellum suggests that, in addition to cerebellar atrophy, there is ongoing impaired neuronal function and/or loss, while an increase in mI indicates possible neuroinflammation in LOGG (more so within the LOTS subvariant). Quantifying cerebellar atrophy in relation to neurometabolic differences in LOGG may lead to improvements in assessing disease severity, progression, and pharmacological efficacy. Lastly, additional neuroimaging studies in LOGG are required to contrast LOTS and LOSD more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia E Rowe
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - D Rangaprakash
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Akila Weerasekera
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Neha Godbole
- Leukodystrophy Clinic, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Haxton
- Leukodystrophy Clinic, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter F James
- Leukodystrophy Clinic, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher D Stephen
- Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Movement Disorders Division and Ataxia Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert L Barry
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences & Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Leukodystrophy Clinic, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Rare Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Blumenreich S, Jenkins BJ, Barav OB, Milenkovic I, Futerman AH. The Lysosome and Nonmotor Symptoms: Linking Parkinson's Disease and Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2150-2155. [PMID: 32986899 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shani Blumenreich
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bethan J Jenkins
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Or B Barav
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ivan Milenkovic
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anthony H Futerman
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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7
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Masingue M, Dufour L, Lenglet T, Saleille L, Goizet C, Ayrignac X, Ory-Magne F, Barth M, Lamari F, Mandia D, Caillaud C, Nadjar Y. Natural History of Adult Patients with GM2 Gangliosidosis. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:609-617. [PMID: 31995250 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GM2 gangliosidoses are lysosomal diseases due to biallelic mutations in the HEXA (Tay-Sachs disease [TS]) or HEXB (Sandhoff disease [SD]) genes, with subsequent low hexosaminidase(s) activity. Most patients have childhood onset, but some experience the first symptoms during adolescence/adulthood. This study aims to clarify the natural history of adult patients with GM2 gangliosidosis. METHODS We retrospectively described 12 patients from a French cohort and 45 patients from the literature. RESULTS We observed 4 typical presentations: (1) lower motoneuron disorder responsible for proximal lower limb weakness that subsequently expanded to the upper limbs, (2) cerebellar ataxia, (3) psychosis and/or severe mood disorder (only in the TS patients), and (4) a complex phenotype mixing the above 3 manifestations. The psoas was the first and most affected muscle in the lower limbs, whereas the triceps and interosseous were predominantly involved in the upper limbs. A longitudinal study of compound motor action potentials showed a progressive decrease in all nerves, with different kinetics. Sensory potentials were sometimes abnormally low, mainly in the SD patients. The main brain magnetic resonance imaging feature was cerebellar atrophy, even in patients without cerebellar symptoms. The prognosis was mainly related to gait disorder, as we showed that beyond 20 years of disease evolution, half of the patients were wheelchair users. INTERPRETATION Improved knowledge of GM2 gangliosidosis in adults will help clinicians achieve correct diagnoses and better inform patients on the evolution and prognosis. It may also contribute to defining proper outcome measures when testing emerging therapies. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:609-617.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Masingue
- Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disorders Nord/Est/Île-de-France, Institute of Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Louis Dufour
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Neuro-Genetic and Metabolism Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Timothée Lenglet
- Department of Neurophysiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris.,Department of Neurology, Reference Center for ALS Rare Disease, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Lisa Saleille
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Neuro-Genetic and Metabolism Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Cyril Goizet
- Reference Center for Rare "Neurogenetic" Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospital Center, Bordeaux.,Rare Diseases Laboratory: Genetics and Metabolism, National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1211, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux
| | - Xavier Ayrignac
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Adult Leukodystrophies, Montpellier University Hospital Center, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Montpellier, Montpellier
| | - Fabienne Ory-Magne
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Brain Imaging and Neurological Disabilities, Mixed Unit of Research 1214, Toulouse
| | - Magali Barth
- Department of Genetics, Reference Center for Neurogenetic Diseases, University Hospital Angers, Angers
| | - Foudil Lamari
- Biochemistry of Neurometabolic Diseases Functional Units, Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Daniele Mandia
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Neuro-Genetic and Metabolism Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
| | - Catherine Caillaud
- Biochemical, Metabolomic, and Proteomic Department, Necker University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris.,National Institute of Health and Medical Research U1151, Necker University Hospital Group, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yann Nadjar
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Lysosomal Diseases, Neuro-Genetic and Metabolism Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital Group (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), Paris
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Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by defective function in one of the lysosomal enzymes. In this review paper, we describe neuroradiological findings and clinical characteristics of neuronopathic lysosomal disorders with a focus on differential diagnosis. New insights regarding pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives are also briefly discussed.
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Cachón-González MB, Zaccariotto E, Cox TM. Genetics and Therapies for GM2 Gangliosidosis. Curr Gene Ther 2018; 18:68-89. [PMID: 29618308 PMCID: PMC6040173 DOI: 10.2174/1566523218666180404162622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease, caused by impaired β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity, was the first GM2 gangliosidosis to be studied and one of the most severe and earliest lysosomal diseases to be described. The condition, associated with the pathological build-up of GM2 ganglioside, has acquired almost iconic status and serves as a paradigm in the study of lysosomal storage diseases. Inherited as a classical autosomal recessive disorder, this global disease of the nervous system induces developmental arrest with regression of attained milestones; neurodegeneration progresses rapidly to cause premature death in young children. There is no effective treatment beyond palliative care, and while the genetic basis of GM2 gangliosidosis is well established, the molecular and cellular events, from diseasecausing mutations and glycosphingolipid storage to disease manifestations, remain to be fully delineated. Several therapeutic approaches have been attempted in patients, including enzymatic augmentation, bone marrow transplantation, enzyme enhancement, and substrate reduction therapy. Hitherto, none of these stratagems has materially altered the course of the disease. Authentic animal models of GM2 gangliodidosis have facilitated in-depth evaluation of innovative applications such as gene transfer, which in contrast to other interventions, shows great promise. This review outlines current knowledge pertaining the pathobiology as well as potential innovative treatments for the GM2 gangliosidoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Zaccariotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Maier S, Bajko Z, Moţăţăianu A, Stoian A, Şchiopu B, Bălaşa R. Late Onset Tay-Sachs Disease in a Non-Jewish Patient: Case Report. ACTA MEDICA MARISIENSIS 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/amma-2017-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a rare, inherited, autosomal rececessive lysosomal storage disease. The late-onset form is an uncommon condition among non-Jewish population.
We present the case of a 32 years old male patient without Jewish origins, in whom the disease began in adolescence and was initially diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. He developed progressively protean neurological symptomatology, including tetraparesis, cerebellar and extrapyramidal syndromes. The diagnosis was based on the cerebral MRI, showing severe cerebellar atrophy and the determination of the Hexosaminidase A activity, revealing low level.
In patients showing signs of lower motor neuron involvement, cerebellar and pyramidal signs and marked cerebellar atrophy the late-onset TSD should be suspected, and the first step in establishing the diagnosis should be to determine the serum activity of Hexosaminidase A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smaranda Maier
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures , Department of Neurology
| | - Zoltan Bajko
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures , Department of Neurology
| | - Anca Moţăţăianu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures , Department of Neurology
| | - Adina Stoian
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures , Department of Patophysiology
| | | | - Rodica Bălaşa
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures , Department of Neurology
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Abstract
Lysosomes are cytoplasmic organelles that contain a variety of different hydrolases. A genetic deficiency in the enzymatic activity of one of these hydrolases will lead to the accumulation of the material meant for lysosomal degradation. Examples include glycogen in the case of Pompe disease, glycosaminoglycans in the case of the mucopolysaccharidoses, glycoproteins in the cases of the oligosaccharidoses, and sphingolipids in the cases of Niemann-Pick disease types A and B, Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease, Krabbe disease, and metachromatic leukodystrophy. Sometimes, the lysosomal storage can be caused not by the enzymatic deficiency of one of the hydrolases, but by the deficiency of an activator protein, as occurs in the AB variant of GM2 gangliosidosis. Still other times, the accumulated lysosomal material results from failed egress of a small molecule as a consequence of a deficient transporter, as in cystinosis or Salla disease. In the last couple of decades, enzyme replacement therapy has become available for a number of lysosomal storage diseases. Examples include imiglucerase, taliglucerase and velaglucerase for Gaucher disease, laronidase for Hurler disease, idursulfase for Hunter disease, elosulfase for Morquio disease, galsulfase for Maroteaux-Lamy disease, alglucosidase alfa for Pompe disease, and agalsidase alfa and beta for Fabry disease. In addition, substrate reduction therapy has been approved for certain disorders, such as eliglustat for Gaucher disease. The advent of treatment options for some of these disorders has led to newborn screening pilot studies, and ultimately to the addition of Pompe disease and Hurler disease to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R. Ferreira
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Human Biochemical Genetics Section, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William A. Gahl
- Human Biochemical Genetics Section, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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12
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Juntas Morales R, Pageot N, Taieb G, Camu W. Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy: An update. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017; 173:308-319. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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The Pediatric Cerebellum in Inherited Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Pattern-recognition Approach. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2017; 26:373-416. [PMID: 27423800 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of imaging studies of the cerebellum in inherited neurodegenerative disorders is aided by attention to neuroimaging patterns based on anatomic determinants, including biometric analysis, hyperintense signal of structures, including the cerebellar cortex, white matter, dentate nuclei, brainstem tracts, and nuclei, the presence of cysts, brain iron, or calcifications, change over time, the use of diffusion-weighted/diffusion tensor imaging and T2*-weighted sequences, magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and, in rare occurrences, the administration of contrast material.
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Bicchi I, Emiliani C, Vescovi A, Martino S. The Big Bluff of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis: The Role of Neurodegenerative Disease Mimics. NEURODEGENER DIS 2015; 15:313-21. [PMID: 26227992 DOI: 10.1159/000435917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases include a significant number of pathologies affecting the nervous system. Generally, the primary cause of each disease is specific; however, recently, it was shown that they may be correlated at molecular level. This aspect, together with the exhibition of similar symptoms, renders the diagnosis of these disorders difficult. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is one of these pathologies. Herein, we report several cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis misdiagnosed as a consequence of features that are common to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, spastic paraplegia and frontotemporal dementia, and mostly with the lysosomal storage disorder GM2 gangliosidosis. Overall reports highlight that the differential diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis should include correlated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Grim KK, Phillips GD, Renner DR. Dysarthria and Stutter as Presenting Symptoms of Late-Onset Tay-Sachs Disease in Three Siblings. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2015; 2:289-290. [PMID: 30363497 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-onset Tay-Sachs disease (LOTS) is a rare autosomal-recessive genetic disorder caused by insufficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase A, resulting in intracellular accumulation of gangliosides in the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations can include unsteadiness in gait, muscle weakness, cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric disturbance, and dysarthric speech. The variable presentation of these symptoms, combined with the late onset of the disease, often results in misdiagnosis. We present video of 3 sibling cases of LOTS in which a dysarthric stutter was the sole presenting symptom in order to better characterize the phenotype of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K Grim
- Department of Neurology University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | | | - David R Renner
- Department of Neurology University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
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Late-onset spastic ataxia phenotype in a patient with a homozygous DDHD2 mutation. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7132. [PMID: 25417924 PMCID: PMC5384088 DOI: 10.1038/srep07132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias and autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias (ARHSPs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders. Herein we describe Japanese siblings with a midlife-onset, slowly progressive type of cerebellar ataxia and spastic paraplegia, without intellectual disability. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous missense mutation in DDHD2, whose mutations were recently identified as the cause of early-onset ARHSP with intellectual disability. Brain MRI of the patient showed a thin corpus callosum. Cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed an abnormal lipid peak in the basal ganglia, which has been reported as the hallmark of DDHD2-related ARHSP (SPG 54). The mutation caused a marked reduction of phospholipase A1 activity, supporting that this mutation is the cause of SPG54. Our cases indicate that the possibility of SPG54 should also be considered when patients show a combination of adult-onset spastic ataxia and a thin corpus callosum. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of patients with spastic ataxia phenotype.
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Recent progress in the genetics of motor neuron disease. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:103-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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