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Pennuto M, Pradat PF, Sorarù G, Greensmith L. 271st ENMC international workshop: Towards a unifying effort to fight Kennedy's disease. 20-22 October 2023, Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 38:8-19. [PMID: 38552412 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The workshop held in the Netherlands from October 20-22, 2023, united 27 scientists from academia, healthcare, and industry representing 11 countries, alongside four patient and charity representatives. Focused on Kennedy's Disease (KD), also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), the workshop aimed to consolidate knowledge, align on clinical trial designs, and promote participative medicine for effective treatments. Discussions emphasized KD's molecular mechanisms, highlighting its status as a neuromuscular disorder with motor neuron degeneration. Strategies for therapeutic intervention, including AR activity modulation and targeting post-translational modifications, were proposed. The need for diagnostic, prognostic, and target engagement biomarkers was stressed. Challenges in patient stratification and clinical trial recruitment were acknowledged, with the International KD/SBMA Registry praised for its role. The workshop concluded with a patient-focused session, underscoring challenges in KD diagnosis and the vital support provided by patient associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DBS), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova 35100, Italy.
| | - P F Pradat
- Département de Neurologie, AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale (LIB), 75013 Paris, France
| | - G Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L Greensmith
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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Blasi L, Sabbatini D, Fortuna A, Querin G, Martinelli I, Vianello S, Bertolin C, Pareyson D, Pennuto M, Pegoraro E, Bello L, Sorarù G. The value of serum creatinine as biomarker of disease progression in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Sci Rep 2023; 13:17311. [PMID: 37828349 PMCID: PMC10570332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum creatinine has been indicated as a potential marker of motor function in SBMA and results form previous longitudinal studies pointed to its decline over time. This is a longitudinal retrospective study investigating creatinine changes over a 36-month-period in 73 patients with SBMA. Severity and progression of the disease was assessed according to serum creatine kinase (CK) values, manual muscle testing (MMT), SBMA functional rating scale (SBMAFRS) score, 6-min-walk test (6MWT) value, and spirometry (forced vital capacity, fVC%) obtained at the baseline and at each of the annual follow-up visits. Baseline serum creatinine concentrations positively correlated with 6MWT, the MMT megascore score of both the upper (ULM) and lower (LLM) limbs and SBMAFRS. No correlation was found with CK or fVC% values. Similar correlation results were achieved at all the subsequent time points. Longitudinal assessments conducted by the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method returned significant changes for SBMAFRS (- 1.41 points per year, p < 0.001), ULM and LLM (- 0.69, p = 0.01; and - 1.07, p < 0.001, respectively), 6MWT (- 47 m, p < 0.001) but not for creatinine (- 0.82, p > 0.05). We also observed that creatinine levels at baseline did not correlate with changes in the other measures from baseline at each annual visit. Our data do not support a role for serum creatinine as sensitive biomarker of disease progression, and possibily prognosis, in SBMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Blasi
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Sabbatini
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Fortuna
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Querin
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Adult ClinicalTrials Platform, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Vianello
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bertolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, IRP Città Della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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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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241st ENMC international workshop: Towards a European unifying lab for Kennedy's disease. 15-17th February, 2019 Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:716-724. [PMID: 31488386 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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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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Ambrosini A, Calabrese D, Avato FM, Catania F, Cavaletti G, Pera MC, Toscano A, Vita G, Monaco L, Pareyson D. The Italian neuromuscular registry: a coordinated platform where patient organizations and clinicians collaborate for data collection and multiple usage. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:176. [PMID: 30286784 PMCID: PMC6172847 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide landscape of patient registries in the neuromuscular disease (NMD) field has significantly changed in the last 10 years, with the international TREAT-NMD network acting as strong driver. At the same time, the European Medicines Agency and the large federations of rare disease patient organizations (POs), such as EURORDIS, contributed to a great cultural change, by promoting a paradigm shift from product-registries to patient-centred registries. In Italy, several NMD POs and Fondazione Telethon undertook the development of a TREAT-NMD linked patient registry in 2009, with the referring clinical network providing input and support to this initiative through the years. This article describes the outcome of this joint effort and shares the experience gained. METHODS The Italian NMD registry is based on an informatics technology platform, structured according to the most rigorous legal national and European requirements for management of patient sensitive data. A user-friendly web interface allows both direct patients and clinicians' participation. The platform's design permits expansion to incorporate new modules and new registries, and is suitable of interoperability with other international efforts. RESULTS When the Italian NMD Registry was initiated, an ad hoc legal entity (NMD Registry Association) was devised to manage registries' data. Currently, several disease-specific databases are hosted on the platform. They collect molecular and clinical details of individuals affected by Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, transthyretin type-familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, muscle glycogen storage disorders, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy. These disease-specific registries are at different stage of development, and the NMD Registry itself has gone through several implementation steps to fulfil different technical and governance needs. The new governance model is based on the agreement between the NMD Registry Association and the professional societies representing the Italian NMD clinical network. Overall, up to now the NMD registry has collected data on more than 2000 individuals living with a NMD condition. CONCLUSIONS The Italian NMD Registry is a flexible platform that manages several condition-specific databases and is suitable to upgrade. All stakeholders participate in its management, with clear roles and responsibilities. This governance model has been key to its success. In fact, it favored patient empowerment and their direct participation in research, while also engaging the expert clinicians of the Italian network in the collection of accurate clinical data according to the best clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Calabrese
- UOC Malattie neurodegenerative e neurometaboliche rare, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Guido Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Experimental Neurology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pera
- Paediatric Neurology and Centro Clinico Nemo, Catholic University and Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lucia Monaco
- Fondazione Telethon, Via Poerio 14, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Pareyson
- UOC Malattie neurodegenerative e neurometaboliche rare, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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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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Finsterer J, Zarrouk-Mahjoub S. Biomarkers for Detecting Mitochondrial Disorders. J Clin Med 2018; 7:E16. [PMID: 29385732 PMCID: PMC5852432 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Objectives: Mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of slowly or rapidly progressive disorders with onset from birth to senescence. Because of their variegated clinical presentation, MIDs are difficult to diagnose and are frequently missed in their early and late stages. This is why there is a need to provide biomarkers, which can be easily obtained in the case of suspecting a MID to initiate the further diagnostic work-up. (2) Methods: Literature review. (3) Results: Biomarkers for diagnostic purposes are used to confirm a suspected diagnosis and to facilitate and speed up the diagnostic work-up. For diagnosing MIDs, a number of dry and wet biomarkers have been proposed. Dry biomarkers for MIDs include the history and clinical neurological exam and structural and functional imaging studies of the brain, muscle, or myocardium by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR-spectroscopy (MRS), positron emission tomography (PET), or functional MRI. Wet biomarkers from blood, urine, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnosing MIDs include lactate, creatine-kinase, pyruvate, organic acids, amino acids, carnitines, oxidative stress markers, and circulating cytokines. The role of microRNAs, cutaneous respirometry, biopsy, exercise tests, and small molecule reporters as possible biomarkers is unsolved. (4) Conclusions: The disadvantages of most putative biomarkers for MIDs are that they hardly meet the criteria for being acceptable as a biomarker (missing longitudinal studies, not validated, not easily feasible, not cheap, not ubiquitously available) and that not all MIDs manifest in the brain, muscle, or myocardium. There is currently a lack of validated biomarkers for diagnosing MIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Postfach 20, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sinda Zarrouk-Mahjoub
- El Manar and Genomics Platform, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis, Tunis 1068, Tunisia.
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Querin G, Sorarù G, Pradat PF. Kennedy disease (X-linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy): A comprehensive review from pathophysiology to therapy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017; 173:326-337. [PMID: 28473226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Kennedy's disease, also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is a rare, adult-onset, X-linked recessive neuromuscular disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat sequence in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene (AR) encoding a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract. The polyQ-expanded AR accumulates in nuclei, and initiates degeneration and loss of motor neurons and dorsal root ganglia. While the disease has long been considered a pure lower motor neuron disease, recently, the presence of major hyper-creatine-kinase (CK)-emia and myopathic alterations on muscle biopsy has suggested the presence of a primary myopathy underlying a wide range of clinical manifestations. The disease, which affects male adults, is characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy localized proximally in the limbs, and bulbar involvement. Sensory disturbances are associated with the motor phenotype, but may be subclinical. The most frequent systemic symptom is gynecomastia related to androgen insensitivity, but other abnormalities, such as heart rhythm and urinary disturbances, have also been reported. The course of the disease is slowly progressive with normal life expectancy. The diagnosis of SBMA is based on genetic testing, with 38 CAG repeats taken as pathogenic. Despite several therapeutic attempts made in mouse models, no effective disease-modifying therapy is yet available, although symptomatic therapy is beneficial for the management of the weakness, fatigue and bulbar symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Querin
- Laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale, Sorbonne universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France; Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - G Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - P-F Pradat
- Laboratoire d'imagerie biomédicale, Sorbonne universités, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France; Département des maladies du système nerveux, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriere, centre référent-SLA, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
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Validation of the Italian version of the SBMA Functional Rating Scale as outcome measure. Neurol Sci 2016; 37:1815-1821. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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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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Finsterer J, Drory VE. Wet, volatile, and dry biomarkers of exercise-induced muscle fatigue. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2016; 17:40. [PMID: 26790722 PMCID: PMC4721145 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-016-0869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The physiological background of exercise-induced muscle fatigue(EIMUF) is only poorly understood. Thus, monitoring of EIMUF by a single or multiple biomarkers(BMs) is under debate. After a systematic literature review 91 papers were included. Results EIMUF is mainly due to depletion of substrates, increased oxidative stress, muscle membrane depolarisation following potassium depletion, muscle hyperthermia, muscle damage, impaired oxygen supply to the muscle, activation of an inflammatory response, or impaired calcium-handling. Dehydration, hyperammonemia, mitochondrial biogenesis, and genetic responses are also discussed. Since EIMUF is dependent on age, sex, degree of fatigue, type, intensity, and duration of exercise, energy supply during exercise, climate, training status (physical fitness), and health status, BMs currently available for monitoring EIMUF have limited reliability. Generally, wet, volatile, and dry BMs are differentiated. Among dry BMs of EIMUF the most promising include power output measures, electrophysiological measures, cardiologic measures, and questionnaires. Among wet BMs of EIMUF those most applicable include markers of ATP-metabolism, of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation. VO2-kinetics are used as a volatile BM. Conclusions Though the physiology of EIMUF remains to be fully elucidated, some promising BMs have been recently introduced, which together with other BMs, could be useful in monitoring EIMUF. The combination of biomarkers seems to be more efficient than a single biomarker to monitor EIMUF. However, it is essential that efficacy, reliability, and applicability of each BM candidate is validated in appropriate studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Postfach 20, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
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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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14
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Jokela ME, Udd B. Diagnostic Clinical, Electrodiagnostic and Muscle Pathology Features of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 58:330-4. [PMID: 26572533 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kennedy's disease or spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a multi-system disorder affecting adult males, which is characterized by weakness of limbs and faciobulbar muscles primarily due to loss of lower motor neurons. Besides the obvious motor neuronopathy, additional findings in a substantial proportion of SBMA patients include sensory neuropathy and signs of androgen deficiency, such as poor sexual functioning and reduced fertility with gynaecomastia. The presence of elevated glucose, liver pathology or dyslipidaemia is less consistent features. We review the striking clinical, electrodiagnostic and muscle pathology features characteristic of Kennedy's disease, which has some peculiar and diagnostically useful features not observed in many other neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu E Jokela
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tampere University and Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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15
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Weydt P, Sagnelli A, Rosenbohm A, Fratta P, Pradat PF, Ludolph AC, Pareyson D. Clinical Trials in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy-Past, Present, and Future. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 58:379-87. [PMID: 26572537 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy's disease, is a rare adult-onset lower motor neuron disorder with a classic X-linked inheritance pattern. It is caused by the abnormal expansion of the CAG-repeat tract in the androgen receptor gene. Despite important progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and the availability of a broad set of model organisms, successful translation of these insights into clinical interventions remains elusive. Here we review the available information on clinical trials in SBMA and discuss the challenges and pitfalls that impede therapy development. Two important factors are the variability of the complex neuro-endocrinological phenotype and the comparatively low incidence of the disease that renders recruitment for clinical trials demanding. We propose that these challenges can be and need to be overcome by fostering closer collaborations between clinical research centers, the patient communities and the industry and non-industry sponsors of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Weydt
- Clinic of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Anna Sagnelli
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "C. Besta" Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milan, 20133, 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, Paris, F-75013, France
- Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, APHP Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriere, Centre référent SLA, Paris, France
| | | | - Davide Pareyson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "C. Besta" Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milan, 20133, Italy.
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