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Cárdenas-Soto K, Dominguez XH, Cortes G, Tsai F, Saniger MDM, Guraieb-Chahin P, Torres-Ocatvo B, Gibbons C, Kelly JW, Freeman R, González-Duarte A. Cutaneous biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy in early treatment of hereditary ATTR amyloid polyneuropathy with tafamidis. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024; 29:221-231. [PMID: 38706223 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12624] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ATTR (ATTRv) amyloidosis neuropathy is characterized by progressive sensorimotor and autonomic nerve degeneration secondary to amyloid deposition caused by a misfolded transthyretin protein (TTR). Small nerve fiber neuropathy is an early clinical manifestation of this disease resulting from the dysfunction of the Aδ and C small nerve fibers. Tafamidis, a selective TTR stabilizer, has proven its efficacy in the earlier stages of hATTR. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical course and utility of cutaneous pathological biomarkers in patients with ATTR amyloidosis treated with tafamidis compared to control patients. METHODS Forty patients diagnosed with early stages of ATTRv amyloidosis (polyneuropathy disability [PND] scores 0-II) underwent small and large nerve fiber neurological evaluations, and annual skin biopsies for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and amyloid deposition index (ADI) estimation. Thirty patients were allocated to receive tafamidis, and 10 patients served as controls. Tafamidis pharmacokinetics analysis was performed in patients who received the treatment. RESULTS At baseline, 12% of patients in stage PND 0 and 28% in PND I displayed small nerve fiber denervation in the distal thigh, whereas 23% and 38%, respectively, in the distal leg. Similarly, 72% and 84% had amyloid deposition in the distal thigh and 56% and 69% in the distal leg. Following 1 year of treatment, the tafamidis group showed significant clinical improvement compared to the control group, revealed by the following mean differences (1) -9.3 versus -4 points (p = <.00) in the patient's neuropathy total symptom score 6 (NTSS-6) questionnaire, (2) -2.5 versus +2.8 points (p = <.00) in the Utah Early Neuropathy Score (UENS), and (3) +1.2°C versus -0.6 (p = .01) in cold detection thresholds. Among the patients who received tafamidis, 65% had stable or increased IENFD in their distal thigh and 27% in the distal leg. In contrast, all patients in the control group underwent denervation. The ADI either decreased or remained constant in 31% of the biopsies in the distal thigh and in 24% of the biopsies in the distal leg of the tafamidis-treated patients, whereas it rose across all the biopsies in the control group. At the 4-year follow-up, the tafamidis group continued to display less denervation in the distal thigh (mean difference [MD] of -3.0 vs. -9.3 fibers/mm) and the distal leg (mean difference [MD] -4.9 vs. -8.6 fibers/mm). ADI in tafamidis-treated patients was also lower in the distal thigh (10 vs. 30 amyloid/mm2) and the distal leg (23 vs. 40 amyloid/mm2) compared to control patients. Plasma tafamidis concentrations were higher in patients with IENFD improvement and in patients with reduced amyloid deposition. Patients without amyloid deposition in the distal leg at baseline displayed delayed disease progression at 4 years. CONCLUSIONS Cutaneous IENFD and amyloid deposition assessments in the skin of the distal thigh and distal leg are valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis and for measuring the progression of small nerve fiber neuropathy. Early treatment with tafamidis slows the clinical progression of the disease, skin denervation, and amyloid deposition in the skin. Higher plasma concentrations of tafamidis are associated with better disease outcomes, suggesting that increasing the drug dose could achieve better plasma concentrations and response rates. This study describes the longest small nerve fiber neuropathy therapeutic trial with tafamidis and is the first to report small fiber symptoms, function, and structural assessments as outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Cárdenas-Soto
- Department of Neurology, Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Xel-Ha Dominguez
- Department of Neurology, Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Giovanni Cortes
- Department of Neurology, Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Felix Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christopher Gibbons
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffery W Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology, Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alejandra González-Duarte
- Department of Neurology, Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine New York, New York, New York, USA
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Romano A, Guglielmino V, Bisogni G, Di Paolantonio A, Truini A, Minnella AM, Sciarrone MA, Vitali F, Maceroni M, Galosi E, Sabatelli M, Luigetti M. Early detection of nerve involvement in presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers: exploring potential markers of disease onset. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1675-1684. [PMID: 37938457 PMCID: PMC10942905 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a heterogeneous, progressive, multisystemic disease with a life-threatening course if left untreated. Given the current availability of effective therapies, close follow-up of presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers is essential to recognize disease onset at the earliest sign. In addition to routine techniques, in recent years several novel tools have been proposed, although a consensus on their use has not been reached yet. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate possible markers of neuropathic disease onset intended to discriminate clinically asymptomatic carriers from early symptomatic patients, thus allowing timely treatment initiation. METHODS Thirty-eight presymptomatic carriers were enrolled. Clinical and electrophysiological findings at first evaluation and follow-up were collected. All carriers underwent an extensive clinical and instrumental evaluation according to the standard clinical practice. One or more non-routine investigations, whose use in this field is not yet validated (henceforth "unconventional"), were additionally assessed in a subgroup of individuals. RESULTS Based on the exclusive use of routine investigations, it was possible to define disease onset in 4/38 carriers during the follow-up. Employing additionally one or more "unconventional" tests, abnormal findings, indicative of a possible "conversion" to symptomatic disease, were detected in further 12 cases. More than half of our study cohort showed findings suggestive of small nerve fiber (SF) involvement at either invasive or non-invasive tests. CONCLUSIONS A close, multidisciplinary monitoring of presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers is fundamental, and diagnostic workup should include both routine and "unconventional" tests. Assessment of SF involvement is important also in non-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Romano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bisogni
- Centro Clinico NeMO Adulti, Fondazione Serena Onlus-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Oftalmologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Vitali
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Maceroni
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Oftalmologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico NeMO Adulti, Fondazione Serena Onlus-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Leonardi L, Costanzo R, Forcina F, Morino S, Antonini G, Salvetti M, Luigetti M, Romano A, Primiano G, Guglielmino V, Fionda L, Garibaldi M, Lauletta A, Rossini E, Tufano L, Ceccanti M, Esposito N, Falco P, di Pietro G, Truini A, Galosi E. Quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy findings in late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers: Relationships with predicted time of disease onset (PADO). J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:390-397. [PMID: 37535421 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12586] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) presymptomatic carriers often show preclinical abnormalities at small fiber-related diagnostic tests. However, no validated biomarker is currently available to use for presymptomatic carriers' follow-up, thus helping therapeutic decision making. Our study aimed at assessing nerve conduction study (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and skin biopsy parameters in a large cohort of late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers and to evaluate whether they correlated with predicted age of disease onset (PADO). METHODS Late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers were consecutively enrolled and underwent NCS, QST, and skin biopsy with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) evaluation from a distal and a proximal site. Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN4) and Small Fiber Neuropathy-Symptoms Inventory (SFN-SIQ) were used to assess painful and small fiber neuropathy-related symptoms. PADO and time-to-PADO (delta-PADO) were estimated for each carrier, and correlations with diagnostic test measures were analyzed. RESULTS Forty presymptomatic ATTRv subjects were enrolled. Twenty carriers (50%) had distal IENFD reduction, with a non-length-dependent distribution in 73% of cases. Eleven subjects (27.5%) had cold and/or warm detection threshold (CDT and/or WDT) abnormalities at QST. Delta-PADO positively correlated with sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude (r = .416, p = .004), and z-values of QST parameters like CDT (r = .314, p = .028), WDT (r = -.294, p = .034), and mechanical detection threshold (MDT; r = -.382, p = .012). Simple linear regression models showed a linear relation between delta-PADO and sural SAP, CDT, and MDT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that IENFD reduction and QST abnormalities may occur early in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers, often with a non-length-dependent pattern. However, only sural SAP amplitude and QST parameters correlated with delta-PADO, suggesting that serial combined QST and NCS evaluation could be useful in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers' follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Leonardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Costanzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Forcina
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morino
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuromed Institute IRCCS, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Sede di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Primiano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Sede di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Fionda
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Lauletta
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Rossini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Tufano
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Maceroni M, Falsini B, Luigetti M, Romano A, Guglielmino V, Fasciani R, Placidi G, D’Agostino E, Sasso P, Rizzo S, Minnella AM. Ocular Morpho-Functional Evaluation in ATTRv Pre-Symptomatic Carriers: A Case Series. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030359. [PMID: 36766465 PMCID: PMC9914588 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate ocular findings in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) pre-symptomatic carriers. Fourteen ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers, who are patients with positive genetic testing but without signs or symptoms of the disease, were retrospectively evaluated. Retinal morphology was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography. Retinal function was evaluated using cone b-wave and photopic negative response (PhNR). Pupillometry and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed. ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers presented a significantly reduced central macular thickness (CMT) (p = 0.01) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness (p = 0.01) in comparison to normal controls. No differences were found when analyzing sub-foveal choroidal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex. In comparison to healthy controls, pre-symptomatic carriers presented an attenuated superficial retinal vascular network and a significantly augmented PhNR amplitude (p = 0.01). However, PhNR implicit times, B-wave amplitude and B-wave peak time did not show significant differences in comparison to controls. No differences were found for pupillometric values. All the examined eyes presented alterations in the IVCM. Preclinical ocular structural and functional abnormalities can be found in ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers. Thus, an extensive ophthalmological evaluation should be included at the baseline visit and during follow-up. Considering the availability of new drugs potentially able to prevent or delay disease progression, the identification of new disease biomarkers appears to be particularly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maceroni
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154928
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Fasciani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Placidi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena D’Agostino
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sasso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
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In silico analysis decodes transthyretin (TTR) binding and thyroid disrupting effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:755-768. [PMID: 36566436 PMCID: PMC9968702 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is a homo-tetramer protein involved in the transport of thyroid hormone (thyroxine; T4) in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Many pollutants have been shown to bind to TTR, which could be alarming as disruption in the thyroid hormone system can lead to several physiological problems. It is also indicated that the monomerization of tetramer and destabilization of monomer can lead to amyloidogenesis. Many compounds are identified that can bind to tetramer and stabilize the tetramer leading to the inhibition of amyloid fibril formation. Other compounds are known to bind tetramer and induce amyloid fibril formation. Among the pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to disrupt the thyroid hormone system. The molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone disruption could be diverse, as some are known to bind with thyroid hormone receptors, and others can bind to membrane transporters. Binding to TTR could also be one of the important pathways to alter thyroid signaling. However, the molecular interactions that drive thyroid-disrupting effects of long-chain and short-chain PFASs are not comprehensively understood at the molecular level. In this study, using a computational approach, we show that carbon chain length and functional group in PFASs are structural determinants, in which longer carbon chains of PFASs and sulfur-containing PFASs favor stronger interactions with TTR than their shorter-chained counterparts. Interestingly, short-chain PFAS also showed strong binding capacity, and the interaction energy for some was as close to the longer-chain PFAS. This suggests that short-chain PFASs are not completely safe, and their use and build-up in the environment should be carefully regulated. Of note, TTR homologs analysis suggests that thyroid-disrupting effects of PFASs could be most likely translated to TTR-like proteins and other species.
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Conceição I, de Castro I, Diaz A, Castro J. Quantitative sensory testing: a good tool to identify subclinical neuropathy in ATTRV30M amyloidosis patients? Amyloid 2022:1-5. [PMID: 36519495 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2155132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has been one of the neurophysiological tools used for follow-up and disease progression assessment in ATTRv amyloidosis. We aimed to detect the utility of QST in identifying subclinical neuropathic involvement in ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers. METHODS A cohort of ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers were assessed with vibratory (VDT) and cooling (CDT) detection thresholds and heat pain responses. Subjects were divided into asymptomatic carriers (Group 1), paucisymptomatic carriers (Group 2) and stage 1 ATTRv-PN patients (Group 3). Nonparametric statistics were used for group comparisons. RESULTS A total of 207 ATTRV30M amyloidosis carriers (83 males) were included. Of these, 113 subjects were asymptomatic and 94 symptomatic carriers. In asymptomatic carriers, CDT and Heat Pain (HP 5.0 and HP 0.5) were significantly lower when compared to both group of symptomatic carriers (p ≤ 0.005). In Group 3, VDT, CDT and HP 5.0 were significantly higher, when compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS QST, in particular CDT, HP 5 and HP 0.5 modalities, seems a good tool to identify subclinical neuropathy in ATTRv amyloidosis carriers, with CDT showing a higher sensitivity to detect and early neuropathic involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Conceição
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria- CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Fisiologia, IMM João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel de Castro
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria- CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Fisiologia, IMM João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrés Diaz
- Departamento de Neurologia, Clinica Reina Sofia-Keralty, Bogota, Colombia
| | - José Castro
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria- CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Fisiologia, IMM João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Cambieri C, Libonati L, Moret F, Tartaglia G, Garibaldi M, Chimenti C, Inghilleri M, Ceccanti M. The Silent Period for Small Fiber Sensory Neuropathy Assessment in a Mixed Cohort of Transthyretin-Mediated Amyloidosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092073. [PMID: 36140174 PMCID: PMC9495326 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092073] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare multisystemic disease involving the peripheral nervous system and heart. Autonomic and small fiber involvement is one of the hallmarks of ATTR, and many tools have been proposed to assess this aspect. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate cutaneous and mixed nerve silent periods (CSP and MnSP) as instruments for small fiber assessment. Methods: A total of 21 ATTR patients, 20 healthy controls, and 18 asymptomatic carriers underwent a sensory conduction study from the right sural and non-dominant ulnar nerves. A motor conduction study from the right deep peroneal and non-dominant ulnar nerves, with their F waves, CSPs, and MnSPs, was performed. Results: The amplitudes of the sural and ulnar sensory nerves and of the peroneal and ulnar motor nerves were reduced in ATTR patients compared to the other groups. F waves from the ulnar and peroneal nerves showed no differences between the three groups. The CSP and MnSP latency, but not amplitude, were increased in both the ulnar and peroneal nerves of ATTR patients. Conclusions: ATTR patients showed axonal involvement of large sensory and motor nerve fibers and demyelinating features of small sensory fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cambieri
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Libonati
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tartaglia
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Center, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Chimenti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, Anesthesiologic and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Lab, IRCCS Lazzaro Spallanzani, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Center for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Human Neuroscience, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Galosi E, Truini A, Di Stefano G. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Small Fibre Impairment in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051135. [PMID: 35626288 PMCID: PMC9139885 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence shows that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have signs of small fibre impairment, possibly leading to pain and autonomic symptoms, with a frequency that has not yet been systematically evaluated. To fill this gap, our review aims to define the frequency of somatic and autonomic small fibre damage in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, as assessed by objective small fibre-related testing. We found 360 articles on somatic and autonomic small fibre assessment in patients with fibromyalgia. Out of the 88 articles assessed for eligibility, 20 were included in the meta-analysis, involving 903 patients with fibromyalgia. The estimated prevalence of somatic small fibre impairment, as assessed with skin biopsy, corneal confocal microscopy, and microneurography, was 49% (95% confidence interval (CI): 39–60%, I2 = 89%), whereas the estimated prevalence of autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed with heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response, skin conductance, and tilt testing, was 45% (95% CI: 25–65%, I2 = 91%). Our study shows that a considerable proportion of patients with fibromyalgia have somatic and autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed by extensive small fibre-related testing. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity and inconsistencies across studies challenge the exact role of small fibre impairment in fibromyalgia symptoms.
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