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Girish A, Sutar S, Murthy TPK, Premanand SA, Garg V, Patil L, Shreyas S, Shukla R, Yadav AK, Singh TR. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of structural and functional consequences of deleterious missense mutations in the human QDPR gene. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5485-5501. [PMID: 37382215 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2226740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR) is an enzyme that regulates tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor for enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and blood pressure regulation. Reduced QDPR activity can cause dihydrobiopterin (BH2) accumulation and BH4 depletion, leading to impaired neurotransmitter synthesis, oxidative stress, and increased risk of Parkinson's disease. A total of 10,236 SNPs were identified in the QDPR gene, with 217 being missense SNPs. Over 18 different sequence-based and structure-based tools were employed to assess the protein's biological activity, with several computational tools identifying deleterious SNPs. Additionally, the article provides detailed information about the QDPR gene and protein structure and conservation analysis. The results showed that 10 mutations were harmful and linked to brain and central nervous system disorders, and were predicted to be oncogenic by Dr. Cancer and CScape. Following conservation analysis, the HOPE server was used to analyse the effect of six selected mutations (L14P, V15G, G23S, V54G, M107K, G151S) on the protein structure. Overall, the study provides insights into the biological and functional impact of nsSNPs on QDPR activity and the potential induced pathogenicity and oncogenicity. In the future, research can be conducted to systematically evaluate QDPR gene variation through clinical studies, investigate mutation prevalence across different geographical regions, and validate computational results with conclusive experiments.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Girish
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Samruddhi Sutar
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - T P Krishna Murthy
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Vrinda Garg
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Lavan Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - S Shreyas
- Department of Biotechnology, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rohit Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Arvind Kumar Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tiratha Raj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Shyam R, Sekhar Panda H, Mishra J, Jyoti Panda J, Kour A. Emerging biosensors in Phenylketonuria. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 559:119725. [PMID: 38734223 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119725] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting from deficient phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme activity, leading to impaired phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism. This condition can lead to intellectual disability, epilepsy, and behavioural issues. Treatment typically involves strict dietary restrictions on natural protein intake, supplemented with chemically manufactured protein substitutes containing amino acids other than Phe. Various approaches, including casein glycomacropeptide (GMP), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) therapy, large neutral amino acid (LNAA) supplementation, enzyme therapy, gene therapy, and medical therapies, aim to prevent Phe transport in the brain to potentially treat PKU. Although newborn screening programs and early dietary interventions have enhanced outcomes of the potential treatment strategies, limitations still persist in this direction. These involve potent accuracy concerns in diagnosis due to the existence of antibiotics in blood of PKU patients, affecting growth of the bacteria in the bacterial inhibition assay. Monitoring involves complex methods for instance, mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography, which involve shortcomings such as lengthy protocols and the need for specialized equipment. To address these limitations, adaptable testing formats like bio/nano sensors are emerging with their cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and rapid, accurate, and sensitive detection capabilities, offering promising alternatives for PKU diagnosis. This review provides insights into current treatment and diagnostic approaches, emphasizing on the potential applications of the diverse sensors intended for PKU diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Shyam
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
| | | | - Jibanananda Mishra
- School of Biosciences, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab 147301, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.
| | - Avneet Kour
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab 140413, India.
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Hsu RH, Lee NC, Chen HA, Hwu WL, Chang TM, Chien YH. Late-onset symptomatic hyperprolactinemia in 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:351. [PMID: 37950276 PMCID: PMC10636984 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02963-4] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency caused by 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is a rare disorder that is one of the major causes of hyperphenylalaninemia in Taiwan. METHODS In this study, we reviewed the clinical courses of 12 adolescent and adult patients (7 females and 5 males) with PTPS deficiency. RESULTS The patients were treated shortly after diagnosis through newborn screening with a combination of BH4, levodopa/carbidopa, and 5-OH-tryptophan. Their plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels were well controlled, and their prolactin levels were also decreased after treatment. However, their prolactin levels gradually rose as they grew into puberty, and at a current age of 27.5 [interquartile range (IQR 7.9)] years, five of the 12 patients had either highly elevated prolactin levels (> 100 ng/mL in one male patient, normal reference values, male < 11 ng/mL, female < 17 ng/mL) or symptoms, including irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and breast swelling (in four female patients). The dosage of levodopa in these five patients (14.3 (IQR 3.0) mg/kg/day) was slightly higher than that in the other patients (p = 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging studies did not reveal an increase in the size of the anterior pituitary gland, although a Rathke cleft cyst was found in one patient. Two patients received cabergoline treatment, which promptly lowered prolactin levels and relieved symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Hyperprolactinemia is common in female patients with PTPS deficiency, especially after puberty. A long-acting dopamine agonist, such as cabergoline, may be a necessary adjunctive treatment for most patients with BH4 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rai-Hseng Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-An Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ming Chang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10041, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Mastrangelo M, Tolve M, Artiola C, Bove R, Carducci C, Carducci C, Angeloni A, Pisani F, Leuzzi V. Phenotypes and Genotypes of Inherited Disorders of Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitter Metabolism. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020263. [PMID: 36833190 PMCID: PMC9957200 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism are genetically determined conditions resulting in dysfunctions or lack of enzymes involved in the synthesis, degradation, or transport of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline/noradrenaline, and their metabolites or defects of their cofactor or chaperone biosynthesis. They represent a group of treatable diseases presenting with complex patterns of movement disorders (dystonia, oculogyric crises, severe/hypokinetic syndrome, myoclonic jerks, and tremors) associated with a delay in the emergence of postural reactions, global development delay, and autonomic dysregulation. The earlier the disease manifests, the more severe and widespread the impaired motor functions. Diagnosis mainly depends on measuring neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid that may address the genetic confirmation. Correlations between the severity of phenotypes and genotypes may vary remarkably among the different diseases. Traditional pharmacological strategies are not disease-modifying in most cases. Gene therapy has provided promising results in patients with DYT-DDC and in vitro models of DYT/PARK-SLC6A3. The rarity of these diseases, combined with limited knowledge of their clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic features, frequently leads to misdiagnosis or significant diagnostic delays. This review provides updates on these aspects with a final outlook on future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Tolve
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Artiola
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Bove
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Carducci
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-649972930; Fax: +39-64440232
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
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5
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Ray S, Padmanabha H, Gowda VK, Mahale R, Christopher R, Sreedharan S, Dhar D, Kamate M, Nagappa M, Bhat M, Anjanappa R, Arunachal G, Pooja M, Mathuranath PS, Chandra SR. Disorders of Tetrahydrobiopterin Metabolism: Experience from South India. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:743-760. [PMID: 34997870 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism represent a rare group of inherited neurotransmitter disorders that manifests mainly in infancy or childhood with developmental delay, neuroregression, epilepsy, movement disorders, and autonomic symptoms. METHODOLOGY A retrospective review of genetically confirmed cases of disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism over a period of three years (Jan 2018 to Jan 2021) was performed across two paediatric neurology centres from South India. RESULTS A total of nine patients(M:F=4:5) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The genetic variants detected include homozygous mutations in the QDPR(n=6), GCH1(n=2), and PTS(n=1) genes. The median age at onset of symptoms was 6-months(range 3-78 months), while that at diagnosis was 15-months (8-120 months), resulting in a median delay in diagnosis of 9-months. The main clinical manifestations included neuroregression (89%), developmental delay(78%), dystonia(78%) and seizures(55%). Management strategies included a phenylalanine restricted diet, levodopa/carbidopa, 5-Hydroxytryphtophan, and folinic acid. Only, Patient-2 afforded and received BH4 supplementation at a sub-optimal dose later in the disease course. We had a median duration of follow up of 15 months (range 2-48 months). Though the biochemical response has been marked; except for patients with GTPCH deficiency, only mild clinical improvement was noted with regards to developmental milestones, seizures, or dystonia in others. CONCLUSION Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies represent a rare yet potentially treatable cause for non-phenylketonuria hyperphenylalaninemia with better outcomes when treated early in life. Screening for disorders of biopterin metabolism in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia prevents delayed diagnosis. This study expands the genotype-phenotype spectrum of patients with disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism from South India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somdattaa Ray
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Hansashree Padmanabha
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India.
| | - Vykuntaraju K Gowda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rohan Mahale
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Rita Christopher
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Shruthy Sreedharan
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Debjyoti Dhar
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Mahesh Kamate
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, K.A.H.E.R's JN medical college, Belagavi, India
| | - Madhu Nagappa
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Maya Bhat
- Department of Neuro Imaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Rammurthy Anjanappa
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Gautham Arunachal
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - M Pooja
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - P S Mathuranath
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - S R Chandra
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Center, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Near Diary Circle, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
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6
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Khani S, Barzegari M, Esmaeilizadeh Z, Farsian P, Alaei M, Salehpour S, Setoodeh A, Rohani F, Samavat A, Zekri A, Mirzazadeh R, Sadeghi S, Khatami S. The treatment and clinical follow-up outcome in Iranian patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1157-1167. [PMID: 34214291 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical factors, genetic mutations, outcome of treatment, and clinical follow-up data of Iranian patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency from April/2016 to March/2020. METHODS Forty-seven BH4 deficiency patients were included in the study and underwent biochemical and genetic analyses. The clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated after long-term treatment. RESULTS Out of the 47 (25 females and 22 males) BH4 deficiency patients enrolled in the study, 23 were Dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficient patients, 23 were 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficient patients, and one was GTP-Cyclohydrolase 1 deficiency (GTPCH-1) patient. No clinical symptoms were observed in 10 of the DHPR deficient patients (before and after the treatment). Also, most patients diagnosed at an early age had a proper response to the treatment. However, drug therapy did not improve clinical symptoms in three of the patients diagnosed at the age of over 10 years. Also, 16 PTPS deficiency patients who were detected within 6 months and received treatment no clinical symptoms were presented. One of the patients was detected with GTPCH deficiency. Despite being treated with BH4, this patient suffered from a seizure, movement disorder, mental retardation, speech difficulty, and hypotonia. CONCLUSIONS The study results showed that neonatal screening should be carried out in all patients with hyperphenylalaninemia because early diagnosis and treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent neurological impairments. Although the BH4 deficiency outcomes are highly variable, early diagnosis and treatment in the first months of life are crucial for good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Khani
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Barzegari
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Pantea Farsian
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Alaei
- Mofid Children's Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadab Salehpour
- Genomic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Setoodeh
- Growth and Development Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rohani
- Department of Pediatrics Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ali Asghar Children's Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Samavat
- Genetics Office, CDC, Ministry of Health of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zekri
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sedigheh Sadeghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Insights into the expanding phenotypic spectrum of inherited disorders of biogenic amines. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5529. [PMID: 34545092 PMCID: PMC8452745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism are rare neurodevelopmental diseases presenting with movement disorders and global developmental delay. This study presents the results of the first standardized deep phenotyping approach and describes the clinical and biochemical presentation at disease onset as well as diagnostic approaches of 275 patients from the registry of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders. The results reveal an increased rate of prematurity, a high risk for being small for gestational age and for congenital microcephaly in some disorders. Age at diagnosis and the diagnostic delay are influenced by the diagnostic methods applied and by disease-specific symptoms. The timepoint of investigation was also a significant factor: delay to diagnosis has decreased in recent years, possibly due to novel diagnostic approaches or raised awareness. Although each disorder has a specific biochemical pattern, we observed confounding exceptions to the rule. The data provide comprehensive insights into the phenotypic spectrum of neurotransmitter disorders. Inherited disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism represent a group of rare neurometabolic diseases characterized by movement disorders and developmental delay. Here, the authors report a standardized evaluation of a registry of 275 patients from 42 countries, and highlight an evolving phenotypic spectrum of this disease group and factors influencing diagnostic processes.
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8
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Yuan X, Zhu J, Liu H, Xiang L, Yao Y, Li Q, Deng K, Li X. Birth prevalence of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in China: data from the national newborn screening program, 2013-2019. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:835-841. [PMID: 33838095 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D), a less common form of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), can lead to severe developmental retardation if untreated. Little has been reported on the prevalence of BH4D among live births worldwide. This study examined its prevalence across China and between geographical areas within the country. METHODS We analyzed data from the Chinese national screening program for HPA in newborns between 2013 and 2019. BH4D prevalence was examined by province, region and the entire country. Provincial-level prevalence was estimated from the number of confirmed BH4D cases and screened newborns, after adjusting for HPA-positive recall rate. Regional- and national-level prevalences were estimated by summing provincial-level prevalences after weighting them by the number of live births. A Poisson distribution was assumed in order to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalence. RESULTS Among 107,078,115 newborns screened for HPA in China, 380 with BH4D were identified, corresponding to a total prevalence of 3.8 per 1,000,000 live births. Prevalence was higher in eastern regions (5.9 per 1,000,000) and northern regions (4.1 per 1,000,000) of China than in southern regions (1.6 per 1,000,000) or northwestern regions (1.7 per 1,000,000). Across the entire country, 3.9% cases of HPA were diagnosed as BH4D, and this proportion reached as high as 15.1% in the southern part of the country. CONCLUSIONS These first insights into BH4D prevalence across China suggest slightly higher prevalence than in other countries, and it varies substantially by region. More attention should be paid to early diagnosis and timely treatment of BH4D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Yuan
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Obstetrics, National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Obstetrics, Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Liangcheng Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics, National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yongna Yao
- Department of Obstetrics, National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Obstetrics, National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Kui Deng
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Obstetrics, National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Obstetrics, Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, P. R. China
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9
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Himmelreich N, Blau N, Thöny B. Molecular and metabolic bases of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4) deficiencies. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:123-136. [PMID: 33903016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency is caused by genetic variants in the three genes involved in de novo cofactor biosynthesis, GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH/GCH1), 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS/PTS), sepiapterin reductase (SR/SPR), and the two genes involved in cofactor recycling, carbinolamine-4α-dehydratase (PCD/PCBD1) and dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR/QDPR). Dysfunction in BH4 metabolism leads to reduced cofactor levels and may result in systemic hyperphenylalaninemia and/or neurological sequelae due to secondary deficiency in monoamine neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. More than 1100 patients with BH4 deficiency and 800 different allelic variants distributed throughout the individual genes are tabulated in database of pediatric neurotransmitter disorders PNDdb. Here we provide an update on the molecular-genetic analysis and structural considerations of these variants, including the clinical courses of the genotypes. From a total of 324 alleles, 11 are associated with the autosomal recessive form of GTPCH deficiency presenting with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and neurotransmitter deficiency, 295 GCH1 variant alleles are detected in the dominant form of L-dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD or Segawa disease) while phenotypes of 18 alleles remained undefined. Autosomal recessive variants observed in the PTS (199 variants), PCBD1 (32 variants), and QDPR (141 variants) genes lead to HPA concomitant with central monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency, while SPR deficiency (104 variants) presents without hyperphenylalaninemia. The clinical impact of reported variants is essential for genetic counseling and important for development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastassja Himmelreich
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Dietmar-Hopp Metabolic Center, Division 1, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nenad Blau
- Division of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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10
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Bozaci AE, Er E, Yazici H, Canda E, Kalkan Uçar S, Güvenc Saka M, Eraslan C, Onay H, Habif S, Thöny B, Coker M. Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies: Lesson from clinical experience. JIMD Rep 2021; 59:42-51. [PMID: 33977029 PMCID: PMC8100404 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study describes clinical, biochemical, molecular genetic data, current treatment strategies and follow-up in nine patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency due to various inherited genetic defects. METHODS We analyzed clinical, biochemical, and molecular data of nine patients with suspected BH4 deficiency. All patients were diagnosed at Ege University Faculty of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey and comprised data collected from 2006 to 2019. The diagnostic laboratory examinations included blood phenylalanine and urinary or plasma pterins, dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) enzyme activity measurement in dried blood spots, folic acid and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, as well as DNA sequencing. RESULTS Among the nine patients, we identified one with autosomal recessive GTP cyclohydrolase I (ar GTPCH) deficiency, two with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency, three with sepiapterin reductase (SR) deficiency, and three with DHPR deficiency. Similar to previous observations, the most common clinical symptoms are developmental delay, intellectual disability, and movement disorders. All patients received treatment with l-dopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan, while only the ar GTPCH, the PTPS, and one DHPR deficient patients were supplemented in addition with BH4. The recommended dose range varies among patients and depends on the type of disease. The consequences of BH4 deficiencies are quite variable; however, early diagnosis and treatment will improve outcomes. CONCLUSIONS As BH4 deficiencies are rare group of treatable neurometabolic disorders, it is essential to diagnose the underlying (genetic) defect in newborns with hyperphenylalaninemia. Irreversible brain damage and progressive neurological deterioration may occur in untreated or late diagnosed patients. Prognosis could be satisfying in the cases with early diagnose and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Ergul Bozaci
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric MetabolismEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Esra Er
- Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Department of GeneticsIzmirTurkey
| | - Havva Yazici
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric MetabolismEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Ebru Canda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric MetabolismEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Sema Kalkan Uçar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric MetabolismEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Merve Güvenc Saka
- Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Department of GeneticsIzmirTurkey
| | - Cenk Eraslan
- Department of RadiologyEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Hüseyin Onay
- Department of Medical GeneticsEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Sara Habif
- Department of Medical BiochemistryEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of MetabolismUniversity Children's Hospital Zurich and Children's Research CenterZurichSwitzerland
| | - Mahmut Coker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric MetabolismEge University Faculty of MedicineIzmirTurkey
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11
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Gundorova P, Kuznetcova IA, Baydakova GV, Stepanova AA, Itkis YS, Kakaulina VS, Alferova IP, Lyazina LV, Andreeva LP, Kanivets I, Zakharova EY, Kutsev SI, Polyakov AV. BH4-deficient hyperphenylalaninemia in Russia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249608. [PMID: 33822819 PMCID: PMC8023510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A timely detection of patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) -deficient types of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPABH4) is important for assignment of correct therapy, allowing to avoid complications. Often HPABH4 patients receive the same therapy as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) -deficiency (phenylketonuria) patients—dietary treatment—and do not receive substitutive BH4 therapy until the diagnosis is confirmed by molecular genetic means. In this study, we present a cohort of 30 Russian patients with HPABH4 with detected variants in genes causing different types of HPA. Family diagnostics and biochemical urinary pterin spectrum analyses were carried out. HPABH4A is shown to be the prevalent type, 83.3% of all HPABH4 cases. The mutation spectrum for the PTS gene was defined, the most common variants in Russia were p.Thr106Met—32%, p.Asn72Lys—20%, p.Arg9His—8%, p.Ser32Gly—6%. We also detected 7 novel PTS variants and 3 novel QDPR variants. HPABH4 prevalence was estimated to be 0.5–0.9% of all HPA cases in Russia, which is significantly lower than in European countries on average, China, and Saudi Arabia. The results of this research show the necessity of introducing differential diagnostics for HPABH4 into neonatal screening practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Victoria S. Kakaulina
- Federal State Budgetary Institution of Medical Department of Moscow “Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital of Medical Department of Moscow”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina P. Alferova
- Municipal Autonomous Health Care Institution of the Order of the Red Banner of Labor “Clinical Hospital № 1”, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Lidya V. Lyazina
- Saint Petersburg State Public Health Institution "Medical Genetic Diagnostic Center”, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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12
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Manti F, Nardecchia F, Banderali G, Burlina A, Carducci C, Carducci C, Donati MA, Gueraldi D, Paci S, Pochiero F, Porta F, Ortolano R, Rovelli V, Schiaffino MC, Spada M, Blau N, Leuzzi V. Long-term clinical outcome of 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase-deficient patients. Mol Genet Metab 2020; 131:155-162. [PMID: 32651154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 6-Pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency (PTPSd) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of synthesis of biogenic amines, which is characterized by variable neurological impairment and hyperphenylalaninemia. We aimed to assess the long-term clinical outcome of this disorder and the factors affecting it. METHODS At total of 28 PTPSd patients (aged 19.9 ± 10.9 years) underwent clinical (neurological and psychiatric) and neuropsychological assessment (BRIEF, VABS-II, and IQ). Based on CSF homovanillic (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) and pterin concentrations at diagnosis, patients were classified as having either a severe [SF; low level of CSF, HVA, and 5-HIAA with altered neopterin/biopterin (Neo/Bio)] or mild form (MF; normal HVA and 5-HIAA with altered Neo/Bio) of PTPSd. RESULTS Approximately 36% of patients had MF PTPSd. At the last examination, 43% of patients had movement disorders (2 MF, 10 SF), 43% of patients had variable degrees of intellectual disability (SF only), 39% met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder (3 MF, 9 SF). Applying a linear regression model, we found that HVA and phenylalanine levels at birth had a significant influence on IQ, BRIEF, and VABS-II variability. Lastly, 5-HIAA further contributed to VABS-II variability. The disease showed a self-limiting clinical course and its treatment, although delayed, is effective in improving the neurological status. CONCLUSIONS Neurodevelopmental impairment due to PTPSd shows a self-limiting course. A continuous improvement in the neurological condition has been observed in patients receiving treatment, even when delayed. The severity of brain biogenic amine depletion at diagnosis predicts neurological and psychiatric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardecchia
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Banderali
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Gueraldi
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paci
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Porta
- Department of Pediatrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, Regional Centre for Expanded Newborn Screening, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Santi Paolo e Carlo ASST, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Spada
- Department of Pediatrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Nenad Blau
- Division of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Opladen T, López-Laso E, Cortès-Saladelafont E, Pearson TS, Sivri HS, Yildiz Y, Assmann B, Kurian MA, Leuzzi V, Heales S, Pope S, Porta F, García-Cazorla A, Honzík T, Pons R, Regal L, Goez H, Artuch R, Hoffmann GF, Horvath G, Thöny B, Scholl-Bürgi S, Burlina A, Verbeek MM, Mastrangelo M, Friedman J, Wassenberg T, Jeltsch K, Kulhánek J, Kuseyri Hübschmann O. Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4) deficiencies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:126. [PMID: 32456656 PMCID: PMC7251883 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies comprise a group of six rare neurometabolic disorders characterized by insufficient synthesis of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin due to a disturbance of BH4 biosynthesis or recycling. Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is the first diagnostic hallmark for most BH4 deficiencies, apart from autosomal dominant guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I deficiency and sepiapterin reductase deficiency. Early supplementation of neurotransmitter precursors and where appropriate, treatment of HPA results in significant improvement of motor and cognitive function. Management approaches differ across the world and therefore these guidelines have been developed aiming to harmonize and optimize patient care. Representatives of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD) developed the guidelines according to the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) methodology by evaluating all available evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of BH4 deficiencies. CONCLUSION Although the total body of evidence in the literature was mainly rated as low or very low, these consensus guidelines will help to harmonize clinical practice and to standardize and improve care for BH4 deficient patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Opladen
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Eduardo López-Laso
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Reina Sofía, IMIBIC and CIBERER, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Elisenda Cortès-Saladelafont
- Inborn errors of metabolism Unit, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, and Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Toni S Pearson
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - H Serap Sivri
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Metabolism, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yilmaz Yildiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Metabolism, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Birgit Assmann
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street-Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simon Heales
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Simon Pope
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Francesco Porta
- Department of Pediatrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Angeles García-Cazorla
- Inborn errors of metabolism Unit, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomáš Honzík
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roser Pons
- First Department of Pediatrics of the University of Athens, Aghia Sofia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Luc Regal
- Department of Pediatric, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism Unit, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Helly Goez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Rafael Artuch
- Clinical biochemistry department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER and MetabERN Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriella Horvath
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Biochemical Genetics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Scholl-Bürgi
- Clinic for Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr 35, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alberto Burlina
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Ereditarie, Dipartimento della Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Padova - Campus Biomedico Pietro d'Abano, Padova, Italy
| | - Marcel M Verbeek
- Departments of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine, Alzheimer Centre, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Mastrangelo
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jennifer Friedman
- UCSD Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital Division of Neurology; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Tessa Wassenberg
- Department of Pediatric, Pediatric Neurology and Metabolism Unit, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kathrin Jeltsch
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Kulhánek
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Oya Kuseyri Hübschmann
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Disorders, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Vasquez-Vivar J, Shi Z, Jeong JW, Luo K, Sharma A, Thirugnanam K, Tan S. Neuronal vulnerability to fetal hypoxia-reoxygenation injury and motor deficit development relies on regional brain tetrahydrobiopterin levels. Redox Biol 2020; 29:101407. [PMID: 31926630 PMCID: PMC6928344 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertonia is pathognomonic of cerebral palsy (CP), often caused by brain injury before birth. To understand the early driving events of hypertonia, we utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of early critical brain injury in rabbit fetuses (79% term) that will predict hypertonia after birth following antenatal hypoxia-ischemia. We examined if individual variations in the tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor in the parts of the brain controlling motor function could indicate a role in specific damage to motor regions and disruption of circuit integration as an underlying mechanism for acquiring motor disorders, which has not been considered before. The rabbit model mimicked acute placental insufficiency and used uterine ischemia at a premature gestation. MRI during the time of hypoxia-ischemia was used to differentiate which individual fetal brains would become hypertonic. Four brain regions collected immediately after hypoxia-ischemia or 48 h later were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Age-matched sham-operated animals were used as controls. Changes in the reactive nitrogen species and gene expression of the tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic enzymes in brain regions were also studied. We found that a combination of low tetrahydrobiopterin content in the cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and thalamus brain regions, but not a unique low threshold of tetrahydrobiopterin, contributed etiologically to hypertonia. The biggest contribution was from the thalamus. Evidence for increased reactive nitrogen species was found in the cortex. By 48 h, tetrahydrobiopterin and gene expression levels in the different parts of the brain were not different between MRI stratified hypertonia and non-hypertonia groups. Sepiapterin treatment given to pregnant dams immediately after hypoxia-ischemia ameliorated hypertonia and death. We conclude that a developmental tetrahydrobiopterin variation is necessary with fetal hypoxia-ischemia and is critical for disrupting normal motor circuits that develop into hypertonia. The possible mechanistic pathway involves reactive nitrogen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Vasquez-Vivar
- Department of Biophysics and Redox Biology Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Zhongjie Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jeong-Won Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kehuan Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Amit Sharma
- Neonatology Division, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Thirugnanam
- Department of Biophysics and Redox Biology Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sidhartha Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Neonatology Division, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA.
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15
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Almannai M, Felemban R, Saleh MA, Faqeih EA, Alasmari A, AlHashem A, Mohamed S, Sunbul R, Al-Murshedi F, AlThihli K, Eyaid W, Ali R, Ben-Omran T, Blau N, El-Hattab AW, Alfadhel M. 6-Pyruvoyltetrahydropterin Synthase Deficiency: Review and Report of 28 Arab Subjects. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 96:40-47. [PMID: 30926181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin is an essential cofactor for the hydroxylation of aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Therefore, tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency results in hyperphenylalaninemia as well as dopamine and serotonin depletion in the central nervous system. The enzyme 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase catalyzes the second step of de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, and its deficiency is the most frequent cause of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism disorders. METHOD We conducted a retrospective chart review of 28 subjects from 24 families with molecularly confirmed 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase deficiency from six centers in three Arab countries. We reviewed clinical, biochemical, and molecular data. We also reviewed previously published cohorts of subjects with 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase deficiency. RESULTS Similar to previous observations, we show that early treatment (less than two months) is associated with better outcome. We identify eight PTS variants in 24 independent families. The most common variant is (c.238A>G; p.M80V) with an allele count of 33%. We also identify one novel variant (c.2T>G; p.?). CONCLUSION The deficiency of 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase is relatively common in the Arab population and should be considered in individuals with hyperphenylalaninemia. More natural history studies with comprehensive biochemical and molecular genetics data are needed for a robust base for the development of future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Almannai
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana Felemban
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Saleh
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eissa A Faqeih
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alasmari
- Section of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal AlHashem
- Department of Pediatric, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarar Mohamed
- Department of Pediatric, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawda Sunbul
- Pediatrics Medical Genetic Unit (PMGU), Pediatrics Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fathiya Al-Murshedi
- Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Khalid AlThihli
- Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Wafaa Eyaid
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rehab Ali
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Section, Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tawfeg Ben-Omran
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Section, Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nenad Blau
- Dietmar-Hopp-Metabolic Center, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ayman W El-Hattab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Genetics Clinics, KidsHeart Medical Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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16
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Dayasiri KC, Suraweera N, Nawarathne D, Senanayake UE, Dayanath BKTP, Jasinge E, Weerasekara K. GTP-Cyclohydrolase I deficiency presenting as malignant hyperphenylalaninemia, recurrent hyperthermia and progressive neurological dysfunction in a South Asian child - a case report. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:199. [PMID: 31202265 PMCID: PMC6570886 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies are disorders affecting phenylalanine homeostasis, and catecholamine and serotonin biosynthesis. GTP-Cyclohydrolase I deficiency (OMIM 600225) is an extremely rare variant of inborn error of BH4 synthesis which exists in recessive and dominant forms. The recessive form presents with complex neurological and autonomic dysfunction whilst the dominant form presents as Dopa-responsive dystonia. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a South Asian child who initially presented with neurological dysfunction and recurrent vomiting and later developed recurrent hyperthermia for several months. The child did not have screening for hyperphenylalaninemia at birth and was found to have marked hyperphenylalaninemia after clinical presentation at 5 months. Further evaluation revealed BH4 deficiency. GTP-Cyclohydrolase I deficiency (GTPCH) was identified based on normal dihydro pteridine reductase activity and markedly reduced neopterin in dried blood spot test. After institution of treatment and control of high phenylalanine levels, clinical deterioration decelerated yet with noticeable residual neurological dysfunction. CONCLUSION To authors' knowledge, this is first report of GTPCH deficiency in a South Asian child. The case highlights practical issues regarding diagnosis of GTPCH deficiency, especially in countries without broader universal newborn screening programs for early detection of inherited metabolic disorders. Testing for GTPCH deficiency should be considered for patients with unexplained neurological and autonomic symptoms following initial metabolic screen.
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17
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Breuer M, Guglielmi L, Zielonka M, Hemberger V, Kölker S, Okun JG, Hoffmann GF, Carl M, Sauer SW, Opladen T. QDPR homologues in Danio rerio regulate melanin synthesis, early gliogenesis, and glutamine homeostasis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215162. [PMID: 30995231 PMCID: PMC6469847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR) catalyzes the recycling of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor in dopamine, serotonin, and phenylalanine metabolism. QDPR-deficient patients develop neurological symptoms including hypokinesia, truncal hypotonia, intellectual disability and seizures. The underlying pathomechanisms are poorly understood. We established a zebrafish model for QDPR deficiency and analyzed the expression as well as function of all zebrafish QDPR homologues during embryonic development. The homologues qdpra is essential for pigmentation and phenylalanine metabolism. Qdprb1 is expressed in the proliferative zones of the optic tectum and eye. Knockdown of qdprb1 leads to up-regulation of pro-proliferative genes and increased number of phospho-histone3 positive mitotic cells. Expression of neuronal and astroglial marker genes is concomitantly decreased. Qdprb1 hypomorphic embryos develop microcephaly and reduced eye size indicating a role for qdprb1 in the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation. Glutamine accumulation biochemically accompanies the developmental changes. Our findings provide novel insights into the neuropathogenesis of QDPR deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Breuer
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias Zielonka
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Hemberger
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen G. Okun
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F. Hoffmann
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Carl
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Laboratory for Translational Neurogenetics, Trento, Italy
| | - Sven W. Sauer
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Opladen
- University Children's Hospital, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Muniz JR, Szeto NWS, Frise R, Lee WH, Wang XS, Thöny B, Himmelreich N, Blau N, Hsiao KJ, Liu TT, Gileadi O, Oppermann U, Von Delft F, Yue WW, Tang NLS. Role of protein structure in variant annotation: structural insight of mutations causing 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency. Pathology 2019; 51:274-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Koens LH, Tijssen MAJ, Lange F, Wolffenbuttel BHR, Rufa A, Zee DS, de Koning TJ. Eye movement disorders and neurological symptoms in late-onset inborn errors of metabolism. Mov Disord 2018; 33:1844-1856. [PMID: 30485556 PMCID: PMC6587951 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of metabolism in adults are still largely unexplored. Despite the fact that adult‐onset phenotypes have been known for many years, little attention is given to these disorders in neurological practice. The adult‐onset presentation differs from childhood‐onset phenotypes, often leading to considerable diagnostic delay. The identification of these patients at the earliest stage of disease is important, given that early treatment may prevent or lessen further brain damage. Neurological and psychiatric symptoms occur more frequently in adult forms. Abnormalities of eye movements are also common and can be the presenting sign. Eye movement disorders can be classified as central or peripheral. Central forms are frequently observed in lysosomal storage disorders, whereas peripheral forms are a key feature of mitochondrial disease. Furthermore, oculogyric crisis is an important feature in disorders affecting dopamine syntheses or transport. Ocular motor disorders are often not reported by the patient, and abnormalities can be easily overlooked in a general examination. In adults with unexplained psychiatric and neurological symptoms, a special focus on examination of eye movements can serve as a relatively simple clinical tool to detect a metabolic disorder. Eye movements can be easily quantified and analyzed with video‐oculography, making them a valuable biomarker for following the natural course of disease or the response to therapies. Here, we review, for the first time, eye movement disorders that can occur in inborn errors of metabolism, with a focus on late‐onset forms. We provide a step‐by‐step overview that will help clinicians to examine and interpret eye movement disorders. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette H Koens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fiete Lange
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruce H R Wolffenbuttel
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Rufa
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Eye tracking and Visual Application Lab (EVA Lab)-Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Siena, Italy
| | - David S Zee
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Neurology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tom J de Koning
- University of Groningen, Division of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kuseyri O, Weissbach A, Bruggemann N, Klein C, Giżewska M, Karall D, Scholl-Bürgi S, Romanowska H, Krzywińska-Zdeb E, Monavari AA, Knerr I, Yapıcı Z, Leuzzi V, Opladen T. Pregnancy management and outcome in patients with four different tetrahydrobiopterin disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:849-863. [PMID: 29594647 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-018-0169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inborn errors of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis or recycling are a group of very rare neurometabolic diseases. Following growing awareness and improved availability of drug treatment the number of patients with BH4 disorders reaching adulthood is constantly increasing. Pregnancy care of patients with these disorders is therefore a new challenge for clinicians. METHODS This retrospective study summarises for the first time clinical and biochemical monitoring data of 16 pregnancies in seven women with different disorders of BH4 metabolism and evaluates treatment regimens before and during pregnancy in relation to the obstetrical outcome and paediatric follow-up. RESULTS Worsening of pre-existing neurological symptoms or occurrence of new symptoms during pregnancy was not observed in most of the cases. Treatment regimens remained mostly unchanged. Pregnancies were not complicated by disease-specific features. Organ abnormalities, miscarriage, prematurity, IUGR and chromosomal changes were occasionally reported, without showing any association with the standard drug treatment for BH4 deficiencies. CONCLUSION Although our data on 16 pregnancies in seven patients did not present any association of standard drug treatment with an increased rate of pregnancy complications, abnormal obstetrical or paediatric outcome, an intensive clinical and biochemical supervision by a multidisciplinary team before, during and after the pregnancy in any BH4 deficiency is essential since available data on pregnancies in patients with BH4 deficiencies is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Kuseyri
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - A Weissbach
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - N Bruggemann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - C Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - M Giżewska
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - D Karall
- Department of Paediatrics I, Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Scholl-Bürgi
- Department of Paediatrics I, Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - H Romanowska
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - E Krzywińska-Zdeb
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - A A Monavari
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - I Knerr
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Z Yapıcı
- Department of Child Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - V Leuzzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - T Opladen
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Fernández-Lainez C, Ibarra-González I, Alcántara-Ortigoza MÁ, Fernández-Hernández L, Enríquez-Flores S, González-Del Ángel A, Blau N, Thöny B, Guillén-López S, Belmont-Martínez L, Ruiz-García M, Vela-Amieva M. Mutational spectrum of PTS gene and in silico pathological assessment of a novel variant in Mexico. Brain Dev 2018; 40:530-536. [PMID: 29685341 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the cofactor for 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS); it is involved in BH4 biosynthesis and is encoded by PTS gene. Its deficiency (PTPSD) is characterized by hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and deficit in central monoamine neurotransmitters. We describe the clinical and mutational spectrum of five patients with PTPSD, from four unrelated Mexican families. All patients had symptomatic diagnosis and presented severe early neurological manifestations and HPA. METHODS Clinical and biochemical data from studied patients were recorded. Responsible PTPSD genotypes was determined by direct and bidirectional Sanger DNA sequencing of the six PTS coding exons and their exon-intron borders, and these were directly searched in the available relatives. The novel PTS missense variant [NM_3000317.2:331G > T, p.(Ala111Ser)] was subjected to in silico, to predict a possible deleterious effect. RESULTS Diminished fetal movements were perceived as a uniform characteristic in the studied group. DNA sequencing showed two known p.(Arg25∗) and p.(Val132TyrFs∗19) and the novel missense p.(Ala111Ser) PTS variants, the latter representing potentially a frequent PTPSD-responsible allele (50%, 4/8) in Mexican patients. In silico protein modeling analysis of the p.(Ala111Ser) variant revealed loss of hydrophobic interactions between the alanine and neighboring valines, suggesting that these changes in polarity may be detrimental for enzyme function, structure and/or stability. CONCLUSIONS This work contributes to the knowledge of PTPS molecular spectrum. The delayed diagnosis of these patients emphasizes the importance of considering BH4 metabolism defects in the differential diagnosis of HPA, especially for countries that are beginning their HPA newborn screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Fernández-Lainez
- Laboratory of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Screening, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Ibarra-González
- Nutritional Genetics Unit, Biomedical Research Institute, UNAM-National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Liliana Fernández-Hernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Division of Experimental Medicine, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ariadna González-Del Ángel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nenad Blau
- Dietmar-Hopp-Metabolic Center, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beat Thöny
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre (CRC), University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Guillén-López
- Laboratory of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Screening, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Belmont-Martínez
- Laboratory of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Screening, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Matilde Ruiz-García
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Vela-Amieva
- Laboratory of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Screening, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Souza CAAD, Alves MRA, Soares RDL, Kanufre VDC, Rodrigues VDM, Norton RDC, Starling ALP, Aguiar MJBD. BH 4 deficiency identified in a neonatal screening program for hyperphenylalaninemia. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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BH 4 deficiency identified in a neonatal screening program for hyperphenylalaninemia. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2018; 94:170-176. [PMID: 28801146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To show the general prevalence and to characterize tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies with hyperphenylalaninemia, identified by the Neonatal Screening Program of the State of Minas Gerais. METHODS Descriptive study of patients with BH4 deficiency identified by the Neonatal Screening Program of the State of Minas Gerais. RESULTS The prevalence found was 2.1 for 1,000,000 live births, with a frequency of 1.71% among hyperphenylalaninemias. There were four cases (40%) with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency, three with GTP cyclohydrolase I - autosomal recessive form deficiency, and three with dihydropteridine reductase deficiency (30% each). Six patients were diagnosed due to clinical suspicion and four cases due to systematic screening in neonatal screening. After the start of the treatment, patients identified by neonatal screening had rapid improvement and improved neuropsychomotor development compared to those diagnosed by the medical history. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of BH4 deficiencies in Minas Gerais was slightly higher than that found in the literature, but the frequency among hyperphenylalaninemias was similar. Although rare, they are severe diseases and, if left untreated, lead to developmental delays, abnormal movements, seizures, and premature death. Early treatment onset (starting before 5 months of age) showed good results in preventing intellectual disability, justifying the screening of these deficiencies in newborns with hyperphenylalaninemia identified at the neonatal screening programs for phenylketonuria.
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT In the absence of a culprit epileptogenic lesion, pharmacoresistant seizures should prompt the physician to consider potentially treatable metabolic epilepsies, especially in the presence of developmental delays. Even though the anti-seizure treatment of the epilepsies remains symptomatic and usually tailored to an electroclinical phenotype rather than to an underlying etiology, a thorough metabolic workup might reveal a disease with an etiology-specific treatment. Early diagnosis is essential in the case of treatable metabolic epilepsies allowing timely intervention. Despite the advances in genetic testing, biochemical testing including cerebrospinal fluid studies are still needed to expedite the diagnostic workup and potential therapeutic trials. The diagnostician should have a high index of suspicion despite potential clinical digressions from seminal publications describing the initial cases, as these index patients may represent the most severe form of the condition rather than its most common presenting form. The often gratifying developmental outcome and seizure control with early treatment calls for a prompt diagnostic consideration of treatable metabolic diseases; even though relatively rare or potentially only seemingly so.
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Kelly AU, Srivastava R, Dow E, Davidson DF. L-DOPA therapy interferes with urine catecholamine analysis in children with suspected neuroblastoma: a case series. Ann Clin Biochem 2016; 54:616-621. [PMID: 27956461 DOI: 10.1177/0004563216686993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial malignancy diagnosed in childhood. Clinical presentation is variable, and metastatic disease is common at diagnosis. Analyses of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites are commonly requested as a first-line investigation when clinical suspicion exists. Levodopa (L-Dopa) therapy is utilized as a treatment for a number of disorders in childhood, including Dopa-responsive dystonia. Neuroblastoma may mimic some of the clinical features of this disorder. L-Dopa can interfere with analysis of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites and complicate the interpretation of results. We present the cases of three children who were prescribed L-dopa at the time of analysis of urinary catecholamines and metabolites as a screen for neuroblastoma, but who did not have the disease. Comparison of their results with those from cases with true neuroblastoma reveal that it is impossible to reliably distinguish true neuroblastoma from L-Dopa therapy using these tests. We recommend that patients should be off L-dopa therapy, if possible when these tests are performed. These cases illustrate the importance of providing clinical details and drug history to the laboratory in order to avoid diagnostic confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison U Kelly
- 1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rajeev Srivastava
- 1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ellie Dow
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - D Fraser Davidson
- 3 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK
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Porta F, Ponzone A, Spada M. Long-term safety and effectiveness of pramipexole in tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2016; 20:839-842. [PMID: 27562098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies are inherited neuro-metabolic disorders leading to monoamine neurotransmitters deficiency. An individualized replacement therapy with neurotransmitters precursors is necessary to restore dopaminergic and serotoninergic homeostasis. The correction of dopaminergic tone is complicated, like in Parkinson disease, by l-dopa short half-life and adverse effects. To improve this picture, since 2009 we introduced the non-ergot dopamine agonist pramipexole as an adjunct to l-dopa therapy in the treatment of the most common causes of BH4 deficiency, 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency and dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency. In the short-term period, this approach allowed substantial clinical advantages in affected patients, with amelioration and stabilization of the clinical picture on twice daily treatment administration and no adverse effect. Here we describe the long-term clinical follow-up (83 ± 24 months) of seven patients with BH4 deficiency treated with pramipexole. After a period of good clinical compensation (34 ± 1 months), different impulse control disorders (gambling, compulsive buying, and hypersexuality) were observed in three patients treated with high-dose pramipexole (0.030-0.033 mg/kg/day) beyond adolescence. These psychiatric adverse effects promptly disappeared after curtailing pramipexole dose by 50-60%. Low-dose pramipexole therapy has been safe and effective in the long-term period in all treated patients (59 ± 9 months). High-dose pramipexole therapy in BH4 deficiency can be complicated, like in Parkinson disease, by psychiatric adverse effects. Low-dose pramipexole therapy (∼0.010 mg/kg/day) has been safe and clinically effective on long-term follow-up, representing a helpful therapeutic option in patients with BH4 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Porta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ponzone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Marco Spada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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Elsayed SM, Thöny B. BH4 deficiency with unusual presentations: Challenges and lessons. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Transdermal rotigotine in dihydropteridine reductase deficiency. J Neurol Sci 2016; 367:237-8. [PMID: 27423595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Target Prolactin Range in Treatment of Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency. J Pediatr 2016; 168:236-239.e1. [PMID: 26515614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of dopamine agonists for treating tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency imposes the evaluation of peripheral prolactin as the sole reliable biochemical marker of dopaminergic homeostasis. Here we provide the clinical interpretation of the previously described short prolactin profile, based on the longitudinal monitoring of 8 patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency.
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Abstract
The monoamine neurotransmitter disorders are important genetic syndromes that cause disturbances in catecholamine (dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline) and serotonin homeostasis. These disorders result in aberrant monoamine synthesis, metabolism and transport. The clinical phenotypes are predominantly neurological, and symptoms resemble other childhood neurological disorders, such as dystonic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and movement disorders. As a consequence, monoamine neurotransmitter disorders are under-recognized and often misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of monoamine neurotransmitter disorders requires detailed clinical assessment, cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter analysis and further supportive diagnostic investigations. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of neurotransmitter disorders is paramount, as many are responsive to treatment. The treatment is usually mechanism-based, with the aim to reverse disturbances of monoamine synthesis and/or metabolism. Therapeutic intervention can lead to complete resolution of motor symptoms in some conditions, and considerably improve quality of life in others. In this Review, we discuss the clinical features, diagnosis and management of monoamine neurotransmitter disorders, and consider novel concepts, the latest advances in research and future prospects for therapy.
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Han B, Zou H, Han B, Zhu W, Cao Z, Liu Y. Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in Shandong province, China. Brain Dev 2015; 37:592-8. [PMID: 25304915 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the clinical and biochemical data, mutation analysis, treatment, outcome and the follow-up data of patients with BH4 deficiency from 2004 to 2012 in Shandong province, China. METHODS We analyzed the clinical, biochemical and treatment data of 40 patients with BH4 deficiency. Urinary neopterin and biopterin were analyzed. Further BH4 loading tests were performed in suspected patients with abnormal urinary pterin profiles. The patients with BH4 deficiency were treated with BH4 and neurotransmitter after diagnosis. Blood phenylalanine level, clinical symptoms and mental development were followed up. RESULTS 40 cases with BH4 deficiency were identified and all classified as PTPS deficiency between 2004 and 2012 in Shandong province, China. They were diagnosed at the age of 20d - 41m and most patients received treatment with BH4, l-dopa and 5-HTP after diagnosis. Seven different mutations (P87S, K91R, T106M, D96N, N52S, S21R, and L127F) were detected in 11 patients. But outcome assessments were not always available. We obtained 19 records of DQ/IQ assessment. In 9 patients (7 early and 2 late diagnosed) no development delay is observed, while in 10 patients (8 early and 2 late diagnosed) development was delayed. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasized that screening for BH4 deficiency should be carried out in all patients with HPA in order to minimize misdiagnosis. Although the outcomes of BH4 deficiency are highly variable, early diagnosis and treatment is essential for good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjuan Han
- Jinan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Jinan 250001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hui Zou
- Jinan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Jinan 250001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bingchao Han
- Jinan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Jinan 250001, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan 250013, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhiyang Cao
- Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yingxia Liu
- Jinan Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Jinan 250001, Shandong Province, China; Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Porta F, Ponzone A, Spada M. Short prolactin profile for monitoring treatment in BH4 deficiency. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2015; 19:360-3. [PMID: 25707872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency causes hyperphenylalaninemia and impaired synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, leading to brain degeneration and early death if left untreated. Replacement therapy with neurotransmitters precursors is the cornerstone of treatment, relying on 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-dopa administration. Effective restoration of dopaminergic activity is thickened, like in Parkinson's disease, by the pulsatile pharmacokinetic profile of L-dopa. Monitoring of L-dopa therapy in BH4 deficiency is generally based upon clinical observation and periodical measurement of homovanillic acid (HVA) concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). According to the finding that dopamine is the natural inhibitor of prolactin (PRL) incretion, we introduced the use of peripheral PRL measurement as an index of dopaminergic homeostasis, so avoiding the need of repeated lumbar punctures in patients with BH4 deficiency. As a single PRL evaluation can be misleading, due to the dependency of PRL fluctuations on L-dopa administration schedule, here we show that a short PRL profile is suitable for monitoring these patients. Together with the assessment of patients' clinical symptoms, this standardized tool will ensure an objective non-invasive reference to the management of dopaminergic replacement therapy in BH4 deficiency, even in patients treated with dopamine agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Porta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ponzone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Marco Spada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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Kochhar JS, Chan SY, Ong PS, Kang L. Clinical therapeutics for phenylketonuria. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 2:223-37. [PMID: 25787029 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-012-0067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria was amongst the first of the metabolic disorders to be characterised, exhibiting an inborn error in phenylalanine metabolism due to a functional deficit of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. It affects around 700,000 people around the globe. Mutations in the gene coding for hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase cause this deficiency resulting in elevated plasma phenylalanine concentrations, leading to cognitive impairment, neuromotor disorders and related behavioural symptoms. Inception of low phenylalanine diet in the 1950s marked a revolution in the management of phenylketonuria and has since been a vital element of all therapeutic regimens. However, compliance to dietary therapy has been found difficult and newer supplement approaches are being examined. The current development of gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapeutics may offer promising alternatives for the management of phenylketonuria. This review outlines the pathological basis of phenylketonuria, various treatment regimes, their associated challenges and the future prospects of each approach. Briefly, novel drug delivery systems which can potentially deliver therapeutic strategies in phenylketonuria have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Singh Kochhar
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Block S4 Level 2, Singapore, Singapore, 117543
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The complexity of newborn screening follow-up in phenylketonuria. JIMD Rep 2014. [PMID: 25155776 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2014_329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] Open
Abstract
In the United States, and most developed nations, the newborn screening (NBS) panel covers many primary disorders of metabolism, including phenylketonuria (PKU). When an elevated phenylalanine level is identified, the infant is evaluated for PKU and should also be tested for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency. A neonate presented with a phenylalanine level of 254 μmol/L (reference range <138 μmol/L) on newborn screening. The infant's confirmatory phenylalanine was 118 μmol/L (reference range <77 μmol/L). Her urine pterin profile was normal, and initially she had no measurable activity of red blood cell (RBC) dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR). Subsequent study revealed normal levels of CSF tetrahydrobiopterin and neurotransmitter metabolites, and by 18 months of age, her RBC DHPR activity was detectable at 0.5 nmol/min/mgHgb (reference range 0.8-3.9). Sequencing of the QDPR gene for DHPR revealed c.1A>T nucleotide substitution in exon 3 expressed as "p.MET1?" Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for L249F and A300S. Although initial testing suggested the child was affected with DHPR deficiency, further analysis, finding increasing levels of DHPR activity and PAH compound mutant heterozygosity, indicated that the primary disorder is mild hyperphenylalaninemia with carrier status for DHPR deficiency. This is an example of newborn screening results leading to confusing findings requiring extensive biochemical studies and genotyping in order to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis.
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Abstract
Childhood neurotransmitter disorders are increasingly recognised as an expanding group of inherited neurometabolic syndromes. They are caused by disturbance in synthesis, metabolism, and homeostasis of the monoamine neurotransmitters, including the catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) and serotonin. Disturbances in monoamine neurotransmission will lead to neurological symptoms that often overlap with clinical features of other childhood neurological disorders (such as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, other movement disorders, and paroxysmal conditions); consequently, neurotransmitter disorders are frequently misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of neurotransmitter disorders is made through detailed clinical assessment, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitters, and further supportive diagnostic investigations. Early and accurate diagnosis of neurotransmitter disorders is important, as many are amenable to therapeutic intervention. The principles of treatment for monoamine neurotransmitter disorders are mainly directly derived from understanding these metabolic pathways. In disorders characterized by enzyme deficiency, we aim to increase monoamine substrate availability, boost enzyme co-factor levels, reduce monoamine breakdown, and replace depleted levels of monoamines with pharmacological analogs as clinically indicated. Most monoamine neurotransmitter disorders lead to reduced levels of central dopamine and/or serotonin. Complete amelioration of motor symptoms is achievable in some disorders, such as Segawa's syndrome, and, in other conditions, significant improvement in quality of life can be attained with pharmacotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical features and current treatment strategies for childhood monoamine neurotransmitter disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ng
- Molecular Neurosciences, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S. J. R. Heales
- Clinical Chemistry, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - M. A. Kurian
- Molecular Neurosciences, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, Room 111 Level 1 CMGU, UCL-Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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Garcia-Cazorla A, Duarte ST. Parkinsonism and inborn errors of metabolism. J Inherit Metab Dis 2014; 37:627-42. [PMID: 24906253 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-014-9723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Parkinsonism is a frequent neurological syndrome in adulthood but is very rare in childhood. Early forms of Parkinsonism have many distinctive features as compared to Parkinsonism in adults. In fact, rather than Parkinsonism, the general concept "hypokinetic-rigid syndrome" (HRS) is more accurate in children. In general, the terms "dystonia-parkinsonism", "parkinsonism-plus", or "parkinsonism-like" are preferred to designate these forms of paediatric HRS. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) constitute an important group amongst the genetic causes of Parkinsonism at any age. The main IEM causing Parkinsonism are metal-storage diseases, neurotransmitter defects, lysosomal storage disorders and energy metabolism defects. IEM should not be neglected as many of them represent treatable causes of Parkinsonism. Here we review IEMs causing this neurological syndrome and propose diagnostic approaches depending on the age of onset and the associated clinical and neuroimaging features.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Garcia-Cazorla
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD), Barcelona, Spain,
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Furujo M, Kinoshita M, Ichiba Y, Romstad A, Shintaku H, Kubo T. Clinical characteristics of epileptic seizures in a case of dihydropteridine reductase deficiency. EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR CASE REPORTS 2014; 2:37-9. [PMID: 25667865 PMCID: PMC4308063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the clinical characteristics and efficacy of neurotransmitters and levetiracetam in a patient with hyperphenylalaninemia due to dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency who developed epileptic seizures. A boy with DHPR deficiency, who had been successfully treated with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), levodopa, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) since he was 2 months old, started having monthly episodes of blurred vision, loss of consciousness, and falls at the age of 12 years. He was taking BH4 510 mg/day, levodopa 670 mg/day, 5-HTP 670 mg/day, and entacapone 300 mg/day. We evaluated the seizure semiology, EEG findings, and efficacy of levodopa, 5-HTP, and levetiracetam (LEV). His seizures were comprised of an abrupt loss of awareness and eye deviation to the right. Interictal EEG showed slightly slow posterior-dominant rhythm in 7-8 Hz; intermittent, irregular slowing in the bilateral parieto-occipital region; and multiregional independent spikes in bilateral hemispheres. Ictal EEG showed a seizure pattern starting at the left temporal region. Brain MRI showed diffuse signal increase of deep white matter on T2-weighted and FLAIR images. Dosage increase of levodopa to 1340 mg/day, of 5-HTP to 1500 mg/day, or of both did not suppress seizures. Levetiracetam 2000 mg/day markedly reduced seizures without any adverse events. Patients with DHPR deficiency can develop epileptic seizures of partial onset which can be successfully and safely treated with LEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahoko Furujo
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masako Kinoshita
- Department of Neurology, Utano National Hospital, National Hospital Organization, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yozo Ichiba
- Department of Health, Okayama Institute of Health Foundation, Okayama, Japan
| | - Anne Romstad
- Department of Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Molecular Genetics, the John F. Kennedy Institute, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Haruo Shintaku
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Okayama, Japan
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Moradi K, Alibakhshi R, Khatami S. The proportion of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency and PAH gene deficiency variants among cases with hyperphenyalaninemia in Western Iran. INDIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS 2014; 19:454-8. [PMID: 24497712 PMCID: PMC3897142 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6866.124375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defects either in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheOH) or in the production and recycling of its cofactor (tetrahydrobiopterin [BH4]) are the causes of primary hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). The aim of our study was to investigate the current status of different variants of HPA Kurdish patients in Kermanshah province, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 33 cases enrolled in our study, 32 were identified as HPA patients. Reassessing of pre-treatment phenylalanine concentrations and the analysis of urinary pterins was done by high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS A total of 30 patients showed PAH deficiency and two patients were diagnosed with BH4 deficiency (BH4/HPA ratio = 6.25%). Both of these two BH4-deficient patients were assigned to severe variant of dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency. More than 75% of patients with PAH deficiency classified as classic phenylketonuria (PKU) according their levels of pre-treatment phenylalanine concentrations. CONCLUSION Based on the performed study, we think that the frequency of milder forms of PKU is higher than those was estimated before and/or our findings here. Furthermore, the frequency of DHPR deficiency seems to be relatively high in our province. Since the clinical symptoms of DHPR deficiency are confusingly similar to that of classic PKU and its prognosis are much worse than classical PKU and cannot be solely treated with the PKU regime, our pilot study support that it is crucial to set up screening for BH4 deficiency, along with PAH deficiency, among all HPA patients diagnosed with HPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Moradi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Alibakhshi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kermanshah, Iran ; Nano Drug Delivery Research Centre, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Opladen T, Hoffmann GF, Blau N. An international survey of patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies presenting with hyperphenylalaninaemia. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:963-73. [PMID: 22729819 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study summarizes clinical and biochemical findings, current treatment strategies and follow-up in patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) deficiencies. METHODS We analyzed the clinical, biochemical and treatment data of 626 patients with BH(4) deficiencies [355 with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS), 217 with dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR), 31 with autosomal recessive GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), and 23 with pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD) deficiencies] from the BIODEF Database. Patients with autosomal dominant GTPCH and SR deficiencies will not be discussed in detail. RESULTS Up to 57 % of neonates with BH(4) deficiencies are already clinically symptomatic. During infancy and childhood, the predominant symptoms are muscular hypotonia, mental retardation and age-dependent movement disorders, including dystonia. The laboratory diagnosis of BH(4) deficiency is based on a positive newborn screening (NBS) for phenylketonuria (PKU), characteristic profiles of urinary or dried blood spot pterins (biopterin, neopterin, and primapterin), and the measurement of DHPR activity in blood. Some patients with autosomal recessive GTPCH deficiency and all with sepiapterin reductase deficiency may be diagnosed late due to normal blood phenylalanine in NBS. L-dopa, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and BH(4) are supplemented in PTPS and GTPCH-deficient patients, whereas L-dopa, 5-hydroxytryptophan, folinic acid and diet are used in DHPR-deficient patients. Medication doses vary widely among patients, and our understanding of the effects of dopamine agonists and monoamine catabolism inhibitors are limited. CONCLUSIONS BH(4) deficiencies are a group of treatable pediatric neurotransmitter disorders that are characterized by motor dysfunction, mental retardation, impaired muscle tone, movement disorders and epileptic seizures. Although the outcomes of BH(4) deficiencies are highly variable, early diagnosis and treatment result in improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Opladen
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Diseases, University Childrens Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Porta F, Mussa A, Concolino D, Spada M, Ponzone A. Dopamine agonists in dihydropteridine reductase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:582-4. [PMID: 22325981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The traditional treatment of severe disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) metabolism is based on the replacement therapy with BH4, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and L-dopa. Major problems are encountered with L-dopa therapy, especially with increasing age when higher doses are necessary, because of its short half-life and adverse effects. Consequently, different L-dopa-sparing strategies have been successively introduced, with partial reduction of L-dopa dosage and amelioration of the clinical outcome. Recently, we demonstrated that the dopamine agonist pramipexole improves the therapeutic effect of L-dopa in 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency, the most common disorder of BH4 metabolism. Here we report its effectiveness in two patients (males, 7 and 22 years) with dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency, the second most frequent cause of BH4 deficiency. Both patients experienced residual symptoms of dopamine deficiency, movement and behavioral disability, and complications of L-dopa therapy, associated with fluctuating hyperprolactinemia. They had full clinical and biochemical assessment, by an adapted Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and measurement of diurnal plasma prolactin (PRL) profile before and after a trial with pramipexole. Besides allowing the reduction of L-dopa daily dosage (-58%) and administrations (from three to two) in one patient and to stop L-dopa therapy in the other, the introduction of pramipexole markedly improved and stabilized clinical and biochemical picture in both patients, as revealed by reduction of UPDRS scores and normalization of diurnal plasma prolactin profiles. Dopamine agonists can improve or even replace L-dopa therapy in disorders of synthesis and regeneration of BH4.
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Belik J, McIntyre BAS, Enomoto M, Pan J, Grasemann H, Vasquez-Vivar J. Pulmonary hypertension in the newborn GTP cyclohydrolase I-deficient mouse. Free Radic Biol Med 2011; 51:2227-33. [PMID: 21982896 PMCID: PMC5050525 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 09/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a regulator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Deficient levels result in eNOS uncoupling, with a shift from nitric oxide to superoxide generation. The hph-1 mutant mouse has deficient GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH1) activity, resulting in low BH4 tissue content. The adult hph-1 mouse has pulmonary hypertension, but whether such condition is present from birth is not known. Thus, we evaluated newborn animals' pulmonary arterial medial thickness, biopterin content (BH4+BH2), H(2)O(2) and eNOS, right ventricle-to-left ventricle+septum (RV/LV+septum) ratio, near-resistance pulmonary artery agonist-induced force, and endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation. The lung biopterin content was inversely related to age for both types, but significantly lower in hph-1 mice, compared to wild-type animals. As judged by the RV/LV+septum ratio, newborn hph-1 mice have pulmonary hypertension and, after a 2-week 13% oxygen exposure, the ratios were similar in both types. The pulmonary arterial agonist-induced force was reduced (P<0.01) in hph-1 animals and no type-dependent difference in endothelium-dependent or -independent vasorelaxation was observed. Compared to wild-type mice, the lung H(2)O(2) content was increased, whereas the eNOS expression was decreased (P<0.01) in hph-1 animals. The pulmonary arterial medial thickness, a surrogate marker of vascular remodeling, was increased (P<0.01) in hph-1 compared to wild-type mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that pulmonary hypertension is present from birth in the GTPCH1-deficient mice, not as a result of impaired vasodilation, but secondary to vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaques Belik
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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Belanger-Quintana A, Martínez-Pardo M. Physical development in patients with phenylketonuria on dietary treatment: a retrospective study. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 104:480-4. [PMID: 21878401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the growth and physical development in patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency who follow exclusively dietary treatment. METHODS Anthropometric measurements of 160 patients with hyperphenylalaninemia who were followed at our center over a 25 year period were obtained. Only patients treated exclusively with a protein-restrictive diet supplemented with amino acid mixtures were included. Height, weight and body mass index were measured at birth, at diagnosis, at 6 and 12 months of age, and annually until 18 years of age in patients with phenylketonuria or until 9 years of age in patients with mild hyperphenylalaninemia and compared to official national reference values. The final height of PKU patients was also compared to their expected family height. RESULTS The analysis of z scores suggested no significant differences in physical development between PKU patients and the healthy population during the study period. The final height of PKU patients revealed that they were 2 to 4 cm taller than expected when compared to the mean family height (p<0.001). The mean weight and BMI at puberty suggested that many patients with severe PKU, but not other phenotypes, were overweight during this period. CONCLUSION Physical development can be optimal in PKU patients regardless of their phenotype and the severity of the diet. A tendency to excessive weight gain is seen in adolescence in the most severe phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Belanger-Quintana
- Unidad de Enfermedades Metabólicas, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
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Niu DM. Disorders of BH4 metabolism and the treatment of patients with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency in Taiwan. Brain Dev 2011; 33:847-55. [PMID: 21880449 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
6-Pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is the most frequent form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency related to hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). PTPS deficiency may not only cause a typical phenylketonuric phenotype, but is also accompanied by various neurological signs and symptoms due to impaired synthesis of catecholamines and serotonin. The treatment of PTPS deficiency is aimed at normalizing phenylalanine levels and brain neurotransmitters. The BH4 can be administered to normalize phenylalanine (PHE) levels easily, but, owing to severe side effects, the neurotransmitters, L-DOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan, should be administered for these patients very carefully. However, optimal dosage of the neurotransmitters for PTPS deficiency patients is difficult to be determined. Several reports have described unsatisfied outcomes in a large percentage of patients with PTPS deficiency, despite early detection and treatment. Between 1988 and 2000, 12 newborns with PTPS deficiency identified by newborn screening were referred and received early treatment at our hospital. The mean IQ score of these 12 patients was 96.7 (±9.7; range: 86-119), which is considerably higher than previous reports of other populations of PTPS-deficient patients. In this report, we reviewed the disorders of BH4 briefly and then described treatments of our PTPS-deficient patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dau-Ming Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Understanding and consequently treating neuropathic pain effectively is a challenge for modern medicine, as unlike inflammation, which can be controlled relatively well, chronic pain due to nerve injury is refractory to most current therapeutics. Here we define a target pathway for a new class of analgesics, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis and metabolism. BH4 is an essential co-factor in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and nitric oxide and as a result, its availability influences many systems, including neurons. Following peripheral nerve damage, levels of BH4 are dramatically increased in sensory neurons, consequently this has a profound effect on the physiology of these cells, causing increased activity and pain hypersensitivity. These changes are principally due to the upregulation of the rate limiting enzyme for BH4 synthesis GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). A GCH1 pain-protective haplotype which decreases pain levels in a variety of settings, by reducing the levels of endogenous activation of this enzyme, has been characterized in humans. Here we define the control of BH4 homeostasis and discuss the consequences of large perturbations within this system, both negatively via genetic mutations and after pathological increases in the production of this cofactor that result in chronic pain. We explain the nature of the GCH1 reduced-function haplotype and set out the potential for a ' BH4 blocking' drug as a novel analgesic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Latremoliere
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Circle, CLS 12260, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Costigan
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Circle, CLS 12260, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
BH4 (6R-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin) is an essential cofactor of a set of enzymes that are of central metabolic importance, including four aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, alkylglycerol mono-oxygenase and three NOS (NO synthase) isoenzymes. Consequently, BH4 is present in probably every cell or tissue of higher organisms and plays a key role in a number of biological processes and pathological states associated with monoamine neurotransmitter formation, cardiovascular and endothelial dysfunction, the immune response and pain sensitivity. BH4 is formed de novo from GTP via a sequence of three enzymatic steps carried out by GTP cyclohydrolase I, 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase and sepiapterin reductase. An alternative or salvage pathway involves dihydrofolate reductase and may play an essential role in peripheral tissues. Cofactor regeneration requires pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratase and dihydropteridine reductase, except for NOSs, in which the BH4 cofactor undergoes a one-electron redox cycle without the need for additional regeneration enzymes. With regard to the regulation of cofactor biosynthesis, the major controlling point is GTP cyclohydrolase I. BH4 biosynthesis is controlled in mammals by hormones and cytokines. BH4 deficiency due to autosomal recessive mutations in all enzymes, except for sepiapterin reductase, has been described as a cause of hyperphenylalaninaemia. A major contributor to vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension, ischaemic reperfusion injury, diabetes and others, appears to be an effect of oxidized BH4, which leads to an increased formation of oxygen-derived radicals instead of NO by decoupled NOS. Furthermore, several neurological diseases have been suggested to be a consequence of restricted cofactor availability, and oral cofactor replacement therapy to stabilize mutant phenylalanine hydroxylase in the BH4-responsive type of hyperphenylalaninaemia has an advantageous effect on pathological phenylalanine levels in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst R Werner
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
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Brasil S, Viecelli HM, Meili D, Rassi A, Desviat LR, Pérez B, Ugarte M, Thöny B. Pseudoexon exclusion by antisense therapy in 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:1019-27. [PMID: 21542064 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide therapy to modulate splicing mutations in inherited diseases is emerging as a treatment option also for metabolic defects. In this article, we report the effect of cellular antisense therapy to suppress pseudoexon activation in primary dermal fibroblasts from patients with mutations in the PTS gene encoding 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS), which leads to tetrahydrobiopterin and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency. Pathogenic inclusion of SINE or LINE-derived cryptic exons in different PTPS patients due to the intronic mutations c.84-322A>T, c.163 + 695_163 + 751del57, or c.164-712A>T was demonstrated by transcript analysis in fibroblasts and minigene ex vivo assays. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (AMOs) directed to the pseudoexons 3' or 5' splice sites were designed with the aim of preventing the pathological pseudoexon inclusion. At the time of AMO transfection, we investigated patients' cells for correct PTS-mRNA splicing and functional recovery of the PTPS protein. Transcriptional profiling after 24 hr posttransfection revealed a dose- and sequence-specific recovery of normal splicing. Furthermore, PTPS enzyme activity in all three patients' fibroblasts and the pterin profile were close to normal values after antisense treatment. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept for pseudoexon exclusion therapy using AMO in inherited metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Brasil
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Blau N, Hennermann JB, Langenbeck U, Lichter-Konecki U. Diagnosis, classification, and genetics of phenylketonuria and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 104 Suppl:S2-9. [PMID: 21937252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the present knowledge, recent developments, and common pitfalls in the diagnosis, classification, and genetics of hyperphenylalaninemia, including tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency. It is a product of the recent workshop organized by the European Phenylketonuria Group in March 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal. Results of the workshop demonstrate that following newborn screening for phenylketonuria (PKU), using tandem mass-spectrometry, every newborn with even slightly elevated blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels needs to be screened for BH4 deficiency. Dried blood spots are the best sample for the simultaneous measurement of amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), pterins (neopterin and biopterin), and dihydropteridine reductase activity from a single specimen. Following diagnosis, the patient's phenotype and individually tailored treatment should be established as soon as possible. Not only blood Phe levels, but also daily tolerance for dietary Phe and potential responsiveness to BH4 are part of the investigations. Efficiency testing with synthetic BH4 (sapropterin dihydrochloride) over several weeks should follow the initial 24-48-hour screening test with 20mg/kg/day BH4. The specific genotype, i.e. the combination of both PAH alleles of the patient, helps or facilitates to determine both the biochemical phenotype (severity of PKU) and the responsiveness to BH4. The rate of Phe metabolic disposal after Phe challenge may be an additional useful tool in the interpretation of phenotype-genotype correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad Blau
- University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
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The monoamine neurotransmitter disorders: an expanding range of neurological syndromes. Lancet Neurol 2011; 10:721-33. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(11)70141-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Burton BK, Nowacka M, Hennermann JB, Lipson M, Grange DK, Chakrapani A, Trefz F, Dorenbaum A, Imperiale M, Kim SS, Fernhoff PM. Safety of extended treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients with phenylketonuria: results of a phase 3b study. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 103:315-22. [PMID: 21646032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylketonuria (PKU) results from impaired breakdown of phenylalanine (Phe) due to deficient phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activity. Sapropterin dihydrochloride (sapropterin, Kuvan®) is the only US- and EU-approved pharmaceutical version of naturally occurring 6R-BH(4), the cofactor required for PAH activity. Sapropterin enhances residual PAH activity in sapropterin-responsive PKU patients and, in conjunction with dietary management, helps reduce blood Phe concentrations for optimal control. Approval was based on the positive safety and efficacy results of four international clinical studies, the longest of which was 22 weeks in duration. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety of long-term treatment with sapropterin in PKU subjects who participated in previous Phase 3 sapropterin trials. METHODS PKU-008 was designed as a Phase 3b, multicenter, multinational, open-label, 3-year extension trial to evaluate the long-term safety of sapropterin in patients with PKU who were classified as sapropterin responders and participated in prior Phase 3 sapropterin studies: 111 subjects aged 4-50 years completed prior studies and were subsequently enrolled in study PKU-008. Routine safety monitoring was performed at 3-month intervals and included adverse event reporting, blood Phe monitoring, clinical laboratory evaluations, physical examinations and vital sign measurements. RESULTS Average exposure during PKU-008 was 658.7±221.3 days (range, 56-953; median, 595). The average total duration of participation in multiple studies (PKU-001, PKU-003, PKU-004, and PKU-008; or PKU-006 and PKU-008) was 799.0±237.5 days (range, 135-1151). The mean sapropterin dose was 16.2±4.7 mg/kg/day. Most adverse events were considered unrelated to treatment, were mild or moderate in severity, and were consistent with prior studies of sapropterin. No age-specific differences were observed in adverse event reporting. Three subjects discontinued treatment due to adverse events that were considered possibly or probably related to study treatment (one each of difficulty concentrating, decreased platelet count, and intermittent diarrhea). No deaths were reported. Of seven reported serious adverse events, one was considered possibly related to study treatment (gastroesophageal reflux). There were no laboratory or physical examination abnormalities requiring medical interventions. For most subjects, blood Phe concentrations were consistently within target range, confirming the durability of response in subjects undergoing extended treatment with sapropterin. CONCLUSION Sapropterin treatment was found to be safe and well tolerated at doses of 5 to 20mg/kg/day for an average exposure of 659 days. This study supports the safety and tolerability of sapropterin as long-term treatment for patients with PKU.
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