Profiling of oxidative stress in patients with inborn errors of metabolism

Propionic Acidemia, Methylmalonic Acidemia, and Cobalamin C Deficiency: Comparison of Untargeted Metabolomic Profiles

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA), and cobalamin C deficiency (cblC) share a defect in propionic acid metabolism. In addition, cblC is also involved in the process of homocysteine remethylation. These three diseases produce various phenotypes and complex downstream metabolic effects. In this study, we used an untargeted metabolomics approach to investigate the biochemical differences and the possible connections among the pathophysiology of each disease. The significantly changed metabolites in the untargeted urine metabolomic profiles of 21 patients (seven MMA, seven PA, seven cblC) were identified through statistical analysis (p < 0.05; log2FC > |1|) and then used for annotation. Annotated features were associated with different metabolic pathways potentially involved in the disease's development. Comparative statistics showed markedly different metabolomic profiles between MMA, PA, and cblC, highlighting the characteristic species for each disease. The most affected pathways were related to the metabolism of organic acids (all diseases), amino acids (all diseases), and glycine and its conjugates (in PA); the transsulfuration pathway; oxidative processes; and neurosteroid hormones (in cblC). The untargeted metabolomics study highlighted the presence of significant differences between the three diseases, pointing to the most relevant contrast in the cblC profile compared to MMA and PA. Some new biomarkers were proposed for PA, while novel data regarding the alterations of steroid hormone profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress were obtained for cblC disease. The elevation of neurosteroids in cblC may indicate a potential connection with the development of ocular and neuronal deterioration.

Associations of methylmalonic acid and depressive symptoms with mortality: a population-based study

Methylmalonic acid (MMA), a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction, has been reported to be associated with depression in specific populations (i.e., older adults and postpartum women). Our study aimed to investigate to what extent MMA was associated with depressive symptoms and mortality in the general population, and assess whether depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between MMA and mortality. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 8343 participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MMA was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Mortality data were obtained through linkage with National Death Index records. Linear regression models were performed to assess the association between MMA and depressive symptoms. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was utilized to assess the association of MMA and depressive symptoms with mortality. Mediation analysis was conducted within the counterfactual framework. In this general population, each SD (around 0.49 μmol/L) increase in MMA was associated with a 0.03 SD (approximately 0.15 score) increase in depressive symptoms (β = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.010, 0.055, p = 0.005). Notably, this association was more pronounced in men and participants over 60 years old. Higher levels of MMA and having more depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of mortality. However, depressive symptoms do not mediate the relationship between MMA and mortality. Elevated MMA levels were associated with depressive symptoms and an increased risk of mortality. These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the multifactorial etiology of depression.

The Role of Cobalamin in Multiple Sclerosis: An Update

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative condition that results in axonal and permanent damage to the central nervous system, necessitating healing owing to autoimmune reactions and persistent neuroinflammation. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs are essential for the management of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Additionally, multivitamin supplementation, particularly vitamin B12 (cobalamin), may be beneficial for neuronal protection. Although there is no documented connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and MS, researchers have explored its potential as a metabolic cause. This review highlights the therapeutic benefits of cobalamin (Cbl) in patients with MS.

In Vivo Intracerebral Administration of α-Ketoisocaproic Acid to Neonate Rats Disrupts Brain Redox Homeostasis and Promotes Neuronal Death, Glial Reactivity, and Myelination Injury

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by severe deficiency of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex activity, resulting in tissue accumulation of branched-chain α-keto acids and amino acids, particularly α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) and leucine. Affected patients regularly manifest with acute episodes of encephalopathy including seizures, coma, and potentially fatal brain edema during the newborn period. The present work investigated the ex vivo effects of a single intracerebroventricular injection of KIC to neonate rats on redox homeostasis and neurochemical markers of neuronal viability (neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN)), astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), and myelination (myelin basic protein (MBP) and 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase)) in the cerebral cortex and striatum. KIC significantly disturbed redox homeostasis in these brain structures 6 h after injection, as observed by increased 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein oxidation (reactive oxygen species generation), malondialdehyde levels (lipid oxidative damage), and carbonyl formation (protein oxidative damage), besides impairing the antioxidant defenses (diminished levels of reduced glutathione and altered glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase activities) in both cerebral structures. Noteworthy, the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and melatonin attenuated or normalized most of the KIC-induced effects on redox homeostasis. Furthermore, a reduction of NeuN, MBP, and CNPase, and an increase of GFAP levels were observed at postnatal day 15, suggesting neuronal loss, myelination injury, and astrocyte reactivity, respectively. Our data indicate that disruption of redox homeostasis, associated with neural damage caused by acute intracerebral accumulation of KIC in the neonatal period may contribute to the neuropathology characteristic of MSUD patients.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of complications associated with propionic acidemia

Propionic acidemia (PA) is a genetic metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme, propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), which is responsible for converting propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA for further metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. When this process is disrupted, propionyl-CoA and its metabolites accumulate, leading to a variety of complications including life-threatening cardiac diseases and other metabolic strokes. While the clinical symptoms and diagnosis of PA are well established, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of PA-induced diseases are not fully understood. As a result, there are currently few effective therapies for PA beyond dietary restriction. This review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the various complications associated with PA, drawing on extensive research and clinical reports. Most research suggests that propionyl-CoA and its metabolites can impair mitochondrial energy metabolism and cause cellular damage by inducing oxidative stress. However, direct evidence from in vivo studies is still lacking. Additionally, elevated levels of ammonia can be toxic, although not all PA patients develop hyperammonemia. The discovery of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various complications associated with PA can aid in the development of more effective therapeutic treatments. The consequences of elevated odd-chain fatty acids in lipid metabolism and potential gene expression changes mediated by histone propionylation also warrant further investigation.

Association of Serum Vitamin B12 and Circulating Methylmalonic Acid Levels with All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality among Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease

(1) Background: it is unclear whether serum vitamin B₁₂ and circulating methylmalonic acid (MMA) are related with a poor prognosis among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD); (2) Methods: this prospective cohort study included 2589 individuals with CKD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004, and from 2011 to 2014, respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% Cis for the associations of MMA and vitamin B₁₂ levels with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to examine the non-linear association of MMA levels with all-cause and CVD mortality. (3) Results: among the 2589 participants, we identified 1192 all-cause deaths and 446 CVD deaths, respectively, with a median follow-up of 7.7 years. Compared with participants with MMA < 123 nmol/L, those with MMA ≥ 240 nmol/L had an increased all-cause and CVD mortality in the multivariable-adjusted model [HR (95% CI), 2.01 (1.54-2.62) and 1.76 (1.18-2.63), respectively]; (4) Conclusions: higher circulating MMA levels were found to be strongly associated with an elevated all-cause and CVD mortality among individuals with CKD, while serum vitamin B₁₂ levels were not associated.

The bridge between cell survival and cell death: reactive oxygen species-mediated cellular stress

As a requirement of aerobic metabolism, regulation of redox homeostasis is indispensable for the continuity of living homeostasis and life. Since the stability of the redox state is necessary for the maintenance of the biological functions of the cells, the balance between the pro-oxidants, especially ROS and the antioxidant capacity is kept in balance in the cells through antioxidant defense systems. The pleiotropic transcription factor, Nrf2, is the master regulator of the antioxidant defense system. Disruption of redox homeostasis leads to oxidative and reductive stress, bringing about multiple pathophysiological conditions. Oxidative stress characterized by high ROS levels causes oxidative damage to biomolecules and cell death, while reductive stress characterized by low ROS levels disrupt physiological cell functions. The fact that ROS, which were initially attributed as harmful products of aerobic metabolism, at the same time function as signal molecules at non-toxic levels and play a role in the adaptive response called mithormesis points out that ROS have a dose-dependent effect on cell fate determination. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

Understanding the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Complications in Patients with Propionic Acidemia and Exploring Therapeutic Alternatives for Those Who Are Not Eligible or Are Waiting for Liver Transplantation

The guidelines for the management of patients affected by propionic acidemia (PA) recommend standard cardiac therapy in the presence of cardiac complications. A recent revision questioned the impact of high doses of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function in patients with cardiomyopathy (CM). Liver transplantation is a therapeutic option for several patients since it may stabilize or reverse CM. Both the patients waiting for liver transplantation and, even more, the ones not eligible for transplant programs urgently need therapies to improve cardiac function. To this aim, the identification of the pathogenetic mechanisms represents a key point. Aims: This review summarizes: (1) the current knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying cardiac complications in PA and (2) the available and potential pharmacological options for the prevention or the treatment of cardiac complications in PA. To select articles, we searched the electronic database PubMed using the Mesh terms "propionic acidemia" OR "propionate" AND "cardiomyopathy" OR "Long QT syndrome". We selected 77 studies, enlightening 12 potential disease-specific or non-disease-specific pathogenetic mechanisms, namely: impaired substrate delivery to TCA cycle and TCA dysfunction, secondary mitochondrial electron transport chain dysfunction and oxidative stress, coenzyme Q10 deficiency, metabolic reprogramming, carnitine deficiency, cardiac excitation-contraction coupling alteration, genetics, epigenetics, microRNAs, micronutrients deficiencies, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, and increased sympathetic activation. We provide a critical discussion of the related therapeutic options. Current literature supports the involvement of multiple cellular pathways in cardiac complications of PA, indicating the growing complexity of their pathophysiology. Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for such abnormalities is essential to identify therapeutic strategies going beyond the correction of the enzymatic defect rather than engaging the dysregulated mechanisms. Although these approaches are not expected to be resolutive, they may improve the quality of life and slow the disease progression. Available pharmacological options are limited and tested in small cohorts. Indeed, a multicenter approach is mandatory to strengthen the efficacy of therapeutic options.

S100B Protein but Not 3-Nitrotyrosine Positively Correlates with Plasma Ammonia in Patients with Inherited Hyperammonemias: A New Promising Diagnostic Tool?

Individuals with inherited hyperammonemias often present developmental and intellectual deficiencies which are likely to be exaggerated by hyperammonemia episodes in long-term outcomes. In order to find a new, systemic marker common to the course of congenital hyperammonemias, we decided to measure the plasma level of S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), which is associated with cerebral impairment. Further, we analyzed three mechanistically diverged but linked with oxidative-nitrosative stress biochemical parameters: 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), a measure of plasma proteins' nitration; advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), a measure of protein oxidation; and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, a measure of anti-oxidative enzymatic capacity. The plasma biomarkers listed above were determined for the first time in congenital hyperammonemia. Also, the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (i.e., IL-12, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) and chemokines (IP-10, MCP-1, MIG, and RANTES) were quantified. S100B was positively correlated with plasma ammonia level, while noticeable levels of circulating 3-NT in some of the patients' plasma did not correlate with ammonia concentration. Overall, the linear correlation between ammonia and S100B but not standard oxidative stress-related markers offers a unique perspective for the future identification and monitoring of neurological deficits risk-linked with hyperammonemia episodes in patients with inherited hyperammonemias. The S100B measure may support the development of therapeutic targets and clinical monitoring in these disorders.

Correlations between circulating methylmalonic acid levels and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among patients with diabetes

Aims

Evidence regarding serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels and mortality in individuals with diabetes is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between MMA and all-cause and cause-specific deaths in patients with diabetes.

Materials and methods

This is a population-based cohort study based on data from both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and National Death Index from 1999 to 2014. We assessed the association of serum MMA concentrations with mortality using Cox proportional hazard models after adjusting for lifestyle, demographic factors, and comorbidities.

Results

Among the 3,097 participants, 843 mortalities occurred during a median follow-up of 4.42 years. There were 242 deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 131 cancer-associated deaths. After multivariate adjustment, elevated serum MMA levels were markedly correlated with a high risk of all-cause, CVD-, and cancer-related deaths. Each one-unit increase in the natural log-transformed MMA level correlated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (2.652 times), CVD mortality risk (3.153 times), and cancer-related mortality risk (4.514). Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) after comparing participants with MMA &lt; 120 and ≥250 nmol/L were 2.177 (1.421–3.336) for all-cause mortality, 3.560 (1.809–7.004) for CVD mortality, and 4.244 (1.537–11.721) for cancer mortality.

Conclusion

Higher serum MMA levels were significantly associated with higher all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. These findings suggest that maintaining lower MMA status may lower mortality risk in individuals with diabetes.

Versatile Enzymology and Heterogeneous Phenotypes in Cobalamin Complementation Type C Disease

Nutritional deficiency and genetic errors that impair the transport, absorption, and utilization of vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂) lead to hematological and neurological manifestations. The cblC disease (cobalamin complementation type C) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations and epi-mutations in the MMACHC gene and the most common inborn error of B₁₂ metabolism. Pathogenic mutations in MMACHC disrupt enzymatic processing of B₁₂, an indispensable step before micronutrient utilization by the two B₁₂-dependent enzymes methionine synthase (MS) and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT). As a result, patients with cblC disease exhibit plasma elevation of homocysteine (Hcy, substrate of MS) and methylmalonic acid (MMA, degradation product of methylmalonyl-CoA, substrate of MUT). The cblC disorder manifests early in childhood or in late adulthood with heterogeneous multi-organ involvement. This review covers current knowledge on the cblC disease, structure–function relationships of the MMACHC protein, the genotypic and phenotypic spectra in humans, experimental disease models, and promising therapies.

Evaluation of dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 patients

BACKGROUND

Despite successful treatment with nitisinone, the pathophysiology of long-term complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma and mental decline in tyrosinemia type 1 patients, is still obscure. Oxidative stress may play a role in these complications. While increased fumarylacetoacetate and maleylacetoacetate cause oxidative stress in the liver, increased tyrosine causes oxidative stress in the brain. The aim of this study is to evaluate dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis as an indicator of oxidative stress in late-diagnosed tyrosinemia type 1 patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four late-diagnosed (age of diagnosis; 14.43 ± 26.35 months) tyrosinemia type 1 patients (19 under nitisinone treatment and 5 with liver transplantation) and 25 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels were measured, and disulfide/native, disulfide/total, and native thiol/total thiol ratios were calculated from these values.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in native, total, and disulfide thiol levels between the groups and no increase in disulfide/native, disulfide/total, and native/total thiol ratios was detected, despite significantly higher plasma tyrosine levels in the nitisinone-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that providing sufficient metabolic control with good compliance to nitisinone treatment can help to prevent oxidative stress in late-diagnosed tyrosinemia type 1 patients.

IMPACT

Despite successful nitisinone (NTBC) treatment, the underlying mechanisms of long-term complications in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), including hepatocellular carcinoma and mental decline, are still obscure. Oxidative stress may play a role in these complications. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis, which is an indicator of oxidative stress, is not disturbed in hereditary tyrosinemia patients under NTBC treatment, despite higher plasma tyrosine levels and patients who had liver transplantation. This is the first study evaluating dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis as an indicator of oxidative stress in late-diagnosed HT1 patients.

Disturbance of Mitochondrial Dynamics, Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Crosstalk, Redox Homeostasis, and Inflammatory Response in the Brain of Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase-Deficient Mice: Neuroprotective Effects of Bezafibrate

Patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) activity, commonly manifest acute encephalopathy associated with severe striatum degeneration and progressive cortical and striatal injury whose pathogenesis is still poorly known. We evaluated redox homeostasis, inflammatory response, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria crosstalk, and ER stress in the brain of GCDH-deficient (Gcdh^-/-) and wild-type (Gcdh^+/+) mice fed a high Lys chow, which better mimics the human neuropathology mainly characterized by striatal lesions. Increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant defenses, including decreased concentrations of reduced glutathione and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione transferase, were observed in the striatum and cerebral cortex of Gcdh^-/- mice. Augmented Iba-1 staining was also found in the dorsal striatum and neocortex, whereas the nuclear content of NF-κB was increased, and the cytosolic content of IκBα decreased in the striatum of the mutant animals, indicating a pro-inflammatory response. Noteworthy, in vivo treatment with the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate normalized these alterations. It was also observed that the ER-mitochondria crosstalk proteins VDAC1 and IP3R were reduced, whereas the ER stress protein DDIT3 was augmented in Gcdh^-/- striatum, signaling disturbances of these processes. Finally, DRP1 content was elevated in the striatum of Gcdh^-/- mice, indicating activated mitochondrial fission. We presume that some of these novel pathomechanisms may be involved in GA1 neuropathology and that bezafibrate should be tested as a potential adjuvant therapy for GA1.

Structural Study of the Complex of cblC Methylmalonic Aciduria and Homocystinuria-Related Protein MMACHC with Cyanocobalamin

MMACHC is an essential protein for the body to metabolise vitamin B12, and its deficiency will cause cblC-type methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. MMACHC can interact with cyanocobalamin (a type of vitamin B12) cofactor and plays an important role in targeting cyanocobalamin to the enzyme of interest. In this paper, the GST-tag fusion-tagged MMACHC protein was successfully expressed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) low-temperature induction, and the high-purity MMACHC protein was successfully purified by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. Further, the crystal structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin complex was obtained with a resolution of 1.93 Å using X-ray diffraction. By analysing the complex structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin, we revealed the reasons for the diversity of MMACHC substrates and explained the reasons for the differences in disease conditions caused by different MMACHC site mutations. The acquisition of the complex structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin will play a significant role in promoting research on the metabolic pathway of vitamin B12.

Intracellular processing of vitamin B12 by MMACHC (CblC)

Vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin, Cbl, B₁₂) is a water-soluble micronutrient synthesized exclusively by a group of microorganisms. Human beings are unable to make B₁₂ and thus obtain the vitamin via intake of animal products, fermented plant-based foods or supplements. Vitamin B₁₂ obtained from the diet comprises three major chemical forms, namely hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl), methylcobalamin (MeCbl) and adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl). The most common form of B₁₂ present in supplements is cyanocobalamin (CNCbl). Yet, these chemical forms cannot be utilized directly as they come, but instead, they undergo chemical processing by the MMACHC protein, also known as CblC. Processing of dietary B₁₂ by CblC involves removal of the upper-axial ligand (beta-ligand) yielding the one-electron reduced intermediate cob(II)alamin. Newly formed cob(II)alamin undergoes trafficking and delivery to the two B₁₂-dependent enzymes, cytosolic methionine synthase (MS) and mitochondrial methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT). The catalytic cycles of MS and MUT incorporate cob(II)alamin as a precursor to regenerate the coenzyme forms MeCbl and AdoCbl, respectively. Mutations and epimutations in the MMACHC gene result in cblC disease, the most common inborn error of B₁₂ metabolism, which manifests with combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. Elevation of metabolites homocysteine and methylmalonic acid occurs because the lack of an active CblC blocks formation of the indispensable precursor cob(II)alamin that is necessary to activate MS and MUT. Thus, in patients with cblC disease, vitamin B₁₂ is absorbed and present in circulation in normal to high concentrations, yet, cells are unable to make use of it. Mutations in seemingly unrelated genes that modify MMACHC gene expression also result in clinical phenotypes that resemble cblC disease. We review current knowledge on structural and functional aspects of intracellular processing of vitamin B₁₂ by the versatile protein CblC, its partners and possible regulators.

An investigation of different intracellular parameters for Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Cellular stress, antioxidant response and autophagy

Oxidative stress is associated with various disease pathologies including Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEMs), among the most important causes of childhood morbidity and mortality. At least as much as oxidative stress in cells, reductive stress poses a danger to the disruption of cell homeostasis. p62/SQSTM1, protects cells from stress by activation of Nrf2/Keap1 and autophagy pathways. In this study, we tested the role of cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy via Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway in the pathophysiology of three main groups of IEMs. Our results showed that antioxidant and oxidant capacity alone would not be sufficient to reflect the true clinical picture of these diseases. ATP, ROS and mitochondrial membrane potantial (MMP) measurements demonstrated increased cellular stress and bioenergetic imbalance in methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), indicating mild mitochondrial dysfunction. In isovaleric acidemia (IVA), no major change was detected in ATP, ROS and MMP values. Propionic acidemia (PA), mitochondrial diseases (MIT) and mucopolysaccharidosis IV (MPS IV) might point out mitohormesis to cope with chronic reductive stress. Induction of Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway and increased expression of HMOX1 were detected in all IEMs. LC3B-II and p62 expression results indicated an impaired autophagic flux in MIT and MPS IV and an induction of autophagic flux in MMA, PA and IVA, but also partial expression of Beclin1, enables autophagy activation, was detected in all IEMs. We conclude that individual diagnosis and treatments are of great importance in IEMs. In addition, we assume that the application of therapeutic antioxidant or preventive treatments without determining the cellular stress status in IEMs may disrupt the sensitive oxidant-antioxidant balance in the cell, leading to the potential to further disrupt the clinical picture, especially in patients with reductive stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously relate IEMs with cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy.

Different Pattern of Cardiovascular Impairment in Methylmalonic Acidaemia Subtypes

Methylmalonic acidaemia (MMA) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular involvement, especially for the combined type with homocystinuria. We have screened 80 control subjects and 99 MMA patients (23 isolated type and 76 combined type) using electrocardiograph and echocardiography. 32 cases (34%) of ECG changes were found including sinus tachycardia (n = 11), prolonged QTc interval (n = 1), I-degree atrioventricular block (n = 1), left axis deviation (n = 5) and T wave change (n = 14). By echocardiography, 8 cases of congenital heart disease were found in 4 combined MMA patients (5.3%) including ventricular septal defect (n = 2), atrial septal defect (n = 3), patent ductus arteriosus (n = 1) and coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistula (n =2). Pulmonary hypertension (n = 2) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1) in combined subtype were also noted. Moreover, echocardiographic parameters were analyzed by multiple regression to clarify the influence of different subtypes on cardiac function. It was found that the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly reduced only in combined subtype [R = -3.0, 95%CI (-5.4, -0.5), P = 0.017]. For left ventricle, the mitral E' velocity was significantly reduced [isolated type: R = -1.8, 95%CI (-3.3, -0.4), P = 0.016; combined type: R = -2.5, 95%CI (-3.5, -1.5), P < 0.001], the global longitudinal strain (GLS) was the same [isolated type: R = -1.4, 95%CI (-2.3, -0.4), P = 0.007; Combined type: R = -1.1, 95%CI (-1.8, -0.4), P = 0.001], suggesting weakened left ventricular diastolic and systolic functions in both subtypes. For right ventricle, only in combined subtype, the tricuspid E' velocity was significantly reduced [R = -1.4, 95%CI (-2.6, -0.2), P = 0.021], and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was the same [R = -1.3, 95%CI (-2.3, -0.3), P=0.013], suggesting impaired right ventricular systolic and diastolic function. In conclusion, isolated and combined types showed different pattern of cardiac dysfunction, specifically the former only affected the left ventricle while the latter affected both ventricles. And it is necessary to perform echocardiographic screening and follow up in both MMA subtypes.

Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2-Related Factor 2 Signaling in the Neuropathophysiology of Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are rare genetic conditions that affect multiple organs, predominantly the central nervous system. Since treatment for a large number of IMDs is limited, there is an urgent need to find novel therapeutical targets. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that has a key role in controlling the intracellular redox environment by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and several important genes related to redox homeostasis. Considering that oxidative stress along with antioxidant system alterations is a mechanism involved in the neuropathophysiology of many IMDs, this review focuses on the current knowledge about Nrf2 signaling dysregulation observed in this group of disorders characterized by neurological dysfunction. We review here Nrf2 signaling alterations observed in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, glutaric acidemia type I, hyperhomocysteinemia, and Friedreich’s ataxia. Additionally, beneficial effects of different Nrf2 activators are shown, identifying a promising target for treatment of patients with these disorders. We expect that this article stimulates research into the investigation of Nrf2 pathway involvement in IMDs and the use of potential pharmacological modulators of this transcription factor to counteract oxidative stress and exert neuroprotection.

Cyclopentenone Prostaglandins: Biologically Active Lipid Mediators Targeting Inflammation

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (cyPGs) are biologically active lipid mediators, including PGA2, PGA1, PGJ2, and its metabolites. cyPGs are essential regulators of inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell migration, and stem cell activity. cyPGs biologically act on multiple cellular targets, including transcription factors and signal transduction pathways. cyPGs regulate the inflammatory response by interfering with NF-κB, AP-1, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways via both a group of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) dependent and PPAR-γ independent mechanisms. cyPGs promote the resolution of chronic inflammation associated with cancers and pathogen (bacterial, viral, and parasitic) infection. cyPGs exhibit potent effects on viral infections by repressing viral protein synthesis, altering viral protein glycosylation, inhibiting virus transmission, and reducing virus-induced inflammation. We summarize their anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, pro-resolution, and anti-metastatic potential. These properties render them unique therapeutic value, especially in resolving inflammation and could be used in adjunct with other existing therapies. We also discuss other α, β -unsaturated carbonyl lipids and cyPGs like isoprostanes (IsoPs) compounds.

Molecular and biochemical investigations of inborn errors of metabolism-altered redox homeostasis in branched-chain amino acid disorders, organic acidurias, and homocystinuria

India, resembling other developing nations, is confronting a hastening demographic switch to non-communicable diseases. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) constitute a varied heterogeneous group of disorders with variable clinical appearance, primarily in the pediatric populace. Congenital deformities and genetic disorders are significant for mortality throughout the world, and the Indian scenario is not very different. IEMs are a group of monogenic issues described by dysregulation of the metabolic networks that bring about development and homeostasis. Incipient evidence focuses on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as significant contributors to the multiorgan modifications are detected in a few IEMs. The amassing of toxic metabolites in organic acidurias, respiratory chain, and fatty acid oxidation ailments inhibit mitochondrial enzymes and processes, bringing about elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In different IEMs, as in homocystinuria, various sources of ROS have been suggested. In patients' samples along with cellular and experimental animal models, a few investigations have recognized substantial increments in ROS levels alongside diminishes in antioxidant defenses, relating with oxidative damage to proteins, lipids as well as DNA. Elevated ROS levels interrupt redox signaling pathways controlling biological processes such as cell development, differentiation, or apoptosis; however, few investigations explore these processes in IEMs. This review depicts the mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, redox signaling in branched-chain amino acid disorders, further organic acidurias, and homocystinuria, alongside the latest research investigating the proficiency of antioxidants in addition to mitochondria-targeted therapies as therapeutic components in these diseases.

Cardiomyocytes Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Disease Model for Propionic Acidemia

Propionic acidemia (PA), one of the most frequent life-threatening organic acidemias, is caused by mutations in either the PCCA or PCCB genes encoding both subunits of the mitochondrial propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) enzyme. Cardiac alterations (hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, long QT) are one of the major causes of mortality in patients surviving the neonatal period. To overcome limitations of current cellular models of PA, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a PA patient with defects in the PCCA gene, and successfully differentiated them into cardiomyocytes. PCCA iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes exhibited reduced oxygen consumption, an accumulation of residual bodies and lipid droplets, and increased ribosomal biogenesis. Furthermore, we found increased protein levels of HERP, GRP78, GRP75, SIG-1R and MFN2, suggesting endoplasmic reticulum stress and calcium perturbations in these cells. We also analyzed a series of heart-enriched miRNAs previously found deregulated in the heart tissue of a PA murine model and confirmed their altered expression. Our novel results show that PA iPSC-cardiomyocytes represent a promising model for investigating the pathological mechanisms underlying PA cardiomyopathies, also serving as an ex vivo platform for therapeutic evaluation.

Simultaneous Determination of 5 Active Components of Periploca forrestii Schltr Extract in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS and Its Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies in Normal and Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Model Rats

Periploca forrestii Schltr ( P. forrestii) is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of the 5 active components of this plant: neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and periplocin between normal rats and adjuvant-induced arthritis model rats. After the intravenous administration (177.78 mg/kg) of P. forrestii extract, samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with normal rats, the area under the curve [(AUC)(0-t), AUC(0-∞)], mean residence time [(MRT)(0-t), MRT(0-∞)] of neochlorogenic acid-treated rats decreased significantly, and drug clearance (CL) and apparent volume of distribution (V) increased significantly; the V of chlorogenic acid-treated rats decreased significantly, and MRT(0-t) significantly increased; the AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-∞) of cryptochlorogenic acid-treated rats decreased significantly, and CL and V increased significantly; the AUC(0-t) and MRT(0-t) of isochlorogenic acid C-treated rats decreased significantly, and V increased significantly; the AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-∞) of periplocin-treated rats increased significantly, and MRT(0-t), MRT(0-∞), CL, and V decreased significantly in model rats. The disease condition of rheumatoid arthritis in rats had a significant effect on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of P. forrestii after the intravenous administration.

Disruption of mitochondrial functions and oxidative stress contribute to neurologic dysfunction in organic acidurias

Organic acidurias (OADs) are inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism biochemically characterized by accumulation of short-chain carboxylic acids in tissues and biological fluids of the affected patients and clinically by predominant neurological manifestations. Some of these disorders are amenable to treatment, which significantly decreases mortality and morbidity, but it is still ineffective to prevent long-term neurologic and systemic complications. Although pathogenesis of OADs is still poorly established, recent human and animal data, such as lactic acidosis, mitochondrial morphological alterations, decreased activities of respiratory chain complexes and altered parameters of oxidative stress, found in tissues from patients and from genetic mice models with these diseases indicate that disruption of critical mitochondrial functions and oxidative stress play an important role in their pathophysiology. Furthermore, organic acids that accumulate in the most prevalent OADs were shown to compromise bioenergetics, by decreasing ATP synthesis, mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing equivalent content and calcium retention capacity, besides inducing mitochondrial swelling, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation and apoptosis. It is therefore presumed that secondary mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress caused by major metabolites accumulating in OADs contribute to tissue damage in these pathologies.

Analysis of 70 patients with hydrocephalus due to cobalamin C deficiency

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with hydrocephalus secondary to cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency and to discuss the optimal strategies for assessing and treating such patients by performing clinical and laboratory studies in 70 patients.

METHODS

A total of 1,211 patients were clinically diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) from 1998 to 2019. Among them, cblC deficiency was confirmed in 70 patients with hydrocephalus by brain imaging and biochemical and genetic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 70 patients, 67 (95.7%) had early-onset MMA and homocystinuria. The patients typically had high blood propionylcarnitine and total homocysteine, low methionine, and methylmalonic aciduria. Signs of intracranial hypertension were relatively rare. We measured ventricular dilatation early in the disease by cranial ultrasound and MRI and/or CT. Eighteen different MMACHC mutations, including 4 novel mutations (c.427C>T, c.568insT, c.599G>A, and c.615C>A), were identified biallelically in all 70 patients. c.609G>A was the most frequent mutation, followed by c.658_660del, c.217C>T, and c.567dupT. Three cases were diagnosed by postmortem study. Metabolic therapy, including cobalamin injections supplemented with oral l-carnitine and betaine, was administered in the remaining 67 cases. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed in 36 cases. During the follow-up, psychomotor development, nystagmus, impaired vision, and sunset eyes improved gradually.

CONCLUSION

Hydrocephalus is a severe condition with several different causes. In this study, ventriculomegaly was found in 70 patients with cblC deficiency. Early diagnosis, etiologic treatment, and prompt surgical intervention are crucial to improve the prognosis of patients.

Mitochondria-derived methylmalonic acid, a surrogate biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population

BACKGROUND

Inherited methylmalonic acidemia is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and damage of mitochondria-rich organs in children. It is unclear whether methylmalonic acid (MMA) is related to poor prognosis in adults. The study aims to investigate the associations of MMA with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the general population.

METHODS

Overall, 23,437 adults from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were enrolled. NHANES 1999-2004 and 2011-2014 were separately used as primary and validation subsets (median follow-up 13.5 and 2.8 years, respectively). Circulating MMA was measured with gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using weighted Cox regression models.

RESULTS

During 163,632 person-years of follow-up in NHANES 1999-2004, 3019 deaths occurred. Compared with participants with MMA <120 nmol/L, those with MMA≥250 nmol/L had increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the multivariable-adjusted model [HR(95%CI), 1.62 (1.43-1.84) and 1.66 (1.22-2.27), respectively]. The association was especially significant among participants with normal cobalamin. MMA remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality occurring whether within 5-year, 5-10 years, or beyond 10-year of follow-up (each p for trend≤0.007). That association was repeatable in NHANES 2011-2014. Moreover, baseline MMA improved reclassification for 10-year mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (net reclassification index 0.239, integrated discrimination improvement 0.022), overmatched established cardiovascular biomarkers C-reactive protein or homocysteine.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating level of mitochondrial-derived MMA is strongly associated with elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Our results support MMA as a surrogate biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction to predict poor prognosis in adults. The biological mechanisms under cardiovascular disease warrant further investigation.

The vitamin B12 processing enzyme, mmachc, is essential for zebrafish survival, growth and retinal morphology

Cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency, the most common inborn error of intracellular cobalamin metabolism, is caused by mutations in MMACHC, a gene responsible for the processing and intracellular trafficking of vitamin B12. This recessive disorder is characterized by a failure to metabolize cobalamin into adenosyl- and methylcobalamin, which results in the biochemical perturbations of methylmalonic acidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and hypomethioninemia caused by the impaired activity of the downstream enzymes, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase. Cobalamin C deficiency can be accompanied by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including progressive blindness, and, in mice, manifests with very early embryonic lethality. Because zebrafish harbor a full complement of cobalamin metabolic enzymes, we used genome editing to study the loss of mmachc function and to develop the first viable animal model of cblC deficiency. mmachc mutants survived the embryonic period but perished in early juvenile life. The mutants displayed the metabolic and clinical features of cblC deficiency including methylmalonic acidemia, severe growth retardation and lethality. Morphologic and metabolic parameters improved when the mutants were raised in water supplemented with small molecules used to treat patients, including hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, methionine and betaine. Furthermore, mmachc mutants bred to express rod and/or cone fluorescent reporters, manifested a retinopathy and thin optic nerves (ON). Expression analysis using whole eye mRNA revealed the dysregulation of genes involved in phototransduction and cholesterol metabolism. Zebrafish with mmachc deficiency recapitulate the several of the phenotypic and biochemical features of the human disorder, including ocular pathology, and show a response to established treatments.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction in inherited cystathionine β-synthase deficient homocystinuria and the impact of taurine treatment in a phase 1/2 human clinical trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

A phase 1/2 clinical trial was performed in individuals with cystathionine β synthase (CBS) deficient homocystinuria with aims to: (a) assess pharmacokinetics and safety of taurine therapy, (b) evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function in CBS deficiency, and (c) evaluate the impact of short-term taurine treatment.

METHODS

Individuals with pyridoxine-nonresponsive CBS deficiency with homocysteine >50 μM, without inflammatory disorder or on antioxidant therapy were enrolled. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [FMD]), and disease-related metabolites obtained at baseline were compared to normal values. While maintaining current treatment, patients were treated with 75 mg/kg taurine twice daily, and treatment response assessed after 4 hours and 4 days.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (8-35 years; 8 males, 6 females) were enrolled with baseline homocysteine levels 161 ± 67 μM. The study found high-dose taurine to be safe when excluding preexisting hypertriglyceridemia. Taurine pharmacokinetics showed a rapid peak level returning to near normal levels at 12 hours, but had slow accumulation and elevated predosing levels after 4 days of treatment. Only a single parameter of oxidative stress, 2,3-dinor-8-isoprostaglandin-F2α, was elevated at baseline, with no elevated inflammatory parameters, and no change in FMD values overall. Taurine had no effect on any of these parameters. However, the effect of taurine was strongly related to pretreatment FMD values; and taurine significantly improved FMD in the subset of individuals with pretreatment FMD values <10% and in individuals with homocysteine levels >125 μM, pertinent to endothelial function.

CONCLUSION

Taurine improves endothelial function in CBS-deficient homocystinuria in patients with preexisting reduced function.

The Value of 1H-MRS and MRI in Combined Methylmalonic Aciduria and Homocystinuria

Objective

The aims of this study were to describe the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria and to evaluate the additional value of ¹H-MRS.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-eight children with methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria were included in this study. The control group included 21 healthy children. All the cases underwent MRI and ¹H-MRS before treatment. We measured the N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and myoinositol (mI) peaks in the basal ganglia regions. The NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, mI/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratios were calculated. We also observed whether there were lactic acid peaks.

Result

We identified that NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho significantly decreased in the basal ganglia and that 3 patients showed lactate peaks, but other metabolites were not significantly altered. Hydrocephalus and diffuse supratentorial white matter edema were the primary MR findings; 7 patients had thinning of the corpus callosum, and 2 patients had subdural hematoma. Six patients showed normal brain MRI findings.

Conclusions

Methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria patients with metabolite changes in the basal ganglia demonstrate compromised neuronal integrity, and anerobic metabolism occurs in acute encephalopathic episodes. ¹H-MRS is a useful tool for evaluating brain damage. Hydrocephalus and diffuse supratentorial white matter edema are the main MRI features.

Altered Redox Homeostasis in Branched-Chain Amino Acid Disorders, Organic Acidurias, and Homocystinuria

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are a group of monogenic disorders characterized by dysregulation of the metabolic networks that underlie development and homeostasis. Emerging evidence points to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as major contributors to the multiorgan alterations observed in several IEMs. The accumulation of toxic metabolites in organic acidurias, respiratory chain, and fatty acid oxidation disorders inhibits mitochondrial enzymes and processes resulting in elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In other IEMs, as in homocystinuria, different sources of ROS have been proposed. In patients' samples, as well as in cellular and animal models, several studies have identified significant increases in ROS levels along with decreases in antioxidant defences, correlating with oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. Elevated ROS disturb redox-signaling pathways regulating biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, or cell death; however, there are few studies investigating these processes in IEMs. In this review, we describe the published data on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired redox signaling in branched-chain amino acid disorders, other organic acidurias, and homocystinuria, along with recent studies exploring the efficiency of antioxidants and mitochondria-targeted therapies as therapeutic compounds in these diseases.

Role of protein carbonylation in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by, among others, elevated blood glucose levels. Hyperglycaemia as well as enhanced levels of glucose-derived reactive metabolites contribute to the development of diabetic complications partly via increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are not only part of signaling pathways themselves but also lead to carbonylation of particular amino acid side chains by direct metal-catalyzed oxidation. In addition, carbonyl groups can be introduced into proteins indirectly by non-oxidative covalent adduction of reactive carbonyl species generated by the oxidation of lipids or carbohydrates. Both direct and indirect carbonylation mechanisms may affect protein conformation, activity, and function. Herein we introduce the different mechanisms of the carbonylation reaction, discuss degradation mechanisms, and the fate of proteins modified this way and how the overall degree of carbonylation affects protein homeostasis and function differently. The role of protein carbonylation in metabolic control systems and cell signaling are also summarized. Finally, current diagnostic and antioxidant therapeutic options in diabetes are discussed.

Cobalamin-Associated Superoxide Scavenging in Neuronal Cells Is a Potential Mechanism for Vitamin B12-Deprivation Optic Neuropathy

Chronic deficiency of vitamin B12 is the only nutritional deficiency definitively proved to cause optic neuropathy and loss of vision. The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Optic neuropathies are associated with death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), neurons that project their axons along the optic nerve to the brain. Injury to RGC axons causes a burst of intracellular superoxide, which then signals RGC apoptosis. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) was recently shown to be a superoxide scavenger, with a rate constant similar to superoxide dismutase. Given that vitamin B12 deficiency causes an optic neuropathy through unknown mechanisms and that it is a potent superoxide scavenger, we tested whether cobalamin, a vitamin B12 vitamer, would be neuroprotective in vitro and in vivo. We found that cobalamin scavenged superoxide in neuronal cells in vitro treated with the reduction-oxidation cycling agent menadione. In vivo confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy demonstrated that optic nerve transection in Long-Evans rats increased superoxide levels in RGCs. The RGC superoxide burst was significantly reduced by intravitreal cobalamin and resulted in increased RGC survival. These data demonstrate that cobalamin may function as an endogenous neuroprotectant for RGCs through a superoxide-associated mechanism.

Treatment with antioxidants ameliorates oxidative damage in a mouse model of propionic acidemia

Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of propionic acidemia (PA), a life threatening disease caused by the deficiency of propionyl CoA-carboxylase, in the catabolic pathway of branched-chain amino acids, odd-number chain fatty acids and cholesterol. Patients develop multisystemic complications including seizures, extrapyramidal symptoms, basal ganglia deterioration, pancreatitis and cardiomyopathy. The accumulation of toxic metabolites results in mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage, all of which have been documented in patients' samples and in a hypomorphic mouse model. Here we set out to investigate whether treatment with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, MitoQ, or with the natural polyphenol resveratrol, which is reported to have antioxidant and mitochondrial activation properties, could ameliorate the altered redox status and its functional consequences in the PA mouse model. The results show that oral treatment with MitoQ or resveratrol decreases lipid peroxidation and the expression levels of DNA repair enzyme OGG1 in PA mouse liver, as well as inducing tissue-specific changes in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Notably, treatment decreased the cardiac hypertrophy marker BNP that is found upregulated in the PA mouse heart. Overall, the results provide in vivo evidence to justify more in depth investigations of antioxidants as adjuvant therapy in PA.

Dysregulated miRNAs and their pathogenic implications for the neurometabolic disease propionic acidemia

miRNome expression profiling was performed in a mouse model of propionic acidemia (PA) and in patients’ plasma samples to investigate the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of the disease and to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. PA is a potentially lethal neurometabolic disease with patients developing neurological deficits and cardiomyopathy in the long-term, among other complications. In the PA mouse liver we identified 14 significantly dysregulated miRNAs. Three selected miRNAs, miR-34a-5p, miR-338-3p and miR-350, were found upregulated in brain and heart tissues. Predicted targets involved in apoptosis, stress-signaling and mitochondrial function, were inversely found down-regulated. Functional analysis with miRNA mimics in cellular models confirmed these findings. miRNA profiling in plasma samples from neonatal PA patients and age-matched control individuals identified a set of differentially expressed miRNAs, several were coincident with those identified in the PA mouse, among them miR-34a-5p and miR-338-3p. These two miRNAs were also found dysregulated in childhood and adult PA patients’ cohorts. Taken together, the results reveal miRNA signatures in PA useful to identify potential biomarkers, to refine the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this rare disease and, eventually, to improve the management of patients.

Antenatal nephromegaly and propionic acidemia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare but severe recessive autosomal disease, presenting with non specific signs in the first years of life. Prenatal diagnosis is invasive (amniocentesis) and limited to suspect cases. No screening test has been described, in particular no correlations between prenatal sonography and PA have been documented so far.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a boy with fetal bilateral nephromegaly and hyperechogenic kidneys, along with neonatal acute kidney injury; no etiology could be found in the first months of life. At 3 months of life, he presented with tachypnea and altered mental status, which lead to the diagnosis of PA. The renal ultrasound at 8 months of life, after a symptomatic treatment of PA had been initiated, showed a regression of the renal abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

This case describes PA as a novel cause of large and hyperechogenic kidneys in the antenatal period. It suggests that, when confronted to fetal nephromegaly, hyperechogenic kidneys and risk factors of metabolic disease such as consanguineous parents, PA should be considered, and a prenatal test should be proposed.

Carnosic Acid Suppresses the H2O2-Induced Mitochondria-Related Bioenergetics Disturbances and Redox Impairment in SH-SY5Y Cells: Role for Nrf2

The phenolic diterpene carnosic acid (CA, C₂₀H₂₈O₄) exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cancer effects in mammalian cells. CA activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), among other signaling pathways, and restores cell viability in several in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We have previously reported that CA affords mitochondrial protection against various chemical challenges. However, it was not clear yet whether CA would prevent chemically induced impairment of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) function in mammalian cells. In the present work, we found that a pretreatment of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with CA at 1 μM for 12 h prevented the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced impairment of the TCA enzymes (aconitase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)) and abolished the inhibition of the complexes I and V and restored the levels of ATP by a mechanism associated with Nrf2. CA also exhibited antioxidant abilities by enhancing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreasing the content oxidative stress markers (cellular 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and mitochondrial malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and 3-nitrotyrosine). Silencing of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated the protective effects elicited by CA in mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA prevented the H₂O₂-triggered mitochondrial impairment by an Nrf2-dependent mechanism. The specific role of Nrf2 in ameliorating the function of TCA enzymes function needs further research.

Disorders of branched chain amino acid metabolism

The three essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine and valine, share the first enzymatic steps in their metabolic pathways, including a reversible transamination followed by an irreversible oxidative decarboxylation to coenzyme-A derivatives. The respective oxidative pathways subsequently diverge and at the final steps yield acetyl- and/or propionyl-CoA that enter the Krebs cycle. Many disorders in these pathways are diagnosed through expanded newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry. Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is the only disorder of the group that is associated with elevated body fluid levels of the BCAAs. Due to the irreversible oxidative decarboxylation step distal enzymatic blocks in the pathways do not result in the accumulation of amino acids, but rather to CoA-activated small carboxylic acids identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of urine and are therefore classified as organic acidurias. Disorders in these pathways can present with a neonatal onset severe-, or chronic intermittent- or progressive forms. Metabolic instability and increased morbidity and mortality are shared between inborn errors in the BCAA pathways, while treatment options remain limited, comprised mainly of dietary management and in some cases solid organ transplantation.

In vivo evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction and altered redox homeostasis in a genetic mouse model of propionic acidemia: Implications for the pathophysiology of this disorder

Accumulation of toxic metabolites has been described to inhibit mitochondrial enzymes, thereby inducing oxidative stress in propionic acidemia (PA), an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of mitochondrial propionyl-CoA carboxylase. PA patients exhibit neurological deficits and multiorgan complications including cardiomyopathy. To investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of these alterations we have used a hypomorphic mouse model of PA that mimics the biochemical and clinical hallmarks of the disease. We have studied the tissue-specific bioenergetic signature by Reverse Phase Protein Microarrays and analysed OXPHOS complex activities, mtDNA copy number, oxidative damage, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide levels. The results show decreased levels and/or activity of several OXPHOS complexes in different tissues of PA mice. An increase in mitochondrial mass and OXPHOS complexes was observed in brain, possibly reflecting a compensatory mechanism including metabolic reprogramming. mtDNA depletion was present in most tissues analysed. Antioxidant enzymes were also found altered. Lipid peroxidation was present along with an increase in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion production. These data support the hypothesis that oxidative damage may contribute to the pathophysiology of PA, opening new avenues in the identification of therapeutic targets and paving the way for in vivo evaluation of compounds targeting mitochondrial biogenesis or reactive oxygen species production.

Oxidative and nitrative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Mucopolysaccharidosis type II patients: effect of long-term enzyme replacement therapy and relation with glycosaminoglycan accumulation

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficient activity of iduronate-2-sulfatase, leading to abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The main treatment for MPS II is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Previous studies described potential benefits of six months of ERT against oxidative stress in patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate oxidative, nitrative and inflammatory biomarkers in MPS II patients submitted to long term ERT. It were analyzed urine and blood samples from patients on ERT (mean time: 5.2years) and healthy controls. Patients presented increased levels of lipid peroxidation, assessed by urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane and plasmatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Concerning to protein damage, urinary di-tyrosine (di-Tyr) was increased in patients; however, sulfhydryl and carbonyl groups in plasma were not altered. It were also verified increased levels of urinary nitrate+nitrite and plasmatic nitric oxide (NO) in MPS II patients. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α were increased in treated patients. GAG levels were correlated to di-Tyr and nitrate+nitrite. Furthermore, IL-1β was positively correlated with TNF-α and NO. Contrastingly, we did not observed alterations in erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, in reduced glutathione content and in the plasmatic antioxidant capacity. Although some parameters were still altered in MPS II patients, these results may suggest a protective role of long-term ERT against oxidative stress, especially upon oxidative damage to protein and enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses. Moreover, the redox imbalance observed in treated patients seems to be GAG- and pro-inflammatory cytokine-related.

Clinical phenotype, biochemical profile, and treatment in 19 patients with arginase 1 deficiency

BACKGROUND

Arginase 1 (ARG1) deficiency is a rare urea cycle disorder (UCD). This hypothesis-generating study explored clinical phenotypes, metabolic profiles, molecular genetics, and treatment approaches in a cohort of children and adults with ARG1 deficiency to add to our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrieved retrospectively from physicians using a questionnaire survey. Plasma aminoacids, guanidinoacetate (GAA), parameters indicating oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured at a single study site.

RESULTS

Nineteen individuals with ARG1 deficiency and 19 matched controls were included in the study. In patients, paraparesis, cognitive impairment, and seizures were significantly associated suggesting a shared underlying pathophysiology. In patients plasma GAA exceeded normal ranges and plasma ADMA was significantly elevated. Compared to controls, nitrate was significantly higher, and the nitrite:nitrate ratio significantly lower in subjects with ARG1 deficiency suggesting an advantage for NO synthesis by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) over endothelial NOS (eNOS). Logistic regression revealed no significant impact of any of the biochemical parameters (including arginine, nitrates, ADMA, GAA, oxidative stress) or protein restriction on long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Three main hypotheses which must be evaluated in a hypothesis driven confirmatory study are delineated from this study: 1) clinical manifestations in ARG1 deficiency are not correlated with arginine, protein intake, ADMA, nitrates or oxidative stress. 2) GAA is elevated and may be a marker or an active part of the pathophysiology of ARG1 deficiency. 3) Perturbations of NO metabolism merit future attention in ARG1 deficiency.

Anaesthetic considerations for liver transplantation in propionic acidemia

Propionic acidemia (PA) is an autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism due to deficiency of the enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) that converts propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA with the help of the cofactor biotin inside the mitochondria. The resultant accumulation of propionyl-CoA causes severe hyperammonaemia and life-threatening metabolic acidosis. Based on the positive outcomes, liver transplantation is now recommended for individuals with recurrent episodes of hyperammonaemia or acidosis that is not adequately controlled with appropriate medical therapies. We report anaesthetic management of two children with PA for liver transplantation at our institution. It is essential for the anaesthesiologist, caring for these individuals to be familiar with the manifestations of the disease, the triggers for decompensation and management of an acute episode.

Salivary and Urinary Total Antioxidant Capacity as Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Humans

Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) is a biomarker often used in order to investigate oxidative stress in many pathological conditions. Saliva and urine can be collected noninvasively and represent attractive diagnostic fluids for detecting biomarkers of various pathological conditions. The reviewed case-control and intervention studies that measured salivary or urinary TAC revealed that diseases, antioxidant foods, or supplements and age, gender, and lifestyle factors influenced salivary or urinary TAC. Salivary and urinary TAC were particularly affected by oral or renal status, respectively, as well as by infection; therefore these factors must be taken into account in both case-control and intervention studies. Furthermore, some considerations on sample collection and normalization strategies could be made. In particular, unstimulated saliva could be the better approach to measure salivary TAC, whereas 24 h or spontaneous urine collection should be chosen on the basis of the study outcome and of the creatinine clearance. Finally, the uric acid-independent TAC could be the better approach to evaluate red-ox status of body, in particular after nutritional interventions and in diseases associated with hyperuricaemia.

Coenzyme Q10 defects may be associated with a deficiency of Q10-independent mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes

BACKGROUND

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) deficiency can be due either to mutations in genes involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis pathway, or to mutations in genes unrelated to CoQ10 biosynthesis. CoQ10 defect is the only oxidative phosphorylation disorder that can be clinically improved after oral CoQ10 supplementation. Thus, early diagnosis, first evoked by mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) spectrophotometric analysis, then confirmed by direct measurement of CoQ10 levels, is of critical importance to prevent irreversible damage in organs such as the kidney and the central nervous system. It is widely reported that CoQ10 deficient patients present decreased quinone-dependent activities (segments I + III or G3P + III and II + III) while MRC activities of complexes I, II, III, IV and V are normal. We previously suggested that CoQ10 defect may be associated with a deficiency of CoQ10-independent MRC complexes. The aim of this study was to verify this hypothesis in order to improve the diagnosis of this disease.

RESULTS

To determine whether CoQ10 defect could be associated with MRC deficiency, we quantified CoQ10 by LC-MSMS in a cohort of 18 patients presenting CoQ10-dependent deficiency associated with MRC defect. We found decreased levels of CoQ10 in eight patients out of 18 (45 %), thus confirming CoQ10 disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that CoQ10 defect can be associated with MRC deficiency. This could be of major importance in clinical practice for the diagnosis of a disease that can be improved by CoQ10 supplementation.

A Highly Diverse Portrait: Heterogeneity of Neuropsychological Profiles in cblC Defect

Cobalamin C is a rare inborn disorder of metabolism that results in multisystemic abnormalities, including progressive visual deficits. Although the cellular pathophysiology of cblC is a field of active study, little attention has been dedicated to documenting the cognitive consequences of the defect. The neuropsychological assessment of nine individuals aged between 23 months and 24 years was conducted to establish cognitive profiles. Results reveal a marked heterogeneity, with intellectual functioning ranging from extremely low to average, and cognitive difficulties (e.g., attention) evidenced even in those who are not intellectually disabled. Central nervous system abnormalities and multisystem disease are likely to be major contributing factors to the observed cognitive impairments, with the presence of visual deficits constituting an additional impediment to normal cognitive development. This study underscores the importance of conducting in-depth neuropsychological assessments in individuals with cblC, the results of which may be particularly helpful for clinical management, guidance toward rehabilitation services, and educational/vocational planning.

L-carnitine Prevents Oxidative Stress in the Brains of Rats Subjected to a Chemically Induced Chronic Model of MSUD

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), or branched-chain α-keto aciduria, is an inherited disorder that is caused by a deficiency in branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (BCKAD) activity. Blockade of this pathway leads to the accumulation of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and their respective ketoacids in tissues. The main clinical symptoms presented by MSUD patients include ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, opisthotonos, poor feeding, apnea, ataxia, convulsions, coma, psychomotor delay, and mental retardation. Although increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of this disease, the mechanisms of the brain damage caused by this disorder remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BCAAs on some oxidative stress parameters and evaluated the efficacy of L-carnitine (L-car), an efficient antioxidant that may be involved in the reduction of oxidative damage observed in some inherited neurometabolic diseases, against these possible pro-oxidant effects of a chronic MSUD model in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats. Our results showed that chronic BCAA administration was able to promote both lipid and protein oxidation, impair brain antioxidant defenses, and increase reactive species production, particularly in the cerebral cortex, and that L-car was able to prevent these effects. Taken together, the present data indicate that chronic BCAA administration significantly increased oxidative damage in the brains of rats subjected to a chronic model of MSUD and that L-car may be an efficient antioxidant in this disorder.