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Hung LY, Mak CM, Foo KC, Chan CHT, Tong HF, Wong TK, Leung HS, Cheung KC, Lee HCH, Ching CK. Dried Blood Spot Postmortem Metabolic Autopsy With Genotype Validation for Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy and Childhood in Hong Kong. Cureus 2024; 16:e62347. [PMID: 38882225 PMCID: PMC11176880 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are collectively rare but potentially preventable causes of sudden unexpected death (SUD) in infancy or childhood, and metabolic autopsy serves as the final tool for establishing the diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective review of the metabolic and molecular autopsy on SUD and characterized the biochemical and genetic findings. Methodology A retrospective review of postmortem metabolic investigations (dried blood spot acylcarnitines and amino acid analysis, urine metabolic profiling where available, and next-generation sequencing on a panel of 75 IEM genes) performed for infants and children who presented with SUD between October 2016 and December 2021 with inconclusive autopsy findings or autopsy features suspicious of underlying IEM in our locality was conducted. Clinical and autopsy findings were reviewed for each case. Results A total of 43 infants and children aged between zero days to 10 years at the time of death were referred to the authors' laboratories throughout the study period. One positive case of multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was diagnosed. Postmortem reference intervals for dried blood spot amino acids and acylcarnitines profile were established based on the results from the remaining patients. Conclusions Our study confirmed the importance of metabolic autopsy and the advantages of incorporating biochemical and genetic testing in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yin Hung
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | - Chloe M Mak
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | - Ka Chung Foo
- Forensic Pathology Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, CHN
| | | | - Hok-Fung Tong
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | - Tsz Ki Wong
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | - Hoi Shan Leung
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | - Ka Chai Cheung
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
| | | | - Chor Kwan Ching
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, CHN
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Yamamoto T, Emoto Y, Murase T, Umehara T, Miura A, Nishiguchi M, Ikematsu K, Nishio H. Molecular autopsy for sudden death in Japan. J Toxicol Pathol 2024; 37:1-10. [PMID: 38283375 PMCID: PMC10811381 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2023-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Japan has various death investigation systems; however, external examinations, postmortem computed tomography, macroscopic examinations, and microscopic examinations are performed regardless of the system used. These examinations can reveal morphological abnormalities, whereas the cause of death in cases with non-morphological abnormalities can be detected through additional examinations. Molecular autopsy and postmortem genetic analyses are important additional examinations. They are capable of detecting inherited arrhythmias or inherited metabolic diseases, which are representative non-morphological disorders that cause sudden death, especially in infants and young people. In this review, we introduce molecular autopsy reports from Japan and describe our experience with representative cases. The relationships between drug-related deaths and genetic variants are also reviewed. Based on the presented information, molecular autopsy is expected to be used as routine examinations in death investigations because they can provide information to save new lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Yamamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1
Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Yuko Emoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Kansai Medical University,
2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata-shi, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Takehiko Murase
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Department of
Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine,
Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Umehara
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku,
Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Aya Miura
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1
Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Minori Nishiguchi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1
Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuya Ikematsu
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Department of
Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine,
Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hajime Nishio
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1
Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
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3
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Shelihan I, Rossignol E, Décarie J, Bonnefont J, Brivet M, Brunel‐Guitton C, Mitchell GA. Infantile onset carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 deficiency: Cortical polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, and gray matter heterotopias in an adolescent with normal development. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:3-10. [PMID: 35028265 PMCID: PMC8743346 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report an adolescent with infantile-onset carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2) deficiency and cerebral malformations and to review the occurrence of brain malformations in CPT2 deficiency. The patient presented clinically at age 5 months with dehydration and hepatomegaly. He also has an unrelated condition, X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. He had recurrent rhabdomyolysis but normal psychomotor development. At age 17 years, he developed spontaneous focal seizures. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive left temporo-parieto-occipital polymicrogyria, white matter heterotopias, and schizencephaly. Neuronal migration defects were previously reported in lethal neonatal CPT2 deficiency but not in later-onset forms. DESIGN AND METHODS We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the bibliographies of the articles found by these searches, for cerebral malformations in CPT2 deficiency. All antenatal, neonatal, infantile, and adult-onset cases were included. Exclusion criteria included insufficient information about age of clinical onset and lack of confirmation of CPT2 deficiency by enzymatic assay or genetic testing. For each report, we noted the presence of cerebral malformations on brain imaging or pathological examination. RESULTS Of 26 neonatal-onset CPT2-deficient patients who met the inclusion criteria, brain malformations were reported in 16 (61.5%). In 19 infantile-onset cases, brain malformations were not reported, but only 3 of the 19 reports (15.8%) include brain imaging or neuropathology data. In 276 adult-onset cases, no brain malformations were reported. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of cerebral malformations in an infantile onset CPT2-deficient patient. Brain imaging should be considered in patients with CPTII deficiency and neurological manifestations, even in those with later clinical onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Shelihan
- Divisions of Medical Genetics (IS, CBG, GM) and Neurology (ER), Department of PediatricsCHU Sainte‐Justine and Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Elsa Rossignol
- Divisions of Medical Genetics (IS, CBG, GM) and Neurology (ER), Department of PediatricsCHU Sainte‐Justine and Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of NeurosciencesCHU Sainte‐Justine and Université de MontréalMontreal, QCQuebecCanada
| | - Jean‐Claude Décarie
- Department of Medical ImagingCHU Sainte‐Justine and Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Jean‐Paul Bonnefont
- Medical Genetics FederationNecker Enfants Malades Hospital and IMAGINE InstituteParisFrance
| | - Michèle Brivet
- Medical Genetics FederationNecker Enfants Malades Hospital and IMAGINE InstituteParisFrance
| | - Catherine Brunel‐Guitton
- Biochemical Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British Columbia, BC Children's HospitalVancouverBritishColumbia
| | - Grant A. Mitchell
- Divisions of Medical Genetics (IS, CBG, GM) and Neurology (ER), Department of PediatricsCHU Sainte‐Justine and Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
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Bo R, Musha I, Yamada K, Kobayashi H, Hasegawa Y, Awano H, Arao M, Kikuchi T, Taketani T, Ohtake A, Yamaguchi S, Iijima K. Need for strict clinical management of patients with carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency: Experience with two cases detected by expanded newborn screening. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2020; 24:100611. [PMID: 32489884 PMCID: PMC7260588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2020.100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In Japan, carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPTII) deficiency has been included as one of the primary target diseases in the expanded newborn mass screening program since 2018. However, many cases of the severe infantile hepatocardiomuscular form of CPTII deficiency showed severe neurodevelopmental delay or sudden death, which indicated that management of CPTII deficiency in the acute phase remains to be studied in detail. Herein, we discuss two cases diagnosed by newborn mass screening. Patient 1 was under strict clinical management from the neonatal period, with >20 admissions in 14 months, while Patient 2 was managed using a relatively relaxed approach, with only 2 admissions in the same period. Patient 1 showed normal development; however, Patient 2 expired at the age of 1 year 2 months. To develop strategies for preventing sudden deaths in patients with CPTII deficiency, this retrospective study focused on detailed clinical management practices and biochemical findings during the acute phase. We also investigated the correlation between conventional biomarkers (such as creatine kinase) and long-chain acylcarnitines. We propose that strict monitoring and immediate medical attention, even in case of slight fever or minor abdominal symptoms, can help prevent sudden death in patients with CPTII deficiency. Considering the higher morbidity rate of such patients, strict and acute management of CPTII deficiency cannot be overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Bo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Ikuma Musha
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-cho, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamada
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Kobayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masato Arao
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-cho, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Toru Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-cho, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Takeshi Taketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtake
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-cho, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Seiji Yamaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 En-ya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
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One potential hotspot ACADVL mutation in Chinese patients with very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 503:218-222. [PMID: 31794763 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD deficiency), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is characterized by hypoketotic hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy, liver damage, and myopathy. VLCAD deficiency is caused by defects of ACADVL gene, which encodes VLCAD protein. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, biochemical, prognosis and mutation spectrum of patients with VLCAD deficiency in mainland China. A total of Six families visited us, four patients (2 boys and 2 girls) were admitted in hospital due to liver dysfunction, hypoglycemia, and positive newborn screen result. The parents of the other two patients (2 girls) visited us for genetic consultation after their children's death. All the six patients had elevated level of serum tetradecenoylcarnitine (C14:1-carnitine), four of them showed decreased free carnitine (C0) level, and three had dicarboxylic aciduria. Eight types of mutations of the ACADVL gene were detected, three of them are novel, including c.563G > A (p.G188D) c.1387G > A (p.G463R) and c.1582_1586del (p.L529Sfs*31). The p.R450H mutation accounts for 9/52 alleles (5/40 in previous study of 20 unrelated patients, and 4/12 in this study) of genetically diagnosed Chinese VLCAD deficiency cases. The four alive patients (Patient 1-4) responded well to diet prevention and drug therapy with stable hepatic dysfunction condition. In conclusion, we describe three novel mutations of the ACADVL gene among six unrelated families with VLCAD deficiency. Moreover, we suggest that the p.R450H may be a potential hotspot mutation in the Chinese population.
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de Bitencourt FH, Schwartz IVD, Vianna FSL. Infant mortality in Brazil attributable to inborn errors of metabolism associated with sudden death: a time-series study (2002-2014). BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:52. [PMID: 30736757 PMCID: PMC6367785 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The literature suggests that 0.9 to 6% of infants who die unexpectedly may have had a metabolic disorder. At least 43 different inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) have been associated with sudden death (SUDI). To date, the frequency of IEM-associated SUDI has not been studied in Brazil. The present study sought to characterize infant mortality related to IEMs known to cause SUDI disaggregated by each of the regions of Brazil. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, population-based study of data obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health Mortality Information System (SIM). Death records were obtained for all infants (age < 1 year) who died in Brazil in 2002–2014 in whom the underlying cause of death was listed as ICD-10 codes E70 (Disorders of aromatic amino-acid metabolism), E71 (Disorders of branched-chain amino-acid metabolism and fatty-acid metabolism), E72 (Other disorders of amino-acid metabolism), or E74 (Other disorders of carbohydrate metabolism), which are known to be associated with SUDI. Results From 2002 to 2014, 199 deaths of infants aged < 1 year were recorded in the SIM with an underlying cause corresponding to one of the IEMs of interest. The prevalence of IEM-related deaths was 0.67 per 10,000 live births (0.58–0.77). Of these 199 deaths, 18 (9.0%) occurred in the North of Brazil, 43 (21.6%) in the Northeast, 80 (40.2%) in the Southeast, 46 (23.1%) in the South, and 12 (6.0%) in the Center-West region. Across all regions of the country, ICD10-E74 was predominant. Conclusions This 13-year time-series study provides the first analysis of the number of infant deaths in Brazil attributable to IEMs known to be associated with sudden death. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12887-019-1421-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H de Bitencourt
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - I V D Schwartz
- Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - F S L Vianna
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Laboratório de Medicina Genômica/Laboratório de Laboratório de Pesquisa em Bioética e Ética na Ciência (LAPEBEC), Experimental Research Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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7
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Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency with a focus on newborn screening. J Hum Genet 2018; 64:87-98. [PMID: 30514913 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-018-0530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) II deficiency is one of the most common forms of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorder. Its clinical phenotypes are classified into the muscle, severe infantile, and lethal neonatal forms. Among Caucasians, the muscle form predominates, and the c.338C > T (p.S113L) variant is detected in most cases, whereas among the Japanese, c.1148T > A (p.F383Y) is the variant allele occurring with the highest frequency and can apparently cause symptoms of the severe infantile form. Newborn screening (NBS) for this potentially fatal disease has not been established. We encountered an infantile case of CPT II deficiency not detected in NBS using C16 and C18:1 concentrations as indices, and therefore we adopted the (C16 + C18:1)/C2 ratio as an alternative primary index. As a result, the disease was diagnosed in nine of 31 NBS-positive subjects. The values for (C16 + C18:1)/C2 in the affected newborns partly overlapped with those in unaffected ones. Among several other indices proposed previously, C14/C3 has emerged as a more promising index. Based on these findings, nationwide NBS for CPT II deficiency using both (C16 + C18:1)/C2 and C14/C3 as indices was officially approved and started in April 2018. We diagnosed the disease in four young children presenting with symptoms of the muscle form, whose values for the new indices were not elevated. Although it is still difficult to detect all cases of the muscle form of CPT II deficiency in NBS, our system is expected to save many affected children in Japan with the severe infantile form predominating.
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8
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Heathfield LJ, Martin LJ, Ramesar R. A Systematic Review of Molecular Autopsy Studies in Sudden Infant Death Cases. J Pediatr Genet 2018; 7:143-149. [PMID: 30430032 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death is an upsetting event, which can remain unexplained even after post-mortem investigation. Internationally, molecular autopsies have shown to resolve up to 44% of unexplained cases; however, it is currently unclear how many of these were infants. This systematic literature review showed that significantly fewer infant cases were resolved (median: 4%) compared with cohorts of 1 to 45 years old (median: 32%). Further, no study involving indigenous African participants has yet been published. Overall, molecular autopsies hold immense value to living family members and is motivation to explore new avenues in infant cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jane Heathfield
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa.,MRC/UCT Research Unit for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lorna Jean Martin
- Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Raj Ramesar
- MRC/UCT Research Unit for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Kaku N, Ihara K, Hirata Y, Yamada K, Lee S, Kanemasa H, Motomura Y, Baba H, Tanaka T, Sakai Y, Maehara Y, Ohga S. Diagnostic potential of stored dried blood spots for inborn errors of metabolism: a metabolic autopsy of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. J Clin Pathol 2018; 71:885-889. [PMID: 29720407 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM It is estimated that 1-5% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases might be caused by undiagnosed inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs); however, the postmortem identification of IEMs remains difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of dried blood spots (DBSs) stored after newborn screening tests as a metabolic autopsy to determine the causes of death in infants and children who died suddenly and unexpectedly. METHODS Infants or toddlers who had suddenly died without a definite diagnosis between July 2008 and December 2012 at Kyushu University Hospital in Japan were enrolled in this study. Their Guthrie cards, which had been stored for several years at 4-8°C, were used for an acylcarnitine analysis by tandem mass spectrometry to identify inborn errors of metabolism. RESULTS Fifteen infants and children who died at less than 2 years of age and for whom the cause of death was unknown were enrolled for the study. After correcting the C0 and C8 values assuming the hydrolysation of acylcarnitine in the stored DBSs, the corrected C8 value of one case just exceeded the cut-off level for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency screening. Genetic and biochemical analyses confirmed this patient to have MCAD deficiency. CONCLUSION DBSs stored after newborn screening tests are a promising tool for metabolic autopsy. The appropriate compensation of acylcarnitine data and subsequent genetic and biochemical analyses are essential for the postmortem diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Kaku
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Ihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Hirata
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamada
- Department of Pediatrics, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Japan
| | - Sooyoung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hikaru Kanemasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Motomura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Baba
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tamami Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasunari Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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10
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Phowthongkum P, Ittiwut C, Shotelersuk V. Severe Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Requiring Dialysis Aggravated by Prolonged Fasting and Intermittent High Fat Load in a Ramadan Fasting Month in a Patient with CPTII Homozygous Mutation. JIMD Rep 2017; 41:11-16. [PMID: 29159461 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2017_74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPTII) deficiency is a mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorder that can present antenatally as congenital brain malformations, or postnatally with lethal neonatal, severe infantile, or the most common adult myopathic forms. No case of severe hyperammonemia without liver dysfunction has been reported. CASE PRESENTATION We described a 23-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with seizures and was found to have markedly elevation of serum ammonia. Continuous renal replacement therapy was initiated with successfully decreased ammonia to a safety level. He had a prolonged history of epilepsies and encephalopathic attacks that was associated with high ammonia level. Molecular diagnosis revealed a homozygous mutation in CPTII. The plasma acylcarnitine profile was consistent with the diagnosis. Failure to produce acetyl-CoA, the precursor of urea cycle from fatty acid in prolonged fasting state in Ramadan month, worsening mitochondrial functions from circulating long chain fatty acid and valproate toxicities were believed to contribute to this critical metabolic decompensation. CONCLUSION Fatty acid oxidation disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperammonemia even without liver dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CPTII deficiency presented with severe hyperammonemic encephalopathy required dialysis after prolonged religious related fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Phowthongkum
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Medical Genetics Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - C Ittiwut
- Center of Excellence for Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - V Shotelersuk
- Excellence Center for Medical Genetics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Postmortem genetic analysis of sudden unexpected death in infancy: neonatal genetic screening may enable the prevention of sudden infant death. J Hum Genet 2017; 62:989-995. [DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2017.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Takahashi Y, Sano R, Kominato Y, Kubo R, Takahashi K, Nakajima T, Takeshita H, Ishige T. A case of sudden unexpected infant death involving a homozygotic twin with the thermolabile CPT2 variant, accompanied by rotavirus infection and treatment with an antibiotic containing pivalic acid. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2016; 22:13-7. [PMID: 27591533 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We investigated a case of sudden unexpected death involving a 22-month-old male homozygotic twin infant. After both of the twins had suffered from gastroenteritis, one was found dead in his bed, but his brother survived and has since been healthy. Notably, only the deceased had been treated with an antibiotic containing pivalic acid, which may sometimes cause hypocarnitinemia. Postmortem computed tomography and medicolegal autopsy demonstrated severe liver steatosis, and subsequent genetic analysis revealed that the twin had the thermolabile variant of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2). On the basis of these facts, we concluded that the cause of death had been fatty acid oxidation deficiency accelerated by an antibiotic containing pivalic acid and virus infection in this infant harboring the thermolabile genetic variant of CPT2. Although each factor alone was not fatal, their combination appeared to have resulted in sudden unexpected infant death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Takahashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Rie Sano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Kominato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Rieko Kubo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Keiko Takahashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tamiko Nakajima
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Haruo Takeshita
- Department of Legal Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishige
- Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Hospital, Japan
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Metabolic autopsy with next generation sequencing in sudden unexpected death in infancy: Postmortem diagnosis of fatty acid oxidation disorders. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2015. [PMID: 28649538 PMCID: PMC5471402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent introduction of metabolic autopsy in the field of forensic science has made it possible to detect hidden inherited metabolic diseases. Since the next generation sequencing (NGS) has recently become available for use in postmortem examinations, we used NGS to perform metabolic autopsy in 15 sudden unexpected death in infancy cases. Diagnostic results revealed a case of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency and some cases of fatty acid oxidation-related gene variants. Metabolic autopsy performed with NGS is a useful method, especially when postmortem biochemical testing is not available. This is the first metabolic autopsy performed with next generation sequencing (NGS). We detected one case of CPT II deficiency and three cases of FAOD-related rare variants. Some of them had no specific abnormality except for genetic variants. These cases would be undetected without NGS. We advocate metabolic autopsy performed with NGS.
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Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency in Chinese patients: Eight case reports, including one case of prenatal diagnosis. Eur J Med Genet 2015; 58:134-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
The perinatal autopsy is an important tool in the investigation of fetal and neonatal death, and a complete understanding of its risks and benefits is necessary for providers of perinatal care. This review, from the perspective of a perinatal pathologist, reports the details of the autopsy procedure, its goals, its value to individual patients and the health care system in general, and its alternatives. Even with new emerging technologies, the conventional perinatal autopsy remains the gold standard for determining the cause of death and the final summary of all pathologic findings. Therefore, the information provided in this review can help providers properly convey information about perinatal autopsy to bereaved families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Ernst
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion 2-461, 710 N. Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611.
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16
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Takahashi Y, Sano R, Nakajima T, Kominato Y, Kubo R, Takahashi K, Ohshima N, Hirano T, Kobayashi S, Shimada T, Tokue H, Awata S, Hirasawa S, Ishige T. Combination of postmortem mass spectrometry imaging and genetic analysis reveals very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in a case of infant death with liver steatosis. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 244:e34-7. [PMID: 25242572 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORY A 3-month-old infant was found dead in his bed. A postmortem computed tomography (CT) scan suggested fatty attenuation in the liver parenchyma, but no other potentially fatal changes were found. To clarify the cause of death, a medicolegal autopsy was carried out. AUTOPSY FINDINGS Internal examination confirmed the presence of liver steatosis as well as hepatomegaly. There were no other significant findings including encephalitis or brain edema. MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS To clarify the mechanism underlying lipid accumulation in the liver, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) analysis was conducted. This indicated a significant accumulation of C14:1 acylcarnitine in the liver of the deceased, suggesting very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. GENETIC ANALYSIS To find the cause of the VLCAD deficiency, genetic analysis of the responsible gene, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, very long chain (ACADVL), was performed. This revealed two novel mutations that may have accounted for the disease. CONCLUSION A combination of these data revealed that the liver steatosis in this case might have been caused by VLCAD deficiency based on genetic mutations of ACADVL. Thus, the deceased might have been vulnerable to energy crisis and sudden infant death. The present findings show that MALDI-IMS analysis as well as genetic analysis can be useful for elucidating the cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Takahashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Rie Sano
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tamiko Nakajima
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Kominato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Rieko Kubo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Keiko Takahashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Noriyasu Ohshima
- Department of Biochemistry, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tohko Hirano
- Laboratory for Analytical Instruments, Education and Research Support Center, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Susumu Kobayashi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takehiro Shimada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tokue
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sachiko Awata
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirasawa
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishige
- Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Hospital, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
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Yamamoto T, Tanaka H, Emoto Y, Umehara T, Fukahori Y, Kuriu Y, Matoba R, Ikematsu K. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 gene polymorphism is a genetic risk factor for sudden unexpected death in infancy. Brain Dev 2014; 36:479-83. [PMID: 23969168 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) II is one of a pivotal enzyme in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, which is essential for energy production during simultaneous glucose sparing and a requirement for major energy supply, such as prolonged fasting or exercise. When infants require more energy than provided by the glycolytic system, they rely on the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation pathway. Mutations of the CPT2 gene have been reported to cause sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). A thermolabile phenotype of a CPT2 polymorphism (F352C) has been recently reported to reduce CPT II enzyme activity. The F352C variant results in energy crisis at high temperature and is suspected as a risk factor for acute encephalopathy. However, a relationship between CPT2 gene polymorphism and SUDI has not been described. METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the CPT2 gene were investigated among 54 SUDI cases and 200 healthy volunteers. RESULTS The frequency of the C allele was significantly higher in the SUDI group than in the control group [25.0% vs 16.0%, odds ratio (OR)=1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05-2.92, p=0.030). The frequency of the F352C homozygote was significantly higher in the SUDI group than in control group (11.1% vs 3.5%, OR=3.45, 95% CI=1.11-10.73, p=0.036). CONCLUSION The F352C CPT2 variant might be a genetic risk factor for SUDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Yamamoto
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Unit of Social Medicine, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Japan
| | - Yuko Emoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takahiro Umehara
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Unit of Social Medicine, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yuki Fukahori
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Unit of Social Medicine, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan; Forensic Science Laboratory, Nagasaki Prefectural Police Headquarters, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kuriu
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ryoji Matoba
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuya Ikematsu
- Division of Forensic Pathology and Science, Unit of Social Medicine, Course of Medical and Dental Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan
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Rorat M, Jurek T, Kuchar E, Szenborn L, Golema W, Halon A. Liver steatosis in Polish children assessed by medicolegal autopsies. World J Pediatr 2013; 9:68-72. [PMID: 23275099 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-012-0387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are increasing in the pediatric population. Their growing prevalence coincides with the obesity epidemic. Assessment of the incidence requires liver biopsies on a representative population sample, which are hampered by the absence of indications for invasive examination on children without clinical symptoms. The aim of the current study was to assess the incidence of liver steatosis in the population of children up to 18 years old from Lower Silesia. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 342 medico-legal autopsy reports from 2000 to 2009. We separated a group of 256 children whose death was caused by trauma. Liver steatosis was diagnosed according to the results of histopathological examinations and typical macroscopic imaging. RESULTS In the 265 children who died from trauma, liver steatosis was reported in 11 (4.2%) children (6 boys) aged between 6 months and 18 years old. Six of the 11 children (54.5%) were found to be overweight. In all 342 children, steatosis was found in 18 (5.3%) children (13 boys), while NASH was diagnosed in 1 (0.3%). Excess body weight was observed in 55.6% (10/18) of children with steatosis. CONCLUSIONS Liver steatosis can occur at any age, even in infancy. Being overweight is a very important risk factor. Gross examination of the liver is insufficient for the diagnosis of steatosis because of its lower sensitivity and specificity. Verification of liver steatosis requires reference histopathological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rorat
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Matshes EW, Hamilton LE, Lew EO. Routine Metabolic Testing is Not Warranted in Unexpected Infant Death Investigations. Acad Forensic Pathol 2012. [DOI: 10.23907/2012.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) only rarely cause sudden unexpected infant death. Yet, postmortem metabolic screening is often ordered reflexively during infant death investigations, even in the absence of historical, clinical or autopsy findings suggestive of IEM. This retrospective descriptive study examines the impact of metabolic screening of infants who die suddenly in a medical examiner's jurisdiction. The study population included 135 cases, one of which was certified as death due to IEM with historical and pathologic findings suggestive of IEM and an abnormal postmortem screening study, one which was certified as death due to IEM with historical and pathologic findings suggestive of IEM and a negative postmortem screening study, and one which was certified as undetermined with pathologic features of IEM and a negative postmortem screening study, but also with features suggestive of accidental asphyxia. Nine cases had abnormal postmortem screens that were deemed to represent false positives. During the entire nine-year study of these 135 cases, the utilization of screening tests in cases without historical or autopsy features of IEM did not detect any unsuspected cases. IEM may rarely cause unexpected infant death, and it can be suggested by historical and autopsy findings. Thus, within the appropriate investigative and autopsy context, judicious use of metabolic screening tests is warranted. Caution is advised when interpreting negative screening studies with suggestive historical and/or autopsy findings as the success of testing decreases with increasing postmortem interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan W. Matshes
- Associate Medical Investigator and Pediatric Forensic Pathology, Office of the Medical Investigator, Albuquerque NM
| | - Leslie E. Hamilton
- University of Calgary and Calgary Laboratory Services - Division of Neuropathology, Calgary, AB, Canada (LH)
| | - Emma O. Lew
- Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department (EL)
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Molecular diagnosis for a fatal case of very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in Hong Kong Chinese with a novel mutation: a preventable death by newborn screening. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 21:184-7. [PMID: 22847164 DOI: 10.1097/pdm.0b013e31825554d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is one of the most common fatty acid oxidation defects that cause sudden unexpected deaths in infants. The death attributed to VLCAD deficiency can be prevented by early diagnosis with expanded newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry. A favorable outcome can be achieved with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. However, such newborn screening has not yet been available in Hong Kong. We report a 2-month-old boy who succumbed 5 hours after admission with the diagnosis of VLCAD deficiency confirmed by genetic analysis performed after death. The patient was compound heterozygous for a novel splicing mutation ACADVL NM_000018.2:c.277+2T>G; NC_000017.10:g.7123997T>G and a known disease-causing mutation ACADVL NM_000018.2:c.388_390del; NP_000009.1: p.Glu130del. Family screening was performed for at-risk siblings. The rapid downhill course of the patient clearly illustrates the need of newborn screening for early diagnosis. Our patient was asymptomatic before metabolic decompensation. However, once metabolic decompensation occurred, rapid deterioration and death followed, which obviated the opportunity to diagnose and treat. The only way to save these patients' lives and improve their outcome is early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Therefore, we strongly urge the implementation of newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry for VLCAD deficiency and other highly treatable inborn errors of metabolism in Hong Kong.
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Yamamoto T, Emoto Y, Murayama K, Tanaka H, Kuriu Y, Ohtake A, Matoba R. Metabolic autopsy with postmortem cultured fibroblasts in sudden unexpected death in infancy: diagnosis of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 106:474-7. [PMID: 22658691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders are the most common disorders among inherited metabolic disorders. However, there are few published reports regarding the relationship between mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders and sudden unexpected death in infancy. In the present study, we performed metabolic autopsy in 13 Japanese cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy. We performed fat staining of liver and postmortem acylcarnitine analysis. In addition, we analyzed mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity in frozen organs as well as in postmortem cultured fibroblasts. In heart, 11 cases of complex I activity met the major criteria and one case of complex I activity met the minor criteria. In liver, three cases of complex I activity met the major criteria and four cases of complex I activity met the minor criteria. However, these specimens are susceptible to postmortem changes and, therefore, correct enzyme analysis is hard to be performed. In cultured fibroblasts, only one case of complex I activity met the major criteria and one case of complex I activity met the minor criteria. Cultured fibroblasts are not affected by postmortem changes and, therefore, reflect premortem information more accurately. These cases might not have been identified without postmortem cultured fibroblasts. In conclusion, we detected one probable case and one possible case of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders among 13 Japanese cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders are one of the important inherited metabolic disorders causing sudden unexpected death in infancy. We advocate metabolic autopsy with postmortem cultured fibroblasts in sudden unexpected death in infancy cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Yamamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Alves E, Henriques BJ, Rodrigues JV, Prudêncio P, Rocha H, Vilarinho L, Martinho RG, Gomes CM. Mutations at the flavin binding site of ETF:QO yield a MADD-like severe phenotype in Drosophila. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1822:1284-92. [PMID: 22580358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Following a screening on EMS-induced Drosophila mutants defective for formation and morphogenesis of epithelial cells, we have identified three lethal mutants defective for the production of embryonic cuticle. The mutants are allelic to the CG12140 gene, the fly homologue of electron transfer flavoprotein:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF:QO). In humans, inherited defects in this inner membrane protein account for multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), a metabolic disease of β-oxidation, with a broad range of clinical phenotypes, varying from embryonic lethal to mild forms. The three mutant alleles carried distinct missense mutations in ETF:QO (G65E, A68V and S104F) and maternal mutant embryos for ETF:QO showed lethal morphogenetic defects and a significant induction of apoptosis following germ-band elongation. This phenotype is accompanied by an embryonic accumulation of short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines (C4, C8 and C12) as well as long-chain acylcarnitines (C14 and C16:1), whose elevation is also found in severe MADD forms in humans under intense metabolic decompensation. In agreement the ETF:QO activity in the mutant embryos is markedly decreased in relation to wild type activity. Amino acid sequence analysis and structural mapping into a molecular model of ETF:QO show that all mutations map at FAD interacting residues, two of which at the nucleotide-binding Rossmann fold. This structural domain is composed by a β-strand connected by a short loop to an α-helix, and its perturbation results in impaired cofactor association via structural destabilisation and consequently enzymatic inactivation. This work thus pinpoints the molecular origins of a severe MADD-like phenotype in the fruit fly and establishes the proof of concept concerning the suitability of this organism as a potential model organism for MADD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Alves
- Instituto Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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