Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency in four siblings

Familial vitamin E deficiency: Multiorgan complications support the adverse role of oxidative stress

Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient with relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in plant leaves, seeds, and products derived from their processing. Familial vitamin E deficiency is a rare inherited syndrome characterized by ataxia and peripheral neuropathy with a massive decrease in plasma vitamin E (<0.5 mg/dL). This report describes the history of two siblings suffering from ataxia with vitamin E deficiency who developed premature systemic disorders (atherosclerotic vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and liver steatosis) in absence of relevant risk factors. The association of neuromuscular symptoms and multiorgan involvement in patients with ataxia with vitamin E deficiency has not been reported to our knowledge. The lack of an effective vitamin E activity seems to be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other diseases in which oxidative stress is a risk factor.

Ataxia in children: think about vitamin E deficiency ! (comment on: ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation)

A recent article from Pavone et al. published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics entitled «Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation» made an exhaustive overview of the large spectrum of pediatric ataxias. However, we would underline the importance of considering hereditary ataxia due to isolated vitamin E deficiency as a specific and treatable cause of child ataxia. We present a short clinical and therpeutic synopsis of this peculiar genetic etiology, frequently encountred in the mediterranean region.

Stroke: roles of B vitamins, homocysteine and antioxidants

In the present review concerning stroke, we evaluate the roles of B vitamins, homocysteine and antioxidant vitamins. Stroke is a leading cause of death in developed countries. However, current therapeutic strategies for stroke have been largely unsuccessful. Several studies have reported important benefits on reducing the risk of stroke and improving the post-stroke-associated functional declines in patients who ate foods rich in micronutrients, including B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins E and C. Folic acid, vitamin B6and vitamin B12are all cofactors in homocysteine metabolism. Growing interest has been paid to hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor for CVD. Hyperhomocysteinaemia has been linked to inadequate intake of vitamins, particularly to B-group vitamins and therefore may be amenable to nutritional intervention. Hence, poor dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6and vitamin B12are associated with increased risk of stroke. Elevated consumption of fruits and vegetables appears to protect against stroke. Antioxidant nutrients have important roles in cell function and have been implicated in processes associated with ageing, including vascular, inflammatory and neurological damage. Plasma vitamin E and C concentrations may serve as a biological marker of lifestyle or other factors associated with reduced stroke risk and may be useful in identifying those at high risk of stroke. After reviewing the observational and intervention studies, there is an incomplete understanding of mechanisms and some conflicting findings; therefore the available evidence is insufficient to recommend the routine use of B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin C for the prevention of stroke. A better understanding of mechanisms, along with well-designed controlled clinical trials will allow further progress in this area.

Friedreich's ataxia

Friedreich's ataxia is one of the most frequent hereditary ataxias of childhood. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. The current state of knowledge concerning genetics, pathophysiology, pathology, clinical course, differential diagnosis, genotype-phenotype correlation, and therapy is presented.

Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency: a Japanese family carrying a novel mutation in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein gene

We report a Japanese family with ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency (AVED). Gene analysis revealed a single nucleotide substitution of T to C at nucleotide position 2 in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein gene (TTPA). This substitution abolishes the start codon. The proband and his affected sister were homozygous for this mutation, and their serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were remarkably reduced. Relations between the mutations and clinical features are discussed.

Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency: heterogeneity of mutations and phenotypic variability in a large number of families

Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), or familial isolated vitamin E deficiency, is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by symptoms with often striking resemblance to those of Friedreich ataxia. We recently have demonstrated that AVED is caused by mutations in the gene for alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP). We now have identified a total of 13 mutations in 27 families. Four mutations were found in >=2 independent families: 744delA, which is the major mutation in North Africa, and 513insTT, 486delT, and R134X, in families of European origin. Compilation of the clinical records of 43 patients with documented mutation in the alpha-TTP gene revealed differences from Friedreich ataxia: cardiomyopathy was found in only 19% of cases, whereas head titubation was found in 28% of cases and dystonia in an additional 13%. This study represents the largest group of patients and mutations reported for this often misdiagnosed disease and points to the need for an early differential diagnosis with Friedreich ataxia, in order to initiate therapeutic and prophylactic vitamin E supplementation before irreversible damage develops.