Dynamic changes of striatal and extrastriatal abnormalities in glutaric aciduria type I

Diagnosis of glutaric aciduria type I based on neuroradiological findings: when neonatal screening fails

BACKGROUND

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting the metabolism of lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan. Patients present in the first age of life with an irreversible motor disorder, and neuroradiological imaging can suggest the presence of the condition. Biochemically, the disorder is characterized by elevated levels of glutaric and 3-hydroxy glutaric acid in the urine and glutarylcarnitine in the blood. This latter metabolite can be detected in dried blood spots, and the condition can therefore be included in some newborn screening programs.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a patient affected by GA-I that was undetected by newborn screening in whom the diagnosis was clinically oriented at the age of nine months by acute neurological symptoms, represented by persistent tonic seizures, and by neuroimaging showing bilateral signal alterations in the basal ganglia. Biochemical data, including glutarylcarnitine in dried blood spots and urinary excretion of glutaric acid, were normal in the acute phase and during follow-up. Molecular analysis confirmed a diagnosis of GA-I, showing a homozygous M405V variant of the GCDH gene, which is common in African populations and associated with a low-excretor phenotype characteristic of the disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, although GA-I is included in neonatal screening programs, the biochemical markers in dried blood spots can be absent. Therefore, in patients of African origin, clinicians should maintain a high degree of vigilance in the presence of suggestive clinical and neuroradiological findings, even if biochemical parameters are normal.

Odd-chain dicarboxylic acid feeding recapitulates the biochemical phenotype of glutaric aciduria type 1 in mice

Glutaric aciduria type-1 (GA1) is an inherited mitochondrial neurometabolic disorder with a poorly understood pathogenesis and unmet medical needs. GA1 can be diagnosed via its hallmark biochemical signature consisting of glutaric aciduria, 3-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, and increased plasma glutarylcarnitine. These glutaryl-CoA-derived metabolites are thought to originate solely in the mitochondria. Here, we demonstrate that wild-type mice fed an 11-carbon odd-chain dicarboxylic acid (undecanedioic acid, DC 11 ) recreates the biochemical phenotype of GA1. Odd-chain dicarboxylic acids like DC 11 are not present in food but can arise from several endogenous processes, such as lipid peroxidation and fatty acid ω-oxidation. DC 11 is chain-shortened in peroxisomes to glutaryl (DC 5 )-CoA, which then gives rise to the GA1-like pattern of DC 5 metabolites in urine, tissues, and blood. Glutaric acid released from peroxisomes during DC 11 chain-shortening can enter mitochondria, be activated to CoA by the enzyme succinyl-CoA:glutarate-CoA transferase (SUGCT), and become substrate for glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), the enzyme that is mutated in GA1. Our data provide proof-of-concept that the generation of dicarboxylic acids by ω-oxidation, which is stimulated during the same catabolic states known to trigger acute encephalopathy in GA1, may exacerbate disease by increasing the glutaryl-CoA substrate load in mitochondria.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Adult-Onset Glutaric Aciduria Type 1: Report of Two Cases and a Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Glutaric aciduria Type 1 (GA-1) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by GCDH variations. GA-1 is a rare disease that typically manifests in infancy and early childhood, with adult-onset cases being even rarer. Currently, data on the clinical and genetic characteristics of adult-onset GA-1 remain limited.

METHODS

We hereby reported two new cases of adult-onset GA-1 and systematically summarized reported studies to investigate its genotypic and phenotypic features.

RESULTS

Patient 1 presented with seizures as the onset symptom. Patient 2 exhibited recurrent stroke-like episodes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed subependymal lesions. Urine organic acid analyses were performed since both patients had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and found significantly elevated glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. Genetic analysis further identified biallelic missense variants in GCDH in both patients (Patient 1: c.383G> A, c.937C> T; Patient 2: c.533G> A, c.1205G> A). A literature review found seven cases and 12 variants in adult-onset GA-1. Most of them showed nonspecific neurological manifestations. The most common symptoms were cognitive impairment and headache. Subependymal lesions have been reported in five of seven cases. One of them also had HHcy. All adult-onset GA-1 cases were high excretors. All GCDH variants are located in nonactive binding regions.

CONCLUSION

This study characterized the phenotype of adult-onset GA-1 emphasizing subependymal lesions and the coexistence of HHcy. The latter might suggest the influence of environmental factors on the age of onset. No clear genotype-phenotype correlation was found.

Impairment of neuromotor development and cognition associated with histopathological and neurochemical abnormalities in the cerebral cortex and striatum of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice

Patients with glutaric acidemia type I (GA I) manifest motor and intellectual disabilities whose pathogenesis has been so far poorly explored. Therefore, we evaluated neuromotor and cognitive abilities, as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical features in the cerebral cortex and striatum of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) deficient knockout mice (Gcdh-/-), a well-recognized model of GA I. The effects of a single intracerebroventricular glutaric acid (GA) injection in one-day-old pups on the same neurobehavioral and histopathological/immunohistochemical endpoints were also investigated. Seven-day-old Gcdh-/- mice presented altered gait, whereas those receiving a GA neonatal administration manifested other sensorimotor deficits, including an abnormal response to negative geotaxis, cliff aversion and righting reflex, and muscle tone impairment. Compared to the WT mice, adult Gcdh-/- mice exhibited motor impairment, evidenced by poor performance in the Rota-rod test. Furthermore, neonatal GA administration provoked long-standing short- and long-term memory impairment in adult Gcdh-/- mice. Regarding the histopathological features, a significant increase in vacuoles and neurodegenerative cells was observed in both the cerebral cortex and striatum of 15- and 60-day-old Gcdh-/- mice and was more pronounced in mice injected with GA. Neuronal loss (decrease of NeuN staining) was also significantly increased in the cerebral cortex and striatum of Gcdh-/- mice, particularly in those neonatally injected with GA. In contrast, immunohistochemistry of MBP, astrocytic proteins GFAP and S100B, and the microglial marker Iba1 was not changed in 60-day-old Gcdh-/- mice, suggesting no myelination disturbance, reactive astrogliosis, and microglia activation, respectively. These data highlight the neurotoxicity of GA and the importance of early treatment aiming to decrease GA accumulation at early stages of development to prevent brain damage and learning/memory disabilities in GA I patients.

Characterization, Structure, and Inhibition of the Human Succinyl-CoA:glutarate-CoA Transferase, a Putative Genetic Modifier of Glutaric Aciduria Type 1

Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 (GA1) is a serious inborn error of metabolism with no pharmacological treatments. A novel strategy to treat this disease is to divert the toxic biochemical intermediates to less toxic or nontoxic metabolites. Here, we report a putative novel target, succinyl-CoA:glutarate-CoA transferase (SUGCT), which we hypothesize suppresses the GA1 metabolic phenotype through decreasing glutaryl-CoA and the derived 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. SUGCT is a type III CoA transferase that uses succinyl-CoA and glutaric acid as substrates. We report the structure of SUGCT, develop enzyme- and cell-based assays, and identify valsartan and losartan carboxylic acid as inhibitors of the enzyme in a high-throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds. The cocrystal structure of SUGCT with losartan carboxylic acid revealed a novel pocket in the active site and further validated the high-throughput screening approach. These results may form the basis for the future development of new pharmacological intervention to treat GA1.

Cerebral White Matter Alterations Associated With Oligodendrocyte Vulnerability in Organic Acidurias: Insights in Glutaric Aciduria Type I

The white matter is an important constituent of the central nervous system, containing axons, oligodendrocytes, and its progenitor cells, astrocytes, and microglial cells. Oligodendrocytes are central for myelin synthesis, the insulating envelope that protects axons and allows normal neural conduction. Both, oligodendrocytes and myelin, are highly vulnerable to toxic factors in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders associated with disturbances of myelination. Here we review the main alterations in oligodendrocytes and myelin observed in some organic acidurias/acidemias, which correspond to inherited neurometabolic disorders biochemically characterized by accumulation of potentially neurotoxic organic acids and their derivatives. The yet incompletely understood mechanisms underlying the high vulnerability of OLs and/or myelin in glutaric acidemia type I, the most prototypical cerebral organic aciduria, are particularly discussed.

Prenatal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Findings of Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 and Its Challenges in Prenatal Diagnosis

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) presents unique challenges in prenatal diagnosis, especially in cases with no family history. This review article aims to review and present the prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance findings of GA1 and consolidate key insights into the difficulties associated with GA1 prenatal diagnosis and the neuroimaging features that require careful differentiation during the diagnostic process.

Characterization, structure and inhibition of the human succinyl-CoA:glutarate-CoA transferase, a genetic modifier of glutaric aciduria type 1

Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 (GA1) is a serious inborn error of metabolism with no pharmacological treatments. A novel strategy to treat this disease is to divert the toxic biochemical intermediates to less toxic or non-toxic metabolites. Here, we report a novel target, SUGCT, which we hypothesize suppresses the GA1 metabolic phenotype through decreasing glutaryl-CoA. We report the structure of SUGCT, the first eukaryotic structure of a type III CoA transferase, develop a high-throughput enzyme assay and a cell-based assay, and identify valsartan and losartan carboxylic acid as inhibitors of the enzyme validating the screening approach. These results may form the basis for future development of new pharmacological intervention to treat GA1.

Compilation of Genotype and Phenotype Data in GCDH-LOVD for Variant Classification and Further Application

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1) is a rare but treatable autosomal-recessive neurometabolic disorder of lysin metabolism caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase gene (GCDH) that lead to deficiency of GCDH protein. Without treatment, this enzyme defect causes a neurological phenotype characterized by movement disorder and cognitive impairment. Based on a comprehensive literature search, we established a large dataset of GCDH variants using the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) to summarize the known genotypes and the clinical and biochemical phenotypes associated with GA-1. With these data, we developed a GCDH-specific variation classification framework based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. We used this framework to reclassify published variants and to describe their geographic distribution, both of which have practical implications for the molecular genetic diagnosis of GA-1. The freely available GCDH-specific LOVD dataset provides a basis for diagnostic laboratories and researchers to further optimize their knowledge and molecular diagnosis of this rare disease.

How guideline development has informed clinical research for organic acidurias (et vice versa)

Organic acidurias, such as glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), methylmalonic (MMA), and propionic aciduria (PA) are a prominent group of inherited metabolic diseases involving accumulation of eponymous metabolites causing endogenous intoxication. For all three conditions, guidelines for diagnosis and management have been developed and revised over the last years, resulting in three revisions for GA1 and one revision for MMA/PA. The process of clinical guideline development in rare metabolic disorders is challenged by the scarcity and limited quality of evidence available. The body of literature is often fragmentary and where information is present, it is usually derived from small sample sizes. Therefore, the development of guidelines for GA1 and MMA/PA was initially confronted with a poor evidence foundation that hindered formulation of concrete recommendations in certain contexts, triggering specific research projects and initiation of longitudinal, prospective observational studies using patient registries. Reversely, these observational studies contributed to evaluate the value of newborn screening, phenotypic diversities, and treatment effects, thus significantly improving the quality of evidence and directly influencing formulation and evidence levels of guideline recommendations. Here, we present insights into interactions between guideline development and (pre)clinical research for GA1 and MMA/PA, and demonstrate how guidelines gradually improved from revision to revision. We describe how clinical studies help to unravel the relative impact of therapeutic interventions on outcome and conclude that despite new and better quality of research data over the last decades, significant shortcomings of evidence regarding prognosis and treatment remain. It appears that development of clinical guidelines can directly help to guide research, and vice versa.

Recommendations for diagnosing and managing individuals with glutaric aciduria type 1: Third revision

Glutaric aciduria type 1 is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder of lysine metabolism caused by pathogenic gene variations in GCDH (cytogenic location: 19p13.13), resulting in deficiency of mitochondrial glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) and, consequently, accumulation of glutaric acid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, glutaconic acid and glutarylcarnitine detectable by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (organic acids) and tandem mass spectrometry (acylcarnitines). Depending on residual GCDH activity, biochemical high and low excreting phenotypes have been defined. Most untreated individuals present with acute onset of striatal damage before age 3 (to 6) years, precipitated by infectious diseases, fever or surgery, resulting in irreversible, mostly dystonic movement disorder with limited life expectancy. In some patients, striatal damage develops insidiously. In recent years, the clinical phenotype has been extended by the finding of extrastriatal abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction, preferably in the high excreter group, as well as chronic kidney failure. Newborn screening is the prerequisite for pre-symptomatic start of metabolic treatment with low lysine diet, carnitine supplementation and intensified emergency treatment during catabolic episodes, which, in combination, have substantially improved neurologic outcome. In contrast, start of treatment after onset of symptoms cannot reverse existing motor dysfunction caused by striatal damage. Dietary treatment can be relaxed after the vulnerable period for striatal damage, that is, age 6 years. However, impact of dietary relaxation on long-term outcomes is still unclear. This third revision of evidence-based recommendations aims to re-evaluate previous recommendations (Boy et al., J Inherit Metab Dis, 2017;40(1):75-101; Kolker et al., J Inherit Metab Dis 2011;34(3):677-694; Kolker et al., J Inherit Metab Dis, 2007;30(1):5-22) and to implement new research findings on the evolving phenotypic diversity as well as the impact of non-interventional variables and treatment quality on clinical outcomes.

Clinico-Radiological Correlation in 26 Egyptian Children with Glutaric Acidemia Type 1

BACKGROUND

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is an inherited neurometabolic disease with significant morbidity. However, neuro-radiological correlation is not completely understood.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to characterize the neuroimaging findings and their association with neurological phenotype in GA1 children.

METHODS

Twenty-six Egyptian children (median age = 12 months) diagnosed with GA1 underwent clinical evaluation and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We objectively assessed the severity of neurological phenotype at the time of MRI using movement disorder (MD) and morbidity scores. Evaluation of brain MRI abnormalities followed a systematic and region-specific scoring approach. Brain MRI findings and scores were correlated with MD and morbidity scores, disease onset, and presence of seizures.

RESULTS

Fifteen (57.7%) cases had insidious onset, eight (30.8%) manifested acute onset, whereas three (11.5%) were asymptomatic. Ten (38.5%) cases had seizures, five of which had no acute encephalopathic crisis. Putamen and caudate abnormalities (found in all acute onset, 93.3 and 73.3% of insidious onset, and one of three asymptomatic cases) were significantly related to MD (p = 0.007 and 0.013) and morbidity (p = 0.005 and 0.003) scores. Globus pallidus abnormalities (50% of acute onset, 46.7% of insidious onset, and one of three of asymptomatic cases) were significantly associated with morbidity score (p = 0.023). Other MRI brain abnormalities as well as gray and white matter score showed no significant association with neurological phenotype. Younger age at onset, acute onset, and seizures were significantly associated with worse neurological manifestations.

CONCLUSION

Patients with GA1 manifest characteristic and region-specific brain MRI abnormalities, but only striatal affection appears to correlate with neurological phenotype.

A knock-in rat model unravels acute and chronic renal toxicity in glutaric aciduria type I

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I, OMIM # 231670) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). The principal clinical manifestation in GA-I patients is striatal injury most often triggered by catabolic stress. Early diagnosis by newborn screening programs improved survival and reduced striatal damage in GA-I patients. However, the clinical phenotype is still evolving in the aging patient population. Evaluation of long-term outcome in GA-I patients recently identified glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline with increasing age. We recently created the first knock-in rat model for GA-I harboring the mutation p.R411W (c.1231 C>T), corresponding to the most frequent GCDH human mutation p.R402W. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an acute metabolic stress in form of high lysine diet (HLD) on young Gcdh^ki/ki rats. We further studied the chronic effect of GCDH deficiency on kidney function in a longitudinal study on a cohort of Gcdh^ki/ki rats by repetitive ⁶⁸Ga-EDTA positron emission tomography (PET) renography, biochemical and histological analyses. In young Gcdh^ki/ki rats exposed to HLD, we observed a GFR decline and biochemical signs of a tubulopathy. Histological analyses revealed lipophilic vacuoles, thinning of apical brush border membranes and increased numbers of mitochondria in proximal tubular (PT) cells. HLD also altered OXPHOS activities and proteome in kidneys of Gcdh^ki/ki rats. In the longitudinal cohort, we showed a progressive GFR decline in Gcdh^ki/ki rats starting at young adult age and a decline of renal clearance. Histopathological analyses in aged Gcdh^ki/ki rats revealed tubular dilatation, protein accumulation in PT cells and mononuclear infiltrations. These observations confirm that GA-I leads to acute and chronic renal damage. This raises questions on indication for follow-up on kidney function in GA-I patients and possible therapeutic interventions to avoid renal damage.

Subdural hematoma in glutaric aciduria type 1: High excreters are prone to incidental SDH despite newborn screening

Subdural hematoma (SDH) was initially reported in 20% to 30% of patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1). A recent retrospective study found SDH in 4% of patients, but not in patients identified by newborn screening (NBS). 168 MRIs of 69 patients with GA1 (age at MRI 9 days - 73.8 years, median 3.2 years) were systematically reviewed for presence of SDH, additional MR and clinical findings in order to investigate the frequency of SDH and potential risk factors. SDH was observed in eight high-excreting patients imaged between 5.8 and 24.4 months, namely space-occupying SDH in two patients after minor accidental trauma and SDH as an incidental finding in six patients without trauma. In patients without trauma imaged at 3 to 30 months (n = 36, 25 NBS, 27/9 high/low excreters), incidence of SDH was 16.7% (16% in NBS). SDH was more common after acute (33.3%) than insidious onset of dystonia (14.3%) or in asymptomatic patients (5.9%). It was only seen in patients with wide frontoparietal CSF spaces and frontotemporal hypoplasia. High excreters were over-represented among patients with SDH (6/27 vs 0/9 low excreters), acute onset (10/12), and wide frontoparietal CSF spaces (16/19). Incidental SDH occurs despite NBS and early treatment in approximately one in six patients with GA1 imaged during late infancy and early childhood. Greater risk of high excreters is morphologically associated with more frequent enlargement of external CSF spaces including frontotemporal hypoplasia, and may be furthered aggravated by more pronounced alterations of cerebral blood volume and venous pressure.

The biochemical subtype is a predictor for cognitive function in glutaric aciduria type 1: a national prospective follow-up study

The aim of the study was a systematic evaluation of cognitive development in individuals with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a rare neurometabolic disorder, identified by newborn screening in Germany. This national, prospective, observational, multi-centre study includes 107 individuals with confirmed GA1 identified by newborn screening between 1999 and 2020 in Germany. Clinical status, development, and IQ were assessed using standardized tests. Impact of interventional and non-interventional parameters on cognitive outcome was evaluated. The majority of tested individuals (n = 72) showed stable IQ values with age (n = 56 with IQ test; median test age 11 years) but a significantly lower performance (median [IQR] IQ 87 [78-98]) than in general population, particularly in individuals with a biochemical high excreter phenotype (84 [75-96]) compared to the low excreter group (98 [92-105]; p = 0.0164). For all patients, IQ results were homogenous on subscale levels. Sex, clinical motor phenotype and quality of metabolic treatment had no impact on cognitive functions. Long-term neurologic outcome in GA1 involves both motor and cognitive functions. The biochemical high excreter phenotype is the major risk factor for cognitive impairment while cognitive functions do not appear to be impacted by current therapy and striatal damage. These findings implicate the necessity of new treatment concepts.

DHTKD1 and OGDH display substrate overlap in cultured cells and form a hybrid 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complex in vivo

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an inborn error of lysine degradation characterized by a specific encephalopathy that is caused by toxic accumulation of lysine degradation intermediates. Substrate reduction through inhibition of DHTKD1, an enzyme upstream of the defective glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, has been investigated as a potential therapy, but revealed the existence of an alternative enzymatic source of glutaryl-CoA. Here, we show that loss of DHTKD1 in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase-deficient HEK-293 cells leads to a 2-fold decrease in the established GA1 clinical biomarker glutarylcarnitine and demonstrate that oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) is responsible for this remaining glutarylcarnitine production. We furthermore show that DHTKD1 interacts with OGDH, dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase to form a hybrid 2-oxoglutaric and 2-oxoadipic acid dehydrogenase complex. In summary, 2-oxoadipic acid is a substrate for DHTKD1, but also for OGDH in a cell model system. The classical 2-oxoglutaric dehydrogenase complex can exist as a previously undiscovered hybrid containing DHTKD1 displaying improved kinetics towards 2-oxoadipic acid.

Enlargement of the Optic Chiasm: A Novel Imaging Finding in Glutaric Aciduria Type 1

Patients with glutaric aciduria type 1, without early diagnosis and initiation of preventive treatment, often develop movement disorders and various degrees of motor disability due to striatal area-specific damage induced by an acute episode of metabolic decompensation. The neuroimaging phenotype of patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 includes characteristic cyst-like bilateral enlargement of the Sylvian fissures and anterior subarachnoid spaces and signal abnormalities including supratentorial white matter and deep gray matter structure T2 hyperintensities, frequently associated with restricted diffusion. In this retrospective study, we add to the neuroimaging spectrum of glutaric aciduria type 1, a novel imaging finding present regardless of a previous metabolic crisis: the enlargement of the optic chiasm associated with signal abnormalities in the anterior intracranial visual structures observed in 6 of 10 patients. These optic pathway abnormalities are suggested as useful diagnostic clues for glutaric aciduria type 1, and possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed.

Evaluation of the Clinical, Biochemical, Neurological, and Genetic Presentations of Glutaric Aciduria Type 1 in Patients From China

Purpose

To characterize the phenotypic and genotypic variations associated with Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) in Chinese patients.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical, neuroradiological, biochemical, and genetic information from 101 GA1 patients in mainland China.

Results

20 patients were diagnosed by newborn screening and the remaining 81 cases were identified following clinical intervention. Macrocephaly was the most common presentation, followed by movement disorders and seizures. A total of 59 patients were evaluated by brain MRI and 58 patients presented with abnormalities, with widening of the sylvian fissures being the most common symptom. The concentration of glutarylcarnitine in the blood, glutarylcarnitine/capryloylcarnitine ratio, and urine levels of glutaric acid were increased in GA1 patients and were shown to decrease following intervention. A total of 88 patient samples were available for genotyping and 74 variants within the GCDH gene, including 23 novel variants, were identified. The most common variant was c.1244-2A > C (18.4%) and there were no significant differences in the biochemical or clinical phenotypes described for patients with the four most common variants: c.1244-2A > C, c.1064G > A, c.533G > A, and c.1147C > T. Patients identified by newborn screening had better outcomes than clinical patients.

Conclusion

Our findings expand the spectrum of phenotypes and genotypes for GA1 in Chinese populations and suggest that an expanded newborn screening program using tandem mass spectrometry may facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease, improving clinical outcomes for patients in China.

Impact of interventional and non-interventional variables on anthropometric long-term development in glutaric aciduria type 1: A national prospective multi-centre study

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is a rare neurometabolic disorder, caused by inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, mostly affecting the brain. Early identification by newborn screening (NBS) significantly improves neurologic outcome. It has remained unclear whether recommended therapy, particular low lysine diet, is safe or negatively affects anthropometric long-term outcome. This national prospective, observational, multi-centre study included 79 patients identified by NBS and investigated effects of interventional and non-interventional parameters on body weight, body length, body mass index (BMI) and head circumference as well as neurological parameters. Adherence to recommended maintenance and emergency treatment (ET) had a positive impact on neurologic outcome and allowed normal anthropometric development until adulthood. In contrast, non-adherence to ET, resulting in increased risk of dystonia, had a negative impact on body weight (mean SDS -1.07; P = .023) and body length (mean SDS -1.34; P = -.016). Consistently, longitudinal analysis showed a negative influence of severe dystonia on weight and length development over time (P < .001). Macrocephaly was more often found in female (mean SDS 0.56) than in male patients (mean SDS -0.20; P = .049), and also in individuals with high excreter phenotype (mean SDS 0.44) compared to low excreter patients (mean SDS -0.68; P = .016). In GA1, recommended long-term treatment is effective and allows for normal anthropometric long-term development up to adolescence, with gender- and excreter type-specific variations. Delayed ET and severe movement disorder result in poor anthropometric outcome.

Increasing the spectrum of white matter diseases with tigroid pattern on MRI: glutaric aciduria type 1 - case report

Background

Most white matter diseases present on magnetic resonance imaging as focal or diffuse T2-hyperintensities. However, in a few of them, radially oriented stripes of low (relatively normal) signal intensity are observed within diffusely affected T2-hyperintense cerebral white matter and are called “tigroid pattern” in the literature. The fornix is a tiny white matter fibers bundle playing crucial role in cognitive functioning, easily overlooked on magnetic resonance imaging and not described in inborn errors of metabolism.

Case presentation

We present a case of glutaric aciduria type 1 with a follow-up of over nine years. The course of the disease is presented in three magnetic resonance scans at the age of 8 and 21 months, and 10 years, with diffusion restriction in the fornix in scan 1 and 2 and with tigroid pattern in scan 3. Despite appropriate diet and supplementation, injury of white matter progressed achieving diffuse stage with tigroid pattern. Psychological tests revealed deficits in patient’s specific cognitive skills, most likely related to damage to the fornix.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of tigroid pattern of white matter involvement in glutaric aciduria type 1 and the first report of forniceal injury in this disease which seems to be correlated with patient’s low functioning in all kinds of memory skills, previously not reported in glutaric aciduria type 1.

Low excretor glutaric aciduria type 1 of insidious onset with dystonia and atypical clinical features, a diagnostic dilemma

A 4-year-old girl was referred for reassessment of dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Initial investigations in her country of birth, India, had not yielded a diagnosis. MRI brain in infancy revealed bilateral putamen hyperintensity. She had generalized dyskinesia predominantly bulbar and limbs. Motor and speech development were most affected with preservation of cognitive development. There was no history of acute encephalopathic crisis or status dystonicus. Initial urine organic acids and amino acids and acylcarnitine profile (ACP) were normal. A dystonia genetic panel showed compound heterozygosity with a pathogenic variant and a variant of uncertain significance in the GCDH gene. The latter is hitherto undescribed and is indicative of a potential diagnosis of glutaric aciduria type 1 (alternatively glutaric acidemia type 1) (GA-1), an autosomal recessive disorder of mitochondrial lysine/hydroxylysine and tryptophan metabolism. Repeat urine organic acids showed isolated slightly increased 3-hydroxy glutarate excretion consistent with GA-1 and characterizing the patient as a "low excretor," a diagnostic sub-group where diagnosis is more challenging but prognosis is similar. Repeat MRI Brain at age 4 showed volume loss and symmetric T2 hyperintensity in the posterior putamina bilaterally. This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma of GA-1 where differing clinical courses, genetic variants, neuroradiological findings, and biochemical excretion patterns may lead to a later diagnosis. The presence of newborn screening for GA-1 should not dull the clinician's suspicion of the possibility that GA-1 may present with a complex movement disorder. Timely diagnosis and treatment is essential, as neurological sequelae are largely irreversible.

Organic acidurias: Major gaps, new challenges, and a yet unfulfilled promise

Organic acidurias (OADs) comprise a biochemically defined group of inherited metabolic diseases. Increasing awareness, reliable diagnostic work-up, newborn screening programs for some OADs, optimized neonatal and intensive care, and the development of evidence-based recommendations have improved neonatal survival and short-term outcome of affected individuals. However, chronic progression of organ dysfunction in an aging patient population cannot be reliably prevented with traditional therapeutic measures. Evidence is increasing that disease progression might be best explained by mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous studies have demonstrated that some toxic metabolites target mitochondrial proteins inducing synergistic bioenergetic impairment. Although these potentially reversible mechanisms help to understand the development of acute metabolic decompensations during catabolic state, they currently cannot completely explain disease progression with age. Recent studies identified unbalanced autophagy as a novel mechanism in the renal pathology of methylmalonic aciduria, resulting in impaired quality control of organelles, mitochondrial aging and, subsequently, progressive organ dysfunction. In addition, the discovery of post-translational short-chain lysine acylation of histones and mitochondrial enzymes helps to understand how intracellular key metabolites modulate gene expression and enzyme function. While acylation is considered an important mechanism for metabolic adaptation, the chronic accumulation of potential substrates of short-chain lysine acylation in inherited metabolic diseases might exert the opposite effect, in the long run. Recently, changed glutarylation patterns of mitochondrial proteins have been demonstrated in glutaric aciduria type 1. These new insights might bridge the gap between natural history and pathophysiology in OADs, and their exploitation for the development of targeted therapies seems promising.

Pediatric Glutaric Aciduria Type 1: 14 Cases, Diagnosis and Management

Introduction

Glutaric aciduria type I is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysine metabolism due to the defect of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. The regression of milestones following an intercurrent infection with disabling dystonia is the common presentation. We report the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of 14 south Indian children with glutaric aciduria type I.

Results

Males predominated the study (57.1%). The mean age of onset of the symptoms was 8.57 ± 3.57 months. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 35.21 ± 48.31 months. The history of consanguinity was noted in 57.1%. Development was normal prior to the onset of acute crises in nearly three fourths. Acute crises triggered by infection followed by the regression of milestones was the major presenting feature in 10 children (71.4%). Macrocephaly was another prominent feature in an equal number. Bat's wing appearance (fronto temporal atrophy) was present in all children. Nearly 80% had moderate to severe disability in the form of dystonic movement disorder and spastic quadriparesis.

Conclusion

Glutaric aciduria type Ihas to be identified and managed early to have a better outcome.

Sustained glial reactivity induced by glutaric acid may be the trigger to learning delay in early and late phases of development: Involvement of p75NTR receptor and protection by N-acetylcysteine

Degeneration of striatal neurons and cortical atrophy are pathological characteristics of glutaric acidemia type I (GA-I), a disease characterized by accumulation of glutaric acid (GA). The mechanisms that lead to neuronal loss and cognitive impairment are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to verify if acute exposure to GA during the neonatal period is sufficient to trigger apoptotic processes and lead to learning delay in early and late period. Besides, whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) would protect against impairment induced by GA. Pups mice received a dose of GA (2.5 μmol/ g) or saline, 12 hs after birth, and were treated with NAC (250 mg/kg) or saline, up to 21th day of life. Although GA exhibited deficits in the procedural and working memories in 21 and 40-day-old mice, NAC protected against cognitive impairment. In striatum and cortex, NAC prevented glial cells activation (GFAP and Iba-1), decreased NGF, Bcl-2 and NeuN, the increase of lipid peroxidation and PARP induced by GA in both ages. NAC protected against increased p75NTR induced by GA, but not in cortex of 21-day-old mice. Thus, we showed that the integrity of striatal and cortical pathways has an important role for learning and suggested that sustained glial reactivity in neonatal period can be an initial trigger for delay of cognitive development. Furthermore, NAC protected against cognitive impairment induced by GA. This work shows that early identification of the alterations induced by GA is important to avoid future clinical complications and suggest that NAC could be an adjuvant treatment for this acidemia.

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.

Neuroimaging of Basal Ganglia in Neurometabolic Diseases in Children

Diseases primarily affecting the basal ganglia in children result in characteristic disturbances of movement and muscle tone. Both experimental and clinical evidence indicates that the basal ganglia also play a role in higher mental states. The basal ganglia can be affected by neurometabolic, degenerative diseases or other conditions from which they must be differentiated. Neuroradiological findings in basal ganglia diseases are also known. However, they may be similar in different diseases. Their assessment in children may require repeated MRI examinations depending on the stage of brain development (mainly the level of myelination). A large spectrum of pathological changes in the basal ganglia in many diseases is caused by their vulnerability to metabolic abnormalities and chemical or ischemic trauma. The diagnosis is usually established by correlation of clinical and radiological findings. Neuroimaging of basal ganglia in neurometabolic diseases is helpful in early diagnosis and monitoring of changes for optimal therapy. This review focuses on neuroimaging of basal ganglia and its role in the differential diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.

Glutaric acidemia type 1: Treatment and outcome of 168 patients over three decades

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is a disorder of cerebral organic acid metabolism resulting from biallelic mutations of GCDH. Without treatment, GA1 causes striatal degeneration in >80% of affected children before two years of age. We analyzed clinical, biochemical, and developmental outcomes for 168 genotypically diverse GA1 patients managed at a single center over 31 years, here separated into three treatment cohorts: children in Cohort I (n = 60; DOB 2006-2019) were identified by newborn screening (NBS) and treated prospectively using a standardized protocol that included a lysine-free, arginine-enriched metabolic formula, enteral l-carnitine (100 mg/kg•day), and emergency intravenous (IV) infusions of dextrose, saline, and l-carnitine during illnesses; children in Cohort II (n = 57; DOB 1989-2018) were identified by NBS and treated with natural protein restriction (1.0-1.3 g/kg•day) and emergency IV infusions; children in Cohort III (n = 51; DOB 1973-2016) did not receive NBS or special diet. The incidence of striatal degeneration in Cohorts I, II, and III was 7%, 47%, and 90%, respectively (p < .0001). No neurologic injuries occurred after 19 months of age. Among uninjured children followed prospectively from birth (Cohort I), measures of growth, nutritional sufficiency, motor development, and cognitive function were normal. Adherence to metabolic formula and l-carnitine supplementation in Cohort I declined to 12% and 32%, respectively, by age 7 years. Cessation of strict dietary therapy altered plasma amino acid and carnitine concentrations but resulted in no serious adverse outcomes. In conclusion, neonatal diagnosis of GA1 coupled to management with lysine-free, arginine-enriched metabolic formula and emergency IV infusions during the first two years of life is safe and effective, preventing more than 90% of striatal injuries while supporting normal growth and psychomotor development. The need for dietary interventions and emergency IV therapies beyond early childhood is uncertain.

Deletion of 2-aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase limits metabolite accumulation in cell and mouse models for glutaric aciduria type 1

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an inborn error of lysine degradation characterized by acute encephalopathy that is caused by toxic accumulation of lysine degradation intermediates. We investigated the efficacy of substrate reduction through inhibition of 2-aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase (AASS), an enzyme upstream of the defective glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), in a cell line and mouse model of GA1. We show that loss of AASS function in GCDH-deficient HEK-293 cells leads to an approximately fivefold reduction in the established GA1 clinical biomarker glutarylcarnitine. In the GA1 mouse model, deletion of Aass leads to a 4.3-, 3.8-, and 3.2-fold decrease in the glutaric acid levels in urine, brain, and liver, respectively. Parallel decreases were observed in urine and brain 3-hydroxyglutaric acid levels, and plasma, urine, and brain glutarylcarnitine levels. These in vivo data demonstrate that the saccharopine pathway is the main source of glutaric acid production in the brain and periphery of a mouse model for GA1, and support the notion that pharmacological inhibition of AASS may represent an attractive strategy to treat GA1.

Lipopolysaccharide-Elicited Systemic Inflammation Induces Selective Vulnerability of Cerebral Cortex and Striatum of Developing Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficient (Gcdh-/-) Mice to Oxidative Stress

We investigated redox homeostasis in cerebral and peripheral tissues of wild type (WT) and glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase knockout mice (Gcdh^-/-) submitted to inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) since patients with glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) manifest acute encephalopathy during catabolic events triggered by inflammation. WT and Gcdh^-/- mice fed a low (0.9%) or high (4.7%) Lys chow were euthanized 4 h after LPS intraperitoneal injection. Cerebral cortex of Lys-restricted Gcdh^-/- animals presented no alterations of redox homeostasis, whereas those fed a high Lys chow showed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, compared to WT mice. Furthermore, Gcdh^-/- mice receiving low Lys and injected with LPS presented elevated MDA levels and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in cerebral cortex. LPS administration also decreased GSH values, as well as GPx and GR activities in cerebral cortex of Gcdh^-/- mice receiving Lys overload. Further experiments performed in WT and Gcdh^-/- mice injected with LPS and receiving either a low or high Lys chow revealed increased MDA levels and decreased GSH concentrations in cerebral cortex and striatum, but not in hippocampus, liver and heart of Gcdh^-/- mice, suggesting a selective vulnerability of these cerebral structures to oxidative stress during an inflammatory process. LPS administration also increased S100B and NF-κF protein levels in brain of Gcdh^-/- mice receiving high Lys. These data support the hypothesis that low Lys diet is beneficial in GA I by preventing redox imbalance, whereas a high Lys diet or systemic inflammation per se or combined induce oxidative stress in striatum and cerebral cortex that are mainly damaged in this disorder.

The lysine degradation pathway: Subcellular compartmentalization and enzyme deficiencies

Lysine degradation via formation of saccharopine is a pathway confined to the mitochondria. The second pathway for lysine degradation, the pipecolic acid pathway, is not yet fully elucidated and known enzymes are localized in the mitochondria, cytosol and peroxisome. The tissue-specific roles of these two pathways are still under investigation. The lysine degradation pathway is clinically relevant due to the occurrence of two severe neurometabolic disorders, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) and glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1). The existence of three other disorders affecting lysine degradation without apparent clinical consequences opens up the possibility to find alternative therapeutic strategies for PDE and GA1 through pathway modulation. A better understanding of the mechanisms, compartmentalization and interplay between the different enzymes and metabolites involved in lysine degradation is of utmost importance.

Intrathecal Baclofen for Hypertonia Secondary to Glutaric Aciduria Type I

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA1) is a rare organic aciduria characterized by basal ganglia dysfunction and severe dystonia and spasticity for which enteral baclofen is currently first-line therapy. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a promising alternative, given the dose titratability and concentrated delivery of medication to therapeutic targets within the central nervous system. However, the response to ITB in patients with this rare condition has not been previously reported. We present a 15-year-old girl with GA1 and associated hypertonia refractory to extensive, multimodal adjuvant medical therapy including enteral baclofen. An ITB pump was implanted, and after an appropriate baclofen titration, her hypertonia and enteral pharmacologic regimen were both reduced. We demonstrate that ITB is a viable modality for treating refractory dystonia and spasticity secondary to GA1; it can objectively reduce hypertonia, subjectively improve quality of life, and minimize the side effect profile of otherwise extensive pharmacologic therapies.

Treatable Inherited Movement Disorders in Children: Spotlight on Clinical and Biochemical Features

Background

About 80% of monogenic metabolic diseases causing movement disorders (MDs) emerges during the first 2 decades of life, and a number of these conditions offers the opportunity of a disease-modifying treatment. The implementation of enlarged neonatal screening programs and the impressive rapid increase of the identification of new conditions are enhancing our potential to recognize and treat several diseases causing MDs, changing their outcome and phenotypic spectrum.

Methods and Findings

A literature review of monogenic disorders causing MDs amenable to treatment was conducted focusing on early clinical signs and diagnostic biomarkers. A classification in 3 broad categories based on the therapeutic approach has been proposed. Some disorders result in irreversible neurotoxic lesions that can only be prevented if treated in a presymptomatic stage, and others present with a progressive neurological impairment that a timely diagnosis and treatment may reverse or improve. Some MDs are the result of the failure of intracellular energy supply or altered glucose transport. The treatment in these conditions includes vitamins or a metabolic shift from a carbohydrate to a fatty acid catabolism, respectively. Finally, a group of highly treatable MDs are the result of defects of neurotransmitter metabolism. In these disorders, the supplementation of precursors or mimetics of neurotransmitters can deeply change the disease natural history.

Conclusions

To prevent serious and irreversible neurological impairment, the diagnostic work-up of MDs in children should consider a number of clinical red flags and biomarkers denoting specifically treatable diseases.

[Metabolic induced changes of the central nervous system]

CLINICAL ISSUE

The diagnosis of metabolic disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) can be very challenging for radiologists because of the nonspecific white matter lesions of the brain, the rarity of these diseases, and the variety of possible differential diagnoses.

RADIOLOGICAL STANDARD METHODS

Standard for the evaluation of the metabolic disorders is cranial MRI. The MRI spectroscopy can additionally help to reduce the possible differential diagnoses.

l-Carnitine prevents oxidative stress in striatum of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficient mice submitted to lysine overload

The deficiency of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase leads to predominant accumulation of glutaric acid (GA) in the organism and is known as glutaric acidemia type I (GA1). Despite the mechanisms of brain damage involved in GA1 are not fully understood, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. Treatment is based on protein/lysine (Lys) restriction and l-carnitine (L-car) supplementation. L-car was recently shown to have an important antioxidant role. A knockout mice model (Gcdh^-/-) submitted to a dietary overload of Lys was developed to better understand the GA1 pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated L-car and glutarylcarnitine levels, the lipid and protein damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant enzymes activities in striatum of Gcdh^-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. We also determined the effect of the L-car treatment on these parameters. Thirty-day-old Gcdh^-/- and WT mice were fed a normal chow (0.9% Lys) or submitted to a high Lys diet (4.7%) for 72 h. Additionally, these animals were administered with three intraperitoneal injections of saline or L-car in different times. Gcdh^-/- mice were deficient in L-car and presented a higher glutarylcarnitine levels. They also presented lipid and protein damage, an increased ROS production and altered antioxidant enzymes compared to WT mice. Additionally, mice exposed to Lys overload presented higher alterations in these parameters than mice under normal diet, which were significantly decreased or normalized in those receiving L-car. Thus, we demonstrated a new beneficial effect of the L-car treatment attenuating or abolishing the oxidative stress process in Gcdh^-/- mice.

Patterns, evolution, and severity of striatal injury in insidious- vs acute-onset glutaric aciduria type 1

BACKGROUND

Striatal injury in patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) results in a complex, predominantly dystonic, movement disorder. Onset may be acute following acute encephalopathic crisis (AEC) or insidious without apparent acute event.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical and striatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 21 symptomatic GA1 patients to investigate if insidious- and acute-onset patients differed in timing, pattern of striatal injury, and outcome.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had acute and ten had insidious onset, two with later AEC (acute-on-insidious). The median onset of dystonia was 10 months in both groups, and severity was greater in patients after AEC (n = 8 severe, n = 5 moderate) than in insidious onset (n = 4 mild, n = 3 moderate, n = 1 severe). Deviations from guideline-recommended basic metabolic treatment were identified in six insidious-onset patients. Striatal lesions were extensive in all acute-onset patients and restricted to the dorsolateral putamen in eight of ten insidious-onset patients. After AEC, the two acute-on-insidious patients had extensive striatal changes superimposed on pre-existing dorsolateral putaminal lesions. Two insidious-onset patients with progressive dystonia without overt AEC also had extensive striatal changes, one with sequential striatal injury revealed by diffusion-weighted imaging. Insidious-onset patients had a latency phase of 3.5 months to 6.5 years between detection and clinical manifestation of dorsolateral putaminal lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Insidious-onset type GA1 is characterized by dorsolateral putaminal lesions, less severe dystonia, and an asymptomatic latency phase, despite already existing lesions. Initially normal MRI during the first months and deviations from guideline-recommended treatment in a large proportion of insidious-onset patients substantiate the protective effect of neonatally initiated treatment.

Organic acidurias in adults: late complications and management

Organic acidurias (synonym, organic acid disorders, OADs) are a heterogenous group of inherited metabolic diseases delineated with the implementation of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in metabolic laboratories starting in the 1960s and 1970s. Biochemically, OADs are characterized by accumulation of mono-, di- and/or tricarboxylic acids ("organic acids") and corresponding coenzyme A, carnitine and/or glycine esters, some of which are considered toxic at high concentrations. Clinically, disease onset is variable, however, affected individuals may already present during the newborn period with life-threatening acute metabolic crises and acute multi-organ failure. Tandem mass spectrometry-based newborn screening programmes, in particular for isovaleric aciduria and glutaric aciduria type 1, have significantly reduced diagnostic delay. Dietary treatment with low protein intake or reduced intake of the precursor amino acid(s), carnitine supplementation, cofactor treatment (in responsive patients) and nonadsorbable antibiotics is commonly used for maintenance treatment. Emergency treatment options with high carbohydrate/glucose intake, pharmacological and extracorporeal detoxification of accumulating toxic metabolites for intensified therapy during threatening episodes exist. Diagnostic and therapeutic measures have improved survival and overall outcome in individuals with OADs. However, it has become increasingly evident that the manifestation of late disease complications cannot be reliably predicted and prevented. Conventional metabolic treatment often fails to prevent irreversible organ dysfunction with increasing age, even if patients are considered to be "metabolically stable". This has challenged our understanding of OADs and has elicited the discussion on optimized therapy, including (early) organ transplantation, and long-term care.

Patterns, evolution, and severity of striatal injury in insidious- versus acute-onset glutaric aciduria type 1

BACKGROUND

Striatal injury in patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) results in a complex, predominantly dystonic, movement disorder. Onset may be acute following acute encephalopathic crisis (AEC) or insidious without apparent acute event.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical and striatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 21 symptomatic GA1 patients to investigate if insidious- and acute-onset patients differed in timing, pattern of striatal injury, and outcome.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had acute and ten had insidious onset, two with later AEC (acute-on-insidious). The median onset of dystonia was 10 months in both groups, and severity was greater in patients after AEC (n = 8 severe, n = 5 moderate) than in insidious onset (n = 4 mild, n = 3 moderate, n = 1 severe). Deviations from guideline-recommended basic metabolic treatment were identified in six insidious-onset patients. Striatal lesions were extensive in all acute-onset patients and restricted to the dorsolateral putamen in eight of ten insidious-onset patients. After AEC, the two acute-on-insidious patients had extensive striatal changes superimposed on pre-existing dorsolateral putaminal lesions. Two insidious-onset patients with progressive dystonia without overt AEC also had extensive striatal changes, one with sequential striatal injury revealed by diffusion-weighted imaging. Insidious-onset patients had a latency phase of 3.5 months to 6.5 years between detection and clinical manifestation of dorsolateral putaminal lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Insidious-onset type GA1 is characterized by dorsolateral putaminal lesions, less severe dystonia, and an asymptomatic latency phase, despite already existing lesions. Initially normal MRI during the first months and deviations from guideline-recommended treatment in a large proportion of insidious-onset patients substantiate the protective effect of neonatally initiated treatment.

Favourable outcome in a child with symptomatic diagnosis of Glutaric aciduria type 1 despite vertical HIV infection and minor head trauma

The first case of Glutaric aciduria Type 1(GA1) in an African child was reported in 2001. GA1 has a prevalence of 1:5000 in black South Africans. Although early diagnosis is essential for a favourable outcome, newborn screening is not routine in South Africa where an estimated 320,000 children have HIV infection. Neurodevelopmental delay and encephalopathy are complications of both HIV and GA1. In such a setting it is important to recognise that HIV and GA1 can occur simultaneously. We present an HIV-infected South African male child of Xhosa descent with macrocephaly who commenced combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 8 weeks of age in a clinical trial which included a neurodevelopmental sub-study. He developed short-lived focal seizures at 16 months after minor head trauma. Neurological examination was normal. Neuroimaging showed temporal lobe atrophy, subtle hyperintense signal change in the globus pallidus, and focal haemosiderosis in the right Sylvian fissure region. As findings were not in keeping with HIV encephalopathy, a urine metabolic screen was undertaken which suggested GA1. Genetic testing confirmed Arg293Trp mutation. He began L-carnitine and a low protein diet as a restricted diet was not practicable. At 21 months he developed pulmonary tuberculosis, requiring 6 months treatment. He did not develop any neurologic motor symptoms. Serial neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological test scores until 9 years were similar to healthy neighbourhood controls, except for mild language delay at 3½ years. Detection of GA1, probably facilitated through participation in a clinical trial, was pivotal for a favourable outcome. The concomitant use of ART and anti-tuberculous therapy in a child with GA1 appears safe.

Early neonatal Glutaric aciduria type I hidden by perinatal asphyxia: a case report

Background

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) occurs in about 2 to 10 per 1000 live full-term births. Although neonatal epileptic seizures are observed in up to 60% of cases, PA may mimic or subtend other conditions. Hypoxia related brain injury is particularly relevant, as it may have permanent effects on neuropsychomotor development. Antepartum obstetric conditions, may, in turn, lead to hypoxic-ischemic damage to the fetus and the newborn, often underlying PA. Herein, a case of PA that hid and triggered signs and symptoms of Glutaric Aciduria type I (GA-I), is reported.

Case presentation

R.F. was born at term after prolonged labour, by induced vaginal delivery with the Kristeller manoeuvre. He presented with severe asphyxia and asystoly. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation promptly restored cardiorespiratory parameters, allowing for early extubation 30 min after. During the following hours, severe axial muscle hypotonia with an increased tone of the limb extensor muscles became evident. The absence of crying and archaic reflexes persisted and there was an onset of generalized tonic or clonic seizure. First level metabolic and inflammatory markers were within the normal range. An inherited metabolic disease was then suspected, due to the persistent clinical signs of severe neurological damage without any detectable septic parameter. GA-I was assessed and specific treatment started without any clinical improvement, although ensuring adequate growth and metabolic control. Thereafter, the baby developed a severe encephalopathy with drug resistant epileptic seizures. The progression of the neurological damage and a CVC-related sepsis led him to exitus at 2 years.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of early post-natal onset of GA-I reported in literature to date, in the absence of expanded newborn screening (NBS) programme. As expanded NBS programmes for inborn errors of metabolism have not yet been internationally adopted, we are of the opinion that such diseases may well be hidden by misleading signs and symptoms imputable to other more frequent harmful clinical conditions. Moreover, it would be advisable that neonatologists be trained to include GA-I in the differential diagnosis of neurological damage secondary to PA.

Impairment of astrocytic glutaminolysis in glutaric aciduria type I

Glutaric aciduria type I is a rare, autosomal recessive, inherited defect of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Deficiency of this protein in L-lysine degradation leads to the characteristic accumulation of nontoxic glutarylcarnitine and neurotoxic glutaric acid (GA), glutaryl-CoA, and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. Untreated patients develop bilateral lesions of basal ganglia resulting in a complex movement disorder with predominant dystonia in infancy and early childhood. The current pathomechanistic concept strongly focuses on imbalanced neuronal energy metabolism due to accumulating metabolites, whereas little is known about the pathomechanistic role of astrocytes, which are thought to be in constant metabolic crosstalk with neurons. We found that glutaric acid (GA) causes astrocytic cell death under starvation cell culture conditions, i.e. low glucose, without glutamine and fetal calf serum. Glutamine completely abolished GA-induced toxicity, suggesting involvement of glutaminolysis. Increasing dependence on glutaminolysis by chemical induction of hypoxia signaling-potentiated GA-induced toxicity. We further show that GA disturbs glutamine degradation by specifically inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase. Summarizing our study shows that pathologically relevant concentrations of GA block an important step in the metabolic crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes, ultimately leading to astrocytic cell death.

Exposure to intrauterine inflammation alters metabolomic profiles in the amniotic fluid, fetal and neonatal brain in the mouse

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to prenatal inflammation is associated with diverse adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in exposed offspring. The mechanism by which inflammation negatively impacts the developing brain is poorly understood. Metabolomic profiling provides an opportunity to identify specific metabolites, and novel pathways, which may reveal mechanisms by which exposure to intrauterine inflammation promotes fetal and neonatal brain injury. Therefore, we investigated whether exposure to intrauterine inflammation altered the metabolome of the amniotic fluid, fetal and neonatal brain. Additionally, we explored whether changes in the metabolomic profile from exposure to prenatal inflammation occurs in a sex-specific manner in the neonatal brain.

METHODS

CD-1, timed pregnant mice received an intrauterine injection of lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/dam) or saline on embryonic day 15. Six and 48 hours later mice were sacrificed and amniotic fluid, and fetal brains were collected (n = 8/group). Postnatal brains were collected on day of life 1 (n = 6/group/sex). Global biochemical profiles were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (Metabolon Inc.). Statistical analyses were performed by comparing samples from lipopolysaccharide and saline treated animals at each time point. For the P1 brains, analyses were stratified by sex.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to intrauterine inflammation induced unique, temporally regulated changes in the metabolic profiles of amniotic fluid, fetal brain and postnatal brain. Six hours after exposure to intrauterine inflammation, the amniotic fluid and the fetal brain metabolomes were dramatically altered with significant enhancements of amino acid and purine metabolites. The amniotic fluid had enhanced levels of several members of the (hypo) xanthine pathway and this compound was validated as a potential biomarker. By 48 hours, the number of altered biochemicals in both the fetal brain and the amniotic fluid had declined, yet unique profiles existed. Neonatal pups exposed to intrauterine inflammation have significant alterations in their lipid metabolites, in particular, fatty acids. These sex-specific metabolic changes within the newborn brain offer an explanation regarding the sexual dimorphism of certain psychiatric and neurobehavioral disorders associated with exposure to prenatal inflammation.

Thiamine deficiency in childhood with attention to genetic causes: Survival and outcome predictors

Primary and secondary conditions leading to thiamine deficiency have overlapping features in children, presenting with acute episodes of encephalopathy, bilateral symmetric brain lesions, and high excretion of organic acids that are specific of thiamine-dependent mitochondrial enzymes, mainly lactate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and branched chain keto-acids. Undiagnosed and untreated thiamine deficiencies are often fatal or lead to severe sequelae. Herein, we describe the clinical and genetic characterization of 79 patients with inherited thiamine defects causing encephalopathy in childhood, identifying outcome predictors in patients with pathogenic SLC19A3 variants, the most common genetic etiology. We propose diagnostic criteria that will aid clinicians to establish a faster and accurate diagnosis so that early vitamin supplementation is considered. Ann Neurol 2017;82:317-330.