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Late-onset Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes Presenting With Auditory Agnosia. Neurologist 2019; 24:90-92. [PMID: 31045719 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a multisystemic mitochondrial disorder that usually presents in childhood. Patients can have a wide array of neurological symptoms when presenting with stroke-like episodes, and imaging characteristics during the episodes can overlap with different neurological disorders. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old woman presented with communication difficulties consistent with auditory agnosia and was found to have bitemporal abnormalities on imaging that first raised the concern for herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Further work-up, in conjunction with the patient's past medical and family history, suggested a mitochondrial disorder. Mitochondrial full genome analysis revealed m.3243A>G variant in the MT-TL1 gene, with 6% heteroplasmy in blood leading to a diagnosis of MELAS. CONCLUSIONS MELAS is a disorder with clinical variability. Neuroimaging studies during stroke-like episodes in MELAS can provide significant clues to the underlying disorder. Although patients typically present in childhood, the first stroke-like episode can occur later in life in some patients, potentially related to a lower heteroplasmy level.
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Garrido-Maraver J, Cordero MD, Moñino ID, Pereira-Arenas S, Lechuga-Vieco AV, Cotán D, De la Mata M, Oropesa-Ávila M, De Miguel M, Bautista Lorite J, Rivas Infante E, Alvarez-Dolado M, Navas P, Jackson S, Francisci S, Sánchez-Alcázar JA. Screening of effective pharmacological treatments for MELAS syndrome using yeasts, fibroblasts and cybrid models of the disease. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:1311-28. [PMID: 22747838 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) is a mitochondrial disease most usually caused by point mutations in tRNA genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Approximately 80% of cases of MELAS syndrome are associated with a m.3243A > G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR). Currently, no effective treatments are available for this chronic progressive disorder. Treatment strategies in MELAS and other mitochondrial diseases consist of several drugs that diminish the deleterious effects of the abnormal respiratory chain function, reduce the presence of toxic agents or correct deficiencies in essential cofactors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the effectiveness of some common pharmacological agents that have been utilized in the treatment of MELAS, in yeast, fibroblast and cybrid models of the disease. The yeast model harbouring the A14G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene, which is equivalent to the A3243G mutation in humans, was used in the initial screening. Next, the most effective drugs that were able to rescue the respiratory deficiency in MELAS yeast mutants were tested in fibroblasts and cybrid models of MELAS disease. KEY RESULTS According to our results, supplementation with riboflavin or coenzyme Q(10) effectively reversed the respiratory defect in MELAS yeast and improved the pathologic alterations in MELAS fibroblast and cybrid cell models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that cell models have great potential for screening and validating the effects of novel drug candidates for MELAS treatment and presumably also for other diseases with mitochondrial impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Garrido-Maraver
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
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Schaffer SW, Jong CJ, Warner D, Ito T, Azuma J. Taurine Deficiency and MELAS Are Closely Related Syndromes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 776:153-65. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6093-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Santa KM. Treatment options for mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. Pharmacotherapy 2011; 30:1179-96. [PMID: 20973690 DOI: 10.1592/phco.30.11.1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by the decreased ability of cells to produce sufficient energy in the form of adenosine 5'-triphosphate. Although it is one of the most common maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders, its exact incidence is unknown. Caused most frequently by an A-to-G point mutation at the 3243 position in the mitochondrial DNA, MELAS syndrome has a broad range of clinical manifestations and a highly variable course. The classic neurologic characteristics include encephalopathy, seizures, and stroke-like episodes. In addition to its neurologic manifestations, MELAS syndrome exhibits multisystem effects including cardiac conduction defects, diabetes mellitus, short stature, myopathy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Unfortunately, no consensus guidelines outlining standard drug regimens exist for this syndrome. Many of the accepted therapies used in treating MELAS syndrome have been identified through a small number of clinical trials or isolated case reports. Currently, the drugs most often used include antioxidants and various vitamins aimed at minimizing the demands on the mitochondria and supporting and maximizing their function. Some of the most frequently prescribed agents include coenzyme Q(10), l-arginine, B vitamins, and levocarnitine. Although articles describing MELAS syndrome are available, few specifically target education for clinical pharmacists. This article will provide pharmacists with a practical resource to enhance their understanding of MELAS syndrome in order to provide safe and effective pharmaceutical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Santa
- Department of Pharmacy, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA.
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Fraser JA, Biousse V, Newman NJ. The neuro-ophthalmology of mitochondrial disease. Surv Ophthalmol 2010; 55:299-334. [PMID: 20471050 PMCID: PMC2989385 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2009.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases frequently manifest neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and signs. Because of the predilection of mitochondrial disorders to involve the optic nerves, extraocular muscles, retina, and even the retrochiasmal visual pathways, the ophthalmologist is often the first physician to be consulted. Disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction can result from abnormalities in either the mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes which encode mitochondrial proteins. Inheritance of these mutations will follow patterns specific to their somatic or mitochondrial genetics. Genotype-phenotype correlations are inconstant, and considerable overlap may occur among these syndromes. The diagnostic approach to the patient with suspected mitochondrial disease entails a detailed personal and family history, careful ophthalmic, neurologic, and systemic examination, directed investigations, and attention to potentially life-threatening sequelae. Although curative treatments for mitochondrial disorders are currently lacking, exciting research advances are being made, particularly in the area of gene therapy. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, with its window of opportunity for timely intervention and its accessibility to directed therapy, offers a unique model to study future therapeutic interventions. Most patients and their relatives benefit from informed genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Alexander Fraser
- Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A.F., V.B., N.J.N.), Neurology (V.B., N.J.N.), and Neurological Surgery (N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Valérie Biousse
- Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A.F., V.B., N.J.N.), Neurology (V.B., N.J.N.), and Neurological Surgery (N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nancy J. Newman
- Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A.F., V.B., N.J.N.), Neurology (V.B., N.J.N.), and Neurological Surgery (N.J.N.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Brass SD, Smith EE, Arboleda-Velasquez JF, Copen WA, Frosch MP. Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 12-2009. A 46-year-old man with migraine, aphasia, and hemiparesis and similarly affected family members. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:1656-65. [PMID: 19369672 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc0810839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Brass
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Wubben
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin 53792-5148, USA
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Thomas JE, Lee N, Thompson PD. Statins Provoking MELAS Syndrome. Eur Neurol 2007; 57:232-5. [PMID: 17389800 DOI: 10.1159/000101287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins inhibit the production of 2,3-dimethoxy,5-methyl,6-polyisoprene parabenzoquinone also known as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is required for mitochondrial electron transport. Idiopathic or primary CoQ10 deficiencies have been known to cause mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. METHODS We present the case of a patient with mitochondrial syndrome, consisting of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), whose symptoms were temporally related to statin therapy. CONCLUSION Statins may provoke symptoms related to MELAS in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Conn., USA.
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Scaglia F, Northrop JL. The mitochondrial myopathy encephalopathy, lactic acidosis with stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome: a review of treatment options. CNS Drugs 2006; 20:443-64. [PMID: 16734497 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200620060-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are a multisystemic group of disorders that are characterised by a wide range of biochemical and genetic mitochondrial defects and variable modes of inheritance. Among this group of disorders, the mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis with stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is one of the most frequently occurring, maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders. As the name implies, stroke-like episodes are the defining feature of the MELAS syndrome, often occurring before the age of 15 years. The clinical course of this disorder is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic, with normal early development, to progressive muscle weakness, lactic acidosis, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, stroke-like episodes, encephalopathy and premature death. This syndrome is associated with a number of point mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, with over 80% of the mutations occurring in the dihydrouridine loop of the mitochondrial transfer RNA(Leu(UUR)) [tRNA(Leu)((UUR))] gene. The pathophysiology of the disease is not completely understood; however, several different mechanisms are proposed to contribute to this disease. These include decreased aminoacylation of mitochondrial tRNA, resulting in decreased mitochondrial protein synthesis; changes in calcium homeostasis; and alterations in nitric oxide metabolism. Currently, no consensus criteria exist for treating the MELAS syndrome or mitochondrial dysfunction in other diseases. Many of the therapeutic strategies used have been adopted as the result of isolated case reports or limited clinical studies that have included a heterogeneous population of patients with the MELAS syndrome, other defects in oxidative phosphorylation or lactic acidosis due to disorders of pyruvate metabolism. Current approaches to the treatment of the MELAS syndrome are based on the use of antioxidants, respiratory chain substrates and cofactors in the form of vitamins; however, no consistent benefits have been observed with these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Scaglia
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Abstract
Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is the most common maternally inherited mitochondrial disease. An A-->G mutation in the transfer RNA(Leu(UUR)) gene at position 3243 of the mitochondrial DNA accounts for most MELAS cases. The transient nature of the stroke-like episodes is reflected in abnormalities on neuroimaging. The cardinal laboratory abnormalities include elevated serum lactate during the acute episodes and respiratory enzyme defects in skeletal muscle. Muscle biopsy also helps confirm the diagnosis by identifying abnormal proliferation of mitochondria. Although current treatment options for MELAS are largely supportive, several therapeutic approaches have been attempted with limited success. Genetic counseling is an important component of patient management in MELAS. Newer reproductive technologies hold promise for reducing the recurrence of MELAS in subsequent generations. Advances in research into gene therapy offer hope of treatment for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Thambisetty
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
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Payne M, Yang Z, Katz BJ, Warner JEA, Weight CJ, Zhao Y, Pearson ED, Treft RL, Hillman T, Kennedy RJ, Meire FM, Zhang K. Dominant optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia: a syndrome caused by a missense mutation in OPA1. Am J Ophthalmol 2004; 138:749-55. [PMID: 15531309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the clinical features of and identify the disease-causing mutation in a large Utah family segregating a dominantly inherited syndrome of optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia. DESIGN Observational case series. METHODS Thirty individuals at risk for a syndrome of optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia in a single family underwent clinical examinations and venipuncture. Linkage analysis and mutation screening of the optic atrophy 1 gene (OPA1) were performed. RESULTS Eighteen individuals demonstrated characteristics of the syndrome. Genetic analysis identified a G-->A substitution at nucleotide position 1334 in exon 14 of OPA1 causing an arginine-to-histidine change (R445H) in all affected members of the family. This change segregated with the disease phenotype in the study family with a LOD score of 7.02 at theta; = 0 and was not found in 200 normal control subjects. Analysis of an unrelated Belgian family with a similar phenotype revealed the same R445H mutation segregating with the disease phenotype. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a mutation in OPA1 causing a unique syndrome of optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia. These results expand the spectrum of human disease associated with mutations of OPA1 and indicate that ophthalmologists caring for patients with optic atrophy should inquire about possible associated hearing loss. Although OPA1 is a nuclear gene, the gene product localizes to mitochondria, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may be the final common pathway for many forms of syndromic and nonsyndromic optic atrophy, hearing loss, and external ophthalmoplegia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Payne
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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