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Peri F, Cherchi C, Chiarini Testa MB, Pavone M, Verrillo E, Cutrera R. The Efficacy of Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients Affected by Rett Syndrome With Hypoventilation. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 158:81-85. [PMID: 39002354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome is a progressive neurological disorder associated to several comorbidities that contribute significantly to impair lung function. Respiratory morbidity represents a major cause of death in this population. Little is known about the benefit of noninvasive ventilation. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled patients with Rett syndrome who underwent a pneumological evaluation combined with a cardiorespiratory polygraphy and/or a pulse oximetry and capnography from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS Medical records of 11 patients with Rett syndrome, mean age 13 ± 6 years, were evaluated. Most patients presented with both epilepsy and scoliosis. Five patients showed a pathologic sleep study and/or impaired night gas exchange: mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 4 ± 3 events/hour; mean and minimal SpO2 were, respectively, 93% ± 2% and 83% ± 6%, while mean and maximal transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring (PtcCO2) were, respectively, 51 ± 5 mm Hg and 55 ± 8 mm Hg; and mean oxygen desaturation index was 13 ± 11 events/hour. These patients started noninvasive ventilation with clinical benefit and improved gas exchange mostly in terms of PtcCO2 (mean PtcCO2 51 ± 5 mm Hg before and 46 ± 6 mm Hg after noninvasive ventilation). CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive ventilation is a suitable option for patients with Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Peri
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Claudio Cherchi
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Chiarini Testa
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Pavone
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Verrillo
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Cutrera
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Kaufmann WE, Percy AK, Neul JL, Downs J, Leonard H, Nues P, Sharma GD, Bartolotta TE, Townend GS, Curfs LMG, Mariotti O, Buda C, O'Leary HM, Oberman LM, Vogel-Farley V, Barnes KV, Missling CU. Burden of illness in Rett syndrome: initial evaluation of a disorder-specific caregiver survey. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:296. [PMID: 39138481 PMCID: PMC11323357 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder associated with multiple neurologic impairments. Previous studies have shown challenges to the quality of life of individuals with RTT and their caregivers. However, instruments applied to quantify disease burden have not adequately captured the impact of these impairments on affected individuals and their families. Consequently, an international collaboration of stakeholders aimed at evaluating Burden of Illness (BOI) in RTT was organized. METHODS Based on literature reviews and qualitative interviews with parents of children and adults with RTT, a caregiver questionnaire was constructed to evaluate 22 problems (inclusive of core characteristics, functional impairments, and comorbidities) often experienced with RTT, rated mainly with a 5-level Likert scale. The questionnaire was administered anonymously online to an international sample of 756 caregivers (predominantly parents) of girls and women with RTT. Descriptive statistics were used to identify problems of high frequency and impact on affected individuals and caregivers. Chi-square tests characterized the relationship between problem severity and impact responses, while nonparametric ANOVAs of raw and z-score adjusted scores identified agreement between severity and impact on individual and caregiver. Secondary inferential tests were used to determine the roles of age, clinical type, and country of residence on BOI in RTT. RESULTS There was variability in reported frequency of problems, with the most prevalent, severe and impactful being those related to the core features of RTT (i.e., communication and fine and gross motor impairments). Chi-square analyses demonstrated interdependence between severity and impact responses, while ANOVAs showed that many problems had disproportionately greater impact than severity, either on affected individuals (e.g., hand stereotypies) or their caregivers (e.g., sleep difficulties, seizures, pain, and behavioral abnormalities). With certain exceptions (e.g., breath-holding, seizures), age, clinical type, or country of residence did not influence these BOI profiles. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that core features and related impairments are particularly impactful in RTT. However, problems with mild severity can also have disproportionate impact on affected individuals and, particularly, on their caregivers. Future analyses will examine the role of factors such as treatment outcomes, healthcare services, and healthcare provider's perspectives, in these BOI profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, NY, USA.
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Paige Nues
- International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Claude Buda
- Rett Syndrome Association of Australia (RSAA), Grovedale, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Lindsay M Oberman
- National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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May D, Kponee-Shovein K, Neul JL, Percy AK, Mahendran M, Downes N, Chen G, Watson T, Pichard DC, Kennedy M, Lefebvre P. Characterizing the journey of Rett syndrome among females in the United States: a real-world evidence study using the Rett syndrome natural history study database. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:42. [PMID: 39061009 PMCID: PMC11282812 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advent of the first targeted therapy for Rett Syndrome (RTT), a comprehensive assessment of the journey of RTT is needed to elucidate on present unmet needs in this population. This study characterized females with RTT in the United States and their disease journey with respect to longitudinal treatment patterns, RTT-related outcomes, and changes in disease severity. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used registry data of females with RTT from the 5211 RTT Natural History Study (RNHS) (November 2015-July 2021). Pharmacological and supportive therapy use, RTT-related outcomes, and RTT severity, as measured by the Clinical Severity Scale and Motor Behavioral Assessment scale, were evaluated following the first RNHS visit. Analyses were conducted overall and in subgroups by RTT type (classic and atypical RTT) and age at first visit (pediatric and adult). RESULTS A total of 455 females with RTT were included in the study, of whom 90.5% had classic RTT and 79.8% were pediatric individuals. Over a median follow-up of 4 years, use of pharmacological therapies, including prokinetic agents (42.7% vs. 28.3%), and supportive therapies, including physical therapy (87.3% vs. 40.2%) and speech-language therapy (86.8% vs. 23.9%), were more common in pediatric than adult individuals (all p < 0.05). Nearly half (44.6%) of all individuals had a hospital or emergency room visit, with a higher proportion of visits in individuals with classic RTT than atypical RTT and pediatric than adult individuals (both p = 0.001). An increasing trend in clinical severity was observed in pediatric individuals (mean change per year: 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03, 0.44), while an increasing trend in motor-behavioral dysfunction was observed in pediatric individuals (mean change per year: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.60) and those with classic RTT (mean change per year: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.41). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study highlight the considerable burden of RTT across disease subtype and age. Despite reliance on supportive therapies and healthcare encounters, individuals with RTT experience increasing disease severity and motor-behavioral dysfunction in childhood and adolescence, underscoring the unmet needs of this population and the value of early intervention to manage RTT in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian May
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | | | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alan K Percy
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Mohammed HE, Bady Z, Haseeb ME, Aboeldahab H, Sharaf-Eldin WE, Zaki MS. Is trofinetide a future treatment for Rett syndrome? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Med 2024; 22:299. [PMID: 39020317 PMCID: PMC11256568 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03506-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare, life-threatening, genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Treatment in RTT encounters many challenges. Trofinetide, a modified amino-terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor 1, has demonstrated clinically promising results in RTT. In this study, trofinetide efficacy and safety in RTT are systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. METHODS A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted until January 2024. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the analysis. The analysis was based on a weighted mean difference and standard error with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, and a statistically significant P-value was considered if it was < 0.05. The study was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024499849. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 276 patients were included in the analysis. Trofinetide improved both caregiver outcomes and clinical scales by improving the Rett Syndrome Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ) (mean difference (MD): - 3.46 points, 95% CI: - 5.63 to - 1.27, P = 0.0002) and Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement (CGI-I) (MD: - 0.35, 95% CI: - 0.51 to - 0.18, P < 0.0001), respectively. However, trofinetide neither improved the Caregiver Top 3 Concerns Visual Analog Scale nor the Rett Motor Behavioral Assessment. Regarding safety, trofinetide was significantly associated with vomiting compared to placebo (odds ratio (OR): 3.17, 95% CI: 1.57 to 6.43, P = 0.001). After solving heterogeneity, results showed a statistically significant incidence of diarrhea in the trofinetide (200 mg) group compared to placebo (OR: 18.51, 95% CI: 9.30 to 36.84, P ≤ 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS Trofinetide demonstrated statistically significant improvements in CGI-I and RSBQ in pediatrics and adult patients with Rett. Side effects are limited to vomiting and diarrhea. Although diarrhea yielded an insignificant result in our analysis, it emerged as a cause for treatment discontinuation in the participating trials, and a statistically significant risk for diarrhea emerged when excluding the study using a lower dose of the drug, hence causing heterogeneity, in the meta-analysis. Given the diverse genetic landscape of RTT, future RCTs investigating correlations between RTT genotype and phenotypic improvements by trofinetide will be beneficial. RCTs encompassing male patients with larger and longer cohorts are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeyad Bady
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Heba Aboeldahab
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Negida Academy, Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical Research Department, El-Gomhoria General Hospital, MOHP, Alexandria, Egypt
- Biomedical Informatics and Medical Statistics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Wessam E Sharaf-Eldin
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha S Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
- Medical Genetics Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), Cairo, Egypt.
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Percy AK, Neul JL, Benke TA, Berry-Kravis EM, Glaze DG, Marsh ED, Barrett AM, An D, Bishop KM, Youakim JM. Trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome: Long-term safety and efficacy results of the 32-month, open-label LILAC-2 study. MED 2024:S2666-6340(24)00253-8. [PMID: 39025065 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trofinetide was approved for the treatment of Rett syndrome (RTT) in patients aged ≥2 years based on the results of the 12-week, randomized, phase 3 LAVENDER study. In LILAC, a 40-week, open-label extension study of LAVENDER, trofinetide continued to improve the symptoms of RTT, with a similar safety profile as LAVENDER. Here, we report long-term safety and efficacy results of LILAC-2, a 32-month, open-label extension study. METHODS Females aged 5-22 years who completed LILAC were eligible to enter LILAC-2. Safety and tolerability were assessed with the incidence of adverse events (AEs). Efficacy was assessed with Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores. Caregiver interviews explored the patient's experience with RTT and the efficacy of trofinetide during study participation. FINDINGS In total, 77 participants were enrolled in LILAC-2. The most common AEs were diarrhea (53.2%), COVID-19 (27.3%), and vomiting (19.5%). The mean (standard error [SE]) change in RSBQ score from LAVENDER baseline to week 104 of LILAC-2 was -11.8 (2.45). The mean (SE) CGI-I score from LILAC baseline to week 12 of LILAC-2 was 3.1 (0.10). Most caregivers (96%; n = 24/25) were satisfied or very satisfied with the benefits of trofinetide. CONCLUSIONS Long-term treatment with trofinetide continued to improve RTT symptoms, without new safety concerns. Caregivers reported satisfaction with trofinetide related to improvements that were meaningful for their child and themselves. FUNDING The study was supported by Acadia Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA, USA). This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04776746.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy M Barrett
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Di An
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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Berger TD, Fogel Berger C, Gara S, Ben-Zeev B, Weiss B. Nutritional and gastrointestinal manifestations in Rett syndrome: long-term follow-up. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05668-3. [PMID: 38960904 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene mutations. We aimed to characterize the long-term nutritional and gastrointestinal course of Rett syndrome in a large national patient population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients followed during 1991-2021 at a national center for Rett syndrome. The data retrieved included clinical features, laboratory and genetic analyses. Continuous anthropometric measurements were calculated for the closest visit to the median ages: 2.5, 7.5, 12.5 and 17.5 years. Kaplan Meier curves were used to describe the appearance of clinical manifestations during the follow up period. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare repeated measurements. RESULTS Included were 141 patients (139 females), the median age at the first visit was 3.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.3-5.7), and the median length of follow-up was 94.5 months (IQR 28.6-153.3). Mean weight, height and BMI Z-scores were -1.09, -1.03 and -0.56, respectively, at median age 2.5 years; and deteriorated to -3.95, -3.01 and -1.19, respectively, at median age 17.5 years (P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal features included constipation (47.5%, 67/141) and chewing/feeding difficulties (20%, 28/141) at presentation; and an additional 47 (33.3%) and 24 (17.0%), respectively, during follow up. Twenty-eight patients (20%) developed aerophagia and 44 (31.2%) gastroesophageal reflux. No relation was found between genetic mutation types and clinical manifestations. GI manifestations were more prevalent in patients with typical form of Rett syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Anthropometric parameters were shown to deteriorate with age, regardless of the specific genetic mutation. Chewing/feeding difficulties, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux are common in Rett patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal David Berger
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel.
| | - Chen Fogel Berger
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Sewar Gara
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel
| | - Bruria Ben-Zeev
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Batia Weiss
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Cordone V. Biochemical and molecular determinants of the subclinical inflammatory mechanisms in Rett syndrome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 757:110046. [PMID: 38815782 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
To date, Rett syndrome (RTT), a genetic disorder mainly caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, is increasingly considered a broad-spectrum pathology, instead of just a neurodevelopmental disease, due to the multitude of peripheral co-morbidities and the compromised metabolic pathways, affecting the patients. The altered molecular processes include an impaired mitochondrial function, a perturbed redox homeostasis, a chronic subclinical inflammation and an improper cholesterol metabolism. The persistent subclinical inflammatory condition was first defined ten years ago, as a previously unrecognized feature of RTT, playing a role in the pathology progress and modulation of phenotypical severity. In light of this, the present work aims at reviewing the current knowledge on the chronic inflammatory status and the altered immune/inflammatory functions in RTT, as well as investigating the emerging mechanisms underlying this condition with a special focus on the latest findings about inflammasome system, autoimmunity responses and intestinal micro- and mycobiota. On these bases, although further research is needed, future therapeutic strategies able to re-establish an adequate immune/inflammatory response could represent potential approaches for RTT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cordone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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8
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Percy AK, Neul JL, Benke TA, Berry-Kravis EM, Glaze DG, Marsh ED, An D, Bishop KM, Youakim JM. Trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome: Results from the open-label extension LILAC study. MED 2024:S2666-6340(24)00222-8. [PMID: 38917793 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trofinetide was approved for the treatment of Rett syndrome based on the results of the phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, 12-week LAVENDER study. Rett syndrome is a chronic disorder requiring long-term treatment. We report the efficacy and safety results of LILAC, a 40-week, open-label extension study of LAVENDER. METHODS Females with Rett syndrome aged 5-21 years received open-label treatment with trofinetide for 40 weeks. The primary endpoint was long-term safety of trofinetide; secondary endpoints included the change from baseline at week 40 in the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire score and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement score at week 40. FINDINGS Overall, 154 participants were enrolled and treated with trofinetide in LILAC. The most common adverse events in LILAC were diarrhea (74.7%), vomiting (28.6%), and COVID-19 (11.0%). Diarrhea was the most common adverse event leading to treatment withdrawal (21.4%). The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire mean score (standard error) improvement from the LAVENDER baseline to week 40 in LILAC was -7.3 (1.62) and -7.0 (1.61) for participants treated with trofinetide and placebo in LAVENDER, respectively. Mean Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores (standard error) at week 40 rated from the LILAC baseline were 3.1 (0.11) and 3.2 (0.14) for participants treated with trofinetide and placebo in LAVENDER, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with trofinetide for ≤40 weeks continued to improve symptoms of Rett syndrome. Trofinetide had a similar safety profile in LILAC as in LAVENDER. FUNDING The study was supported by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA). This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04279314).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Timothy A Benke
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Di An
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
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Motil KJ, Beisang A, Smith-Hicks C, Lembo A, Standridge SM, Liu E. Recommendations for the management of gastrointestinal comorbidities with or without trofinetide use in Rett syndrome. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:227-237. [PMID: 38869952 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2368014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities are experienced by over 90% of individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutations in the MECP2 gene, many neurologists and pediatricians do not rank the management of these comorbidities among the most important treatment goals for RTT. Trofinetide, the first approved pharmacologic treatment for RTT, confers improvements in RTT symptoms but is associated with adverse GI events, primarily diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment strategies for GI comorbidities and drug-associated symptoms in RTT represent an unmet clinical need. AREAS COVERED This perspective covers GI comorbidities experienced by those with RTT, either with or without trofinetide treatment. PubMed literature searches were undertaken on treatment recommendations for the following conditions: constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, aspiration, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, gastroparesis, gastritis, and abdominal bloating. EXPERT OPINION The authors recommend a proactive approach to management of symptomatic GI comorbidities and drug-associated symptoms in RTT to enhance drug tolerance and improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Management strategies for common GI comorbidities associated with RTT are reviewed based on authors' clinical experience and augmented by recommendations from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Motil
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arthur Beisang
- Department of Pediatrics, Gillette Children's Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Constance Smith-Hicks
- Center for Synaptic Disorders, Rett and Related Disorders Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anthony Lembo
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shannon M Standridge
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Edwin Liu
- Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
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Sideris G, Panagoulis E, Grigoropoulos C, Mermiri D, Nikolopoulos T, Delides A. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Findings in Children With Rett Syndrome. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:551-556. [PMID: 37424375 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231184673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Feeding abnormalities, swallowing dysfunction, and gastrointestinal issues cause poor weight gain, oral motor dysfunction, and air swallowing in children with Rett syndrome (RTT). Pneumonia is the leading cause of death. Our study describes fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing findings in 11 female RTT children. Each patient was evaluated using the 8-point Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS). The average age was 7 years. All patients had tongue dyskinesis and prolonged oral stage. Eight girls exhibited liquid entering the airway without coughing, whereas 6 did well with pureed meal. Three girls had pneumonia. Age was not correlated with pneumonia episodes (P = .18). Pureed material was related with pneumonia (P = .006), whereas liquids were not. Pureed PAS was positively correlated with Liquid PAS (P = .008) and age (P = .004). All aspiration/penetration incidents occurred before the pharyngeal phase. No patient under 7 years experienced pneumonia episodes. Silent aspiration can occur early in infancy, although pneumonia episodes can occur later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgos Sideris
- 2nd Otolaryngology Department, "Attikon" University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Panagoulis
- 2nd Otolaryngology Department, "Attikon" University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Grigoropoulos
- 2nd Otolaryngology Department, "Attikon" University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Mermiri
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Penteli Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Nikolopoulos
- 2nd Otolaryngology Department, "Attikon" University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander Delides
- 2nd Otolaryngology Department, "Attikon" University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Trevizan-Baú P, Stanić D, Furuya WI, Dhingra RR, Dutschmann M. Neuroanatomical frameworks for volitional control of breathing and orofacial behaviors. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 323:104227. [PMID: 38295924 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Breathing is the only vital function that can be volitionally controlled. However, a detailed understanding how volitional (cortical) motor commands can transform vital breathing activity into adaptive breathing patterns that accommodate orofacial behaviors such as swallowing, vocalization or sniffing remains to be developed. Recent neuroanatomical tract tracing studies have identified patterns and origins of descending forebrain projections that target brain nuclei involved in laryngeal adductor function which is critically involved in orofacial behavior. These nuclei include the midbrain periaqueductal gray and nuclei of the respiratory rhythm and pattern generating network in the brainstem, specifically including the pontine Kölliker-Fuse nucleus and the pre-Bötzinger complex in the medulla oblongata. This review discusses the functional implications of the forebrain-brainstem anatomical connectivity that could underlie the volitional control and coordination of orofacial behaviors with breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Trevizan-Baú
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Davor Stanić
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Werner I Furuya
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rishi R Dhingra
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mathias Dutschmann
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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12
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Moore R, Poulsen J, Reardon L, Samples-Morris C, Simmons H, Ramsey KM, Whatley ML, Lane JB. Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms Resulting from Treatment with Trofinetide for Rett Syndrome: Caregiver and Nurse Perspectives. Adv Ther 2024; 41:1305-1317. [PMID: 38378975 PMCID: PMC10960750 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting female individuals. Trofinetide was recently approved as the first treatment for RTT, largely on the basis of results from the phase 3 LAVENDER trial, in which trofinetide showed improvements in core symptoms of RTT compared with placebo. However, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting were commonly reported side effects, and taste was also a reported issue. The objective of this article is to describe the perspectives of five caregivers of girls in trofinetide clinical trials as well as those of three nurse trial coordinators, with a focus on management of GI symptoms of trofinetide treatment.Audio Abstract available for this article. Audio Abstract: Jane Lane provides an overview and discusses key findings of the article titled "Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms Resulting from Treatment with Trofinetide for Rett Syndrome: Caregiver and Nurse Perspectives." (MP4 83274 KB).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Keri M Ramsey
- Center for Rare Childhood Disorders, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Jane B Lane
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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13
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Caputi V, Hill L, Figueiredo M, Popov J, Hartung E, Margolis KG, Baskaran K, Joharapurkar P, Moshkovich M, Pai N. Functional contribution of the intestinal microbiome in autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome: a systematic review of pediatric and adult studies. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1341656. [PMID: 38516317 PMCID: PMC10954784 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1341656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Critical phases of neurodevelopment and gut microbiota diversification occur in early life and both processes are impacted by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown the presence of gut microbiota alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we performed a systematic review of alterations of the intestinal microbiota composition and function in pediatric and adult patients affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Rett syndrome (RETT). Methods We searched selected keywords in the online databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and OVID (January 1980 to December 2021) with secondary review of references of eligible articles. Two reviewers independently performed critical appraisals on the included articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for each study design. Results Our systematic review identified 18, 7, and 3 original articles describing intestinal microbiota profiles in ASD, ADHD, and RETT, respectively. Decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes were observed in the gut microbiota of individuals affected by ASD and ADHD. Proinflammatory cytokines, short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter levels were altered in ASD and RETT. Constipation and visceral pain were related to changes in the gut microbiota in patients affected by ASD and RETT. Hyperactivity and impulsivity were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium (phylum Firmicutes) and positively correlated with Bacteroides sp. (phylum Bacteroidetes) in ADHD subjects. Five studies explored microbiota-or diet-targeted interventions in ASD and ADHD. Probiotic treatments with Lactobacillus sp. and fecal microbiota transplantation from healthy donors reduced constipation and ameliorated ASD symptoms in affected children. Perinatal administration of Lactobacillus sp. prevented the onset of Asperger and ADHD symptoms in adolescence. Micronutrient supplementation improved disease symptomatology in ADHD without causing significant changes in microbiota communities' composition. Discussion Several discrepancies were found among the included studies, primarily due to sample size, variations in dietary practices, and a high prevalence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms. Further studies employing longitudinal study designs, larger sample sizes and multi-omics technologies are warranted to identify the functional contribution of the intestinal microbiota in developmental trajectories of the human brain and neurobehavior. Systematic review registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42020158734.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Caputi
- Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Lee Hill
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Melanie Figueiredo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jelena Popov
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Hartung
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
- New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kanish Baskaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Papiha Joharapurkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michal Moshkovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nikhil Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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14
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Darwish M, Youakim JM, Darling I, Lukacova V, Owen JS, Bradley H. A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach to Assess the Potential for Drug Interactions Between Trofinetide and CYP3A4-Metabolized Drugs. Clin Ther 2024; 46:194-200. [PMID: 38307724 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trofinetide is the first drug to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of patients with Rett syndrome, a multisystem disorder requiring multimodal therapies. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 metabolizes >50% of therapeutic drugs and is the CYP isozyme most commonly expressed in the liver and intestines. In vitro studies suggest the concentration of trofinetide producing 50% inhibition (IC50) of CYP3A4 is >15 mmol/L; that concentration was much greater than the target clinical concentration associated with the maximal intended therapeutic dose (12 g). Thus, trofinetide has a low potential for drug-drug interactions in the liver. However, there is potential for drug-drug interactions in the intestines given the oral route of administration and expected relatively high concentration in the gastrointestinal tract after dose administration. METHODS Using a validated physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, deterministic and stochastic simulations were used for assessing the PK properties related to exposure and bioavailability of midazolam (sensitive index substrate for CYP3A4) following an oral (15 mg) or intravenous (2 mg) dose, with and without single-dose and steady-state (12 g) coadministration of oral trofinetide. FINDINGS Following coadministration of intravenous midazolam and oral trofinetide, the PK properties of midazolam were unchanged. The trofinetide concentration in the gut wall was >15 mmol/L during the first 1.5 hours after dosing. With the coadministration of oral midazolam and trofinetide, the model predicted increases in fraction of dose reaching the portal vein, bioavailability, Cmax, and AUCinf of 30%, 30%, 18%, and 30%, respectively. IMPLICATIONS In this study that used a PBPK modeling approach, it was shown that CYP3A4 enzyme activity in the liver was not affected by trofinetide coadministration, but trofinetide was predicted to be a weak inhibitor of intestinal CYP3A4 metabolism after oral administration at therapeutic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Darwish
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, California.
| | | | - Inger Darling
- Division of Cognigen Simulations Plus Inc, Buffalo, New York
| | | | - Joel S Owen
- Division of Cognigen Simulations Plus Inc, Buffalo, New York
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15
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Pepe G, Coco R, Corica D, Di Rosa G, Bossowski F, Skorupska M, Aversa T, Stagi S, Wasniewska M. Prevalence of Endocrinopathies in a Cohort of Patients with Rett Syndrome: A Two-Center Observational Study. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:287. [PMID: 38540345 PMCID: PMC10970698 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Systematic data on endocrinopathies in Rett syndrome (RTT) patients remain limited and inconclusive. The aim of this retrospective observational two-center study was to assess the prevalence of endocrinopathies in a pediatric population of RTT patients. A total of 51 Caucasian patients (47 girls, 4 boys) with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of RTT were enrolled (mean age 9.65 ± 5.9 years). The patients were referred from the Rett Center of two Italian Hospitals for endocrinological evaluation. All the study population underwent clinical and auxological assessments and hormonal workups. MeCP2 mutations were detected in 38 cases (74.5%), CDKL5 deletions in 11 (21.6%), and FOXG1 mutations in 2 (3.9%). Overall, 40 patients were treated with anti-seizure medications. The most frequent endocrinological finding was short stature (47%), followed by menstrual cycle abnormalities (46.2%), weight disorders (45.1%), low bone mineral density (19.6%), hyperprolactinemia (13.7%) and thyroid disorders (9.8%). In the entire study population, endocrinopathies were significantly more frequent in patients with MeCP2 mutations (p = 0.0005), and epilepsy was more frequent in CDKL5 deletions (p = 0.02). In conclusion, our data highlighted that endocrinopathies are not rare in RTT, especially in patients with MeCP2 deletions. Therefore, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach, endocrinological evaluation should be recommended for RTT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pepe
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Roberto Coco
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Domenico Corica
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98128 Messina, Italy;
| | - Filip Bossowski
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Magdalena Skorupska
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Stefano Stagi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Meyer Children Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (D.C.); (F.B.); (M.S.); (T.A.)
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16
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Al Shaer D, Al Musaimi O, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. 2023 FDA TIDES (Peptides and Oligonucleotides) Harvest. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:243. [PMID: 38399458 PMCID: PMC10893093 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A total of nine TIDES (pepTIDES and oligonucleoTIDES) were approved by the FDA during 2023. The four approved oligonucleotides are indicated for various types of disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, geographic atrophy, primary hyperoxaluria type 1, and polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. All oligonucleotides show chemically modified structures to enhance their stability and therapeutic effectiveness as antisense or aptamer oligomers. Some of them demonstrate various types of conjugation to driving ligands. The approved peptides comprise various structures, including linear, cyclic, and lipopeptides, and have diverse applications. Interestingly, the FDA has granted its first orphan drug designation for a peptide-based drug as a highly selective chemokine antagonist. Furthermore, Rett syndrome has found its first-ever core symptoms treatment, which is also peptide-based. Here, we analyze the TIDES approved in 2023 on the basis of their chemical structure, medical target, mode of action, administration route, and common adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah Al Shaer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Evotec (UK) Ltd., Abingdon OX14 4R, UK
| | - Othman Al Musaimi
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Fernando Albericio
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- KRISP, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Allison K, Maletic-Savatic M, Pehlivan D. MECP2-related disorders while gene-based therapies are on the horizon. Front Genet 2024; 15:1332469. [PMID: 38410154 PMCID: PMC10895005 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1332469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new genetic tools has led to the discovery of the genetic bases of many intellectual and developmental disabilities. This creates exciting opportunities for research and treatment development, and a few genetic disorders (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy) have recently been treated with gene-based therapies. MECP2 is found on the X chromosome and regulates the transcription of thousands of genes. Loss of MECP2 gene product leads to Rett Syndrome, a disease found primarily in females, and is characterized by developmental regression, motor dysfunction, midline hand stereotypies, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, epilepsy, scoliosis, and autistic-like behavior. Duplication of MECP2 causes MECP2 Duplication Syndrome (MDS). MDS is found mostly in males and presents with developmental delay, hypotonia, autistic features, refractory epilepsy, and recurrent respiratory infections. While these two disorders share several characteristics, their differences (e.g., affected sex, age of onset, genotype/phenotype correlations) are important to distinguish in the light of gene-based therapy because they require opposite solutions. This review explores the clinical features of both disorders and highlights these important clinical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Allison
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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18
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Zade K, Campbell C, Bach S, Fernandes H, Tropea D. Rett syndrome in Ireland: a demographic study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:34. [PMID: 38291497 PMCID: PMC10829226 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition associated with mutations in the gene coding for the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). It is primarily observed in girls and affects individuals globally. The understanding of the neurobiology of RTT and patient management has been improved by studies that describe the demographic and clinical presentation of individuals with RTT. However, in Ireland, there is a scarcity of data regarding individuals with RTT, which impedes the ability to fully characterize the Irish RTT population. Together with the Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland (RSAI), we prepared a questionnaire to determine the characteristics of RTT individuals in Ireland. Twenty-five families have participated in the study to date, providing information about demographics, genetics, familial history, clinical features, and regression. RESULTS The results show that Irish individuals with RTT have comparable presentation with respect to individuals in other countries; however, they had a better response to anti-epileptic drugs, and fewer skeletal deformities were reported. Nonetheless, seizures, involuntary movements and regression were more frequently observed in Irish individuals. One of the main findings of this study is the limited genetic information available to individuals to support the clinical diagnosis of RTT. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited sample size, this study is the first to characterize the RTT population in Ireland and highlights the importance of having a swift access to genetic testing to sharpen the characterization of the phenotype and increase the visibility of Irish individuals in the international RTT community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Zade
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St James Hospital, Dublin, D08 W9RT, Ireland
| | - Ciara Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St James Hospital, Dublin, D08 W9RT, Ireland
| | - Snow Bach
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St James Hospital, Dublin, D08 W9RT, Ireland
| | - Hazel Fernandes
- Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, St James Hospital, Dublin, D08 W9RT, Ireland.
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland.
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Kennedy M, Glass L, Glaze DG, Kaminsky S, Percy AK, Neul JL, Jones NE, Tropea D, Horrigan JP, Nues P, Bishop KM, Youakim JM. Development of trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome: from bench to bedside. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1341746. [PMID: 38318312 PMCID: PMC10839050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1341746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene that encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a DNA-binding protein with roles in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Functional loss of MeCP2 results in abnormal neuronal maturation and plasticity, characterized by loss of verbal communication and loss of fine and gross motor function, among others. Trofinetide, a synthetic analog of glycine-proline-glutamate, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of RTT in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Here, we present the development of trofinetide from bench research to clinical studies and emphasize how the collaboration between academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and patient advocacy led to the recent approval. The bench-to-bedside development of trofinetide underscores the value of collaboration between these groups in the development and approval of treatments for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Kennedy
- International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Larry Glass
- Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel G. Glaze
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steve Kaminsky
- International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alan K. Percy
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Daniela Tropea
- Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joseph P. Horrigan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Paige Nues
- International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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20
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May DM, Neul J, Piña-Garza JE, Kponee-Shovein K, Satija A, Mahendran M, Downes N, Sheng K, Lema N, Boca A, Lefebvre P, Abler V, Youakim JM, Cheng WY. Gastrointestinal manifestations in pediatric and adult patients with Rett syndrome: an analysis of US claims and physician survey data. J Comp Eff Res 2024; 13:e230054. [PMID: 37971297 PMCID: PMC10842289 DOI: 10.57264/cer-2023-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of GI manifestations and the associated medical costs in patients with RTT in the USA. Patients & Methods: The study combined an insurance claims database analysis with a survey of 100 physicians experienced in RTT management. Results: GI manifestations affected 43.0% of 5940 patients, with increased prevalence in pediatric patients (45.6%) relative to adult patients (40.2%). Annualized mean medical cost of managing GI manifestations was $4473. Only 5.9-8.2% of neurologists and pediatricians ranked GI symptom management among the five most important treatment goals. Conclusion: Patients with RTT experience a high burden of GI manifestations, which translate to considerable medical costs. Importantly, the prevalence of GI manifestations was likely underestimated in this study, as only those symptoms which resulted in a healthcare encounter were captured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian M May
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
| | - Jeffrey Neul
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Neema Lema
- Analysis Group, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Andra Boca
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA 02199, USA
| | | | - Victor Abler
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA
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21
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Darwish M, Nunez R, Youakim JM, Robertson P. Characterization of the Pharmacokinetics and Mass Balance of a Single Oral Dose of Trofinetide in Healthy Male Subjects. Clin Drug Investig 2024; 44:21-33. [PMID: 38017349 PMCID: PMC10769996 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-023-01322-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Trofinetide is the first drug to be approved for the treatment of Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The purpose of the study is to fully characterize the metabolic and excretion profiles of trofinetide in humans. METHODS This Phase 1, open-label, single-dose trial conducted in healthy male adults was designed to characterize the pharmacokinetics of trofinetide (absorption, metabolism, and excretion), mass balance of [14C]-trofinetide, and safety profile of trofinetide following administration of an oral 12-g dose administered as a mixture of trofinetide and [14C]-trofinetide. Blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected at prespecified timepoints. The pharmacokinetics of trofinetide were assessed in blood and urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Bioanalysis of radioactivity was conducted in blood, plasma, urine, and fecal samples using liquid scintillation counting. Metabolite profiling was conducted in blood, plasma, urine, and fecal samples using HPLC with liquid scintillation counting of chromatographic fractions. Safety and tolerability, including treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), were assessed. RESULTS Blood concentration-time profiles of trofinetide and total radioactivity were almost superimposable up to ~12 h after dosing. Urine concentration-time profiles of trofinetide and total radioactivity were similar. Trofinetide was rapidly absorbed into the circulation with an initial rapid decline (half-life [t½] alpha ~2.6 h), followed by a relatively slow terminal elimination phase (t½ beta ~20 h). The blood-to-plasma total radioactivity ratios were 0.529-0.592, indicating a lack of affinity for the cellular portion of blood. Renal excretion accounted for 83.8% of the administered radiochemical dose; 15.1% was recovered in feces. Urine and fecal recovery of radioactivity accounted for 99% of the administered dose at 168 h after dosing. Parent [14C]-trofinetide was the major radiolabeled entity in blood and plasma (88.4% and 93.1% in area under the concentration-time curves from 0 to 12 h [AUC0-12] in pooled blood and plasma samples, respectively) and the major entity excreted in urine (91.5% in 0-48-h pooled urine samples) and in feces (52.7% in 0-192-h pooled fecal samples). Only small levels of metabolites were present. In blood and plasma, only two minor metabolites were identified (each metabolite ≤ 2.24% of the AUC0-12 pool). These two metabolites were also observed in urine and fecal samples (≤ 2.41% of dose). In feces, one additional metabolite (0.84% of dose) was identified. Two mild TEAEs were reported in two participants and were not considered related to trofinetide. There were no clinically meaningful changes in individual laboratory parameters, vital signs, physical findings, or electrocardiogram results. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic and excretion profiles confirm that trofinetide undergoes minimal hepatic or intestinal metabolism and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Trofinetide containing radiolabeled [14C]-trofinetide was well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Darwish
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, 12830 El Camino Real, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Rene Nunez
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, 12830 El Camino Real, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - James M Youakim
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, 12830 El Camino Real, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, USA
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22
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, De Vita M, Baldassini L, Valacchi G, Gonnelli S. Bone Fracture in Rett Syndrome: Mechanisms and Prevention Strategies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1861. [PMID: 38136063 PMCID: PMC10741854 DOI: 10.3390/children10121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the burden and management of fragility fractures in subjects with Rett syndrome. We searched all relevant medical literature from 1 January 1986 to 30 June 2023 for studies under the search term "Rett syndrome and fracture". The fracture frequency ranges from a minimum of 13.9% to a maximum of 36.1%. The majority of such fractures occur in lower limb bones and are associated with low bone mineral density. Anticonvulsant use, joint contractures, immobilization, low physical activity, poor nutrition, the genotype, and lower calcium and vitamin D intakes all significantly impair skeletal maturation and bone mass accrual in Rett syndrome patients, making them more susceptible to fragility fractures. This review summarizes the knowledge on risk factors for fragility fracture in patients with Rett syndrome and suggests a possible diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway for improving low bone mineral density and reducing the risk of fragility fractures. The optimization of physical activity, along with adequate nutrition and the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements, should be recommended. In addition, subjects with Rett syndrome and a history of fracture should consider using bisphosphonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Michela De Vita
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina Research Campus, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 27695, USA
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
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23
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Neul JL, Benke TA, Marsh ED, Suter B, Silveira L, Fu C, Peters SU, Percy AK. Top caregiver concerns in Rett syndrome and related disorders: data from the US natural history study. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:33. [PMID: 37833681 PMCID: PMC10571464 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent advances in the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome (RTT) have enabled the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches that require formal clinical evaluation of efficacy. Clinical trial success depends on outcome measures that assess clinical features that are most impactful for affected individuals. To determine the top concerns in RTT and RTT-related disorders we asked caregivers to list the top caregiver concerns to guide the development and selection of appropriate clinical trial outcome measures for these disorders. METHODS Caregivers of participants enrolled in the US Natural History Study of RTT and RTT-related disorders (n = 925) were asked to identify the top 3 concerning problems impacting the affected participant. We generated a weighted list of top caregiver concerns for each of the diagnostic categories and compared results between the disorders. Further, for classic RTT, caregiver concerns were analyzed by age, clinical severity, and common RTT-causing mutations in MECP2. RESULTS The top caregiver concerns for classic RTT were effective communication, seizures, walking/balance issues, lack of hand use, and constipation. The frequency of the top caregiver concerns for classic RTT varied by age, clinical severity, and specific mutations, consistent with known variation in the frequency of clinical features across these domains. Caregivers of participants with increased seizure severity often ranked seizures as the first concern, whereas caregivers of participants without active seizures often ranked hand use or communication as the top concern. Comparison across disorders found commonalities in the top caregiver concerns between classic RTT, atypical RTT, MECP2 duplication syndrome, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, and FOXG1 syndrome; however, distinct differences in caregiver concerns between these disorders are consistent with the relative prevalence and impact of specific clinical features. CONCLUSION The top caregiver concerns for individuals with RTT and RTT-related disorders reflect the impact of the primary clinical symptoms of these disorders. This work is critical in the development of meaningful therapies, as optimal therapy should address these concerns. Further, outcome measures to be utilized in clinical trials should assess these clinical issues identified as most concerning by caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Timothy A Benke
- University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Lori Silveira
- University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cary Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarika U Peters
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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24
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Minderhoud CA, Postma A, Jansen FE, Verhoeven JS, Schrijver JJ, Goudswaard J, Andreae G, Otte WM, Braun KPJ, Brilstra EH. Gastrointestinal and eating problems in SCN1A-related seizure disorders. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 146:109361. [PMID: 37523795 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of gastrointestinal and eating problems in Dravet syndrome (DS) and other SCN1A-related seizure disorders and to determine the association between the occurrence of gastrointestinal and eating problems and core features of DS. METHODS Gastrointestinal and eating problems were assessed with a questionnaire in a Dutch cohort of participants with an SCN1A-related seizure disorder. Associations between the number of gastrointestinal and eating problems and core features of DS, seizure severity, level of intellectual disability, impaired mobility, behavioral problems, and use of anti-seizure medication, were explored by multivariate ordinal regression analyses. Symptoms were divided into the categories dysphagia-related, behavioral, and gastrointestinal, and were assessed separately. RESULTS One hundred sixty-nine participants with an SCN1A-related seizure disorder, of whom 118 (69.8%) with DS and 51 (30.2%) with Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus / Febrile Seizures (GEFS+/FS), the non-DS phenotype, were evaluated. Gastrointestinal and eating problems were highly prevalent in DS participants, 50.8% had more than three symptoms compared to 3.9% of non-DS participants. Of participants with DS, 17.8% were fully or partly fed by a gastric tube. Within the three different symptom categories, the most prevalent dysphagia-related symptom was drooling (60.7%), distraction during mealtimes (61.4%) the most prevalent behavioral symptom, and constipation and loss of appetite (both 50.4%) the most prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms. DS participants who use a wheelchair (odds ratio (OR) 4.9 95%CI (1.9-12.8) compared to walking without aid), who use ≥3 anti-seizure medications (ASM) (OR 5.9 95%CI (1.9-18.2) compared to <3 ASM) and who have behavioral problems (OR 3.0 95%CI (1.1-8.1) compared to no behavioral problems) had more gastrointestinal and eating problems. CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal and eating problems are frequently reported symptoms in DS. Distinguishing between symptom categories will lead to tailored management of patients at risk, will improve early detection, and enable a timely referral to a dietitian, behavioral expert, and/or speech therapist, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life of both patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Minderhoud
- Department of Neurology, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - A Postma
- Department of Psychiatry, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F E Jansen
- Department of Neurology, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J S Verhoeven
- Department of Neurology, Academic Centre for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands
| | - J J Schrijver
- Department of Dietetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J Goudswaard
- Speech Therapy, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Postbus 540, 2130 AM Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - G Andreae
- Speech Therapy, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Postbus 540, 2130 AM Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - W M Otte
- Department of Neurology, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K P J Braun
- Department of Neurology, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - E H Brilstra
- Department of Genetics, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
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25
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Leoncini S, Boasiako L, Lopergolo D, Altamura M, Fazzi C, Canitano R, Grosso S, Meloni I, Baldassarri M, Croci S, Renieri A, Mastrangelo M, De Felice C. Natural Course of IQSEC2-Related Encephalopathy: An Italian National Structured Survey. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1442. [PMID: 37761403 PMCID: PMC10528631 DOI: 10.3390/children10091442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic loss-of-function variants in the IQ motif and SEC7 domain containing protein 2 (IQSEC2) gene cause intellectual disability with Rett syndrome (RTT)-like features. The aim of this study was to obtain systematic information on the natural history and extra-central nervous system (CNS) manifestations for the Italian IQSEC2 population (>90%) by using structured family interviews and semi-quantitative questionnaires. IQSEC2 encephalopathy prevalence estimate was 7.0 to 7.9 × 10-7. Criteria for typical RTT were met in 42.1% of the cases, although psychomotor regression was occasionally evidenced. Genetic diagnosis was occasionally achieved in infancy despite a clinical onset before the first 24 months of life. High severity in both the CNS and extra-CNS manifestations for the IQSEC2 patients was documented and related to a consistently adverse quality of life. Neurodevelopmental delay was diagnosed before the onset of epilepsy by 1.8 to 2.4 years. An earlier age at menarche in IQSEC2 female patients was reported. Sleep disturbance was highly prevalent (60 to 77.8%), with mandatory co-sleeping behavior (50% of the female patients) being related to de novo variant origin, younger age, taller height with underweight, better social interaction, and lower life quality impact for the family and friends area. In conclusion, the IQSEC2 encephalopathy is a rare and likely underdiagnosed developmental encephalopathy leading to an adverse life quality impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Leoncini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.); (M.A.); (C.F.)
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lidia Boasiako
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.); (M.A.); (C.F.)
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Lopergolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, 56018 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Altamura
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.); (M.A.); (C.F.)
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Fazzi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.); (M.A.); (C.F.)
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Canitano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Mental Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Grosso
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Meloni
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.M.); (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.R.)
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Margherita Baldassarri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.M.); (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.R.)
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Susanna Croci
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.M.); (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.R.)
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.M.); (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.R.)
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Mastrangelo
- Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Felice
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.L.); (L.B.); (M.A.); (C.F.)
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Pehlivan D, Ak M, Glaze DG, Suter B, Motil KJ. Exploring gastrointestinal health in MECP2 duplication syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14601. [PMID: 37122114 PMCID: PMC10524027 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare neurogenetic syndrome caused by duplications of MECP2 at the Xq28 region. Although constipation and gastrointestinal reflux are reported in MDS, a comprehensive characterization of gastrointestinal health has not been fully explored. METHODS We conducted a parent survey to explore the characteristics of gastrointestinal health in individuals with MDS using a secure online registry and compared differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between individuals with MDS and those with Rett syndrome (RTT). KEY RESULTS One hundred six surveys were analyzed. Symptoms commonly associated with constipation occurred in 72% to 89% of MDS individuals. Eleven percent of MDS individuals underwent surgery for complications associated with constipation. We observed a bimodal distribution for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastrostomy feeding, with higher prevalence in 0-3 and >12-year-old MDS individuals. Constipation and GERD were significantly more common, and gas bloating was significantly less common in MDS than in RTT. Biliary tract disease requiring surgery was an unrecognized problem in 5% of MDS individuals. We determined that gastrointestinal problems in MDS individuals contribute to caretaker burden. CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES Our study is the first in-depth investigation that characterizes gastrointestinal health in MDS and enumerates differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between MDS and RTT. Strategies to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms will alleviate caregiver burden in MDS. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanisms that cause gastrointestinal problems in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davut Pehlivan
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Muharrem Ak
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Daniel G. Glaze
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Blue Bird Circle Rett Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kathleen J. Motil
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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27
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Davidson EA, Holingue C, Jimenez-Gomez A, Dallman JE, Moshiree B. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Genetically Defined Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:645-660. [PMID: 37586397 PMCID: PMC10895389 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in most forms of neurodevelopment disorders (NDDs) such as in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current patient-reported outcome measures with validated questionnaires used in the general population of children without NDDS cannot be used in the autistic individuals. We explore here the multifactorial pathophysiology of ASD and the role of genetics and the environment in this disease spectrum and focus instead on possible diagnostics that could provide future objective insight into the connection of the gut-brain-microbiome in this disease entity. We provide our own data from both humans and a zebrafish model of ASD called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. We hope that this review highlights the gaps in our current knowledge on many of these profound NDDs and that it provides a future framework upon which clinicians and researchers can build and network with other interested multidisciplinary specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Center, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, Florida
- Department of Child Neurology, Florida Atlantic University Stiles - Nicholson Brain Institute, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Atrium Health, Wake Forest Medical University, Charlotte, North Carolina
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28
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Percy AK, Neul JL, Benke TA, Marsh ED, Glaze DG. A review of the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire and its utilization in the assessment of symptoms associated with Rett syndrome. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1229553. [PMID: 37635789 PMCID: PMC10450502 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1229553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ), which is completed by the caregiver, is one of the most widely used efficacy measures in clinical studies of Rett syndrome (RTT) due to its specificity to the core features of RTT. As healthcare providers participate in routine healthcare assessments of individuals with RTT in clinical practice, there is a need for these providers to understand the psychometric properties of the RSBQ and how it relates to the core clinical features of RTT. Here, we describe the characteristics of the RSBQ, review the literature on its validity and reliability as well as its performance in a phase 2 study and the recent phase 3 LAVENDER study. The RSBQ was first shown to discriminate RTT from other intellectual disorders with good inter-rater and test-retest reliability scores. It was subsequently validated as an appropriate instrument for measuring behavior in females with RTT and adopted as a clinical trial outcome. In LAVENDER, the FDA-approved drug trofinetide significantly improved the RSBQ total score over placebo in girls and women with RTT and change from baseline for all RSBQ subscores were directionally in favor of trofinetide. The change in RSBQ was aligned with the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale, suggesting that improvement in behavioral components may be related to overall clinical status. Given its validity and ubiquity in RTT clinical studies, it is important that the interplay of the domains and the psychometric profile of the RSBQ are understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K. Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Timothy A. Benke
- Children’s Hospital of Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eric D. Marsh
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel G. Glaze
- Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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29
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Czerwonogrodzka-Senczyna A, Milewska M, Kwiecień P, Szczałuba K. Diet and Nutritional Status of Polish Girls with Rett Syndrome-A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3334. [PMID: 37571271 PMCID: PMC10420679 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Rett syndrome may be considered a disease strongly associated with nutritional disorders that are likely to require special management strategies, extending beyond what is usually required for children with other developmental disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and diet of Polish girls with Rett syndrome. (2) Methods: Each patient (study group = 49, control group = 22) underwent anthropometric measurements, including body weight and height, waist, hip and arm circumference, and skinfold measurement. The assessment of the diet was based on the analysis of 7-day menus and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6). Data were analyzed using Statistica 13.3. (3) Results: The majority of the girls with Rett syndrome were deficient in weight and height, and consumed fewer calories, less protein, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron than the control group. They also drank less fluid. Soft products that were easy to chew and considered to be high in energy value were significantly more common in the menus. (4) Conclusions: Girls with Rett syndrome are characterized by weight deficiencies, poor growth that deteriorates with age, and are at risk of food shortages. Various nutritional intervention strategies should be explored to reduce and, if possible, prevent malnutrition and cachexia in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Milewska
- Department of Clinical Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland;
| | | | - Krzysztof Szczałuba
- Department of Medical Genetics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland;
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30
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Neul JL, Percy AK, Benke TA, Berry-Kravis EM, Glaze DG, Marsh ED, Lin T, Stankovic S, Bishop KM, Youakim JM. Trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome: a randomized phase 3 study. Nat Med 2023; 29:1468-1475. [PMID: 37291210 PMCID: PMC10287558 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Trofinetide is a synthetic analog of glycine-proline-glutamate, the N-terminal tripeptide of the insulin-like growth factor 1 protein, and has demonstrated clinical benefit in phase 2 studies in Rett syndrome. In this phase 3 study ( https://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04181723 ), females with Rett syndrome received twice-daily oral trofinetide (n = 93) or placebo (n = 94) for 12 weeks. For the coprimary efficacy endpoints, least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to week 12 in the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire for trofinetide versus placebo was -4.9 versus -1.7 (P = 0.0175; Cohen's d effect size, 0.37), and LSM Clinical Global Impression-Improvement at week 12 was 3.5 versus 3.8 (P = 0.0030; effect size, 0.47). For the key secondary efficacy endpoint, LSM change from baseline to week 12 in the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist Social Composite score was -0.1 versus -1.1 (P = 0.0064; effect size, 0.43). Common treatment-emergent adverse events included diarrhea (80.6% for trofinetide versus 19.1% for placebo), which was mostly mild to moderate in severity. Significant improvement for trofinetide compared with placebo was observed for the coprimary efficacy endpoints, suggesting that trofinetide provides benefit in treating the core symptoms of Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Timothy A Benke
- Children's Hospital of Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Daniel G Glaze
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tim Lin
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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31
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Neul JL, Benke TA, Marsh ED, Suter B, Silveira L, Fu C, Peters SU, Percy AK. Top Caregiver Concerns in Rett syndrome and related disorders: data from the US Natural History Study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2566253. [PMID: 36993737 PMCID: PMC10055548 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2566253/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective Recent advances in the understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome (RTT) has enabled development of novel therapeutic approaches that are currently undergoing clinical evaluation or are proposed to move into clinical development. Clinical trial success depends on outcome measures that assess clinical features that are most impactful for affected individuals. To determine the top concerns in RTT and RTT-related disorders we asked caregivers to list the top clinical concerns in order to gain information to guide the development and selection of outcome measures for future clinical trials. Methods Caregivers of participants enrolled in the US Natural History Study of RTT and related disorders were asked to identify the top 3 concerning problems impacting the affected participant. We generated a weighted list of top caregiver concerns for each of the diagnostic categories and compared results between the disorders. Further, for Classic RTT, caregiver concerns were analyzed by age, clinical severity, and common RTT-causing mutations in MECP2. Results The top caregiver concerns for Classic RTT were effective communication, seizures, walking/balance issues, lack of hand use, and constipation. The rank order of the frequency of the top caregiver concerns for Classic RTT varied by age, clinical severity, and specific mutations, consistent with known variation in the frequency of clinical features across these domains. The frequency of caregiver concern for seizures, hand use, and spoken language increased in relation to clinician assessed severity in these clinical domains, showing consistency between clinician assessments and caregiver concerns. Comparison across disorders found commonalities in the top caregiver concerns between Classic RTT, Atypical RTT, MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, and FOXG1 Syndrome; however, distinct differences in caregiver concerns between these disorders are consistent with the relative prevalence and impact of specific clinical features. Conclusion The top caregiver concerns for individuals with RTT and the RTT-related disorders reflect the impact of the primary clinical symptoms of these disorders. This work is critical in the development of meaningful therapies, as optimal therapy should address these concerns. Further, outcome measures to be utilized in clinical trials should assess these clinical issues identified as most concerning by caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy A Benke
- University of Colorado School of Medicine: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Lori Silveira
- University of Colorado School of Medicine: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine
| | - Cary Fu
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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32
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Damiani F, Cornuti S, Tognini P. The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109491. [PMID: 36924923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of brain circuits to reorganize and change the properties of the network, resulting in alterations in brain function and behavior. It is traditionally believed that neuroplasticity is influenced by external stimuli, learning, and experience. Intriguingly, there is new evidence suggesting that endogenous signals from the body's periphery may play a role. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms living in harmony with their host, may be able to influence plasticity through its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with critical periods of neurodevelopment, during which neural circuits are highly plastic and potentially vulnerable. As such, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition) during early life may contribute to the disruption of normal developmental trajectories, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review aims to examine the ways in which the gut microbiota can affect neuroplasticity. It will also discuss recent research linking gastrointestinal issues and bacterial dysbiosis to various neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential impact on neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cornuti
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Tognini
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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33
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Righetto I, Gasparotto M, Casalino L, Vacca M, Filippini F. Exogenous Players in Mitochondria-Related CNS Disorders: Viral Pathogens and Unbalanced Microbiota in the Gut-Brain Axis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010169. [PMID: 36671555 PMCID: PMC9855674 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Billions of years of co-evolution has made mitochondria central to the eukaryotic cell and organism life playing the role of cellular power plants, as indeed they are involved in most, if not all, important regulatory pathways. Neurological disorders depending on impaired mitochondrial function or homeostasis can be caused by the misregulation of "endogenous players", such as nuclear or cytoplasmic regulators, which have been treated elsewhere. In this review, we focus on how exogenous agents, i.e., viral pathogens, or unbalanced microbiota in the gut-brain axis can also endanger mitochondrial dynamics in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurotropic viruses such as Herpes, Rabies, West-Nile, and Polioviruses seem to hijack neuronal transport networks, commandeering the proteins that mitochondria typically use to move along neurites. However, several neurological complications are also associated to infections by pandemic viruses, such as Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, representing a relevant risk associated to seasonal flu, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and "Long-COVID". Emerging evidence is depicting the gut microbiota as a source of signals, transmitted via sensory neurons innervating the gut, able to influence brain structure and function, including cognitive functions. Therefore, the direct connection between intestinal microbiota and mitochondrial functions might concur with the onset, progression, and severity of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Righetto
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Gasparotto
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Vacca
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Filippini
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (F.F.)
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34
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Biazzo M, Allegra M, Deidda G. Clostridioides difficile and neurological disorders: New perspectives. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:946601. [PMID: 36203814 PMCID: PMC9530032 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.946601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite brain physiological functions or pathological dysfunctions relying on the activity of neuronal/non-neuronal populations, over the last decades a plethora of evidence unraveled the essential contribution of the microbial populations living and residing within the gut, called gut microbiota. The gut microbiota plays a role in brain (dys)functions, and it will become a promising valuable therapeutic target for several brain pathologies. In the present mini-review, after a brief overview of the role of gut microbiota in normal brain physiology and pathology, we focus on the role of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, a pathogen responsible for recurrent and refractory infections, in people with neurological diseases, summarizing recent correlative and causative evidence in the scientific literature and highlighting the potential of microbiota-based strategies targeting this pathogen to ameliorate not only gastrointestinal but also the neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuele Biazzo
- The BioArte Limited, Life Sciences Park, San Gwann, Malta
- SienabioACTIVE, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Manuela Allegra
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (IN-CNR), Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriele Deidda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gabriele Deidda
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35
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Courgeon L, Uguen K, Lefranc J, Lesca G, Ropars J. MECP2 Dysautonomia Phenotypes in Boys. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 134:31-36. [PMID: 35809380 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing and identifying dysautonomia would facilitate the diagnosis and management of MECP2 mutations in boys. We aimed to explore the prevalence of dysautonomia symptoms in boys with MECP2 mutations. METHOD We conducted a national, retrospective study (2000-2020) of medical records from boys who were aged less than 18 years when diagnosed with a pathogenic, or likely pathogenic, variant in the MECP2 gene. We systematically looked for dysautonomic signs in the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and thermoregulatory systems. RESULTS Nine of the 13 cases had at least one system affected by dysautonomia. Two patient subgroups were identified: (1) patients who were ambulatory with intellectual or learning disabilities (n = 6/13 cases) and (2) patients who were unable to walk normally with severe encephalopathy (n = 7/13 cases). Dysautonomic signs were found in both subgroups: 7 of seven patients in the severe array subgroup and 2 of six in the mild array subgroup. CONCLUSIONS These results support MECP2 testing and dysautonomia investigations in both young males who present with encephalopathy and those with intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Courgeon
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.
| | - Kévin Uguen
- Department of Genetics, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Jérémie Lefranc
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Reference Centre for Epilepsy, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Gaetan Lesca
- Department of Genetics, Lyon University Hospital, Bron cedex, France
| | - Juliette Ropars
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Brest University Hospital, LaTIM INSERM UMR 1101, Brest, France
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36
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Motil KJ, Geerts S, Annese F, Neul JL, Benke T, Marsh E, Lieberman D, Skinner SA, Glaze DG, Heydemann P, Beisang A, Standridge S, Ryther R, Lane JB, Edwards L, Percy AK. Anthropometric Measures Correspond with Functional Motor Outcomes in Females with Rett Syndrome. J Pediatr 2022; 244:169-177.e3. [PMID: 35063470 PMCID: PMC9086122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize growth and anthropometric measurements in females with Rett syndrome and compare these measurements with functional outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We obtained longitudinal growth and anthropometric measurements from 1154 females with classic and atypical Rett syndrome seen between 2006 and 2019 in the US Natural History Study. We calculated the Clinical Severity Score, Motor Behavior Assessment score, and arm and leg muscle areas and recorded the functional assessments of arm and hand use and ambulation. We compared growth and anthropometric variables from females with Rett syndrome in regard to normative data. We analyzed Clinical Severity Score, Motor Behavior Assessment, and anthropometric measurements in regard to functional assessments. RESULTS Growth and anthropometric measurements were significantly lower in females with classic and severe atypical Rett syndrome compared with those classified as mild atypical Rett syndrome and deviated from normative patterns among all 3 groups. Suprailiac skinfold measurements correlated with body mass index measurements in each group. Lower leg muscle area measurements were significantly greater among females in all 3 Rett syndrome groups who ambulated independently compared with those who did not. In females with classic Rett syndrome, arm, thigh, and lower leg muscle area measurements increased significantly over time and were significantly greater among those who had purposeful arm and hand use and independent ambulation compared with those who did not. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of growth and anthropometric measures in females with Rett syndrome differs from normative data and demonstrates clear differences between classic and mild or severe atypical Rett syndrome. Anthropometric measures correspond with functional outcomes and could provide markers supporting efficacy outcomes in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Motil
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Suzanne Geerts
- Sparks Clinics/Nutrition, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Fran Annese
- Genetics Center, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Tim Benke
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, CO
| | - Eric Marsh
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Lieberman
- Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Daniel G Glaze
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Peter Heydemann
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Arthur Beisang
- Department of Pediatrics, Gillette Children's Hospital, St. Paul, MN
| | - Shannon Standridge
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Robin Ryther
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jane B Lane
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Lloyd Edwards
- School of Public Health/Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Alan K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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Talman LS, Pfeiffer RF. Movement Disorders and the Gut: A Review. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2022; 9:418-428. [PMID: 35586541 PMCID: PMC9092751 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a close link between multiple movement disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Gastrointestinal symptoms may precede the development of the neurologic syndrome or may arise following the neurologic presentation. This review will provide an overview of gastrointestinal accompaniments to several well-known as well as lesser known movement disorders. It will also highlight several disorders which may not be considered primary movement disorders but have an overlapping presentation of both gastrointestinal and movement abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S. Talman
- Department of NeurologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Ronald F. Pfeiffer
- Department of NeurologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
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Challenges in the Dental Management of Rett Syndrome under General Anesthesia: A Rare Disease. Case Rep Dent 2022; 2022:4038221. [PMID: 35154832 PMCID: PMC8825296 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4038221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental genetic X-linked disorder. It is predominantly found in females with a prevalence rate of 1 : 9000. Rett syndrome patients are usually healthy the first months of their lives. The syndrome goes into a deceleration phase where motor, behavioral, and cognitive skills are impaired. Regarding their oral health, bruxism is one of the common oral manifestations found among Rett syndrome patients. We present a case of an 8-year-old patient with Rett syndrome who presented to the dental clinic for oral rehabilitation. The patient was evaluated and treated under general anesthesia with multiple extractions, restorations, and crown installments. Oral rehabilitation of Rett syndrome is important for those patients, and proper evaluation and treatment are the most efficient when performed under general anesthesia.
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Lai YYL, Downs JA, Wong K, Zafar S, Walsh LJ, Leonard HM. Enablers and barriers in dental attendance in Rett syndrome: an international observational study. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2022; 42:565-574. [PMID: 35290682 PMCID: PMC9790614 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Intellectual and developmental disabilities are heterogeneous in aetiology and presentation, and one cannot make assumptions about the oral health barriers of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) based on findings from generic studies. This study investigated caregivers' perceptions regarding access to dental care for those with (RTT), and associations of dental treatments received by those with RTT with their caregivers' perceived value of oral health and perception of their own as well as their daughter's dental anxiety. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective observational data of a subset of individuals with confirmed MECP2 mutations in the InterRett database (n = 216) were used to explore caregiver-related factors and their relationships with longitudinal data on dental service utilisation, using negative binomial regression. The main reported barriers to dental care access for individuals with RTT were primarily dentist-related in nature, regardless of dental service history. Those with reported dental nonattendance were of older age. Increasing levels of caregiver-reported dental fear were associated with less frequent dental check-ups or for any appointments for affected individuals. CONCLUSIONS Dentist-related barriers and caregiver-reported anxiety may both adversely affect dental attendance for those with RTT. Future research should explore caregivers' beliefs and oral health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Yee Lok Lai
- UQ Oral Health CentreThe University of Queensland School of DentistryHerstonAustralia,Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jenny Anne Downs
- Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia,Curtin School of Allied HealthCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sobia Zafar
- UQ Oral Health CentreThe University of Queensland School of DentistryHerstonAustralia
| | - Laurence James Walsh
- UQ Oral Health CentreThe University of Queensland School of DentistryHerstonAustralia
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40
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Miranda-Ribera A, Serena G, Liu J, Fasano A, Kingsbury MA, Fiorentino MR. The Zonulin-transgenic mouse displays behavioral alterations ameliorated via depletion of the gut microbiota. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:2000299. [PMID: 34775911 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.2000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis hypothesis suggests that interactions in the intestinal milieu are critically involved in regulating brain function. Several studies point to a gut-microbiota-brain connection linking an impaired intestinal barrier and altered gut microbiota composition to neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation. Increased gut permeability allows luminal antigens to cross the gut epithelium, and via the blood stream and an impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) enters the brain impacting its function. Pre-haptoglobin 2 (pHP2), the precursor protein to mature HP2, is the first characterized member of the zonulin family of structurally related proteins. pHP 2 has been identified in humans as the thus far only endogenous regulator of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions (TJs). We have leveraged the Zonulin-transgenic mouse (Ztm) that expresses a murine pHP2 (zonulin) to determine the role of increased gut permeability and its synergy with a dysbiotic intestinal microbiota on brain function and behavior. Here we show that Ztm mice display sex-dependent behavioral abnormalities accompanied by altered gene expression of BBB TJs and increased expression of brain inflammatory genes. Antibiotic depletion of the gut microbiota in Ztm mice downregulated brain inflammatory markers ameliorating some anxiety-like behavior. Overall, we show that zonulin-dependent alterations in gut permeability and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota are associated with an altered BBB integrity, neuroinflammation, and behavioral changes that are partially ameliorated by microbiota depletion. Our results suggest the Ztm model as a tool for the study of the cross-talk between the microbiome/gut and the brain in the context of neurobehavioral/neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Miranda-Ribera
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gloria Serena
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jundi Liu
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Lurie Center for Autism, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria R Fiorentino
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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41
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Deidda G, Biazzo M. Gut and Brain: Investigating Physiological and Pathological Interactions Between Microbiota and Brain to Gain New Therapeutic Avenues for Brain Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:753915. [PMID: 34712115 PMCID: PMC8545893 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.753915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain physiological functions or pathological dysfunctions do surely depend on the activity of both neuronal and non-neuronal populations. Nevertheless, over the last decades, compelling and fast accumulating evidence showed that the brain is not alone. Indeed, the so-called "gut brain," composed of the microbial populations living in the gut, forms a symbiotic superorganism weighing as the human brain and strongly communicating with the latter via the gut-brain axis. The gut brain does exert a control on brain (dys)functions and it will eventually become a promising valuable therapeutic target for a number of brain pathologies. In the present review, we will first describe the role of gut microbiota in normal brain physiology from neurodevelopment till adulthood, and thereafter we will discuss evidence from the literature showing how gut microbiota alterations are a signature in a number of brain pathologies ranging from neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders, and how pre/probiotic supplement interventions aimed to correct the altered dysbiosis in pathological conditions may represent a valuable future therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Deidda
- The BioArte Limited, Life Sciences Park, San Gwann, Malta
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Manuele Biazzo
- The BioArte Limited, Life Sciences Park, San Gwann, Malta
- SienabioACTIVE, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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42
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by neurodevelopmental regression between 6 and 18 months of life and associated with multi-system comorbidities. Caused mainly by pathogenic variants in the MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) gene, it is the second leading genetic cause of intellectual disability in girls after Down syndrome. RTT affects not only neurological function but also a wide array of non-neurological organs. RTT-related disorders involve abnormalities of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, metabolic, skeletal, endocrine, muscular, and urinary systems and immune response. Here, we review the different aspects of RTT affecting the main peripheral groups of organs and sometimes occurring independently of nervous system defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Borloz
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, U1251, Faculté de médecine Timone, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Villard
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, U1251, Faculté de médecine Timone, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, MMG, U1251, Faculté de médecine Timone, 13385, Marseille, France
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Gallucci A, Patterson KC, Weit AR, Van Der Pol WJ, Dubois LG, Percy AK, Morrow CD, Campbell SL, Olsen ML. Microbial community changes in a female rat model of Rett syndrome. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110259. [PMID: 33548354 PMCID: PMC8724884 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that is predominantly caused by alterations of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Disease severity and the presence of comorbidities such as gastrointestinal distress vary widely across affected individuals. The gut microbiome has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a regulator of disease severity and gastrointestinal comorbidities. Although the gut microbiome has been previously characterized in humans with RTT compared to healthy controls, the impact of MECP2 mutation on the composition of the gut microbiome in animal models where the host and diet can be experimentally controlled remains to be elucidated. By evaluating the microbial community across postnatal development as behavioral symptoms appear and progress, we have identified microbial taxa that are differentially abundant across developmental timepoints in a zinc-finger nuclease rat model of RTT compared to WT. We have additionally identified p105 as a key translational timepoint. Lastly, we have demonstrated that fecal SCFA levels are not altered in RTT rats compared to WT rats across development. Overall, these results represent an important step in translational RTT research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gallucci
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24014, United States of America; Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America
| | - K C Patterson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America
| | - A R Weit
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences Building Room 213, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America
| | - W J Van Der Pol
- Biomedical Informatics, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America
| | - L G Dubois
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - A K Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology, Neurobiology, Genetics, and Psychology, Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States of America
| | - C D Morrow
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America
| | - S L Campbell
- Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America.
| | - M L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences Building Room 213, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America.
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Pecorelli A, Cordone V, Schiavone ML, Caffarelli C, Cervellati C, Cerbone G, Gonnelli S, Hayek J, Valacchi G. Altered Bone Status in Rett Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060521. [PMID: 34205017 PMCID: PMC8230033 DOI: 10.3390/life11060521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in X-linked MECP2 gene, encoding for methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a multifaceted modulator of gene expression and chromatin organization. Based on the type of mutation, RTT patients exhibit a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes with various degrees of severity. In addition, as a complex multisystem disease, RTT shows several clinical manifestations ranging from neurological to non-neurological symptoms. The most common non-neurological comorbidities include, among others, orthopedic complications, mainly scoliosis but also early osteopenia/osteoporosis and a high frequency of fractures. A characteristic low bone mineral density dependent on a slow rate of bone formation due to dysfunctional osteoblast activity rather than an increase in bone resorption is at the root of these complications. Evidence from human and animal studies supports the idea that MECP2 mutation could be associated with altered epigenetic regulation of bone-related factors and signaling pathways, including SFRP4/WNT/β-catenin axis and RANKL/RANK/OPG system. More research is needed to better understand the role of MeCP2 in bone homeostasis. Indeed, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying RTT bone problems could reveal new potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of these complications that adversely affect the quality of life of RTT patients for whom the only therapeutic approaches currently available include bisphosphonates, dietary supplements, and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecorelli
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA;
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Valeria Cordone
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Maria Lucia Schiavone
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA;
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Gaetana Cerbone
- Division of Medical Genetics, “S.G. Moscati” Hospital, 74100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.V.)
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Lai YYL, Downs J, Zafar S, Wong K, Walsh L, Leonard H. Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:561-576. [PMID: 33764620 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a dearth of literature available on the comparative oral health status of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite diurnal bruxism being a supportive diagnostic criterion for the disorder. This study was designed to investigate the dental experiences of individuals with RTT in terms of perceived at-home and professional dental care. METHODS Using data in the InterRett database, provided by English-speaking families of individuals with a confirmed MECP2 genetic mutation, the study investigated relationships between dental problems, oral care, child factors including bruxism and use of gastrostomy, and socioeconomic indicators. The study also explored relationships between dental presentations and socioeconomic, child, and family-related factors. RESULTS Individuals with RTT exhibiting bruxism were more likely to access dental treatment. Those who had full oral feeding had a higher incidence rate of dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A conservative (under) estimation of the overall dental caries progression rate revealed that this may be similar to that of the normal population. CONCLUSIONS Drivers for dental treatment in RTT include bruxism as well as dental caries. Those who have full oral feeding experience more dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A higher maternal education level may confer a protective effect for oral health outcomes in those with RTT. Nevertheless, families generally tended to value the importance of oral health despite reported difficulties in day-to-day mouth care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y L Lai
- School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Child Disability, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J Downs
- Child Disability, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - S Zafar
- School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - K Wong
- Child Disability, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - L Walsh
- School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - H Leonard
- Child Disability, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Lai YYL, Downs JA, Wong K, Zafar S, Walsh LJ, Leonard HM. Oral parafunction and bruxism in Rett syndrome and associated factors: An observational study. Oral Dis 2021; 29:220-231. [PMID: 34033206 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of parafunction, and bruxism, and its relationships with genotype and snoring in individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHODS Retrospective observational data of those with confirmed MECP2 mutations in the InterRett database (n = 216) were used to investigate experience of parafunctional habits, and bruxism and their relationships with genotype and snoring using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS The prevalence of parafunction was 98.2%. Bruxism was reported (66.2%) with the patterns mostly both diurnal and nocturnal (44.1%) and exclusively diurnal (42.7%). Compared to individuals with C-terminal deletion, individuals with p.Arg106Trp mutations were less likely to have bruxism reported (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.02-0.98, p = 0.05) and those with p.Arg168* mutation were more likely to have frequent bruxism than none or occasional bruxism reported (aROR 3.4; 95% CI 1.1-10.7 p = 0.04). The relative odds of having nocturnal bruxism constantly, compared to none/occasionally, were higher among those 'always' snoring (aROR 6.24; 95% CI 2.1-18.2, p = 0.001) than those with no snoring. CONCLUSIONS There appeared to be genotypic association with bruxism in p.Arg168* and p.Arg106Trp mutations and association between nocturnal bruxism and frequent snoring in an international sample of individuals with RTT. Clinical significance of the high prevalence of bruxism should be highlighted in relation to difficulty communicating pain and increased dental treatment need in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Yee Lok Lai
- The University of Queensland School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jenny Anne Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sobia Zafar
- The University of Queensland School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Laurence James Walsh
- The University of Queensland School of Dentistry, UQ Oral Health Centre, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Thapa S, Venkatachalam A, Khan N, Naqvi M, Balderas M, Runge JK, Haag A, Hoch KM, Glaze DG, Luna RA, Motil KJ. Assessment of the gut bacterial microbiome and metabolome of girls and women with Rett Syndrome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251231. [PMID: 33956889 PMCID: PMC8101921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal problems affect the health and quality of life of individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) and pose a medical hardship for their caregivers. We hypothesized that the variability in the RTT phenotype contributes to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and metabolome in RTT, predisposing these individuals to gastrointestinal dysfunction. OBJECTIVES We characterized the gut bacterial microbiome and metabolome in girls and young women with RTT (n = 44) and unaffected controls (n = 21), and examined the relation between the composition of the microbiome and variations in the RTT phenotype. METHODS Demographics and clinical information, including growth and anthropometric measurements, pubertal status, symptoms, clinical severity score, bowel movement, medication use, and dietary intakes were collected from the participants. Fecal samples were collected for analysis of the gut microbiome using Illumina MiSeq-based next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene followed by bioinformatics analysis of microbial composition, diversity, and community structure. Selected end-products of microbial protein metabolism were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The gut bacterial microbiome differed within the RTT cohort based on pubertal status (p<0.02) and clinical severity scores (p<0.02) of the individuals and the type of diet (p<0.01) consumed. Although the composition of the gut microbiome did not differ between RTT and unaffected individuals, concentrations of protein end-products of the gut bacterial metabolome, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (p<0.001), tyrosine (p<0.02), and glutamate (p<0.06), were lower in the RTT cohort. Differences in the microbiome within RTT groups, based on symptomatic anxiety, hyperventilation, abdominal distention, or changes in stool frequency and consistency, were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Although variability in the RTT phenotype contributes to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, we presently cannot infer causality between gut bacterial dysbiosis and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nevertheless, alterations in the gut metabolome may provide clues to the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal problems in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Thapa
- Department of Pathology, Medical Metagenomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alamelu Venkatachalam
- Department of Pathology, Medical Metagenomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nabeel Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mohammed Naqvi
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Miriam Balderas
- Department of Pathology, Medical Metagenomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jessica K. Runge
- Department of Pathology, Medical Metagenomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anthony Haag
- Department of Pathology, Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Hoch
- Department of Pathology, Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniel G. Glaze
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ruth Ann Luna
- Department of Pathology, Medical Metagenomics Laboratory, Texas Children’s Microbiome Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kathleen J. Motil
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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James DM, Davidson EA, Yanes J, Moshiree B, Dallman JE. The Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis and Its Link to Autism: Emerging Insights and the Potential of Zebrafish Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662916. [PMID: 33937265 PMCID: PMC8081961 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Research involving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) most frequently focuses on its key diagnostic criteria: restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, altered sensory perception, and communication impairments. These core criteria, however, are often accompanied by numerous comorbidities, many of which result in severe negative impacts on quality of life, including seizures, epilepsy, sleep disturbance, hypotonia, and GI distress. While ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder, gastrointestinal (GI) distress is among the most prevalent co-occurring symptom complex, manifesting in upward of 70% of all individuals with ASD. Consistent with this high prevalence, over a dozen family foundations that represent genetically distinct, molecularly defined forms of ASD have identified GI symptoms as an understudied area with significant negative impacts on quality of life for both individuals and their caregivers. Moreover, GI symptoms are also correlated with more pronounced irritability, social withdrawal, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances, suggesting that they may exacerbate the defining behavioral symptoms of ASD. Despite these facts (and to the detriment of the community), GI distress remains largely unaddressed by ASD research and is frequently regarded as a symptomatic outcome rather than a potential contributory factor to the behavioral symptoms. Allowing for examination of both ASD's impact on the central nervous system (CNS) as well as its impact on the GI tract and the associated microbiome, the zebrafish has recently emerged as a powerful tool to study ASD. This is in no small part due to the advantages zebrafish present as a model system: their precocious development, their small transparent larval form, and their parallels with humans in genetics and physiology. While ASD research centered on the CNS has leveraged these advantages, there has been a critical lack of GI-centric ASD research in zebrafish models, making a holistic view of the gut-brain-microbiome axis incomplete. Similarly, high-throughput ASD drug screens have recently been developed but primarily focus on CNS and behavioral impacts while potential GI impacts have not been investigated. In this review, we aim to explore the great promise of the zebrafish model for elucidating the roles of the gut-brain-microbiome axis in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. James
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | | | - Julio Yanes
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Baharak Moshiree
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Julia E. Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
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Ojeda J, Ávila A, Vidal PM. Gut Microbiota Interaction with the Central Nervous System throughout Life. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1299. [PMID: 33801153 PMCID: PMC8004117 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last years, accumulating evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases via the gut-brain axis. Moreover, current research has helped to elucidate different communication pathways between the gut microbiota and neural tissues (e.g., the vagus nerve, tryptophan production, extrinsic enteric-associated neurons, and short chain fatty acids). On the other hand, altering the composition of gut microbiota promotes a state known as dysbiosis, where the balance between helpful and pathogenic bacteria is disrupted, usually stimulating the last ones. Herein, we summarize selected findings of the recent literature concerning the gut microbiome on the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders, and the strategies to modulate its composition in the search for therapeutical approaches, focusing mainly on animal models studies. Readers are advised that this is a young field, based on early studies, that is rapidly growing and being updated as the field advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ojeda
- Neuroimmunology and Regeneration of the Central Nervous System Unit, Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile;
| | - Ariel Ávila
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile;
| | - Pía M. Vidal
- Neuroimmunology and Regeneration of the Central Nervous System Unit, Biomedical Science Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile;
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Motil KJ, Khan N, Coon JL, Barrish JO, Suter B, Pehlivan D, Schultz RJ, Glaze DG. Gastrointestinal Health Questionnaire for Rett Syndrome: Tool Development. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2021; 72:354-360. [PMID: 32969958 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We report the development and validation of a tool to assess gastrointestinal health in Rett syndrome (RTT). We hypothesized that the Gastrointestinal Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is a valid clinical outcomes measure of gastrointestinal health in RTT. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used parent interviews, surveys, and literature review to generate a questionnaire related to gastrointestinal health and function, mood and behaviors, and parental concerns for individuals with RTT. Parents of affected and unaffected individuals provided responses to the GHQ, assessed the relevance and importance of statements, and completed 5 surveys related to gastrointestinal health, child-related mood and behaviors, and parent concerns. We used multivariate item analysis, 2-sample t tests, and correlations to assess the validity of the GHQ. RESULTS We documented acceptable internal consistency of statements related to gastrointestinal health and function (Cronbach-α = 0.91), RTT-related mood and behaviors (Cronbach-α = 0.89), and parent concerns (Cronbach-α = 0.95) in the GHQ. We documented favorable external validity based on differences in response scores between parents of affected and unaffected individuals (P < 0.001) and correlations in parental response scores between the GHQ and 5 validated questionnaires addressing similar issues (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The GHQ is a valid tool for the assessment of gastrointestinal health in RTT and offers the opportunity to field test the safety and efficacy of novel drug therapies in clinical trials for individuals affected with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Motil
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Nabeel Khan
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Jennifer L Coon
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Judy O Barrish
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Bernhard Suter
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Rebecca J Schultz
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
- Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX
| | - Daniel G Glaze
- Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
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