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Santos BV, de Souza J, Zeny MS, Santos MLSF, do Valle DA. Phenotypic/Genotypic Profile of Children with Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Southern Brazil. Neuropediatrics 2024. [PMID: 38857616 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLNs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders of genetic origin, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigment. Thirteen genes related to CLNs are currently described, showing genetic and allelic heterogeneity, most of them with an autosomal recessive pattern. Due to the few descriptions of cases related to CLNs in Brazil, it is necessary to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of these patients. This study aims to evaluate the genotypic profile and correlate it with the phenotypic characteristics of patients with CLN in a children's hospital. METHODS This study was performed as a descriptive cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records, imaging, and laboratory tests of patients who had a confirmed molecular diagnosis of CLN. RESULTS The sample consisted of 11 patients from nine families with different subtypes of CLNs (CLN2, 5, 6, 7, and 8), with CLN2 being the most prevalent in the study. A total of 16 mutation variants were identified in genes associated with the five CLNs described in this study, with typical and atypical clinical phenotypes depending on the subtype and its variants. CONCLUSION Novel mutations identified in the patients in this study showed phenotypes of rapid and severe progression in the CLN2 patient and similar characteristics in CLN6 and CLN7 patients, as previously described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josiane de Souza
- Departament of Medical Genetic, Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Michelle Silva Zeny
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Lourenço CM, Sallum JMF, Pereira AM, Girotto PN, Kok F, Vilela DRF, Barron E, Pessoa A, Oliveira BMD. A needle in a haystack? The impact of a targeted epilepsy gene panel in the identification of a treatable but rapidly progressive metabolic epilepsy: CLN2 disease. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2024; 82:1-8. [PMID: 38763144 PMCID: PMC11102811 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of autosomal recessive, inherited, lysosomal, and neurodegenerative diseases that causes progressive dementia, seizures, movement disorders, language delay/regression, progressive visual failure, and early death. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2), caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of the TPP1 gene, is the only NCL with an approved targeted therapy. The laboratory diagnosis of CLN2 is established through highly specific tests, leading to diagnostic delays and eventually hampering the provision of specific treatment for patients with CLN2. Epilepsy is a common and clinically-identifiable feature among NCLs, and seizure onset is the main driver for families to seek medical care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of the Latin America Epilepsy and Genetics Program, an epilepsy gene panel, as a comprehensive tool for the investigation of CLN2 among other genetic causes of epilepsy. METHODS A total of 1,284 patients with epilepsy without a specific cause who had at least 1 symptom associated with CLN2 were screened for variants in 160 genes associated with epilepsy or metabolic disorders presenting with epilepsy through an epilepsy gene panel. RESULTS Variants of the TPP1 gene were identified in 25 individuals (1.9%), 21 of them with 2 variants. The 2 most frequently reported variants were p.Arg208* and p.Asp276Val, and 2 novel variants were detected in the present study: p.Leu308Pro and c.89 + 3G > C Intron 2. CONCLUSION The results suggest that these genetic panels can be very useful tools to confirm or exclude CLN2 diagnosis and, if confirmed, provide disease-specific treatment for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Fernando Kok
- Mendelics Análise Genômica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Erika Barron
- BioMarin Brasil Farmacêutica Ltda., São Paulo SP, Brazil.
| | - André Pessoa
- Hospital Albert Sabin, Fortaleza CE, Brazil.
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza CE, Brazil.
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Guelbert N, Espitia Segura OM, Amoretti C, Arteaga Arteaga A, Atanacio NG, Bazan Natacha S, Carvalho EDF, Carvalho de Andrade MDF, Denzler IM, Durand C, Ribeiro E, Giugni JC, González G, González Moron D, Guelbert G, Hernández Rodriguez ZJ, Embiruçu Emilia K, Kauffman MA, Mancilla NI, Marcon L, Marques Pereira A, Fischinger Moura de Souza C, Muñoz VA, Naranjo Flórez RA, Pessoa AL, Ruiz MV, Solano Villareal ML, Spécola N, Tavera LM, Tello J, Troncoso Schifferli M, Ugrina S, Vaccarezza MM, Vergara D, Villanueva MM. Classic and Atypical Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Latin America: Clinical and Genetic Aspects, and Treatment Outcome with Cerliponase Alfa. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 38:101060. [PMID: 38469103 PMCID: PMC10926189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2), is a neurodegenerative autosomal recessive disease caused by TPP1 gene variants, with a spectrum of classic and atypical phenotypes. The aim of treatment is to slow functional decline as early as possible in an attempt to improve quality of life and survival. This study describes the clinical characteristics as well as the response to treatment with cerliponase alfa. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted in five Latin-American countries, using clinical records from patients with CLN2. Clinical follow-up and treatment variables are described. A descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed. Results A total of 36 patients were observed (range of follow-up of 61-110 weeks post-treatment). At presentation, patients with the classic phenotype (n = 16) exhibited regression in language (90%), while seizures were the predominant symptom (87%) in patients with the atypical phenotype (n = 20). Median age of symptom onset and time to first specialized consultation was 3 (classical) and 7 (atypical) years, while the median time interval between onset of symptoms and treatment initiation was 4 years (classical) and 7.5 (atypical). The most frequent variant was c.827 A > T in 17/72 alleles, followed by c.622C > T in 6/72 alleles. All patients were treated with cerliponase alfa, and either remained functionally stable or had a loss of 1 point on the CLN2 scale, or up to 2 points on the Wells Cornel and Hamburg scales, when compared to pretreatment values. Discussion and conclusion This study reports the largest number of patients with CLN2 currently on treatment with cerliponase alfa in the world. Data show a higher frequency of patients with atypical phenotypes and a high allelic proportion of intron variants in our region. There was evidence of long intervals until first specialized consultation, diagnosis, and enzyme replacement therapy. Follow-up after the initiation of cerliponase alfa showed slower progression or stabilization of the disease, associated with adequate clinical outcomes and stable functional scores. These improvements were consistent in both clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Denise Fernandes Carvalho de Andrade
- Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, Brazil
- General Hospital Dr. Cesar Cals, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brazil
- Hospital Universitário do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Faculdadde Paulo Picanço, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Inés María Denzler
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Consuelo Durand
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica Dr. N.A. Chamoles, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laureano Marcon
- Instituto de Neurología y desarrollo (INEDEM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Norma Spécola
- Hospital de Niños Sor Maria Ludovica, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Javiera Tello
- Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Diane Vergara
- Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Espitia Segura OM, Penagos Vargas NE. In response: Natural history variations for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2: In support of newborn screening. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2216-2217. [PMID: 37073885 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalia Elena Penagos Vargas
- Pediatric Neurology Department, Fundación Hospital Pediatrico la Misericordia HOMI, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Sampaio LPDB, Manreza MLGD, Pessoa A, Gurgel-Giannetti J, Coan AC, Júnior HVDL, Embiruçu EK, Henriques-Souza AMDM, Kok F. Clinical management and diagnosis of CLN2 disease: consensus of the Brazilian experts group. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2023; 81:284-295. [PMID: 37059438 PMCID: PMC10104757 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rare neurodegenerative genetic disease that affects children in early life. Its classic form is rapidly progressive, leading to death within the first 10 years. The urge for earlier diagnosis increases with the availability of enzyme replacement therapy. A panel of nine Brazilian child neurologists combined their expertise in CLN2 with evidence from the medical literature to establish a consensus to manage this disease in Brazil. They voted 92 questions including diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of the disease, considering the access to healthcare in this country. Clinicians should suspect CLN2 disease in any child, from 2 to 4 years old, with language delay and epilepsy. Even though the classic form is the most prevalent, atypical cases with different phenotypes can be found. Electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular and biochemical testing are the main tools to investigate and confirm the diagnosis. However, we have limited access to molecular testing in Brazil, and rely on the support from the pharmaceutical industry. The management of CLN2 should involve a multidisciplinary team and focus on the quality of life of patients and on family support. Enzyme replacement therapy with Cerliponase α is an innovative treatment approved in Brazil since 2018; it delays functional decline and provides quality of life. Given the difficulties for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in our public health system, the early diagnosis of CLN2 needs improvement as enzyme replacement therapy is available and modifies the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - André Pessoa
- Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin, Fortaleza CE, Brazil
| | - Juliana Gurgel-Giannetti
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Coan
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas SP, Brazil
| | | | - Emília Katiane Embiruçu
- Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Salvador BA, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Kok
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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Guelbert G, Venier AC, Cismondi IA, Becerra A, Vazquez JC, Fernández EA, De Paul AL, Guelbert N, Noher I, Pesaola F. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in the South American-Caribbean region: An epidemiological overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:920421. [PMID: 36034292 PMCID: PMC9412946 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.920421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) comprise 13 hereditary neurodegenerative pathologies of very low frequency that affect individuals of all ages around the world. All NCLs share a set of symptoms that are similar to other diseases. The exhaustive collection of data from diverse sources (clinical, genetic, neurology, ophthalmology, etc.) would allow being able in the future to define this group with greater precision for a more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Despite the large amount of information worldwide, a detailed study of the characteristics of the NCLs in South America and the Caribbean region (SA&C) has not yet been done. Here, we aim to present and analyse the multidisciplinary evidence from all the SA&C with qualitative weighting and biostatistical evaluation of the casuistry. Seventy-one publications from seven countries were reviewed, and data from 261 individuals (including 44 individuals from the Cordoba cohort) were collected. Each NCL disease, as well as phenotypical and genetic data were described and discussed in the whole group. The CLN2, CLN6, and CLN3 disorders are the most frequent in the region. Eighty-seven percent of the individuals were 10 years old or less at the onset of symptoms. Seizures were the most common symptom, both at onset (51%) and throughout the disease course, followed by language (16%), motor (15%), and visual impairments (11%). Although symptoms were similar in all NCLs, some chronological differences could be observed. Sixty DNA variants were described, ranging from single nucleotide variants to large chromosomal deletions. The diagnostic odyssey was probably substantially decreased after medical education activities promoted by the pharmaceutical industry and parent organizations in some SA&C countries. There is a statistical deviation in the data probably due to the approval of the enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease, which has led to a greater interest among the medical community for the early description of this pathology. As a general conclusion, it became clear in this work that the combined bibliographical/retrospective evaluation approach allowed a general overview of the multidisciplinary components and the epidemiological tendencies of NCLs in the SA&C region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Guelbert
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Servicio de Enfermedades Metabólicas Hereditarias, Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Clara Venier
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ines Adriana Cismondi
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adriana Becerra
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Servicio de Enfermedades Metabólicas Hereditarias, Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Vazquez
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elmer Andrés Fernández
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Lucía De Paul
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Norberto Guelbert
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Servicio de Enfermedades Metabólicas Hereditarias, Clínica Universitaria “Reina Fabiola”, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ines Noher
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ines Noher ;
| | - Favio Pesaola
- Programa de Investigación Translacional de Lipofuscinosis Ceroidea Neuronal (NCL Program), Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad, Córdoba, Argentina
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Favio Pesaola ;
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Atiskova Y, Wildner J, Wibbeler E, Nickel M, Spitzer MS, Schwering C, Schulz A, Dulz S. Visual perception and macular integrity in non-classical CLN2 disease. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3693-3700. [PMID: 35652945 PMCID: PMC9581810 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05662-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with CLN2 suffer from epileptic seizures, rapid psychomotor decline and vision loss in early childhood. The aim of the study was to provide longitudinal ophthalmic data of patients with confirmed genetic mutation and non-classical disease course, marked by later onset, protracted progression and prolonged life span. METHODS Prospective, observational study to assess visual acuity, retinal features (Weil Cornell Ophthalmic Score), central retinal thickness (CRT) measured by optical coherence tomography and general disease progression (Hamburg CLN2 motor language score) in non-classical CLN2 patients. RESULTS All patients received intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy with cerliponase alfa. Mean age at last follow-up was 12.4 years; mean follow-up time 2.6 years. All cases demonstrated a stable Hamburg motor language CLN2 Score and Weill Cornell LINCL Ophthalmic Severity Score. Visual function remained stable in 4/6 patients, 2/6 patients showed a decrease, 4/6 cases had a stable CRT and 2/6 showed a reduction of CRT. One patient showed a massive macular thinning and low vision. A correlation with a specific mutation or age could not be verified. DISCUSSION The presented longitudinal study characterizes the variable ocular involvement in non-classical CLN2 disease and contributes to the natural history description. The functional and morphologic data outline the necessity of regular ophthalmic examination. Ocular phenotyping and description of retinal degeneration in non-classical CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniya Atiskova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wildner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Wibbeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Stephan Spitzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schwering
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Dulz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Simonati A, Williams RE. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Multifaceted Approach to the Clinical Issues, an Overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811686. [PMID: 35359645 PMCID: PMC8961688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art in the field of childhood Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders. These are genetic diseases associated with the formation of toxic endo-lysosomal storage. Following a brief historical review of the evolution of NCL definition, a clinically-oriented approach is used describing how the early symptoms and signs affecting motor, visual, cognitive domains, and including seizures, may lead clinicians to a rapid molecular diagnosis, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey commonly observed. We go on to focus on recent advances in NCL research and summarize contributions to knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NCL. We describe the large variety of experimental models which have aided this research, as well as the most recent technological developments which have shed light on the main mechanisms involved in the cellular pathology, such as apoptosis and autophagy. The search for innovative therapies is described. Translation of experimental data into therapeutic approaches is being established for several of the NCLs, and one drug is now commercially available. Lastly, we show the importance of palliative care and symptomatic treatments which are still the main therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Departments of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, AOUI-VR, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Simonati
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Children's Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Ruth E. Williams
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Nickel M, Schulz A. Natural History Studies in NCL and Their Expanding Role in Drug Development: Experiences From CLN2 Disease and Relevance for Clinical Trials. Front Neurol 2022; 13:785841. [PMID: 35211079 PMCID: PMC8861081 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.785841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conducting clinical trials in rare diseases is challenging. In trials that aim to use natural history control cohorts for evaluation of efficacy, lack of data on natural history of disease prolongs development of future therapies significantly. Therefore, collection of valid natural history data in clinical settings is needed to advance drug development. These data need to fulfill requirements on type of collection, quantifiable measures on the course of disease, verification and monitoring as well as compliance to strict data protection and sharing policies. Disease registries can be a source for patient data. Late-infantile CLN2 disease is characterized by rapid psychomotor decline and epilepsy. Natural-history data of 140 genotype-confirmed CLN2 patients from two independent, international cohorts were analyzed in a natural history study. Both datasets included quantitative ratings with disease-specific clinical scores. Among 41 patients for whom longitudinal assessments spanning an extended disease course were available within the DEM-CHILD DB (an international NCL disease patient database, NCT04613089), a rapid loss of motor and language abilities was documented in quantitative detail. Data showed that the course of disease in late-infantile CLN2 disease is highly predictable with regard to the loss of language and motor function and that the results were homogeneous across multiple and international sites. These data were accepted by EMA and FDA as valid natural-history controls for the evaluation of efficacy in experimental therapies for CLN2 disease and led to an expedited approval of intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy with cerliponase alpha in May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Ługowska A, Purzycka-Olewiecka JK, Płoski R, Truszkowska G, Pronicki M, Felczak P, Śpiewak M, Podlecka-Piętowska A, Sitek M, Bilińska ZT, Leszek P, Bednarska-Makaruk M. Tripeptidyl Peptidase 1 (TPP1) Deficiency in a 36-Year-Old Patient with Cerebellar-Extrapyramidal Syndrome and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010003. [PMID: 35054396 PMCID: PMC8779458 DOI: 10.3390/life12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a 36-year-old man with cerebellar-extrapyramidal syndrome and severe heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown origin. Dysarthria and cardiac arrhythmia began at early childhood (4 years of age). Brain MRI (28 years of age) demonstrated severe cerebellar atrophy. At the age 32, he presented with dysarthria, ataxia, dystonia, and tremor of the right hand, bilateral slowed neural conduction in the visual pathways, and decreased mental acuity. At the age of 33 years, the patient underwent cardiac transplantation because of severe dilated cardiomyopathy. In the TPP1 gene, biallelic variants were identified: previously reported p.(Leu13Pro) and novel p.(Tyr508Cys) variant. Additionally, hemizygous novel missense variant in the ABCD1 gene was inherited from the mother p.(Arg17His). Normal very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) levels both in patient and his mother excluded ABCD1 mutation as the pathogenic one. Tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) activity was reduced (8,8 U/mg protein/h; reference range: 47.4 ± 10.7). In light microscopy the biopsy specimens obtained from explanted heart showed severe myocyte hypertrophy with perinuclear vacuolization with inclusions. Electron microscopy revealed absence of lipofuscin accumulation, no ultrastructural curvilinear profiles, fingerprint bodies, or granular osmiophilic deposits (GRODs) in lysosomes. As described here, the patient presents clinical symptoms observed in benign forms of ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) and simultaneously some features of autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCAR7), which is also caused by mutations in the TPP1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ługowska
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna K. Purzycka-Olewiecka
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. A. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Truszkowska
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maciej Pronicki
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Felczak
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Śpiewak
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, Department of Radiology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | | | - Martyna Sitek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.P.-P.); (M.S.)
| | - Zofia T. Bilińska
- Unit for Screening Studies in Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Leszek
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Bednarska-Makaruk
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
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Masten MC, Corre C, Paciorkowski AR, Vierhile A, Adams HR, Vermilion J, Zimmerman GA, Augustine EF, Mink JW. A diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:1453-1462. [PMID: 34453334 PMCID: PMC9248362 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, diagnostic testing for genetic diseases has evolved, leading to variable diagnostic certainty for individuals included in long-term natural history studies. Using genotype and phenotype data from an ongoing natural history study of CLN3 disease, we developed a hierarchical diagnostic confidence scheme with three major classes: Definite, Probable, or Possible CLN3 disease. An additional level, CLN3 Disease PLUS, includes individuals with CLN3 disease plus an additional disorder with a separate etiology that substantially affects the phenotype. Within the Definite and Probable CLN3 disease classes, we further divided individuals into subclasses based on phenotype. After assigning participants to classes, we performed a blinded reclassification to assess the reliability of this scheme. A total of 134 individuals with suspected CLN3 disease were classified: 100 as Definite, 21 as Probable, and 7 as Possible. Six individuals were classified as CLN3-PLUS. Phenotypes included the classical juvenile-onset syndromic phenotype, a "vision loss only" phenotype, and an atypical syndromic phenotype. Some individuals were too young to fully classify phenotype. Test-retest reliability showed 96% agreement. We created a reliable diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease that has excellent face validity. This scheme has implications for clinical research in CLN3 and other rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux C. Masten
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Camille Corre
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Amy Vierhile
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Heather R. Adams
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Vermilion
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Grace A. Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Erika F. Augustine
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan W. Mink
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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12
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"Real world effectiveness of cerliponase alfa in classical and atypical patients. A case series". Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 27:100718. [PMID: 33604240 PMCID: PMC7873677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100718] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CLN2/TPP1 gene, with secondary enzyme deficiency. In classical phenotypes, initial symptoms include seizures and delayed language development between 2 and 4 years of age. This article describes the presentation of CLN2 disease in a cohort of Colombian patients, as well as the impact of treatment on the course and progression of the disease. Methods Case series report of 8 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis treated with cerliponase alfa who remained on clinical and paraclinical follow-up for up to 24 months before and after treatment. Results An atypical phenotype, associated with initial symptoms and late diagnosis, was present in 5/8 patients. The most frequent symptoms were seizures and developmental delay, with age of onset at 24 months (classical phenotype) and 48 months (atypical phenotype). A novel mutation (c.1438G > A) was found in two siblings. All of the patients received cerliponase alfa, and there were no serious adverse events. No decline in the clinical status greater than 2 points on Hamburg, Weill Cornell and CNL2 clinical assessment scale was observed during follow-up after treatment initiation. Conclusion This is the first case series reported for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis patients in Colombia. In contrast with other reports, the majority of cases reported here displayed an atypical phenotype. Our study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy, which is a feasible therapy, well tolerated by patients and accepted by caregivers in this country, generating a positive impact in the quality of life of CLN2 patients and on disease outcome.
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Pesaola F, Guelbert G, Venier AC, Cismondi IA, Becerra A, Vazquez JCG, Fernandez E, De Paul AL, Guelbert N, Noher I. “Atypical” Phenotypes of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Argentine Experience in the Genomic Era. JOURNAL OF INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM AND SCREENING 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/2326-4594-jiems-2021-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Favio Pesaola
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Guelbert
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Hospital de Niños de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Clara Venier
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Argentina
| | - Inés Adriana Cismondi
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adriana Becerra
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Hospital de Niños de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Ana Lucia De Paul
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Norberto Guelbert
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Argentina
| | - Inés Noher
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
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