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Maurer MS, Soman P, Hernandez A, Garcia-Pavia P, Signorovitch J, Wei LJ, Hanna M, Ruberg FL, Kittleson M, Kazi D, Dorbala S, Hsu K, Lousada I, Adigun R, Dunnmon P, Kelly J, Gillmore J. Advancing Transthyretin Amyloidosis Drug Development in an Evolving Treatment Landscape: Amyloidosis Forum Meeting Proceedings. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2723-2742. [PMID: 38833142 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02891-0] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv, also referred to as hATTR; ORPHA 271861) and wild-type ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRwt; ORPHA 330001) are rare, progressive, systemic protein misfolding disorders with heterogeneous clinical presentations. ATTRv and ATTRwt amyloidosis are characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in multiple organs including the heart, nerves, eyes, and soft tissues. The management of ATTR amyloidosis is complex because of its multisystemic nature and progression despite available treatment options. Morbidity is high and there are many unmet medical needs for patients. While contemporary ATTR amyloidosis cohorts are diagnosed earlier, have lower risk disease and lower mortality compared with the previous era, these advances coupled with the emergence of effective disease-modifying therapies have confounded the design of future prospective clinical trials and interpretation of historical control data. MAIN BODY The Amyloidosis Forum is a public-private partnership between the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the nonprofit Amyloidosis Research Consortium ( www.arci.org ). This article summarizes proceedings from the 21 June 2023 Amyloidosis Forum on advancing drug development in ATTR amyloidosis in an evolving treatment landscape. The Forum focused on elements of clinical trial design to address these challenges and discussed their strengths and weaknesses from multiple stakeholder perspectives (i.e., patient, sponsor, statistician, clinician, and regulatory authorities). CONCLUSION Given rapid evolution of natural history in ATTR amyloidosis, the utility of historical control data is limited. Leveraging contemporary real-world data is essential for clinical trial design. Evidence generation from clinical trials should address clinically relevant questions. Key factors in successful trial design must be informed by up-to-date data on natural history, prognostic factors, clinically meaningful thresholds, and sharing available clinical trial data. The Amyloidosis Forum includes the community of patients with ATTR amyloidosis, the physicians who treat them, and the sponsors and regulators who collectively stand ready to support further studies in order to develop novel effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew S Maurer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prem Soman
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, Cardiac Amyloidosis Center, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - Adrian Hernandez
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Pablo Garcia-Pavia
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, IDIPHISA, CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
- Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Institute (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - L J Wei
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mazen Hanna
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Frederick L Ruberg
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dhruv Kazi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Cardiac Critical Care Unit; Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Health Economics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharmila Dorbala
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Medicine, Nuclear Radiology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristen Hsu
- Amyloidosis Research Consortium, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 210, Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Isabelle Lousada
- Amyloidosis Research Consortium, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 210, Newton, MA, 02460, USA.
| | - Rosalyn Adigun
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Division of Cardiology and Nephrology, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Preston Dunnmon
- Janssen Research and Development Data Sciences, Cardiovascular/Metabolic and Pulmonary Hypertension, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | - Jeffery Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
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Almeida ZL, Vaz DC, Brito RMM. Transthyretin mutagenesis: impact on amyloidogenesis and disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38850014 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2350379] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR), a homotetrameric protein found in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and the eye, plays a pivotal role in the onset of several amyloid diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Protein aggregation and fibril formation by wild-type TTR and its natural more amyloidogenic variants are hallmarks of ATTRwt and ATTRv amyloidosis, respectively. The formation of soluble amyloid aggregates and the accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils and deposits in multiple tissues can lead to organ dysfunction and cell death. The most frequent manifestations of ATTR are polyneuropathies and cardiomyopathies. However, clinical manifestations such as carpal tunnel syndrome, leptomeningeal, and ocular amyloidosis, among several others may also occur. This review provides an up-to-date listing of all single amino-acid mutations in TTR known to date. Of approximately 220 single-point mutations, 93% are considered pathogenic. Aspartic acid is the residue mutated with the highest frequency, whereas tryptophan is highly conserved. "Hot spot" mutation regions are mainly assigned to β-strands B, C, and D. This manuscript also reviews the protein aggregation models that have been proposed for TTR amyloid fibril formation and the transient conformational states that convert native TTR into aggregation-prone molecular species. Finally, it compiles the various in vitro TTR aggregation protocols currently in use for research and drug development purposes. In short, this article reviews and discusses TTR mutagenesis and amyloidogenesis, and their implications in disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida L Almeida
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre - Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela C Vaz
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre - Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- LSRE-LCM - Leiria, Portugal & ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui M M Brito
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre - Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Berends M, Nienhuis HLA, Adams D, Karam C, Luigetti M, Polydefkis M, Reilly MM, Sekijima Y, Hazenberg BPC. Neurofilament Light Chains in Systemic Amyloidosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3770. [PMID: 38612579 PMCID: PMC11011627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073770] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy are common disease manifestations in systemic amyloidosis. The neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuron-specific biomarker, is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid after neuronal damage. There is a need for an early and sensitive blood biomarker for polyneuropathy, and this systematic review provides an overview on the value of NfL in the early detection of neuropathy, central nervous system involvement, the monitoring of neuropathy progression, and treatment effects in systemic amyloidosis. A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed on 14 February 2024 for studies investigating NfL levels in patients with systemic amyloidosis and transthyretin gene-variant (TTRv) carriers. Only studies containing original data were included. Included were thirteen full-text articles and five abstracts describing 1604 participants: 298 controls and 1306 TTRv carriers or patients with or without polyneuropathy. Patients with polyneuropathy demonstrated higher NfL levels compared to healthy controls and asymptomatic carriers. Disease onset was marked by rising NfL levels. Following the initiation of transthyretin gene-silencer treatment, NfL levels decreased and remained stable over an extended period. NfL is not an outcome biomarker, but an early and sensitive disease-process biomarker for neuropathy in systemic amyloidosis. Therefore, NfL has the potential to be used for the early detection of neuropathy, monitoring treatment effects, and monitoring disease progression in patients with systemic amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou Berends
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amyloidosis Center of Expertise, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (H.L.A.N.)
| | - Hans L. A. Nienhuis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amyloidosis Center of Expertise, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (H.L.A.N.)
| | - David Adams
- Service de Neurologie, CHU Bicêtre, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris-Saclay, CERAMIC, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94270 Paris, France;
| | - Chafic Karam
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Polydefkis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Mary M. Reilly
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
| | - Yoshiki Sekijima
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan;
| | - Bouke P. C. Hazenberg
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Amyloidosis Center of Expertise, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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González-Moreno J, Dispenzieri A, Grogan M, Coelho T, Tournev I, Waddington-Cruz M, Wixner J, Diemberger I, Garcia-Pavia P, Chapman D, Gupta P, Glass O, Amass L. Clinical and Genotype Characteristics and Symptom Migration in Patients With Mixed Phenotype Transthyretin Amyloidosis from the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey. Cardiol Ther 2024; 13:117-135. [PMID: 38117424 PMCID: PMC10899146 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-023-00344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is primarily associated with a cardiac or neurologic phenotype, but a mixed phenotype is increasingly described. METHODS This study describes the mixed phenotype cohort in the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Outcomes Survey (THAOS). THAOS is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational survey of patients with ATTR amyloidosis, including both hereditary (ATTRv) and wild-type disease, and asymptomatic carriers of pathogenic transthyretin variants. Baseline characteristics of patients with a mixed phenotype (at enrollment or reclassified during follow-up) are described (data cutoff: January 4, 2022). RESULTS Approximately one-third of symptomatic patients (n = 1185/3542; 33.5%) were classified at enrollment or follow-up as mixed phenotype (median age, 66.5 years). Of those, 344 (29.0%) were reclassified to mixed phenotype within a median 1-2 years of follow-up. Most patients with mixed phenotype had ATTRv amyloidosis (75.7%). The most frequent genotypes were V30M (38.9%) and wild type (24.3%). CONCLUSIONS These THAOS data represent the largest analysis of a real-world mixed phenotype ATTR amyloidosis population to date and suggest that a mixed phenotype may be more prevalent than previously thought. Patients may also migrate from a primarily neurologic or cardiologic presentation to a mixed phenotype over time. These data reinforce the need for multidisciplinary evaluation at initial assessment and follow-up of all patients with ATTR amyloidosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00628745.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan González-Moreno
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, Palma, Spain.
| | | | - Martha Grogan
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Unidade Corino Andrade, Hospital Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Clinic of Nervous Diseases, UMBAL Aleksandrovska, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Márcia Waddington-Cruz
- National Amyloidosis Referral Center, CEPARM, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jonas Wixner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Igor Diemberger
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- UOC di Cardiologia, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Dipartimento Cardiotoraco-vascolare, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pablo Garcia-Pavia
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, IDIPHISA, CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pritam Gupta
- Pfizer Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd, Chennai, India
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Nomura T, Misumi Y, Tasaki M, Obayashi K, Yamashita T, Ando Y, Ueda M. Origin of Transthyretin in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. JAMA Neurol 2024:2815571. [PMID: 38407867 PMCID: PMC10897820 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.5762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
This case series evaluates the correlation between transthyretin and cerebral amyloid angiopathy progression in individuals with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Nomura
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yohei Misumi
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Tasaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Konen Obayashi
- Department of Morphological and Physiological Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Amyloidosis Research, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Poonsiri T, Dell’Accantera D, Loconte V, Casnati A, Cervoni L, Arcovito A, Benini S, Ferrari A, Cipolloni M, Cacioni E, De Franco F, Giacchè N, Rinaldo S, Folli C, Sansone F, Berni R, Cianci M. 3-O-Methyltolcapone and Its Lipophilic Analogues Are Potent Inhibitors of Transthyretin Amyloidogenesis with High Permeability and Low Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:479. [PMID: 38203650 PMCID: PMC10779086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010479] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) is an amyloidogenic homotetramer involved in the transport of thyroxine in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. To date, more than 130 TTR point mutations are known to destabilise the TTR tetramer, leading to its extracellular pathological aggregation accumulating in several organs, such as heart, peripheral and autonomic nerves, and leptomeninges. Tolcapone is an FDA-approved drug for Parkinson's disease that has been repurposed as a TTR stabiliser. We characterised 3-O-methyltolcapone and two newly synthesized lipophilic analogues, which are expected to be protected from the metabolic glucuronidation that is responsible for the lability of tolcapone in the organism. Immunoblotting assays indicated the high degree of TTR stabilisation, coupled with binding selectivity towards TTR in diluted plasma of 3-O-methyltolcapone and its lipophilic analogues. Furthermore, in vitro toxicity data showed their several-fold improved neuronal and hepatic safety compared to tolcapone. Calorimetric and structural data showed that both T4 binding sites of TTR are occupied by 3-O-methyltolcapone and its lipophilic analogs, consistent with an effective TTR tetramer stabilisation. Moreover, in vitro permeability studies showed that the three compounds can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, which is a prerequisite for the inhibition of TTR amyloidogenesis in the cerebrospinal fluid. Our data demonstrate the relevance of 3-O-methyltolcapone and its lipophilic analogs as potent inhibitors of TTR amyloidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanalai Poonsiri
- Bioorganic Chemistry and Bio-Crystallography Laboratory (B2Cl), Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Davide Dell’Accantera
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Valentina Loconte
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alessandro Casnati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Laura Cervoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Department of Biotechnological Sciences and Intensive Care, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli—IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Benini
- Bioorganic Chemistry and Bio-Crystallography Laboratory (B2Cl), Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (T.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Alberto Ferrari
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Marco Cipolloni
- TES Pharma S.r.l., Via P. Togliatti 20, Corciano, 06073 Perugia, Italy; (M.C.); (E.C.); (F.D.F.); (N.G.)
| | - Elisa Cacioni
- TES Pharma S.r.l., Via P. Togliatti 20, Corciano, 06073 Perugia, Italy; (M.C.); (E.C.); (F.D.F.); (N.G.)
| | - Francesca De Franco
- TES Pharma S.r.l., Via P. Togliatti 20, Corciano, 06073 Perugia, Italy; (M.C.); (E.C.); (F.D.F.); (N.G.)
| | - Nicola Giacchè
- TES Pharma S.r.l., Via P. Togliatti 20, Corciano, 06073 Perugia, Italy; (M.C.); (E.C.); (F.D.F.); (N.G.)
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Claudia Folli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Rodolfo Berni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Poli L, Labella B, Cotti Piccinelli S, Caria F, Risi B, Damioli S, Padovani A, Filosto M. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a comprehensive review with a focus on peripheral neuropathy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1242815. [PMID: 37869146 PMCID: PMC10585157 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1242815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloidoses represent a group of diseases characterized by the pathological accumulation in the extracellular area of insoluble misfolded protein material called "amyloid". The damage to the tissue organization and the direct toxicity of the amyloidogenic substrates induce progressive dysfunctions in the organs involved. They are usually multisystem diseases involving several vital organs, such as the peripheral nerves, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, liver, skin, and eyes. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is related to abnormalities of transthyretin (TTR), a protein that acts as a transporter of thyroxine and retinol and is produced predominantly in the liver. ATTR is classified as hereditary (ATTRv) and wild type (ATTRwt). ATTRv is a severe systemic disease of adults caused by mutations in the TTR gene and transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance. Some pathogenic variants in TTR are preferentially associated with a neurological phenotype (progressive peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy); others are more frequently associated with restrictive heart failure. However, many mutations express a mixed phenotype with neurological and cardiological involvement. ATTRv is now a treatable disease. A timely and definite diagnosis is essential in view of the availability of effective therapies that have revolutionized the management of affected patients. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the clinician with the disease and with the correct diagnostic pathways in order to obtain an early diagnosis and, consequently, the possibility of an adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Poli
- Unit of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Labella
- Unit of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Cotti Piccinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Filomena Caria
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Risi
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Damioli
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Unit of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
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8
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Pernice HF, Hahn K. [Neurological manifestations of ATTR amyloidosis]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 64:848-854. [PMID: 37555967 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare disease in which the protein transthyretin (TTR) is deposited in the form of amyloid fibrils in various tissues and organs and secondarily leads to functional impairment, especially in peripheral nerves and the heart. A differentiation is made between hereditary and sporadic forms. The hereditary variant is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and usually occurs in the younger to middle-aged, while the sporadic form occurs in older age and has no known genetic cause. Typical signs of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) include a rapidly progressing sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy (PNP), cardiac dysfunction as well as ocular and gastrointestinal symptoms. A carpal tunnel syndrome often precedes the manifestation. Various options (tafamidis, patisiran, inotersen or vutrisiran) are available for the treatment of patients with ATTRv with PNP in Germany, depending on the severity. In the sporadic variant of wild-type ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRwt), symptoms of progressive cardiomyopathy are usually prominent; however, neurological assessment of these patients often also reveals a concomitant sensory ataxic PNP. The tetramer stabilizer tafamidis can be used for treatment. Because of this complex presentation, the management of patients with ATTR amyloidosis should be performed in interdisciplinary centers specialized in amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena F Pernice
- Amyloidosis Center Charité Berlin (ACCB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Katrin Hahn
- Amyloidosis Center Charité Berlin (ACCB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
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9
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Tsai FJ, Jaeger M, Coelho T, Powers ET, Kelly JW. Tafamidis concentration required for transthyretin stabilisation in cerebrospinal fluid. Amyloid 2023; 30:279-289. [PMID: 36691999 PMCID: PMC10363573 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2023.2167595] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) initially presents as a polyneuropathy and/or a cardiomyopathy. Central nervous system (CNS) pathology in ATTRv amyloidosis, including focal neurological episodes, dementia, cerebrovascular bleeding, and seizures, appears around a decade later. Wild-type (WT) TTR amyloidosis (ATTRwt) causes a cardiomyopathy. CNS pathology risk likely also increases in these patients as cardiomyopathy progresses. Herein, we study tafamidis-mediated TTR kinetic stabilisation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS Varying tafamidis concentrations (50-1000 nM) were added to CSF from healthy donors or ATTRv patients, and TTR stabilisation was measured via the decrease in dissociation rate. RESULTS Tafamidis meglumine (Vyndaqel) can be dosed at 20 or 80 mg QD. The latter dose is bioequivalent to a 61 mg QD dose of tafamidis free acid (Vyndamax). The tafamidis CSF concentration in ATTRv patients on 20 mg Vyndaqel is ∼125 nM. By linear extrapolation, we expect a CSF concentration of ∼500 nM at the higher dose. When tafamidis is added to healthy donor CSF at 125 or 500 nM, the WT TTR dissociation rate decreases by 42% or 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Tafamidis stabilises TTR in CSF to what is likely a clinically meaningful extent at CSF concentrations achieved by the normal tafamidis dosing regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marcus Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Evan T. Powers
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffery W. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, CA, USA
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10
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Takahashi Y, Oguchi K, Mochizuki Y, Takasone K, Ezawa N, Matsushima A, Katoh N, Yazaki M, Sekijima Y. Distribution and progression of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in early-onset V30M (p.V50M) hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Amyloid 2023; 30:109-118. [PMID: 36178174 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2128331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is becoming the most common and serious complications in long-lived hereditary ATTR amyloidosis patients. It is therefore imperative to elucidate the characteristics of ATTR-type CAA and develop useful biomarkers. METHODS We enrolled 34 ATTRv amyloidosis patients with the V30M (p.V50M) variant for analysis with three-dimensional stereotactic surface projection z score imaging of Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-PET. RESULTS Eight patients exhibited central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Seven patients suffered transient focal neurologic episodes, and 2 patients each experienced cerebellar haemorrhages or cognitive decline. The amount of 11C-PiB accumulation increased as a function of disease duration. 11C-PiB-PET abnormalities were seen at 8 years from onset and were associated with CNS manifestations from 12 years. The annual increase rate of the standardised uptake value ratio (SUVR) in female patients was significantly higher than in male patients. CNS amyloid deposition started in the upper middle surface of the cerebellar cortex, and then spread out over the entire surface of the cerebellum, Sylvian fissure, and anterior part of the longitudinal fissure of the cerebrum. CONCLUSIONS PiB-PET is a useful biomarker for the early detection and treatment evaluation of ATTR-type CAA. Female gender is associated with more rapid progression of ATTR-type CAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Mochizuki
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ken Takasone
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Ezawa
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akira Matsushima
- Department of Neurology, JA Nagano Koseiren Kakeyu Misayama Rehabilitation Center Kakeyu Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Nagaaki Katoh
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masahide Yazaki
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Shinshu University School of Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sekijima
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Jisenkai Brain Imaging Research Center, Matsumoto, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
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11
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Pinto MV, França MC, Gonçalves MVM, Machado-Costa MC, Freitas MRGD, Gondim FDAA, Marrone CD, Martinez ARM, Moreira CL, Nascimento OJM, Covaleski APP, Oliveira ASBD, Pupe CCB, Rodrigues MMJ, Rotta FT, Scola RH, Marques W, Waddington-Cruz M. Brazilian consensus for diagnosis, management and treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy: second edition. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2023; 81:308-321. [PMID: 37059440 PMCID: PMC10104762 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764412] [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
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is an autosomal dominant inherited sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy with over 130 pathogenic variants identified in the TTR gene. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy is a disabling, progressive and life-threatening genetic condition that leads to death in ∼ 10 years if untreated. The prospects for ATTRv-PN have changed in the last decades, as it has become a treatable neuropathy. In addition to liver transplantation, initiated in 1990, there are now at least 3 drugs approved in many countries, including Brazil, and many more are being developed. The first Brazilian consensus on ATTRv-PN was held in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, in June 2017. Given the new advances in the area over the last 5 years, the Peripheral Neuropathy Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology organized a second edition of the consensus. Each panelist was responsible for reviewing the literature and updating a section of the previous paper. Thereafter, the 18 panelists got together virtually after careful review of the draft, discussed each section of the text, and reached a consensus for the final version of the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinicius Pinto
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Raimundo Gomes de Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Carlo Domenico Marrone
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital São Lucas, Clínica Marrone e Ambulatório de Doenças Neuromusculare, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francisco Tellechea Rotta
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
- Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | | | - Wilson Marques
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Waddington-Cruz
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
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12
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Cavaco S, Martins da Silva A, Fernandes J, Sousa AP, Alves C, Cardoso M, Teixeira-Pinto A, Coelho T. Predictors of cognitive dysfunction in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with liver transplant. Amyloid 2023; 30:119-126. [PMID: 36251860 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2131384] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction is part of the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations in older untreated hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis patients with peripheral polyneuropathy. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to systematically explore cognitive dysfunction in ATTRV30M amyloidosis patients whose disease course was modified by liver transplant (LT). METHODS A series of 269 carriers of TTRVal30Met mutation treated with LT underwent a neuropsychological assessment. Clinical charts were reviewed to identify focal neurological episodes (FNEs), cognitive complaints and laboratory results. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests explored potential predictors of cognitive dysfunction. RESULTS Cognitive dysfunction was identified in 35 patients (13%)-14 (5%) had mild and 21 (8%) had moderate dysfunction. In comparison to normal cognition, both mild and moderate cognitive dysfunction patients had older age, higher mPND score and elevated NT-proBNP and Cystatin C values. Mild cognitive dysfunction was associated with longer disease duration and history of FNEs, whereas moderate dysfunction was related to older age at disease onset and more cognitive complaints and depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the natural history of the disease, older age and higher severity of the disease are significantly associated and potentially predictors of cognitive dysfunction in ATTRV30M patients treated with LT. The level of cognitive dysfunction may depend on some clinical variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cavaco
- Neuropsychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Martins da Silva
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal.,Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Fernandes
- Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Alves
- Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcio Cardoso
- Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Coelho
- Corino de Andrade Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Hamimed C, Lahousse H, Defebvre L, Labeyrie C, Bruge C, Tard C. How should we diagnose CNS involvement of transthyretin amyloidosis? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:373-375. [PMID: 36863904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Hamimed
- University of Lille, CHU de Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - H Lahousse
- Department of Nuclear Medecine, université Lille Nord de France, USLD, CHU de Lille, EA 1046, 59000 Lille, France
| | - L Defebvre
- University of Lille, CHU de Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - C Labeyrie
- Departement of Neurology, CHU de Bicêtre, AP-HP, Inserm U 1195 and University of Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - C Bruge
- Departement of Radiology, Lille Nord de France, USLD, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - C Tard
- University of Lille, CHU de Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France; Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord Est Île de France, 59000 Lille, France
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14
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Masingue M, Fernández-Eulate G, Debs R, Tard C, Labeyrie C, Leonard-Louis S, Dhaenens CM, Masson MA, Latour P, Stojkovic T. Strategy for genetic analysis in hereditary neuropathy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:10-29. [PMID: 36566124 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inherited neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of slowly progressive disorders affecting either motor, sensory, and/or autonomic nerves. Peripheral neuropathy may be the major component of a disease such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a feature of a more complex multisystemic disease involving the central nervous system and other organs. The goal of this review is to provide the clinical clues orientating the genetic diagnosis in a patient with inherited peripheral neuropathy. This review focuses on primary inherited neuropathies, amyloidosis, inherited metabolic diseases, while detailing clinical, neurophysiological and potential treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Masingue
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - G Fernández-Eulate
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - R Debs
- Service de neurophysiologie, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - C Tard
- CHU de Lille, clinique neurologique, centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, 59037 Lille cedex, France
| | - C Labeyrie
- Service de neurologie, hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - S Leonard-Louis
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - C-M Dhaenens
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU de Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, 59000 Lille, France
| | - M A Masson
- Inserm U1127, Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 7225, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - P Latour
- Service de biochimie biologie moléculaire, CHU de Lyon, centre de biologie et pathologie Est, 69677 Bron cedex, France
| | - T Stojkovic
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
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15
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Dardiotis E, Kyriakides T. Drug and Gene Therapy for Treating Variant Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTRv) Neuropathy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:471-481. [PMID: 36366846 PMCID: PMC10207904 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221108094736] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variant Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTRv) neuropathy is an adult-onset, autosomal dominant, lethal, multisystemic disease due to the deposition of mutated transthyretin (TTR) in various organs, commonly involving the peripheral nerves and the heart. Circulating TTR tetramers are unstable due to the presence of mutated TTR and dissociate into monomers, which misfold and form amyloid fibrils. Although there are more than 140 mutations in the TTR gene, the p.Val50Met mutation is by far the commonest. In the typical, early-onset cases, it presents with a small sensory fibre and autonomic, length-dependent, axonal neuropathy, while in late-onset cases, it presents with a lengthdependent sensorimotor axonal neuropathy involving all fibre sizes. Treatment is now available and includes TTR stabilizers, TTR amyloid removal as well as gene silencing, while gene editing therapies are on the way. Its timely diagnosis is of paramount importance for a better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthimios Dardiotis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Theodoros Kyriakides
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
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16
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Carberry N, Yu S, Fayerman RN, Dugue R, Miller M, Tanji K, Goyal T, Canoll P, Brannagan TH. Leptomeningeal Disease Secondary to Thr60Ala Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Neurohospitalist 2023; 13:90-95. [PMID: 36531853 PMCID: PMC9755614 DOI: 10.1177/19418744221127849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
A 31-year-old woman with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis secondary to a Thr60Ala mutation developed recurrent stroke-like episodes with fluctuating mental status. Evaluation for stroke and seizures was unrevealing. She was found to have leptomeningeal contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, which was confirmed to be CNS TTR amyloidosis on histopathology following brain and dura biopsy. While leptomeningeal disease has rarely been known to be associated with TTR amyloidosis, this is the first documented case of leptomeningeal disease secondary to a Thr60Ala mutation in the TTR gene. A literature review of TTR amyloidosis is presented with special focus on the treatment of leptomeningeal TTR amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Carberry
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sun Yu
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raisy N. Fayerman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachelle Dugue
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Miller
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kurenai Tanji
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tarini Goyal
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas H. Brannagan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Mizuguchi M, Nakagawa Y, Inui K, Katayama W, Sawai Y, Shimane A, Kitakami R, Okada T, Nabeshima Y, Yokoyama T, Kanamitsu K, Nakagawa S, Toyooka N. Chlorinated Naringenin Analogues as Potential Inhibitors of Transthyretin Amyloidogenesis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16218-16233. [PMID: 36472374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of transthyretin are implicated in the fatal systemic disease known as transthyretin amyloidosis. Here, we report the development of a naringenin derivative bearing two chlorine atoms that will be efficacious for preventing aggregation of transthyretin in the eye. The amyloid inhibitory activity of the naringenin derivative was as strong as that of tafamidis, which is the first therapeutic agent targeting transthyretin in the plasma. X-ray crystal structures of the compounds in complex with transthyretin demonstrated that the naringenin derivative with one chlorine bound to the thyroxine-binding site of transthyretin in the forward mode and that the derivative with two chlorines bound to it in the reverse mode. An ex vivo competitive binding assay showed that naringenin derivatives exhibited more potent binding than tafamidis in the plasma. Furthermore, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the dichlorinated derivative was significantly delivered to the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kishin Inui
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Wakana Katayama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Yurika Sawai
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Ayaka Shimane
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Ryota Kitakami
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Yuko Nabeshima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Kayoko Kanamitsu
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoki Toyooka
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
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18
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Takahashi Y, Ohashi N, Takasone K, Yoshinaga T, Yazaki M, Roberts M, Glidden PF, Sekijima Y. CSF/plasma levels, transthyretin stabilisation and safety of multiple doses of tolcapone in subjects with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Amyloid 2022; 29:190-196. [PMID: 35352593 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2022.2056011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of tolcapone on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transthyretin (TTR) tetramer stability in patients with hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis. METHODS A total of 9 patients were enrolled in the study (3 men, 50.3 ± 14.4 years old). Three patients had central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Patients were assigned to receive tolcapone 300 mg/day or 600 mg/day for 7 days. Plasma and CSF were collected at baseline and 2 h after the final tolcapone dose. RESULTS The mean CSF tolcapone and 3-O-Methyltolcapone (3-OMT) concentration were 39.4 ± 36.3 ng/mL and 26.0 ± 4.9 ng/mL, respectively, after 7 days of tolcapone dosing. Tolcapone and 3-OMT were detected in the CSF of patients with or without CNS symptoms. The mean total study drug (tolcapone + 3-OMT) to TTR molar ratio in CSF was 1.15 ± 0.59. Orally administered tolcapone significantly increased CSF TTR concentration and decreased monomer content under semi-denaturing conditions. Eight adverse events (AEs) were reported in 6 patients. All AEs were mild in severity and resolved. CONCLUSIONS Tolcapone was able to cross the blood brain-barrier, highlighting its potential to decrease CNS manifestations of ATTRv amyloidosis. Tolcapone was well tolerated by patients with ATTRv amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ken Takasone
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tsuneaki Yoshinaga
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masahide Yazaki
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Shinshu University School of Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoshiki Sekijima
- Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Shinshu University School of Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Japan
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19
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Carroll A, Dyck PJ, de Carvalho M, Kennerson M, Reilly MM, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Novel approaches to diagnosis and management of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:668-678. [PMID: 35256455 PMCID: PMC9148983 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-327909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a severe, adult-onset autosomal dominant inherited systemic disease predominantly affecting the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, heart, kidney and the eyes. ATTRv is caused by mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, leading to extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in multiple organs including the peripheral nervous system. Typically, the neuropathy associated with ATTRv is characterised by a rapidly progressive and disabling sensorimotor axonal neuropathy with early small-fibre involvement. Carpal tunnel syndrome and cardiac dysfunction frequently coexist as part of the ATTRv phenotype. Although awareness of ATTRv polyneuropathy among neurologists has increased, the rate of misdiagnosis remains high, resulting in significant diagnostic delays and accrued disability. A timely and definitive diagnosis is important, given the emergence of effective therapies which have revolutionised the management of transthyretin amyloidosis. TTR protein stabilisers diflunisal and tafamidis can delay the progression of the disease, if treated early in the course. Additionally, TTR gene silencing medications, patisiran and inotersen, have resulted in up to 80% reduction in TTR production, leading to stabilisation or slight improvement of peripheral neuropathy and cardiac dysfunction, as well as improvement in quality of life and functional outcomes. The considerable therapeutic advances have raised additional challenges, including optimisation of diagnostic techniques and management approaches in ATTRv neuropathy. This review highlights the key advances in the diagnostic techniques, current and emerging management strategies, and biomarker development for disease progression in ATTRv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Carroll
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Translational Research Collective, University of Sydney and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P James Dyck
- Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marina Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Laboratory Concord Repatriation General Hospital, and Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mary M Reilly
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Bushell Chair of Neurology, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, Concord Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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A case of transthyretin-related cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The other side of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 122:571-573. [PMID: 35040071 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01854-4] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The target organs for familial transthyretin amyloidosis are typically the nerves, the heart or even the eyes due to the accumulation of amyloid deposits. Less frequently, these deposits can occur within the central nervous system and drive a specific phenotype of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman showing evidence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, in a context of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) due to p.(Ser77Tyr) mutation of the TTR gene. Her cognitive assessment on a two-year follow-up was remarkably steady. A very limited number of patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis associated with a cerebral amyloid angiopathy have been reported. Few characteristics could distinguish them from classic cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and more data are needed to highlight specific features. Screening for peripheral neuropathy should be considered for patients referred to memory clinic for atypical cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
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21
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Uneus EI, Wilhelmsson C, Bäckström D, Anan I, Wixner J, Pilebro B, Riklund K, Ögren M, Ögreen M, Axelsson J, Suhr OB, Sundström T. Cerebellar and Cerebral Amyloid Visualized by [18F]flutemetamol PET in Long-Term Hereditary V30M (p.V50M) Transthyretin Amyloidosis Survivors. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816636. [PMID: 35317351 PMCID: PMC8934387 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis caused by the V30M (p. V50M) mutation is a fatal, neuropathic systemic amyloidosis. Liver transplantation has prolonged the survival of patients and central nervous system (CNS) complications, attributed to amyloid angiopathy caused by CNS synthesis of variant transthyretin, have emerged. The study aimed to ascertain amyloid deposition within the brain in long-term ATTRv amyloidosis survivors with neurological symptoms from the CNS. Methods A total of 20 patients with ATTR V30M having symptoms from the CNS and a median disease duration of 16 years (8–25 years) were included in this study. The cognitive and peripheral nervous functions were determined for 18 patients cross-sectionally at the time of the investigation. Amyloid brain deposits were examined by [18F]flutemetamol PET/CT. Five patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) served as positive controls. Result 60% of the patients with ATTRv had a pathological Z-score in the cerebellum, compared to only 20% in the patients with AD. 75% of the patients with transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs) displayed a pathological uptake only in the cerebellum. Increased cerebellar uptake was related to an early age of onset of the ATTRv disease. 55% of the patients with ATTRv had a pathological Z-score in the global cerebral region compared to 100% of the patients with AD. Conclusion Amyloid deposition within the brain after long-standing ATTRv amyloidosis is common, especially in the cerebellum. A cerebellar amyloid uptake profile seems to be related to TFNE symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Irene Uneus
- Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christer Wilhelmsson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - David Bäckström
- Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Intissar Anan
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Wixner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Björn Pilebro
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Heart Centre, Cardiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katrine Riklund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Ögren
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Margareta Ögreen
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Axelsson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ole B. Suhr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Ole B. Suhr
| | - Torbjörn Sundström
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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22
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Durmuş H, Çakar A, Demirci H, Alaylioglu M, Gezen‐Ak D, Dursun E, Gülşen Parman Y. An Exploratory Study of Cognitive Involvement in Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:640-646. [PMID: 34322872 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene. The mutant ATTRv protein causes a systemic accumulation of amyloid fibrils in various organs. TTR is an important protein in the central nervous system physiology for the maintenance of normal cognitive process during aging, amidated neuropeptide processing, and nerve regeneration. The neuroprotective effect of transthyretin has been widely documented in animal models. Cognitive consequences of the mutant TTR in hereditary ATTRv amyloidosis patients remain still to be elucidated. We designed this study to investigate the cognitive involvement in ATTRv amyloidosis. METHODS Detailed neuropsychological tests and cranial MRIs were performed. Biomarkers including amyloid beta 1-42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau were investigated in the cerebrospinal fluid samples. RESULTS Median age of the cohort was 52 years (ranges 34-72). Neuropsychological assessment results were compatible with impaired executive functions (in all patients except one with only bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, long-term visual and long-term verbal memory (severe in four patients and moderate in one). Visuospatial judgment and perception were impaired in six. Mean cerebrospinal fluid Aβ1-42 (pg/ml) was 878.0 ± 249.5 in patients with cortical atrophyin MRI whereas 1210.0 ± 45.9 in patients without any cortical atrophy. Cranial MRI showed cortical atrophy in six patients (6/10). CONCLUSION Our data showed the significance of the TTR protein in cognitive functions and highlighted the importance of the close follow-up of cognitive functions in ATTRv amyloidosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacer Durmuş
- Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Arman Çakar
- Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Hasan Demirci
- Department of Psychology University of Health Sciences Istanbul Turkey
| | - Merve Alaylioglu
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratories Department of Medical Biology Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University‐Cerrahpasa Istanbul Turkey
| | - Duygu Gezen‐Ak
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratories Department of Medical Biology Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University‐Cerrahpasa Istanbul Turkey
| | - Erdinc Dursun
- Brain and Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Laboratories Department of Medical Biology Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University‐Cerrahpasa Istanbul Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience Institute of Neurological Sciences Istanbul University‐Cerrahpasa Istanbul Turkey
| | - Yeşim Gülşen Parman
- Department of Neurology Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Istanbul University Istanbul Turkey
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23
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Dohrn MF, Medina J, Olaciregui Dague KR, Hund E. Are we creating a new phenotype? Physiological barriers and ethical considerations in the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-amyloidosis. Neurol Res Pract 2021; 3:57. [PMID: 34719408 PMCID: PMC8559355 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-021-00155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) is an autosomal dominant, systemic disease transmitted by amyloidogenic mutations in the TTR gene. To prevent the otherwise fatal disease course, TTR stabilizers and mRNA silencing antisense drugs are currently approved treatment options. With 90% of the amyloidogenic protein produced by the liver, disease progression including polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy, the two most prominent manifestations, can successfully be halted by hepatic drug targeting or-formerly-liver transplantation. Certain TTR variants, however, favor disease manifestations in the central nervous system (CNS) or eyes, which is mostly associated with TTR production in the choroid plexus and retina. These compartments cannot be sufficiently reached by any of the approved medications. From liver-transplanted patients, we have learned that with longer lifespans, such CNS manifestations become more relevant over time, even if the underlying TTR mutation is not primarily associated with such. Are we therefore creating a new phenotype? Prolonging life will most likely lead to a shift in the phenotypic spectrum, enabling manifestations like blindness, dementia, and cerebral hemorrhage to come out of the disease background. To overcome the first therapeutic limitation, the blood-brain barrier, we might be able to learn from other antisense drugs currently being used in research or even being approved for primary neurodegenerative CNS diseases like spinal muscular atrophy or Alzheimer's disease. But what effects will unselective CNS TTR knock-down have considering its role in neuroprotection? A potential approach to overcome this second limitiation might be allele-specific targeting, which is, however, still far from clinical trials. Ethical standpoints underline the need for seamless data collection to enable more evidence-based decisions and for thoughtful consenting in research and clinical practice. We conclude that the current advances in treating ATTRv amyloidosis have become a meaningful example for mechanism-based treatment. With its great success in improving patient life spans, we will still have to face new challenges including shifts in the phenotype spectrum and the ongoing need for improved treatment precision. Further investigation is needed to address these closed barriers and open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike F Dohrn
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Neuromuscular Outpatient Clinic, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Jessica Medina
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Ernst Hund
- Amyloidosis Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Sousa L, Coelho T, Taipa R. CNS Involvement in Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Neurology 2021; 97:1111-1119. [PMID: 34663645 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is predominantly a disease of the peripheral nerves, heart, kidney and eye. CNS involvement has been a marginal issue in research and the clinical setting, until recently. Growing evidence shows that leptomeningeal amyloid accumulation is frequent and present from early stages of ATTRv amyloidosis. Several recent studies show CNS symptoms arise as a common late complication in patients with the V30M mutation, after at least 14 years of symptomatic peripheral nerve disease. Conversely, in non-V30M patients, there are several descriptions, mostly case reports, of patients presenting with severe phenotypes of ocular and CNS dysfunction (oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis), with little systemic involvement. This phenotype is found in rare families worldwide, associated with at least 14 mutations.In both patients with late and early onset CNS dysfunction, symptoms include transient focal neurological episodes, haemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, cognitive decline and cranial nerve dysfunction. Pathologically, there is severe amyloid deposition in the leptomeninges and cerebral amyloid angiopathy of leptomeningeal and penetrating vessels. These amyloid aggregates are formed mostly by CSF produced TTR and seem resistant to the available ATTRv therapies that increase the stability or reduce the production of plasma TTR. This indicates that CNS involvement will become a meaningful issue in patient management in upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Sousa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto .,Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto
| | - Ricardo Taipa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto.,Portuguese Brain Bank, Neuropathology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto
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25
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Carvalho V, Cunha C, Rocha R, Massano J, Correia F, Coelho P, França S, Cruz VT, Cruto C. Transthyretin amyloid-related transitory events (TARTEs): Descriptive analysis of clinical, imagiological, and neurophysiological features. J Neurol Sci 2021; 429:118068. [PMID: 34530288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118068] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (ATTR-FAP) is a multisystemic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Transitory events in ATTR-FAP patients are a feature of this disorder and remain poorly depicted in the literature. We aimed to describe a case series of ATTR-FAP patients who presented to our department with transitory events and document the clinical, neuroimaging and neurophysiological characteristics of the events. We collected data from eight patients carrying the Val30Met ATTR-FAP variant. We registered a total of 23 events. Of the eight patients, seven had been submitted to hepatic transplant. The events were either TIA-like or seizures, often followed by prolonged language, motor or sensory impairment. In 9 (39%) of the events, the patients presented with fever, but an infection was only found in 5 (21%). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was performed in 5 patients. EEG was abnormal in at least 1 event in 7 of the 8 patients. Brain MRI was performed in 3 patients during the acute stage and showed no acute lesions. Although the etiology of these events remains unclear, brain MRI performed in the acute phase of acute TIA-like events and the EEG abnormalities, argues in favor of regional brain dysfunction due to amyloid deposition. Focal neurological episodes should be considered in long-term duration Val30Met ATTR-FAP patients, who present with acute neurological deficits or seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Carlota Cunha
- Medical Practitioner, Lismore GP Superclinic, Goonellabah, Australia
| | - Raquel Rocha
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - João Massano
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Correia
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Paulo Coelho
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sara França
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vitor Tedim Cruz
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal; Epidemiologic Research Unit, Public Health Institute, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cruto
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Pedro Hispano/Matosinhos Local Unit, Matosinhos, Portugal
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26
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Obici L, Mussinelli R. Current and Emerging Therapies for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Strides Towards a Brighter Future. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2286-2302. [PMID: 34850359 PMCID: PMC8804119 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in the clinical development of novel therapeutic options for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Recently approved agents and drugs currently under investigation not only represent a major breakthrough in this field but also provide validation of the therapeutic potential of innovative approaches, like RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, in rare inherited disorders. In this review, we describe the evolving therapeutic landscape for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and discuss how this highly disabling and fatal condition is turning into a treatable disease. We also provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in transthyretin (TTR) amyloid formation and regression, to highlight how a deeper understanding of these processes has contributed to the identification of novel treatment targets. Finally, we focus on major areas of uncertainty and unmet needs that deserve further efforts to improve long-term patients' outcomes and allow for a brighter future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Mussinelli
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi, 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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27
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Qin Q, Wei C, Piao Y, Lian F, Wu H, Zhou A, Wang F, Zuo X, Han Y, Lyu J, Guo D, Jia J. Current Review of Leptomeningeal Amyloidosis Associated With Transthyretin Mutations. Neurologist 2021; 26:189-195. [PMID: 34491937 PMCID: PMC8423141 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leptomeningeal amyloidosis (LA) represents a rare subtype of familial transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, characterized by deposition of amyloid in cranial and spinal leptomeninges. Of >120 TTR mutations identified, few have been associated with LA. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of progressive symptoms including cognitive decline and right-sided weakness and numbness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses demonstrated high protein level. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extensive leptomeningeal enhancement over the surface of the brain and spinal cord. Pathologic analyses revealed a TTR mutation c.113A>G (p.D38G). REVIEW SUMMARY Fifteen mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation of 72 LA patients have been summarized to provide an overview of LA associated with transthyretin mutations. The mean age of clinical onset was 44.9 years and the neurological symptoms primarily included cognitive impairment, headache, ataxia seizures and hearing, visual loss. CSF analysis showed elevated high CSF protein level and MRI revealed extensive leptomeningeal enhancement. CONCLUSION Clinicians should be aware of this rare form of familial transthyretin amyloidosis as well as its typical MRI enhancement and high CSF protein. The important role of biopsy, genetic testing and the potential early diagnosis value of contrast MRI were suggested. Early recognition of these characteristics is important to provide misdiagnosis and shorten the time before correct diagnosis. These findings expand the phenotypic spectrum of TTR gene and have implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and systematic study of LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qin
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
- Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital
| | - Cuibai Wei
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | | | | | - Hao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University
| | - Aihong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | - Xiumei Zuo
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | - Yue Han
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | - Jihui Lyu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University
| | - Dongmei Guo
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
| | - Jianping Jia
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders
- Center of Alzheimer’s Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
- Neurodegenerative Laboratory of Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China
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28
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A circulating, disease-specific, mechanism-linked biomarker for ATTR polyneuropathy diagnosis and response to therapy prediction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016072118. [PMID: 33597308 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016072118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses (ATTR) are progressive, degenerative diseases resulting from dissociation of the TTR tetramer to monomers, which subsequently misfold and aggregate, forming a spectrum of aggregate structures including oligomers and amyloid fibrils. To determine whether circulating nonnative TTR (NNTTR) levels correlate with the clinical status of patients with V30M TTR familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), we quantified plasma NNTTR using a newly developed sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The assay detected significant plasma levels of NNTTR in most presymptomatic V30M TTR carriers and in all FAP patients. NNTTR was not detected in age-matched control plasmas or in subjects with other peripheral neuropathies, suggesting NNTTR can be useful in diagnosing FAP. NNTTR levels were substantially reduced in patients receiving approved FAP disease-modifying therapies (e.g., the TTR stabilizer tafamidis, 20 mg once daily). This NNTTR decrease was seen in both the responders (average reduction 56.4 ± 4.2%; n = 49) and nonresponders (average reduction of 63.3 ± 4.8%; n = 32) at 12 mo posttreatment. Notably, high pretreatment NNTTR levels were associated with a significantly lower likelihood of clinical response to tafamidis. Our data suggest that NNTTR is a disease driver whose reduction is sufficient to ameliorate FAP so long as pretreatment NNTTR levels are below a critical clinical threshold.
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29
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Kelly JW. Does protein aggregation drive postmitotic tissue degeneration? Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/577/eaax0914. [PMID: 33472954 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax0914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological evidence, from clinical trials where patients with systemic amyloid diseases are treated with disease-modifying therapies, supports the notion that protein aggregation drives tissue degeneration in these disorders. The protein aggregate structures driving tissue pathology and the commonalities in etiology between these diseases and Alzheimer's disease are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery W Kelly
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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30
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Inhibitory activities of anthraquinone and xanthone derivatives against transthyretin amyloidogenesis. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 44:116292. [PMID: 34225167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116292] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin is a tetrameric protein which functions as a transporter of thyroxine and retinol-binding protein. Misfolding and amyloid aggregation of transthyretin are known to cause wild-type and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Stabilization of the transthyretin tetramer by low molecular weight compounds is an efficacious strategy to inhibit the aggregation pathway in the amyloidosis. Here, we investigated the inhibitory activities of anthraquinone and xanthone derivatives against amyloid aggregation, and found that xanthone-2-carboxylic acid with one chlorine or methyl group has strong inhibitory activity comparable with that of diflunisal, which is one of the best known stabilizers of transthyretin. X-ray crystallographic structures of transthyretin in complex with the compounds revealed that the introduction of chlorine, which is buried in a hydrophobic region, is important for the strong inhibitory effect of the stabilizer against amyloidogenesis. An in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (ADME) study and in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the compounds have drug-like features, suggesting that they have potential as therapeutic agents to stabilize transthyretin.
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31
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Obici L, Adams D. Acquired and inherited amyloidosis: Knowledge driving patients' care. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2021; 25:85-101. [PMID: 32378274 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, systemic amyloidoses were regarded as ineluctably disabling and life-threatening diseases. However, this field has witnessed major advances in the last decade, with significant improvements in therapeutic options and in the availability of accurate and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Outstanding progress includes unprecedented hematological response rates provided by risk-adapted regimens in light chain (AL) amyloidosis and the approval of innovative pharmacological agents for both hereditary and wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Moreover, the incidence of secondary (AA) amyloidosis has continuously reduced, reflecting advances in therapeutics and overall management of several chronic inflammatory diseases. The identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets has grounded on a better knowledge of key molecular events underlying protein misfolding and aggregation and on the increasing availability of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive markers of organ damage and response to treatment. In this review, we focus on these recent advancements and discuss how they are translating into improved outcomes. Neurological involvement dominates the clinical picture in transthyretin and gelsolin inherited amyloidosis and has a significant impact on disease course and management in all patients. Neurologists, therefore, play a major role in improving patients' journey to diagnosis and in providing early access to treatment in order to prevent significant disability and extend survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Adams
- National Reference Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Neuropathies, APHP, Université Paris Saclay, INSERM U1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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32
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Titze-de-Almeida SS, Brandão PRDP, Faber I, Titze-de-Almeida R. Leading RNA Interference Therapeutics Part 1: Silencing Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis, with a Focus on Patisiran. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 24:49-59. [PMID: 31701435 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00434-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In 2018, patisiran was the first-ever RNA interference (RNAi)-based drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Now pharmacology textbooks may include a new drug class that results in the effect first described by Fire and Mello 2 decades ago: post-transcriptional gene silencing by a small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) present with mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene that lead to the formation of amyloid deposits in peripheral nerves and heart. The disease may also affect the eye and central nervous system. The formulation of patisiran comprises the RNAi drug encapsulated into a nanoparticle especially developed to deliver the anti-TTR siRNA into the main TTR producer: the liver. Hepatic cells contain apolipoprotein E receptors that recognize ApoE proteins opsonized in the lipid carrier and internalize the drug by endocytosis. Lipid vesicles are disrupted in the cell cytoplasm, and siRNAs are free to trigger the RNAi-based TTR gene silencing. The silencing process involves the binding of siRNA guide strand to 3'-untranslated region sequence of both mutant and wild-type TTR messenger RNA, which culminates in the TTR mRNA cleavage by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) as the first biochemical drug effect. Patisiran 0.3 mg/kg is administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Patients require premedication with anti-inflammatory drugs and antagonists of histamine H1 and H2 receptors to prevent infusion-related reactions and may require vitamin A supplementation. Following patisiran treatment, TTR knockdown remained stable for at least 2 years. Adverse effects were mild to moderate with unchanged hematological, renal, or hepatic parameters. No drug-related severe adverse effects occurred in a 24-month follow-up phase II open-label extension study. At the recommended dosage of patisiran, Cmax and AUC values (mean ± standard deviation) were 7.15 ± 2.14 μg/mL and 184 ± 159 μg·h/mL, respectively. The drug showed stability in circulation with > 95% encapsulated in lipid particles. Metabolization occurred by ribonuclease enzymes, with less than 1% excreted unchanged in the urine. Patisiran ameliorated neuropathy impairment according to the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score + 7 analysis of the phase III study. The Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy score and gait speed improved in 51% of the patisiran-treated group in 18 months. Additionally, the modified body mass index showed positive outcomes. Altogether, the data across phase I-III clinical trials points to patisiran as an effective and safe drug for the treatment of hATTR amyloidosis. It is hoped that real-world data from a larger number of patients treated with patisiran will confirm the effectiveness of this first-approved siRNA-based drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide S Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Pedro Renato de Paula Brandão
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Neurology Clinic, Medical Department, Chamber of Deputies, The National Congress, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Faber
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, University of Brasília/FAV, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Bezerra F, Saraiva MJ, Almeida MR. Modulation of the Mechanisms Driving Transthyretin Amyloidosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:592644. [PMID: 33362465 PMCID: PMC7759661 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.592644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses are systemic diseases associated with TTR aggregation and extracellular deposition in tissues as amyloid. The most frequent and severe forms of the disease are hereditary and associated with amino acid substitutions in the protein due to single point mutations in the TTR gene (ATTRv amyloidosis). However, the wild type TTR (TTR wt) has an intrinsic amyloidogenic potential that, in particular altered physiologic conditions and aging, leads to TTR aggregation in people over 80 years old being responsible for the non-hereditary ATTRwt amyloidosis. In normal physiologic conditions TTR wt occurs as a tetramer of identical subunits forming a central hydrophobic channel where small molecules can bind as is the case of the natural ligand thyroxine (T4). However, the TTR amyloidogenic variants present decreased stability, and in particular conditions, dissociate into partially misfolded monomers that aggregate and polymerize as amyloid fibrils. Therefore, therapeutic strategies for these amyloidoses may target different steps in the disease process such as decrease of variant TTR (TTRv) in plasma, stabilization of TTR, inhibition of TTR aggregation and polymerization or disruption of the preformed fibrils. While strategies aiming decrease of the mutated TTR involve mainly genetic approaches, either by liver transplant or the more recent technologies using specific oligonucleotides or silencing RNA, the other steps of the amyloidogenic cascade might be impaired by pharmacologic compounds, namely, TTR stabilizers, inhibitors of aggregation and amyloid disruptors. Modulation of different steps involved in the mechanism of ATTR amyloidosis and compounds proposed as pharmacologic agents to treat TTR amyloidosis will be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Bezerra
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Saraiva
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário Almeida
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Dohrn MF, Ihne S, Hegenbart U, Medina J, Züchner SL, Coelho T, Hahn K. Targeting transthyretin - Mechanism-based treatment approaches and future perspectives in hereditary amyloidosis. J Neurochem 2020; 156:802-818. [PMID: 33155274 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The liver-derived, circulating transport protein transthyretin (TTR) is the cause of systemic hereditary (ATTRv) and wild-type (ATTRwt) amyloidosis. TTR stabilization and knockdown are approved therapies to mitigate the otherwise lethal disease course. To date, the variety in phenotypic penetrance is not fully understood. This systematic review summarizes the current literature on TTR pathophysiology with its therapeutic implications. Tetramer dissociation is the rate-limiting step of amyloidogenesis. Besides destabilizing TTR mutations, other genetic (RBP4, APCS, AR, ATX2, C1q, C3) and external (extracellular matrix, Schwann cell interaction) factors influence the type of onset and organ tropism. The approved small molecule tafamidis stabilizes the tetramer and significantly decelerates the clinical course. By sequence-specific mRNA knockdown, the approved small interfering RNA (siRNA) patisiran and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inotersen both significantly reduce plasma TTR levels and improve neuropathy and quality of life compared to placebo. With enhanced hepatic targeting capabilities, GalNac-conjugated siRNA and ASOs have recently entered phase III clinical trials. Bivalent TTR stabilizers occupy both binding groves in vitro, but have not been tested in trials so far. Tolcapone is another stabilizer with the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier, but its half-life is short and liver failure a potential side effect. Amyloid-directed antibodies and substances like doxycycline aim at reducing the amyloid load, however, none of the yet developed antibodies has successfully passed clinical trials. ATTR-amyloidosis has become a model disease for pathophysiology-based treatment. Further understanding of disease mechanisms will help to overcome the remaining limitations, including application burden, side effects, and blood-brain barrier permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike F Dohrn
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sandra Ihne
- Interdisciplinary Amyloidosis Center of Northern Bavaria, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University and University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ute Hegenbart
- Amyloidosis Center Heidelberg, Department of Internal Medicine V, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Medina
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephan L Züchner
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Andrade's Center for Familial Amyloidosis, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Neurosciences, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Do Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Katrin Hahn
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Amyloidosis Center Charité Berlin (ACCB), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE Amyloidosis represents an increasingly recognized but still frequently missed cause of heart failure. In the light of many effective therapies for light chain (AL) amyloidosis and promising new treatment options for transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, awareness among caregivers needs to be raised to screen for amyloidosis as an important and potentially treatable differential diagnosis. This review outlines the diversity of cardiac amyloidosis, its relation to heart failure, the diagnostic algorithm, and therapeutic considerations that should be applied depending on the underlying type of amyloidosis. RECENT FINDINGS Non-biopsy diagnosis is feasible in ATTR amyloidosis in the absence of a monoclonal component resulting in higher detection rates of cardiac ATTR amyloidosis. Biomarker-guided staging systems have been updated to facilitate risk stratification according to currently available biomarkers independent of regional differences, but have not yet prospectively been tested. Novel therapies for hereditary and wild-type ATTR amyloidosis are increasingly available. The complex treatment options for AL amyloidosis are improving continuously, resulting in better survival and quality of life. Mortality in advanced cardiac amyloidosis remains high, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Cardiac amyloidosis is characterized by etiologic and clinical heterogeneity resulting in a frequently delayed diagnosis and an inappropriately high mortality risk. New treatment options for this hitherto partially untreatable condition have become and will become available, but raise challenges regarding their implementation. Referral to specialized centers providing access to extensive and targeted diagnostic investigations and treatment initiation may help to face these challenges.
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Maia LF, Maceski A, Conceição I, Obici L, Magalhães R, Cortese A, Leppert D, Merlini G, Kuhle J, Saraiva MJ. Plasma neurofilament light chain: an early biomarker for hereditary ATTR amyloid polyneuropathy. Amyloid 2020; 27:97-102. [PMID: 31906707 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2019.1708716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Transthyretin amyloidosis due to V30M mutation (ATTR-V30M) is the most frequent hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Besides neurophysiological measures, there are no biomarkers to detect preclinical disease or monitor disease progression. CSF or plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) have recently been considered sensitive biomarkers to quantitate neuro-axonal damage in several disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system.Objective: Characterise plasma NfL levels in a series of untreated ATTR-V30M patients stratified by clinical severity using a cross-sectional retrospective study design.Methods: Sixty ATTR-V30M patients and 16 controls from 2 independent cohorts were analysed for pNfL by single-molecule array assay (SIMOA) technique. Disease severity was assessed with Polyneuropathy Disability Score.Results: pNfL is elevated in ATTR-V30M patients as a function of disease severity in both cohorts. Moreover, pNfL discriminates asymptomatic mutation carriers from early symptomatic patients (AUC = 0.97; p < .001) with high sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (93.8%). pNfL elevation (>66.9 pg/mL) also discriminates patients with sensory neuropathy from patients with motor neuropathy (AUC = 0.91; p < .01) with a sensitivity of 61.5% and a specificity of 92.3%.Conclusion: pNfL is an easily accessible biomarker to establish ATTR-V30M disease conversion and to monitor disease progression. pNfL could be used as efficacy measure of disease-oriented therapies in clinical and pre-clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Maia
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Aleksandra Maceski
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Conceição
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN) and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rui Magalhães
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreas Cortese
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Leppert
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giampaolo Merlini
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria João Saraiva
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Pinheiro F, Varejão N, Esperante S, Santos J, Velázquez-Campoy A, Reverter D, Pallarès I, Ventura S. Tolcapone, a potent aggregation inhibitor for the treatment of familial leptomeningeal amyloidosis. FEBS J 2020; 288:310-324. [PMID: 32324953 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a disease characterized by the extracellular deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils. Highly destabilizing TTR mutations cause leptomeningeal amyloidosis, a rare, but fatal, disorder in which TTR aggregates in the brain. The disease remains intractable, since liver transplantation, the reference therapy for systemic ATTR, does not stop mutant TTR production in the brain. In addition, despite current pharmacological strategies have shown to be effective against in vivo TTR aggregation by stabilizing the tetramer native structure and precluding its dissociation, they display low brain permeability. Recently, we have repurposed tolcapone as a molecule to treat systemic ATTR. Crystal structures and biophysical analysis converge to demonstrate that tolcapone binds with high affinity and specificity to three unstable leptomeningeal TTR variants, stabilizing them and, consequently, inhibiting their aggregation. Because tolcapone is an FDA-approved drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier, our results suggest that it can translate into a first disease-modifying therapy for leptomeningeal amyloidosis. DATABASES: PDB codes for A25T-TTR, V30G-TTR, and Y114C-TTR bound to tolcapone are 6TXV, 6TXW, and 6XTK, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Pinheiro
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nathalia Varejão
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Santos
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon Institute for Health Research, Zaragoza, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,ARAID Foundation, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David Reverter
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irantzu Pallarès
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Bajan S, Hutvagner G. RNA-Based Therapeutics: From Antisense Oligonucleotides to miRNAs. Cells 2020; 9:E137. [PMID: 31936122 PMCID: PMC7016530 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first therapeutic nucleic acid, a DNA oligonucleotide, was approved for clinical use in 1998. Twenty years later, in 2018, the first therapeutic RNA-based oligonucleotide was United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. This promises to be a rapidly expanding market, as many emerging biopharmaceutical companies are developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based, and RNA-based antisense oligonucleotide therapies. However, miRNA therapeutics are noticeably absent. miRNAs are regulatory RNAs that regulate gene expression. In disease states, the expression of many miRNAs is measurably altered. The potential of miRNAs as therapies and therapeutic targets has long been discussed and in the context of a wide variety of infections and diseases. Despite the great number of studies identifying miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets, only a handful of miRNA-targeting drugs (mimics or inhibitors) have entered clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss whether the investment in finding potential miRNA therapeutic targets has yielded feasible and practicable results, the benefits and obstacles of miRNAs as therapeutic targets, and the potential future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bajan
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Health and Sport Science, University of Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Hutvagner
- School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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The frequency of central nervous system complications in the Cypriot cohort of ATTRV30M neuropathy transplanted patients. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1163-1170. [PMID: 31897943 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-04176-9] [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: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a hereditary, sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy caused by deposits of mutated transthyretin (TTR). The commonest TTR mutation is V30M (ATTRV30M) with patients usually living for about 10 years after disease onset. Liver transplantation (LT) until recently was considered the standard treatment. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS This study aims to assess the frequency of CNS complications in post-LT patients from the Cypriot cohort. Epidemiological data were collected for all genetically confirmed ATTRV30M neuropathy patients diagnosed at CING since 1992, and CNS-associated symptoms were assessed and evaluated by two neurology specialists. RESULTS Out of the 48 transplanted patients, 10 (20.8%) presented with a CNS complication. All patients had ocular involvement, mainly glaucoma (7/10). Eight presented with transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs), with expressive dysphasia being reported by four of them. The mean time of TFNE-emergence was 16.6 years after the LT. Three died from cerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS CNS complications in post-LT ATTRV30M patients are not rare and usually manifest themselves at a time that surpasses the mean time the patients would have survived without a LT. CNS involvement is associated with increased mortality, due to cerebral hemorrhage.
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The Amyloid-Tau-Neuroinflammation Axis in the Context of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246319. [PMID: 31847365 PMCID: PMC6941131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is typified by the cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid. Currently, there is no clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the contribution of CAA to neurodegeneration. Despite the fact that CAA is highly associated with the accumulation of Aβ, other types of amyloids have been shown to associate with the vasculature. Interestingly, in many cases, vascular amyloidosis has been associated with an active immune response and perivascular deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau. Despite the fact that in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) a major focus of research has been the understanding of the connection between parenchymal amyloid plaques, tau aggregates in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and immune activation, the contribution of tau and neuroinflammation to neurodegeneration associated with CAA remains understudied. In this review, we discussed the existing evidence regarding the amyloid diversity in CAA and its relation to tau pathology and immune response, as well as the possible contribution of molecular and cellular mechanisms, previously associated with parenchymal amyloid in AD and AD-related dementias, to the pathogenesis of CAA. The detailed understanding of the “amyloid-tau-neuroinflammation” axis in the context of CAA could open the opportunity to develop therapeutic interventions for dementias associated with CAA that are currently being proposed for AD and AD-related dementias.
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Milani P, Mussinelli R, Perlini S, Palladini G, Obici L. An evaluation of patisiran: a viable treatment option for transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:2223-2228. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1671352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Milani
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Mussinelli
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Perlini
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Emergency Department, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palladini
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Gertz MA, Scheinberg M, Waddington-Cruz M, Heitner SB, Karam C, Drachman B, Khella S, Whelan C, Obici L. Inotersen for the treatment of adults with polyneuropathy caused by hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:701-711. [PMID: 31268366 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1635008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv; v for variant) is an underdiagnosed, progressive, and fatal multisystemic disease with a heterogenous clinical phenotype that is caused by TTR gene mutations that destabilize the TTR protein, resulting in its misfolding, aggregation, and deposition in tissues throughout the body. Areas covered: Inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor, was recently approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of ATTRv based on the positive results obtained in the pivotal phase 3 trial, NEURO-TTR. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of inotersen and its pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety and tolerability. A PubMed search using the terms 'inotersen,' 'AG10,' 'antisense oligonucleotide,' 'hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis,' 'familial amyloid polyneuropathy,' and 'familial amyloid cardiomyopathy' was performed, and the results were screened for the most relevant English language publications. The bibliographies of all retrieved articles were manually searched to identify additional studies of relevance. Expert opinion: Inotersen targets the disease-forming protein, TTR, and has been shown to improve quality of life and neuropathy progression in patients with stage 1 or 2 ATTRv with polyneuropathy. Inotersen is well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile through regular monitoring for the development of glomerulonephritis or thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morie A Gertz
- a Department of Hematology, Transplant Center, Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Morton Scheinberg
- b Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Márcia Waddington-Cruz
- c Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, University Hospital , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Stephen B Heitner
- d Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic, Knight Cardiovascular Institute , Portland , OR , USA
| | - Chafic Karam
- e Department of Neurology, ALS and Neuromuscular Center, Oregon Health and Science University , Portland , OR , USA
| | - Brian Drachman
- f Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Sami Khella
- g Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Carol Whelan
- h Consultant Cardiologist, University College London-National Amyloidosis Centre , London , UK
| | - Laura Obici
- i Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo , Pavia , Italy
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Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a model of medical progress for a fatal disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:387-404. [PMID: 31209302 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (also known as familial amyloid polyneuropathy) is a condition with adult onset caused by mutation of transthyretin (TTR) and characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid and destruction of the somatic and autonomic PNS, leading to loss of autonomy and death. This disease represents a model of the scientific and medical progress of the past 30 years. ATTRv amyloidosis is a worldwide disease with broad genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity that presents a diagnostic challenge for neurologists. The pathophysiology of the neuropathy is increasingly understood and includes instability and proteolysis of mutant TTR leading to deposition of amyloid with variable lengths of fibrils, microangiopathy and involvement of Schwann cells. Wild-type TTR is amyloidogenic in older individuals. The main symptoms are neuropathic, but the disease is systemic; neurologists should be aware of cardiac, eye and kidney involvement that justify a multidisciplinary approach to management. Infiltrative cardiomyopathy is usually latent but present in half of patients. Disease-modifying therapeutics that have been developed include liver transplantation and TTR stabilizers, both of which can slow progression of the disease and increase survival in the early stages. Most recently, gene-silencing drugs have been used to control disease in the more advanced stages and produce some degree of improvement.
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Buxbaum JN. Treatment of hereditary and acquired forms of transthyretin amyloidosis in the era of personalized medicine: the role of randomized controlled trials. Amyloid 2019; 26:55-65. [PMID: 30907141 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2019.1575201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There have now been randomized controlled trials of four different therapeutics for hereditary amyloid polyneuropathy related to transthyretin (TTR) deposition and one for amyloidotic cardiomyopathy of both genetic and sporadic origin. It is likely that in the next few months those not already approved by either the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or the European Medicines Authority (EMA) will receive similar approvals for treatment for all or particular groups of patients. This is a far cry from circumstances less than 10 years ago when the only available therapy was gene replacement by liver transplant. The randomized controlled trials have shown that all the treatments (tafamidis, diflunisal, patisiran, and inotersen) are effective in the context of a clinical trial. However, we have very little idea of whether individual patients will respond in an equally positive way to all the drugs or whether there will be some who respond better to one or another or not respond at all, nor do we know whether combinations will be additive or synergistic. We lack validated markers of clinical response. While the small molecule TTR stabilizers increase serum TTR levels, the RNA-based drugs lower serum TTR. In the latter case, it is not clear that the reduction in serum TTR is related to the clinical response in a 1:1 fashion. Pharmaceutical companies have made substantial investments in the development of these agents and will clearly attempt to recoup those investments quickly. It is incumbent upon those of us who care for these patients to develop ways to assess the effects of therapy in the shortest possible time at the lowest possible cost. The better we are able to accomplish this the more likely it is that we will be able to treat the most patients in the most clinically efficient fashion regardless of their economic status. We now have the drugs we just have to figure out who should get them and when.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel N Buxbaum
- a The Scripps Research Institute , San Diego , CA , USA.,b The Scintillon Institute , San Diego , CA , USA.,c Protego Biopharma , San Diego , CA , USA
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Çakar A, Durmuş-Tekçe H, Parman Y. Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 56:150-156. [PMID: 31223250 DOI: 10.29399/npa.23502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a life-threatening disease caused by the accumulation of amyloidogenic transthyretin (TTR) protein in tissues. Mutations in TTR gene destabilize TTR protein to misfold from its native tetramer form to amyloidogenic monomer form. In endemic countries, TTR-FAP presents with length-dependent small fiber neuropathy, however in non-endemic countries clinical features can be highly variable. Genetic testing for TTR gene is mandatory for the diagnosis. Demonstrating amyloid deposits in tissues may be necessary for distinguishing symptomatic patients from asymptomatic carriers. Routine follow-up should include a wide range of tests to demonstrate systemic involvement. In recent years, treatment of TTR-FAP has significantly improved with new therapeutic approaches. TTR stabilizers and TTR-gene silencing drugs prevent the progression of the disease. Monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid deposits are currently under development. Early initiation of the treatment is important for better functional outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Çakar
- Department of Neurology, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş-Tekçe
- Department of Neurology, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Pinto MV, Barreira AA, Bulle AS, Freitas MRGD, França MC, Gondim FDAA, Marrone CD, Marques W, Nascimento OJM, Rotta FT, Pupe C, Waddington-Cruz M. Brazilian consensus for diagnosis, management and treatment of transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2019; 76:609-621. [PMID: 30365625 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20180094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy is an autosomal dominant inherited sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy, which if untreated, leads to death in approximately 10 years. In Brazil, liver transplant and tafamidis are the only disease-modifying treatments available. This review consists of a consensus for the diagnosis, management and treatment for transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy from the Peripheral Neuropathy Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology. The first and last authors produced a draft summarizing the main views on the subject and emailed the text to 10 other specialists. Relevant literature on this subject was reviewed by each participant and used for the individual review of the whole text. Each participant was expected to review the text and send a feedback review by e-mail. Thereafter, the 12 panelists got together at the city of Fortaleza, discussed the controversial points, and reached a consensus for the final text.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinicius Pinto
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Acary Souza Bulle
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Raimundo Gomes de Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Francisco de Assis Aquino Gondim
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Fortaleza CE, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Unichristus, Fortaleza CE, Brasil
| | - Carlo Domenico Marrone
- Clínica Marrone e Ambulatório de Doenças Neuromusculares do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS, Porto Alegre RS, Brasil
| | - Wilson Marques
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Camila Pupe
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói RJ, Brasil
| | - Márcia Waddington-Cruz
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Centro de Estudos em Paramiloidose Antônio Rodrigues de Mello, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil
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Buxbaum JN, Brannagan T, Buades-Reinés J, Cisneros E, Conceicao I, Kyriakides T, Merlini G, Obici L, Plante-Bordeneuve V, Rousseau A, Sekijima Y, Imai A, Waddington Cruz M, Yamada M. Transthyretin deposition in the eye in the era of effective therapy for hereditary ATTRV30M amyloidosis. Amyloid 2019; 26:10-14. [PMID: 30675806 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2018.1554563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular abnormalities have been known to occur in hereditary amyloidotic polyneuropathy since the 1950s. While vitreous opacities and scalloped pupils were described early it has become evident that every component of the eye from the conjunctiva to the retinal vasculature can be involved. Reports from the major centres in Japan, Portugal and Sweden, which primarily treat patients with ATTRV30M, have indicated that with the increased longevity seen in patients treated with liver transplantation the frequency of the more severe eye findings, notably vitreous opacities and subsequent glaucoma, are being detected more frequently. METHODS In an attempt to confirm that the experience was similar in a broader range of locales we performed a survey of ten treatment centres in eight countries to determine the frequency of severe ocular abnormalities (vitreous opacities and glaucoma) in 804 patients with V30M disease and whether there was any relationship to treatment with liver transplantation or the transthyretin stabilizer tafamidis. RESULTS The data indicate that the frequency of these abnormalities increases with increasing duration of disease. In patients broadly matched for duration of disease the frequency was higher in subjects who had undergone liver transplantation than in those who were untreated. CONCLUSIONS Retrospective surveys are subject to a number of potential biases. In this case, the major potential confounders were defining the time of disease onset and physician bias in choice of therapy, particularly regarding the choice of patients and the time in their course when they should undergo liver transplantation, and when and whether they should receive tafamidis. Nonetheless it appears that the incidence of severe ocular abnormalities in V30M subjects from centres around the world is similar to those found in centres in the areas endemic for this variant protein. The incidence increased with duration of disease regardless of therapy with the highest frequencies seen in patients more than ten years after diagnosis who had undergone liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Brannagan
- b Department of Neurology , NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital , New York , NY , USA
| | - Juan Buades-Reinés
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Son Llatzer Hospital , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
| | - Eugenia Cisneros
- d Department of Cardiology , Son Llatzer Hospital , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
| | - Isabel Conceicao
- e Department of Neurosciences , Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte-Hospital Santa Maria , Lisbon , Portugal.,f IIM, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | | | - Giampaolo Merlini
- h Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Pavia, Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia , Italy
| | - Laura Obici
- i Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Amyloid Research and Treatment Center , Biotechnology Research Laboratories , Pavia , Italy
| | | | - Antoine Rousseau
- k Department of Ophthalmology, French Reference Center for familial transthyretin amyloidosis (NNERF), French Reference Network for rare Ophthalmologic diseases (OPHTARA) , Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, DHU Vision & Handicaps, Paris-Sud , Le Kremlin-Bicêtre , France
| | - Yoshiki Sekijima
- l Department of Medicine (Neurology & Rheumatology), Shinshu University School of Medicine , Matsumoto , Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- m Department of Opthalmology , Shinshu University School of Medicine , Matsumoto , Japan
| | - Márcia Waddington Cruz
- n Department of Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Professor Rodolpho Paulo Rocco , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Masahito Yamada
- o Department of Neurology & Neurobiology of Aging , Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science , Kanazawa , Japan
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Finsterer J, Iglseder S, Wanschitz J, Topakian R, Löscher WN, Grisold W. Hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2019; 139:92-105. [PMID: 30295933 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin(TTR)-related amyloidosis (ATTRm amyloidosis) is an endemic/non-endemic, autosomal-dominant, early- and late-onset, rare, progressive disorder, predominantly manifesting as length-dependent, small fiber dominant, axonal polyneuropathy and frequently associated with cardiac disorders and other multisystem diseases. ATTRm amyloidosis is due to variants in the TTR gene, with the substitution Val30Met as the most frequent mutation. TTR mutations lead to destabilization and dissociation of TTR tetramers into variant TTR monomers, and formation of amyloid fibrils, which are consecutively deposited extracellularly in various tissues, such as nerves, heart, brain, eyes, intestines, kidneys, or the skin. Neuropathy may not only include large nerve fibers but also small fibers, and not only sensory and motor fibers but also autonomic fibers. Types of TTR variants, age at onset, penetrance, and clinical presentation vary between geographical areas. Suggestive of a ATTRm amyloidosis are a sensorimotor polyneuropathy, positive family history, autonomic dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, unexplained weight loss, and resistance to immunotherapy. If only sensory A-delta or C fibers are affected, small fiber neuropathy ensues. Diagnostic tests for small fiber neuropathy include determination of intraepidermal nerve fiber density, laser-evoked potentials, heat- and cold-detection thresholds, and measurement of the electrochemical skin conductance. Therapy currently relies on liver transplantation and TTR-stabilizers (tafamidis, diflunisal).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Wanschitz
- Department of Neurology; Medical University Innsbruck; Innsbruck Austria
| | - Raffi Topakian
- Department of Neurology; Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen; Wels Austria
| | | | - Wolfgang Grisold
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental und Clinical Traumatology; Vienna Austria
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is caused by a mutation in transthyretin (TTR) gene resulting in misfolded TTR protein accumulating as amyloid fibrils. Patisiran is a lipid nanoparticle formulation of ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi), which can reduce the production of TTR. Areas covered: In this review, the chemical property, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of patisiran were introduced. Expert Commentary: Patisiran offers a new treatment option for patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. Patisiran can significantly reduce the TTR level and improve patient's neuropathy and quality of life. The common adverse reactions were upper respiratory tract infections and infusion-related reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Yang
- a Department of Pharmaceutical , Central Hospital of Linyi City , Yishui , Shandong , China
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Yamashita T, Ohnishi K, Ueda M, Masuda T, Inoue Y, Misumi Y, Ueda A, Obayashi K, Takeya M, Ando Y. Transthyretin amyloid-related cerebral angiitis after liver transplantation. Amyloid 2019; 26:11-12. [PMID: 31343330 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2019.1583179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Yamashita
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan.,b Amyloidosis Medical Practice Center, Kumamoto University Hospital , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Koji Ohnishi
- c Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Teruaki Masuda
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Yasuteru Inoue
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Yohei Misumi
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Akihiko Ueda
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Konen Obayashi
- d Department of Morphological and Physiological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Motohiro Takeya
- c Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
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