1
|
Fitch AK, Malhotra S, Conroy R. Differentiating monogenic and syndromic obesities from polygenic obesity: Assessment, diagnosis, and management. OBESITY PILLARS 2024; 11:100110. [PMID: 38766314 PMCID: PMC11101890 DOI: 10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Obesity is a multifactorial neurohormonal disease that results from dysfunction within energy regulation pathways and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. The most common form is polygenic obesity, which results from interactions between multiple gene variants and environmental factors. Highly penetrant monogenic and syndromic obesities result from rare genetic variants with minimal environmental influence and can be differentiated from polygenic obesity depending on key symptoms, including hyperphagia; early-onset, severe obesity; and suboptimal responses to nontargeted therapies. Timely diagnosis of monogenic or syndromic obesity is critical to inform management strategies and reduce disease burden. We outline the physiology of weight regulation, role of genetics in obesity, and differentiating characteristics between polygenic and rare genetic obesity to facilitate diagnosis and transition toward targeted therapies. Methods In this narrative review, we focused on case reports, case studies, and natural history studies of patients with monogenic and syndromic obesities and clinical trials examining the efficacy, safety, and quality of life impact of nontargeted and targeted therapies in these populations. We also provide comprehensive algorithms for diagnosis of patients with suspected rare genetic causes of obesity. Results Patients with monogenic and syndromic obesities commonly present with hyperphagia (ie, pathologic, insatiable hunger) and early-onset, severe obesity, and the presence of hallmark characteristics can inform genetic testing and diagnostic approach. Following diagnosis, specialized care teams can address complex symptoms, and hyperphagia is managed behaviorally. Various pharmacotherapies show promise in these patient populations, including setmelanotide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Conclusion Understanding the pathophysiology and differentiating characteristics of monogenic and syndromic obesities can facilitate diagnosis and management and has led to development of targeted pharmacotherapies with demonstrated efficacy for reducing body weight and hunger in the affected populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonali Malhotra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
- Massachussetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mainieri F, La Bella S, Rinaldi M, Chiarelli F. Rare genetic forms of obesity in childhood and adolescence: A narrative review of the main treatment options with a focus on innovative pharmacological therapies. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1499-1508. [PMID: 38227053 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is increasing, and it is recognised as a complex disorder that often begins in early childhood and persists throughout life. Both polygenic and monogenic obesity are influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Rare genetic obesity forms are caused by specific pathogenic variants in single genes that have a significant impact on weight regulation, particularly genes involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway. Genetic testing is recommended for patients who exhibit rapid weight gain in infancy and show additional clinical features suggestive of monogenic obesity as an early identification allows for appropriate treatment, preventing the development of obesity-related complications, avoiding the failure of traditional treatment approaches. In the past, the primary recommendations for managing obesity in children and teenagers have been focused on making multiple lifestyle changes that address diet, physical activity, and behaviour, with the goal of maintaining these changes long-term. However, achieving substantial and lasting weight loss and improvements in body mass index (BMI) through lifestyle interventions alone is rare. Recently the progress made in genetic analysis has paved the way for innovative pharmacological treatments for different forms of genetic obesity. By understanding the molecular pathways that contribute to the development of obesity, it is now feasible to identify specific patients who can benefit from targeted treatments based on their unique genetic mechanisms. Conclusion: However, additional preclinical research and studies in the paediatric population are required, both to develop more personalised prevention and therapeutic programs, particularly for the early implementation of innovative and beneficial management options, and to enable the translation of these novel therapy approaches into clinical practice. What is Known: • The prevalence of obesity in the paediatric population is increasing, and it is considered as a multifaceted condition that often begins in early childhood and persists in the adult life. Particularly, rare genetic forms of obesity are influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors and are caused by specific pathogenic variants in single genes showing a remarkable impact on weight regulation, particularly genes involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway. • Patients who present with rapid weight gain in infancy and show additional clinical characteristics indicative of monogenic obesity should undergo genetic testing, which, by enabling a correct diagnosis, can prevent the development of obesity-related consequences through the identification for appropriate treatment. What is New: • In recent years, advances made in genetic analysis has made it possible to develop innovative pharmacological treatments for various forms of genetic obesity. In fact, it is now achievable to identify specific patients who can benefit from targeted treatments based on their unique genetic mechanisms by understanding the molecular pathways involved in the development of obesity. • As demonstrated over the last years, two drugs, setmelanotide and metreleptin, have been identified as potentially effective interventions in the treatment of certain rare forms of monogenic obesity caused by loss-of-function mutations in genes involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway. Recent advancements have led to the development of novel treatments, including liraglutide, semaglutide and retatrutide, that have the potential to prevent the progression of metabolic abnormalities and improve the prognosis of individuals with these rare and severe forms of obesity. However, extensive preclinical research and, specifically, additional studies in the paediatric population are necessary to facilitate the translation of these innovative treatment techniques into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Rinaldi
- Paediatric Department, Stoke Mandeville Hospital - Thames Valley Deanery, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adeva-Andany MM, Domínguez-Montero A, Adeva-Contreras L, Fernández-Fernández C, Carneiro-Freire N, González-Lucán M. Body Fat Distribution Contributes to Defining the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Human Diseases. Curr Diabetes Rev 2024; 20:e160823219824. [PMID: 37587805 DOI: 10.2174/1573399820666230816111624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The risk for metabolic and cardiovascular complications of obesity is defined by body fat distribution rather than global adiposity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (including hepatic steatosis) reflects insulin resistance and predicts type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In humans, available evidence indicates that the ability to store triglycerides in the subcutaneous adipose tissue reflects enhanced insulin sensitivity. Prospective studies document an association between larger subcutaneous fat mass at baseline and reduced incidence of impaired glucose tolerance. Case-control studies reveal an association between genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and a lower amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPAR-γ) promotes subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation and subcutaneous fat deposition, improving insulin resistance and reducing visceral fat. Thiazolidinediones reproduce the effects of PPAR-γ activation and therefore increase the amount of subcutaneous fat while enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing visceral fat. Partial or virtually complete lack of adipose tissue (lipodystrophy) is associated with insulin resistance and its clinical manifestations, including essential hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-c, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Patients with Prader Willi syndrome manifest severe subcutaneous obesity without insulin resistance. The impaired ability to accumulate fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue may be due to deficient triglyceride synthesis, inadequate formation of lipid droplets, or defective adipocyte differentiation. Lean and obese humans develop insulin resistance when the capacity to store fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is exhausted and deposition of triglycerides is no longer attainable at that location. Existing adipocytes become large and reflect the presence of insulin resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María M Adeva-Andany
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Alberto Domínguez-Montero
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Fernández-Fernández
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Natalia Carneiro-Freire
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Manuel González-Lucán
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Besci Ö, Fırat SN, Özen S, Çetinkaya S, Akın L, Kör Y, Pekkolay Z, Özalkak Ş, Özsu E, Erdeve ŞS, Poyrazoğlu Ş, Berberoğlu M, Aydın M, Omma T, Akıncı B, Demir K, Oral EA. A National Multicenter Study of Leptin and Leptin Receptor Deficiency and Systematic Review. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2371-2388. [PMID: 36825860 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Homozygous leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) variants lead to childhood-onset obesity. OBJECTIVE To present new cases with LEP and LEPR deficiency, report the long-term follow-up of previously described patients, and to define, based on all reported cases in literature, genotype-phenotype relationships. METHODS Our cohort included 18 patients (LEP = 11, LEPR = 7), 8 of whom had been previously reported. A systematic literature review was conducted in July 2022. Forty-two of 47 studies on LEP/LEPR were selected. RESULTS Of 10 new cases, 2 novel pathogenic variants were identified in LEP (c.16delC) and LEPR (c.40 + 5G > C). Eleven patients with LEP deficiency received metreleptin, 4 of whom had been treated for over 20 years. One patient developed loss of efficacy associated with neutralizing antibody development. Of 152 patients, including 134 cases from the literature review in addition to our cases, frameshift variants were the most common (48%) in LEP and missense variants (35%) in LEPR. Patients with LEP deficiency were diagnosed at a younger age [3 (9) vs 7 (13) years, P = .02] and had a higher median body mass index (BMI) SD score [3.1 (2) vs 2.8 (1) kg/m2, P = 0.02], which was more closely associated with frameshift variants (P = .02). Patients with LEP deficiency were more likely to have hyperinsulinemia (P = .02). CONCLUSION Frameshift variants were more common in patients with LEP deficiency whereas missense variants were more common in LEPR deficiency. Patients with LEP deficiency were identified at younger ages, had higher BMI SD scores, and had higher rates of hyperinsulinemia than patients with LEPR deficiency. Eleven patients benefitted from long-term metreleptin, with 1 losing efficacy due to neutralizing antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özge Besci
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Sevde Nur Fırat
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Samim Özen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Semra Çetinkaya
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Health Sciences University, Dr Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Health and Disease, Health Implementation and Research Center, Ankara 06010, Turkey
| | - Leyla Akın
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun 55030, Turkey
| | - Yılmaz Kör
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Adana Public Hospitals Association, Adana City Hospital, Adana 01040, Turkey
| | - Zafer Pekkolay
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakır 21280, Turkey
| | - Şervan Özalkak
- Division Pediatric Endocrinology, Diyarbakir Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır 21070, Turkey
| | - Elif Özsu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Şenay Savaş Erdeve
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Health Sciences University, Dr Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Health and Disease, Health Implementation and Research Center, Ankara 06010, Turkey
| | - Şükran Poyrazoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Merih Berberoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Murat Aydın
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun 55030, Turkey
| | - Tülay Omma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Barış Akıncı
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Korcan Demir
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Elif Arioglu Oral
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazen IH, El-Gammal MA, Elaidy AA, Anwar GM, Ashaat EA, Abdel-Ghafar SF, Abdel-Hamid MS. Congenital leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies in nine new families: identification of six novel variants and review of literature. Mol Genet Genomics 2023; 298:919-929. [PMID: 37140700 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02025-1] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood obesity is a real public health problem worldwide. Identifying the etiologies, especially treatable and preventable causes, can direct health professionals toward proper management. Measurement of serum leptin levels is helpful in the diagnosis of congenital leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies which are considered important rare causes of early childhood obesity. The main aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of LEP, LEPR, and MC4R gene variants among a cohort of Egyptian patients with severe early onset obesity. The current cross-sectional study included 30 children who developed obesity during the first year of life with BMI > 2SD (for age and sex). The studied patients were subjected to full medical history taking, anthropometric measurements, serum leptin and insulin assays, and genetic testing of LEP, LEPR and MC4R. Disease causing variants in LEP and LEPR were identified in 10/30 patients with a detection rate of 30%. Eight different homozygous variants (two pathogenic, three likely pathogenic, and three variants of uncertain significant) were identified in the two genes, including six previously unreported LEPR variants. Of them, a new frameshift variant in LEPR gene (c.1045delT, p.S349Lfs*22) was recurrent in two unrelated families and seems to have a founder effect in our population. In conclusion, we reported ten new patients with leptin and leptin receptor deficiencies and identified six novel LEPR variants expanding the mutational spectrum of this rare disorder. Furthermore, the diagnosis of these patients helped us in genetic counseling and patients' managements specially with the availability of drugs for LEP and LEPR deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inas H Mazen
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona A El-Gammal
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya A Elaidy
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Anwar
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy A Ashaat
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif F Abdel-Ghafar
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Eltahrir Street, Dokki, Cairo, 12311, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Abdel-Hamid
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Eltahrir Street, Dokki, Cairo, 12311, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hinney A, Körner A, Fischer-Posovszky P. The promise of new anti-obesity therapies arising from knowledge of genetic obesity traits. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:623-637. [PMID: 35902734 PMCID: PMC9330928 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial and complex disease that often manifests in early childhood with a lifelong burden. Polygenic and monogenic obesity are driven by the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Polygenic variants are frequent and confer small effect sizes. Rare monogenic obesity syndromes are caused by defined pathogenic variants in single genes with large effect sizes. Most of these genes are involved in the central nervous regulation of body weight; for example, genes of the leptin-melanocortin pathway. Clinically, patients with monogenic obesity present with impaired satiety, hyperphagia and pronounced food-seeking behaviour in early childhood, which leads to severe early-onset obesity. With the advent of novel pharmacological treatment options emerging for monogenic obesity syndromes that target the central melanocortin pathway, genetic testing is recommended for patients with rapid weight gain in infancy and additional clinical suggestive features. Likewise, patients with obesity associated with hypothalamic damage or other forms of syndromic obesity involving energy regulatory circuits could benefit from these novel pharmacological treatment options. Early identification of patients affected by syndromic obesity will lead to appropriate treatment, thereby preventing the development of obesity sequelae, avoiding failure of conservative treatment approaches and alleviating stigmatization of patients and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy and University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Antje Körner
- Leipzig University, Medical Faculty, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre of Paediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Child, Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Giannopoulou EZ, Zorn S, Schirmer M, Herrmann G, Heger S, Reinehr T, Denzer C, Rabenstein H, Hillmer M, Sowada N, Siebert R, von Schnurbein J, Wabitsch M. Genetic Obesity in Children: Overview of Possible Diagnoses with a Focus on SH2B1 Deletion. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:137-148. [PMID: 34689140 DOI: 10.1159/000520402] [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] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic obesity is rare and quite challenging for pediatricians in terms of early identification. Src-homology-2 (SH2) B adapter protein 1 (SH2B1) is an important component in the leptin-melanocortin pathway and is found to play an important role in leptin and insulin signaling and therefore in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. Microdeletions in chromosome 16p11.2, encompassing the SH2B1 gene, are known to be associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperphagia, and developmental delay. The aim of our study is to report on a case series of young individuals with 16p11.2 microdeletions, including the SH2B1 gene, and provide detailed information on body mass index (BMI) development and obesity-associated comorbidities. In this way, we want to raise awareness of this syndromic form of obesity as a differential diagnosis of genetic obesity. METHODS We describe the phenotype of 7 children (3 male; age range: 2.8-18.0 years) with 16p11.2 microdeletions, encompassing the SH2B1 gene, and present their BMI trajectories from birth onward. Screening for obesity-associated comorbidities was performed at the time of genetic diagnosis. RESULTS All children presented with severe, early-onset obesity already at the age of 5 years combined with variable developmental delay. Five patients presented with elevated fasting insulin levels, 1 patient developed diabetes mellitus type 2, 4 patients had dyslipidemia, and 4 developed nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Chromosomal microdeletions in 16p11.2, including the SH2B1 gene, in children are associated with severe, early-onset obesity and comorbidities associated with insulin resistance. Early genetic testing in suspicious patients and early screening for comorbidities are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Z Giannopoulou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Zorn
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Schirmer
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gloria Herrmann
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sabine Heger
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinehr
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Medicine, Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, Datteln, Germany
| | - Christian Denzer
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hannah Rabenstein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Morten Hillmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nadine Sowada
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University & Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia von Schnurbein
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wabitsch M, Farooqi S, Flück CE, Bratina N, Mallya UG, Stewart M, Garrison J, van den Akker E, Kühnen P. Natural History of Obesity Due to POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency and the Impact of Setmelanotide. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac057. [PMID: 35528826 PMCID: PMC9070354 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Rare homozygous or biallelic variants in POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR can disrupt signaling through the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway, resulting in hyperphagia and severe early-onset obesity. In pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, treatment with the MC4R agonist setmelanotide reduced hunger and weight in patients with obesity due to proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Objective To characterize the historical weight trajectory in these patients. Methods This analysis included data from 2 pivotal single-arm, open-label, Phase 3 trials (NCT02896192, NCT03287960). These were multicenter trials. Patients had obesity due to POMC/PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency. During the trial, patients were treated with setmelanotide. Historical data on measured weight and height were obtained during screening. Results A total of 17 patients (POMC, n = 8; PCSK1, n = 1; LEPR, n = 8) with historical weight and height data were included in this analysis. Before setmelanotide treatment, patients with obesity due to POMC/PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency were above the 95th percentile for weight throughout childhood, demonstrated continuous weight gain, and did not show long-term weight loss upon interventions (eg, diet, surgery, exercise). Setmelanotide treatment attenuated weight and body mass index trajectories over the observation period of 1 year. Conclusion In patients with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, traditional interventions for weight loss had limited impact on the trajectory of severe early-onset obesity. However, setmelanotide treatment attenuated weight and body mass index trajectories and led to weight loss associated with health benefits in most individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sadaf Farooqi
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christa E Flück
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics and Department of BioMedical Research, Bern University Hospital Inselspital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasa Bratina
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | - Erica van den Akker
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children’s Hospital and Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kühnen P, Wabitsch M, von Schnurbein J, Chirila C, Mallya UG, Callahan P, Gnanasakthy A, Poitou C, Krabusch PM, Stewart M, Clément K. Quality of life outcomes in two phase 3 trials of setmelanotide in patients with obesity due to LEPR or POMC deficiency. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:38. [PMID: 35123544 PMCID: PMC8817523 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency are young and experience severe obesity, hyperphagia, and comorbidities, which can impair quality of life (QOL).
Methods Two pivotal Phase 3 trials explored the effect of setmelanotide on body weight and hunger in individuals with obesity due to POMC (NCT02896192) or LEPR (NCT03287960) deficiency. QOL and depression were investigated in parallel using the disease-specific, age-appropriate Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results In total, the POMC and LEPR trials enrolled 21 patients. Adults (≥ 18 years old; n = 7) had moderate-to-severe impairment in QOL at baseline, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) IWQOL-Lite total score 60.3 (13.2; maximum IWQOL-Lite total score = 100). The effect of setmelanotide on IWQOL-Lite total score was observed as soon as Week 5. Among those with scores at Week 52, 5 of 6 adults experienced a clinically meaningful improvement, with mean (SD) total scores increased from baseline by 24.2 (12.1) points. Children (6–12 years old; n = 2) and adolescents (13–17 years old; n = 4) had impaired QOL at baseline, with mean (SD) self-reported PedsQL total scores 53.3 (6.2) and 63.3 (29.1), respectively (maximum PedsQL total score = 100). Three of 5 patients experienced clinically meaningful improvement in PedsQL, with 2 children whose PedsQL total score increased by 28.3 and 3.3 points and 3 adolescents whose mean (SD) total score increased from baseline by 5.8 (18.3) points. Baseline mean (SD) PHQ-9 score (in those ≥ 12 years old) was 5.3 (3.8) and was generally maintained through Week 52. Conclusions Patients with POMC or LEPR deficiency had impaired, and in some cases severely impaired, QOL before setmelanotide treatment. Setmelanotide improved QOL in patients as early as Week 5, with some patients no longer experiencing impaired QOL at Week 52. Improvements in QOL may be related to a reduction in hunger and body weight associated with setmelanotide. Because of the highly complex psychological consequences of rare genetic diseases of obesity, some patients may require a long period of treatment to improve QOL and benefit from interdisciplinary care.
Collapse
|
10
|
Berger C, Heyne HO, Heiland T, Dommel S, Höfling C, Guiu-Jurado E, Roßner S, Dannemann M, Kelso J, Kovacs P, Blüher M, Klöting N. A novel compound heterozygous leptin receptor mutation causes more severe obesity than in Lepr db/db mice. J Lipid Res 2021; 62:100105. [PMID: 34390703 PMCID: PMC8450258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The leptin receptor (Lepr) pathway is important for food intake regulation, energy expenditure, and body weight. Mutations in leptin and the Lepr have been shown to cause early-onset severe obesity in mice and humans. In studies with C57BL/6NCrl mice, we found a mouse with extreme obesity. To identify a putative spontaneous new form of monogenic obesity, we performed backcross studies with this mouse followed by a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and sequencing of the selected chromosomal QTL region. We thereby identified a novel Lepr mutation (C57BL/6N-LeprL536Hfs*6-1NKB), which is located at chromosome 4, exon 11 within the CRH2-leptin-binding site. Compared with C57BL/6N mice, LeprL536Hfs*6 develop early onset obesity and their body weight exceeds that of Leprdb/db mice at an age of 30 weeks. Similar to Leprdb/db mice, the LeprL536Hfs*6 model is characterized by hyperphagia, obesity, lower energy expenditure and activity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia compared with C57BL/6N mice. Crossing Leprdb/wt with LeprL536Hfs*6/wt mice results in compound heterozygous LeprL536Hfs*6/db mice, which develop even higher body weight and fat mass than both homozygous Leprdb/db and LeprL536Hfs*6 mice. Compound heterozygous Lepr deficiency affecting functionally different regions of the Lepr causes more severe obesity than the parental homozygous mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Berger
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henrike O Heyne
- Medical Department, Institute for Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland: FIMM, Helsinki, Finland; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tina Heiland
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dommel
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Corinna Höfling
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Esther Guiu-Jurado
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Dannemann
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janet Kelso
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Kovacs
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nora Klöting
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Berger C, Klöting N. Leptin Receptor Compound Heterozygosity in Humans and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4475. [PMID: 33922961 PMCID: PMC8123313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin and its receptor are essential for regulating food intake, energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis and fertility. Mutations within leptin or the leptin receptor cause early-onset obesity and hyperphagia, as described in human and animal models. The effect of both heterozygous and homozygous variants is much more investigated than compound heterozygous ones. Recently, we discovered a spontaneous compound heterozygous mutation within the leptin receptor, resulting in a considerably more obese phenotype than described for the homozygous leptin receptor deficient mice. Accordingly, we focus on compound heterozygous mutations of the leptin receptor and their effects on health, as well as possible therapy options in human and animal models in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Berger
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Nora Klöting
- Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, CRC1052, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Extreme Adipositas durch Leptinrezeptordefekt. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-020-01100-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungSeltene Genvarianten im Leptin-Melanokortin-Signalweg können die Hunger- und Sättigungsregulation stören und eine extreme Adipositas im frühen Kindesalter verursachen. Um Stigmatisierung und frustrane Therapieversuche zu vermeiden, ist eine frühe genetische Diagnostik notwendig. Zukünftig sind für einige Formen der genetischen Adipositas pharmakologische Therapiemöglichkeiten verfügbar. Der Fallbericht handelt von einem Mädchen mit extremer Adipositas infolge eines compound-heterozygoten Leptinrezeptordefekts und ihrem langwierigen Prozess bis zur Diagnosefindung und zum Beginn einer pharmakologischen Therapie.
Collapse
|