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Marien L, Tsitsi P, Cypers G. A 24-Year-Old Man With Spastic Ataxia and Hypodontia. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:658-659. [PMID: 38648069 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.0890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
A 24-year-old man presented with progressive gait instability, marked spinal cord atrophy, and dental radiography showing the absence of several elements, microdontia, and taurodontia. What is your diagnosis?
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa Marien
- Department of Neurology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Panagiota Tsitsi
- Department of Neurology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Gert Cypers
- Department of Neurology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
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2
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Gunther K, Lynch DR. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Friedreich Ataxia: a review of the available data. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:529-539. [PMID: 38622054 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2343782] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, marked by loss of coordination as well as impaired neurological, endocrine, orthopedic, and cardiac function. There are many symptomatic medications for FRDA, and many clinical trials have been performed, but only one FDA-approved medication exists. AREAS COVERED The relative absence of the frataxin protein (FXN) in FRDA causes mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in clinical manifestations. Currently, the only approved treatment for FRDA is an Nrf2 activator called omaveloxolone (Skyclarys). Patients with FRDA also rely on various symptomatic medications for treatment. Because there is only one approved medication for FRDA, clinical trials continue to advance in FRDA. Although some trials have not met their endpoints, many current and upcoming clinical trials provide exciting possibilities for the treatment of FRDA. EXPERT OPINION The approval of omaveloxolone provides a major advance in FRDA therapeutics. Although well tolerated, it is not curative. Reversal of deficient frataxin levels with gene therapy, protein replacement, or epigenetic approaches provides the most likely prospect for enduring, disease-modifying therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gunther
- Friedreich Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Friedreich Ataxia Program, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Scaravilli A, Tranfa M, Pontillo G, Brais B, De Michele G, La Piana R, Saccà F, Santorelli FM, Synofzik M, Brunetti A, Cocozza S. CHARON: An Imaging-Based Diagnostic Algorithm to Navigate Through the Sea of Hereditary Degenerative Ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01677-y. [PMID: 38436911 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01677-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The complexity in diagnosing hereditary degenerative ataxias lies not only in their rarity, but also in the variety of different genetic conditions that can determine sometimes similar and overlapping clinical findings. In this light, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a key role in the evaluation of these conditions, being a fundamental diagnostic tool needed not only to exclude other causes determining the observed clinical phenotype, but also to proper guide to an adequate genetic testing. Here, we propose an MRI-based diagnostic algorithm named CHARON (Characterization of Hereditary Ataxias Relying On Neuroimaging), to help in disentangling among the numerous, and apparently very similar, hereditary degenerative ataxias. Being conceived from a neuroradiological standpoint, it is based primarily on an accurate evaluation of the observed MRI findings, with the first and most important being the pattern of cerebellar atrophy. Along with the evaluation of the presence, or absence, of additional signal changes and/or supratentorial involvement, CHARON allows for the identification of a small groups of ataxias sharing similar imaging features. The integration of additional MRI findings, demographic, clinical and laboratory data allow then for the identification of typical, and in some cases pathognomonic, phenotypes of hereditary ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scaravilli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Tranfa
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bernard Brais
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta La Piana
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Matthis Synofzik
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Wang J, Cao Y, Lu Y, Zhu H, Zhang J, Che J, Zhuang R, Shao J. Recent progress and applications of small molecule inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 axis for neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115998. [PMID: 38043492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway serves as a crucial regulator against oxidative stress (OS) damage in various cells and organs. It has garnered significant attention as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Although progress has been achieved in strategies to regulate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, the availability of Nrf2 activators applicable to NDD is currently limited. Currently, the FDA has approved the Nrf2 activators dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and Omaveloxolone (Omav) as novel first-line oral drugs for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and Friedreich's ataxia. A promising alternative approach involves the direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interactions (PPI), which offers numerous advantages over the use of electrophilic Nrf2 activators, primarily in avoiding off-target effects. This review examines the compelling evidence supporting the beneficial role of Nrf2 in NDD and explores the potential of Keap1 inhibitors and Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors as therapeutic agents, with the aim to provide further insights into the development of inhibitors targeting this pathway for the treatment of NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Yang Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huajian Zhu
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinxin Che
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Rangxiao Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
| | - Jiaan Shao
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
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5
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Porcu L, Fichera M, Nanetti L, Rulli E, Giunti P, Parkinson MH, Durr A, Ewenczyk C, Boesch S, Nachbauer W, Indelicato E, Klopstock T, Stendel C, Rodríguez de Rivera FJ, Schöls L, Fleszar Z, Giordano I, Didszun C, Castaldo A, Rai M, Klockgether T, Pandolfo M, Schulz JB, Reetz K, Mariotti C. Longitudinal changes of SARA scale in Friedreich ataxia: Strong influence of baseline score and age at onset. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2000-2012. [PMID: 37641437 PMCID: PMC10647003 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is widely used in different types of ataxias and has been chosen as the primary outcome measure in the European natural history study for Friedreich ataxia (FA). METHODS To assess distribution and longitudinal changes of SARA scores and its single items, we analyzed SARA scores of 502 patients with typical-onset FA (<25 years) participating in the 4-year prospective European FA Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS). Pattern of disease progression was determined using linear mixed-effects regression models. The chosen statistical model was re-fitted in order to estimate parameters and predict disease progression. Median time-to-change and rate of score progression were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and weighted linear regression models, respectively. RESULTS SARA score at study enrollment and age at onset were the major predictive factors of total score progression during the 4-year follow-up. To a less extent, age at evaluation also influenced the speed of SARA progression, while disease duration did not improve the prediction of the statistical model. Temporal dynamics of total SARA and items showed a great variability in the speed of score increase during disease progression. Gait item had the highest annual progression rate, with median time for one-point score increase of 1 to 2 years. INTERPRETATION Analyses of statistical properties of SARA suggest a variable sensitivity of the scale at different disease stages, and provide important information for population selection and result interpretation in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Porcu
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Mario Fichera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and NeurogeneticsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilan20133Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nanetti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and NeurogeneticsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilan20133Italy
| | - Eliana Rulli
- Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology DepartmentIstituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesAtaxia Centre, UCL‐Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonWC1N 3BGUK
| | - Michael H. Parkinson
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesAtaxia Centre, UCL‐Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonWC1N 3BGUK
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (ICM Institut du Cerveau), AP‐HP, INSERM, CNRSUniversity Hospital Pitié‐SalpêtrièreParis75646France
| | - Claire Ewenczyk
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (ICM Institut du Cerveau), AP‐HP, INSERM, CNRSUniversity Hospital Pitié‐SalpêtrièreParis75646France
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of NeurologyMedical University InnsbruckInnsbruck6020Austria
| | | | | | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of NeurologyFriedrich Baur Institute, University Hospital, LMUMunich80336Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Munich81377Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy)Munich81377Germany
| | - Claudia Stendel
- Department of NeurologyFriedrich Baur Institute, University Hospital, LMUMunich80336Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Munich81377Germany
| | | | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology and Hertie‐Institute for Clinical Brain ResearchUniversity of TübingenTübingen72076Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Tübingen72076Germany
| | - Zofia Fleszar
- Department of Neurology and Hertie‐Institute for Clinical Brain ResearchUniversity of TübingenTübingen72076Germany
| | - Ilaria Giordano
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital of BonnBonn53127Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- Department of NeurologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachen52074Germany
| | - Anna Castaldo
- Unit of Medical Genetics and NeurogeneticsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilan20133Italy
| | - Myriam Rai
- Laboratory of Experimental NeurologyUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrussels1070Belgium
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital of BonnBonn53127Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Bonn53127Germany
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental NeurologyUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrussels1070Belgium
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryMcGill UniversityMontrealQCH3A 0G4Canada
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department of NeurologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachen52074Germany
- JARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen52056Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of NeurologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachen52074Germany
- JARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen52056Germany
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and NeurogeneticsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilan20133Italy
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Simona K, Veronika M, Zahinoor I, Martin V. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in spinocerebellar ataxias and Friedreich ataxia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105205. [PMID: 37137435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Apart from its role in motor coordination, the importance of the cerebellum in cognitive and affective processes has been recognized in the past few decades. Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) and Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) are rare neurodegenerative diseases of the cerebellum presenting mainly with a progressive loss of gait and limb coordination, dysarthria, and other motor disturbances, but also a range of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on neuropsychiatric impairment in SCA and FRDA. We discuss the prevalence, clinical features and treatment approaches in the most commonly reported domains of depression, anxiety, apathy, agitation and impulse dyscontrol, and psychosis. Since these symptoms have a considerable impact on patients' quality of life, we argue that further research is mandated to improve the detection and treatment options of neuropsychiatric co-morbidities in ataxia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamazovova Simona
- Center of Hereditary Ataxias, Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matuskova Veronika
- Center of Hereditary Ataxias, Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ismail Zahinoor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Clinical Neurosciences, and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine; Hotchkiss Brain Institute and O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vyhnalek Martin
- Center of Hereditary Ataxias, Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Determinant of the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome in Friedreich's ataxia. J Neurol 2023; 270:2969-2974. [PMID: 36790547 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11623-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) display significantly lower performances in many cognitive domains with a pattern of impairment that falls within the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS). OBJECTIVE To assess in a large cohort of individuals with FRDA, the main determinant of the CCAS using multiple variable regression models. METHODS This is a monocentric observational study that included 39 individuals with FRDA. Ataxic motor symptoms were evaluated with the SARA and cognitive functions with the CCAS-Scale (CCAS-S). Age, SARA, GAA1, Age of symptoms onset (ASO), Age and disease duration (DD) were chosen as covariates in a linear regression model to predict CCAS-S failed items and covariates in a logistic regression model to predict definite CCAS. RESULTS Patients mean age, SARA score, ASO, DD and GAA1 were respectively of 29 ± 14, 22 ± 10, 14 ± 11, 15 ± 9 and 712 ± 238 (4 point-mutations). Mean CCAS-S raw score was of 86 ± 16, mean number of failed items was 2.9 ± 1.6. Twenty-three individuals had definite CCAS. The multiple linear regression model with age, SARA, ASO, DD & GAA1 as covariates was statistically significant to predict CCAS-S failed items. The SARA was the only significant coefficient in regression models for predicting CCAS-S failed items number and the definite CCAS occurrence. CONCLUSIONS CCAS is highly prevalent in adult individuals with FRDA. CCAS is predicted by ataxic motor symptoms severity. This finding supports common core cerebellar pathophysiology in both cognitive and motor symptoms in FRDA and warrants screening for CCAS, especially in patients with SARA > 20.
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Pandolfo M, Reetz K, Darling A, Rodriguez de Rivera FJ, Henry PG, Joers J, Lenglet C, Adanyeguh I, Deelchand D, Mochel F, Pousset F, Pascual S, Van den Eede D, Martin-Ugarte I, Vilà-Brau A, Mantilla A, Pascual M, Martinell M, Meya U, Durr A. Efficacy and Safety of Leriglitazone in Patients With Friedreich Ataxia. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e200034. [DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background and ObjectivesFriedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive ataxia with no approved treatments. Leriglitazone is a selective peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ agonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier and, in preclinical models, improved mitochondrial function and energy production. We assessed effects of leriglitazone in patients with FRDA in a proof-of-concept study.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, eligible participants (age 12–60 years) had genetically confirmed FRDA, a Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) total score <25, and a SARA item 1 score of 2–6, inclusive. Key exclusion criteria were age at FRDA onset ≥25 years and history of cardiac dysfunction. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive a daily, oral, individualized dose of leriglitazone or placebo for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 48 in spinal cord area (C2-C3) (measured by MRI). Secondary endpoints included the change from baseline to week 48 in iron accumulation in the dentate nucleus (quantitative susceptibility mapping) and totalN-acetylaspartate to myo-inositol (tNAA/mIns) ratio.ResultsOverall, 39 patients were enrolled (mean age 24 years; 43.6% women; mean time since symptom onset 10.5 years): 26 patients received leriglitazone (20 completed) and 13 received placebo (12 completed). There was no difference between groups in spinal cord area from baseline to week 48 (least-squares [LS] mean change [standard error (SE)]: leriglitazone, −0.39 [0.55] mm2; placebo, 0.08 [0.72] mm2;p= 0.61). Iron accumulation in the dentate nucleus was greater with placebo (LS mean change [SE]: leriglitazone, 0.10 [1.33] ppb; placebo, 4.86 [1.84] ppb;p= 0.05), and a numerical difference was seen in tNAA/mIns ratio (LS mean change [SE]: leriglitazone, 0.03 [0.02]; placebo, −0.02 [0.03];p= 0.25). The most frequent adverse event was peripheral edema (leriglitazone 73.1%, placebo 0%).DiscussionThe primary endpoint of change in spinal cord area was not met. Secondary endpoints provide evidence supporting proof of concept for leriglitazone mode of action and, with acceptable safety data, support larger studies in patients with FRDA.Trial Registration InformationClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03917225; EudraCT: 2018-004405-64; submitted April 17, 2019; first patient enrolled April 2, 2019.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03917225?term=NCT03917225&draw=2&rank=1.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class I evidence that individualized dosing of leriglitazone, compared with placebo, is not associated with changes in spinal cord area in patients with FRDA.
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Georgiou-Karistianis N, Corben LA, Reetz K, Adanyeguh IM, Corti M, Deelchand DK, Delatycki MB, Dogan I, Evans R, Farmer J, França MC, Gaetz W, Harding IH, Harris KS, Hersch S, Joules R, Joers JJ, Krishnan ML, Lax M, Lock EF, Lynch D, Mareci T, Muthuhetti Gamage S, Pandolfo M, Papoutsi M, Rezende TJR, Roberts TPL, Rosenberg JT, Romanzetti S, Schulz JB, Schilling T, Schwarz AJ, Subramony S, Yao B, Zicha S, Lenglet C, Henry PG. A natural history study to track brain and spinal cord changes in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia: TRACK-FA study protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269649. [PMID: 36410013 PMCID: PMC9678384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug development for neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is limited by a lack of validated, sensitive biomarkers of pharmacodynamic response in affected tissue and disease progression. Studies employing neuroimaging measures to track FRDA have thus far been limited by their small sample sizes and limited follow up. TRACK-FA, a longitudinal, multi-site, and multi-modal neuroimaging natural history study, aims to address these shortcomings by enabling better understanding of underlying pathology and identifying sensitive, clinical trial ready, neuroimaging biomarkers for FRDA. METHODS 200 individuals with FRDA and 104 control participants will be recruited across seven international study sites. Inclusion criteria for participants with genetically confirmed FRDA involves, age of disease onset ≤ 25 years, Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) functional staging score of ≤ 5, and a total modified FARS (mFARS) score of ≤ 65 upon enrolment. The control cohort is matched to the FRDA cohort for age, sex, handedness, and years of education. Participants will be evaluated at three study visits over two years. Each visit comprises of a harmonized multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Spectroscopy (MRS) scan of the brain and spinal cord; clinical, cognitive, mood and speech assessments and collection of a blood sample. Primary outcome measures, informed by previous neuroimaging studies, include measures of: spinal cord and brain morphometry, spinal cord and brain microstructure (measured using diffusion MRI), brain iron accumulation (using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping) and spinal cord biochemistry (using MRS). Secondary and exploratory outcome measures include clinical, cognitive assessments and blood biomarkers. DISCUSSION Prioritising immediate areas of need, TRACK-FA aims to deliver a set of sensitive, clinical trial-ready neuroimaging biomarkers to accelerate drug discovery efforts and better understand disease trajectory. Once validated, these potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers can be used to measure the efficacy of new therapeutics in forestalling disease progression. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrails.gov Identifier: NCT04349514.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise A. Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Isaac M. Adanyeguh
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Manuela Corti
- Powell Gene Therapy Centre, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Dinesh K. Deelchand
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Evans
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Farmer
- Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), Downingtown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marcondes C. França
- Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Gaetz
- Department of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen S. Harris
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Hersch
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | | | - James J. Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. Krishnan
- Translational Medicine, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Eric F. Lock
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - David Lynch
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thomas Mareci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Sahan Muthuhetti Gamage
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Timothy P. L. Roberts
- Department of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jens T. Rosenberg
- McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Traci Schilling
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc, South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Schwarz
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sub Subramony
- McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bert Yao
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc, South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Stephen Zicha
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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10
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Corben LA, Collins V, Milne S, Farmer J, Musheno A, Lynch D, Subramony S, Pandolfo M, Schulz JB, Lin K, Delatycki MB, Bidichandani SI, Boesch S, Cnop M, Corti M, Duquette A, Durr A, Eigentler A, Emmanuel A, Flynn JM, Foroush NC, Fournier A, França MC, Giunti P, Goh EW, Graf L, Hadjivassiliou M, Huckabee ML, Kearney MG, Koeppen AH, Lie Y, Lin KY, Lowit A, Mariotti C, Mathews K, McCormack SE, Montenegro L, Morlet T, Naeije G, Panicker JN, Parkinson MH, Patel A, Payne RM, Perlman S, Peverill RE, Pousset F, Puccio H, Rai M, Rance G, Reetz K, Rowland TJ, Sansom P, Savvatis K, Schalling ET, Schöls L, Smith B, Soragni E, Spencer C, Synofzik M, Szmulewicz DJ, Tai G, Tamaroff J, Treat L, Carpentier AV, Vogel AP, Walther SE, Weber DR, Weisbrod NJ, Wilmot G, Wilson RB, Yoon G, Zesiewicz T. Clinical management guidelines for Friedreich ataxia: best practice in rare diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:415. [PMID: 36371255 PMCID: PMC9652828 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) can find it difficult to access specialized clinical care. To facilitate best practice in delivering healthcare for FRDA, clinical management guidelines (CMGs) were developed in 2014. However, the lack of high-certainty evidence and the inadequacy of accepted metrics to measure health status continues to present challenges in FRDA and other rare diseases. To overcome these challenges, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Evaluation (GRADE) framework for rare diseases developed by the RARE-Bestpractices Working Group was adopted to update the clinical guidelines for FRDA. This approach incorporates additional strategies to the GRADE framework to support the strength of recommendations, such as review of literature in similar conditions, the systematic collection of expert opinion and patient perceptions, and use of natural history data. METHODS A panel representing international clinical experts, stakeholders and consumer groups provided oversight to guideline development within the GRADE framework. Invited expert authors generated the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) questions to guide the literature search (2014 to June 2020). Evidence profiles in tandem with feedback from individuals living with FRDA, natural history registry data and expert clinical observations contributed to the final recommendations. Authors also developed best practice statements for clinical care points that were considered self-evident or were not amenable to the GRADE process. RESULTS Seventy clinical experts contributed to fifteen topic-specific chapters with clinical recommendations and/or best practice statements. New topics since 2014 include emergency medicine, digital and assistive technologies and a stand-alone section on mental health. Evidence was evaluated according to GRADE criteria and 130 new recommendations and 95 best practice statements were generated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Evidence-based CMGs are required to ensure the best clinical care for people with FRDA. Adopting the GRADE rare-disease framework enabled the development of higher quality CMGs for FRDA and allows individual topics to be updated as new evidence emerges. While the primary goal of these guidelines is better outcomes for people living with FRDA, the process of developing the guidelines may also help inform the development of clinical guidelines in other rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A. Corben
- grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XBruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Paediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Veronica Collins
- grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XBruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Sarah Milne
- grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XBruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Paediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.419789.a0000 0000 9295 3933Monash Health, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Jennifer Farmer
- grid.428632.9Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, Downingtown, PA USA
| | - Ann Musheno
- grid.428632.9Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, Downingtown, PA USA
| | - David Lynch
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Sub Subramony
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- grid.412301.50000 0000 8653 1507Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XJARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kim Lin
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XBruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Paediatrics, Melbourne University, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.507857.8Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, VIC Australia
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11
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Hohenfeld C, Terstiege U, Dogan I, Giunti P, Parkinson MH, Mariotti C, Nanetti L, Fichera M, Durr A, Ewenczyk C, Boesch S, Nachbauer W, Klopstock T, Stendel C, Rodríguez de Rivera Garrido FJ, Schöls L, Hayer SN, Klockgether T, Giordano I, Didszun C, Rai M, Pandolfo M, Rauhut H, Schulz JB, Reetz K. Prediction of the disease course in Friedreich ataxia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19173. [PMID: 36357508 PMCID: PMC9649725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23666-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored whether disease severity of Friedreich ataxia can be predicted using data from clinical examinations. From the database of the European Friedreich Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS) data from up to five examinations of 602 patients with genetically confirmed FRDA was included. Clinical instruments and important symptoms of FRDA were identified as targets for prediction, while variables such as genetics, age of disease onset and first symptom of the disease were used as predictors. We used modelling techniques including generalised linear models, support-vector-machines and decision trees. The scale for rating and assessment of ataxia (SARA) and the activities of daily living (ADL) could be predicted with predictive errors quantified by root-mean-squared-errors (RMSE) of 6.49 and 5.83, respectively. Also, we were able to achieve reasonable performance for loss of ambulation (ROC-AUC score of 0.83). However, predictions for the SCA functional assessment (SCAFI) and presence of cardiological symptoms were difficult. In conclusion, we demonstrate that some clinical features of FRDA can be predicted with reasonable error; being a first step towards future clinical applications of predictive modelling. In contrast, targets where predictions were difficult raise the question whether there are yet unknown variables driving the clinical phenotype of FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hohenfeld
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XDepartment of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XJARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terstiege
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XChair for Mathematics of Information Processing, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XDepartment of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XJARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Paola Giunti
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL-Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Michael H. Parkinson
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL-Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- grid.417894.70000 0001 0707 5492Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nanetti
- grid.417894.70000 0001 0707 5492Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Fichera
- grid.417894.70000 0001 0707 5492Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy ,grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Durr
- grid.411439.a0000 0001 2150 9058Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (ICM Institut du Cerveau), AP-HP, INSERM, CNRS, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75646 Paris, France
| | - Claire Ewenczyk
- grid.411439.a0000 0001 2150 9058Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (ICM Institut du Cerveau), AP-HP, INSERM, CNRS, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75646 Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Nachbauer
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XDepartment of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, University Hospital, LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany ,grid.452617.3Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Stendel
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XDepartment of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, University Hospital, LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ludger Schöls
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie N. Hayer
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ilaria Giordano
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XDepartment of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Myriam Rai
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Holger Rauhut
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XChair for Mathematics of Information Processing, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XDepartment of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XJARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XDepartment of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany ,grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XJARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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12
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Abdul-Fatah A, Esmaeilisaraji L, Juan CM, Holcik M. Mitochondrial disease registries worldwide: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276883. [PMID: 36301904 PMCID: PMC9612561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial diseases are a large group of genetically heterogeneous and clinically diverse disorders. Diagnosis often takes many years for which treatment may not exist. Registries are often used to conduct research, establish natural disease progression, engage the patient community, and develop best disease management practices. In Canada, there are limited centralized registries for mitochondrial disease patients, presenting a challenge for patients and professionals. OBJECTIVE To support the creation of such a registry, a systematic scoping review was conducted to map the landscape of mitochondrial disease patient registries worldwide, with a focus on registry design and challenges. Furthermore, it addresses a knowledge gap by providing a narrative synthesis of published literature that describes these registries. METHODS Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework was followed to systematically search English-language literature in PubMed and CINAHL describing the designs of mitochondrial disease patient registries, supplemented by a grey literature search. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel. Stakeholder consultations were also performed with patient caregivers, advocates, and researchers to provide perspectives beyond those found in the literature. These data were thematically analyzed and were reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. RESULTS A total of 17 articles were identified describing 13 unique registries located in North America, Europe, Australia, and West Asia. These papers described the registries' designs, their strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their tangible outcomes such as facilitating recruitment for research and supporting epidemiological studies. CONCLUSION Based on our findings in this review, recommendations were formulated. These include establishing registry objectives, respecting patients and their roles in the registry, adopting international data standards, data evaluations, and considerations to privacy legislation, among others. These recommendations could be used to support designing a future Canadian mitochondrial disease patient registry, and to further research directly engaging these registries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Crisel Mae Juan
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Holcik
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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13
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Keita M, McIntyre K, Rodden LN, Schadt K, Lynch DR. Friedreich ataxia: clinical features and new developments. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:267-283. [PMID: 35766110 PMCID: PMC9517959 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by ataxia and other neurological features, affects 1 in 50,000-100,000 individuals in the USA. However, FRDA also includes cardiac, orthopedic and endocrine dysfunction, giving rise to many secondary disease characteristics. The multifaceted approach for clinical care has necessitated the development of disease-specific clinical care guidelines. New developments in FRDA include the advancement of clinical drug trials targeting the NRF2 pathway and frataxin restoration. Additionally, a novel understanding of gene silencing in FRDA, reflecting a variegated silencing pattern, will have applications to current and future therapeutic interventions. Finally, new perspectives on the neuroanatomy of FRDA and its developmental features will refine the time course and anatomical targeting of novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medina Keita
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Layne N Rodden
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Fichera M, Castaldo A, Mongelli A, Marchini G, Gellera C, Nanetti L, Mariotti C. Comorbidities in Friedreich ataxia: incidence and manifestations from early to advanced disease stages. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6831-6838. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Rodden LN, Rummey C, Dong YN, Lynch DR. Clinical Evidence for Variegated Silencing in Patients With Friedreich Ataxia. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e683. [PMID: 35620135 PMCID: PMC9128033 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a GAA triplet repeat (GAA-TR) expansion in intron 1 of the FXN gene. Patients have 100-1,300 GAA triplets compared with less than 30 in healthy controls. The GAA-TR expansion leads to FXN silencing, and consequent frataxin protein deficiency results in progressive ataxia, scoliosis, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. The overt heterogeneity in age at onset and disease severity is explained partly by the length of the GAA-TR, in which shorter repeats correlate with milder disease. Evidence of variegated silencing in FRDA suggests that patients with shorter repeats retain a significant proportion of cells with FXN genes that have escaped GAA-TR expansion-induced silencing, explaining the less severe frataxin deficiency in this subpopulation. In ex vivo experiments, the proportion of spared cells negatively correlates with GAA-TR length until it plateaus at 500 triplets, an indication that the maximal number of silenced cells has been reached. In this study, we assessed whether an analogous ceiling effect occurs in severity of clinical features of FRDA by analyzing clinical outcome data. Methods The FRDA Clinical Outcome Measures Study database was used for a cross-sectional analysis of 1,000 patients with FRDA. Frataxin levels were determined by lateral flow immunoassays. Results The length of the GAA-TR in our cohort predicted frataxin level (R2 = 0.38, p < 0.0001) and age at onset (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.0001) but only with GAA-TRs with ≤700 triplets. Age and disease duration predicted performance on clinical outcome measures, and such predictions in linear regression models statistically improved in the subcohort of patients with >700 GAA triplets. The prevalence of cardiomyopathy and scoliosis increased as GAA-TR length increased up to 700 GAA triplets where prevalence plateaued. Discussion Our data suggest that there is a ceiling effect on the clinical consequences of GAA-TR length in FRDA, as would be predicted by variegated silencing. Patients with GAA-TRs of >700 triplets represent a subgroup in which the severity of clinical manifestations based on GAA-TR length have reached maximal levels and therefore display limited clinical variability in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layne N. Rodden
- From the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.N.R., Y.N.D., D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Rummey
- From the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.N.R., Y.N.D., D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yi Na Dong
- From the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.N.R., Y.N.D., D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - David R. Lynch
- From the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.N.R., Y.N.D., D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Norrish G, Rance T, Montanes E, Field E, Brown E, Bhole V, Stuart G, Uzun O, McLeod KA, Ilina M, Adwani S, Daubeney P, Delle Donne G, Linter K, Jones CB, Bharucha T, Cervi E, Kaski JP. Friedreich's ataxia-associated childhood hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a national cohort study. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:450-455. [PMID: 34610949 PMCID: PMC9046745 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an important predictor of long-term outcomes in Friedreich's ataxia (FA), but the clinical spectrum and survival in childhood is poorly described. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of children with FA-HCM. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of children with FA-HCM from the UK. PATIENTS 78 children (<18 years) with FA-HCM diagnosed over four decades. INTERVENTION Anonymised retrospective demographic and clinical data were collected from baseline evaluation and follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary study end-point was all-cause mortality (sudden cardiac death, atrial arrhythmia-related death, heart failure-related death, non-cardiac death) or cardiac transplantation. RESULTS The mean age at diagnosis of FA-HCM was 10.9 (±3.1) years. Diagnosis was within 1 year of cardiac referral in 34 (65.0%) patients, but preceded the diagnosis of FA in 4 (5.3%). At baseline, 65 (90.3%) had concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and 6 (12.5%) had systolic impairment. Over a median follow-up of 5.1 years (IQR 2.4-7.3), 8 (10.5%) had documented supraventricular arrhythmias and 8 (10.5%) died (atrial arrhythmia-related n=2; heart failure-related n=1; non-cardiac n=2; or unknown cause n=3), but there were no sudden cardiac deaths. Freedom from death or transplantation at 10 years was 80.8% (95% CI 62.5 to 90.8). CONCLUSIONS This is the largest cohort of childhood FA-HCM reported to date and describes a high prevalence of atrial arrhythmias and impaired systolic function in childhood, suggesting early progression to end-stage disease. Overall mortality is similar to that reported in non-syndromic childhood HCM, but no patients died suddenly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Norrish
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Rance
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elena Montanes
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ella Field
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elspeth Brown
- Paediatric Cardiology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK
| | - Vinay Bhole
- Paediatric Cardiology, Birmingham Women and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Stuart
- Bristol Congenital Heart Centre, Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
| | - Orhan Uzun
- Paediatric cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Karen A McLeod
- Paediatric cardiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Ilina
- Paediatric cardiology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Satish Adwani
- Paediatric Cardiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Piers Daubeney
- Paediatric cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust and National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Grazia Delle Donne
- Paediatric cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust and National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Katie Linter
- Paediatric cardiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Caroline B Jones
- Paediatric cardiology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tara Bharucha
- Department of Congenital Cardiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Elena Cervi
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Juan Pablo Kaski
- Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK .,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
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17
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Krahe J, Dogan I, Didszun C, Mirzazade S, Haeger A, Joni Shah N, Giordano IA, Klockgether T, Madelin G, Schulz JB, Romanzetti S, Reetz K. Increased brain tissue sodium concentration in Friedreich ataxia: A multimodal MR imaging study. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 34:103025. [PMID: 35500368 PMCID: PMC9065922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with Friedreich ataxia, structural MRI is typically used to detect abnormalities primarily in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. The aim of the present study was to additionally investigate possible metabolic changes in Friedreich ataxia using in vivo sodium MRI that may precede macroanatomical alterations, and to explore potential associations with clinical parameters of disease progression. Tissue sodium concentration across the whole brain was estimated from sodium MRI maps acquired at 3 T and compared between 24 patients with Friedreich ataxia (21-57 years old, 13 females) and 23 controls (21-60 years old, 12 females). Tensor-based morphometry was used to assess volumetric changes. Total sodium concentrations and volumetric data in brainstem and cerebellum were correlated with clinical parameters, such as severity of ataxia, activity of daily living and disability stage, age, age at onset, and disease duration. Compared to controls, patients showed reduced brain volume in the right cerebellar lobules I-V (difference in means: -0.039% of total intracranial volume [TICV]; Cohen's d = 0.83), cerebellar white matter (WM) (-0.105%TICV; d = 1.16), and brainstem (-0.167%TICV; d = 1.22), including pons (-0.102%TICV; d = 1.00), medulla (-0.036%TICV; d = 1.72), and midbrain (-0.028%TICV; d = 1.05). Increased sodium concentration was additionally detected in the total cerebellum (difference in means: 2.865 mmol; d = 0.68), and in several subregions with highest effect sizes in left (5.284 mmol; d = 1.01) and right cerebellar lobules I-V (5.456 mmol; d = 1.00), followed by increases in the vermis (4.261 mmol; d = 0.72), and in left (2.988 mmol; d = 0.67) and right lobules VI-VII (2.816 mmol; d = 0.68). In addition, sodium increases were also detected in all brainstem areas (3.807 mmol; d = 0.71 to 5.42 mmol; d = 1.19). After controlling for age, elevated total sodium concentrations in right cerebellar lobules IV were associated with younger age at onset (r = -0.43) and accordingly with longer disease duration in patients (r = 0.43). Our findings support the potential of in vivo sodium MRI to detect metabolic changes of increased total sodium concentration in the cerebellum and brainstem, the key regions in Friedreich ataxia. In addition to structural changes, sodium changes were present in cerebellar hemispheres and vermis without concomitant significant atrophy. Given the association with age at disease onset or disease duration, metabolic changes should be further investigated longitudinally and in larger cohorts of early disease stages to determine the usefulness of sodium MRI as a biomarker for early neuropathological changes in Friedreich ataxia and efficacy measure for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Krahe
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Shahram Mirzazade
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexa Haeger
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nadim Joni Shah
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4 (INM-4), Research Centre Juelich GmbH, 52428 Juelich, Germany,Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, and Monash Biomedical Imaging, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ilaria A. Giordano
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Guillaume Madelin
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York NY10016, USA
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Juelich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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18
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Naeije G, Schulz JB, Corben LA. The cognitive profile of Friedreich ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:97. [PMID: 35300598 PMCID: PMC8928653 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Study the cognitive profile of individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and seek evidence for correlations between clinical, genetic and imaging characteristics and neuropsychological impairments. METHODS Based on PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was realized using the Pubmed and Scopus databases to identify studies (1950-2021) reporting neuropsychological test results in genetically confirmed FRDA and control participants in at least one of the following cognitive domains: attention/executive, language, memory and visuo-spatial functions as well as emotion. Studies using identical outcomes in a minimum of two studies were pooled. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with Cohen's d. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included. Individuals with FRDA displayed significantly lower performance than individuals without FRDA in most language, attention, executive function, memory visuospatial function, emotion regulation and social cognitive tasks. Among the included studies, thirteen studies examined the relationship between neuropsychological test results and clinical parameters and reported significant association with disease severity and six studies reviewed the relationship between neuroimaging measures and cognitive performance and mainly reported links between reduced cognitive performance and changes in cerebellar structure. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with FRDA display significantly lower performances in many cognitive domains compared to control participants. The spectrum of the cognitive profile alterations in FRDA and its correlation with disease severity and cerebellar structural parameters suggest a cerebellar role in the pathophysiology of FRDA cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI - ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 808 Lennik Street, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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19
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Seminotti B, Grings M, Tucci P, Leipnitz G, Saso L. Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2-Related Factor 2 Signaling in the Neuropathophysiology of Inherited Metabolic Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:785057. [PMID: 34955754 PMCID: PMC8693715 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.785057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are rare genetic conditions that affect multiple organs, predominantly the central nervous system. Since treatment for a large number of IMDs is limited, there is an urgent need to find novel therapeutical targets. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that has a key role in controlling the intracellular redox environment by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and several important genes related to redox homeostasis. Considering that oxidative stress along with antioxidant system alterations is a mechanism involved in the neuropathophysiology of many IMDs, this review focuses on the current knowledge about Nrf2 signaling dysregulation observed in this group of disorders characterized by neurological dysfunction. We review here Nrf2 signaling alterations observed in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, glutaric acidemia type I, hyperhomocysteinemia, and Friedreich’s ataxia. Additionally, beneficial effects of different Nrf2 activators are shown, identifying a promising target for treatment of patients with these disorders. We expect that this article stimulates research into the investigation of Nrf2 pathway involvement in IMDs and the use of potential pharmacological modulators of this transcription factor to counteract oxidative stress and exert neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Seminotti
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mateus Grings
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Physiology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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Bogdanova-Mihaylova P, Plapp HM, Chen H, Early A, Cassidy L, Walsh RA, Murphy SM. Longitudinal Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia. Tomography 2021; 7:915-931. [PMID: 34941648 PMCID: PMC8706975 DOI: 10.3390/tomography7040076] [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] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular abnormalities occur frequently in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), although visual symptoms are not always reported. We evaluated a cohort of patients with FRDA to characterise the clinical phenotype and optic nerve findings as detected with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A total of 48 patients from 42 unrelated families were recruited. Mean age at onset was 13.8 years (range 4-40), mean disease duration 19.5 years (range 5-43), mean disease severity as quantified with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia 22/40 (range 4.5-38). All patients displayed variable ataxia and two-thirds had ocular abnormalities. Statistically significant thinning of average retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and thinning in all but the temporal quadrant compared to controls was demonstrated on OCT. Significant RNFL and macular thinning was documented over time in 20 individuals. Disease severity and visual acuity were correlated with RNFL and macular thickness, but no association was found with disease duration. Our results highlight that FDRA is associated with subclinical optic neuropathy. This is the largest longitudinal study of OCT findings in FRDA to date, demonstrating progressive RNFL thickness decline, suggesting that RNFL thickness as measured by OCT has the potential to become a quantifiable biomarker for the evaluation of disease progression in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya Bogdanova-Mihaylova
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Helena Maria Plapp
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (H.M.P.); (H.C.)
| | - Hongying Chen
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (H.M.P.); (H.C.)
| | - Anne Early
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland; (A.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Lorraine Cassidy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland; (A.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Richard A. Walsh
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
- Dublin Neurological Institute at the Mater Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin 7, Ireland
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Murphy
- National Ataxia Clinic, Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland; (R.A.W.); (S.M.M.)
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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21
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Hernandez ALCC, Rezende TJR, Martinez ARM, de Brito MR, França MC. Tract-Specific Spinal Cord Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Friedreich's Ataxia. Mov Disord 2021; 37:354-364. [PMID: 34713932 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord (SC) damage is a hallmark in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Neuroimaging has been able to capture some SC macroscopic changes, but no study has evaluated microstructural SC white matter (WM) damage in vivo. OBJECTIVES We designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate microstructural integrity in SC WM tracts of FRDA patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with an automated analysis pipeline. METHODS Thirty patients and 30 matched healthy controls underwent 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We obtained cervical SC T2 and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquisitions. Images were processed using the Spinal Cord Toolbox v.4.3.0. For levels C2-C5, we measured cross-sectional area (CSA) and WM DTI parameters (axial diffusivity [AD], fractional anisotropy [FA], radial diffusivity [RD], and mean diffusivity [MD]). Age, duration, and FARS scores were also obtained. RESULTS Mean age and disease duration of patients were 31 ± 10 and 11 ± 9 years, respectively. There was CSA reduction in FRDA amongst all levels. Between-group differences in FA, MD, and RD in total white matter (TWM), dorsal columns (DC), fasciculus gracilis (FG), fasciculus cuneatus (FC), and corticospinal tracts (CST) were present in all levels. FA and RD from TWM, DC, FC, and CST correlated with FARS scores, and in CST they also correlated with disease duration. CONCLUSION DTI uncovered abnormalities in SC WM tracts, which correlated with clinical features in FRDA. CSA and CST FA in C2 correlated best with disease severity, whereas DC FA showed the largest effect size to differentiate patients and healthy controls. SC WM microstructure is a potential neuroimaging biomarker to be explored in the disease. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa C C Hernandez
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Thiago J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alberto R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana R de Brito
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology and Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), School of Medical Sciences - University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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22
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Naeije G, Coquelet N, Wens V, Goldman S, Pandolfo M, De Tiège X. Age of onset modulates resting-state brain network dynamics in Friedreich Ataxia. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:5334-5344. [PMID: 34523778 PMCID: PMC8519851 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This magnetoencephalography (MEG) study addresses (i) how Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) affects the sub‐second dynamics of resting‐state brain networks, (ii) the main determinants of their dynamic alterations, and (iii) how these alterations are linked with FRDA‐related changes in resting‐state functional brain connectivity (rsFC) over long timescales. For that purpose, 5 min of resting‐state MEG activity were recorded in 16 FRDA patients (mean age: 27 years, range: 12–51 years; 10 females) and matched healthy subjects. Transient brain network dynamics was assessed using hidden Markov modeling (HMM). Post hoc median‐split, nonparametric permutations and Spearman rank correlations were used for statistics. In FRDA patients, a positive correlation was found between the age of symptoms onset (ASO) and the temporal dynamics of two HMM states involving the posterior default mode network (DMN) and the temporo‐parietal junctions (TPJ). FRDA patients with an ASO <11 years presented altered temporal dynamics of those two HMM states compared with FRDA patients with an ASO > 11 years or healthy subjects. The temporal dynamics of the DMN state also correlated with minute‐long DMN rsFC. This study demonstrates that ASO is the main determinant of alterations in the sub‐second dynamics of posterior associative neocortices in FRDA patients and substantiates a direct link between sub‐second network activity and functional brain integration over long timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Coquelet
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Functional Neuroimaging, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xavier De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Functional Neuroimaging, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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23
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Harding IH, Lynch DR, Koeppen AH, Pandolfo M. Central Nervous System Therapeutic Targets in Friedreich Ataxia. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:1226-1236. [PMID: 33238751 PMCID: PMC7757690 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited multisystem disease, characterized by marked differences in the vulnerability of neuronal systems. In general, the proprioceptive system appears to be affected early, while later in the disease, the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum and, to some degree, the corticospinal tracts degenerate. In the current era of expanding therapeutic discovery in FRDA, including progress toward novel gene therapies, a deeper and more specific consideration of potential treatment targets in the nervous system is necessary. In this work, we have re-examined the neuropathology of FRDA, recognizing new issues superimposed on classical findings, and dissected the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) aspects of the disease and the affected cell types. Understanding the temporal course of neuropathological changes is needed to identify areas of modifiable disease progression and the CNS and PNS locations that can be targeted at different time points. As most major targets of long-term therapy are in the CNS, this review uses multiple tools for evaluation of the importance of specific CNS locations as targets. In addition to clinical observations, the conceptualizations in this study include physiological, pathological, and imaging approaches, and animal models. We believe that this review, through analysis of a more complete set of data derived from multiple techniques, provides a comprehensive summary of therapeutic targets in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arnulf H Koeppen
- Research, Neurology, and Pathology Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Harding IH, Chopra S, Arrigoni F, Boesch S, Brunetti A, Cocozza S, Corben LA, Deistung A, Delatycki M, Diciotti S, Dogan I, Evangelisti S, França MC, Göricke SL, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Gramegna LL, Henry PG, Hernandez-Castillo CR, Hutter D, Jahanshad N, Joers JM, Lenglet C, Lodi R, Manners DN, Martinez ARM, Martinuzzi A, Marzi C, Mascalchi M, Nachbauer W, Pane C, Peruzzo D, Pisharady PK, Pontillo G, Reetz K, Rezende TJR, Romanzetti S, Saccà F, Scherfler C, Schulz JB, Stefani A, Testa C, Thomopoulos SI, Timmann D, Tirelli S, Tonon C, Vavla M, Egan GF, Thompson PM. Brain Structure and Degeneration Staging in Friedreich Ataxia: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetrics from the ENIGMA-Ataxia Working Group. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:570-583. [PMID: 34435700 PMCID: PMC9292360 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited neurological disease defined by progressive movement incoordination. We undertook a comprehensive characterization of the spatial profile and progressive evolution of structural brain abnormalities in people with FRDA. Methods A coordinated international analysis of regional brain volume using magnetic resonance imaging data charted the whole‐brain profile, interindividual variability, and temporal staging of structural brain differences in 248 individuals with FRDA and 262 healthy controls. Results The brainstem, dentate nucleus region, and superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles showed the greatest reductions in volume relative to controls (Cohen d = 1.5–2.6). Cerebellar gray matter alterations were most pronounced in lobules I–VI (d = 0.8), whereas cerebral differences occurred most prominently in precentral gyri (d = 0.6) and corticospinal tracts (d = 1.4). Earlier onset age predicted less volume in the motor cerebellum (rmax = 0.35) and peduncles (rmax = 0.36). Disease duration and severity correlated with volume deficits in the dentate nucleus region, brainstem, and superior/inferior cerebellar peduncles (rmax = −0.49); subgrouping showed these to be robust and early features of FRDA, and strong candidates for further biomarker validation. Cerebral white matter abnormalities, particularly in corticospinal pathways, emerge as intermediate disease features. Cerebellar and cerebral gray matter loss, principally targeting motor and sensory systems, preferentially manifests later in the disease course. Interpretation FRDA is defined by an evolving spatial profile of neuroanatomical changes beyond primary pathology in the cerebellum and spinal cord, in line with its progressive clinical course. The design, interpretation, and generalization of research studies and clinical trials must consider neuroanatomical staging and associated interindividual variability in brain measures. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:570–583
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sidhant Chopra
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Filippo Arrigoni
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Louise A Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Deistung
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Radiology, Department for Radiation Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stefania Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sophia L Göricke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura L Gramegna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,CONACYT-Institute of Neuroethology, University of Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Diane Hutter
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
| | - James M Joers
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David N Manners
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Center, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Chiara Marzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, ISPRO, Oncological Network, Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Pane
- NSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Pramod K Pisharady
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thiago J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Francesco Saccà
- NSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Christoph Scherfler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Testa
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sophia I Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefania Tirelli
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Caterina Tonon
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marinela Vavla
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Center, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Gary F Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
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Vidhale TA, Gupta HR, Pj R, Gandhi C. Very late-onset Friedreich's ataxia with rapid course mimicking as possible multiple system atrophy cerebellar type. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e242073. [PMID: 34301694 PMCID: PMC8311314 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242073] [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] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This 55-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with an insidious onset, progressive backward fall (due to severe truncal ataxia), dysarthria, stiffness in extremities, distal dominant muscle wasting along with behavioural changes and urinary incontinence. Clinical assessment indicated mild cognitive decline (Mini-Mental State Examination 22/27) with cerebellar, pyramidal and peripheral nerves involvement. On investigations, nerve conduction studies revealed symmetrical, sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy affecting both lower limbs. Brain and whole spine MRI revealed widespread cerebral and mild cerebellar atrophy, pons and medulla volume loss, and a normal spinal cord. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. His gene analysis revealed eight GAA repeats on allele 1, and 37 GAA repeats on allele 2 in the first intron of the frataxin gene. Considering his clinical profile and genetic analysis, he was diagnosed as a case of very late-onset Friedreich's ataxia with likely compound heterozygous genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Ashok Vidhale
- Department of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hemant R Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rohan Pj
- Department of Radiology, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Charmi Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Rare occurrence of severe blindness and deafness in Friedreich ataxia: a case report. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2021; 8:17. [PMID: 34266481 PMCID: PMC8283931 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-021-00140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich ataxia is the most frequent hereditary ataxia worldwide. Subclinical visual and auditory involvement has been recognized in these patients, with co-occurrence of severe blindness and deafness being rare. CASE REPORT We describe a patient, homozygous for a 873 GAA expansion in the FXN gene, whose first symptoms appeared by the age of 8. At 22 years-old he developed sensorineural deafness, and at 26 visual impairment. Deafness had a progressive course over 11 years, until a stage of extreme severity which hindered communication. Visual acuity had a catastrophic deterioration, with blindness 3 years after visual impairment was first noticed. Audiograms documented progressive sensorineural deafness, most striking for low frequencies. Visual evoked potentials disclosed bilaterally increased P100 latency. He passed away at the age of 41 years old, at a stage of extreme disability, blind and deaf, in addition to the complete phenotype of a patient with Friedreich ataxia of more than 30 years duration. DISCUSSION Severe vision loss and extreme deafness has been described in very few patients with Friedreich ataxia. Long duration, severe disease and large expanded alleles may account for such an extreme phenotype; nonetheless, the role of factors as modifying genes warrants further investigation in this subset of patients.
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27
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Lynch DR, Schadt K, Kichula E, McCormack S, Lin KY. Friedreich Ataxia: Multidisciplinary Clinical Care. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1645-1658. [PMID: 34234452 PMCID: PMC8253929 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s292945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a multisystem disorder affecting 1 in 50,000-100,000 person in the United States. Traditionally viewed as a neurodegenerative disease, FRDA patients also develop cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, diabetes and other manifestation. Although it usually presents in childhood, it continues throughout life, thus requiring expertise from both pediatric and adult subspecialist in order to provide optimal management. The phenotype of FRDA is unique, giving rise to specific loss of neuronal pathways, a unique form of cardiomyopathy with early hypertrophy and later fibrosis, and diabetes incorporating components of both type I and type II disease. Vision loss, hearing loss, urinary dysfunction and depression also occur in FRDA. Many agents are reaching Phase III trials; if successful, these will provide a variety of new treatments for FRDA that will require many specialists who are not familiar with FRDA to provide clinical therapy. This review provides a summary of the diverse manifestation of FRDA, existing symptomatic therapies, and approaches for integrative care for future therapy in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kichula
- Division of Neurology, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shana McCormack
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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28
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Rummey C, Flynn JM, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Wilmot G, Subramony SH, Bushara K, Duquette A, Gomez CM, Hoyle JC, Roxburgh R, Seeberger L, Yoon G, Mathews KD, Zesiewicz T, Perlman S, Lynch DR. Scoliosis in Friedreich's ataxia: longitudinal characterization in a large heterogeneous cohort. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1239-1250. [PMID: 33949801 PMCID: PMC8164850 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and progression of scoliosis in the natural history of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and document the factors leading to the requirement for corrective surgery. METHODS Data on the prevalence of scoliosis and scoliosis surgery from up to 17 years of follow-up collected during a large natural history study in FRDA (1116 patients at 4928 visits) were summarized descriptively and subjected to time to event analyses. RESULTS Well over 90% of early or typical FRDA patients (as determined by age of onset) developed intermediate to severe scoliosis, while patients with a later onset (>14 years) had no or much lower prevalence of scoliosis. Diagnosis of scoliosis occurs during the onset of ataxia and in rare cases even prior to that. Major progression follows throughout the growth phase and puberty, leading to the need for surgical intervention in more than 50% of individuals in the most severe subgroup. The youngest patients appear to delay surgery until the end of the growth period, leading to further progression before surgical intervention. Age of onset of FRDA before or after reaching 15 years sharply separated severe and relatively mild incidence and progression of scoliosis. INTERPRETATION Scoliosis is an important comorbidity of FRDA. Our comprehensive documentation of scoliosis progression in this natural history study provides a baseline for comparison as novel treatments become available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John M Flynn
- Division of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Sub H Subramony
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Antoine Duquette
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Grace Yoon
- Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Susan Perlman
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Rossi M, Wainsztein N, Merello M. Cardiac Involvement in Movement Disorders. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:651-668. [PMID: 34307738 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13188] [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: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several conditions represented mainly by movement disorders are associated with cardiac disease, which can be overlooked in clinical practice in the context of a prominent primary neurological disorder. Objectives To review neurological conditions that combine movement disorders and primary cardiac involvement. Methods A comprehensive and structured literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria was conducted to identify disorders combining movement disorders and cardiac disease. Results Some movement disorders are commonly or prominently associated with cardiac disease. Neurological and cardiac symptoms may share underlying physiopathological mechanisms in diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia and Wilson's disease, and in certain metabolic disorders, including Refsum disease, Gaucher disease, a congenital disorder of glycosylation, or cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. In certain conditions, such as Sydenham's chorea or dilated cardiomyopathy with ataxia syndrome (ATX-DNAJC19), heart involvement can present early in the course of disease, whereas in others such as Friedreich's ataxia or Refsum disease, cardiac symptoms tend to present in later stages. In another 68 acquired or inherited conditions, cardiac involvement or movement disorders are seldom reported. Conclusions As cardiac disease is part of the phenotypic spectrum of several movement disorders, heart involvement should be carefully investigated and increased awareness of this association encouraged as it may represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malco Rossi
- Sección Movimientos Anormales, Departamento de Neurociencias Instituto de Investigaciones Neurológicas Raúl Carrea, Fleni Buenos Aires Argentina.,Argentine National Scientific and Technological Research Council Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Nestor Wainsztein
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Unidad de Cuidados Críticos, Fleni Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Marcelo Merello
- Sección Movimientos Anormales, Departamento de Neurociencias Instituto de Investigaciones Neurológicas Raúl Carrea, Fleni Buenos Aires Argentina.,Argentine National Scientific and Technological Research Council Buenos Aires Argentina.,Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina
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30
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Progression characteristics of the European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS): a 4-year cohort study. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:362-372. [PMID: 33770527 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS) investigates the natural history of Friedreich's ataxia. We aimed to assess progression characteristics and to identify patient groups with differential progression rates based on longitudinal 4-year data to inform upcoming clinical trials in Friedreich's ataxia. METHODS EFACTS is a prospective, observational cohort study based on an ongoing and open-ended registry. Patients with genetically confirmed Friedreich's ataxia were seen annually at 11 clinical centres in seven European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK). Data from baseline to 4-year follow-up were included in the current analysis. Our primary endpoints were the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and the activities of daily living (ADL). Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyse annual disease progression for the entire cohort and subgroups defined by age of onset and ambulatory abilities. Power calculations were done for potential trial designs. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02069509. FINDINGS Between Sept 15, 2010, and Nov 20, 2018, of 914 individuals assessed for eligibility, 602 patients were included. Of these, 552 (92%) patients contributed data with at least one follow-up visit. Annual progression rate for SARA was 0·82 points (SE 0·05) in the overall cohort, and higher in patients who were ambulatory (1·12 [0·07]) than non-ambulatory (0·50 [0·07]). ADL worsened by 0·93 (SE 0·05) points per year in the entire cohort, with similar progression rates in patients who were ambulatory (0·94 [0·07]) and non-ambulatory (0·91 [0·08]). Although both SARA and ADL showed slightly greater worsening in patients with typical onset (symptom onset at ≤24 years) than those with late onset (symptom onset ≥25 years), differences in progression slopes were not significant. For a 2-year parallel-group trial, 230 (115 per group) patients would be required to detect a 50% reduction in SARA progression at 80% power: 118 (59 per group) if only individuals who are ambulatory are included. With ADL as the primary outcome, 190 (95 per group) patients with Friedreich's ataxia would be needed, and fewer patients would be required if only individuals with early-onset are included. INTERPRETATION Our findings for stage-dependent progression rates have important implications for clinicians and researchers, as they provide reliable outcome measures to monitor disease progression, and enable tailored sample size calculation to guide upcoming clinical trial designs in Friedreich's ataxia. FUNDING European Commission, Voyager Therapeutics, and EuroAtaxia.
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31
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Cocozza S, Pontillo G, De Michele G, Di Stasi M, Guerriero E, Perillo T, Pane C, De Rosa A, Ugga L, Brunetti A. Conventional MRI findings in hereditary degenerative ataxias: a pictorial review. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:983-999. [PMID: 33733696 PMCID: PMC8213578 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Cerebellar ataxias are a large and heterogeneous group of disorders. The evaluation of brain parenchyma via MRI plays a central role in the diagnostic assessment of these conditions, being mandatory to exclude the presence of other underlying causes in determining the clinical phenotype. Once these possible causes are ruled out, the diagnosis is usually researched in the wide range of hereditary or sporadic ataxias. Methods We here propose a review of the main clinical and conventional imaging findings of the most common hereditary degenerative ataxias, to help neuroradiologists in the evaluation of these patients. Results Hereditary degenerative ataxias are all usually characterized from a neuroimaging standpoint by the presence, in almost all cases, of cerebellar atrophy. Nevertheless, a proper assessment of imaging data, extending beyond the mere evaluation of cerebellar atrophy, evaluating also the pattern of volume loss as well as concomitant MRI signs, is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis. Conclusion The integration of typical neuroradiological characteristics, along with patient’s clinical history and laboratory data, could allow the neuroradiologist to identify some conditions and exclude others, addressing the neurologist to the more appropriate genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Stasi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Guerriero
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Perillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ugga
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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32
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Lynch DR, Chin MP, Delatycki MB, Subramony SH, Corti M, Hoyle JC, Boesch S, Nachbauer W, Mariotti C, Mathews KD, Giunti P, Wilmot G, Zesiewicz T, Perlman S, Goldsberry A, O'Grady M, Meyer CJ. Safety and Efficacy of Omaveloxolone in Friedreich Ataxia (MOXIe Study). Ann Neurol 2021; 89:212-225. [PMID: 33068037 PMCID: PMC7894504 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a progressive genetic neurodegenerative disorder with no approved treatment. Omaveloxolone, an Nrf2 activator, improves mitochondrial function, restores redox balance, and reduces inflammation in models of FA. We investigated the safety and efficacy of omaveloxolone in patients with FA. METHODS We conducted an international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, registrational phase 2 trial at 11 institutions in the United States, Europe, and Australia (NCT02255435, EudraCT2015-002762-23). Eligible patients, 16 to 40 years of age with genetically confirmed FA and baseline modified Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) scores between 20 and 80, were randomized 1:1 to placebo or 150mg per day of omaveloxolone. The primary outcome was change from baseline in the mFARS score in those treated with omaveloxolone compared with those on placebo at 48 weeks. RESULTS One hundred fifty-five patients were screened, and 103 were randomly assigned to receive omaveloxolone (n = 51) or placebo (n = 52), with 40 omaveloxolone patients and 42 placebo patients analyzed in the full analysis set. Changes from baseline in mFARS scores in omaveloxolone (-1.55 ± 0.69) and placebo (0.85 ± 0.64) patients showed a difference between treatment groups of -2.40 ± 0.96 (p = 0.014). Transient reversible increases in aminotransferase levels were observed with omaveloxolone without increases in total bilirubin or other signs of liver injury. Headache, nausea, and fatigue were also more common among patients receiving omaveloxolone. INTERPRETATION In the MOXIe trial, omaveloxolone significantly improved neurological function compared to placebo and was generally safe and well tolerated. It represents a potential therapeutic agent in FA. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:212-225.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Lynch
- Division of NeurologyChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | | | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - S. H. Subramony
- Department of NeurologyMcKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida Health SystemGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Florida Health SystemGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - J. Chad Hoyle
- Department of NeurologyOhio State University College of MedicineColumbusOHUSA
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of NeurologyMedical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | | | - Caterina Mariotti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico–Carlo Besta Neurological InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Katherine D. Mathews
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa CityIAUSA
| | - Paola Giunti
- University College London HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - George Wilmot
- Department of NeurologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Theresa Zesiewicz
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of South Florida Ataxia Research CenterTampaFLUSA
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
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33
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Indelicato E, Nachbauer W, Eigentler A, Amprosi M, Matteucci Gothe R, Giunti P, Mariotti C, Arpa J, Durr A, Klopstock T, Schöls L, Giordano I, Bürk K, Pandolfo M, Didszdun C, Schulz JB, Boesch S. Onset features and time to diagnosis in Friedreich's Ataxia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:198. [PMID: 32746884 PMCID: PMC7397644 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In rare disorders diagnosis may be delayed due to limited awareness and unspecific presenting symptoms. Herein, we address the issue of diagnostic delay in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA), a genetic disorder usually caused by homozygous GAA-repeat expansions. Methods Six hundred eleven genetically confirmed FRDA patients were recruited within a multicentric natural history study conducted by the EFACTS (European FRDA Consortium for Translational Studies, ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier NCT02069509). Age at first symptoms as well as age at first suspicion of FRDA by a physician were collected retrospectively at the baseline visit. Results In 554 of cases (90.7%), disease presented with gait or coordination disturbances. In the others (n = 57, 9.3%), non-neurological features such as scoliosis or cardiomyopathy predated ataxia. Before the discovery of the causal mutation in 1996, median time to diagnosis was 4(IQR = 2–9) years and it improved significantly after the introduction of genetic testing (2(IQR = 1–5) years, p < 0.001). Still, after 1996, time to diagnosis was longer in patients with a) non-neurological presentation (mean 6.7, 95%CI [5.5,7.9] vs 4.5, [4.2,5] years in those with neurological presentation, p = 0.001) as well as in b) patients with late-onset (3(IQR = 1–7) vs 2(IQR = 1–5) years compared to typical onset < 25 years of age, p = 0.03). Age at onset significantly correlated with the length of the shorter GAA repeat (GAA1) in case of neurological onset (r = − 0,6; p < 0,0001), but not in patients with non-neurological presentation (r = − 0,1; p = 0,4). Across 54 siblings’ pairs, differences in age at onset did not correlate with differences in GAA-repeat length (r = − 0,14, p = 0,3). Conclusions In the genetic era, presentation with non-neurological features or in the adulthood still leads to a significant diagnostic delay in FRDA. Well-known correlations between GAA1 repeat length and disease milestones are not valid in case of atypical presentations or positive family history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Indelicato
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Nachbauer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Eigentler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Amprosi
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raffaella Matteucci Gothe
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Javier Arpa
- Reference Unit of Hereditary Ataxias and Paraplegias, Department of Neurology, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), AP-HP, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, University Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology with Friedrich-Baur-Institute, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilaria Giordano
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Bürk
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claire Didszdun
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute of Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute of Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Naeije G, Rai M, Allaerts N, Sjogard M, De Tiège X, Pandolfo M. Cerebellar cognitive disorder parallels cerebellar motor symptoms in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1050-1054. [PMID: 32510804 PMCID: PMC7317641 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dentate nuclei (DN) are involved in cerebellar modulation of motor and cognitive functions, whose impairment causes ataxia and cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS). Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) disease progression relates to degeneration of the dentate nucleus and dentato‐thalamic pathways, causing cerebellar ataxia. Volumetric MRI also shows mild loss in the cerebellar cortex, brainstem, and motor cortex. Cognitive deficits occur in FRDA, but their relationship with ataxia progression is not fully characterized. We found a significant positive correlation between severity of patients’ ataxia and more marked CCAS as assessed with the CCAS‐Scale. This relation could be related to progressive DN impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Myriam Rai
- Laboratoire de Neurologie Expérimentale, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Allaerts
- Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martin Sjogard
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie Fonctionnelle du Cerveau, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratoire de Neurologie Expérimentale, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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The NRF2 Signaling Network Defines Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Opportunity in Friedreich's Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030916. [PMID: 32019240 PMCID: PMC7037688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a trinucleotide repeats expansion neurodegenerative disorder, for which no cure or approved therapies are present. In most cases, GAA trinucleotide repetitions in the first intron of the FXN gene are the genetic trigger of FA, determining a strong reduction of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein involved in iron homeostasis. Frataxin depletion impairs iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis and determines iron accumulation in the mitochondria. Mounting evidence suggests that these defects increase oxidative stress susceptibility and reactive oxygen species production in FA, where the pathologic picture is worsened by a defective regulation of the expression and signaling pathway modulation of the transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2), one of the fundamental mediators of the cellular antioxidant response. NRF2 protein downregulation and impairment of its nuclear translocation can compromise the adequate cellular response to the frataxin depletion-dependent redox imbalance. As NRF2 stability, expression, and activation can be modulated by diverse natural and synthetic compounds, efforts have been made in recent years to understand if regulating NRF2 signaling might ameliorate the pathologic defects in FA. Here we provide an analysis of the pharmaceutical interventions aimed at restoring the NRF2 signaling network in FA, elucidating specific biomarkers useful for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness, and developing new therapeutic tools.
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Naeije G, Wens V, Coquelet N, Sjøgård M, Goldman S, Pandolfo M, De Tiège XP. Age of onset determines intrinsic functional brain architecture in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:94-104. [PMID: 31854120 PMCID: PMC6952309 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the commonest hereditary ataxia in Caucasians. Most patients are homozygous for expanded GAA triplet repeats in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene, involved in mitochondrial iron metabolism. Here, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to characterize the main determinants of FRDA-related changes in intrinsic functional brain architecture. METHODS Five minutes of MEG signals were recorded at rest from 18 right-handed FRDA patients (mean age 27 years, 9 females; mean SARA score: 21.4) and matched healthy individuals. The MEG connectome was estimated as resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) matrices involving 37 nodes from six major resting state networks and the cerebellum. Source-level rsFC maps were computed using leakage-corrected broad-band (3-40 Hz) envelope correlations. Post hoc median-split was used to contrast rsFC in FRDA patients with different clinical characteristics. Nonparametric permutations and Spearman rank correlation test were used for statistics. RESULTS High rank correlation levels were found between rsFC and age of symptoms onset in FRDA mostly between the ventral attention, the default-mode, and the cerebellar networks; patients with higher rsFC developing symptoms at an older age. Increased rsFC was found in FRDA with later age of symptoms onset compared to healthy subjects. No correlations were found between rsFC and other clinical parameters. CONCLUSION Age of symptoms onset is a major determinant of FRDA patients' intrinsic functional brain architecture. Higher rsFC in FRDA patients with later age of symptoms onset supports compensatory mechanisms for FRDA-related neural network dysfunction and position neuromagnetic rsFC as potential marker of FRDA neural reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Nicolas Coquelet
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Martin Sjøgård
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Xavier P. De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
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Xiong E, Lynch AE, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Subramony SH, Bushara K, Gomez CM, Hoyle JC, Yoon G, Ravina B, Mathews KD, Wilmot G, Zesiewicz T, Susan Perlman M, Farmer JM, Rummey C, Lynch DR. Health related quality of life in Friedreich Ataxia in a large heterogeneous cohort. J Neurol Sci 2019; 410:116642. [PMID: 31901720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study assessed the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of individuals with Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) through responses to HRQOL questionnaires. METHODS The SF-36, a generic HRQOL instrument, and symptom specific scales examining vision, fatigue, pain and bladder function were administered to individuals with FRDA and analyzed by comparison with disease features. Multiple linear regression models were used to study independent effects of genetic severity and age. Assessments were performed at baseline then intermittently after that. RESULTS Subjects were on average young adults. For the SF36, the subscale with the lowest HRQOL score was the physical function scale, while the emotional well-being score was the highest. The physical function scale correlated with age of onset, duration, and subject age. In assessment of symptom specific scales, bladder control scores (BLCS) correlated with duration and age, while impact of visual impairment scores (IVIS) correlated with duration. In linear regression models, the BLCS, Pain Effect Score, and IVIS scores were predicted by age and GAA length; modified fatigue impact scale scores were predicted only by GAA length. Physical function and role limitation scores declined over time. No change was seen over time in other SF-36 subscores. Symptom specific scales also worsened over time, most notably the IVIS and BLCS. CONCLUSION The SF-36 and symptom specific scales capture dysfunction in FRDA in a manner that reflects disease status. HRQOL dysfunction was greatest on physically related scales; such scales correlated with disease duration, indicating that they worsen with progressing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Xiong
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502 Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, United States of America
| | - Abigail E Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502 Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, United States of America
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - S H Subramony
- Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, Room L3-100, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Grace Yoon
- Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - M Susan Perlman
- Uniersity of California Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M Farmer
- Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance, 533 W Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335, United States of America
| | | | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502 Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, United States of America.
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Neurochemical profiles in hereditary ataxias: A meta-analysis of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 108:854-865. [PMID: 31838195 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is applied to investigate the neurochemical profiles of degenerative hereditary ataxias. This meta-analysis provides a quantitative review and reappraisal of MRS findings in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) and Friedreich ataxia (FA) available to date. From each study, changes in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho) and myo-Inositol (mI) ratios to total creatine (Cr) were calculated for groups of patients (1499 patients in total: SCA1 = 223, SCA2 = 298, SCA3 = 711, SCA6 = 165, and FA = 102) relative to their own control group, mostly in cerebellum and pons. SCA1, 2, 3, 6, and FA patients showed overall decreased NAA/Cr compared to controls. Decreased Cho/Cr was visible in SCA1, 2, and 3 and elevated mI/Cr in SCA2 patients in cerebellum. In SCA6 and FA Cho/Cr and mI/Cr did not differ with respect to controls but SCA6 patients indicated higher Cho/Cr compared to SCA1 patients in cerebellum. SCA2 subjects showed the lowest NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr in cerebellum and the highest mI/Cr compared to controls and other genotypes, and therefore the most promising results for a potential biomarker.
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Pattern of Cerebellar Atrophy in Friedreich's Ataxia-Using the SUIT Template. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:435-447. [PMID: 30771164 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-1008-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies revealed patterns of patchy atrophy within the cerebellum of Friedreich's ataxia patients, missing clear clinico-anatomic correlations. Studies so far are lacking an appropriate registration to the infratentorial space. To circumvent these limitations, we applied a high-resolution atlas template of the human cerebellum and brainstem (SUIT template) to characterize regional cerebellar atrophy in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) on 3-T MRI data. We used a spatially unbiased voxel-based morphometry approach together with T2-based manual segmentation, T2 histogram analysis, and atlas generation of the dentate nuclei in a representative cohort of 18 FRDA patients and matched healthy controls. We demonstrate that the cerebellar volume in FRDA is generally not significantly different from healthy controls but mild lobular atrophy develops beyond normal aging. The medial parts of lobule VI, housing the somatotopic representation of tongue and lips, are the major site of this lobular atrophy, which possibly reflects speech impairment. Extended white matter affection correlates with disease severity across and beyond the cerebellar inflow and outflow tracts. The dentate nucleus, as a major site of cerebellar degeneration, shows a mean volume loss of about 30%. Remarkably, not the atrophy but the T2 signal decrease of the dentate nuclei highly correlates with disease duration and severity.
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40
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Rummey C, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Subramony SH, Bushara K, Gomez CM, Hoyle JC, Yoon G, Ravina B, Mathews KD, Wilmot G, Zesiewicz T, Perlman S, Farmer JM, Lynch DR. Psychometric properties of the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2019; 5:371. [PMID: 32042904 PMCID: PMC6927357 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the psychometric properties of the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale neurologic examination (FARSn) and its subscores, as well as the influence of the modifications resulting in the now widely used modified FARS (mFARS) examination. Methods Based on cross-sectional FARS data from the FA–Clinical Outcome Measures cohort, we conducted correlation-based psychometric analyses to investigate the interplay of items and subscores within the FARSn/mFARS constructs. Results The results provide support for both the FARSn and the mFARS constructs, as well as individually for their upper limb and lower limb coordination components. The omission of the peripheral nervous system subscore (D) and 2 items of the bulbar subscore (A) in the mFARS strengthens the overall construct compared with the complete FARS. Conclusions A correlation-based psychometric analysis of the neurologic FARSn score justifies the overall validity of the scale. In addition, omission of items of limited functional significance as created in the mFARS improves the features of the measures. Such information is crucial to the ongoing application of the mFARS in natural history studies and clinical trials. Additional analyses of longitudinal changes will be necessary to fully ascertain its utility, especially in nonambulant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rummey
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - S H Subramony
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Khalaf Bushara
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Christopher M Gomez
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Joseph Chad Hoyle
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Grace Yoon
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Bernard Ravina
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Katherine D Mathews
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - George Wilmot
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Theresa Zesiewicz
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Susan Perlman
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Jennifer M Farmer
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - David R Lynch
- Clinical Data Science GmbH (C.R.), Basel, Switzerland; Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research (L.A.C., M.B.D.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics (L.A.C., M.B.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology (S.H.S.), McKnight Brain Institute, Room, Gainesville, FL; University of Minnesota (K.B.); University of Chicago (C.M.G.); Ohio State University (J.C.H.); Divisions of Neurology and Clinical and Metabolic Genetics (G.Y.), Department of Paediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hospital; University of Rochester (B.R.); University of Iowa (K.D.M.); Emory University (G.W.); University of South Florida (T.Z.); Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (S.P.), Downingtown, PA; and Division of Neurology (D.R.L.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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Reetz K, Hilgers RD, Isfort S, Dohmen M, Didszun C, Fedosov K, Kistermann J, Mariotti C, Durr A, Boesch S, Klopstock T, Rodríguez de Rivera Garrido FJ, Schöls L, Klockgether T, Pandolfo M, Korinthenberg R, Lavin P, Molenberghs G, Libri V, Giunti P, Festenstein R, Schulz JB. Protocol of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study of the efficacy and safety of nicotinamide in patients with Friedreich ataxia (NICOFA). Neurol Res Pract 2019; 1:33. [PMID: 33324899 PMCID: PMC7650055 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-019-0038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, no treatment that delays with the progression of Friedreich ataxia is available. In the majority of patients Friedreich ataxia is caused by homozygous pathological expansion of GAA repeats in the first intron of the FXN gene. Nicotinamide acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Dose escalation studies have shown, that short term treatment with dosages of up to 4 g/day increase the expression of FXN mRNA and frataxin protein up to the levels of asymptomatic heterozygous gene carriers. The long-term effects and the effects on clinical endpoints, activities of daily living and quality of life are unknown. Methods The aim of the NICOFA study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of nicotinamide for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia over 24 months. An open-label dose adjustment wash-in period with nicotinamide (phase A: weeks 1–4) to the individually highest tolerated dose of 2–4 g nicotinamide/day will be followed by a 2 (nicotinamide group): 1 (placebo group) randomization (phase B: weeks 5–104). In the nicotinamide group, patients will continue with their individually highest tolerated dose between 2 and 4 g/d per os once daily and the placebo group patients will be receiving matching placebo. Safety assessments will consist of monitoring and recording of all adverse events and serious adverse events, regular monitoring of haematology, blood chemistry and urine values, regular measurement of vital signs and the performance of physical examinations including cardiological signs. The primary outcome is the change in the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) over time as compared with placebo in patients with Friedreich ataxia based on the linear mixed effect model (LMEM) model. Secondary endpoints are measures of quality of life, functional motor and cognitive measures, clinician’s and patient’s global impression-change scales as well as the up-regulation of the frataxin protein level, safety and survival/death. Perspective The NICOFA study represents one of the first attempts to assess the clinical efficacy of an epigenetic therapeutic intervention for this disease and will provide evidence of possible disease modifying effects of nicotinamide treatment in patients with Friedreich ataxia. Trial registration EudraCT-No.: 2017-002163-17, ClinicalTrials.govNCT03761511.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hilgers
- Department of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 19, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Isfort
- Center for Translational & Clinical Research Aachen (CTC-A), RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marc Dohmen
- Center for Translational & Clinical Research Aachen (CTC-A), RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claire Didszun
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fedosov
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kistermann
- Center for Translational & Clinical Research Aachen (CTC-A), RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Genetic Department, ICM (Brain and Spine Institute) Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225 and APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Baur Institute, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rudolf Korinthenberg
- Ethical Commission, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Engelbergstr. 21, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Lavin
- Boston Biostatistics Research Foundation, Framingham, MA USA
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, UHasselt and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Libri
- NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility-Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Richard Festenstein
- Gene Control Mechanisms and Disease Group, Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences and MRC London Institute for Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Center for Translational & Clinical Research Aachen (CTC-A), RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany
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Application of Quantitative Motor Assessments in Friedreich Ataxia and Evaluation of Their Relation to Clinical Measures. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:896-909. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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The current state of biomarker research for Friedreich's ataxia: a report from the 2018 FARA biomarker meeting. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO398. [PMID: 31285843 PMCID: PMC6609901 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 FARA Biomarker Meeting highlighted the current state of development of biomarkers for Friedreich’s ataxia. A mass spectroscopy assay to sensitively measure mature frataxin (reduction of which is the root cause of disease) is being developed. Biomarkers to monitor neurological disease progression include imaging, electrophysiological measures and measures of nerve function, which may be measured either in serum and/or through imaging-based technologies. Potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers include metabolic and protein biomarkers and markers of nerve damage. Cardiac imaging and serum biomarkers may reflect cardiac disease progression. Considerable progress has been made in the development of biomarkers for various contexts of use, but further work is needed in terms of larger longitudinal multisite studies, and identification of novel biomarkers for additional use cases Biomarkers are characteristics that can be objectively measured, evaluated and used as indicators of disease progression or the effect of a therapy. Friedreich’s ataxia is a progressive multisystem neuromuscular disease with no treatment. Current clinical measures cannot robustly detect disease progression in less than a year, meaning that clinical trials are long and drug development is slow. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and the scientific community are looking for biomarkers that show change in shorter time frames that can accelerate drug development. The 2018 FARA Biomarker Meeting summarized the exciting findings that represent the current state of the field.
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Ghorbani M, Pousset F, Tucker A, Swift S, Giunti P, Parkinson M, Gilbert D, Liu X, Payne A. Analysis of Friedreich's ataxia patient clinical data reveals importance of accurate GAA repeat determination in disease prognosis and gender differences in cardiac measures. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2019.100266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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