1
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Pensato U, Cortelli P. Soccer (football) and brain health. J Neurol 2024; 271:3019-3029. [PMID: 38558150 PMCID: PMC11136867 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12320-5] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, played by over 270 million people and followed by many more. Several brain health benefits are promoted by practising soccer and physical exercise at large, which helps contrast the cognitive decline associated with ageing by enhancing neurogenesis processes. However, sport-related concussions have been increasingly recognised as a pressing public health concern, not only due to their acute impact but also, more importantly, due to mounting evidence indicating an elevated risk for the development of neurological sequelae following recurrent head traumas, especially chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While soccer players experience less frequent concussions compared with other contact or combat sports, such as American football or boxing, it stands alone in its purposeful use of the head to hit the ball (headings), setting its players apart as the only athletes exposed to intentional, sub-concussive head impacts. Additionally, an association between soccer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been consistently observed, suggesting a potential "soccer-specific" risk factor. In this review, we discuss the neurological sequelae related to soccer playing, the emerging evidence of a detrimental effect related to recurrent headings, and the need for implementation of comprehensive strategies aimed at preventing and managing the burden of head impact in soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Pensato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy.
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Khalaf FK, Connolly J, Khatib-Shahidi B, Albehadili A, Tassavvor I, Ranabothu M, Eid N, Dube P, Khouri SJ, Malhotra D, Haller ST, Kennedy DJ. Paraoxonases at the Heart of Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086881. [PMID: 37108044 PMCID: PMC10139148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Paraoxonase enzymes serve as an important physiological redox system that participates in the protection against cellular injury caused by oxidative stress. The PON enzymes family consists of three members (PON-1, PON-2, and PON-3) that share a similar structure and location as a cluster on human chromosome 7. These enzymes exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with well-described roles in preventing cardiovascular disease. Perturbations in PON enzyme levels and their activity have also been linked with the development and progression of many neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The current review summarizes the available evidence on the role of PONs in these diseases and their ability to modify risk factors for neurological disorders. We present the current findings on the role of PONs in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah K Khalaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Alkafeel College of Medicine, Najaf 54001, Iraq
| | - Jacob Connolly
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Bella Khatib-Shahidi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Abdulsahib Albehadili
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
- Department of Computer Engineering Technology, College of Information Technology, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Najaf 54001, Iraq
| | - Iman Tassavvor
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Meghana Ranabothu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Noha Eid
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Prabhatchandra Dube
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Samer J Khouri
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Deepak Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Steven T Haller
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - David J Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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3
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Udine E, Jain A, van Blitterswijk M. Advances in sequencing technologies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:4. [PMID: 36635726 PMCID: PMC9838075 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by upper and lower motor neuron loss and has a fairly rapid disease progression, leading to fatality in an average of 2-5 years after symptom onset. Numerous genes have been implicated in this disease; however, many cases remain unexplained. Several technologies are being used to identify regions of interest and investigate candidate genes. Initial approaches to detect ALS genes include, among others, linkage analysis, Sanger sequencing, and genome-wide association studies. More recently, next-generation sequencing methods, such as whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, have been introduced. While those methods have been particularly useful in discovering new ALS-linked genes, methodological advances are becoming increasingly important, especially given the complex genetics of ALS. Novel sequencing technologies, like long-read sequencing, are beginning to be used to uncover the contribution of repeat expansions and other types of structural variation, which may help explain missing heritability in ALS. In this review, we discuss how popular and/or upcoming methods are being used to discover ALS genes, highlighting emerging long-read sequencing platforms and their role in aiding our understanding of this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Udine
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Angita Jain
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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4
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Motataianu A, Serban G, Barcutean L, Balasa R. Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Synergy of Genetic and Environmental Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169339. [PMID: 36012603 PMCID: PMC9409178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a grievous neurodegenerative disease whose survival is limited to only a few years. In spite of intensive research to discover the underlying mechanisms, the results are fairly inconclusive. Multiple hypotheses have been regarded, including genetic, molecular, and cellular processes. Notably, oxidative stress has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in ALS pathogenesis. In addition to already recognized and exhaustively studied genetic mutations involved in oxidative stress production, exposure to various environmental factors (e.g., electromagnetic fields, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals) has been suggested to enhance oxidative damage. This review aims to describe the main processes influenced by the most frequent genetic mutations and environmental factors concurring in oxidative stress occurrence in ALS and the potential therapeutic molecules capable of diminishing the ALS related pro-oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Motataianu
- Department of Neurology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Georgiana Serban
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-0724-051-516
| | - Laura Barcutean
- Department of Neurology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Rodica Balasa
- Department of Neurology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
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5
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Saadat M. Prevalence and mortality of COVID-19 are associated with the L55M functional polymorphism of Paraoxonase 1. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2021. [PMCID: PMC9198663 DOI: 10.1177/20101058211040582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Accumulating evidence recommends that infectious diseases including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are often associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1, OMIM: 168,820), a member of the paraoxonase gene family, has antioxidant properties. Enzyme activity of paraoxonase depends on a variety of influencing factors such as polymorphisms of PON1, ethnicity, gender, age, and a number of environmental variables. The PON1 has two common functional polymorphisms, namely, Q192R (rs662) and L55M (rs854560). The R192 and M55 alleles are associated with increase and decrease in enzyme activity, respectively. Objective The present study was conducted to investigate the possible association of rs662 and rs854560 polymorphisms with morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Methods Data for the prevalence, mortality, and amount of accomplished diagnostic test (per 106 people) on 25 November 2020 from 48 countries were included in the present study. The Human Development Index (HDI) was used as a potential confounding variable. Results The frequency of M55 was positively correlated with the prevalence (partial r = 0.487, df = 36, p = 0.002) and mortality of COVID-19 (partial r = 0.551, df = 36, p < 0.001), after adjustments for HDI and amount of the accomplished diagnostic test as possible confounders. Conclusions This means that countries with higher M55 frequency have higher prevalence and mortality of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Saadat
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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6
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Paraoxonase Role in Human Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:antiox10010011. [PMID: 33374313 PMCID: PMC7824310 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human body has biological redox systems capable of preventing or mitigating the damage caused by increased oxidative stress throughout life. One of them are the paraoxonase (PON) enzymes. The PONs genetic cluster is made up of three members (PON1, PON2, PON3) that share a structural homology, located adjacent to chromosome seven. The most studied enzyme is PON1, which is associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL), having paraoxonase, arylesterase and lactonase activities. Due to these characteristics, the enzyme PON1 has been associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we update the knowledge about the association of PON enzymes and their polymorphisms and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
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7
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Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Opportunities for Pharmacological Intervention. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5021694. [PMID: 33274002 PMCID: PMC7683149 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5021694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Charcot disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons (MNs) and leads to death within 2–5 years of diagnosis, without any effective therapy available. Although the pathological mechanisms leading to ALS are still unknown, a wealth of evidence indicates that an excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production associated with an inefficient antioxidant defense represents an important pathological feature in ALS. Substantial evidence indicates that oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in the loss of MNs and in mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing decisively to neurodegeneration in ALS. Although the modulation of OS represents a promising approach to protect MNs from degeneration, the fact that several antioxidants with beneficial effects in animal models failed to show any therapeutic benefit in patients raises several questions that should be analyzed. Using specific queries for literature search on PubMed, we review here the role of OS-related mechanisms in ALS, including the involvement of altered mitochondrial function with repercussions in neurodegeneration. We also describe antioxidant compounds that have been mostly tested in preclinical and clinical trials of ALS, also describing their respective mechanisms of action. While the description of OS mechanism in the different mutations identified in ALS has as principal objective to clarify the contribution of OS in ALS, the description of positive and negative outcomes for each antioxidant is aimed at paving the way for novel opportunities for intervention. In conclusion, although antioxidant strategies represent a very promising approach to slow the progression of the disease, it is of utmost need to invest on the characterization of OS profiles representative of each subtype of patient, in order to develop personalized therapies, allowing to understand the characteristics of antioxidants that have beneficial effects on different subtypes of patients.
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8
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Shatunov A, Al-Chalabi A. The genetic architecture of ALS. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105156. [PMID: 33130222 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey Shatunov
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, UK; Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK.
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9
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Association of Paraoxonase1 enzyme and its genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms with cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Tunca C, Şeker T, Akçimen F, Coşkun C, Bayraktar E, Palvadeau R, Zor S, Koçoğlu C, Kartal E, Şen NE, Hamzeiy H, Özoğuz Erimiş A, Norman U, Karakahya O, Olgun G, Akgün T, Durmuş H, Şahin E, Çakar A, Başar Gürsoy E, Babacan Yıldız G, İşak B, Uluç K, Hanağası H, Bilgiç B, Turgut N, Aysal F, Ertaş M, Boz C, Kotan D, İdrisoğlu H, Soysal A, Uzun Adatepe N, Akalın MA, Koç F, Tan E, Oflazer P, Deymeer F, Taştan Ö, Çiçek AE, Kavak E, Parman Y, Başak AN. Revisiting the complex architecture of ALS in Turkey: Expanding genotypes, shared phenotypes, molecular networks, and a public variant database. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:e7-e45. [PMID: 32579787 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has proven that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and that the genetic component in sporadic cases might be stronger than expected. This study investigates 1,200 patients to revisit ALS in the ethnically heterogeneous yet inbred Turkish population. Familial ALS (fALS) accounts for 20% of our cases. The rates of consanguinity are 30% in fALS and 23% in sporadic ALS (sALS). Major ALS genes explained the disease cause in only 35% of fALS, as compared with ~70% in Europe and North America. Whole exome sequencing resulted in a discovery rate of 42% (53/127). Whole genome analyses in 623 sALS cases and 142 population controls, sequenced within Project MinE, revealed well-established fALS gene variants, solidifying the concept of incomplete penetrance in ALS. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with whole genome sequencing data did not indicate a new risk locus. Coupling GWAS with a coexpression network of disease-associated candidates, points to a significant enrichment for cell cycle- and division-related genes. Within this network, literature text-mining highlights DECR1, ATL1, HDAC2, GEMIN4, and HNRNPA3 as important genes. Finally, information on ALS-related gene variants in the Turkish cohort sequenced within Project MinE was compiled in the GeNDAL variant browser (www.gendal.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Tunca
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Şeker
- Genomize Inc., Boğaziçi University Technology Development Region, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fulya Akçimen
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemre Coşkun
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Bayraktar
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Robin Palvadeau
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyit Zor
- Genomize Inc., Boğaziçi University Technology Development Region, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemile Koçoğlu
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Kartal
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesli Ece Şen
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hamid Hamzeiy
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Özoğuz Erimiş
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Utku Norman
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Oğuzhan Karakahya
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gülden Olgun
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tahsin Akgün
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hacer Durmuş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdi Şahin
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arman Çakar
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Başar Gürsoy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülsen Babacan Yıldız
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış İşak
- Department of Neurology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayıhan Uluç
- Department of Neurology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haşmet Hanağası
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Başar Bilgiç
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilda Turgut
- Department of Neurology, Namık Kemal University School of Medicine, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Fikret Aysal
- Department of Neurology, Medipol University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ertaş
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cavit Boz
- Department of Neurology, Karadeniz Technical University School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Dilcan Kotan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Halil İdrisoğlu
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysun Soysal
- Department of Neurology, Bakırköy Research and Training Hospital for Neurologic and Psychiatric Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurten Uzun Adatepe
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Akalın
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpaşa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Koç
- Department of Neurology, Çukurova University Medical School, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ersin Tan
- Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Piraye Oflazer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feza Deymeer
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öznur Taştan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sabancı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Ercüment Çiçek
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erşen Kavak
- Genomize Inc., Boğaziçi University Technology Development Region, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Parman
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Nazlı Başak
- Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
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11
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Mejzini R, Flynn LL, Pitout IL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. ALS Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1310. [PMID: 31866818 PMCID: PMC6909825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to shift as the number of genes associated with the disease risk and pathogenesis, and the cellular processes involved, continues to grow. Despite decades of intense research and over 50 potentially causative or disease-modifying genes identified, etiology remains unexplained and treatment options remain limited for the majority of ALS patients. Various factors have contributed to the slow progress in understanding and developing therapeutics for this disease. Here, we review the genetic basis of ALS, highlighting factors that have contributed to the elusiveness of genetic heritability. The most commonly mutated ALS-linked genes are reviewed with an emphasis on disease-causing mechanisms. The cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis are discussed, with evidence implicating their involvement in ALS summarized. Past and present therapeutic strategies and the benefits and limitations of the model systems available to ALS researchers are discussed with future directions for research that may lead to effective treatment strategies outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P. Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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12
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Verde F, Tiloca C, Morelli C, Doretti A, Poletti B, Maderna L, Messina S, Gentilini D, Fogh I, Ratti A, Silani V, Ticozzi N. PON1 is a disease modifier gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: association of the Q192R polymorphism with bulbar onset and reduced survival. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1469-1473. [PMID: 30903418 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding the detoxifying enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) to the risk of sporadic ALS. Here, we aimed to assess the role of the coding rs662 (Q192R) SNP as a modifier of ALS phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS We genotyped a cohort of 409 patients diagnosed with ALS at our Center between 2002 and 2009 (269 males and 140 females; mean age at onset, 58.3 ± 37.5 years). RESULTS We found PON1 to be a disease modifier gene in ALS, with the minor allele G associated both with bulbar onset (30.9% vs. 24.6%, p = 0.013) and independently with reduced survival (OR = 1.38, p = 0.012) under a dominant model. No association was found with gender or age at onset. DISCUSSION As this SNP is known to modify the detoxifying activity of paraxonase 1 with respect to different substrates as well as other activities of the protein, we hypothesize that the identified association might reflect specific motor neuron vulnerability to certain exogenous toxic substances metabolized less efficiently by the 192R alloenzyme, or to detrimental endogenous pathophysiological processes such as oxidative stress. Further exploration of this possible metabolic susceptibility could deepen our knowledge of ALS pathomechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Tiloca
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Genomic Statistics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Isabella Fogh
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology - Stroke Unit and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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13
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Dardiotis E, Siokas V, Sokratous M, Tsouris Z, Michalopoulou A, Andravizou A, Dastamani M, Ralli S, Vinceti M, Tsatsakis A, Hadjigeorgiou GM. Genetic polymorphisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Evidence for implication in detoxification pathways of environmental toxicants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 116:122-135. [PMID: 29677557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Sokratous
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zisis Tsouris
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Amalia Michalopoulou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athina Andravizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Metaxia Dastamani
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Styliani Ralli
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios M Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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14
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, uniformly lethal degenerative disorder of motor neurons that overlaps clinically with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Investigations of the 10% of ALS cases that are transmitted as dominant traits have revealed numerous gene mutations and variants that either cause these disorders or influence their clinical phenotype. The evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS has illuminated broad themes in the molecular pathophysiology of both familial and sporadic ALS and FTD. These central themes encompass disturbances of protein homeostasis, alterations in the biology of RNA binding proteins, and defects in cytoskeletal dynamics, as well as numerous downstream pathophysiological events. Together, these findings from ALS genetics provide new insight into therapies that target genetically distinct subsets of ALS and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
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15
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Ning P, Yang X, Yang B, Zhao Q, Huang H, An R, Chen Y, Hu F, Xu Z, Xu Y. Meta-analysis of the association between ZNF512B polymorphism rs2275294 and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1261-1266. [PMID: 29713939 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common motor neuron disease, appears to result from the combination of genetic and environmental factors. Whether the rs2275294 polymorphism in the ZNF512B gene influences ALS risk is controversial. We meta-analysed the association between rs2275294 and ALS risk based on evidence published in the PubMed database. Five case-control studies involving 2559 patients with sporadic ALS and 5740 controls were analysed. Based on random-effects meta-analysis, the polymorphism rs2275294 was associated with increased risk of ALS disease in an allele model (C vs. T: OR 1.222, 95%CI 1.057 to 1.414, p = 0.007). The available evidence suggests that the ZNF512B polymorphism rs2275294 is associated with ALS risk. These results should be validated in large, well-designed studies, especially in non-Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Ning
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinglong Yang
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xi Change Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Baiyuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanzhen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Huang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran An
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalan Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Fayun Hu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuping Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanming Xu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Yang X, Li S, Xing D, Li P, Li C, Qi L, Xu Y, Ren H. Lack of association between the P413L variant of chromogranin B and ALS risk or age at onset: a meta-analysis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 19:80-86. [PMID: 28795874 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1361444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common motor neuron disease, is thought to result from interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors. Whether the potentially functional exonic P413L variant in the chromogranin B gene influences ALS risk and age at onset is controversial. METHOD We meta-analysed or other studies assessing the association between the P413L variant and ALS risk or age at ALS onset indexed in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and SinoMed databases. RESULTS Five case-control studies were analysed, involving 2639 patients with sporadic ALS, 201 with familial ALS and 3381 controls. No association was detected between risk of either ALS type and the CT + TT genotype or T-allele of the P413L variant. Age at ALS onset was similar between carriers and non-carriers of the T-allele. CONCLUSION The available evidence suggests that the P413L variant of chromogranin B is not associated with ALS risk or age at ALS onset. These results should be validated in large, well-designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Yang
- a Department of Geriatric Neurology , First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University , Kunming , Yunan Province , P.R. China.,b Department of Neurology , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan Province , P.R. China
| | - Shimei Li
- c Department of Anesthesia , Kunming Xishan District People's Hospital , Kunming , Yunnan Province , P.R. China , and
| | - Dongmei Xing
- d Department of Neurology , The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province , Kunming , Yunnan Province , P.R. China
| | - Peiyun Li
- d Department of Neurology , The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province , Kunming , Yunnan Province , P.R. China
| | - Ci Li
- d Department of Neurology , The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province , Kunming , Yunnan Province , P.R. China
| | - Ling Qi
- d Department of Neurology , The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province , Kunming , Yunnan Province , P.R. China
| | - Yanming Xu
- b Department of Neurology , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan Province , P.R. China
| | - Hui Ren
- a Department of Geriatric Neurology , First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University , Kunming , Yunan Province , P.R. China
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17
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Wang MD, Little J, Gomes J, Cashman NR, Krewski D. Identification of risk factors associated with onset and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurotoxicology 2017; 61:101-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by a rapid loss of lower and upper motor neurons. As a complex disease, the ageing process and complicated gene-environment interactions are involved in the majority of cases. Main body Significant advances have been made in unravelling the genetic susceptibility to ALS with massively parallel sequencing technologies, while environmental insults remain a suspected but largely unexplored source of risk. Several studies applying the strategy of Mendelian randomisation have strengthened the link between environmental insults and ALS, but none so far has proved conclusive. We propose a new ALS model which links the current knowledge of genetic factors, ageing and environmental insults. This model provides a mechanism as to how ALS is initiated, with environmental insults playing a critical role. Conclusion The available evidence has suggested that inherited defect(s) could cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which would establish the primary susceptibility to ALS. Further study of the underlying mechanism may shed light on ALS pathogenesis. Environmental insults are a critical trigger for ALS, particularly in the aged individuals with other toxicant susceptible genes. The identification of ALS triggers could lead to preventive strategies for those individuals at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yu
- Sydney Medical School (Central), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006 Australia.,Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia.,Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
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19
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Morgan S, Shatunov A, Sproviero W, Jones AR, Shoai M, Hughes D, Al Khleifat A, Malaspina A, Morrison KE, Shaw PJ, Shaw CE, Sidle K, Orrell RW, Fratta P, Hardy J, Pittman A, Al-Chalabi A. A comprehensive analysis of rare genetic variation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the UK. Brain 2017; 140:1611-1618. [PMID: 28430856 PMCID: PMC5445258 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons. About 25 genes have been verified as relevant to the disease process, with rare and common variation implicated. We used next generation sequencing and repeat sizing to comprehensively assay genetic variation in a panel of known amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genes in 1126 patient samples and 613 controls. About 10% of patients were predicted to carry a pathological expansion of the C9orf72 gene. We found an increased burden of rare variants in patients within the untranslated regions of known disease-causing genes, driven by SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, VCP, OPTN and UBQLN2. We found 11 patients (1%) carried more than one pathogenic variant (P = 0.001) consistent with an oligogenic basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These findings show that the genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is complex and that variation in the regulatory regions of associated genes may be important in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morgan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Aleksey Shatunov
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - William Sproviero
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Ashley R. Jones
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Maryam Shoai
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Deborah Hughes
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, North-East London and Essex Regional Motor Neuron Disease Care Centre, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Karen E. Morrison
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP801 University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SiTraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Christopher E. Shaw
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Katie Sidle
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Richard W. Orrell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Alan Pittman
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King’s College London, SE5 9RX, UK
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20
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Merwin SJ, Obis T, Nunez Y, Re DB. Organophosphate neurotoxicity to the voluntary motor system on the trail of environment-caused amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the known, the misknown, and the unknown. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2939-2952. [PMID: 28070599 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset paralytic disorder. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of the motor neurons controlling voluntary movement. The underlying mechanisms remain elusive, a fact that has precluded development of effective treatments. ALS presents as a sporadic condition 90-95% of the time, i.e., without familial history or obvious genetic mutation. This suggests that ALS has a strong environmental component. Organophosphates (OPs) are prime candidate neurotoxicants in the etiology of ALS, as exposure to OPs was linked to higher ALS incidence among farmers, soccer players, and Gulf War veterans. In addition, polymorphisms in paraoxonase 1, an enzyme that detoxifies OPs, may increase individual vulnerability both to OP poisoning and to the risk of developing ALS. Furthermore, exposure to high doses of OPs can give rise to OP-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), a debilitating condition akin to ALS characterized by similar motor impairment and paralysis. The question we pose in this review is: "what can we learn from acute exposure to high doses of neurotoxicants (OPIDN) that could help our understanding of chronic diseases resulting from potentially decades of silent exposure (ALS)?" The resemblances between OPIDN and ALS are striking at the clinical, etiological, neuropathological, cellular, and potentially molecular levels. Here, we critically present available evidence, discuss current limitations, and posit future research. In the search for the environmental origin of ALS, OPIDN offers an exciting trail to follow, which can hopefully lead to the development of novel strategies to prevent and cure these dreadful disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Merwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Teresa Obis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yanelli Nunez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Toxicology Ph.D. Program, Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,, 722 W 168th street Suite 1107B, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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21
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Sand PG. The paraoxonase disruption hypothesis in sporadic ALS steamrolled. Neurol Sci 2016; 37:1017-8. [PMID: 26886353 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp G Sand
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany. .,Danuvius Klinik GmbH, Ingolstadt, Germany.
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22
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Abstract
Genes linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) susceptibility are being identified at an increasing rate owing to advances in molecular genetic technology. Genetic mechanisms in ALS pathogenesis seem to exert major effects in about 10% of patients, but genetic factors at some level may be important components of disease risk in most patients with ALS. Identification of gene variants associated with ALS has informed concepts of the pathogenesis of ALS, aided the identification of therapeutic targets, facilitated research to develop new ALS biomarkers, and supported the establishment of clinical diagnostic tests for ALS-linked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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23
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Marangi G, Traynor BJ. Genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new genetic analysis methodologies entailing new opportunities and challenges. Brain Res 2015; 1607:75-93. [PMID: 25316630 PMCID: PMC5916786 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being increasingly understood. In this far-reaching review, we examine what is currently known about ALS genetics and how these genes were initially identified. We also discuss the various types of mutations that might underlie this fatal neurodegenerative condition and outline some of the strategies that might be useful in untangling them. These include expansions of short repeat sequences, common and low-frequency genetic variations, de novo mutations, epigenetic changes, somatic mutations, epistasis, oligogenic and polygenic hypotheses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marangi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Roma, Italy.
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Sporadic and hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:679-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Paraoxonase 1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms and susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a meta-analysis. Neurol Sci 2014; 36:11-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Wang MD, Gomes J, Cashman NR, Little J, Krewski D. Intermediate CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene is a unique genetic risk factor for ALS--a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105534. [PMID: 25148523 PMCID: PMC4141758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare degenerative condition of the motor neurons. Over 10% of ALS cases are linked to monogenic mutations, with the remainder thought to be due to other risk factors, including environmental factors, genetic polymorphisms, and possibly gene-environmental interactions. We examined the association between ALS and an intermediate CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene using a meta-analytic approach. Observational studies were searched with relevant disease and gene terms from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from January 2010 through to January 2014. All identified articles were screened using disease terms, gene terms, population information, and CAG repeat information according to PRISMA guidelines. The final list of 17 articles was further evaluated based on the study location, time period, and authors to exclude multiple usage of the same study populations: 13 relevant articles were retained for this study. The range 30-33 CAG repeats in the ATXN2 gene was most strongly associated with ALS. The meta-analysis revealed that the presence of an intermediate CAG repeat (30-33) in the ATXN2 gene was associated with an increased risk of ALS [odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95%CI: 2.91-6.76)] in Caucasian ALS patients. There was no significant difference in the association of this CAG intermediate repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene between familial ALS cases (OR = 3.59, 1.58-8.17) and sporadic ALS cases (OR = 3.16, 1.88-5.32). These results indicate that the presence of intermediate CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene is a specific genetic risk factor for ALS, unlike monogenic mutations with an autosomal dominant transmission mode, which cause a more severe phenotype of ALS, with a higher prevalence in familial ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Dong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Gomes
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julian Little
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Juntas-Morales R, Pageot N, Corcia P, Camu W. [Environmental factors in ALS]. Presse Med 2014; 43:549-54. [PMID: 24703731 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is likely to be a disorder of multifactorial origin. Among all the factors that may increase the risk of ALS, environmental ones are being studied for many years, but in the recent years, several advances have pointed to a new interest in their potential involvement in the disease process, especially for the cyanotoxin BMAA. Food containing BMAA has been found on Guam, a well-known focus of ALS/parkinsonism/dementia and high levels of BMAA have been identified into the brain of these patients. The BMAA cyanotoxin is potentially ubiquitous and have also been found into the food of patients who died from ALS both in Europe and USA. BMAA can be wrongly integrated into the protein structure during mRNA traduction, competing with serine. This may induce abnormal protein folding and a subsequent cell death. Heavy metals, such as lead or mercury may be directly toxic for neuronal cells. Several works have suggested an increased risk of ALS in individuals chronically exposed to these metals. Exposure to pesticides has been suggested to be linked to an increased risk of developing ALS. The mechanism of their toxicity is likely to be mediated by paraoxonases. These proteins are in charge of detoxifying the organism from toxins, and particularly organophosphates. To date, there are insufficient scientific data to suggest that exposure to electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of having ALS. We are particularly missing longitudinal cohorts to demonstrate that risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Juntas-Morales
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Nicolas Pageot
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- CHRU de Tours, centre SLA, service de neurologie et neurophysiologie clinique, UMR Inserm U930, 37000 Tours, France
| | - William Camu
- Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, service de neurologie, clinique du motoneurone, Inserm 1051, 34925 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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Abstract
Paroxonase 1 displays multiple physiological activities that position it as a putative player in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Here we reviewed the literature focusing on the role of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as a factor in the risk of stroke and the major neurodegenerative diseases. PON1 activity is reduced in stroke patients, which significantly correlates inversely with carotid and cerebral atherosclerosis. The presence of the R allele of the Q192R PON1 polymorphism seems to potentiate this risk for stroke. PON1 exerts peroxidase activities that may be important in neurodegenerative disorders associated with oxidative stress. PON1 is also a key detoxifier of organophosphates and organophosphate exposure has been linked to the development of neurological disorders in which acetylcholine plays a significant role. In Parkinson's disease most of the studies suggest no participation of either L55M or the Q192R polymorphisms in its pathogenesis. However, many studies suggest that the MM55 PON1 genotype is associated with a higher risk for Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to organophosphates. In Alzheimer's disease most studies have failed to find any association between PON1 polymorphisms and the development of the disease. Some studies show that PON1 activity is decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, suggesting a possible protective role of PON1. No links between PON1 polymorphisms or activity have been found in other neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PON1 is a potential player in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. More research is warranted to ascertain the precise pathogenic links and the prognostic value of its measurement in neurological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresita Menini
- Department of Basic SciencesTouro University-California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro Gugliucci
- GlycationOxidation and Disease Laboratory, Department of Research, Touro University-California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
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D’Amico E, Factor-Litvak P, Santella RM, Mitsumoto H. Clinical perspective on oxidative stress in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 65:509-527. [PMID: 23797033 PMCID: PMC3859834 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most devastating neurological diseases; most patients die within 3 to 4 years after symptom onset. Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the pro-oxidative/antioxidative balance favoring the pro-oxidative state. Autopsy and laboratory studies in ALS indicate that oxidative stress plays a major role in motor neuron degeneration and astrocyte dysfunction. Oxidative stress biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and urine are elevated, suggesting that abnormal oxidative stress is generated outside of the central nervous system. Our review indicates that agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, military service, professional sports, excessive physical exertion, chronic head trauma, and certain foods might be modestly associated with ALS risk, with a stronger association between risk and smoking. At the cellular level, these factors are all involved in generating oxidative stress. Experimental studies indicate that a combination of insults that induce modest oxidative stress can exert additive deleterious effects on motor neurons, suggesting that multiple exposures in real-world environments are important. As the disease progresses, nutritional deficiency, cachexia, psychological stress, and impending respiratory failure may further increase oxidative stress. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that ALS is possibly a systemic disease. Laboratory, pathologic, and epidemiologic evidence clearly supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress is central in the pathogenic process, particularly in genetically susceptive individuals. If we are to improve ALS treatment, well-designed biochemical and genetic epidemiological studies, combined with a multidisciplinary research approach, are needed and will provide knowledge crucial to our understanding of ALS etiology, pathophysiology, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele D’Amico
- Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center, The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street (NI-9), New York, NY 10032, ;
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032,
| | - Regina M. Santella
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032,
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center, The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street (NI-9), New York, NY 10032
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Beghi E. Are professional soccer players at higher risk for ALS? Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:501-6. [PMID: 23859483 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.809764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the observation of several deaths from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among Italian professional soccer players, an association between ALS and soccer has been postulated, supported by high rates of morbidity and mortality risks in large cohorts of professionals. Several factors may explain this. A history of repeated (head) injuries is reported more frequently by ALS patients than by individuals with other clinical conditions. An association between exercise and ALS has also been suggested, but results in animals and humans are conflicting. Some clinical and experimental observations suggest a relation between ALS and use of substances such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and dietary supplements including branched-chain amino acids. Although Italian soccer players may be at higher risk of ALS than players in other countries, and higher than expected disease frequency seems soccer-specific, increased attention by the Italian lay press is an explanation that cannot be excluded. However, growing evidence points to the possibility that soccer players with ALS are susceptible individuals who develop the disease in response to combinations of environmental factors. Only cohort and case-control studies carried out with the same design in different European countries can provide a definite answer to this suspected but still unconfirmed association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Beghi
- IRCCS - Institute of Pharmacological Research 'Mario Negri' , Milan , Italy
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Al-Chalabi A, Kwak S, Mehler M, Rouleau G, Siddique T, Strong M, Leigh PN. Genetic and epigenetic studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14 Suppl 1:44-52. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.778571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Novel optineurin mutations in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1016.e1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Pesticide exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotoxicology 2012; 33:457-62. [PMID: 22521219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Our objectives were to summarize literature on the association of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with pesticides as a group and to evaluate associations of ALS with specific pesticides. We conducted a meta-analysis of published studies of ALS and pesticides as a group and investigated the association of ALS with specific pesticides, using data from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), a cohort including 84,739 private pesticide applicators and spouses. AHS participants provided information on pesticide use at enrollment in 1993-1997. In mortality data collected through February 2010, ALS was recorded on death certificates of 41 individuals whom we compared to the remaining cohort (controls), using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and gender to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. In the meta-analysis, ALS was associated with use of pesticides as a group (1.9, 1.1-3.1). In the AHS, ALS was not associated with pesticides as a group, but was associated with use of organochlorine insecticides (OCs) (1.6, 0.8-3.5), pyrethroids (1.4, 0.6-3.4), herbicides (1.6, 0.7-3.7), and fumigants (1.8, 0.8-3.9). ORs were elevated forever use of the specific OCs aldrin (2.1, 0.8-5.1), dieldrin (2.6, 0.9-7.3), DDT (2.1, 0.9-5.0), and toxaphene (2.0, 0.8-4.9). None of these associations was statistically significant. Similar results were observed in an analysis restricted to men. In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that ALS risk is associated with use of pesticides as a group, and our analysis of AHS data points to OC use in particular. The latter results are novel but based on a small number of cases and require replication in other populations.
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van Blitterswijk M, Blokhuis A, van Es MA, van Vught PWJ, Rowicka PA, Schelhaas HJ, van der Kooi AJ, de Visser M, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Rare and common paraoxonase gene variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1845.e1-3. [PMID: 22330174 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the paraoxonase family (PON) have been reported in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but a recent meta-analysis did not show a clear association. Recently, PON mutations have also been identified in ALS patients. In this study, we assessed the frequency of PON variants in 1118 sporadic ALS patients, 93 familial ALS patients, and 1240 control subjects of Dutch descent. We identified PON mutations in 1.4% of sporadic ALS patients, 2.1% of familial ALS patients, and 2.5% of control subjects. There were no significant differences in mutational burden for rare variants or in allele frequencies of polymorphisms between patients and control subjects. Thus, this study does not support the premise that mutations or polymorphisms in PON contribute to ALS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Coppedè F. An overview of DNA repair in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ScientificWorldJournal 2011; 11:1679-91. [PMID: 22125427 PMCID: PMC3201689 DOI: 10.1100/2011/853474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is an adult onset neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the degeneration of cortical and spinal cord motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscular weakness and death. Increasing evidence supports mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative DNA damage in ALS motor neurons. Several DNA repair enzymes are activated following DNA damage to restore genome integrity, and impairments in DNA repair capabilities could contribute to motor neuron degeneration. After a brief description of the evidence of DNA damage in ALS, this paper focuses on the available data on DNA repair activity in ALS neuronal tissue and disease animal models. Moreover, biochemical and genetic data on DNA repair in ALS are discussed in light of similar findings in other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Section of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pisa, Via S. Giuseppe 22, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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McCombe PA, Henderson RD. The Role of immune and inflammatory mechanisms in ALS. Curr Mol Med 2011; 11:246-54. [PMID: 21375489 PMCID: PMC3182412 DOI: 10.2174/156652411795243450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe progressive neurodegenerative disease. The cause is unknown, but genetic abnormalities have been identified in subjects with familial ALS and also in subjects with sporadic ALS. Environmental factors such as occupational exposure have been shown to be risk factors for the development of ALS. Patients differ in their clinical features and differ in the clinical course of disease. Immune abnormalities have been found in the central nervous system by pathological studies and also in the blood and CSF of subjects with ALS. Inflammation and immune abnormalities are also found in animals with a model of ALS due to mutations in the SOD1 gene. Previously it has been considered that immune abnormalities might contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. However more recently it has become apparent that an immune response can occur as a response to damage to the nervous system and this can be protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A McCombe
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Australia.
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Berry JD, Cudkowicz ME. New considerations in the design of clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. CLINICAL INVESTIGATION 2011; 1:1375-1389. [PMID: 22545191 PMCID: PMC3335743 DOI: 10.4155/cli.11.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease caused by loss of motor neurons. Its pathophysiology remains unknown, but progress has been made in understanding its genetic and biochemical basis. Clinical trialists are working to translate basic science successes into human trials with more efficiency, in the hope of finding successful treatments. In the future, new preclinical models, including patient-derived stem cells may augment transgenic animal models as preclinical tools. Biomarker discovery projects aim to identify markers of disease onset and progression for use in clinical trials. New trial designs are reducing study time, improving efficiency and helping to keep pace with the increasing rate of basic and translational discoveries. Ongoing trials with novel designs are paving the way for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Berry
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Neurology Clinical Trials Unit, 149 Thirteenth Street, Suite 2274, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Neurology Clinical Trials Unit, 149 Thirteenth Street, Suite 2274, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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Androutsopoulos VP, Kanavouras K, Tsatsakis AM. Role of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in organophosphate metabolism: implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 256:418-24. [PMID: 21864557 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides are a class of compounds that are widely used in agricultural and rural areas. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a phase-I enzyme that is involved in the hydrolysis of organophosphate esters. Environmental poisoning by organophosphate compounds has been the main driving force of previous research on PON1 enzymes. Recent discoveries in animal models have revealed the important role of the enzyme in lipid metabolism. However although PON1 function is well established in experimental models, the contribution of PON1 in neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. In this minireview we summarize the involvement of PON1 genotypes in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A brief overview of latest epidemiological studies, regarding the two most important PON1 coding region polymorphisms PON1-L55M and PON1-Q192R is presented. Positive and negative associations of PON1 with disease occurrence are reported. Notably the MM and RR alleles contribute a risk enhancing effect for the development of some neurodegenerative diseases, which may be explained by the reduced lipoprotein free radical scavenging activity that may give rise to neuronal damage, through distinct mechanism. Conflicting findings that fail to support this postulate may represent the human population ethnic heterogeneity, different sample size and environmental parameters affecting PON1 status. We conclude that further epidemiological studies are required in order to address the exact contribution of PON1 genome in combination with organophosphate exposure in populations with neurodegenerative diseases.
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McCombe PA, Henderson RD. Effects of gender in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 7:557-70. [PMID: 21195356 DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is more common in men than in women and that gender influences the clinical features of the disease. The causes of this are unknown. OBJECTIVE This review examines the gender differences that are found in ALS and postulates reasons for these differences. METHODS A literature review of PubMed (with no date limits) was performed to find information about gender differences in the incidence, prevalence, and clinical features of ALS, using the search terms ALS or MND and gender or sex, ALS prevalence, and SOD1 mice and gender. Articles were reviewed for information about gender differences, together with other articles that were already known to the authors. RESULTS The incidence and prevalence of ALS are greater in men than in women. This gender difference is seen in large studies that included all ALS patients (sporadic and familial), but is not seen when familial ALS is studied independently. Men predominate in the younger age groups of patients with ALS. Sporadic ALS has different clinical features in men and women, with men having a greater likelihood of onset in the spinal regions, and women tending to have onset in the bulbar region. Gender appears to have no clear effect on survival. In animals with superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1) mutations, sex does affect the clinical course of disease, with earlier onset in males. Possible reasons for the differences in ALS between men and women include different exposures to environmental toxins, different biological responses to exogenous toxins, and possibly underlying differences between the male and female nervous systems and different abilities to repair damage. CONCLUSIONS There is a complex interaction between gender and clinical phenotypes in ALS. Understanding the causes of the gender differences could give clues to processes that modify the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia.
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of upper and lower motor neurons that causes progressive weakness and death. The breadth of research in ALS continues to grow with exciting new discoveries in disease pathogenesis and potential future therapeutics. There is a growing list of identified mutations in familial ALS, including those in genes encoding TDP-43 and FUS/TLS, which are expanding our understanding of the role of RNA modulation in ALS pathogenesis. There is a greater appreciation for the role of glial cells in motor neuron disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also being shown to be critical for motor neuron degeneration. In addition to pharmacotherapy, there are promising early developments with therapeutic implications in the areas of RNA interference, stem cell therapies, viral vector-mediated gene therapy, and immunotherapy. With greater understanding of ALS pathogenesis and exciting new therapeutic technologies, there is hope for future progress in treating this disease.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Results from the published studies on the association of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms with blood lipids and blood pressure are conflicting. We investigated the association of three ADIPOQ polymorphisms, +45 T > G (rs2241766), +276 G > T (rs1501299) and -11377 C > G (rs266729), with these traits in this meta-analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included 35 studies in this meta-analysis. Dominant models were used for this meta-analysis. RESULTS We did not detect a significant association of the -11377 C > G polymorphism with blood lipids or blood pressure (P > 0·05). The association of the +45 T > G polymorphism with blood lipids and blood pressure was, similarly, not significant (P > 0·05). The meta-analysis suggested a significant overall association of the +276 G > T polymorphism with lower levels of total cholesterol: weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0·10, 95% confidence interval (CI, -0·17, -0·03), P = 0·005, P(heterogeneity) = 0·04. This association was marginally significant in East Asians and East Asians with type 2 diabetes: WMD = -0·10, 95% CI (-0·20, 0·00), P = 0·05, P(heterogeneity) = 0·002, and WMD = -0·09, 95% CI (-0·18, -0·00), P = 0·05, P(heterogeneity) = 0·80, respectively. After exclusion of a study that was the source of heterogeneity, the association was significant in overall populations and marginally significant in East Asians: WMD= -0·06, 95% CI (-0·11, -0·01), P = 0·01, P(heterogeneity) = 0·98, and WMD = -0·06, 95% CI (-0·12, 0·00), P = 0·07, P(heterogeneity) = 0·83, respectively. However, none of these associations were significant after Bonferroni correction (significant threshold: P < 0·003). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis does not suggest any association of the three ADIPOQ polymorphisms with blood lipids and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongfeng Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Rentzos M, Rombos A, Nikolaou C, Zoga M, Zouvelou V, Dimitrakopoulos A, Alexakis T, Tsoutsou A, Samakovli A, Michalopoulou M, Evdokimidis J. Interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 are elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with ALS: a reflection of Th17 cells activation? Acta Neurol Scand 2010; 122:425-9. [PMID: 20219021 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01333.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that immunological factors may involved in pathogenetic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Th17 cells are characterized by predominant production of IL-17 and are suggested to be crucial in destructive autoimmunity. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) appears to play a supporting role in the continued stimulation and survival of Th17. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in 22 patients with ALS and 19 patients with other non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND) studied as a control group. IL-17 and IL-23 serum and CSF levels were also correlated with duration of the disease, the disability level and the clinical subtype of the disease onset in patients with ALS. RESULTS IL-17 and IL-23 serum levels were higher in patients with ALS as compared with patients with NIND (P = 0.015 and P = 0.002 respectively). IL-17 and IL-23 CSF levels were also increased in patients with ALS (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.000001 respectively). IL-17 and IL-23 levels were not correlated with disease duration, disability scale or clinical subtype of the disease onset in ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that these molecules may be involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms acting as potential markers of Th17 cells activation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rentzos
- Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, Athens National University, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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Penco S, Lunetta C, Mosca L, Maestri E, Avemaria F, Tarlarini C, Patrosso MC, Marocchi A, Corbo M. Phenotypic heterogeneity in a SOD1 G93D Italian ALS family: an example of human model to study a complex disease. J Mol Neurosci 2010; 44:25-30. [PMID: 21120636 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-010-9480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We report different clinical expression in seven members of a large family with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the G93D mutation in exon 4 of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. The ALS clinical course in the proband showed an unusually fast progression of the disease compared to the paucisymptomatic presentation associated to this mutation in the two previously Italian families described. The remaining mutation carriers did not show the aggressive clinical course displayed by the proband. We selected few genes known to be ALS modifiers searching for genetic variants that could explain the wide phenotypic diversity within the family. Exclusion of causative genes such as TDP43, FUS, PGRN and VAPB was performed too. We believe that this kind of family with contrasting phenotypes of ALS may be considered an excellent human model to study the relationship between a wider genetic profile, including modifier genes, and the clinical expression of the disease. Therefore, the novelty of our approach is also represented by the study of a single family to reproduce a composite structure in which search for possible modifier genes/genetic variants linked to SOD1 mutated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Penco
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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Fernandez-Cadenas I, Mendioroz M, Domingues-Montanari S, Del Rio-Espinola A, Delgado P, Ruiz A, Hernandez-Guillamon M, Giralt D, Chacon P, Navarro-Sobrino M, Ribo M, Molina CA, Alvarez-Sabin J, Rosell A, Montaner J. Leukoaraiosis is associated with genes regulating blood-brain barrier homeostasis in ischaemic stroke patients. Eur J Neurol 2010; 18:826-35. [PMID: 21122033 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biologic agents causing leukoaraiosis are unknown. Our aim was to study the genetic basis of leukoaraiosis. METHODS We analyzed 212 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 142 patients with ischaemic stroke, generating a total of 30,104 genotypes. Seventy-nine subjects (55.6%) presented leukoaraiosis measured by the Fazekas scale and 69 (48.6%) by ARWMC scale. We analyzed the presence of synergic associations between SNPs using the hfcc software. Finally, functional studies were performed in 56 subjects. The Ingenuity Pathways software (ipa) was used to examine the role of the identified genes. RESULTS Six SNPs were associated with leukoaraiosis using both measuring scales. After logistic regression adjusted for leukoaraiosis risk factors, the rs2252070 of MMP13 (OR = 4.9, 95%CI: 1.34-17.9, P = 0.016), rs662 of PON1 (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.15-0.87, P = 0.024) and rs1800779 of NOS3 (OR = 3.9, 95%CI: 1.38-11.38, P = 0.01) were independently associated with leukoaraiosis under a dominant/recessive model and the rs2290608 of IL5RA (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.25-0.85, P = 0.013) and rs669 of A2M (OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.36-4.83, P = 0.004) under an additive model. Computational analysis showed a synergic association of rs10497212-AA of ITGB6 and rs2290608-GG of IL5RA with leukoaraiosis using both scales. (i) ARWMC (P = 1.3 × 10(-4) ) and (ii) Fazekas (P = 4.5 × 10(-5) ). Functional studies showed that the rs669 SNP was associated with plasma levels of A2M (P = 0.012) and A2M levels with leukoaraiosis in Fazekas scale (P = 0.02). ipa analysis revealed that the genes associated with leukoaraiosis were involved in blood-brain barrier (BBB) homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS Amongst patients with ischaemic stroke, several genes associated with BBB homeostasis could be involved with a higher risk of leukoaraiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fernandez-Cadenas
- Department of Neurology, Neurovascular Research Laboratory and Neurovascular Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Porntadavity S, Permpongpaiboon T, Sukketsiri W. Human paraoxonase 2. EXCLI JOURNAL 2010; 9:159-172. [PMID: 29255397 PMCID: PMC5698900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Human paraoxonase 2 (PON2), which is a member of the paraoxonase family, possesses unique properties that distinguish it from PON1 and PON3. PON2 is ubiquitously expressed in many different tissue types and is highly expressed in the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. Early research revealed that PON2 is exclusively intracellularly found, wherein it functions as an anti-oxidative protein by reducing intracellular and local oxidative stress. Studies in the last five years have demonstrated that PON2 protects against atherosclerosis by preventing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, reversing the oxidation of mildly oxidised LDL, inhibiting monocyte chemotaxis, and increasing cholesterol efflux. Recently, emerging evidence has proposed that PON2 is an anti-atherosclerotic and may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The number of investigations concerning the relationship between two common PON2 polymorphisms and CVD among different ethnic groups and regions is rapidly growing. Here, we briefly review the developments in PON2 research by focusing on past and recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureerut Porntadavity
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Sureerut Porntadavity, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, 2 Parn Nok Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Telephone: 66-2-419-7168, Fax: 66-2-441-4380, E-mail:
| | - Thinnakorn Permpongpaiboon
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Huacheiw University, Samutprakarn, Thailand
| | - Wanida Sukketsiri
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Gagliardi S, Ogliari P, Davin A, Corato M, Cova E, Abel K, Cashman JR, Ceroni M, Cereda C. Flavin-containing monooxygenase mRNA levels are up-regulated in als brain areas in SOD1-mutant mice. Neurotox Res 2010; 20:150-8. [PMID: 21082301 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-010-9230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are a family of microsomal enzymes involved in the oxygenation of a variety of nucleophilic heteroatom-containing xenobiotics. Recent results have pointed to a relation between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and FMO genes. ALS is an adult-onset, progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disease. We have compared FMO mRNA expression in the control mouse strain C57BL/6J and in a SOD1-mutated (G93A) ALS mouse model. Fmo expression was examined in total brain, and in subregions including cerebellum, cerebral hemisphere, brainstem, and spinal cord of control and SOD1-mutated mice. We have also considered expression in male and female mice because FMO regulation is gender-related. Real-Time TaqMan PCR was used for FMO expression analysis. Normalization was done using hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (Hprt) as a control housekeeping gene. Fmo genes, except Fmo3, were detectably expressed in the central nervous system of both control and ALS model mice. FMO expression was generally greater in the ALS mouse model than in control mice, with the highest increase in Fmo1 expression in spinal cord and brainstem. In addition, we showed greater Fmo expression in males than in female mice in the ALS model. The expression of Fmo1 mRNA correlated with Sod1 mRNA expression in pathologic brain areas. We hypothesize that alteration of FMO gene expression is a consequence of the pathological environment linked to oxidative stress related to mutated SOD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Gagliardi
- Lab of Experimental Neurobiology, IRCCS National Neurological Institute C. Mondino, Via Mondino, 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Scott KM, Abhinav K, Wijesekera L, Ganesalingam J, Goldstein LH, Janssen A, Dougherty A, Willey E, Stanton BR, Turner MR, Ampong MA, Sakel M, Orrell R, Howard R, Shaw CE, Nigel Leigh P, Al-Chalabi A. The association between ALS and population density: A population based study. AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF NEUROLOGY RESEARCH GROUP ON MOTOR NEURON DISEASES 2010; 11:435-8. [PMID: 20429684 PMCID: PMC3205411 DOI: 10.3109/17482961003754552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess whether rural residence is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the south-east of England using a population based register. Previous studies in different populations have produced contradictory findings. Residence defined by London borough or non-metropolitan district at time of diagnosis was recorded for each incident case in the South-East England ALS Register between 1995 and 2005. Each of the 26 boroughs or districts of the catchment area of the register was classified according to population density. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence of ALS was calculated for each region and the relationship with population density tested by linear regression, thereby controlling for the underlying population structure. We found that population density in region of residence at diagnosis explained 25% of the variance in ALS rates (r = 0.5, p < 0.01). Thus, in this cohort in the south-east of England, people with ALS were more likely to be resident in areas of high population density at diagnosis.
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Ticozzi N, LeClerc AL, Keagle PJ, Glass JD, Wills AM, van Blitterswijk M, Bosco DA, Rodriguez-Leyva I, Gellera C, Ratti A, Taroni F, McKenna-Yasek D, Sapp PC, Silani V, Furlong CE, Brown RH, Landers JE. Paraoxonase gene mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2010; 68:102-7. [PMID: 20582942 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Three clustered, homologous paraoxonase genes (PON1, PON2, and PON3) have roles in preventing lipid oxidation and detoxifying organophosphates. Recent reports describe a genetic association between the PON genes and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We now report that in genomic DNA from individuals with familial and sporadic ALS, we have identified at least 7 PON gene mutations that are predicted to alter PON function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Bento-Abreu A, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L, Robberecht W. The neurobiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 31:2247-65. [PMID: 20529130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a degenerative disease affecting the motor neurons. In spite of our growing insights into its biology, it remains a lethal condition. The identification of the cause of several of the familial forms of ALS allowed generation of models to study this disease both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize what is known about the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS induced by hereditary mutations, and attempt to identify the relevance of these findings for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of the sporadic form of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Bento-Abreu
- Laboratory for Neurobiology, Experimental Neurology, K.U.Leuven, Herestraat, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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50
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Ricci C, Battistini S, Cozzi L, Benigni M, Origone P, Verriello L, Lunetta C, Cereda C, Milani P, Greco G, Patrosso MC, Causarano R, Caponnetto C, Giannini F, Corbo M, Penco S. Lack of association of PON polymorphisms with sporadic ALS in an Italian population. Neurobiol Aging 2010; 32:552.e7-13. [PMID: 20381198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Paraoxonase (PON) gene polymorphisms have been associated with susceptibility to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have investigated the role of the previously associated single nucleotide polymorphisms rs854560, rs662, and rs6954345 in 350 ALS patients and 376 matched controls from Italy. No significant association was observed at genotype and haplotype level. Our data suggest that PON polymorphisms are not involved in ALS pathogenesis in an Italian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience-Neurology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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