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Weber N, Buchholz M, Rädke A, Faber J, Schmitz-Hübsch T, Jacobi H, Klockgether T, Hoffmann W, Michalowsky B. Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1466-1477. [PMID: 38279001 PMCID: PMC11269494 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the progression of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and predicting factors in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Such knowledge is crucial to identify modifiable factors promoting everyday life with SCA and attenuating HRQoL decline. OBJECTIVES This study is to assess HRQoL progression and identify factors affecting SCA patients' HRQoL. METHODS Longitudinal data (three-year follow-up) of 310 SCA patients of the European SCA3/Machado-Joseph-Disease Initiative (ESMI) (2016-2022) and 525 SCA patients (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 or SCA6) of the EUROSCA natural history study cohort (2006-2015) were assessed. Both large cohort studies share standardized assessments of clinical measures, SARA, INAS, PHQ-9, and HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L). The association between HRQoL and clinical measures was assessed by Spearman Correlation (rs). Multivariable panel regression models were performed to evaluate the impact of patients' socio-demographics, age of onset, SCA type and body mass index (BMI), and clinical measures on HRQoL progression. RESULTS HRQoL significantly decreased over one (- 0.014, p = 0.095), two (- 0.028, p = 0.003), and three years (- 0.032, p = 0.002). Ataxia severity and mental health strongly correlated with HRQoL (rsSARA = - 0.589; rsPHQ-9 = - 0.507). HRQoL more intensively declined in male (ß = - 0.024, p = 0.038) patients with an earlier age of onset (ß = 0.002, p = 0.058). Higher progression of ataxia severity (ß = - 0.010, p ≤ 0.001), mental health problems (ß = - 0.012, p < 0.001), and higher BMI (ß = - 0.003, p = 0.029) caused more severe decline of patients' HRQoL over time. DISCUSSION In absence of curative treatments, stronger focus on mental health and weight influence could help clinical evaluation and accompany treatment improving SCA patients' HRQoL, especially in male patients with early disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Weber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Maresa Buchholz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anika Rädke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center (NCRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalowsky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
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Berlijn AM, Huvermann DM, Schneider S, Bellebaum C, Timmann D, Minnerop M, Peterburs J. The Role of the Human Cerebellum for Learning from and Processing of External Feedback in Non-Motor Learning: A Systematic Review. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1532-1551. [PMID: 38379034 PMCID: PMC11269477 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
This review aimed to systematically identify and comprehensively review the role of the cerebellum in performance monitoring, focusing on learning from and on processing of external feedback in non-motor learning. While 1078 articles were screened for eligibility, ultimately 36 studies were included in which external feedback was delivered in cognitive tasks and which referenced the cerebellum. These included studies in patient populations with cerebellar damage and studies in healthy subjects applying neuroimaging. Learning performance in patients with different cerebellar diseases was heterogeneous, with only about half of all patients showing alterations. One patient study using EEG demonstrated that damage to the cerebellum was associated with altered neural processing of external feedback. Studies assessing brain activity with task-based fMRI or PET and one resting-state functional imaging study that investigated connectivity changes following feedback-based learning in healthy participants revealed involvement particularly of lateral and posterior cerebellar regions in processing of and learning from external feedback. Cerebellar involvement was found at different stages, e.g., during feedback anticipation and following the onset of the feedback stimuli, substantiating the cerebellum's relevance for different aspects of performance monitoring such as feedback prediction. Future research will need to further elucidate precisely how, where, and when the cerebellum modulates the prediction and processing of external feedback information, which cerebellar subregions are particularly relevant, and to what extent cerebellar diseases alter these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Berlijn
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| | - Dana M Huvermann
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Schneider
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Bellebaum
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martina Minnerop
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty & University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty & Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jutta Peterburs
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Honda T, Matsumura K, Hashimoto Y, Yokota T, Mizusawa H, Nagao S, Ishikawa K. Temporal Relationship between Impairment of Cerebellar Motor Learning and Deterioration of Ataxia in Patients with Cerebellar Degeneration. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1280-1292. [PMID: 37115382 PMCID: PMC11269492 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Ataxia and impaired motor learning are both fundamental features in diseases affecting the cerebellum. However, it remains unclarified whether motor learning is impaired only when ataxia clearly manifests, nor it is known whether the progression of ataxia, the speed of which often varies among patients with the same disease, can be monitored by examining motor learning. We evaluated motor learning and ataxia at intervals of several months in 40 patients with degenerative conditions [i.e., multiple system atrophy (MSA), Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), SCA6, and SCA31]. Motor learning was quantified as the adaptability index (AI) in the prism adaptation task and ataxia was scored using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We found that AI decreased most markedly in both MSA-C and MSA-P, moderately in MJD, and mildly in SCA6 and SCA31. Overall, the AI decrease occurred more rapidly than the SARA score increase. Interestingly, AIs remained normal in purely parkinsonian MSA-P patients (n = 4), but they dropped into the ataxia range when these patients started to show ataxia. The decrease in AI during follow-up (dAI/dt) was significant in patients with SARA scores < 10.5 compared with patients with SARA scores ≥ 10.5, indicating that AI is particularly useful for diagnosing the earlier phase of cerebellar degeneration. We conclude that AI is a useful marker for progressions of cerebellar diseases, and that evaluating the motor learning of patients can be particularly valuable for detecting cerebellar impairment, which is often masked by parkinsonisms and other signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeru Honda
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Basic Technology Research Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
- Laboratory for Higher Brain Function, Nozomi Hospital, Ina, Kitaadachi-Gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
- The Center for Personalized Medicine for Healthy Aging, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Ken Matsumura
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, 2-1-1 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 156-0057, Japan
| | - Yuji Hashimoto
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Mizusawa
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashicho, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8551, Japan
| | - Soichi Nagao
- Laboratory for Higher Brain Function, Nozomi Hospital, Ina, Kitaadachi-Gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Kinya Ishikawa
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
- The Center for Personalized Medicine for Healthy Aging, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
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4
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Petit E, Schmitz-Hübsch T, Coarelli G, Jacobi H, Heinzmann A, Figueroa KP, Perlman SL, Gomez CM, Wilmot GR, Schmahmann JD, Ying SH, Zesiewicz TA, Paulson HL, Shakkottai VG, Bushara KO, Kuo SH, Geschwind MD, Xia G, Pulst SM, Subramony SH, Ewenczyk C, Brice A, Durr A, Klockgether T, Ashizawa T, Tezenas du Montcel S. SARA captures disparate progression and responsiveness in spinocerebellar ataxias. J Neurol 2024; 271:3743-3753. [PMID: 38822840 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is a widely used clinical scale to assess cerebellar ataxia but faces some criticisms about the relevancy of all its items. OBJECTIVES To prepare for future clinical trials, we analyzed the progression of SARA and its items in several polyQ spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) from various cohorts. METHODS We included data from patients with SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA6 from four cohorts (EUROSCA, RISCA, CRC-SCA, and SPATAX) for a total of 850 carriers and 3431 observations. Longitudinal progression of the SARA and its items was measured. Cohort, stage and genetic effects were tested. We looked at the respective contribution of each item to the total scale. Sensitivity to change of the scale and the impact of item removal was evaluated by calculating sample sizes needed in various scenarios. RESULTS Longitudinal progression was significantly different between cohorts in SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3, the EUROSCA cohort having the fastest progression. Advanced-stage patients were progressing slower in SCA2 and SCA6. Items were not contributing equally to the full scale through ataxia severity: gait, stance, hand movement, and heel-shin contributed the most in the early stage, and finger-chase, nose-finger, and sitting in later stages. Few items drove the sensitivity to the change of SARA, but changes in the scale structure could not improve its sensitivity in all populations. CONCLUSION SARA and its item's progression pace showed high heterogeneity across cohorts and SCAs. However, no combinations of items improved the responsiveness in all SCAs or populations taken separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilien Petit
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation of Max-Delbrueck Center of Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giulia Coarelli
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Heinzmann
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Karla P Figueroa
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Susan L Perlman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - George R Wilmot
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sarah H Ying
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Khalaf O Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Guangbin Xia
- Department of Neurology and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - S H Subramony
- Department of Neurology and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Claire Ewenczyk
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Inria, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | | | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Weill Cornell Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Costa RG, Conceição A, Matos CA, Nóbrega C. The polyglutamine protein ATXN2: from its molecular functions to its involvement in disease. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:415. [PMID: 38877004 PMCID: PMC11178924 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
A CAG repeat sequence in the ATXN2 gene encodes a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract within the ataxin-2 (ATXN2) protein, showcasing a complex landscape of functions that have been progressively unveiled over recent decades. Despite significant progresses in the field, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms governed by ATXN2 remains elusive. This multifaceted protein emerges as a key player in RNA metabolism, stress granules dynamics, endocytosis, calcium signaling, and the regulation of the circadian rhythm. The CAG overexpansion within the ATXN2 gene produces a protein with an extended poly(Q) tract, inducing consequential alterations in conformational dynamics which confer a toxic gain and/or partial loss of function. Although overexpanded ATXN2 is predominantly linked to spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), intermediate expansions are also implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism. While the molecular intricacies await full elucidation, SCA2 presents ATXN2-associated pathological features, encompassing autophagy impairment, RNA-mediated toxicity, heightened oxidative stress, and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Presently, SCA2 remains incurable, with patients reliant on symptomatic and supportive treatments. In the pursuit of therapeutic solutions, various studies have explored avenues ranging from pharmacological drugs to advanced therapies, including cell or gene-based approaches. These endeavours aim to address the root causes or counteract distinct pathological features of SCA2. This review is intended to provide an updated compendium of ATXN2 functions, delineate the associated pathological mechanisms, and present current perspectives on the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G Costa
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal.
- PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
| | - André Conceição
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal
- PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Matos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faro, Portugal.
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Barcellos I, Hansen C, Strobel GK, Geritz J, Munhoz RP, Moscovich M, Maetzler W, Teive HAG. Spatiotemporal Gait Analysis of Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 3 and 10 Using Inertial Measurement Units: A Comparative Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01709-7. [PMID: 38869768 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Given the high morbidity related to the progression of gait deficits in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), there is a growing interest in identifying biomarkers that can guide early diagnosis and rehabilitation. Spatiotemporal parameter (STP) gait analysis using inertial measurement units (IMUs) has been increasingly studied in this context. This study evaluated STP profiles in SCA types 3 and 10, compared them to controls, and correlated them with clinical scales. IMU portable sensors were used to measure STPs under four gait conditions: self-selected pace (SSP), fast pace (FP), fast pace checking-boxes (FPCB), and fast pace with serial seven subtractions (FPS7). Compared to healthy subjects, both SCA groups had higher values for step time, variability, and swing time, with lower values for gait speed, cadence, and step length. We also found a reduction in speed gain capacity in both SCA groups compared to controls and an increase in speed dual-task cost in the SCA10 group. However, there were no significant differences between the SCA groups. Swing time, mean speed, and step length were correlated with disease severity, risk of falling and functionality in both clinical groups. In the SCA3 group, fear of falling was correlated with cadence. In the SCA10 group, results of the Montreal cognitive assessment test were correlated with step time, mean speed, and step length. These results show that individuals with SCA3 and SCA10 present a highly variable, short-stepped, slow gait pattern compared to healthy subjects, and their gait quality worsened with a fast pace and dual-task involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Barcellos
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Clint Hansen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Giovanna Klüppel Strobel
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Johanna Geritz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Renato P Munhoz
- Gloria and Morton Shulman Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mariana Moscovich
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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7
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Uebachs M, Wegner P, Schaaf S, Kugai S, Jacobi H, Kuo SH, Ashizawa T, Fluck J, Klockgether T, Faber J. SCAview: an Intuitive Visual Approach to the Integrative Analysis of Clinical Data in Spinocerebellar Ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:887-895. [PMID: 37002505 PMCID: PMC10544694 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With SCAview, we present a prompt and comprehensive tool that enables scientists to browse large datasets of the most common spinocerebellar ataxias intuitively and without technical effort. Basic concept is a visualization of data, with a graphical handling and filtering to select and define subgroups and their comparison. Several plot types to visualize all data points resulting from the selected attributes are provided. The underlying synthetic cohort is based on clinical data from five different European and US longitudinal multicenter cohorts in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, 2, 3, and 6 (SCA1, 2, 3, and 6) comprising > 1400 patients with overall > 5500 visits. First, we developed a common data model to integrate the clinical, demographic, and characterizing data of each source cohort. Second, the available datasets from each cohort were mapped onto the data model. Third, we created a synthetic cohort based on the cleaned dataset. With SCAview, we demonstrate the feasibility of mapping cohort data from different sources onto a common data model. The resulting browser-based visualization tool with a thoroughly graphical handling of the data offers researchers the unique possibility to visualize relationships and distributions of clinical data, to define subgroups and to further investigate them without any technical effort. Access to SCAview can be requested via the Ataxia Global Initiative and is free of charge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mischa Uebachs
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- DRK Kamillus Klinik, Asbach, Germany
| | - Philipp Wegner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), St. Augustin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schaaf
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Kugai
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), St. Augustin, Germany
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Juliane Fluck
- ZB Med, Information Centre for Life Sciences, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.
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8
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Bonsor M, Ammar O, Schnoegl S, Wanker EE, Silva Ramos E. Polyglutamine disease proteins: Commonalities and differences in interaction profiles and pathological effects. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300114. [PMID: 38615323 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, nine polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion diseases are known. They include spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 17), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), and Huntington's disease (HD). At the root of these neurodegenerative diseases are trinucleotide repeat mutations in coding regions of different genes, which lead to the production of proteins with elongated polyQ tracts. While the causative proteins differ in structure and molecular mass, the expanded polyQ domains drive pathogenesis in all these diseases. PolyQ tracts mediate the association of proteins leading to the formation of protein complexes involved in gene expression regulation, RNA processing, membrane trafficking, and signal transduction. In this review, we discuss commonalities and differences among the nine polyQ proteins focusing on their structure and function as well as the pathological features of the respective diseases. We present insights from AlphaFold-predicted structural models and discuss the biological roles of polyQ-containing proteins. Lastly, we explore reported protein-protein interaction networks to highlight shared protein interactions and their potential relevance in disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bonsor
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Orchid Ammar
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sigrid Schnoegl
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Silva Ramos
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Buchholz M, Weber N, Rädke A, Faber J, Schmitz-Hübsch T, Jacobi H, Xie F, Klockgether T, Michalowsky B. Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia: a Validation Study of the EQ-5D-3L. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1020-1030. [PMID: 37713052 PMCID: PMC11102408 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Although health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has developed into a crucial outcome parameter in clinical research, evidence of the EQ-5D-3L validation performance is lacking in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 3, and 6. The objective of this study is to assess the acceptability, validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L. For n = 842 predominantly European SCA patients of two longitudinal cohort studies, the EQ-5D-3L, PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire), and ataxia-specific clinical assessments (SARA: Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia; ADL: activities of daily living as part of Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale; INAS: Inventory of Non-Ataxia Signs) were assessed at baseline and multiple annual follow-ups. The EQ-5D-3L was evaluated regarding acceptability, distribution properties, convergent and known-groups validity, test-retest reliability, and effect size measures to analyze health changes. The non-item response was low (EQ-5D-3L index: 0.8%; EQ-VAS: 3.4%). Ceiling effects occurred in 9.9% (EQ-5D-3L) and 3.0% (EQ-VAS) with a mean EQ-5D-3L index of 0.65 ± 0.21. In total, convergent validity showed moderate to strong Spearman's rho (rs > 0.3) coefficients comparing EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS with PHQ-9, SARA, ADL, and INAS. EQ-5D-3L could discriminate between groups of age, SARA, ADL, and INAS. Intra-class correlation coefficients (EQ-5D-3LICC: 0.95/EQ-VASICC: 0.88) and Kappa statistics (range 0.44 to 0.93 for EQ-5D-3L items) indicated tolerable reliability. EQ-5D-3L shows small (effect size < 0.3) to moderate (effect size 0.3-0.59) health changes regarding ataxia severity. The analysis confirms an acceptable, reliable, valid, and responsive recommended EQ-5D-3L in SCA patients, measuring the HRQoL adequately, besides well-established clinical instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maresa Buchholz
- Translational Health Care Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Niklas Weber
- Translational Health Care Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anika Rädke
- Translational Health Care Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation of Max-Delbrueck Center of Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalowsky
- Translational Health Care Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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10
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Vohra A, Keefe P, Puthanveetil P. Altered Metabolic Signaling and Potential Therapies in Polyglutamine Diseases. Metabolites 2024; 14:320. [PMID: 38921455 PMCID: PMC11205831 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060320] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine diseases comprise a cluster of genetic disorders involving neurodegeneration and movement disabilities. In polyglutamine diseases, the target proteins become aberrated due to polyglutamine repeat formation. These aberrant proteins form the root cause of associated complications. The metabolic regulation during polyglutamine diseases is not well studied and needs more attention. We have brought to light the significance of regulating glutamine metabolism during polyglutamine diseases, which could help in decreasing the neuronal damage associated with excess glutamate and nucleotide generation. Most polyglutamine diseases are accompanied by symptoms that occur due to excess glutamate and nucleotide accumulation. Along with a dysregulated glutamine metabolism, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels drop down, and, under these conditions, NAD+ supplementation is the only achievable strategy. NAD+ is a major co-factor in the glutamine metabolic pathway, and it helps in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Thus, strategies to decrease excess glutamate and nucleotide generation, as well as channelizing glutamine toward the generation of ATP and the maintenance of NAD+ homeostasis, could aid in neuronal health. Along with understanding the metabolic dysregulation that occurs during polyglutamine diseases, we have also focused on potential therapeutic strategies that could provide direct benefits or could restore metabolic homeostasis. Our review will shed light into unique metabolic causes and into ideal therapeutic strategies for treating complications associated with polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Vohra
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (A.V.); (P.K.)
| | - Patrick Keefe
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (A.V.); (P.K.)
| | - Prasanth Puthanveetil
- College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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11
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L'Italien G, Popoff E, Rogula B, Powell L, Potashman M, Dickson S, O'Keefe P, Beiner M, Coric V, Perlman S, Schmahmann JD, Hendrix S. Development and Validation of SCACOMS, a Composite Scale for Assessing Disease Progression and Treatment Effects in Spinocerebellar Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01697-8. [PMID: 38710966 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are rare inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive impairment of gait, balance, limb coordination, and speech. There is currently no composite scale that includes multiple aspects of the SCA experience to assess disease progression and treatment effects. Applying the method of partial least squares (PLS) regression, we developed the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Composite Scale (SCACOMS) from two SCA natural history datasets (NCT01060371, NCT02440763). PLS regression selected items based on their ability to detect clinical decline, with optimized weights based on the item's degree of progression. Following model validation, SCACOMS was leveraged to examine disease progression and treatment effects in a 48-week SCA clinical trial cohort (NCT03701399). Items from the Clinical Global Impression-Global Improvement Scale (CGI-I), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) - functional stage, and the Modified Functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) were objectively selected with weightings based on their sensitivity to clinical decline. The resulting SCACOMS exhibited improved sensitivity to disease progression and greater treatment effects (compared to the original scales from which they were derived) in a 48-week clinical trial of a novel therapeutic agent. The trial analyses also provided a SCACOMS-derived estimate of the temporal delay in SCA disease progression. SCACOMS is a useful composite measure, effectively capturing disease progression and highlighting treatment effects in patients with SCA. SCACOMS will be a powerful tool in future studies given its sensitivity to clinical decline and ability to detect a meaningful clinical impact of disease-modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evan Popoff
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 201-343 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Basia Rogula
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 201-343 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lauren Powell
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 201-343 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Sam Dickson
- Pentara Corp, 2261 East 3300 South, Millcreek, UT, USA
| | | | - Melissa Beiner
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc 215 Church St, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vlad Coric
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc 215 Church St, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Potashman M, Rudell K, Pavisic I, Suminski N, Doma R, Heinrich M, Abetz-Webb L, Beiner MW, Kuo SH, Rosenthal LS, Zesiwicz T, Fife TD, van de Warrenburg BP, Ristori G, Synofzik M, Perlman S, Schmahmann JD, L'Italien G. Content Validity of the Modified Functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) Instrument in Spinocerebellar Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01700-2. [PMID: 38713312 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) assesses Gait, Stance, Sitting, and Speech. It was developed as a potentially clinically meaningful measure of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) progression for clinical trial use. Here, we evaluated content validity of the f-SARA. Qualitative interviews were conducted among individuals with SCA1 (n = 1) and SCA3 (n = 6) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with SCA expertise (USA, n = 5; Europe, n = 3). Interviews evaluated symptoms and signs of SCA and relevance of f-SARA concepts for SCA. HCP cognitive debriefing was conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by ATLAS.TI software. Individuals with SCA1 and 3 reported 85 symptoms, signs, and impacts of SCA. All indicated difficulties with walking, stance, balance, speech, fatigue, emotions, and work. All individuals with SCA1 and 3 considered Gait, Stance, and Speech relevant f-SARA concepts; 3 considered Sitting relevant (42.9%). All HCPs considered Gait and Speech relevant; 5 (62.5%) indicated Stance was relevant. Sitting was considered a late-stage disease indicator. Most HCPs suggested inclusion of appendicular items would enhance clinical relevance. Cognitive debriefing supported clarity and comprehension of f-SARA. Maintaining current abilities on f-SARA items for 1 year was considered meaningful for most individuals with SCA1 and 3. All HCPs considered meaningful changes as stability in f-SARA score over 1-2 years, 1-2-point change in total f-SARA score, and deviation from natural history. These results support content validity of f-SARA for assessing SCA disease progression in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liana S Rosenthal
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theresa Zesiwicz
- Department of Neurology, Ataxia Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Terry D Fife
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Giovanni Ristori
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Division of Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susan Perlman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Henriques C, Lopes MM, Silva AC, Lobo DD, Badin RA, Hantraye P, Pereira de Almeida L, Nobre RJ. Viral-based animal models in polyglutamine disorders. Brain 2024; 147:1166-1189. [PMID: 38284949 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine disorders are a complex group of incurable neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion in the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine tract of the affected gene. To better understand these disorders, our dependence on animal models persists, primarily relying on transgenic models. In an effort to complement and deepen our knowledge, researchers have also developed animal models of polyglutamine disorders employing viral vectors. Viral vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes to the brain, not only for therapeutic purposes but also for the development of animal models, given their remarkable flexibility. In a time- and cost-effective manner, it is possible to use different transgenes, at varying doses, in diverse targeted tissues, at different ages, and in different species, to recreate polyglutamine pathology. This paper aims to showcase the utility of viral vectors in disease modelling, share essential considerations for developing animal models with viral vectors, and provide a comprehensive review of existing viral-based animal models for polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Romina Aron Badin
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Issa NP, Aydin S, Bhatnagar S, Baumgartner NW, Hill J, Aluri S, Valentic CS, Polley E, Gomez CM, Rezania K. Intermuscular Coherence in Spinocerebellar Ataxias 3 and 6: a Preliminary Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:601-608. [PMID: 37428409 PMCID: PMC10776817 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are familial neurodegenerative diseases involving the cerebellum and spinocerebellar tracts. While there is variable involvement of corticospinal tracts (CST), dorsal root ganglia, and motor neurons in SCA3, SCA6 is characterized by a pure, late-onset ataxia. Abnormal intermuscular coherence in the beta-gamma frequency range (IMCβγ) implies a lack of integrity of CST or the afferent input from the acting muscles. We test the hypothesis that IMCβγ has the potential to be a biomarker of disease activity in SCA3 but not SCA6. Intermuscular coherence between biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles was measured from surface EMG waveforms in SCA3 (N = 16) and SCA6 (N = 20) patients and in neurotypical subjects (N = 23). IMC peak frequencies were present in the β range in SCA patients and in the γ range in neurotypical subjects. The difference between IMC amplitudes in the γ and β ranges was significant when comparing neurotypical control subjects to SCA3 (p < 0.01) and SCA6 (p = 0.01) patients. IMCβγ amplitude was smaller in SCA3 patients compared to neurotypical subjects (p < 0.05), but not different between SCA3 and SCA6 patients or between SCA6 and neurotypical subjects. IMC metrics can differentiate SCA patients from normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoum P Issa
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Serdar Aydin
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Shail Bhatnagar
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Jacquelyn Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sravya Aluri
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Eric Polley
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Christopher M Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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15
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Leung TCS, Fields E, Rana N, Shen RYL, Bernstein AE, Cook AA, Phillips DE, Watt AJ. Mitochondrial damage and impaired mitophagy contribute to disease progression in SCA6. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:26. [PMID: 38286873 PMCID: PMC10824820 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a neurodegenerative disease that manifests in midlife and progressively worsens with age. SCA6 is rare, and many patients are not diagnosed until long after disease onset. Whether disease-causing cellular alterations differ at different disease stages is currently unknown, but it is important to answer this question in order to identify appropriate therapeutic targets across disease duration. We used transcriptomics to identify changes in gene expression at disease onset in a well-established mouse model of SCA6 that recapitulates key disease features. We observed both up- and down-regulated genes with the major down-regulated gene ontology terms suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. We explored mitochondrial function and structure and observed that changes in mitochondrial structure preceded changes in function, and that mitochondrial function was not significantly altered at disease onset but was impaired later during disease progression. We also detected elevated oxidative stress in cells at the same disease stage. In addition, we observed impairment in mitophagy that exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction at late disease stages. In post-mortem SCA6 patient cerebellar tissue, we observed metabolic changes that are consistent with mitochondrial impairments, supporting our results from animal models being translatable to human disease. Our study reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial degradation likely contribute to disease progression in SCA6 and suggests that these could be promising targets for therapeutic interventions in particular for patients diagnosed after disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eviatar Fields
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Namrata Rana
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Anna A Cook
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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16
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Potashman MH, Mize ML, Beiner MW, Pierce S, Coric V, Schmahmann JD. Ataxia Rating Scales Reflect Patient Experience: an Examination of the Relationship Between Clinician Assessments of Cerebellar Ataxia and Patient-Reported Outcomes. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:1257-1273. [PMID: 36495470 PMCID: PMC10657309 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia rating scales are observer administered clinical outcome assessments (COAs) of the cerebellar motor syndrome. It is not known whether these COAs mirror patient experience of their disease. Here we test the hypothesis that ataxia COAs are related to and reflect patient reported symptoms and impact of illness. A concept library of symptoms and activities impacted by ataxia was created by reviewing (a) concept elicitation data from surveys completed by 147 ataxia patients and 80 family members and (b) cognitive debrief data from focus groups of 17 ataxia patients used to develop the Patient Reported Outcome Measure of Ataxia. These findings were mapped across the items on 4 clinical measures of ataxia (SARA, BARS, ICARS and FARS). Symptoms reported most commonly related to balance, gait or walking, speech, tremor and involuntary movements, and vision impairment. Symptoms reported less frequently related to hand coordination, loss of muscle control, dizziness and vertigo, muscle discomfort or pain, swallowing, and incontinence. There was a mosaic mapping of items in the observer-derived ataxia COAs with the subjective reports by ataxia patients/families of the relevance of these items to their daily lives. Most COA item mapped onto multiple real-life manifestations; and most of the real-life impact of disease mapped onto multiple COA items. The 4 common ataxia COAs reflect patient reported symptoms and impact of illness. These results validate the relevance of the COAs to patients' lives and underscore the inadvisability of singling out any one COA item to represent the totality of the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miranda L Mize
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | | | - Samantha Pierce
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 2000, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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17
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Selvadurai LP, Perlman SL, Wilmot GR, Subramony SH, Gomez CM, Ashizawa T, Paulson HL, Onyike CU, Rosenthal LS, Sair HI, Kuo SH, Ratai EM, Zesiewicz TA, Bushara KO, Öz G, Dietiker C, Geschwind MD, Nelson AB, Opal P, Yacoubian TA, Nopoulos PC, Shakkottai VG, Figueroa KP, Pulst SM, Morrison PE, Schmahmann JD. The S-Factor, a New Measure of Disease Severity in Spinocerebellar Ataxia: Findings and Implications. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:790-809. [PMID: 35962273 PMCID: PMC10363993 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01424-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders, but there is no metric that predicts disease severity over time. We hypothesized that by developing a new metric, the Severity Factor (S-Factor) using immutable disease parameters, it would be possible to capture disease severity independent of clinical rating scales. Extracting data from the CRC-SCA and READISCA natural history studies, we calculated the S-Factor for 438 participants with symptomatic SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, or SCA6, as follows: ((length of CAG repeat expansion - maximum normal repeat length) /maximum normal repeat length) × (current age - age at disease onset) × 10). Within each SCA type, the S-Factor at the first Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) visit (baseline) was correlated against scores on SARA and other motor and cognitive assessments. In 281 participants with longitudinal data, the slope of the S-Factor over time was correlated against slopes of scores on SARA and other motor rating scales. At baseline, the S-Factor showed moderate-to-strong correlations with SARA and other motor rating scales at the group level, but not with cognitive performance. Longitudinally the S-Factor slope showed no consistent association with the slope of performance on motor scales. Approximately 30% of SARA slopes reflected a trend of non-progression in motor symptoms. The S-Factor is an observer-independent metric of disease burden in SCAs. It may be useful at the group level to compare cohorts at baseline in clinical studies. Derivation and examination of the S-factor highlighted challenges in the use of clinical rating scales in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa P Selvadurai
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan L Perlman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - George R Wilmot
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sub H Subramony
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chiadi U Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liana S Rosenthal
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haris I Sair
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theresa A Zesiewicz
- Department of Neurology, Ataxia Research Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Khalaf O Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cameron Dietiker
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Alexandra B Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Talene A Yacoubian
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Vikram G Shakkottai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karla P Figueroa
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter E Morrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy D Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Buijsen RAM, Hu M, Sáez-González M, Notopoulou S, Mina E, Koning W, Gardiner SL, van der Graaf LM, Daoutsali E, Pepers BA, Mei H, van Dis V, Frimat JP, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Petrakis S, van Roon-Mom WMC. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Characteristics in Patient-Derived Fibroblast and iPSC-Derived Neuronal Cultures. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1428-1442. [PMID: 37278528 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29446] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein resulting in neuropathology including mutant ataxin-1 protein aggregation, aberrant neurodevelopment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. OBJECTIVES Identify SCA1-relevant phenotypes in patient-specific fibroblasts and SCA1 induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) neuronal cultures. METHODS SCA1 iPSCs were generated and differentiated into neuronal cultures. Protein aggregation and neuronal morphology were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy. Mitochondrial respiration was measured using the Seahorse Analyzer. The multi-electrode array (MEA) was used to identify network activity. Finally, gene expression changes were studied using RNA-seq to identify disease-specific mechanisms. RESULTS Bioenergetics deficits in patient-derived fibroblasts and SCA1 neuronal cultures showed altered oxygen consumption rate, suggesting involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in SCA1. In SCA1 hiPSC-derived neuronal cells, nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates were identified similar in localization as aggregates in SCA1 postmortem brain tissue. SCA1 hiPSC-derived neuronal cells showed reduced dendrite length and number of branching points while MEA recordings identified delayed development in network activity in SCA1 hiPSC-derived neuronal cells. Transcriptome analysis identified 1050 differentially expressed genes in SCA1 hiPSC-derived neuronal cells associated with synapse organization and neuron projection guidance, where a subgroup of 151 genes was highly associated with SCA1 phenotypes and linked to SCA1 relevant signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Patient-derived cells recapitulate key pathological features of SCA1 pathogenesis providing a valuable tool for the identification of novel disease-specific processes. This model can be used for high throughput screenings to identify compounds, which may prevent or rescue neurodegeneration in this devastating disease. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Sáez-González
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Notopoulou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Mina
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Winette Koning
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Linda M van der Graaf
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Daoutsali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Barry A Pepers
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Vera van Dis
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Philippe Frimat
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Spyros Petrakis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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19
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Kerkhof LMC, van de Warrenburg BPC, van Roon-Mom WMC, Buijsen RAM. Therapeutic Strategies for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050788. [PMID: 37238658 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects one or two individuals per 100,000. The disease is caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 8 of the ATXN1 gene and is characterized mostly by a profound loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, leading to disturbances in coordination, balance, and gait. At present, no curative treatment is available for SCA1. However, increasing knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SCA1 has led the way towards several therapeutic strategies that can potentially slow disease progression. SCA1 therapeutics can be classified as genetic, pharmacological, and cell replacement therapies. These different therapeutic strategies target either the (mutant) ATXN1 RNA or the ataxin-1 protein, pathways that play an important role in downstream SCA1 disease mechanisms or which help restore cells that are lost due to SCA1 pathology. In this review, we will provide a summary of the different therapeutic strategies that are currently being investigated for SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M C Kerkhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke M C van Roon-Mom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Issa NP, Aydin S, Bhatnagar S, Baumgartner NW, Hill J, Aluri S, Valentic CS, Gomez CM, Rezania K. Intermuscular coherence in spinocerebellar ataxias 3 and 6: a preliminary study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2782070. [PMID: 37131794 PMCID: PMC10153384 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2782070/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective : Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are familial neurodegenerative diseases involving the cerebellum and spinocerebellar tracts. While there is variable involvement of corticospinal tracts (CST), dorsal root ganglia, and motor neurons in SCA3, SCA6 is characterized by a pure, late-onset ataxia. Abnormal intermuscular coherence in the beta-gamma frequency range (IMCbg) implies lack of integrity of CST or the afferent input from the acting muscles. We test the hypothesis that IMCbg has the potential to be a biomarker of disease activity in SCA3 but not SCA6. Methods: Intermuscular coherence between biceps and brachioradialis muscles was measured from surface EMG waveforms in SCA3 (N=16) and SCA6 (N=20) patients, and in neurotypical subjects (N=23). Results: IMC peak frequencies were present in the b range in SCA patients and in the g range in neurotypical subjects. The difference between IMC amplitudes in the g and b ranges was significant when comparing neurotypical control subjects to SCA3 (p < 0.01) and SCA6 (p = 0.01) patients. IMCbg amplitude was smaller in SCA3 patients compared to neurotypical subjects (p<0.05), but not different between SCA3 and SCA6 patients or between SCA6 and neurotypical subjects. Conclusion/significance: IMC metrics can differentiate SCA patients from normal controls.
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21
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Chandrasekaran J, Petit E, Park YW, Tezenas du Montcel S, Joers JM, Deelchand DK, Považan M, Banan G, Valabregue R, Ehses P, Faber J, Coupé P, Onyike CU, Barker PB, Schmahmann JD, Ratai EM, Subramony SH, Mareci TH, Bushara KO, Paulson H, Durr A, Klockgether T, Ashizawa T, Lenglet C, Öz G. Clinically Meaningful Magnetic Resonance Endpoints Sensitive to Preataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1 and 3. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:686-701. [PMID: 36511514 PMCID: PMC10261544 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to identify magnetic resonance (MR) metrics that are most sensitive to early changes in the brain in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and type 3 (SCA3) using an advanced multimodal MR imaging (MRI) protocol in the multisite trial setting. METHODS SCA1 or SCA3 mutation carriers and controls (n = 107) underwent MR scanning in the US-European READISCA study to obtain structural, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy data using an advanced protocol at 3T. Morphometric, microstructural, and neurochemical metrics were analyzed blinded to diagnosis and compared between preataxic SCA (n = 11 SCA1, n = 28 SCA3), ataxic SCA (n = 14 SCA1, n = 37 SCA3), and control (n = 17) groups using nonparametric testing accounting for multiple comparisons. MR metrics that were most sensitive to preataxic abnormalities were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS Atrophy and microstructural damage in the brainstem and cerebellar peduncles and neurochemical abnormalities in the pons were prominent in both preataxic groups, when patients did not differ from controls clinically. MR metrics were strongly associated with ataxia symptoms, activities of daily living, and estimated ataxia duration. A neurochemical measure was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA1 (ROC area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95), and a microstructural metric was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA3 (AUC = 0.92). INTERPRETATION Changes in cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways underlie the earliest symptoms of both SCAs. MR metrics collected with a harmonized advanced protocol in the multisite trial setting allow detection of disease effects in individuals before ataxia onset with potential clinical trial utility for subject stratification. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:686-701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashree Chandrasekaran
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Emilien Petit
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Young-Woo Park
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - James M. Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dinesh K. Deelchand
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michal Považan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Guita Banan
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Romain Valabregue
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Philipp Ehses
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pierrick Coupé
- Laboratoire Bordelais de Recherche en Informatique, Université de Bordeaux, 33405 France
| | - Chiadi U. Onyike
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Peter B. Barker
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy D. Schmahmann
- Ataxia Center, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02114, USA
| | - S. H. Subramony
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Thomas H. Mareci
- Norman Fixel Center for Neurological Disorders, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Khalaf O. Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Henry Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexandra Durr
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm, INRIA, CNRS, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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22
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Santos C, Malheiro S, Correia M, Damásio J. Gene Suppression Therapies in Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxias: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071037. [PMID: 37048110 PMCID: PMC10093402 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hereditary cerebellar ataxias (HCAs) are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative disorders associated with severe disability. Treatment options are limited and overall restricted to symptomatic approaches, leading to poor prognoses. In recent years, there has been extensive research on gene suppression therapies (GSTs) as a new hope for disease-modifying strategies. In this article, we aim to perform a review of in vivo studies investigating the efficacy and safety profile of GSTs in HCAs. Methods: A structured PubMed® search on GSTs in HCAs from January 1993 up to October 2020 was performed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, and the selection process was conducted accordingly. The screening process was independently carried out by two authors and was initially based on title and abstract, followed by full-text reading. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed with SYRCLE’s tool. A data extraction sheet was created to collect relevant information from each selected article. Results: The initial search yielded 262 papers, of which 239 were excluded. An additional article was obtained following reference scrutiny, resulting in a total of 24 articles for final analysis. Most studies were not clear on the tools used to assess bias. In SCA1, SCA2, MJD/SCA3 and SCA7, RNA interference (iRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies proved to be well tolerated and effective in suppressing mutant proteins, improving neuropathological features and the motor phenotype. In SCA6, the phenotype was improved, but no investigation of adverse effects was performed. In FRDA, only the suppression efficacy of the electroporation of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with Cas9 enzyme system (CRISPR-Cas9) system was tested and confirmed. Conclusion: The literature reviewed suggests that GSTs are well tolerated and effective in suppressing the targeted proteins, improving neuropathological features and the motor phenotype in vivo. Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that these results are free of bias. Moreover, further investigation is still needed to clarify the GST effect on HCAs such as FRDA, SCA6 and SCA2.
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23
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Lin CYR, Kuo SH. Ataxias: Hereditary, Acquired, and Reversible Etiologies. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:48-64. [PMID: 36828010 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
A variety of etiologies can cause cerebellar dysfunction, leading to ataxia symptoms. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of the cause for cerebellar ataxia can be challenging. A step-wise investigation will reveal underlying causes, including nutritional, toxin, immune-mediated, genetic, and degenerative disorders. Recent advances in genetics have identified new genes for both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive ataxias, and new therapies are on the horizon for targeting specific biological pathways. New diagnostic criteria for degenerative ataxias have been proposed, specifically for multiple system atrophy, which will have a broad impact on the future clinical research in ataxia. In this article, we aim to provide a review focus on symptoms, laboratory testing, neuroimaging, and genetic testing for the diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia causes, with a special emphasis on recent advances. Strategies for the management of cerebellar ataxia is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ying R Lin
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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24
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Radmard S, Zesiewicz TA, Kuo SH. Evaluation of Cerebellar Ataxic Patients. Neurol Clin 2022; 41:21-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Maas RPPWM, Teerenstra S, Lima M, Pires P, Pereira de Almeida L, van Gaalen J, Timmann D, Infante J, Onyike C, Bushara K, Jacobi H, Reetz K, Santana MM, Afonso Ribeiro J, Hübener-Schmid J, de Vries JJ, Synofzik M, Schöls L, Garcia-Moreno H, Giunti P, Faber J, Klockgether T, van de Warrenburg BPC. Differential Temporal Dynamics of Axial and Appendicular Ataxia in SCA3. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1850-1860. [PMID: 35808813 PMCID: PMC9540189 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disease severity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is commonly defined by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) sum score, but little is known about the contributions and progression patterns of individual items. Objectives To investigate the temporal dynamics of SARA item scores in SCA3 patients and evaluate if clinical and demographic factors are differentially associated with evolution of axial and appendicular ataxia. Methods In a prospective, multinational cohort study involving 11 European and 2 US sites, SARA scores were determined longitudinally in 223 SCA3 patients with a follow‐up assessment after 1 year. Results An increase in SARA score from 10 to 20 points was mainly driven by axial and speech items, with a markedly smaller contribution of appendicular items. Finger chase and nose‐finger test scores not only showed the lowest variability at baseline, but also the least deterioration at follow‐up. Compared with the full set of SARA items, omission of both tests would result in lower sample size requirements for therapeutic trials. Sex was associated with change in SARA sum score and appendicular, but not axial, subscore, with a significantly faster progression in men. Despite considerable interindividual variability, the average annual progression rate of SARA score was approximately three times higher in subjects with a disease duration over 10 years than in those within 10 years from onset. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence for a difference in temporal dynamics between axial and appendicular ataxia in SCA3 patients, which will help inform the design of clinical trials and development of new (etiology‐specific) outcome measures. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Teerenstra
- Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Section, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Azores, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Pires
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Santo Espírito da ilha Terceira, Azores, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Judith van Gaalen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jon Infante
- Neurology Service, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CINERNED), University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, University of Cantabria-UC, Santander, Spain
| | - Chiadi Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Khalaf Bushara
- Ataxia Center, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heike Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Magda M Santana
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Afonso Ribeiro
- Department of Neurology, Child Development Centre, Coimbra's Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Jeroen J de Vries
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Centre, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Faber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Peng Y, Peng L, Chen Z, Peng H, Wang P, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang C, Shi Y, Hou X, Long Z, Yuan H, Wan N, Wan L, Xu K, Lei L, Wang S, He L, Xie Y, Gong Y, Deng Q, Zou G, Tang Z, Shen L, Xia K, Qiu R, Klockgether T, Tang B, Jiang H. The Natural History of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 in Mainland China: A 2-Year Cohort Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:917126. [PMID: 35865750 PMCID: PMC9294347 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.917126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The natural history of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) has been reported in several populations and shows heterogeneity in progression rate and affecting factors. However, it remains unexplored in the population of Mainland China. This study aimed to identify the disease progression rate and its potential affecting factors in patients with SCA3 in Mainland China. Participants and Methods We enrolled patients with genetically confirmed SCA3 in Mainland China. Patients were seen at three visits, i.e., baseline, 1 year, and 2 years. The primary outcome was the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and the secondary outcomes were the Inventory of Non-Ataxia Signs (INAS) as well as the SCA Functional Index (SCAFI). Results Between 1 October 2015, and 30 September 2016, we enrolled 263 patients with SCA3. We analyzed 247 patients with at least one follow-up visit. The annual progression rate of SARA was 1.49 points per year (SE 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–1.65, p < 0.0001). The annual progression rates of INAS and SCAFI were 0.56 points per year (SE 0.05, 95% CI 0.47–0.66, p < 0.001) and −0.30 points per year (SE 0.01, 95% CI −0.33∼-0.28, p < 0.001), respectively. Faster progression in SARA was associated with longer length of the expanded allele of ATXN3 (p < 0.0001); faster progression in INAS was associated with lower INAS at baseline (p < 0.0001); faster decline in SCAFI was associated with shorter length of the normal allele of ATXN3 (p = 0.036) and higher SCAFI at baseline (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Our results provide quantitative data on the disease progression of patients with SCA3 in Mainland China and its corresponding affecting factors, which could facilitate the sample size calculation and patient stratification in future clinical trials. Trial Registration This study was registered with Chictr.org on 15 September 2015, number ChiCTR-OOC-15007124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linliu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huirong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Puzhi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yangping Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuting Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhe Long
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyu Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linlin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Keqin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijing Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lang He
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiqing Gong
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Deng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangdong Zou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhichao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Jiang,
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Peng L, Peng Y, Chen Z, Wang C, Long Z, Peng H, Shi Y, Shen L, Xia K, Leotti VB, Jardim LB, Tang B, Qiu R, Jiang H. The progression rate of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 varies with disease stage. J Transl Med 2022; 20:226. [PMID: 35568848 PMCID: PMC9107762 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, the identification of modifiers and the construction of prediction model for progression facilitate genetic counseling, clinical management and therapeutic interventions. METHODS Data were derived from the longest longitudinal study, with 642 examinations by International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) from 82 SCA3 participants. Using different time scales of disease duration, we performed multiple different linear, quadratic and piece-wise linear growth models to fit the relationship between ICARS scores and duration. Models comparison was employed to determine the best-fitting model according to goodness-of-fit tests, and the analysis of variance among nested models. RESULTS An acceleration was detected after 13 years of duration: ICARS scores progressed 2.445 (SE: 0.185) points/year before and 3.547 (SE: 0.312) points/year after this deadline. Piece-wise growth model fitted better to studied data than other two types of models. The length of expanded CAG repeat (CAGexp) in ATXN3 gene significantly influenced progression. Age at onset of gait ataxia (AOga), a proxy for aging process, was not an independent modifier but affected the correlation between CAGexp and progression. Additionally, gender had no significant effect on progression rate of ICARS. The piece-wise growth models were determined as the predictive models, and ICARS predictions from related models were available. CONCLUSIONS We first confirmed that ICARS progressed as a nonlinear pattern and varied according to different stages in SCA3. In addition to ATXN3 CAGexp, AOga or aging process regulated the progression by interacting with CAGexp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linliu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhe Long
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Huirong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuting Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Vanessa B Leotti
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, 91509-900, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2400, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Laura Bannach Jardim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2400, Porto Alegre, 90035-903, Brazil.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2400, Porto Alegre, 90035-903, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, Porto Alegre, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China.
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Costa MD, Maciel P. Modifier pathways in polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases: from genetic screens to drug targets. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:274. [PMID: 35503478 PMCID: PMC11071829 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases include a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by unstable expansions of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the coding region of specific genes. Such genetic alterations produce abnormal proteins containing an unusually long PolyQ tract that renders them more prone to aggregate and cause toxicity. Although research in the field in the last years has contributed significantly to the knowledge of the biological mechanisms implicated in these diseases, effective treatments are still lacking. In this review, we revisit work performed in models of PolyQ diseases, namely the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and provide a critical overview of the high-throughput unbiased genetic screens that have been performed using these systems to identify novel genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases. These approaches have revealed a wide variety of cellular processes that modulate the toxicity and aggregation of mutant PolyQ proteins, reflecting the complexity of these disorders and demonstrating how challenging the development of therapeutic strategies can be. In addition to the unbiased large-scale genetic screenings in non-vertebrate models, complementary studies in mammalian systems, closer to humans, have contributed with novel genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases, revealing neuronal function and inflammation as key disease modulators. A pathway enrichment analysis, using the human orthologues of genetic modifiers of PolyQ diseases clustered modifier genes into major themes translatable to the human disease context, such as protein folding and transport as well as transcription regulation. Innovative genetic strategies of genetic manipulation, together with significant advances in genomics and bioinformatics, are taking modifier genetic studies to more realistic disease contexts. The characterization of PolyQ disease modifier pathways is of extreme relevance to reveal novel therapeutic possibilities to delay disease onset and progression in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Daniela Costa
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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29
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Kishimoto Y, Hashizume A, Imai Y, Nakatochi M, Yamada S, Ito D, Torii R, Nagano Y, Fujimoto H, Katsuno M. Quantitative evaluation of upper limb ataxia in spinocerebellar ataxias. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:529-539. [PMID: 35293156 PMCID: PMC8994984 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To quantitatively evaluate upper limb ataxia using a novel pen‐like sensor device in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and to assess its validity, reliability, and sensitivity to disease progression. Methods We designed a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of patients with SCA and healthy controls. Upper limb ataxia was evaluated using a device that measures the three‐dimensional position every 10 msec. Participants were instructed to move a pen‐like part of the device iteratively between two buttons. We evaluated the time, length, velocity, and variation coefficient of the stroke, and calculated the distortion index using the mean squared error. The following scales were also evaluated: Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and the nine‐hole pegboard test. Subjects were followed 12 months after the baseline evaluation. Results A total of 42 patients with SCA and 33 healthy controls were enrolled and evaluated. For all ataxia indices measured using the device there were significant differences between healthy controls and patients with SCA. Among the ataxia indices, the distortion index showed the strongest correlation with the SARA and ICARS upper limb score (Pearson's r = 0.647 and 0.722, respectively). Test–retest reliability was high for most of the ataxia indices. In the longitudinal analysis, the distortion index showed high standardized response mean and adjusted effect size, regardless of disease severity. Interpretation Our study demonstrated that the distortion index is a reliable functional marker that is sensitive to longitudinal change in patients with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Kishimoto
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hashizume
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuta Imai
- Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakatochi
- Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Yamada
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryota Torii
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagano
- Department of Electronic Robot Engineering, Aichi University of Technology, Gamagori, Japan
| | - Hideo Fujimoto
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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30
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Thierfelder A, Seemann J, John N, Harmuth F, Giese M, Schüle R, Schöls L, Timmann D, Synofzik M, Ilg W. Real-Life Turning Movements Capture Subtle Longitudinal and Preataxic Changes in Cerebellar Ataxia. Mov Disord 2022; 37:1047-1058. [PMID: 35067979 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical and regulatory acceptance of upcoming molecular treatments in degenerative ataxias might greatly benefit from ecologically valid endpoints that capture change in ataxia severity in patients' real life. OBJECTIVES This longitudinal study aimed to unravel quantitative motor biomarkers in degenerative ataxias in real-life turning movements that are sensitive for changes both longitudinally and at the preataxic stage. METHODS Combined cross-sectional (n = 30) and longitudinal (n = 14, 1-year interval) observational study in degenerative cerebellar disease (including eight preataxic mutation carriers) compared to 23 healthy controls. Turning movements were assessed by three body-worn inertial sensors in three conditions: (1) instructed laboratory assessment, (2) supervised free walking, and (3) unsupervised real-life movements. RESULTS Measures that quantified dynamic balance during turning-lateral velocity change (LVC) and outward acceleration-but not general turning measures such as speed, allowed differentiating ataxic against healthy subjects in real life (effect size δ = 0.68), with LVC also differentiating preataxic against healthy subjects (δ = 0.53). LVC was highly correlated with clinical ataxia severity (scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia [SARA] score, effect size ρ = 0.79) and patient reported balance confidence (activity-specific balance confidence scale [ABC] score, ρ = 0.66). Moreover, LVC in real life-but not general turning measures or the SARA score-allowed detecting significant longitudinal change in 1-year follow-up with high effect size (rprb = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS Measures of turning allow capturing specific changes of dynamic balance in degenerative ataxia in real life, with high sensitivity to longitudinal differences in ataxia severity and to the preataxic stage. They thus present promising ecologically valid motor biomarkers, even in the highly treatment-relevant early stages of degenerative cerebellar disease. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Thierfelder
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), Otfried-Müller-Straße 25, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Jens Seemann
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), Otfried-Müller-Straße 25, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Natalie John
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre of Neurology, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Florian Harmuth
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Martin Giese
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), Otfried-Müller-Straße 25, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schüle
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre of Neurology, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Straße 23, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre of Neurology, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Straße 23, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, 45147, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre of Neurology, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Otfried-Müller-Straße 23, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Winfried Ilg
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), Otfried-Müller-Straße 25, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
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Spina Tensini F, Coutinho L, Ghizoni Teive HA. Reply to: "Microvascular Breakdown Due to Retinal Neurodegeneration in Ataxias". Mov Disord 2022; 37:437-438. [PMID: 35049097 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Spina Tensini
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Léo Coutinho
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Neurological Diseases Group, Graduate Program of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Mukherjee A, Bhuin S, Biswas S, Roy A, Pandit A, Gangopadhyay G. Etiology and course of cerebellar ataxia: A study from eastern India. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_314_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Thieme A, Depienne C, Timmann D. Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS): from clinical diagnosis towards genetic testing. MED GENET-BERLIN 2021; 33:301-310. [PMID: 38835435 PMCID: PMC11006361 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2021-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a late-onset and recessively inherited ataxia. For many years, CANVAS has been diagnosed based on the clinical phenotype. Only recently, a large biallelic pentanucleotide repeat expansion in the replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) gene has been identified as the underlying genetic cause for the large majority of CANVAS cases. Subsequently, other phenotypes such as ataxia with chronic cough, incomplete CANVAS and MSA-C-like phenotypes have been associated with biallelic RFC1 repeat expansions. Because of this heterogeneity it has been suggested to change the name of the disease to "RFC1 disease". Chronic cough is characteristic and can precede neurological symptoms by years or decades. In the neurological examination signs of cerebellar, sensory, and vestibular ataxia are frequently observed. Nerve conduction studies usually show absent or markedly reduced sensory nerve action potentials. On brain MRI cerebellar degeneration and spinal cord alterations are common. In later disease stages more widespread neurodegeneration with additional involvement of the brainstem and basal ganglia is possible. As yet, the exact incidence of RFC1-associated neurological diseases remains uncertain although first studies suggest that RFC1-related ataxia is common. Moreover, the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by the large biallelic pentanucleotide repeat expansions in RFC1 remain elusive. Future molecular and genetic research as well as natural history studies are highly desirable to pave the way towards personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thieme
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute for Human Genetics, Essen University Hospital, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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34
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Choi SY, Kim HJ, Choi KD, Kim JS. Efficacy of nilotinib in monozygotic twins with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. J Neurol 2021; 269:2769-2773. [PMID: 34791517 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Young Choi
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Kim
- Research Administration Team, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Dong Choi
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ji-Soo Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Dizziness Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, 173-82 Gumi-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea. .,Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Bender F, Timmann D, van de Warrenburg BP, Adarmes-Gómez AD, Bender B, Thieme A, Synofzik M, Schöls L. Natural History of Polymerase Gamma-Related Ataxia. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2642-2652. [PMID: 34288125 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma are causing a wide phenotypic spectrum including ataxia as one of the most common presentations. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the course of disease of polymerase gamma-related ataxia. METHODS In a prospective natural history study, we assessed 24 adult ataxia patients with biallelic polymerase gamma mutations for (1) severity of cerebellar dysfunction using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, (2) presence of nonataxia signs using the Inventory of Non-Ataxia Symptoms, (3) gray- and white-matter changes in brain MRI, and (4) findings in nerve conduction studies. RESULTS Assessment included follow-up visits up to 11.6 years. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia showed a mean annual increase of 1.02 ± 0.78 points/year. Disease progression was faster in patients with age at onset ≤ 30 years (1.5 Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia points/year) than with later onset (0.5 points/year); P = 0.008. The Inventory of Non-Ataxia Symptoms count increased by 0.30 ± 0.4 points/year. External ophthalmoplegia, brain stem oculomotor signs, areflexia, and sensory deficits were the most common nonataxic features. On MRI cerebellar atrophy was mild. T2 signal alterations affected mostly cerebellar white matter, middle cerebellar peduncles, thalamus, brain stem, and occipital and frontal white matter. Within 4 years, progression was primarily observed in the context of repeated epileptic seizures. Nerve conduction studies revealed axonal sensory peripheral neuropathy with mild motor nerve involvement. Exploratory sample size calculation implied 38 patients per arm as sufficient to detect a reduction of progression by 50% in hypothetical interventions within a 1-year trial. CONCLUSION The results recommend the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia as a primary outcome measure for future interventional trials in polymerase gamma-related ataxia. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedemann Bender
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bart P van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid D Adarmes-Gómez
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamin Bender
- Department of Diagnostics and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Thieme
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research & Center of Neurology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tuebingen, Germany
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Sonakar AK, Shamim U, Srivastava MP, Faruq M, Srivastava AK. SCA2 in the Indian population: Unified haplotype and variable phenotypic patterns in a large case series. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 89:139-145. [PMID: 34298214 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia-2 is one of the most prevalent SCA type across the world and one of the commonest in India. We aimed to characterize SCA2 patients both clinically and genetically (ATXN2-CAG repeats and its haplotypic background). METHODS A total of 436 SCA2 patients were recruited consecutively comprising individuals of multiple ethnicities and two large multigenerational families. A detailed clinical evaluation and genetic analysis for CAG repeat length estimation and two marker based haplotype analysis [rs695871 and rs695872 located 177 bp and 106 bp upstream of CAG sequence in Exon 1 of ATXN2] was performed. RESULTS Generalized limb ataxia and slow saccades were prevalent features in majority of our patients, while hyporeflexia and extrapyramidal features were less commonly observed manifestations. Slow ocular saccades, upper limb ataxia and tremor showed significant associations with age of onset, CAG repeat length and disease duration. We observed a 100% association of C-C haplotype with the expanded ATXN2 repeats. CONCLUSION This study represents the largest study of SCA2 Indian patients that highlights the clinico-genetic manifestations and haplotype analysis. A significant proportion of patients have not shown the characteristic slow saccades and hyporeflexia thus indicating the influences of other factors in modulation of the disease which warrants further investigations. The observation of CC haplotype in all our SCA2 patients indicates a common origin across all Indian sub populations and that also indicate a common global founder event in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh K Sonakar
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Uzma Shamim
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Mv Padma Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Mohd Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Achal K Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Nigri A, Sarro L, Mongelli A, Castaldo A, Porcu L, Pinardi C, Grisoli M, Ferraro S, Canafoglia L, Visani E, Bruzzone MG, Nanetti L, Taroni F, Mariotti C. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1: One-Year Longitudinal Study to Identify Clinical and MRI Measures of Disease Progression in Patients and Presymptomatic Carriers. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:133-144. [PMID: 34106418 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias type 1 (SCA1) is an autosomal dominant disease usually manifesting in adulthood. We performed a prospective 1-year longitudinal study in 14 presymptomatic mutation carriers (preSCA1), 11 ataxic patients, and 21 healthy controls. SCA1 patients had a median disease duration of 6 years (range 2-16) and SARA score of 7 points (range 3.5-20). PreSCA1 had an estimated time before disease onset of 9.7 years (range 4-30), and no signs of ataxia. At baseline, SCA1 patients significantly differed from controls in SARA score (Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia), cognitive tests, and structural MRI measures. Significant volume loss was found in cerebellum, brainstem, basal ganglia, and cortical thinning in frontal, temporal, and occipital regions. PreSCA1 did not differ from controls. At 1-year follow-up, SCA1 patients showed significant increase in SARA score, and decreased volume of cerebellum (- 0.6%), pons (- 5.5%), superior cerebellar peduncles (- 10.7%), and midbrain (- 3.0%). Signs of disease progression were also observed in preSCA1 subjects, with increased SARA score and reduced total cerebellar volume. Our exploratory study suggests that clinical scores and MRI measures provide valuable data to monitor and quantify the earliest changes associated with the preclinical and the symptomatic phases of SCA1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nigri
- Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Sarro
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Martini Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Castaldo
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Porcu
- Methodology for Clinical Research Laboratory, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pinardi
- Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Grisoli
- Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Canafoglia
- Neurophysiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Visani
- Neurophysiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Nanetti
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Brooker SM, Edamakanti CR, Akasha SM, Kuo SH, Opal P. Spinocerebellar ataxia clinical trials: opportunities and challenges. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:1543-1556. [PMID: 34019331 PMCID: PMC8283160 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of dominantly inherited diseases that share the defining feature of progressive cerebellar ataxia. The disease process, however, is not confined to the cerebellum; other areas of the brain, in particular, the brainstem, are also affected, resulting in a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no disease‐modifying treatments for the SCAs, but preclinical research has led to the development of therapeutic agents ripe for testing in patients. Unfortunately, due to the rarity of these diseases and their slow and variable progression, there are substantial hurdles to overcome in conducting clinical trials. While the epidemiological features of the SCAs are immutable, the feasibility of conducting clinical trials is being addressed through a combination of strategies. These include improvements in clinical outcome measures, the identification of imaging and fluid biomarkers, and innovations in clinical trial design. In this review, we highlight current challenges in initiating clinical trials for the SCAs and also discuss pathways for researchers and clinicians to mitigate these challenges and harness opportunities for clinical trial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Brooker
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Sara M Akasha
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Konno KM, Zonta MB, Guimarães ATB, Camargo CHF, Munhoz RP, Raskin S, Ashizawa T, Teive HAG. Balance and physical functioning in Spinocerebellar ataxias 3 and 10. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 143:458-463. [PMID: 33251611 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limitations of functional capacity and balance are common features of the natural history of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). However, their onset and progression patterns differ according to subtype. The aim of our study was to compare physical functionality and balance parameters in SCA10 and SCA3 patients, correlating with clinical variables. MATERIALS & METHODS Cross-sectional study evaluating ninety-five SCA patients (60 with SCA3 and 35 with SCA10) with validated scales for functional independence, balance and the severity of signs and symptoms. RESULTS The groups were similar in terms of age and gender, and results were adjusted for age at symptom onset. The SCA10 patients had better results for balance and functional independence (p < 0.007). They also had lower scores for disease severity (p < 0.0002) and the subitems gait (p < 0.0005), posture (p < 0.0021) and sitting balance (p < 0.0008). Symptom progression in both groups was similar for patients with a disease duration of up to ten years, but there was a more marked decline in SCA3 patients after this period. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that disease progression as assessed by balance and physical functioning is slower in SCA10 patients than SCA3 patients, particularly after 10 years of disease. These findings are important as they can help to characterize the disease, assisting in the development of new therapies and rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia M. Konno
- Movement Disorders Unit Neurology Service Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - Marise Bueno Zonta
- Movement Disorders Unit Neurology Service Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Curitiba Paraná Brazil
- Neurological Diseases Group Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Federal University of Paraná Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - Ana T. B. Guimarães
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences State University of Western Paraná Cascavel Paraná Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique F. Camargo
- Neurological Diseases Group Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Federal University of Paraná Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - Renato Puppi Munhoz
- Gloria and Morton Shulman Movement Disorders Centre Toronto Western HospitalUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Salmo Raskin
- Genetika ‐ Centro de Aconselhamento e Laboratório de Genética Curitiba Paraná Brazil
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Neuroscience Research Program Houston Methodist Neurological Institute and Research Institute Weill Cornell Medical College Houston Texas USA
| | - Helio A. G. Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit Neurology Service Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Curitiba Paraná Brazil
- Neurological Diseases Group Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Department Hospital de Clínicas Federal University of Paraná Curitiba Paraná Brazil
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40
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Chen ML, Lin CC, Rosenthal LS, Opal P, Kuo SH. Rating scales and biomarkers for CAG-repeat spinocerebellar ataxias: Implications for therapy development. J Neurol Sci 2021; 424:117417. [PMID: 33836316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of dominantly-inherited cerebellar ataxias, among which CAG expansion-related SCAs are most common. These diseases have very high penetrance with defined disease progression, and emerging therapies are being developed to provide either symptomatic or disease-modifying benefits. In clinical trial design, it is crucial to incorporate biomarkers to test target engagement or track disease progression in response to therapies, especially in rare diseases such as SCAs. In this article, we review the available rating scales and recent advances of biomarkers in CAG-repeat SCAs. We divided biomarkers into neuroimaging, body fluid, and physiological studies. Understanding the utility of each biomarker will facilitate the design of robust clinical trials to advance therapies for SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Chen
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chih-Chun Lin
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liana S Rosenthal
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Sonoda Y, Yoshida N, Kawami K, Kitamura A, Ogawa N, Yamakawa I, Kim H, Sanada M, Imai S, Urushitani M. Short-Term Effect of Intensive Speech Therapy on Dysarthria in Patients With Sporadic Spinocerebellar Degeneration. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2021; 64:725-733. [PMID: 33646821 DOI: 10.1044/2020_jslhr-20-00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate a structured approach for effective speech therapy (ST) for dysarthria and speech-related quality of life in patients with sporadic spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), including cerebellar-type multiple-system atrophy and cerebellar cortical atrophy. Method Twenty-two patients with SCD (cerebellar-type multiple system atrophy, 15 patients; cerebellar cortical atrophy, seven patients) who underwent intensive ST were examined. Dysarthria was evaluated using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia Speech Dysfunction, Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, oral diadochokinesis (OD), and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory pressure) and respiratory-phonatory coordination (maximum phonation time) were measured. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montréal Cognitive Assessment and the word fluency test. Mood was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The relationships between dysarthria scales (particularly, VHI-10) and clinical data were analyzed using stepwise regression. The differences in outcomes after intensive ST were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The alpha level (p) for statistical significance was set at .0125 by Bonferroni correction. Results For both pre- and post-ST, the patient's OD (p = .002) and maximum phonation time (p = .002) significantly improved, except for Speech Dysfunction scores of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (p = .705) and the VHI-10 (p = .018). The Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, OD, and inspiratory pressure were identified as independent variables of VHI-10 (adjusted R 2 = .820) for speech-related quality of life; no correlations among the Montréal Cognitive Assessment, word fluency test, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were observed. Conclusion OD and VHI-10 showed improvements due to changes in speech function and respiratory-phonatory coordination, justifying intensive ST treatment for dysarthria in patients with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Sonoda
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation, Higashi-Omi, Shiga, Japan
- Rehabilitation Units, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Nao Yoshida
- Rehabilitation Units, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawami
- Rehabilitation Units, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kitamura
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Isamu Yamakawa
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hyoh Kim
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Sanada
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Shinji Imai
- Rehabilitation Units, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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Lian M, Zhao M, Phang GP, Soong YT, Yoon CS, Lee CG, Law HY, Chong SS. Rapid Molecular Screen of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1, 2, and 3 by Triplet-Primed PCR and Melting Curve Analysis. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:565-576. [PMID: 33618058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The autosomal dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) can be caused by dynamic mutations of short tandem repeats within various genes. Because of the significant clinical overlap among the various SCA types, molecular screening of multiple genetic loci by fluorescent PCR and capillary electrophoresis is necessary to identify the causative repeat expansion. We describe a simple, rapid, and inexpensive strategy to screen for CAG repeat expansion mutations at the ATXN1, ATXN2, and ATXN3 loci using melting curve analysis of triplet-primed PCR products. Plasmid DNAs of known repeat sizes were used to generate threshold melt peak temperatures, which rapidly and effectively distinguish samples carrying an expanded allele from those carrying nonexpanded alleles. Melting curve analysis-positive samples were confirmed by capillary electrophoresis sizing of the triplet-primed PCR products. All three assays achieved 100% sensitivity, with 95% CIs of 67.86% to 100% (SCA1), 74.65% to 100% (SCA2), and 91.58% to 100% (SCA3). The SCA1 assay also achieved 100% specificity (95% CI, 97.52%-100%), whereas the SCA2 and SCA3 assays achieved specificity of 99.46% (95% CI, 96.56%-99.97%) and 99.32% (95% CI, 95.70%-99.96%), respectively. These screening assays provide robust and highly accurate detection of expanded alleles and are amenable to large-scale screening while minimizing the need for capillary electrophoresis sizing for every sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulias Lian
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mingjue Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gui-Ping Phang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun-Ting Soong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui-Sheun Yoon
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Caroline G Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore; Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hai-Yang Law
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Pediatrics Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Samuel S Chong
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Martins CP, Galvez MDSSK, Araujo YRLD, Keim LMN, Figueiredo FBL, Oliveira LASD. Non-ataxia signs in Brazilian individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. FISIOTERAPIA EM MOVIMENTO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/fm.2021.34123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) is a hereditary disease associated with progressive cerebellar and extracerebellar degeneration. Although there is no effective therapy for SCA3, some of its symptoms can be relieved with symptomatic treatment. Identifying the presence of this signs in patients may contribute to their clinical management and thus improve their quality of life. Objective: To identify the presence and frequency of non-ataxia signs in a sample of Brazilian individuals with SCA3 and to investigate its association with severity and duration of the disease. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria of this study were participants should be diagnosed with SCA3 and be between 18 and 70 years old. The exclusion criteria were participants with a score of less than 18 points on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and those with other neurological or orthopedic problems. Twenty-three participants were evaluated by the Inventory of Non-ataxia Signs (INAS) and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Results: The median score found for INAS was [median (min-max)] 3 (0-6) points and 10 (2-23) for SARA. Only one participant did not show non-ataxic signs. The most prevalent non-ataxic manifestations were areflexia, urinary dysfunction, hyperreflexia and spasticity. Spearman correlation test indicated a moderate and significant correlation between INAS and SARA scores (rho = 0.428, 95% CI = 0.39-0.704, p = 0.033). There was no association between INAS scores and the disease duration (rho = 0.003, 95% CI = -0.398-0.704, p = 0.393). Conclusion: Areflexia, urinary dysfunction, hyperreflexia and spasticity were the most prevalent non-ataxic signs. We identified a moderate correlation between the presence of non-ataxic signs and disease severity. This findings can help the professionals dealing with these patients.
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Afonso Ribeiro J, Simeoni S, De Min L, Uchiyama T, Tung Lo Y, Solanky N, Garcia-Moreno H, Giunti P, Panicker JN. Lower urinary tract and bowel dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxias. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 8:321-331. [PMID: 33338328 PMCID: PMC7886036 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little information is available in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) regarding pelvic organ symptoms. The aim of this study was to characterize the lower urinary tract (LUT) and bowel dysfunction in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias. Methods Patients with confirmed SCAs attending a tertiary care service were approached about LUT and bowel complaints, and completed validated questionnaires: urinary symptom profile (USP), Qualiveen‐Short form, International Prostate Symptom Score, and Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score. SCA3 and SCA7 patients with urological complaints additionally underwent urodynamic studies (UDS). Patients’ characterization included demographic, clinical (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Inventory of Non‐Ataxia Signs (INAS)), and genetic variables. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Results Fifty‐one patients participated: SCA1 (n = 4), SCA2 (n = 11), SCA3 (n = 13), SCA6 (n = 17), and SCA7 (n = 6). The prevalence of self‐reported LUT symptoms was 60.8% (n = 31), whereas LUT symptoms was reported in 86.3%(n = 44) using the USP. Both storage and voiding symptoms were reported, urinary frequency and urgency being the most frequent (n = 34, 68%). Although LUT symptoms were most often classed as mild (n = 27, 61.4%), they impacted QoL in 38 patients (77.6%). Of these, 21 (55.3%) were not on pharmacological treatment for urinary dysfunction. Most common abnormalities in UDS (n = 14) were detrusor overactivity (storage phase) and detrusor underactivity (voiding phase). Bowel symptoms were less common (31.4%, n = 16) and of mild severity. Conclusion LUT symptoms are prevalent in SCA patients and impact QoL, whereas bowel symptoms tend to be mild. These symptoms are overlooked by patients and physicians due to the complexity of neurological involvement in SCA, and therefore a multidisciplinary management approach should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Afonso Ribeiro
- Ataxia Service, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences and Department of Neurogenetics, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Neurology Department, Child Development Centre, Coimbra's Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Simeoni
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo De Min
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Envida, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tomoyuki Uchiyama
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare/International University of Health and Welfare Ichikawa and Narita Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yu Tung Lo
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nita Solanky
- Ataxia Service, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences and Department of Neurogenetics, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hector Garcia-Moreno
- Ataxia Service, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences and Department of Neurogenetics, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Giunti
- Ataxia Service, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences and Department of Neurogenetics, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jalesh N Panicker
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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45
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Nigri A, Sarro L, Mongelli A, Pinardi C, Porcu L, Castaldo A, Ferraro S, Grisoli M, Bruzzone MG, Gellera C, Taroni F, Mariotti C, Nanetti L. Progression of Cerebellar Atrophy in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Gene Carriers: A Longitudinal MRI Study in Preclinical and Early Disease Stages. Front Neurol 2020; 11:616419. [PMID: 33384659 PMCID: PMC7770103 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.616419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by expanded trinucleotide repeats (≥32 CAG) within the coding region of ATXN2 gene. Age of disease onset primarily depends on the length of the expanded region. The majority of subjects carrying the mutation remain free of clinical signs for few decades (“pre-symptomatic” stage), but in proximity of disease onset subtle neurophysiological, cognitive, and structural brain imaging changes may occur. Aims of the present study are to determine the time-window in which early clinical and neurodegenerative MRI changes may be identified, and to evaluate the rate of the disease progression in both preclinical and early disease phases. We performed a 1-year longitudinal study in 42 subjects: 14 SCA2 patients (mean age 39 years, disease duration 7 years, SARA score 9 points), 13 presymptomatic SCA2 subjects (preSCA2, mean age 39 years, expected time to disease onset 16 years), and 15 gene-negative healthy controls (mean age 33 years). All participants underwent genetic test, neurological examination, cognitive tests, and brain MRI. Evaluations were repeated at 1-year interval. Baseline MRI evaluations in SCA2 patients showed significant atrophy in cerebellum, brainstem, basal ganglia and cortex compared to controls, while preSCA2 subjects had isolated volume loss in the pons, and cortical thinning in specific frontal and parietal areas, namely rostral-middle-frontal and precuneus. One-year longitudinal follow-up demonstrated, in SCA2 patients, volume reduction in cerebellum, pons, superior cerebellar peduncles, and midbrain, and only in the cerebellum in preSCA2 subjects. No progression in clinical or cognitive measures was observed in preSCA2 subjects. The rate of volume loss in the cerebellum and subcortical regions greatly differed between patients and preSCA2. In conclusion, our pilot study demonstrated that MRI measures are highly sensitive to identify longitudinal structural changes in SCA2 patients, and in preSCA2 up to a decade before expected disease onset. These findings may contribute in the understanding of early neurodegenerative processes and may be useful in future therapeutical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nigri
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Sarro
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Ospedale Martini, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pinardi
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Porcu
- Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Castaldo
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Grisoli
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Mariotti
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nanetti
- Department of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Contreras A, Ramirez-Garcia G, Chirino A, Morgado-Valle C, Pasaye EH, Hernandez-Castillo C, Díaz R, Fernandez-Ruiz J, Beltran-Parrazal L. Longitudinal Analysis of the Relation Between Clinical Impairment and Gray Matter Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 Patients. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 20:346-360. [PMID: 33184781 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive ataxia and retinal degeneration. Previous cross-sectional studies show a significant decrease in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem. However, there are no longitudinal studies in SCA7 analyzing whole-brain degeneration and its relation to clinical decline. To perform a 2-year longitudinal characterization of the whole-brain degeneration and clinical decline in SCA7, twenty patients underwent MRI and clinical evaluations at baseline. Fourteen completed the 2-year follow-up study. A healthy-matched control group was also included. Imaging analyses included volumetric and cortical thickness evaluation. We measured the cognitive deterioration in SCA7 patients using MoCA test and the motor deterioration using the SARA score. We found statistically significant differences in the follow-up compared to baseline. Imaging analyses showed that SCA7 patients had severe cerebellar and pontine degeneration compared with the control group. Longitudinal follow-up imaging analyses of SCA7 patients showed the largest atrophy in the medial temporal lobe without signs of a progression of cerebellar and pontine atrophy. Effect size analyses showed that MRI longitudinal analysis has the largest effect size followed by the SARA scale and MoCA test. Here, we report that it is possible to detect significant brain atrophy and motor and cognitive clinical decline in a 2-year follow-up study of SCA7 patients. Our results support the hypothesis that longitudinal analysis of structural MRI and MOCA tests are plausible clinical markers to study the natural history of the disease and to design treatment trials in ecologically valid contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Contreras
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Berlin 7, Fracc. Monte Magno, C.P. 91193, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Ramirez-Garcia
- Unidad Periférica de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Amanda Chirino
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Consuelo Morgado-Valle
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Berlin 7, Fracc. Monte Magno, C.P. 91193, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Erick H Pasaye
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | | | - Rosalinda Díaz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Fernandez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicología, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico. .,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Luis Beltran-Parrazal
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Berlin 7, Fracc. Monte Magno, C.P. 91193, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Kondo Y, Bando K, Ariake Y, Katsuta W, Todoroki K, Nishida D, Mizuno K, Takahashi Y. Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test and its two abbreviated versions in persons with mild to moderate spinocerebellar ataxia: A pilot study. NeuroRehabilitation 2020; 47:479-486. [PMID: 33136076 PMCID: PMC7836065 DOI: 10.3233/nre-203154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The reliability of the evaluation of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and its two abbreviated versions are confirmed for balance characteristics and reliability. However, they are not utilized in cases of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the BESTest and its abbreviated versions in persons with mild to moderate spinocerebellar ataxia. METHODS: The BESTest was performed in 20 persons with SCA at baseline and one month later. The scores of the abbreviated version of the BESTest were determined from the BESTest scores. The interclass correlation coefficient (1,1) was used as a measure of relative reliability. Furthermore, we calculated the MDC in the BESTest and its abbreviated versions. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (1,1) and MDC at 95% confidence intervals were 0.92, 8.7(8.1%), 0.91, 4.1(14.5%), and 0.81, 5.2(21.6%) for the Balance, Mini-Balance, and Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Tests, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BESTest and its abbreviated versions had high test-retest reliability. The MDC values of the BESTest could enable clinicians and researchers to interpret changes in the balance of patients with SCA more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kondo
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyota Bando
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ariake
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wakana Katsuta
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Todoroki
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishida
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Mizuno
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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48
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Leotti VB, de Vries JJ, Oliveira CM, de Mattos EP, Te Meerman GJ, Brunt ER, Kampinga HH, Jardim LB, Verbeek DS. CAG Repeat Size Influences the Progression Rate of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Ann Neurol 2020; 89:66-73. [PMID: 32978817 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), the expanded cytosine adenine guanine (CAG) repeat in ATXN3 is the causal mutation, and its length is the main factor in determining the age at onset (AO) of clinical symptoms. However, the contribution of the expanded CAG repeat length to the rate of disease progression after onset has remained a matter of debate, even though an understanding of this factor is crucial for experimental data on disease modifiers and their translation to clinical trials and their design. METHODS Eighty-two Dutch patients with SCA3/MJD were evaluated annually for 15 years using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). Using linear growth curve models, ICARS progression rates were calculated and tested for their relation to the length of the CAG repeat expansion and to the residual age at onset (RAO): The difference between the observed AO and the AO predicted on the basis of the CAG repeat length. RESULTS On average, ICARS scores increased 2.57 points/year of disease. The length of the CAG repeat was positively correlated with a more rapid ICARS progression, explaining 30% of the differences between patients. Combining both the length of the CAG repeat and RAO as comodifiers explained up to 47% of the interpatient variation in ICARS progression. INTERPRETATION Our data imply that the length of the expanded CAG repeat in ATXN3 is a major determinant of clinical decline, which suggests that CAG-dependent molecular mechanisms similar to those responsible for disease onset also contribute to the rate of disease progression in SCA3/MJD. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:66-73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa B Leotti
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jeroen J de Vries
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Camila M Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo P de Mattos
- Department of Biomedical Science of Cell & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J Te Meerman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ewout R Brunt
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm H Kampinga
- Department of Biomedical Science of Cell & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura B Jardim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Bourcier D, Bélanger M, Côté I, Brais B, Synofzik M, Brisson JD, Rodrigue X, Gagnon MM, Mathieu J, Gagnon C. Documenting the psychometric properties of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia to advance trial readiness of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay. J Neurol Sci 2020; 417:117050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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50
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Franklin GL, Meira AT, Camargo CHF, Nascimento FA, Teive HAG. Upward Gaze Palsy: a Valuable Sign to Distinguish Spinocerebellar Ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 19:685-690. [PMID: 32557336 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of heredodegenerative diseases, with great phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. However, in the clinical neurological practice, some symptoms and signs might help differentiate the SCAs. This study's aims were to evaluate the frequency of upward gaze palsy (UGP) and investigate its role in assisting in the clinical differentiation of SCAs. We included 419 patients with SCAs (248 with SCA3, 95 with SCA10, 38 with SCA2, 22 with SCA1, 12 with SCA7, and 4 with SCA6). This study compared UGP with other known markers of disease severity-age of onset, disease duration, SARA score, and size of CAG expansion, and also other semiologic features, as bulging eyes. This sign was significantly more prevalent in SCA3 (64.11%), compared with SCA10 (3.16%; p < 0.001) and other SCAs (SCA1, SCA2, SCA7-11.84%; p < 0.001). UGP showed very high sensibility ins SCA3 (92.9), although lacking of specificity (64.1%). The odds ratio (OR) of UGP were also very high, 23.52 (95% CI 12.38-44.69), and was significantly correlated with larger CAG expansions, age, and disease duration in SCA3 patients, but not with age of onset or severity of the ataxic syndrome. This study showed that UGP is highly suggestive of SCA3 and has high sensitivity for the differential diagnosis among SCAs, and it could be of great value for bedside semiologic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo L Franklin
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alex T Meira
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Carlos H F Camargo
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hélio A G Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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