2
|
Almuqbil M, Aldoohan W, Alhinti S, Almahmoud N, Abdulmajeed I, Alkhodair R, Kashgari A, Baarmah D, Altwaijri W, Alrumayyan A. Review of the spectrum of tuberous sclerosis complex: The Saudi Arabian Experience. NEUROSCIENCES (RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) 2024; 29:113-121. [PMID: 38740395 PMCID: PMC11305360 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2024.2.20230061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the paediatric Saudi population and to characterise the range of clinical symptoms, neurocutaneous findings, neuroimaging results, and complications of the disease. METHODS A total of 61 genetically confirmed TSC patients from the National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) in Saudi Arabia were the subject of this retrospective descriptive analysis. The data were presented using descriptive measures. RESULTS The mean age at diagnosis was found to be 4.9 years. Subependymal nodules (86.9%), numerous cortical tubers and/or radial migration lines (63.9%), and hypomelanotic macules (63.9%) were the 3 most common significant criteria. The vast majority (86.9%) of those diagnosed had epilepsy, of which 50% were considered medically intractable. Nearly half of our subjects underwent genetic testing, which revealed that TSC2 predominated over TSC1. Symptoms of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) were present in 66.7% of TSC1 patients and 73.9% of TSC2 patients. CONCLUSION The findings of this study demonstrate that the clinical spectrum of TSC among Saudi children is consistent with the body of existing literature. The TSC2 was more prevalent than TSC1. The most frequent signs were cutaneous and neurological. Monitoring TSC patients regularly is crucial to identify any issues as soon as possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Almuqbil
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Waad Aldoohan
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Alhinti
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Almahmoud
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Imad Abdulmajeed
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan Alkhodair
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Amna Kashgari
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Duaa Baarmah
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Altwaijri
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alrumayyan
- From the College of Medicine (Almuqbil, Aldoohan, Alhinti, Alkhodair, Kashgari, Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Almuqbil, Alkhodair), Ministry of National Guard, from the Division of Pediatric Neurology (Almuqbil Altwaijri, Alrumayyan), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, from the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (Abdulmajeed), King Abdulaziz Medical City, from the Division of Pediatric Dermatology (Alkhodair), Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), National Guard Health Affairs, and from Department of Pediatric (Baarmah), King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bashiri FA, AlSheikh R, Hamad MH, Alsheikh H, Alsheikh RA, Kentab A, AlTheeb N, Alghamdi M. Genotype-Phenotype Analysis of Children with Epilepsy Referred for Whole-Exome Sequencing at a Tertiary Care University Hospital. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1334. [PMID: 37628333 PMCID: PMC10453392 DOI: 10.3390/children10081334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high consanguinity rates, data on genetic epilepsy in Saudi Arabia is limited. The objective of the current study was to characterize genetic mutations associated with epilepsy in pediatric patients and describe their phenotypic presentations. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted among children presented with epilepsy in one center in Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2018. Only those who had undergone genetic testing were included. RESULTS A total of 45 patients had positive whole-exome sequencing (WES) genetic testing with 37 mutations. Six mutations (SCN1A, DENND5A, KCNQ2, ACY1, SCN2A, and PCDH19) were repeated in 15 patients, with largely heterogeneous phenotypic presentations in patients with the same mutation. Several mutations are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The median age at epilepsy onset was four months. Consanguineous parents and family history of epilepsy were frequent (31.8% and 33.3%, respectively). Developmental delay (44.4%), cognitive delay (42.2%), language delay (40.0%), behavioral features (28.9%), and microcephaly (20.0%) were frequent presentations. At initial diagnosis, 68.9% of EEG and 48.9% of brain MRI were abnormal. The most currently used antiseizure medications (ASMs) were levetiracetam (48.9%), topiramate (28.9%), and valproic acid (20.0%). Approximately 60% of the patients were controlled with (47.6%) or without (11.9%) ASMs, and three (7.1%) patients died. CONCLUSIONS Multiple mutations among children with epilepsy are reported in one hospital in Saudi Arabia, with the majority reported for the first time. The current findings highlight the importance of doing genetic testing for the evaluation of childhood epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahad A. Bashiri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Rawan AlSheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (R.A.A.)
| | - Muddathir H. Hamad
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Hamad Alsheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Rana Abdullah Alsheikh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.); (R.A.A.)
| | - Amal Kentab
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.H.); (H.A.)
| | - Najd AlTheeb
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (A.K.); (M.A.)
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alshoabi SA, Hamid AM, Alhazmi FH, Qurashi AA, Abdulaal OM, Aloufi KM, Daqqaq TS. Diagnostic features of tuberous sclerosis complex: case report and literature review. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:846-861. [PMID: 34993123 DOI: 10.21037/qims-21-412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic syndrome that is caused by mutations in the tumour suppressor genes TSC1 or TSC2 which causes multiorgan growths. TSC presents at any age as a wide range of clinical and phenotypic manifestations with varying severity. The main goal of this article was to state two cases of TSC and review the most commonly reported major and minor diagnostic clinical features and the most common features that led to an investigation of possible TSC diagnosis. Herein, we report two cases of TSC, which both presented with seizures during the first 6 months of life. Case 1 presented with multiple types of seizures from 6 months of age and was diagnosed by multiple calcified subependymal nodules (SENs) detected by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case 2 presented with seizures from 3 months of age and was diagnosed prenatally when a tumour was seen in her heart during antenatal ultrasonography. In conclusion, the literature review revealed that neurological manifestations (mainly seizures) were the main feature that led to investigation and diagnosis of TSC followed by abdominal manifestations (mainly renal features) and antenatal follow-up imaging. Other manifestations in skin, chest, eyes, teeth and heart rarely led to TSC diagnosis. In some cases, TSC was incidentally discovered by medical imaging. The cortical tubers, SENs, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas brain lesions were the most commonly reported major features. Skin features including angiofibromas, ungual fibromas and shagreen patch were the second most common major features reported in the literature. However, skin manifestations were not a common led to investigation and diagnosis of TSC. Renal features, mainly angiomyolipomas (AMLs), were the third most common major feature reported. Medical imaging plays an essential role in diagnosis of TSC, and clinical features are important clues that lead to investigation for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Abdulwadoud Alshoabi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fahad H Alhazmi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A Qurashi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah M Abdulaal
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled M Aloufi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Tareef S Daqqaq
- Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Strzelczyk A, Rosenow F, Zöllner JP, Simon A, Wyatt G, Holland R, Schubert-Bast S. Epidemiology, healthcare resource use, and mortality in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: A population-based study on German health insurance data. Seizure 2021; 91:287-295. [PMID: 34265583 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE 10-year retrospective study to assess burden of illness in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) identified from German healthcare data. METHODS Patients with TSC were identified by International Classification of Diseases code Q85.1. Patients with epilepsy were identified by epilepsy diagnosis or antiseizure medication (ASM) prescription after TSC diagnosis. RESULTS Using data from 2016 (final study year), 100 patients with TSC were identified (mean [range] age: 38 [1-86] years; male: 40%); prevalence: 7.9 per 100,000 (TSC), 2.2 per 100,000 (TSC with epilepsy). During the 10-year study period (2007-2016), 256 patients with TSC were identified and followed up for 1,784 patient-years (epilepsy: 36%, 616 patient-years). TSC manifestations/comorbidities (apart from epilepsy) were identified more frequently in patients with epilepsy than without. Mean annual healthcare costs for patients with TSC were €6,139 per patient-year (PPY), mostly attributable to medication (35%) and inpatient care (29%). Patients with epilepsy incurred costs more than double those without. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) annual hospitalisation rate (AHR) and length of stay (LOS) PPY: 0.5 (1.0) and 5.9 (18.6) days for TSC. AHR and LOS were greater in patients with epilepsy than without. Mean (SD) number of ASMs prescribed (TSC with epilepsy): 3.0 (2.3) over the entire observable time per patient. Mortality rates (vs. control): 5.08% (vs. 1.69%, p<0.001) for TSC, 7.53% (vs. 0.98%, p<0.001) for TSC with epilepsy, 3.68% (vs. 2.03%, p = 0.003) for TSC without epilepsy. CONCLUSION Healthcare costs, resource utilisation, and mortality were greater in patients with TSC and epilepsy than those without epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | | - Geoffrey Wyatt
- Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research, GW Pharma Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rowena Holland
- Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research, GW Pharma Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kútna V, O'Leary VB, Newman E, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Revisiting Brain Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in Rat and Human: Shared Molecular and Cellular Pathology Leads to Distinct Neurophysiological and Behavioral Phenotypes. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:845-858. [PMID: 33398801 PMCID: PMC8423952 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-01000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a dominant autosomal genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in TSC1 and TSC2, which lead to constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1) with its decoupling from regulatory inputs. Because mTORC1 integrates an array of molecular signals controlling protein synthesis and energy metabolism, its unrestrained activation inflates cell growth and division, resulting in the development of benign tumors in the brain and other organs. In humans, brain malformations typically manifest through a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, among which mental retardation, intellectual disabilities with signs of autism, and refractory seizures, which are the most prominent. TSC in the rat brain presents the first-rate approximation of cellular and molecular pathology of the human brain, showing many instructive characteristics. Nevertheless, the developmental profile and distribution of lesions in the rat brain, with neurophysiological and behavioral manifestation, deviate considerably from humans, raising numerous research and translational questions. In this study, we revisit brain TSC in human and Eker rats to relate their histopathological, electrophysiological, and neurobehavioral characteristics. We discuss shared and distinct aspects of the pathology and consider factors contributing to phenotypic discrepancies. Given the shared genetic cause and molecular pathology, phenotypic deviations suggest an incomplete understanding of the disease. Narrowing the knowledge gap in the future should not only improve the characterization of the TSC rat model but also explain considerable variability in the clinical manifestation of the disease in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ehren Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|