Mitochondrial Variants in Pompe Disease: A Comparison between Classic and Non-Classic Forms

Pompe disease: pathogenesis, molecular genetics and diagnosis

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the GAA gene, localized on chromosome 17 and encoding for acid alpha-1,4-glucosidase (GAA). Currently, more than 560 mutations spread throughout GAA gene have been reported. GAA catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-1,4 and α-1,6-glucosidic bonds of glycogen and its deficiency leads to lysosomal storage of glycogen in several tissues, particularly in muscle. PD is a chronic and progressive pathology usually characterized by limb-girdle muscle weakness and respiratory failure. PD is classified as infantile and childhood/adult forms. PD patients exhibit a multisystemic manifestation that depends on age of onset.

Early diagnosis is essential to prevent or reduce the irreversible organ damage associated with PD progression. Here, we make an overview of PD focusing on pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes, molecular genetics, diagnosis, therapies, autophagy and the role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers for PD.

Non-traumatic and non-drug-induced rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis (RM), a fortunately rare disease of the striated muscle cells, is a complication of non-traumatic (congenital (glycogen storage disease, discrete mitochondrial myopathies and various muscular dystrophies) or acquired (alcoholic myopathy, systemic diseases, arterial occlusion, viral illness or bacterial sepsis)) and traumatic conditions. Additionally, RM can occur in some individuals under specific circumstances such as toxic substance use and illicit drug abuse. Lipid-lowering drugs in particular are capable of causing RM. This comprehensive review will focus on non-traumatic and non-drug-induced RM. Moreover, the pathology of RM, its clinical manifestation and biochemical effects, and finally its management will be discussed.