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Willis AB, Zelikovich AS, Sufit R, Ajroud-Driss S, Vandenborne K, Demonbreun AR, Batra A, Walter GA, McNally EM. Serum protein and imaging biomarkers after intermittent steroid treatment in muscular dystrophy. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.14.24308858. [PMID: 38947030 PMCID: PMC11213068 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.24308858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Weekly Steroids in Muscular Dystrophy (WSiMD) was a pilot study to evaluate once weekly prednisone in patients with Limb Girdle and Becker muscular dystrophy (LGMD and BMD, respectively). At study endpoint, there were trends towards increased lean mass, reduced fat mass, reduced creatine kinase and improved motor function. The investigation was motivated by studies in mouse muscular dystrophy models in which once weekly glucocorticoid exposure enhanced muscle strength and reduced fibrosis. Methods WSiMD participants provided blood samples for aptamer serum profiling at baseline and after 6 months of weekly steroids. A subset completed magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation of muscle at study onset and endpoint. Results/Conclusions At baseline compared to age and sex-matched healthy controls, the aggregate serum protein profile in the WSiMD cohort was dominated by muscle proteins, reflecting leak of muscle proteins into serum. Disease status produced more proteins differentially present in serum compared to steroid-treatment effect. Nonetheless, a response to prednisone was discernable in the WSiMD cohort, even at this low dose. Glucocorticoids downregulated muscle proteins and upregulated certain immune process- and matrix-associated proteins. Muscle MR fat fraction showed trends with functional status. The prednisone-responsive markers could be used in larger trial of prednisone efficacy.
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Schiava M, Lofra RM, Bourke JP, Díaz-Manera J, James MK, Elseed MA, Malinova M, Michel-Sodhi J, Moat D, Ghimenton E, Mccallum M, Díaz CFB, Mayhew A, Wong K, Richardson M, Tasca G, Eglon G, Eagle M, Turner C, Heslop E, Straub V, Bettolo CM, Guglieri M. Functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function in a large cohort of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with glucocorticoids. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16267. [PMID: 38556893 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16267] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The transition to adult services, and subsequent glucocorticoid management, is critical in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study aims (1) to describe treatment, functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status during transition to adulthood and adult stages; and (2) to explore the association between glucocorticoid treatment after loss of ambulation (LOA) and late-stage clinical outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective single-centre study on individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (≥16 years old) between 1986 and 2022. Logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models and survival analyses were conducted utilizing data from clinical records. RESULTS In all, 112 individuals were included. Mean age was 23.4 ± 5.2 years and mean follow-up was 18.5 ± 5.5 years. At last assessment, 47.2% were on glucocorticoids; the mean dose of prednisone was 0.38 ± 0.13 mg/kg/day and of deflazacort 0.43 ± 0.16 mg/kg/day. At age 16 years, motor function limitations included using a manual wheelchair (89.7%), standing (87.9%), transferring from a wheelchair (86.2%) and turning in bed (53.4%); 77.5% had a peak cough flow <270 L/min, 53.3% a forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <50% and 40.3% a left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Glucocorticoids after LOA reduced the risk and delayed the time to difficulties balancing in the wheelchair, loss of hand to mouth function, forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <30% and forced vital capacity <1 L and were associated with lower frequency of left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, without differences between prednisone and deflazacort. Glucocorticoid dose did not differ by functional, respiratory or cardiac status. CONCLUSION Glucocorticoids after LOA preserve late-stage functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function. It is suggested using functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status at transition stages for adult services planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Schiava
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert Muni Lofra
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - John P Bourke
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jordi Díaz-Manera
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Meredith K James
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Maha A Elseed
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Monika Malinova
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jassi Michel-Sodhi
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dionne Moat
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elisabetta Ghimenton
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michelle Mccallum
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carla Florencia Bolaño Díaz
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anna Mayhew
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Karen Wong
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Richardson
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Giorgio Tasca
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gail Eglon
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Cathy Turner
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Heslop
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chiara Marini Bettolo
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michela Guglieri
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Zhou L, Zhou H, Xu H, Sun X, Chen X, Fan P, Cai X, Wang Q. Different bone health progression patterns and early-stage risk marker in glucocorticoid-treated ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Osteoporos Int 2024; 35:997-1005. [PMID: 38277031 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Fractures often cause irreversible harm in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This study investigated the trajectory of bone mineral density (BMD) using group-based trajectory modeling and identified that BMD acts as an early-stage indicator of clinically significant bone fragility. The greater the early-stage BMD, the better the 4-year bone health outcome. PURPOSE Most Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) children suffer bone loss after long-term glucocorticoid (GC) exposure, which induces scoliosis and fragility fractures. To assess the BMD progression pattern and individual medical risk markers for these phenotypes in young ambulatory boys with DMD, and provide evidence-based suggestions for clinical management of bone health. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 153 boys with DMD in West China Second University Hospital (2016-2023) was performed. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to study the BMD progression pattern, and potential predictors were further analyzed by logistic regression and survival analysis. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-three participants were included, 71 of which had more than 3 BMD records. Three BMD trajectories were identified. Baseline BMD and age-started GC and were independent predictors of trajectory attribution. The median survival time of the first observation of low BMD in GC-treated DMD boys was 5.32 (95% CI 4.05-6.59) years, and a significant difference was tested (P < 0.001) among the three trajectory groups. CONCLUSION BMD may serve as a novel early indicating marker for monitoring bone fragility for DMD. We proposed a bone health risk stratification through BMD progression trajectory that allows us to adapt the osteoporosis warning sign in DMD from a fixed threshold approach to a more individualized strategy, where baseline BMD and age of glucocorticoid initiation can provide an earlier prediction of bone loss. Better management of primary BMD may be able to delay or avoid the onset of adverse bone health outcomes in the fifth year in children with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyuhan Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huayan Xu
- Department of Radiology, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peicong Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaotang Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiu Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, China Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 20# South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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4
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Liu G, Lipari P, Mollin A, Jung S, Teplova I, Li W, Ying L, More V, Lennox W, Yeh S, McGann E, Moon YC, Rice C, Huarte E, Gruszka B, Ray B, Goodwin E, Buckendahl P, Yurkow E, Braughton B, Narasimhan J, Welch E, Voronin G, Weetall M. Comparison of pharmaceutical properties and biological activities of prednisolone, deflazacort, and vamorolone in DMD disease models. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:211-223. [PMID: 37819629 PMCID: PMC10800023 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad173] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disabling X-linked recessive disorder that causes gradual and irreversible loss of muscle, resulting in early death. The corticosteroids prednisone/prednisolone and deflazacort are used to treat DMD as the standard of care; however, only deflazacort is FDA approved for DMD. The novel atypical corticosteroid vamorolone is being investigated for treatment of DMD. We compared the pharmaceutical properties as well as the efficacy and safety of the three corticosteroids across multiple doses in the B10-mdx DMD mouse model. Pharmacokinetic studies in the mouse and evaluation of p-glycoprotein (P-gP) efflux in a cellular system demonstrated that vamorolone is not a strong P-gp substrate resulting in measurable central nervous system (CNS) exposure in the mouse. In contrast, deflazacort and prednisolone are strong P-gp substrates. All three corticosteroids showed efficacy, but also side effects at efficacious doses. After dosing mdx mice for two weeks, all three corticosteroids induced changes in gene expression in the liver and the muscle, but prednisolone and vamorolone induced more changes in the brain than did deflazacort. Both prednisolone and vamorolone induced depression-like behavior. All three corticosteroids reduced endogenous corticosterone levels, increased glucose levels, and reduced osteocalcin levels. Using micro-computed tomography, femur bone density was decreased, reaching significance with prednisolone. The results of these studies indicate that efficacious doses of vamorolone, are associated with similar side effects as seen with other corticosteroids. Further, because vamorolone is not a strong P-gp substrate, vamorolone distributes into the CNS increasing the potential CNS side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Liu
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Philip Lipari
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Anna Mollin
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Stephen Jung
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Irina Teplova
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Wencheng Li
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Lanqing Ying
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Vijay More
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - William Lennox
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Shirley Yeh
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Eric McGann
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Young-Choon Moon
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Cari Rice
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Eduardo Huarte
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Barbara Gruszka
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Balmiki Ray
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Elizabeth Goodwin
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Patricia Buckendahl
- Rutgers University, Molecular Imaging Center, 41 Gordon Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Edward Yurkow
- Rutgers University, Molecular Imaging Center, 41 Gordon Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Bruce Braughton
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Jana Narasimhan
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Ellen Welch
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Gregory Voronin
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
| | - Marla Weetall
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Corporate Court, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, United States
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5
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Weerkamp PMM, Geuens S, Collin P, Goemans N, Vermeulen RJ, De Waele L, Hendriksen JGM, Klinkenberg S. Psychopharmaceutical treatment for neurobehavioral problems in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a descriptive study using real-world data. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:619-626. [PMID: 37453172 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are at risk to develop neurobehavioral problems. Evidence on how to treat these difficulties is scarce. This descriptive study reports the clinical experience with psychopharmaceutical treatment in 52 patients with DMD. Electronic patient files were searched for patients with DMD that had been treated with psychopharmaceuticals between 2008 and 2022. Information about neurobehavioral symptoms, type of medication, side effects, and behavioral changes were collected. Two independent clinicians used the clinical global impression scale (CGI) to assess severity of the neurobehavioral problems before and the change in symptoms after treatment. Descriptive statistics were used. Our results include 52 males with DMD (mean age 11 years) treated with psychopharmaceuticals of which 55.8% had four or more comorbid neurobehavioral symptoms. The clinical condition was much improved on the GCI in 54.2% treated with methylphenidate, in 38.9% of the patients treated with fluoxetine, and in 22.2% treated with risperidone. Minimal effects and side effects were also reported. In conclusion, patients with DMD may experience severe neurobehavioral symptoms interfering with learning and/or development. Treatment with psychopharmaceuticals can improve these neurobehavioral symptoms, but further research is needed to gain better insights in psychopharmaceutical treatment in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien M M Weerkamp
- Kempenhaege, Centre for Neurological Learning Disabilities, Heeze, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sam Geuens
- Department of Child Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Collin
- Kempenhaege, Centre for Neurological Learning Disabilities, Heeze, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Koraal, Sittard, the Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Goemans
- Department of Child Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Jeroen Vermeulen
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Child Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos G M Hendriksen
- Kempenhaege, Centre for Neurological Learning Disabilities, Heeze, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Klinkenberg
- Kempenhaege, Centre for Neurological Learning Disabilities, Heeze, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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6
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McDonald CM, Marden JR, Shieh PB, Wong BL, Lane H, Zhang A, Nguyen H, Frean M, Trifillis P, Koladicz K, Signorovitch J. Disease progression rates in ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy by steroid type, patient age and functional status. J Comp Eff Res 2023; 12:e220190. [PMID: 36749302 PMCID: PMC10402754 DOI: 10.57264/cer-2022-0190] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To examine benefits of corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by age and disease progression. Methods: Data from daily steroid users (placebo-treated) were pooled from four phase 2b/3 trials in DMD. Outcomes assessed overall and among subgroups included changes from baseline to 48 weeks in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), timed function tests and North Star Ambulatory Assessment total score. Results: Among 231 patients receiving deflazacort (n = 127) or prednisone (n = 104), observed differences in 6MWD favoring deflazacort over prednisone were significant for patients with relatively older age (≥8-years-old), greater disease progression (baseline timed stand from supine ≥5 s), or longer corticosteroid use (>3 years). Conclusion: Daily deflazacort had greater benefits than daily prednisone particularly among older/more progressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M McDonald
- Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pediatrics, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Brenda L Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Henry Lane
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA 02199, USA
| | | | - Ha Nguyen
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA 02199, USA
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7
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Eslahi A, Alizadeh F, Avan A, Ferns GA, Moghbeli M, Reza Abbaszadegan M, Mojarrad M. New advancements in CRISPR based gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene 2023; 867:147358. [PMID: 36914142 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147358] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the dystrophin gene mutations and is one of the most common and lethal human hereditary disorders. A novel therapeutic approach using CRISPR technology has gained attention in the treatment of DMD. Gene replacement strategies are being proposed as a promising therapeutic option to compensate the loss of function mutations. Although, the large size of the dystrophin gene and the limitations of the existing gene replacement approach, could mean the gene delivery of shortened versions of dystrophin such as midystrophin and microdystrophins. There are also other approaches: including Targeted removal of dystrophin exons to restore the reading-frame; Dual sgRNA-directed DMD exon deletion, CRISPR-SKIP strategy; reframing of dystrophin using Prime Editing technology; exon removal using twin prime technology; TransCRISTI technology to targeted exon integration into dystrophin gene. Here we provide an overview of recent progresses in dystrophin gene editing using updated versions of CRISPR to introduce novel opportunities in DMD gene therapy. Overall, the novel CRISPR based technologies are improving and expanding to allow the application of more precise gene editing for the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Eslahi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Majid Mojarrad
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Genetic Center of Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
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8
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Kalkan H, Pagano E, Paris D, Panza E, Cuozzo M, Moriello C, Piscitelli F, Abolghasemi A, Gazzerro E, Silvestri C, Capasso R, Motta A, Russo R, Di Marzo V, Iannotti FA. Targeting gut dysbiosis against inflammation and impaired autophagy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16225. [PMID: 36594243 PMCID: PMC9994484 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nothing is known about the potential implication of gut microbiota in skeletal muscle disorders. Here, we provide evidence that fecal microbiota composition along with circulating levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and related metabolites are altered in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared with healthy controls. Supplementation with sodium butyrate (NaB) in mdx mice rescued muscle strength and autophagy, and prevented inflammation associated with excessive endocannabinoid signaling at CB1 receptors to the same extent as deflazacort (DFZ), the standard palliative care for DMD. In LPS-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts, NaB reduces inflammation, promotes autophagy, and prevents dysregulation of microRNAs targeting the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor gene, in a manner depending on the activation of GPR109A and PPARγ receptors. In sum, we propose a novel disease-modifying approach in DMD that may have benefits also in other muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Kalkan
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ester Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Paris
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Moriello
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Armita Abolghasemi
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and Institut Sur la Nutrition et Les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Elisabetta Gazzerro
- Unit of Muscle Research, Experimental and Clinical Research Center Charité Universitätsmedizin and Max Delbrück Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and Institut Sur la Nutrition et Les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Andrea Motta
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and Institut Sur la Nutrition et Les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy
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McDonald CM, Mayer OH, Hor KN, Miller D, Goemans N, Henricson EK, Marden JR, Freimark J, Lane H, Zhang A, Frean M, Trifillis P, Koladicz K, Signorovitch J. Functional and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Steroid Treatment among Non-ambulatory Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy1. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:67-79. [PMID: 36565131 PMCID: PMC9881035 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on the long-term efficacy of steroids in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) after loss of ambulation is limited. OBJECTIVE Characterize and compare disease progression by steroid treatment (prednisone, deflazacort, or no steroids) among non-ambulatory boys with DMD. METHODS Disease progression was measured by functional status (Performance of Upper Limb Module for DMD 1.2 [PUL] and Egen Klassifikation Scale Version 2 [EK] scale) and by cardiac and pulmonary function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], forced vital capacity [FVC] % -predicted, cough peak flow [CPF]). Longitudinal changes in outcomes, progression to key disease milestones, and dosing and body composition metrics were analyzed descriptively and in multivariate models. RESULTS This longitudinal cohort study included 86 non-ambulatory patients with DMD (mean age 13.4 years; n = 40 [deflazacort], n = 29 [prednisone], n = 17 [no steroids]). Deflazacort use resulted in slower average declines in FVC % -predicted vs. no steroids (+3.73 percentage points/year, p < 0.05). Both steroids were associated with significantly slower average declines in LVEF, improvement in CPF, and slower declines in total PUL score and EK total score vs. no steroids; deflazacort was associated with slower declines in total PUL score vs. prednisone (all p < 0.05). Both steroids also preserved functional abilities considered especially important to quality of life, including the abilities to perform hand-to-mouth function and to turn in bed at night unaided (all p < 0.05 vs. no steroids). CONCLUSIONS Steroid use after loss of ambulation in DMD was associated with delayed progression of important pulmonary, cardiac, and upper extremity functional deficits, suggesting some benefits of deflazacort over prednisone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar H. Mayer
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kan N. Hor
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jessica R. Marden
- Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence to: Jessica Marden, 111 Huntington Avenue, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02199, USA. Tel.: +1 617 425 8000; E-mail:
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Grounds MD, Lloyd EM. Considering the Promise of Vamorolone for Treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:1013-1030. [PMID: 37927274 PMCID: PMC10657680 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
This commentary provides an independent consideration of data related to the drug vamorolone (VBP15) as an alternative steroid proposed for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Glucocorticoids such as prednisone and deflazacort have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and are the standard of care for DMD, but their long-term use can result in severe adverse side effects; thus, vamorolone was designed as a unique dissociative steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to retain efficacy and minimise these adverse effects. Extensive clinical trials (ongoing) have investigated the use of vamorolone for DMD, with two trials also for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies including dysferlinopathy (current), plus a variety of pre-clinical trials published. Vamorolone looks very promising, with similar efficacy and some reduced adverse effects (e.g., related to height) compared with other glucocorticoids, specifically prednisone/prednisolone, although it has not yet been directly compared with deflazacort. Of particular interest to clarify is the optimal clinical dose and other aspects of vamorolone that are proposed to provide additional benefits for membranes of dystrophic muscle: to stabilise and protect the sarcolemma from damage and enhance repair. The use of vamorolone (and other glucocorticoids) needs to be evaluated in terms of overall long-term efficacy and cost, and also in comparison with many candidate non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory and other benefits for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda D. Grounds
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erin M. Lloyd
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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