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Teschke R. Copper, Iron, Cadmium, and Arsenic, All Generated in the Universe: Elucidating Their Environmental Impact Risk on Human Health Including Clinical Liver Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6662. [PMID: 38928368 PMCID: PMC11203474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126662] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to various heavy metals including copper, iron, cadmium, and arsenic, which were specifically selected for the current analysis because they are among the most frequently encountered environmental mankind and industrial pollutants potentially causing human health hazards and liver injury. So far, these issues were poorly assessed and remained a matter of debate, also due to inconsistent results. The aim of the actual report is to thoroughly analyze the positive as well as negative effects of these four heavy metals on human health. Copper and iron are correctly viewed as pollutant elements essential for maintaining human health because they are part of important enzymes and metabolic pathways. Healthy individuals are prepared through various genetically based mechanisms to maintain cellular copper and iron homeostasis, thereby circumventing or reducing hazardous liver and organ injury due to excessive amounts of these metals continuously entering the human body. In a few humans with gene aberration, however, liver and organ injury may develop because excessively accumulated copper can lead to Wilson disease and substantial iron deposition to hemochromatosis. At the molecular level, toxicities of some heavy metals are traced back to the Haber Weiss and Fenton reactions involving reactive oxygen species formed in the course of oxidative stress. On the other hand, cellular homeostasis for cadmium and arsenic cannot be provided, causing their life-long excessive deposition in the liver and other organs. Consequently, cadmium and arsenic represent health hazards leading to higher disability-adjusted life years and increased mortality rates due to cancer and non-cancer diseases. For unknown reasons, however, liver injury in humans exposed to cadmium and arsenic is rarely observed. In sum, copper and iron are good for the human health of most individuals except for those with Wilson disease or hemochromatosis at risk of liver injury through radical formation, while cadmium and arsenic lack any beneficial effects but rather are potentially hazardous to human health with a focus on increased disability potential and risk for cancer. Primary efforts should focus on reducing the industrial emission of hazardous heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, 63450 Hanau, Germany; ; Tel.: +49-6181/21859; Fax: +49-6181/2964211
- Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, 60590 Hanau, Germany
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Bracciamà E, Sapuppo A, Rapisarda L, Siciliano E, Caciotti A, Morrone A, Ruggieri M, Cantarella G, Bernardini R, Bertino G. Obesity as a Confounding Factor in the Diagnosis of Wilson's Disease: Case Report of Two Siblings with the Same Genotype but Different Clinical Courses. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6112-6120. [PMID: 38921036 PMCID: PMC11202942 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060365] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is a biallelic disease-causing variant in the ATP7B gene on chromosome 13q14.3 that results in copper accumulation in many organs, particularly the liver and brain. The phenotypic spectrum is wide and symptoms at onset can be heterogeneous. We describe two Sicilian siblings, a young man and his elder sister, both compound heterozygous for the variants c.1286-2A>G and c.2668G>A (p.Val890Met) in the ATB7B gene. The male patient presented with liver cirrhosis, which quickly progressed to end-stage liver disease (Child-Pugh score = C10), while his sister had moderate steatotic liver disease (SLD). Our findings highlight that SLD may not always be related to obesity in overweight patients, especially when there are other potential risk factors such as a family history of chronic liver disease, or the persistence of high transaminase despite the adoption of adequate dietary and pharmacological intervention. Screening for conditions such as WD could identify patients at risk of developing SLD and avoid delays in diagnosis. Phenotypic variability in WD is considerable; therefore, further studies are needed to identify which WD patients have a greater risk of developing SLD and determine factors that can predict the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bracciamà
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco” Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.B.); (E.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Annamaria Sapuppo
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco” Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Laura Rapisarda
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Siciliano
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco” Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.B.); (E.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Anna Caciotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Neurometabolic Diseases, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Neurometabolic Diseases, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco” Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco” Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.B.); (E.S.); (G.B.)
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Manchia M, Paribello P, Pinna M, Faa G. The Role of Copper Overload in Modulating Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6487. [PMID: 38928192 PMCID: PMC11204094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126487] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper is a transition metal essential for growth and development and indispensable for eukaryotic life. This metal is essential to neuronal function: its deficiency, as well as its overload have been associated with multiple neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Wilson's disease and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders. Copper plays a fundamental role in the development and function of the human Central Nervous System (CNS), being a cofactor of multiple enzymes that play a key role in physiology during development. In this context, we thought it would be timely to summarize data on alterations in the metabolism of copper at the CNS level that might influence the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. We present a non-systematic review with the study selection based on the authors' judgement to offer the reader a perspective on the most significant elements of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Wilson's disease. We highlight that Wilson's disease is characterized by marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation among patients with the same mutation. This should motivate more research efforts to disentangle the role of environmental factors in modulating the expression of genetic predisposition to this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Pinna
- Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Sardinia Health Agency, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Teschke R, Eickhoff A. Wilson Disease: Copper-Mediated Cuproptosis, Iron-Related Ferroptosis, and Clinical Highlights, with Comprehensive and Critical Analysis Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4753. [PMID: 38731973 PMCID: PMC11084815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094753] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Wilson disease is a genetic disorder of the liver characterized by excess accumulation of copper, which is found ubiquitously on earth and normally enters the human body in small amounts via the food chain. Many interesting disease details were published on the mechanistic steps, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cuproptosis causing a copper dependent cell death. In the liver of patients with Wilson disease, also, increased iron deposits were found that may lead to iron-related ferroptosis responsible for phospholipid peroxidation within membranes of subcellular organelles. All topics are covered in this review article, in addition to the diagnostic and therapeutic issues of Wilson disease. Excess Cu2+ primarily leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as evidenced by early experimental studies exemplified with the detection of hydroxyl radical formation using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping method. The generation of ROS products follows the principles of the Haber-Weiss reaction and the subsequent Fenton reaction leading to copper-related cuproptosis, and is thereby closely connected with ROS. Copper accumulation in the liver is due to impaired biliary excretion of copper caused by the inheritable malfunctioning or missing ATP7B protein. As a result, disturbed cellular homeostasis of copper prevails within the liver. Released from the liver cells due to limited storage capacity, the toxic copper enters the circulation and arrives at other organs, causing local accumulation and cell injury. This explains why copper injures not only the liver, but also the brain, kidneys, eyes, heart, muscles, and bones, explaining the multifaceted clinical features of Wilson disease. Among these are depression, psychosis, dysarthria, ataxia, writing problems, dysphagia, renal tubular dysfunction, Kayser-Fleischer corneal rings, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, arthritis, and arthralgia. In addition, Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia is a key feature of Wilson disease with undetectable serum haptoglobin. The modified Leipzig Scoring System helps diagnose Wilson disease. Patients with Wilson disease are well-treated first-line with copper chelators like D-penicillamine that facilitate the removal of circulating copper bound to albumin and increase in urinary copper excretion. Early chelation therapy improves prognosis. Liver transplantation is an option viewed as ultima ratio in end-stage liver disease with untreatable complications or acute liver failure. Liver transplantation finally may thus be a life-saving approach and curative treatment of the disease by replacing the hepatic gene mutation. In conclusion, Wilson disease is a multifaceted genetic disease representing a molecular and clinical challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, D-63450 Hanau, Germany;
- Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Axel Eickhoff
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, D-63450 Hanau, Germany;
- Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Yang Z, Li Q, Liu S, Zong Z, Yu L, Sun S. Systemic lupus erythematosus combined with Wilson's disease: a case report and literature review. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:253. [PMID: 38622515 PMCID: PMC11017530 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Wilson's disease (WD) are both systemic diseases that can affect multiple organs in the body. The coexistence of SLE and WD is rarely encountered in clinical practice, making it challenging to diagnose. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 9-year-old girl who initially presented with proteinuria, haematuria, pancytopenia, hypocomplementemia, and positivity for multiple autoantibodies. She was diagnosed with SLE, and her blood biochemistry showed elevated liver enzymes at the time of diagnosis. Despite effective control of her symptoms, her liver enzymes remained elevated during regular follow-up. Laboratory tests revealed decreased serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels, along with elevated urinary copper. Liver biopsy revealed chronic active hepatitis, moderate inflammation, moderate-severe fibrosis, and a trend towards local cirrhosis. Genetic sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the ATP7B gene, confirming the diagnosis of SLE with WD. The girl received treatment with a high-zinc/low-copper diet, but her liver function did not improve. Upon recommendation following multidisciplinary consultation, she underwent liver transplantation. Unfortunately, she passed away on the fourth day after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS SLE and WD are diseases that involve multiple systems and organs in the body, and SLE complicated with WD is rarely encountered in the clinic; therefore, it is easy to misdiagnose. Because penicillamine can induce lupus, it is not recommended. Liver transplantation is indicated for patients with liver disease who do not respond to medical treatment with WD. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of liver transplantation for patients with SLE complicated with WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenle Yang
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Suwen Liu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Zong
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Lichun Yu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Shuzhen Sun
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China.
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatism and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, P. R. China.
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Göktaş MA, Yalcin N. Adherence to medical treatment for Wilson's disease in children and adolescents: a cohort study from Turkey. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:105. [PMID: 38454433 PMCID: PMC10921804 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03113-0] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess medication adherence and demographic, clinical, and psychopathological parameters such as quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels that can affect pediatrics with Wilson's Disease (WD). METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in Turkey among pediatric patients (2 to 18 years) with WD between November 2022 and April 2023. The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) as a subjective and Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) as an objective assessment were scored. Physical, genetic and biochemical parameters, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for both parents and patients, Childhood Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory were also administered. RESULTS A total of 30 pediatric outpatients who were prescribed D-penicillamine (n = 27) or trientine (n = 3) as chelators and zinc (n = 29) and pyridoxine (n = 19) as supplements were included. Proteinuria (n = 3), skin rash (n = 2), and gastrointestinal upset (n = 2) were observed. When the correlation between MARS-5 and duration of follow-up was examined, a significant negative correlation was found (p = 0.014). According to MPRs, non-adherence rates (missed doses ≥ 20%) were 29.6%, 17.2% and 5.3% for D-penicillamine, zinc and pyridoxine, respectively. PedsQL scores were higher than those of parents, with a positive correlation between them (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between PedsQL and State Anxiety Inventory (p < 0.001). Comparing the change in urinary copper levels between different levels of treatment knowledge, significant differences were observed between high- and low levels (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS Overall, nonadherence rates were 23.3% based on MARS-5 and 5.3-29.6% based on MPR. It is essential to consider factors such as the duration of follow-up, biochemical parameters, treatment knowledge, quality of life and anxiety as potential influencers of medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akif Göktaş
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nadir Yalcin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Mariño Z, Berenguer M, Peña-Quintana L, Olveira A, Miralpeix A, Sastre I, Reyes-Domínguez A, Castillo P, García-Solà C, Bono A, Romero M, Pérez-Sádaba FJ, Aceituno S, Anguera A. Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Living with Wilson Disease in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4823. [PMID: 37510937 PMCID: PMC10381913 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144823] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a rare copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. It usually affects young individuals and can produce hepatic and/or neurological involvement, potentially affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We assessed HRQoL in a cohort of Spanish patients with WD and evaluated disease impact on several domains of patients' lives, treatment adherence, drug preference and satisfaction, and healthcare resource utilisation in a cross-sectional, retrospective, multicentric, observational study. A total of 102 patients were included: 81.4% presented isolated liver involvement (group H) and 18.6% presented neurological or mixed involvement (group EH). Up to 30% of patients reported a deteriorated emotional status with anxiety and depression, which was greater in the EH subgroup; the use of neuropsychiatric drugs was high. Over 70% of the patients were satisfied with their current treatment but complained about taking too many pills, stating they would consider switching to another more patient-friendly treatment if available. The Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire revealed only 22.5% of patients were fully adherent to therapy, suggesting that alternative therapies are needed. This real-world study, even though is highly enriched with hepatic patients and mild disease, shows that WD impacts patients' HRQoL, especially in the emotional domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Mariño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), European Reference Networks (ERN)-RARE Liver, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Peña-Quintana
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatoloy and Nutrition Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Miralpeix
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), European Reference Networks (ERN)-RARE Liver, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Sastre
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Reyes-Domínguez
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatoloy and Nutrition Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar Castillo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clàudia García-Solà
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), European Reference Networks (ERN)-RARE Liver, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Bono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miriam Romero
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Anna Anguera
- Medical Department, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Diseases, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Ungureanu IM, Iesanu MI, Boboc C, Cosoreanu V, Vatra L, Kadar A, Ignat EN, Galos F. Addressing the Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Wilson's Disease-Case Report and Literature Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040786. [PMID: 37109744 PMCID: PMC10144359 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, in which the metabolism of copper is affected by metal accumulation in several organs that causes gradual organ degeneration. Since Wilson's initial description of WD over a century ago, there have been significant improvements in understanding and managing the condition. Nevertheless, the ongoing gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis highlights the difficulties in identifying this copper overload disorder early. Despite being a treatable condition, detecting WD early remains a challenge for healthcare professionals at all levels of care, likely due to its rarity. The key challenge is, therefore, to educate physicians on how to identify atypical or infrequent symptoms of WD, prompting them to consider the diagnosis more carefully. The purpose of our review is to draw attention to the difficulties associated with diagnosing pediatric WD, starting from our personal experience of a complex case and then examining relevant literature. In summary, the diagnosis of WD in children is intricate and requires a heightened level of suspicion to identify this infrequent condition. A thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, along with genetic testing, histopathologic examination, and specialized imaging studies, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Maria Ungureanu
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Ioana Iesanu
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Boboc
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Cosoreanu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lorena Vatra
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anna Kadar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Felicia Galos
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Jopowicz A, Tarnacka B. Neurological Wilson's Disease Signs-Hepatic Encephalopathy or Copper Toxicosis? Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050893. [PMID: 36900037 PMCID: PMC10001333 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050893] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive (AR) disorder resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene, which is responsible for the encryption of transmembrane copper transporting ATPase. The symptomatic presentation of the disease is estimated to be about 1 in 30,000. The impairment of ATP7B function results in a copper overload in hepatocytes, which further leads to liver pathology. This copper overload also occurs in other organs, most particularly in the brain. This could then cause the occurrence of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Symptoms differ substantially and most often occur between the ages of 5 and 35 years. Early symptoms are commonly hepatic, neurological, or psychiatric. While disease presentation is most often asymptomatic, it could also range as far as to include fulminant hepatic failure, ataxia, and cognitive disorders. Various treatments are available for Wilson's disease, including chelation therapy and zinc salts, which can reverse copper overload through different mechanisms. In select cases, liver transplantation is recommended. New medications, such as tetrathiomolybdate salts, are currently being investigated in clinical trials. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, prognosis is favorable; however, diagnosing patients before the onset of severe symptoms is a significant concern. Early screening for WD could help in diagnosing patients earlier and improving treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jopowicz
- Department of Rehabilitation, Eleonora Reicher National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Beata Tarnacka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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Husain N, Ali SN, Arif H, Khan AA, Mahmood R. Oral Administration of Copper Chloride Damages DNA, Lowers Antioxidant Defense, Alters Metabolic Status, and Inhibits Membrane Bound Enzymes in Rat Kidney. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 201:3367-3380. [PMID: 36068418 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is a heavy metal that is widely used in industries and is also an essential micronutrient for living beings. However, excess Cu is toxic and human exposure to high levels of this metal results in numerous adverse health effects. We have investigated the effect of oral administration of copper chloride (CuCl2), a Cu(II) compound, on various parameters of oxidative stress, cellular metabolism, and DNA integrity in the rat kidney. This was done to delineate the molecular mechanism of Cu(II) toxicity. Adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups. Animals in four CuCl2-treated groups were separately administered single acute oral dose of CuCl2 at 5, 15, 30, and 40 mg/kg body weight. Animals in the fifth group were not given CuCl2 and served as the control. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after the dose of CuCl2 and their kidneys removed. CuCl2 administration led to significant alterations in enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters of oxidative stress. It changed the activities of metabolic and membrane bound enzymes and also decreased the activities of brush border membrane enzymes. CuCl2 treatment dose-dependently enhanced DNA damage and DNA-protein crosslinking in renal cells, when compared to the control group. The administration of CuCl2 also resulted in marked morphological changes in the kidney, with more prominent alterations at higher doses of CuCl2. These results clearly show that CuCl2 impairs the antioxidant defense system resulting in oxidative damage to the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazim Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Shaikh Nisar Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Hussain Arif
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Aijaz Ahmed Khan
- Department of Anatomy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Riaz Mahmood
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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