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Cortese A, Laurà M, Casali C, Nishino I, Hayashi YK, Magri S, Taroni F, Stuani C, Saveri P, Moggio M, Ripolone M, Prelle A, Pisciotta C, Sagnelli A, Pichiecchio A, Reilly MM, Buratti E, Pareyson D. Altered TDP-43-dependent splicing in HSPB8-related distal hereditary motor neuropathy and myofibrillar myopathy. Eur J Neurol 2017; 25:154-163. [PMID: 29029362 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mutations in the small heat-shock protein 22 gene (HSPB8) have been associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2L, distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) type IIa and, more recently, distal myopathy/myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) with protein aggregates and TDP-43 inclusions. The aim was to report a novel family with HSPB8K141E -related dHMN/MFM and to investigate, in a patient muscle biopsy, whether the presence of protein aggregates was paralleled by altered TDP-43 function. METHODS We reviewed clinical and genetic data. We assessed TDP-43 expression by qPCR and alternative splicing of four previously validated direct TDP-43 target exons in four genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The triplets and their mother presented in the second to third decade of life with progressive weakness affecting distal and proximal lower limb and truncal muscles. Nerve conduction study showed a motor axonal neuropathy. The clinical features, moderately raised creatin kinase levels, selective pattern of muscle involvement on magnetic resonance imaging and pathological changes on muscle biopsy, including the presence of protein aggregates, supported the diagnosis of a contemporary primary muscle involvement. In affected muscle tissue we observed a consistent alteration of TDP-43-dependent splicing in three out of four TDP-43-target transcripts (POLDIP3, FNIP1 and BRD8), as well as a significant decrease of TDP-43 mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the role of mutated HSPB8 as a cause of a combined neuromuscular disorder encompassing dHMN and MFM with protein aggregates. We identified impaired RNA metabolism, secondary to TDP-43 loss of function, as a possible pathological mechanism of HSPB8K141E toxicity, leading to muscle and nerve degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cortese
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy.,MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - M Laurà
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - C Casali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - I Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y K Hayashi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Magri
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - F Taroni
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - C Stuani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - P Saveri
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Moggio
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Ripolone
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Prelle
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale Maggiore, Crema, Italy
| | - C Pisciotta
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - A Sagnelli
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pichiecchio
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - M M Reilly
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - E Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - D Pareyson
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Siciliano I, Spadaro D, Prelle A, Vallauri D, Cavallero MC, Garibaldi A, Gullino ML. Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Detoxify Hazelnuts from Aflatoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8050125. [PMID: 27128939 PMCID: PMC4885040 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can contaminate different foodstuffs, such as nuts. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has the potential to be used for mycotoxin detoxification. In this study, the operating parameters of cold atmospheric pressure plasma were optimized to reduce the presence of aflatoxins on dehulled hazelnuts. First, the effect of different gases was tested (N₂, 0.1% O₂ and 1% O₂, 21% O₂), then power (400, 700, 1000, 1150 W) and exposure time (1, 2, 4, and 12 min) were optimized. In preliminary tests on aflatoxin standard solutions, this method allowed to obtain a complete detoxification using a high power for a few minutes. On hazelnuts, in similar conditions (1000 W, 12 min), a reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins and AFB₁ of over 70% was obtained. Aflatoxins B₁ and G₁ were more sensitive to plasma treatments compared to aflatoxins B₂ and G₂, respectively. Under plasma treatment, aflatoxin B₁ was more sensitive compared to aflatoxin G₁. At the highest power, and for the longest time, the maximum temperature increment was 28.9 °C. Cold atmospheric plasma has the potential to be a promising method for aflatoxin detoxification on food, because it is effective and it could help to maintain the organoleptic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Siciliano
- Agroinnova-Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
| | - Davide Spadaro
- Agroinnova-Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
| | - Ambra Prelle
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
| | - Dario Vallauri
- Tecnogranda SpA, Via G.B. Conte, 19 Dronero, Cuneo 12025, Italy.
| | | | - Angelo Garibaldi
- Agroinnova-Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
| | - Maria Lodovica Gullino
- Agroinnova-Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
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Prelle A, Spadaro D, Denca A, Garibaldi A, Gullino ML. Comparison of clean-up methods for ochratoxin A on wine, beer, roasted coffee and chili commercialized in Italy. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:1827-44. [PMID: 24152987 PMCID: PMC3813914 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common technique used to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) in food matrices is based on extraction, clean-up, and chromatography detection. Different clean-up cartridges, such as immunoaffinity columns (IAC), molecular imprinting polymers (MIP), Mycosep™ 229, Mycospin™, and Oasis® HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic balance) as solid phase extraction were tested to optimize the purification for red wine, beer, roasted coffee and chili. Recovery, reproducibility, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated for each clean-up method. IAC demonstrated to be suitable for OTA analysis in wine and beer with recovery rate >90%, as well as Mycosep™ for wine and chili. On the contrary, MIP columns were the most appropriate to clean up coffee. A total of 120 samples (30 wines, 30 beers, 30 roasted coffee, 30 chili) marketed in Italy were analyzed, by applying the developed clean-up methods. Twenty-seven out of 120 samples analyzed (22.7%: two wines, five beers, eight coffees, and 12 chili) resulted positive to OTA. A higher incidence of OTA was found in chili (40.0%) more than wine (6.6%), beers (16.6%) and coffee (26.6%). Moreover, OTA concentration in chili was the highest detected, reaching 47.8 µg/kg. Furthermore, three samples (2.5%), two wines and one chili, exceeded the European threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Prelle
- Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-environmental Sector (AGROINNOVA), University of Turin, Grugliasco (TO) 10095, Italy.
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Matić S, Spadaro D, Prelle A, Gullino ML, Garibaldi A. Light affects fumonisin production in strains of Fusarium fujikuroi, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium verticillioides isolated from rice. Int J Food Microbiol 2013; 166:515-23. [PMID: 24055868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Three Fusarium species associated with bakanae disease of rice (Fusarium fujikuroi, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium verticillioides) were investigated for their ability to produce fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) under different light conditions, and for pathogenicity. Compared to darkness, the conditions that highly stimulated fumonisin production were yellow and green light in F. verticillioides strains; white and blue light, and light/dark alternation in F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum strains. In general, all light conditions positively influenced fumonisin production with respect to the dark. Expression of the FUM1 gene, which is necessary for the initiation of fumonisin production, was in accordance with the fumonisin biosynthetic profile. High and low fumonisin-producing F. fujikuroi strains showed typical symptoms of bakanae disease, abundant fumonisin-producing F. verticillioides strains exhibited chlorosis and stunting of rice plants, while fumonisin-producing F. proliferatum strains were asymptomatic on rice. We report that F. fujikuroi might be an abundant fumonisin producer with levels comparable to that of F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, highlighting the need of deeper mycotoxicological analyses on rice isolates of F. fujikuroi. Our results showed for the first time the influence of light on fumonisin production in isolates of F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides from rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Matić
- Agroinnova, Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (To), Italy; Dept. of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (To), Italy
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Lopez-Reyes JG, Spadaro D, Prelle A, Garibaldi A, Gullino ML. Efficacy of plant essential oils on postharvest control of rots caused by fungi on different stone fruits in vivo. J Food Prot 2013; 76:631-9. [PMID: 23575125 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-12-342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The antifungal activity of plant essential oils was evaluated as postharvest treatment on stone fruit against brown rot and grey mold rot of stone fruit caused by Monilinia laxa and Botrytis cinerea, respectively. The essential oils from basil (Ocimum basilicum), fennel (Foeniculum sativum), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), marjoram (Origanum majorana), oregano (Origanum vulgare), peppermint (Mentha piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), savory (Satureja montana), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and wild mint (Mentha arvensis) were tested at two different concentrations on apricots (cv. Kyoto and cv. Tonda di Costigliole), nectarines (cv. Big Top and cv. Nectaross) and plums (cv. Italia and cv. TC Sun). The volatile composition of the essential oils tested was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The treatments containing essential oils from oregano, savory, and thyme at 1% (vol/vol) controlled both B. cinerea and M. laxa growing on apricots cv. Tonda di Costigliole and plums cv. Italia and cv. TC Sun; however, the same treatments were phytotoxic for the carposphere of nectarines cv. Big Top and cv. Nectaross. Treatments with 10% (vol/vol) essential oils were highly phytotoxic, notwithstanding their efficacy against the pathogens tested. The essential oils containing as major components α-pinene, p-cymene, carvacrol, and thymol showed similar results on stone fruit, so their antimicrobial activity and the phytotoxicity produced could be based on the concentration of their principal compounds and their synergistic activity. The efficacy of the essential oil treatments on control of fungal pathogens in postharvest depended on the fruit cultivar, the composition and concentration of the essential oil applied, and the length of storage.
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Prelle A, Spadaro D, Garibaldi A, Gullino ML. Aflatoxin monitoring in Italian hazelnut products by LC-MS. Food Additives and Contaminants: Part B 2012; 5:279-85. [DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2012.711371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Valsasina P, Agosta F, Riva N, Copetti M, Perini M, Prelle A, Caputo D, Salvi F, Messina MJ, Comi G, Filippi M. The Cortical Signature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (P03.160). Neurology 2012. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.78.1_meetingabstracts.p03.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Sarro L, Agosta F, Canu E, Riva N, Prelle A, Copetti M, Riccitelli G, Comi G, Filippi M. Cognitive functions and white matter tract damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a diffusion tensor tractography study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:1866-72. [PMID: 22016410 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ALS is predominantly a disease of the motor system, but cognitive and behavioral symptoms also are observed. DT MR imaging is sensitive to microstructural changes occurring in WM tracts of patients with ALS. In this study, we investigated the association between cognitive functions and extramotor WM tract abnormalities in ALS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS DT MR imaging was obtained from 16 nondemented patients with ALS and 15 healthy controls. Patients with ALS underwent a neuropsychologic and behavioral evaluation. DT tractography was used to asses the integrity of the CST, corpus callosum, and the major long-range association tracts. The relationship between DT MR imaging metrics and cognitive functions was tested by using linear model analyses, adjusting for age and clinical disability. RESULTS Eleven patients (69%) scored below the fifth percentile in at least 1 cognitive test, and 2 of them had a mild executive impairment. Performances at tests assessing attention and executive functions correlated with DT MR imaging metrics of the corpus callosum, CST, and long association WM tracts bilaterally, including the cingulum, inferior longitudinal, inferior fronto-occipital, and uncinate fasciculi. Verbal learning and memory test scores were associated with fornix DT MR imaging values, whereas visual-spatial abilities correlated with left uncinate fractional anisotropy. CONCLUSIONS WM tract degeneration is associated with neuropsychologic deficits in patients with ALS. DT tractography holds promise to gain insight into the role of the brain WM network abnormalities in the development of cognitive impairment in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sarro
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Canu E, Agosta F, Riva N, Sala S, Prelle A, Caputo D, Perini M, Comi G, Filippi M. The topography of brain microstructural damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis assessed using diffusion tensor MR imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2011; 32:1307-14. [PMID: 21680655 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ALS leads to macrostructural (ie, cortical atrophy and hyperintensities along the corticospinal tract) and microstructural (ie, gray matter intrinsic damage) central nervous system abnormalities. We used a multimodal voxelwise imaging approach to assess microstructural changes independent of macrostructural volume loss in patients with ALS compared with HCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-three patients with ALS and 14 HCs were studied. Conventional imaging and DTI were performed. Images were processed by using SPM5 to assess measures of gray and white matter atrophy as well as microstructural damage (ie, MD and FA). DTI alterations independent of volume loss were investigated. RESULTS When we accounted for both gray and white matter atrophy, patients with ALS showed increased MD values in several gray and white matter areas mainly located in the orbitofrontal and frontotemporal regions bilaterally, in the right genu of the corpus callosum, and in the right posterior limb of the internal capsule. When we accounted for white matter volume loss, patients with ALS showed decreased FA along the corticospinal tract bilaterally and in the left inferior frontal lobe relative to HCs. The MD of the orbitofrontal regions bilaterally was associated significantly with disease duration. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ALS, DTI detects microstructural changes independent of brain tissue loss. The affected regions included both motor and extramotor areas. The extent of ALS-related DTI abnormalities was greater than that disclosed by the volumetric analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Canu
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Agosta F, Valsasina P, Absinta M, Riva N, Sala S, Prelle A, Copetti M, Comola M, Comi G, Filippi M. Sensorimotor functional connectivity changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 21:2291-8. [PMID: 21368084 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether the functional connections to the primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC) at rest are abnormal in 26 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and whether such changes are related to the corticospinal tract (CST) damage, measured using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT MRI). ALS patients versus controls showed a significantly increased functional connectivity between the left SMC and the right cingulate cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, and cerebellum-crus II. No right SMC connectivity changes were found. The pattern of increased functional connectivity to the left SMC was more widespread when considering only patients with no CST DT MRI abnormalities than the whole group of patients. In this patient group, functional connectivity was also increased between the right SMC and the right parahippocampal gyrus. On the contrary, in ALS patients with CST damage (as assessed using DT MRI) versus controls, functional connectivity was increased between the left SMC and the right cingulate cortex only, while it was decreased between the right SMC and the right cerebellum-lobule VI. In ALS patients, disease severity correlated with reduced SMC functional connectivity. Functional brain changes do occur in ALS with mild disability. These changes might have a role in compensating for (limited) structural damage and might exhaust with increasing burden of disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, University Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Agosta F, Pagani E, Petrolini M, Caputo D, Perini M, Prelle A, Salvi F, Filippi M. Assessment of white matter tract damage in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a diffusion tensor MR imaging tractography study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2010; 31:1457-61. [PMID: 20395382 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Most DTI studies in ALS have been limited to the assessment of the CST damage. In this study, we used DTI tractography to investigate whether microstructural abnormalities occur in the major motor and extramotor WM tracts in mildly disabled patients with ALS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Brain conventional MR imaging and DTI were performed in 24 patients with probable or definite ALS and mild disability (ALSFRS score, ≥20) and 20 healthy controls. The mean disease progression rate was 0.62 (range = 0.08-2.50). DTI tractography was used to segment the CST, the corpus callosum, and the major WM association tracts (ie, cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital, inferior longitudinal, and superior longitudinal fasciculi). RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, patients with ALS showed significantly decreased FA and significantly increased MD and radial D of the CST bilaterally (P values from .005 to .01). Patients with ALS also had a significantly increased axial D of the right uncinate fasciculus relative to controls (P = .04). CST FA significantly correlated with the rate of disease progression (right CST: r = -0.50, P = .02; left CST: r = -0.41, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with ALS and mild disability have preferential damage to the CST. The association of CST damage with the rate of disease progression suggests that DTI has the potential to provide in vivo markers of ALS evolution. The subtle involvement of the uncinate fasciculus may precede the appearance of behavioral symptoms in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Agosta
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Lamperti C, Salani S, Lucchiari S, Bordoni A, Ripolone M, Fagiolari G, Fruguglietti ME, Crugnola V, Colombo C, Cappellini A, Prelle A, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Moggio M. Neuropathological study of skeletal muscle, heart, liver, and brain in a neonatal form of glycogen storage disease type IV associated with a new mutation in GBE1 gene. J Inherit Metab Dis 2009; 32 Suppl 1:S161-8. [PMID: 19357989 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-009-1134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV, or Andersen disease) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency of 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme (or glycogen branching enzyme, GBE1), resulting in an accumulation of amylopectin-like polysaccharide in muscle, liver, heart and central and peripheral nervous system. Typically, the presentation is in childhood with liver involvement up to cirrhosis. The neuromuscular form varies in onset (congenital, perinatal, juvenile and adult) and in severity. Congenital cases are rare, and fewer than 20 cases have been described and genetically determined so far. This form is characterized by polyhydramnios, neonatal hypotonia, and neuronal involvement; hepatopathy is uncommon, and the babies usually die between 4 weeks and 4 months of age. We report the case of an infant who presented severe hypotonia, dilatative cardiomyopathy, mild hepatopathy, and brain lateral ventricle haemorrhage, features consistent with the congenital form of GSD IV. He died at one month of life of cardiorespiratory failure. Muscle biopsy and heart and liver autoptic specimens showed many vacuoles filled with PAS-positive diastase-resistant materials. Electron-microscopic analysis showed mainly polyglucosan accumulations in all the tissues examined. Postmortem examination showed the presence of vacuolated neurons containing this abnormal polysaccharide. GBE1 biochemical activity was virtually absent in muscle and fibroblasts, and totally lacking in liver and heart as well as glycogen synthase activity. GBE1 gene sequence analysis revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation, p.E152X, in exon 4, correlating with the lack of enzyme activity and with the severe neonatal involvement. Our findings contribute to increasing the spectrum of mutation associated with congenital GSD IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lamperti
- Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Maniagalli and Regina Elena, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Crugnola V, Colombo I, Rossetti G, Grimoldi N, Ciscato P, Prelle A, Comi G, Bresolin N, Moggio M, Lamperti C. G.P.9.06 Infantile inflammatory myopathy presenting as SMARD 1. Neuromuscul Disord 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2009.06.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Del Bo R, Ghezzi S, Corti S, Pandolfo M, Ranieri M, Santoro D, Ghione I, Prelle A, Orsetti V, Mancuso M, Sorarù G, Briani C, Angelini C, Siciliano G, Bresolin N, Comi GP. TARDBP(TDP-43) sequence analysis in patients with familial and sporadic ALS: identification of two novel mutations. Eur J Neurol 2009; 16:727-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Agosta F, Rocca MA, Valsasina P, Sala S, Caputo D, Perini M, Salvi F, Prelle A, Filippi M. A longitudinal diffusion tensor MRI study of the cervical cord and brain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2009; 80:53-5. [PMID: 18931009 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.154252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the temporal evolution of intrinsic tissue damage and atrophy in the cervical cord and the brain portion of the corticospinal tracts (CST) from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Conventional and diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical cord and brain were obtained from 17 ALS patients and 20 controls, at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 9 months. The following measurements were assessed: (a) cervical cord cross-sectional area, average mean diffusivity (MD) and average fractional anisotropy (FA); and (b) CST T2-visible hyperintensities, average MD and FA. RESULTS During the follow-up, ALS patients showed a significant decrease in cord area (p = 0.003) and cord average FA (p = 0.01), and a significant increase in cord average MD (p = 0.01). In ALS patients, longitudinal changes of diffusivity measurements were not associated with cord area changes. At baseline, brain CST average MD was significantly higher in ALS patients compared with controls (p = 0.001). Brain CST diffusivity measurements remained stable over time in ALS patients and did not correlate with cord damage. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that progressive tissue loss and injury to the remaining tissue occur in the cervical cord of ALS patients and that these two features of ALS-related pathology are not strictly interrelated. Cord pathology in ALS patients is likely to be independent of brain changes, indicating that imaging the cervical cord may be a useful adjunctive tool to monitor ALS evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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17
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Del Bo R, Ghezzi S, Corti S, Santoro D, Prelle A, Mancuso M, Siciliano G, Briani C, Murri L, Bresolin N, Comi GP. DPP6 gene variability confers increased risk of developing sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Italian patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2008; 79:1085. [PMID: 18708572 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.149146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Bruzzoniti MC, Carlo RMD, Horvath K, Perrachon D, Prelle A, Tófalvi R, Sarzanini C, Hajós P. High performance ion chromatography of haloacetic acids on macrocyclic cryptand anion exchanger. J Chromatogr A 2008; 1187:188-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Agosta F, Pagani E, Rocca M, Caputo D, Perini M, Salvi F, Prelle A, Filippi M. Voxel-based morphometry study of brain volumetry and diffusivity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with mild disability. Hum Brain Mapp 2008; 28:1430-8. [PMID: 17370339 PMCID: PMC6871473 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive and simultaneous degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The pathological process associated to ALS, albeit more pronounced in the motor/premotor cortices and along the corticospinal tracts (CST), does not spare extra-motor brain gray (GM) and white (WM) matter structures. However, it remains unclear whether such extra-motor cerebral abnormalities occur with mildly disabling disease, and how irreversible tissue loss and intrinsic tissue damage are interrelated. To this end, we used an optimized version of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis to investigate the patterns of regional GM density changes and to quantify GM and WM diffusivity alterations of the entire brain from mildly disabled patients with ALS. A high-resolution T1-weighted 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo and a pulsed gradient spin-echo single shot echo-planar sequence of the brain were acquired from 25 mildly disabled patients with ALS and 18 matched healthy controls. An analysis of covariance was used to compare volumetry and diffusivity measurements between patients and controls. Compared with controls, ALS patients had significant clusters of locally reduced GM density (P < 0.001) in the right premotor cortex, left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and superior temporal gyrus (STG), bilaterally. In ALS patients contrasted to controls, we also found significant clusters of locally increased MD (P < 0.001) in the splenium of the corpus callosum and in the WM adjacent to the IFG, STG, and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) of the right hemisphere, and in the WM adjacent to the MTG and lingual gyrus in the left hemisphere. Compared with controls, ALS patients also had significant clusters of locally decreased FA values (P < 0.001) in the CST in the midbrain and corpus callosum, bilaterally. This study supports the notion that ALS is a multisystem disorder and suggests that extra-motor involvement may be an early feature of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - M.A. Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Caputo
- Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Perini
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale di Gallarate, Gallarate, Italy
| | - F. Salvi
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale di Bellaria, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A. Prelle
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- MRI Research Group, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
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20
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Torrente Y, Belicchi M, Marchesi C, D'Antona G, Cogiamanian F, Pisati F, Gavina M, Giordano R, Tonlorenzi R, Fagiolari G, Lamperti C, Porretti L, Lopa R, Sampaolesi M, Vicentini L, Grimoldi N, Tiberio F, Songa V, Baratta P, Prelle A, Forzenigo L, Guglieri M, Pansarasa O, Rinaldi C, Mouly V, Butler-Browne GS, Comi GP, Biondetti P, Moggio M, Gaini SM, Stocchetti N, Priori A, D'Angelo MG, Turconi A, Bottinelli R, Cossu G, Rebulla P, Bresolin N. Autologous transplantation of muscle-derived CD133+ stem cells in Duchenne muscle patients. Cell Transplant 2007; 16:563-77. [PMID: 17912948 DOI: 10.3727/000000007783465064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked recessive muscle disease due to defect on the gene encoding dystrophin. The lack of a functional dystrophin in muscles results in the fragility of the muscle fiber membrane with progressive muscle weakness and premature death. There is no cure for DMD and current treatment options focus primarily on respiratory assistance, comfort care, and delaying the loss of ambulation. Recent works support the idea that stem cells can contribute to muscle repair as well as to replenishment of the satellite cell pool. Here we tested the safety of autologous transplantation of muscle-derived CD133+ cells in eight boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a 7-month, double-blind phase I clinical trial. Stem cell safety was tested by measuring muscle strength and evaluating muscle structures with MRI and histological analysis. Timed cardiac and pulmonary function tests were secondary outcome measures. No local or systemic side effects were observed in all treated DMD patients. Treated patients had an increased ratio of capillary per muscle fibers with a switch from slow to fast myosin-positive myofibers.
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MESH Headings
- AC133 Antigen
- Adolescent
- Antigens, CD/classification
- Antigens, CD/isolation & purification
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Child
- Double-Blind Method
- Feasibility Studies
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glycoproteins/classification
- Glycoproteins/isolation & purification
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunomagnetic Separation/classification
- Immunophenotyping/classification
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Male
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal/cytology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/cytology
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/transplantation
- Peptides/classification
- Peptides/isolation & purification
- Peptides/metabolism
- Stem Cell Transplantation
- Stem Cells/cytology
- Transplantation, Autologous
- Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Torrente
- Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Italy.
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21
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Magri F, Guglieri M, D’Angelo M, Cagliani R, Del Bo R, Ghezzi S, Ronchi D, Prelle A, Lamperti C, Fortunato F, Morandi L, Mora M, Moggio M, Bresolin N, Comi G. G.P.8.04 Clinical and genetical variability in a large sample of LGMD Italian patients. Neuromuscul Disord 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.06.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Bruzzoniti MC, Prelle A, Sarzanini C, Onida B, Fiorilli S, Garrone E. Retention of heavy metal ions on SBA-15 mesoporous silica functionalised with carboxylic groups. J Sep Sci 2007; 30:2414-20. [PMID: 17683045 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200700182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Three samples of SBA-15 functionalised with -(CH(2))(3)COOH groups have been prepared by co-condensation, starting from solutions of TEOS and 4-(triethoxysilyl)butyronitrile, acting as -(CH(2))(3)COOH precursor, of different molar compositions. Materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The pK(a) and the acidic capacity were measured for all samples by potentiometric titration. The acidic capacity increases with increasing amount of -COOH precursor in the synthesis mixture only up to 10% molar of total alkoxysilane. The value for the pK(a)(4.75) is independent of the acidic capacity of the material. The sample prepared starting from an amount of -COOH precursor equal to 10% molar of total alkoxysilane was chosen to test selective interactions with heavy metals of environmental importance (Ag(+), Cd(2+), Fe(3+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+)) at different pH values and ionic strengths. The significant and selective adsorption exhibited by the material has been exploited in a preliminary cation-exchange chromatographic application showing the possibility of eluting the metal ions at different retention times.
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23
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Valsasina P, Agosta F, Benedetti B, Caputo D, Perini M, Salvi F, Prelle A, Filippi M. Diffusion anisotropy of the cervical cord is strictly associated with disability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007; 78:480-4. [PMID: 17030586 PMCID: PMC2117814 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2006.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with severe cervical cord damage due to degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and loss of lower motor neurones. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT MRI) allows the measurement of quantities reflecting the size (such as mean diffusivity) and orientation (such as fractional anisotropy) of water-filled spaces in biological tissues. METHODS Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy histograms from the cervical cord of patients with ALS were obtained to: (1) quantify the extent of tissue damage in this critical central nervous system region; and (2) investigate the magnitude of the correlation of cervical cord DT MRI metrics with patients' disability and tissue damage along the brain portion of the corticospinal tracts. Cervical cord and brain DT MRI scans were obtained from 28 patients with ALS and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Cord mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy histograms were produced and the cord cross-sectional area was measured. Average mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy along the brain portion of the corticospinal tracts were also measured. RESULTS Compared with controls, patients with ALS had significantly lower mean fractional anisotropy (p = 0.002) and cord cross-sectional area (p<0.001). Mean diffusivity histogram-derived metrics did not differ between the two groups. A strong correlation was found between mean cord fractional anisotropy and the ALS Functional Rating Score (r = 0.74, p<0.001). Mean cord and brain fractional anisotropy values correlated moderately (r = 0.37, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cervical cord DT MRI in patients with ALS allows the extent of cord damage to be graded. The conventional and DT MRI changes found are compatible with the presence of neuroaxonal loss and reactive gliosis, with a heterogeneous distribution of the pathological process between the brain and the cord. The correlation found between cord fractional anisotropy and disability suggests that DT MRI may be a useful adjunctive tool to monitor the evolution of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Valsasina
- MRI Research Group, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
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24
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Marchesi C, Pluderi M, Colleoni F, Belicchi M, Meregalli M, Farini A, Parolini D, Draghi L, Fruguglietti ME, Gavina M, Porretti L, Cattaneo A, Battistelli M, Prelle A, Moggio M, Borsa S, Bello L, Spagnoli D, Gaini SM, Tanzi MC, Bresolin N, Grimoldi N, Torrente Y. Skin-derived stem cells transplanted into resorbable guides provide functional nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve resection. Glia 2007; 55:425-38. [PMID: 17203471 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is often incomplete and the treatment of severe lesions with nerve tissue loss is primarily aimed at recreating nerve continuity. Guide tubes of various types, filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, or nerve growth factors are attractive as an alternative therapy to nerve grafts. In this study, we evaluated whether skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs) can improve peripheral nerve regeneration after transplantation into nerve guides. We compared peripheral nerve regeneration in adult rats with sciatic nerve gaps of 16 mm after autologous transplantation of GFP-labeled SDSCs into two different types of guides: a synthetic guide, obtained by dip coating with a L-lactide and trimethylene carbonate (PLA-TMC) copolymer and a collagen-based guide. The sciatic function index and the recovery rates of the compound muscle action potential were significantly higher in the animals that received SDSCs transplantation, in particular, into the collagen guide, compared to the control guides filled only with PBS. For these guides the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an increased number of myelinated axons expressing S100 and Neurofilament 70, suggesting the presence of regenerating nerve fibers along the gap. GFP positive cells were found around regenerating nerve fibers and few of them were positive for the expression of glial markers as S-100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of S100 and myelin basic protein in the animals treated with the collagen guide filled with SDSCs. These data support the hypothesis that SDSCs could represent a tool for future cell therapy applications in peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Marchesi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico-Mangiagalli e Regina Elena of Milan, Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, University of Milan, Italy
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25
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Morandi L, Angelini C, Prelle A, Pini A, Grassi B, Bernardi G, Politano L, Bruno C, De Grandis D, Cudia P, Citterio A. High plasma creatine kinase: review of the literature and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm. Neurol Sci 2007; 27:303-11. [PMID: 17122938 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-006-0701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The condition of persistently high plasma CK levels is frequently encountered in asymptomatic patients with normal neurological examination. This condition may be the unique manifestation of several neuromuscular disorders, whose diagnosis is now possible using new diagnostic techniques. However, even if these patients are intensely investigated, specific diagnoses are not always forthcoming. Because of the lack of a widely accepted diagnostic protocol, hyperCKaemia in asymptomatic subjects is a potentially difficult clinical problem. In this paper we review the literature on conditions associated with variations in plasma CK levels and the literature on investigations carried out in asymptomatic persons with high CK to identify neuromuscular diseases. In the light of these data, and the deliberations of a working group of the Italian Association of Myology, we propose a diagnostic algorithm to guide the diagnostic work-up of persons presenting with persistently high levels of plasma CK. This algorithm has been discussed and approved by the Committee of the Italian Association of Myology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Morandi
- Immunology and Muscular Pathology Unit, National Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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26
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Del Bo R, Locatelli F, Corti S, Scarlato M, Ghezzi S, Prelle A, Fagiolari G, Moggio M, Carpo M, Bresolin N, Comi GP. Coexistence of CMT-2D and distal SMA-V phenotypes in an Italian family with a GARS gene mutation. Neurology 2006; 66:752-4. [PMID: 16534118 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000201275.18875.ac] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An Italian multigenerational family with four members affected by an axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2D (CMT-2D) or distal spinal muscular atrophy (dSMA) phenotype with upper limb predominance, variable age at onset, degree of disability, and autosomal dominant inheritance is reported. A novel heterozygous missense GARS gene mutation (D500N) was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Del Bo
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Cagliani R, Bresolin N, Prelle A, Gallanti A, Fortunato F, Sironi M, Ciscato P, Fagiolari G, Bonato S, Galbiati S, Corti S, Lamperti C, Moggio M, Comi GP. A CAV3 microdeletion differentially affects skeletal muscle and myocardium. Neurology 2003; 61:1513-9. [PMID: 14663034 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000097320.35982.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caveolin-3 is the muscle-specific protein product of the caveolin gene family and an integral membrane component of caveolae. Mutations in the gene encoding caveolin-3 (CAV3) underlie four distinct disorders of skeletal muscle: the autosomal dominant form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD-1C), rippling muscle disease (RMD), sporadic and familial forms of hyperCKemia, and distal myopathy. OBJECTIVE To characterize a multigenerational Italian family affected by an autosomal dominant myopathic disorder and to assess the expression of caveolin-3, dystrophin, dystrophin-associated glycoproteins, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the myocardium of an affected patient. METHODS Clinical analysis involved 15 family members. Skeletal muscle expression of sarcolemmal proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in three affected individuals. Caveolar structures were analyzed through electron microscopy in muscle biopsies and in one heart biopsy. RESULTS CAV3 genetic analysis showed a heterozygous 3-bp microdeletion (328-330del) in affected individuals, resulting in the loss of a phenylalanine (Phe97del) in the transmembrane domain. In the skeletal muscle, the mutation was associated with severe caveolin-3 deficiency and caveolar disorganization, whereas the expression of the other analyzed muscle proteins was unaltered. Remarkably, caveolin-3 was expressed in myocardium at a level corresponding to about 60% of that of control individuals and was correctly localized at the myocardial cell membranes, with preservation of cardiac myofiber caveolar structures. Clinical analysis revealed the concomitant presence in this family of the following phenotypes: RMD, LGMD, and hyperCKemia. CONCLUSIONS Intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity is associated with caveolin-3 Phe97 microdeletion. The molecular network interacting with caveolin-3 in skeletal muscle and heart may differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cagliani
- I.R.C.C.S.E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
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28
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Cagliani R, Fortunato F, Giorda R, Rodolico C, Bonaglia MC, Sironi M, D'Angelo MG, Prelle A, Locatelli F, Toscano A, Bresolin N, Comi GP. Molecular analysis of LGMD-2B and MM patients: identification of novel DYSF mutations and possible founder effect in the Italian population. Neuromuscul Disord 2003; 13:788-95. [PMID: 14678801 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(03)00133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Dysferlin, the protein product of the dysferlin gene (DYSF), has been shown to have a role in calcium-induced membrane fusion and repair. Dysferlin is absent or drastically reduced in patients with the following autosomal recessive disorders: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD-2B), Miyoshi myopathy (MM) and distal anterior compartment myopathy. To date, less than 45 mutations have been described in DYSF and a wide inter- and intra-familial variation in clinical phenotype has been associated with the same mutation. This observation underlines the relevance of any new report describing genotype/phenotype correlations in dysferlinopathic patient and families. Here we present the results of clinical, biochemical and genetic analysis performed on one MM and three LGMD Italian families. By screening the entire coding region of DYSF, we identified three novel mutations (two missense substitutions and one frame shift microdeletion). The possible existence of a founder effect for the Arg959Trp mutation in the Italian population is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cagliani
- IRCCS E. Medea, Associazione La Nostra Famiglia, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy.
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29
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Prelle A, Sciacco M, Tancredi L, Fagiolari G, Comi GP, Ciscato P, Serafini M, Fortunato F, Zecca C, Gallanti A, Chiveri L, Bresolin N, Scarlato G, Moggio M. Clinical, morphological and immunological evaluation of six patients with dysferlin deficiency. Acta Neuropathol 2003; 105:537-42. [PMID: 12734659 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-002-0654-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2002] [Accepted: 10/31/2002] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2B and distal Miyoshi myopathy (MM) are caused by mutations in a recently discovered mammalian gene coding for a skeletal muscle protein called dysferlin. The protein is normally expressed at the skeletal muscle level and absent or reduced in affected patients. We selected a clinically heterogeneous population of Italian myopathic patients with clinical evidence of myopathy and/or hyperCKemia, EMG myopathic pattern, and no alterations of the dystrophin-sarcoglycan complex. Calpain, merosin, emerin and caveolin were also tested and found normal in all patients. Dysferlin immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses allowed us to identify six patients with dysferlin deficiency: one with distal myopathy, four with limb girdle myopathy and one with hyperCKemia. No apoptosis was found in any of the six muscle specimens, although expression of the pro-apoptotic Fas antigen was mildly increased in two cases. Inflammatory reactions were present in two of the six cases, but we found no evidence of immune-mediated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prelle
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore-Policlinico IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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30
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Cagliani R, Bardoni A, Sironi M, Fortunato F, Prelle A, Felisari G, Bonaglia MC, D'Angelo MG, Moggio M, Bresolin N, Comi GP. Two dystrophin proteins and transcripts in a mild dystrophinopathic patient. Neuromuscul Disord 2003; 13:13-6. [PMID: 12467727 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(02)00192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Two muscle dystrophin transcripts and proteins were detected in a 17-year-old boy with a persistently elevated serum creatine kinase level. A decreased amount of full-length dystrophin and a 360 kDa polypeptide lacking the COOH-terminus were detectable in the patient's muscle biopsy; accordingly, transcript analysis revealed the expression of a wild type messenger RNA together with a shorter frameshifted one. No genomic DNA mutation was found and the presence of a somatic mosaicism was excluded. This dystrophinopathy may be caused by a novel dystrophin gene transcriptional defect, namely aberrant intraexonic splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cagliani
- IRCCS E Medea, Associazione La Nostra Famiglia, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy.
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Corti S, Strazzer S, Del Bo R, Salani S, Bossolasco P, Fortunato F, Locatelli F, Soligo D, Moggio M, Ciscato P, Prelle A, Borsotti C, Bresolin N, Scarlato G, Comi GP. A subpopulation of murine bone marrow cells fully differentiates along the myogenic pathway and participates in muscle repair in the mdx dystrophic mouse. Exp Cell Res 2002; 277:74-85. [PMID: 12061818 DOI: 10.1006/excr.2002.5543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) transplantation in mice suggests the existence of pluripotent cells able to differentiate into skeletal muscle tissue, although sustained myofiber reconstitution has not yet been achieved. We investigated the myogenic potential of mouse BM cells and evaluated whether a BM fraction enriched for cells expressing skeletal muscle markers would ameliorate muscle repair, when compared to whole BM, into the dystrophic mdx mouse. We demonstrate that cells expressing striated-muscle-specific proteins are already present in the BM independently from experimentally forced myogenic conversion. We observed the presence of both markers of early myogenic program such as Pax3, Myf5, MyoD, desmin, and late myogenesis such as myosin heavy chain and alpha-sarcomeric actin. These myogenic cells are more represented in the early nonadherent BM fraction, which generates clones able to fully differentiate into myotubes. Transplantation in mdx mice by intravenous injection of whole BM and a tenfold BM myogenic enriched fraction resulted in BM reconstitution and limited dystrophin restoration. Taken together, these data show that a fraction of BM cells have a definite potential for differentiation along the skeletal muscle pathway and can be recruited by muscle repair mechanisms. They also indicate that factors limiting the degree of muscle recruitment and the host stem cell competition should be assessed in order to evaluate the usefulness of BM-derived myogenic cells into the context of cell-mediated gene therapy of inherited muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Corti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università di Milano, I.R.C.C.S. Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
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32
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Lucchiari S, Fogh I, Prelle A, Parini R, Bresolin N, Melis D, Fiori L, Scarlato G, Comi GP. Clinical and genetic variability of glycogen storage disease type IIIa: seven novel AGL gene mutations in the Mediterranean area. Am J Med Genet 2002; 109:183-90. [PMID: 11977176 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.10347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of amylo-1,6-glucosidase, 4-alpha-glucanotransferase enzyme (AGL or glycogen debrancher enzyme) is responsible for glycogen storage disease type III, a rare autosomal recessive disorder of glycogen metabolism. The AGL gene is located on chromosome 1p21, and contains 35 exons translated in a monomeric protein product. The disease has recognized clinical and biochemical heterogeneity, reflecting the genotype-phenotype heterogeneity among different subjects. The clinical manifestations of GSD III are represented by hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, short stature and, in a number of subjects, cardiomyopathy and myopathy. In this article, we discuss the genotypic-phenotypic heterogeneity of GSD III by the molecular characterization of mutations responsible for the disease on a collection of 18 independent alleles from the Mediterranean area. We identified by heteroduplex band shift, DNA direct sequencing, and restriction analysis, seven novel mutations (four nonsense point-mutations: R34X, S530X, R1218X, W1398X; two microinsertions: 1072insT and 4724insAA; and one bp deletion: 676DeltaG), together with two new cases carrying a IVS21 + 1 G --> A splicing site mutation previously described in Italian patients. Altogether, 15 alleles were characterized. The correlation between type of mutation and clinical severity was studied in six patients in whom both mutated alleles were detected. Our data confirm the extreme genetic heterogeneity of this disease, thus precluding a strategy of mutation finding based on screening of recurrent common mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lucchiari
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, I.R.C.C.S. Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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33
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Messina S, Fagiolari G, Lamperti C, Cavaletti G, Prelle A, Scarlato G, Bresolin M, Moggio M, Sciacco M. Women with pregnancy-related polymyositis and high serum CK levels in the newborn. Neurology 2002; 58:482-4. [PMID: 11839858 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.58.3.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two previously healthy women developed an inflammatory myopathy before the term of their first pregnancy. Skeletal muscle biopsy led to a diagnosis of T cell-mediated polymyositis. Both babies were healthy, but their serum creatine kinase levels remained elevated for a few months after birth. Their mothers did well after corticosteroid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Messina
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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34
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Bendotti C, Calvaresi N, Chiveri L, Prelle A, Moggio M, Braga M, Silani V, De Biasi S. Early vacuolization and mitochondrial damage in motor neurons of FALS mice are not associated with apoptosis or with changes in cytochrome oxidase histochemical reactivity. J Neurol Sci 2001; 191:25-33. [PMID: 11676989 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(01)00627-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of mutated superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in transgenic mice causes a progressive motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord similar to that in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ultrastructural analysis of motor neurons at different stages of the disease in transgenic C57BL/6 mice carrying the G93A mutation of SOD1 showed, at about 2 weeks of age, much earlier than the initial symptoms of the disease, microvacuoles in the cytoplasm, with marked swelling of the mitochondria. Nuclei with an apoptotic morphology were never observed in these motor neurons. Swollen mitochondria were also seen in the distal part of motor axons of phrenic nerves and in the large axons of sciatic nerves before the onset of the disease, but no mitochondrial alterations were seen in skeletal muscles or in the small sciatic nerve axons. Moreover, we found no apparent changes in the histochemical reactivity of cytochrome oxidase in motor neurons of transgenic mice even at the advanced stage of the disease, suggesting that partial neuronal activity in these cells may be maintained despite the altered mitochondria. Immunoreactivity for human SOD1 was high around vacuoles in the motor neurons of transgenic mice but no cytoplasmic intracellular SOD1 aggregates were observed. Our data indicate that mitochondrial swelling may be an important factor triggering the cascade leading to progressive motor neuron death. Activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore may be involved in this process, through excitotoxicity or other neurotoxic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bendotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Via Eritrea 62, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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35
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Sciacco M, Prelle A, Comi GP, Napoli L, Battistel A, Bresolin N, Tancredi L, Lamperti C, Bordoni A, Fagiolari G, Ciscato P, Chiveri L, Perini MP, Fortunato F, Adobbati L, Messina S, Toscano A, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Papadimitriou A, Scarlato G, Moggio M. Retrospective study of a large population of patients affected with mitochondrial disorders: clinical, morphological and molecular genetic evaluation. J Neurol 2001; 248:778-88. [PMID: 11596783 DOI: 10.1007/s004150170094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial disorders are human genetic diseases with extremely variable clinical and genetic features. To better define them, we made a genotype-phenotype correlation in a series of 207 affected patients, and we examined most of them with six laboratory examinations (serum CK and basal lactate levels, EMG, cardiac and EEG studies, neuroradiology). We found that, depending on the genetic abnormality, hyperckemia occurs most often with either chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) and ptosis or with limb weakness. Myopathic EMGs are more common than limb weakness, except in patients with A8344G mutations. Peripheral neuropathy, when present, is always axonal. About 80% of patients with A3243G and A8344G mutations have high basal lactate levels, whereas pure CPEO is never associated with increased lactate levels. Cardiac abnormalities mostly consist of conduction defects. Abnormalities on CT or MRI of the brain are relatively common in A3243G mutations independently of the clinical phenotype. Patients with multiple mtDNA deletions are somehow "protected" against the development of abnormalities with any of the tests. We conclude that, despite the phenotypic heterogeneity of mitochondrial disorders, correlation of clinical features and laboratory findings may give the clinician important clues to the genetic defect, allowing earlier diagnosis and counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sciacco
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, University of Milan, Italy
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36
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Comi GP, Fortunato F, Lucchiari S, Bordoni A, Prelle A, Jann S, Keller A, Ciscato P, Galbiati S, Chiveri L, Torrente Y, Scarlato G, Bresolin N. Beta-enolase deficiency, a new metabolic myopathy of distal glycolysis. Ann Neurol 2001; 50:202-7. [PMID: 11506403 DOI: 10.1002/ana.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A severe muscle enolase deficiency, with 5% of residual activity, was detected in a 47-year-old man affected with exercise intolerance and myalgias. No rise of serum lactate was observed with the ischemic forearm exercise. Ultrastructural analysis showed focal sarcoplasmic accumulation of glycogen beta particles. The enzyme enolase catalyzes the interconversion of 2-phosphoglycerate and phosphoenolpyruvate. In adult human muscle, over 90% of enolase activity is accounted for by the beta-enolase subunit, the protein product of the ENO3 gene. The beta-enolase protein was dramatically reduced in the muscle of our patient, by both immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, while alpha-enolase was normally represented. The ENO3 gene of our patient carries two heterozygous missense mutations affecting highly conserved amino acid residues; a G467A transition changing a glycine residue at position 156 to aspartate, in close proximity to the catalytic site, and a G1121A transition changing a glycine to glutamate at position 374. These mutations were probably inherited as autosomal recessive traits since the mother was heterozygous for the G467A and a sister was heterozygous for the G1121A transition. Our data suggest that ENO3 mutations result in decreased stability of mutant beta-enolase. Muscle beta-enolase deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metabolic myopathies due to inherited defects of distal glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Comi
- Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, Università degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
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37
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Cagliani R, Comi GP, Tancredi L, Sironi M, Fortunato F, Giorda R, Bardoni A, Moggio M, Prelle A, Bresolin N, Scarlato G. Primary beta-sarcoglycanopathy manifesting as recurrent exercise-induced myoglobinuria. Neuromuscul Disord 2001; 11:389-94. [PMID: 11369190 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(00)00207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We report an unusual presentation of a primary beta-sarcoglycanopathy (LGMD type 2E). A 12- year-old boy came to our attention after six episodes of exercise-induced myoglobinuria. Electromyogram showed mild myopathic features of the proximal lower limb muscles. Electrocardiogram was normal. Neurological examination revealed normal muscle strength and reduced deep tendon reflexes. A muscle biopsy showed rare regenerating fibers; the immunohistochemistry was normal for dystrophin, while all the sarcoglycans were diffusely decreased. Western blot analysis showed a relevant decrease of all sarcoglycan proteins and a mild dystrophin reduction. beta-Sarcoglycan gene analysis demonstrated a compound heterozygous status for these mutations: a novel A-T base pair substitution at nucleotide 85 in exon 2, changing the codon Arg to a stop codon; a C-T base pair substitution at nucleotide 272 in exon 3 changing a Arg to a Cys residue. We consider that exercise-induced myoglobinuria may be the presenting sign of primary beta-sarcoglycanopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cagliani
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, Università degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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38
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Sciacco M, Fagiolari G, Lamperti C, Messina S, Bazzi P, Napoli L, Chiveri L, Prelle A, Comi GP, Bresolin N, Scarlato G, Moggio M. Lack of apoptosis in mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Neurology 2001; 56:1070-4. [PMID: 11320180 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.56.8.1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an evolutionary conserved mechanism essential for morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis, but it plays an important role also in pathologic conditions, including neurologic disorders. Its execution pathway is critically regulated at the mitochondrial level. Evidence of apoptosis in muscle specimens was investigated in patients with genetically defined mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. METHODS Thirty-three muscle biopsies from patients with genotypically different mitochondrial diseases (single and multiple deletions, A3243G/A8344G point mutations of the mitochondrial DNA) were studied. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction was used as a marker of nuclear DNA fragmentation, as well as antibodies against pro- (Fas) or anti- (Bcl-2) apoptotic factors. Also, because one hallmark of apoptosis is morphologic, ultrastructural studies were performed on skeletal muscle from 18 of 33 patients, examining both phenotypically normal and ragged red fibers. RESULTS In all muscle biopsies, no significant expression of either pro (Fas) and inhibiting (Bcl-2) apoptosis-related proteins was found, nor TUNEL positivity. This latter finding is confirmed by lack of morphologic evidence of apoptosis in all the fibers examined at the ultrastructural level. CONCLUSION The authors' findings suggest that genetically determined defects of oxidative phosphorylation do not induce the apoptotic process and that apoptosis is not involved in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sciacco
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Rango M, Bozzali M, Prelle A, Scarlato G, Bresolin N. Brain activation in normal subjects and in patients affected by mitochondrial disease without clinical central nervous system involvement: a phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2001; 21:85-91. [PMID: 11149672 DOI: 10.1097/00004647-200101000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It remains unclear whether brain energetics is disturbed in patients with mitochondrial disease without clinical central nervous system involvement (MDW). The authors used the high temporal and spatial resolution phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) technique that they developed to study high energy phosphates (HEPs) and intracellular pH (pH) in the visual cortex of 9 normal subjects and 5 MDW patients with single mtDNA deletion at rest, during, and after visual activation. In normal subjects, HEPs remained unchanged during activation but rose significantly (by 17%) during recovery, and pH increased during visual activation with a slow return to rest values. In MDW patients, HEPs were within the normal range at rest and did not change during activation, but fell significantly (by 22%) in the recovery period; pH did not reveal a homogeneous pattern. In the brain of patients with MDW, energy balance remains normal until oxidative metabolism is intensively stressed, as during a postactivation phase. The heterogeneity of the physicochemical environment (that is, pH) suggests various degrees of subclinical brain involvement. The combined use of MRS and brain activation is fundamental for the study of brain energetics and may prove an important diagnostic tool in patients with MDW.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rango
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Unit, Institute of Neurology, Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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40
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Prelle A, Sciacco M, Comi GP, Messina S, Carpo M, Ciscato P, Nobile Orazio E, Fortunato F, Mora G, Bignotti V, Fagiolari G, Moggio M, Scarlato G. A sporadic, atypical case of desminopathy: morphological and immunological characterization. Clin Neuropathol 2000; 19:208-12. [PMID: 10919353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, abnormal expression of cyclin-dependent kinases was proposed as a possible cause of desminopathy. We describe an atypical case clinically characterized by severe respiratory distress. Muscle biopsy showed subsarcolemmal and intracytoplasmic accumulation areas, which intensively stained with anti-desmin antibodies and contained electrondense filamentous material at ultrastructural level. WB analysis showed 30% increased desmin signal compared to controls. Positive immunostain for CDC2 kinase, CDK2 and emerin and nuclear matrix-associated protein were, found in desmin-positive fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prelle
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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41
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Bazzi P, Tancredi L, Scarpini E, Messina S, Sciacco M, Livraghi S, Vanoli M, Prelle A, Scarlato G, Moggio M. Severe polyneuropathy in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2000; 5:106-10. [PMID: 10905470 DOI: 10.1046/j.1529-8027.2000.00010.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We describe the clinicopathologic features of a 56-year-old woman affected with Churg-Strauss syndrome with major peripheral nerve involvement. The patient presented with a 1-month history of mainly distal upper-limb symmetrical paresthesias and hypostenia (bilateral "wrist drop"), palpable purpura and eosinophilia. Multiple pulmonary infiltrates and asthma had been present since the age of 52. Skin biopsy demonstrated an eosinophilic necrotizing vasculitis. During the hospitalization she was submitted to cardiac, bronchopulmonary, renal, and gastrointestinal evaluation and EMG. Peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle biopsies were performed. Sural nerve biopsy showed a marked degree of demyelination. A perivascular cellular infiltrate within the epineurium was immunoreactive for T lymphocytes and macrophages. Strong HLA-DR immunostaining was present in the endoneurium. IgM, IgE and fibrinogen deposition was found in some epi- and endoneurial vessels. Muscle biopsy showed neurogenic changes and 1 thrombosed vessel surrounded by mononuclear cells. Membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition was present in a few capillaries and major histocompatibility complex products I (MHCP I) was expressed at the subsarcolemmal level in a few isolated perivascular muscle fibers. After immunosuppressive therapy, the patient showed progressive improvement of both clinical symptoms and neurophysiological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bazzi
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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42
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43
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Baron P, Galimberti D, Meda L, Prat E, Scarpini E, Conti G, Moggio M, Prelle A, Scarlato G. Synergistic effect of beta-amyloid protein and interferon gamma on nitric oxide production by C2C12 muscle cells. Brain 2000; 123 ( Pt 2):374-9. [PMID: 10648444 DOI: 10.1093/brain/123.2.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of diverse physiological and pathological responses. NO-induced oxidative stress has been proposed in the pathogenesis of muscle tissue damage in inclusion-body myositis (IBM), which is characterized by deposition of beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) in vacuolated muscle fibres. To determine whether Abeta can induce NO production in skeletal muscle, we stimulated C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells in vitro with Abeta[1-42] or Abeta[25-35] peptides in the presence or absence of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Neither Abeta peptides nor IFN-gamma were able to stimulate nitrite (NO(2)(-)) production by C2C12 cells when given alone. However, combination of IFN-gamma with either Abeta[1-42] or Abeta[25-35] resulted in significant NO(2)(-) release into cell-free supernatants. Northern blot analysis of RNA obtained from Abeta/IFN-gamma-stimulated C2C12 cells revealed increased mRNA accumulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, approximately 4% of muscle cells incubated with Abeta peptides and IFN-gamma showed ultrastructural features of DNA fragmentation. These findings, taken together, indicate that the association of Abeta with IFN-gamma stimulates NO(2)(-) production via induction of iNOS gene expression in skeletal muscle cells, with occasional evidence for nuclear changes suggesting apoptotic morphology. These data further support a role for Abeta deposition in the pathogenesis of postulated oxidative damage in IBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Baron
- Institute of Neurology, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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44
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Bazzi P, Moggio M, Prelle A, Sciacco M, Messina S, Barbieri S, Tonin P, Tomelleri G, Battistel A, Adobbati L, Checcarelli N, Veschi G, Scarlato G. Critically ill patients: immunological evidence of inflammation in muscle biopsy. Clin Neuropathol 1999; 18:23-30. [PMID: 9988135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM AND METHOD To verify whether muscle necrosis in critically ill patients could be due to an inflammatory process, we tested muscle biopsies from five intensive care patients with different inflammation-specific immunocytochemical markers (antibodies anti-class I major histocompatibility complex products (class I MHCP or HLA I), membrane attack complex (MAC), T lymphocytes helper-inducer (CD4), cytotoxic (CD8) and pan-B-lymphocytes). RESULTS In three patients muscle biopsy showed class I MHCP positivity on the surface membrane of several groups of fibres, mainly perifascicular, and scattered microvascular deposits of MAC. In the other two patients muscle biopsy did not show class I MHCP and MAC positivity. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that inflammation may be a component of muscle damage in some critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bazzi
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica dell' Università di Milano, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico, Italy
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45
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Franceschina L, Salani S, Bordoni A, Sciacco M, Napoli L, Comi GP, Prelle A, Fortunato F, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Farina E, Bresolin N, D'Angelo MG, Scarlato G. A novel mitochondrial tRNA(Ile) point mutation in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. J Neurol 1998; 245:755-8. [PMID: 9808249 DOI: 10.1007/s004150050283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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46
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Prelle A, Comi GP, Tancredi L, Rigoletto C, Ciscato P, Fortunato F, Nesti S, Sciacco M, Robotti M, Bazzi P, Felisari G, Moggio M, Scarlato G. Sarcoglycan deficiency in a large Italian population of myopathic patients. Acta Neuropathol 1998; 96:509-14. [PMID: 9829815 DOI: 10.1007/s004010050926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases with a wide spectrum of clinical severity and age of onset; mutations in the gene encoding the dystrophin-associated sarcoglycan proteins (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) have recently been shown to cause some cases of these myopathies (primary sarcoglycanopathies, types 2D, 2E, 2C and 2F, respectively). In this study we have examined a large population of Italian myopathic patients to determine the frequency of (alpha-, beta- and gamma-sarcoglycan deficiency and to correlate molecular defects with clinical phenotypes; to exclude the presence of primary dystrophinopathies both genetic and immunological analysis of dystrophin was performed. We report 12 patients (10 male and 2 female) with deficiency of either one or more sarcoglycan proteins. They were aged 8-56 years with onset between 4 and 30 years of age; they all presented with either mild, moderate or severe limb-girdle involvement associated with elevated blood creatine kinase levels and myopathic pattern at EMG; one was also affected with a mild dilation cardiomyopathy. All patients, except one, showed pathological muscle histological changes. Absence of all three proteins always correlates with severe forms, whereas mild protein deficiencies or isolated partial alpha-sarcoglycan deficiency correlate with either severe, moderate or mild forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prelle
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Istituto di Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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47
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Papadimitriou A, Comi GP, Hadjigeorgiou GM, Bordoni A, Sciacco M, Napoli L, Prelle A, Moggio M, Fagiolari G, Bresolin N, Salani S, Anastasopoulos I, Giassakis G, Divari R, Scarlato G. Partial depletion and multiple deletions of muscle mtDNA in familial MNGIE syndrome. Neurology 1998; 51:1086-92. [PMID: 9781534 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.51.4.1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the unique combination of partial depletion and multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on muscle DNA analysis of three siblings with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE). BACKGROUND MNGIE is a relatively homogeneous autosomal recessive disorder characterized by gastrointestinal dysmobility, ophthalmoparesis, peripheral neuropathy, mitochondrial myopathy, and altered white matter signal at brain imaging. Muscle multiple mtDNA deletions have been found in about half of the described cases. METHODS We studied three affected siblings (two were monozygotic twins) born to nonconsanguineous parents. Muscle mtDNA was investigated by quantitative Southern and Slot blot techniques and by PCR analysis. Morphologic confirmation in the muscle tissue was achieved by using in situ hybridization with a mtDNA probe complementary to an undeleted region and by DNA immunohistochemistry. RESULTS All three patients showed ragged red (RRF) and cytochrome c oxidase-negative fibers, as well as partial deficiency of complexes I and IV. Southern and Slot blot analyses showed mtDNA depletion in all patients. Multiple mtDNA deletions were also detected by PCR analysis. In situ hybridization demonstrated an overall signal weaker than controls, with a relatively higher signal in RRF. Antibodies against DNA showed a decreased cytoplasmic network. CONCLUSIONS The muscle histopathology and respiratory chain enzyme defects may be accounted for by the decreased mtDNA amount and by the presence of mtDNA deleted molecules; however, relative levels of mtDNA seem to correlate with life span in these patients. The combination of partial depletion and multiple deletions of mtDNA might indicate the derangement of a common genetic mechanism controlling mtDNA copy number and integrity.
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Comi GP, Bordoni A, Salani S, Franceschina L, Sciacco M, Prelle A, Fortunato F, Zeviani M, Napoli L, Bresolin N, Moggio M, Ausenda CD, Taanman JW, Scarlato G. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I microdeletion in a patient with motor neuron disease. Ann Neurol 1998; 43:110-6. [PMID: 9450776 DOI: 10.1002/ana.410430119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
An out-of-frame mutation of the mitochondrial DNA-encoded subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) was discovered during investigation of a severe isolated muscle COX deficiency in a patient with motor neuron-like degeneration. The mutation is a heteroplasmic 5-bp microdeletion located in the 5' end of the COI gene, leading to premature termination of the corresponding translation product. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and single-fiber polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a tight correlation between COX defect, COX I expression, and percentage of mutation. COX subunits II, III, and IV were decreased as well, suggesting a defective assembly of COX holoenzyme. The mutation was associated with a clinical phenotype unusual for a mitochondrial disorder, that is, an isolated motor neuron disease (MND) with some atypical findings, including early onset, preferential involvement of the upper motor neuron, and increased cerebrospinal fluid protein content. MND may arise from impaired scavenging and overproduction of free oxygen radicals, a by-product of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Our observation suggests that OXPHOS impairment could play a role in the pathogenesis of some MND cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Comi
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Prelle A, Comi GP, Rigoletto C, Turconi A, Felisari G, Ciscato P, Fortunato F, Messina S, Bresolin N, Mora M, Moggio M, Scarlato G. An atypical case of partial merosin deficiency congenital muscular dystrophy. J Neurol 1997; 244:391-5. [PMID: 9249628 DOI: 10.1007/s004150050110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Iapichino G, Veschi G, Zanforlin G, Noto A, Cappellari A, Prelle A. Myopathy and ventilatory failure in severe sepsis. Intensive Care Med 1997; 23:128. [PMID: 9037655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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