Protective effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and rosuvastatin against oxidative stress in fibroblasts from asymptomatic patients with X-ALD: a preliminary study

Introduction: Several studies in the literature have evaluated the role of oxidative stress and adjuvant therapies for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). Here, we investigated whether n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and rosuvastatin (RSV) could influence the generation of reactive species, redox status and nitrative stress in fibroblasts from asymptomatic patients with X-ALD. Methods: Skin biopsy samples were cultured and treated for 2 hours (37 °C) with NAC and RSV. Results: X-ALD fibroblasts generated high levels of reactive oxygen species. These levels were significantly lower in fibroblasts treated with NAC and RSV relative to untreated samples. The X-ALD fibroblasts from asymptomatic patients also had higher catalase activity, and only NAC was able to increase enzyme activity in the samples. Conclusions: Our results indicated that NAC and RSV were able to improve oxidative stress parameters in fibroblasts from asymptomatic patients with X-ALD, showing that adjuvant antioxidant therapy may be a promising treatment strategy for asymptomatic patients with this disease. (AU)

Increased levels of hexacosanoic acid in the brain of Winstar rats: a behavioral study

Introduction: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal metabolic disorder associated with mutations in the ATP-binding cassette sub-family D member1 (ABCD1) gene. Practically all male patients with X-ALD develop adrenocortical insufficiency during childhood and progressive myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy in adulthood. However, some male patients develop a fatal cerebral demyelinating disease named cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Although the exact mechanisms underlying brain damage in X-ALD are still poorly elucidated, it is known that hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) accumulation represents a hallmark in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we examined whether an overload of C26:0 injected in Wistar rats was capable of causing behavioral changes in these animals. Methods: Egg lecithin in ethanol was dried under a nitrogen stream and mixed with C26:0 methyl ester. Male Wistar rats at 2-3 weeks of age were obtained from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), divided into 8 groups, and submitted to an open field test. We then analyzed line crossings (locomotion and exploration), rearing (orienting and investigatory responses), grooming (anxiety manifestation), and latency to move for each animal. Results: Animals subjected to C26:0 administration presented fewer crossings and rearing episodes and a higher latency to move 45 minutes after C26:0 injection. The present work yields experimental evidence that C26:0, the main accumulated metabolite in X-ALD, can cause behavioral alterations in rats such as the impairment of locomotion and exploratory capabilities, as well as a reduction in orienting and investigatory responses. Conclusion: Although our results are preliminary, they are extremely important for future studies that investigate C26:0 accumulation and locomotor impairment in patients with X-ALD. (AU)

Monitoring of Phenylalanine Levels in Patients with Phenylketonuria Using Dried Blood Spots: a Comparison of Two Methods

Abstract Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by deficient activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), responsible for the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine (Tyr). Monitoring of patients with PKU requires the measurement of Phe in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or in dried blood spots (DBS) using different techniques to adjust treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate Phe levels in DBS measured by two different methods and compare them with Phe levels measured in plasma by HPLC. We analyzed 89 blood samples from 47 PKU patients by two different methods: fluorometric method developed in-house (method A) and the commercially available PerkinElmer® Neonatal Phenylalanine Kit (method B) and in plasma by HPLC. The mean Phe levels by method A, method B, and HPLC were 430.4±39.9μmol/L, 439.3±35.4μmol/L, and 442.2±41.6μmol/L, respectively. The correlation values between HPLC and methods A and B were 0.990 and 0.974, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Our data suggest that methods A and B are useful alternatives for monitoring Phe levels in patients with PKU, with method A being in closer agreement with the reference standard (HPLC).

The value of fasting in the diagnosis of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency / O valor do jejum no diagnóstico da deficiência de acil-CoA desidrogenase de cadeia média

ABSTRACT Female patient carrier of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) with recurrent clinical episodes of hypoglycemia and altered level of consciousness, presented changes in blood acylcarnitine profile by tandem mass spectrometry and in the urinary organic acid analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This case demonstrates the importance of fasting prior biological sample collection (when possible) when MCADD is suspected, and emphasizes that the time/momentum of biological sample collection is crucial to diagnosis, considering the possibility that MCADD is underdiagnosed in Brazil.

RESUMEN Paciente portadora de deficiencia de acil-CoA deshidrogenasa de cadena media (MCADD) con episodios clínicos recurrentes de hipoglucemia y alteración de consciencia presentó mudanzas en el perfil de acilcarnitinas en la sangre con técnicas de espectrometría de masas en tándem y en el análisis de ácidos orgánicos urinarios mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Este caso demuestra la importancia de la toma de muestras biológicas en ayunas (se posible) cuando se sospecha de MCADD y destaca que el tiempo/momento de extracción de la muestra biológica es valioso para el diagnóstico, considerando la posibilidad de que la MCADD es subdiagnosticada en Brasil.

RESUMO Paciente portadora de deficiência de acil-CoA desidrogenase de cadeia média (MCADD), com episódios clínicos recorrentes de hipoglicemia e alteração de consciência, apresentou alterações no perfil de acilcarnitinas em sangue por espectrometria de massas em tandem e na análise de ácidos orgânicos urinários por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. Este caso demonstra a importância da coleta de amostra biológica em jejum (se possível) quando há suspeita de MCADD e ressalta que o tempo/momento de coleta da amostra biológica é importante para o diagnóstico, considerando a possibilidade de a MCADD ser subdiagnosticada no Brasil.

DNA damage in homocystinuria: 8-oxo-, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in cystathionine-ß-synthase deficient patients and the in vitro protective effect of N-acetyl­L­cysteine

Introduction: Homocysteine (Hcy) tissue accumulation occurs in a metabolic disease characterized biochemically by cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) deficiency and clinically by mental retardation, vascular problems, and skeletal abnormalities. Previous studies indicate the occurrence of DNA damage secondary to hyperhomocysteinemia and it was observed that DNA damage occurs in leukocytes from CBS-deficient patients. This study aimed to investigate whether an oxidative mechanism could be involved in DNA damage previously found and investigated the in vitro effect of N-acety-L-cysteine (NAC) on DNA damage caused by high Hcy levels. Methods: We evaluated a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage in the urine of CBS­deficient patients, as well as the in vitro effect of NAC on DNA damage caused by high levels of Hcy. Moreover, a biomarker of lipid oxidative damage was also measured in urine of CBS deficient patients. Results: There was an increase in parameters of DNA (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'- deoxyguanosine) and lipid (15-F2t-isoprostanes levels) oxidative damage in CBS-deficient patients when compared to controls. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between 15-F2t-isoprostanes levels and total Hcy concentrations. Besides, an in vitro protective effect of NAC at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM was observed on DNA damage caused by Hcy 50 µM and 200 µM. Additionally, we showed a decrease in sulfhydryl content in plasma from CBS-deficient patients when compared to controls. Discussion: These results demonstrated that DNA damage occurs by an oxidative mechanism in CBS deficiency together with lipid oxidative damage, highlighting the NAC beneficial action upon DNA oxidative process, contributing with a new treatment perspective of the patients affected by classic homocystinuria.

Percepção de mulheres idosas sobre sexualidade: implicações de gênero e no cuidado de enfermagem / Perception of elderly women on sexuality: implications of gender and nursing care / Percepción de mujeres ancianas sobre sexualidad: consecuencias de género y de cuidado de enfermería

Apresenta a percepção de mulheres idosas sobre sua sexualidade e analisa as implicações de gênero no envelhecimento feminino e no cuidado de enfermagem. Estudo qualitativo desenvolvido em 2008, em Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro–Brasil com 15 mulheres idosas. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a observação participante e entrevistas. Os dados foram analisados e os discursos agrupados em três categorias: Maternidade: fio condutor da vida da mulher idosa; Envelhecimento: vivenciando mudanças e desafios; Além do Sexo: o namo¬ro e o companheirismo. Conclui-se pelo apreendido que as mulheres demonstram dificuldade em expressar sua sexualidade, vivenciando conflitos, confundindo sexo, relação sexual e sexualidade. Diante das diferentes situações sugere-se que os profissionais de saúde durante os atendimentos valorizem as questões de gênero na população feminina com idade mais avançada e as experiências vivenciadas.

This research presents the perception of older women about their sexuality and examines the gender implications in aging females and nursing care. This qualitative study was conducted in 2008 in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with 15 elderly women. To collect the data it was used participant observation and interviews. The data were analyzed and speeches were grouped into three categories: motherhood: elderly women’s life; aging: experiencing changes and challenges. Beyond the Gender: dating and companionship. We were let to conclude that the women demonstrate difficulty in expressing their sexuality, experiencing conflict, confusing sex, sexual relationship and sexuality. Facing the different situations we can suggest that health professionals, during consultations, should value gender issues in the female population with more advanced age and life experiences.

Presenta la percepción de las mujeres mayores sobre su sexualidad y analiza las implicaciones de género en el envejecimiento femenino y la falta de cuidado de enfermería. Estudio cualitativo desarrollado en 2008, en Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro- Brasil con 15 mujeres mayores. Para recolectar los datos se utilizó la observación participante y entrevistas. Los datos se analizaron y las pláticas se agruparon en tres categorías: Maternidad: hilo secuencial de la vida de la mujer mayor; Envejecimiento: experimentando cambios y retos, Además de sexo: flirteos y compañía. Por lo que pudo percibirse, se concluye que las mujeres demuestran dificultad para expresar su sexualidad, vivencia de conflictos, confundiendo sexo, relación sexual y sexualidad. Teniendo en cuenta las diferentes situaciones se sugiere que durante las consultas, los profesionales de la salud valoren las cuestiones de género en la población femenina con edad más avanzada ylas experiencias vividas.

Influência do tratamento intradisciplinar no desenvolvimento motor na síndrome de wolf-hirschhorn: estudo de caso / Influence of the intradisciplinary team on the motor development in wolf-hirschhorn syndrome: case study

A Síndrome de Wolf-Hirschhorn (SWH) é uma desordem genética incomum, com incidência de 1:50.000 nascidos vivos, descrita pela primeira vez por Hirschhorn, Cooper e Firschein, em 1961. Resulta da microdeleção distal do braço curto do cromossomo 4, mais especificamente em 4p16.3. A condição é normalmente associada com complexa expressão fenotípica que inclui malformações múltiplas com características crânio-facial típicas, e é caracterizada por atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor (DNPM), retardo mental e de crescimento, microcefalia, hipotonia muscular congênita, crises convulsivas, cardiopatias cong6nitas e anomalias renais, esqueléticas e oftálmicas. Esta pesquisa constitui-se no estudo de um caso relativo a uma criança com a SWH, seis anos e nove meses de idade, sexo masculino, que apresenta, além das características fenotípicas, atraso no DNPM, com a finalidade de verificar a influência da atuação da equipe intra-disciplinar no seu crescimento e desenvolvimento. Para a avaliação do paciente utilizou-se o Teste de Desenvolvimento de Denver, no qual apresentou desenvolvimento m6dio compatível com a idade de seis meses, e o Cartão de Desenvolvimento Neurológico, que também evidenciou atraso no DNPM. A atuação intra-disciplinar - participação conjunta de médicos, fisioterapeuta, terapeuta ocupacional e fonoaudiólogo - trouxe benefícios significativos, visto que a evolução do paciente foi superior a esperada em relação aos relatos da literatura.

The Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is an unusual genetic disorder with an incidence of 1 in 50,000 births. It was first described by Hirschhorn, Cooper and Firschein in 1961, and it results from the deletion of the distal short arm of chromosome 4, more specifically 4p 16.3. This condition is normally associated with a complex phenotypic expression that includes multiple malformations with typical cranio¬facial features. It is characterized by delayed neuropsychomotor development (NPMD), severe mental and growth retardation, microcephaly, congenital muscular hypotonia, seizures, congenital heart defect, ophthalmic, skeletal and renal disorders. This paper is a case study involving a male child aged six years and eleven months old, with WHS, presenting all the phenotypic features and NPMD retardation as well. The research intended to verify the influence of the intradisciplinary team on the growth and development of this child. Patient was evaluated with Denver Test of Development, in which presented an average development compatible with a 6-month-old child, and the Neurological Development Card, which resulted in NPMD retardation as well. The actuation of the intradisciplinary team - including physicians. physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists - has presented very beneficial results, since the patient's evolution was much superior than the expected considering literature reports.

Clinical and biochemical findings in 7 patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy treated with Lorenzo's Oil

A adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X (X-ALD) é uma desordem hereditária do metabolismo peroxissomal, bioquimicamente caracterizada pelo acúmulo de ácidos graxos de cadeia muito longa ("very long chain fatty acids"- VLCFA) em diferentes tecidos e em fluidos biológicos, sendo os principais ácidos acumulados o hexacosanóico (C26:0) e o tetracosanóico (C24:0). O acúmulo destes ácidos graxos está associado com esmielinizaçäo cerebral e insuficiência adrenal. A incidência desta condiçäo é estimada em 1 para 25.000 em homens. Pelo menos seis fenótipos podem ser distinguidos, sendo a adrenoleucodistrofia (ALD) cerebral infantil e a adrenomieloneuropatia (AMN) os mais comuns. O tratamento preconizado consiste na utilização da mistura gliceroltrioleato/gliceroltrierucato (GTO/GTE), conhecida como Óleo de Lorenzo, combinada com dieta pobre em VLCFA. Existem ainda, terapias alternativas como transplante de medula óssea e imunossupressäo, além da utilizaçäo de lovastatina e fenilacetato de sódio. Neste trabalho fez-se uma avaliaçäo do tratamento com Óleo de Lorenzo associado à dieta restrita em VLCFA de 7 pacientes homens com X-ALD analisando a evoluçäo clínica e bioquímica. Os pacientes apresentaram uma reduçäo média de 50 por cento nos valores de C26:0 e de 42,8 por cento na razäo C26:0/C22:0 após o início do tratamento. A maioria dos pacientes permaneceu clinicamente bem e aproximadamente 30 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram uma progressäo rápida no curso clínico da doença. Parece näo haver uma clara correlaçäo bioquímico-clínica do tratamento. Os resultados nos mostram que novas terapias mais eficazes para X-ALD säo necessárias para que se possa obter um melhor prognóstico da doença com progressäo mais lenta dos sintomas apresentados ou mesmo reversäo dos sintomas já presentes nos pacientes.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: clinical and laboratory findings in 15 Brazilian patients

Adrenoleucodistrofia (X-ALD) é uma desordem peroxissomal com padräo de herança ligada ao X, fenotipicamente heterogênea, caracterizada por uma progressiva desmielinizaçäo da substância branca do sistema nervoso central e por insuficiênca adrenal. Foram investigados por nós 15 pacientes do sexo masculino com sinais clínicos sugestivos de X-ALD, com idade entre 7 e 39 anos, diagnosticados entre 108 pacientes encaminhados para investigaçäo por suspeita clínica. Os níveis plasmáticos dos ácidos graxos de cadeia muito longa (VLCFA) foram dosados em nosso laboratório através de cromatografia gasosa (GC). Onze (73 por cento) casos de forma infantil de X-ALD (ALD) e 4 (27 por cento) casos de adrenomieloneuropatia (AMN) foram diagnosticados. Insuficiência leucodistrofia adrenal e fraqueza muscular foram os sinais mais freqüentes, aparecendo em 80, 53 e 40 por cento dos casos, respectivamente. O conhecimento dos médicos sobre a possibilidade da X-ALD parece ser pequeno, o que pode ser concluído a partir da elevada idade no diagnóstico e do grande intervalo entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico. Neste trabalho, que relata a primeira série brasileira de pacientes com X-ALD, procuramos enfatizar os sinais e sintomas que säo relevantes para a suspeita diagnóstica, uma vez que a identificaçäo precoce dos casos parece ser importante para o sucesso do tratamento. Além disso, o diagnóstico permite a identificaçäo de portadores, os quais podem se beneficiar do aconselhamento genético e do diagnóstico pré-natal.