Tratamiento de reemplazo enzimático en pacientes cubanos con enfermedad de Gaucher: experiencia de 15 años / Enzyme replacement treatment in Cuban patients with Gaucher disease: 15 years of experience

Introducción: La enfermedad de Gaucher es una entidad de acúmulo lisosomal, con un patrón de herencia autosómico recesivo, debido a la deficiencia de le enzima betaglucocerebrosidasa ácida. El gen está mapeado en el cromosoma 1q21 y se han descrito más de 500 mutaciones. Se caracteriza por presentar anemia, trombocitopenia, hepatoesplenomegalia, manifestaciones esqueléticas y, en ocasiones, compromiso neurológico. Entre los tratamientos se utiliza el reemplazo enzimático con imiglucerasa. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de imiglucerasa (Cerezyme®) en pacientes con enfermedad de Gaucher. Métodos: Se realiza un estudio longitudinal, descriptivo para evaluar el comportamiento de las variables clínicas, hematológicas y ultrasonográficas de ocho pacientes cubanos con enfermedad de Gaucher tras recibir el tratamiento sustitutivo enzimático. Se evaluaron al año, cinco y de diez a quince años de tratamiento. Resultados: Al inicio, todos los pacientes presentaron anemia y la mayoría tuvieron trombocitopenia y hepatoesplenomegalia al diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Los pacientes con manifestaciones neurológicas y la mutación L444P en estado homocigótico se clasificaron en EG tipo 3, el resto en tipo1. En todos los pacientes se constató aumento de las cifras de hemoglobina, la elevación del número de plaquetas y reducción de la hepatoesplenomegalia posterior al año de tratamiento. Los pacientes con tipo 3 mantuvieron la afectación neurológica. No se reportaron reacciones adversas al medicamento. Conclusiones: La terapia de reemplazo enzimática con imiglucerasa (Cerezyme®) es un pilar fundamental en el tratamiento de los pacientes con esta enfermedad, lo cual influye de forma positiva en la calidad de vida, obteniéndose mejores resultados con su comienzo en edad pediátrica.

Introduction: Gaucher disease is an entity of lysosomal accumulation, with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, due to the deficiency of the acid betaglucocerebrosidase enzyme. The gene is mapped on chromosome 1q21 and more than 500 mutations have been described. It is characterized by anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal manifestations and sometimes neurological involvement. Among the treatments, enzyme replacement with imiglucerase is used. Objective: To evaluate the results of the application of imiglucerase in patients with Gaucher disease. Methods: A longitudinal, descriptive study to evaluate the behavior of the clinical, hematological and ultrasonographic variables of eight Cuban patients with Gaucher disease after receiving enzyme replacement treatment was carried out. They were evaluated after one, five and ten to fifteen years of treatment. Results: At debut, all patients presented anemia, and the majority showed thrombocytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly at diagnosis of the disease. Patients with neurological manifestations and the L444P mutation in a homozygous state were classified as type 3 GD, the rest as type 1. In all patients, an increase in hemoglobin levels, an increase in the number of platelets and a reduction in hepatosplenomegaly was observed after one year of treatment. Patients with type 3 maintain neurological involvement. No adverse reactions to the medication were reported. Conclusions: Enzyme replacement therapy with imiglucerase (Cerezyme®) is a fundamental pillar in the treatment of patients with this disease, which positively influences quality of life, obtaining better results with its onset in pediatric age.

Utility of morphologic assessment of bone marrow biopsy in diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders

Introduction: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare disorders and pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians owing to their generalized symptomatology. In this study, we aim to classify LSDs into two broad categories, namely, Gaucher disease (GD) and Niemann–Pick/Niemann–Pick-like diseases (NP/NP-like diseases) based on the morphology of the storage cells in the bone marrow (BM) aspiration smears and trephine biopsy sections. Materials and Method: This retrospective study includes 32 BM specimens morphologically diagnosed as LSDs at our institute, in the last 10 years. Subsequently, they were subclassified into GD and NP/NP-like diseases. Further, we have compared and analyzed the clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters for the two groups of LSDs. Results: Based on BM morphology, 59.4% (n = 19) cases were diagnosed as NP/NP-like diseases and 40.6% (n = 13) cases as GD. Abdominal distension and failure to thrive were the most common clinical manifestations in both groups of LSDs. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were frequently seen in either of the LSDs. On the assessment of metabolic profile, elevated total/direct bilirubin and liver enzymes were more commonly seen in NP/NP-like diseases when compared with GD. Conclusion: We have classified LSDs into GD and NP/NP-like diseases based on the morphology of the storage cells in the BM specimen. The hallmark findings on BM biopsy annexed with the comparative features of the two proposed categories can aid the clinician in clinching the diagnosis. Formulation of such a methodology will prove instrumental for patient care in an underresourced setting.

The progress on the application of glucosylsphingosine in the diagnosis and treatment of Gaucher′s disease / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Gaucher′s disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by the functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA). Variants in the GBA1 result in the deficiency or reduction of GBA activity, leading to the accumulation of its substrate glucocerebroside (Gb1; also known as glucosylceramide, GlcC) in mononuclear phagocytes of organs, including the liver, spleen, kidney, bone, lung, and even brain.Glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1), a deacylated derivative of Gb1, is highly sensitive and specific for GD.This study reviews the role of lyso-Gb1 in the diagnosis, curative effect, prognosis evaluation and follow-up monitoring of GD, aiming to improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment progress of GD.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Children With Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Single Center Experience Over Two Decades

Objective: We present outcome data on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on children up to 18 years of age, diagnosed with IEM, who underwent HSCT between January, 2002 and December, 2020. Results: 24 children, (mucopolysaccharidosis – 13, Gaucher disease – 4, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy – 4, metachromatic leukodystrophy – 2, Krabbe disease – 1) were included. Donors were matched family donors in 24%, matched unrelated donors in 34%, and haploidentical fathers in 42% of the transplants, with engraftment in 91% of children. Overall survival was 72% (55-100%) with a median followup of 76.5 (10-120 ) months, and progression-free survival of 68% (MPS-76%, X-ALD - 60%, Gaucher disease – 50%, and 100% in MLD and Krabbe disease). Conclusion: HSCT is an available curative option, and early age at HSCT prevents end-organ damage.

Efficacy and Safety of Taliglucerase Alfa for the Treatment of Gaucher Disease: A 9-Year Experience

Abstract Gaucher disease (GD) is one of the most common lysosomal disorders, occurring in approximately 1 in 40,000 live births worldwide. Since 2014 enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with taliglucerase alfa has been the treatment of choice for adult patients with GD in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of taliglucerase alfa in a cohort of Brazilian patients treated at a referral center for inborn errors of metabolism. All patients who received at least one infusion of the enzyme at the study center were considered eligible to participate. Patients were followed for adverse reactions and events throughout the study period. Platelets, hemoglobin, chitotriosidase activity, bone marrow burden (BMB) score, bone mineral density, and the severity score index (SSI) were analyzed. For patients who were switched to taliglucerase alfa from imiglucerase, the same variables were compared before and after the switch. At 9-year follow-up, all parameters of interest had remained stable or improved. The overall rate of adverse events was lower than in other studies that evaluated long-term ERT with taliglucerase, and no serious adverse events were considered related to treatment. Based on our findings, ERT with taliglucerase alfa is an effective and safe approach for treatment of patients with GD.

Analysis of short-term efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy with Imiglucerase on children with Gaucher disease / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy and the improvement of quality of life of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with Imiglucerase on children with Gaucher disease(GD) through the same time monitoring.Methods:Six children diagnosed as GD who were treated by ERT with Imiglucerase in the Department of Hematology of the Children′s Hospital of Shanxi Province from May 2019 to May 2020 were recruited.Every 3 months, the sizes of the liver and spleen was palpated, the change of bone pain was recorded, and the haematological index was examed.The volumes of the liver and spleen at 1-year treatment were measured by CT.Bone involvement was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the body weight, height, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were measured and compared with pre-treatment levels.These data were analyzed statistically by SPSS 25.0 and the difference between pretherapy and post-treatment was compared by paired t test. Results:Six children diagnosed as GD received ERT with Imiglucerase.No adverse events were reported.Decreased volumes of the liver and spleen, and increased hemoglobin level and platelet count were detected after 3-6 months of ERT.After 1 year of ERT, hemoglobin level significantly increased compared with pre-treatment level ( t=4.200, P=0.008). Although the platelet count increased at 1-year ERT, it was comparable with pre-treatment level ( t=2.260, P=0.073). The volumes of liver and spleen decreased by (22.10±15.28)% ( t=2.725, P=0.042) and (47.10±18.42)% ( t=3.162, P=0.034) after 1 year of ERT, respectively.During the first year of ERT, the height and weight increased (6.17±2.86) cm ( t=5.286, P=0.003) and (4.08±2.01) kg ( t=4.975, P=0.004), respectively.SF-36 score increased significantly from (489.35±103.99) points to (632.75±73.34) points ( t=5.740, P=0.002). After 1 year of ERT, 1 patient still had bone pain, and 2 cases were worse in bone MRI, which may be attributed to the short period of follow-up and insufficient dose, and another 3 had no change in bone MRI. Conclusions:ERT ameliorates GD-associated anemia, organomegaly and growth retardation, and improves the growth rate of body mass and height and the quality of life in the short period.However, short-term ERT does not improve the bone disease.

Quantitative Imaging Study of Liver and Spleen Lesions in Patients with Gaucher Disease / 罕见病研究

  Objective  Quantitative imaging evaluation was performed on the liver and spleen system lesions of patients with Gaucher disease after treatment. in order to deepen the understanding of Gaucher disease.  Methods  From August 1999 to August 2018, we registered, examined and treated children with Gaucher disease, and conducted quantitative imaging research on 40 children with Gaucher disease who were intensively followed up in Beijing Children's hospital, Capital Medical University until August 2018. At the same time, 34 normal volunteers were matched. All subjects were scanned with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The fat fraction(FF), iron content(R2*), standard apparent diffusion coefficient(sADC), slow apparent diffusion coefficient(D), fast apparent diffusion coefficient(D*) and perfusion fraction(f)of the liver and spleen were measured. The quantitative parameter values measured by patients with Gaucher disease and normal subjects were statistically analyzed by independent sample t-tests.  Results  The results showed that there was no significant difference in FF, R2*, sADC, D, D*, f of the liver and spleen, and liver elasticity was also within the normal range. However, the volume of liver and spleen in patients was significantly different from that in normal subjects.  Conclusions  After treatment, the volume of the liver and spleen in patients with Gaucher disease is greater than that of normal people, but other quantitative parameters are within the normal range, indicating that long-term enzyme replacement therapy can delay the progress of liver and spleen diseases to a certain extent. Quantitative imaging has a certain value in the evaluation of Gaucher disease.

Skeletal involvement in Gaucher disease: extent of bone disease, splenic volume, and quality of life / Envolvimento ósseo na doença de Gaucher: extensão do acometimento ósseo, volume esplênico e qualidade de vida

Abstract Objective: To investigate the correlations among the extent of bone involvement, splenic volume, and quality of life in patients with Gaucher disease. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective cross-sectional study of 18 patients with Gaucher disease who underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging of both femurs and the lumbar spine. Semiquantitative analyses were performed on the basis of the bone marrow burden (BMB) score. We looked for linear relationships among the variables splenic volume, quality of life score, and BMB score. Results: We identified a linear relationship between the BMB scores and splenic volume. The quality of life score showed no statistically significant relationship with splenic volume or the BMB score. Conclusion: The linear relationship between the BMB score and the splenic volume indicates that the extent of bone disease is greater in individuals with splenomegaly. No correlation was found between the BMB and quality of life scores, illustrating the insidious and silent progression of Gaucher disease.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a correlação entre a extensão do envolvimento ósseo, o volume esplênico e a qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença de Gaucher. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo descritivo, prospectivo e transversal de 18 pacientes com doença de Gaucher submetidos a ressonância magnética de 3-T de ambos os fêmures e da coluna lombar. Análise semiquantitativa foi feita utilizando o escore bone marrow burden (BMB). Correlação linear foi estudada para as variáveis volume esplênico, qualidade de vida e escore BMB. Resultados: Uma correlação linear entre os escores BMB e volume esplênico foi demonstrada. Em relação ao índice de qualidade de vida, não foi observada correlação estatisticamente significante nem com o volume esplênico e nem com o escore BMB. Conclusão: Nosso estudo demonstrou uma correlação linear entre o escore BMB e o volume esplênico, correspondendo a maior extensão de doença óssea em indivíduos com maior esplenomegalia. Nenhuma correlação foi encontrada entre o escore BMB e a qualidade de vida, indicando a natureza insidiosa e a progressão silenciosa da doença de Gaucher.

Molecular Characterization of the GBA Gene in Patients from Southwest of Colombia with Gaucher Disease

Abstract Introduction Gaucher's disease (GD) is an autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorder that results from hereditary deficiency of the acid glucocerebrosidase enzyme, encoded by the GBA gene necessary for the degradation of glucosylceramide. Objective molecularly characterize the variants found in the GBA gene present in patients from the Southwest of Colombia with GD. Material and methods 19 patients were included in the study, clinically and enzymatically diagnosed with GD. A molecular analysis of the GBA gene was performed and the variants were subsequently searched in different population and clinical databases. A bioinformatic analysis was performed. Results The variants in the GBA gene reported were classified into: 14/19 homozygous patients, 4/19 compound heterozygote and 1/19 heterozygous. The presence of 7 variants coding for 8 different genotypes was reported. Also the known mutations like Asn409Ser, p.Leu483Pro, p.Lys237Glu, p.Glu427Lys, and p.Arg535His were identified in these patients. The most frequent genotype was p. Asn409Ser / Asn409Ser (36%). All the variants presented a pathogenic clinical significance. Conclusion The given study will make it possible to understand the susceptibility to GD in the population. This can help maintain the health quotient of the population through premarital counseling and therefore minimize the burden of disease among the population.

Osteoporosis grave secundaria a enfermedad de Gaucher: reporte de caso / Severe osteoporosis secondary to Gaucher disease: case report

La enfermedad de Gaucher (EG) es un trastorno genético lisosomal autosómico recesivo infrecuente, que conduce a la acumulación de lípidos y disfunción en múltiples órganos. La afectación del esqueleto es uno de los hallazgos más frecuentes de la EG y una de las principales causas de dolor y reducción de calidad de vida. El compromiso esquelético incluye anomalías en el remodelado óseo con pérdida mineral ósea, adelgazamiento cortical, lesiones líticas, fracturas por fragilidad y deformidades articulares. A continuación presentamos el caso de una paciente 61 años con osteoporosis grave secundaria a EG diagnosticada en la vida adulta, con antecedente de dos hermanas con EG. La paciente refería dolores óseos y lumbago crónico desde los 53 años. El 2012 fue evaluada en policlínico de hematología por trombocitopenia y debido a sus antecedentes familiares se le solicitaron exámenes que fueron compatibles con EG. El año 2016 la densitometría ósea (DXA) de columna lumbar y cuello femoral izquierdo, que mostró una osteoporosis. Se inició tratamiento con Alendronato, Calcio y Vitamina D, pero la paciente tuvo escasa adherencia. El 2018 se inició tratamiento de su EG con Taliglucerasa α. Al año siguiente se le realizó nueva DXA que evidenció persistencia de la osteoporosis y por mantención del lumbago se le solicitó una TAC de columna lumbar que mostró fracturas por aplastamiento de cuerpos vertebrales dorsales bajos. Se derivó a endocrinología para manejo de su osteoporosis grave. A su ingreso a endocrinología la paciente persitía con dolor lumbar alto y destacaba una marcada cifosis. Se decidió retomar tratamiento con Alendronato, calcio y vitamina D, además, se le solicitó una nueva evaluación densitométrica junto a una radiografía de columna total y evaluación dental. Durante el seguimiento la paciente mantuvo niveles de vitamina D adecuados con funciones renal, hepática y tiroidea normales.

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal genetic disorder, leading to the accumulation and dysfunction of lipids in multiple organs. Skeletal involvement is one of the most prevalent aspects of GD and one of the main causes of pain and reduced quality of life. Abnormalities of bones, which cause changes in the development and loss of bone mineral, cortical thinning, lytic lesions,fragility fractures and deformities. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, secondary to GD diagnosed in adult life. The patient presents a disease pattern composed of bone pain and chronic low back pain since the age of 53. In 2012, she was evaluated at the hematology for thrombocytopenia and due to her family history, tests were performed to diagnose GD, which were compatible with it. In 2016 Bone Densitometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine and left femoral neck was requested, being consistent with osteoporosis. Treatment with Alendronate, Calcium and Vitamin D was started, however, there is little adherence. In 2018, treatment for Gaucher's disease was started with Taliglucerase α. The following year, DXA was performed with few changes and a CT scan of the lumbar spine was performed diagnosing crush fractures of the low dorsal vertebral bodies. She was referred to endocrinology. Upon admission to Endocrinology, it was decided to resume initial osteoporosis treatment and to perform skeletal evaluation with DXA of the lumbar spine and hips, total spine X-ray and dental evaluation. During follow-up, it maintains vitamin D at adequate levels and normal kidney, liver and thyroid functions.

Difficulties in the Diagnosis of Gaucher Disease in a Low-Income Country: A Case Report from Mozambique

Abstract Introduction: Gaucher disease (GD) is one of the common lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) with an estimated frequency of one in 40,000 newborns globally. GD is an autosomal recessive condition, which results from mutations in the GBA1 gene, causing partial or complete deficiency of β-glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity, which leads to the widespread accumulation of the substrate glucosylceramide. Aims: This report presents different challenges of clinical management and communication between medical specialties to reach diagnose of any rare disease in Mozambique, a low-income country, which health system has limited infrastructure, trained personnel, and budget for diagnosis and to provide treatment for rare genetic disorders such as GD. Case Presentation: The patient was a 15-year old black female patient of Mozambican nationality born from non-consanguineous parents. Three of the four patient's siblings were healthy; one sister had died of a disease with a similar clinical features. Our patient presented with abdominal distention and hepatosplenomegaly. Blood tests revealed pancytopenia and a high level of ferritin. Liver biopsy and histologic examination revealed infiltration of the splenic parenchyma and portal area of the liver as well as enlarged histiocytic cells with granular cytoplasm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed liver enlargement, changes in the femoral heads without osteonecrosis, a pathological fracture of the third thoracic vertebrae (T3), with absence of brain and spinal cord neurological abnormalities. The biochemical investigation disclosed low levels of β-glucocerebrosidase (0.223 nmol/h/ml; normal: above 0.98) and increased levels of lyso-Gb1 (0.43 µg/ml; normal: up to 0.003). Genotyping of the GBA1 gene indicated the presence of the pathogenic variant p.Arg87Trp (R48W) in homozygosis. Discussion and Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first case of GD type 1 confirmed via biochemical and molecular genetic testing in Mozambique. As awareness of the GD and rare genetic diseases among Mozambican health professionals is very limited, and resources for diagnosis are scarce in the national health system, it is possible that other cases remain undiagnosed in this low-income country.

Histomorphometric analysis of liver biopsies of treated patients with Gaucher disease type 1

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by a disturbance in the metabolism of glucocerebroside in the macrophages. Most of its manifestations - hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone pain - are amenable to a macrophage-target therapy such as enzyme replacement. However, there is increasing evidence that abnormalities of the liver persist despite the specific GD treatment. In this work, we adapted histomorphometry techniques to the study of hepatocytes in GD using liver tissue of treated patients, developing the first morphometrical method for canalicular quantification in immunohistochemistry-stained liver biopsies, and exploring histomorphometric characteristics of GD. This is the first histomorphometric technique developed for canalicular analysis on histological liver biopsy samples.

Application of radionuclide imaging in the diagnosis and management of Gaucher′s disease / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Gaucher′s disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disease, and the etiology of GD is the decreased activity of glucocerebrosidase, which leads to the accumulation of glucocerebroside in the lysosomes of macrophages. Because GD is rare and lacks specific clinical manifestations, it is easy to be misdiagnosed, which delays the best time for treatment. Early diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and regular monitoring of the disease have important clinical significance for enzyme replacement therapy in patients with GD. Recent studies have found that radionuclide imaging is playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of GD. This article introduces the application of radionuclide imaging in the diagnosis and management of GD.

Análisis de beta-glucosidasa en sangre seca recolectada en papel filtro (DBS), reporte de un nuevo método aplicado a población control y pacientes con sospecha de enfermedad de Gaucher / Beta-Glucosidase analysis in collected dried blood spots (DBS), report of a new method applied to the control population and patients with suspicion of Gaucher disease / Análise de β-glucosidase em sangue seco coletado em papel filtro (DBS), relatório de um novo método aplicado à população controle e a pacientes com suspeita de doença de Gaucher

Resumen: La enfermedad de Gaucher (GD) es el trastorno de almacenamiento lisosomal que se caracteriza por la deficiencia en la actividad enzimática de la β-glucosidasa (BGLU), lo que produce la acumulación de glucosilceramida en las células. Su diagnóstico se orienta a la valoración de la enzima en los leucocitos afectados. Se han realizado estudios en DBS para la actividad de BGLU en el seguimiento de poblaciones de alto riesgo; sin embargo, presentan interferencias relacionadas a leucopenias severas o expresión aumentada de la isoforma neutra de la enzima BGLU, molécula no relacionada con GD. El objetivo de este estudio fue la estandarización de un método de tamizaje en DBS (punch: 5 mm) con el uso de 4-metilumbeliferil-β-D-glucósido y conduritol-β-epóxido. Se analizaron muestras de DBS de 395 individuos con sospecha clínica (población de alto riesgo o AR), 151 controles y 16 pacientes afectados, usando la elución de un corte de 5 mm (≈10 μl de sangre) en 300 μl de Tritón X-100/(0,5 %). Como resultados, se obtuvieron los rangos, AR: 0,84-26,92 nmol/ml/h, controles: 3,56- 8,92 nmol/ml/h (M = 5,56, DS = 1,15) y pacientes confirmados con GD: 0,82- 2,88 nmol/ml/h (M = 1,64, DS = 0,57). El punto de corte entre deficientes y controles fue 3,22 nmol/ml/h, obtenido a partir de análisis ROC (99 % confianza, 100 % sensibilidad y 100 % especificidad). El protocolo permitió evidenciar la deficiencia en todos los casos de GD, confirmados mediante el análisis en paralelo de la enzima en aislamiento leucocitario. Se recomienda el uso del CBE y realizar la elución del corte a 5 mm, a fin de llevar a cabo la valoración enzimática con un volumen mayor aproximado de sangre y en ausencia de la actividad generada por la isoforma neutra.

Abstract: Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase (BGLU), resulting in the accumulation of glucosylceramide in cells. Its diagnosis is aimed at checking the enzyme in the affected leukocytes. Studies have been conducted on dried blood spots (DBS) for bglu activity to monitor high-risk populations; however, they exhibit interferences related to severe leukopenias or increased expression of the neutral bglu isoform, a molecule not related to gd. This study intends to standardize a screening method on dbs (punch: 5 mm) using 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucoside and conduritol-β-epoxide (CβE). dbs samples from 395 individuals clinically suspected of gd (high-risk or hr population), 151 controls, and 16 affected patients were analyzed using the elution of 5 mm punches (≈10 μl of blood) in 300 μl of Triton X-100/ (0.5 %). As a result, the following ranges were obtained; HR: 0.84-26.92 nmol/ml/h, controls: 3.56-8.92 nmol/ml/h (M = 5.56, SD = 1.15), and patients with confirmed GD: 0.82-2.88 nmol/ml/h (M = 1.64, SD = 0.57). The cut-off point between patients with gd and controls was 3.22 nmol/ml/h, obtained from roc analysis (99 % ci, 100 % sensitivity, and 100 % specificity). The protocol revealed a deficiency in all gd cases, confirmed by parallel bglu analysis in isolated leukocytes. The use of cbe and the elution of 5 mm punches are recommended for enzymatic evaluation with a higher approximate volume of blood and in the absence of neutral isoform activity.

Resumo: A doença de Gaucher (GD) é o trastorno de armazenamento lisosomal caracterizado pela deficiência na atividade enzimática da β-glucosidase (BGLU), o que produz a acumulação de glucossilceramida nas células. Seu diagnóstico está orientado à avaliação da enzima nos leucócitos afetados. Foram realizados estudos em dbs para a atividade de BGLU no seguimento de populações de alto risco; contudo, são apresentadas interferências relacionadas a leucopenias graves ou a expressão aumentada da isoforma neutra da enzima BGLU, molécula não relacionada com GD. O objetivo deste estudo foi a padronização de um método de tamisação emdbs (punch: 5 mm) com o uso de 4-metilumbeliferil-β-D- glicosídeo e conduritol-β-epóxido. Foram analisadas amostras de dbs de 395 indivíduos com suspeita clínica (população de alto risco ou ar), 151 controles e 16 pacientes afetados, usando a eluição de um corte de 5 mm (≈10 μl de sangue) em 300 μl de Tritão X-100/(0,5 %). Como resultados, foram obtidos os intervalos: AR: 0,84-26,92 nmol/ml/h, controles: 3,56-8,92 nmol/ml/h (M = 5,56, DS = 1,15) e pacientes confirmados com GD: 0,82- 2,88 nmol/ml/h (M = 1,64, DS = 0,57). O ponto de corte entre deficientes e controles foi 3,22 nmol/ml/h, obtido a partir de análise ROC (99 % confiança, 100 % sensibilidade e 100 % especificidade). O protocolo permitiu evidenciar a deficiência em todos os casos de GD, confirmados mediante a análise em paralelo da enzima em isolamento leucocitário. É recomendado o uso do cbe e a realização da eluição do corte a 5 mm, a fim de implementar a avaliação enzimática com um volume maior aproximado de sangue e em ausência da atividade gerada pela isoforma neutra.

Diagnóstico temprano de enfermedad de gaucher mediante detección de manifestaciones óseas / Early diagnosis of Gaucher disease based on bone symptoms

Resumen La enfermedad de Gaucher (EG) es causada por una deficiencia genética de la glucocerebrosidasa (GCasa) que provoca acumulación de glucocerebrósido en hígado, bazo y médula ósea. La terapia temprana de reemplazo enzimático revierte citopenias, visceromegalias y previene lesiones óseas irreversibles, por lo cual el diagnóstico precoz es fundamental. Los algoritmos diagnósticos en uso apuntan a manifestaciones hematológicas clásicas. Los síntomas óseos están presentes en 25-32% de los pacientes pero no suelen despertar sospecha de EG. Diseñamos un programa educativo sobre la afectación ósea de la EG y un algoritmo focalizado en la presentación con manifestaciones óseas para facilitar su diagnóstico precoz (proyecto BIG: Bone Involvement in Gaucher Disease). El objetivo del trabajo es describir el proyecto BIG y los resultados de su aplicación en nuestra consulta. Entre marzo de 2017 y diciembre de 2018 se recibieron 38 muestras de sangre seca de pacientes con alguna manifestación ósea sospechosa de EG para cuantificar la actividad de GCasa. Una muestra no cumplía los criterios de inclusión y en 3 de las 37 restantes se observó actividad deficiente de GCasa. El diagnóstico de EG se confirmó por medición de GCasa en leucocitos en dos niñas con manifestaciones óseas de 4 y 2 años de evolución, respectivamente, sin citopenia ni visceromegalia clínicamente evidentes. En el otro paciente con baja actividad la medición en leucocitos fue normal. Los casos detectados muestran la efectividad de un programa educacional de difusión y la utilidad de un algoritmo de detección precoz basado en síntomas óseos que facilitaría el diagnóstico de EG.

Abstract Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) leading to the accumulation of glucocerebroside in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The early diagnosis allows a prompt enzyme replacement therapy reversing cytopenias and visceromegaly and preventing irreversible bone lesions. Current diagnostic algorithms are based on well-recognized hematological manifestations. Although bone symptoms are present in 25-32% of the patients, they are not usually suspected as associated with Gaucher disease at clinical presentation. We designed an educational program aimed to give advice on the skeletal involvement in GD and a new diagnostic algorithm that considers bone symptoms to facilitate its early diagnosis (BIG project: Bone Involvement in Gaucher Disease). The study aims at describing the BIG project and the results of its application in our clinic in various cities in Argentina. Within the frame of this project, between March 2017 and December 2018, 38 dry blood spot samples from patients with bone manifestations suspected of having GD were submitted to quantification of GCase activity. One sample did not meet the inclusion criteria. Deficient GCase activity was detected in three of the remaining 37 samples. The diagnosis of GD was confirmed in two girls who presented bone manifestations of 4 and 2 years of evolution, respectively, without hematological alterations. The third patient with low enzyme activity had normal leukocyte GCase. The two newly diagnosed cases of GD show the efficacy of our dual strategy aimed to facilitate the early diagnosis of this rare disease.

Variantes del gen GBA en el Suroccidente Colombiano / Variants of the GBA gene in the Southwest of Colombia

Introducción: La Enfermedad de Gaucher (EG) es un trastorno genético autosómico recesivo, causado por la deficiencia de la enzima B-Glucocerebrosidasa acida (GBA). En Colombia se ha estimado una prevalencia de 1:266.441 habitantes. Sin embargo, el país no cuenta con datos exactos sobre la incidencia, prevalencia y carga poblacional de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Con el objetivo de caracterizar molecularmente las variantes encontradas en el gen GBA presentes en pacientes del Suroccidente Colombiano con enfermedad de Gaucher. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 19 pacientes en el estudio, 57,8% de género masculino, con intérvalo de edad entre 4 y 71 años, diagnosticados clínica y enzimáticamente con EG. Se realizó un análisis molecular del gen GBA y posteriormente se buscaron las variantes en diferentes bases de datos poblacionales y clínicas; además se realizó análisis bioinformático para evaluar el posible impacto de las variantes de interés en la estructura y funcionalidad de la proteína. Resultados: Se encontraron 14/19 pacientes homocigotos; 4/19 heterocigotos compuestos y 1/19 heterocigotos). Se reportó la presencia de 7 variantes que codifican para 8 genotipos diferentes. El genotipo más frecuente es p.Asn409Ser/p.Asn409Ser (36%). De las 7 variantes encontradas, se reportó que específicamente p. Asn409Ser (10/23 alelos) y p.Leu483Pro (3/23 alelos) y p.Lys237Glu (3/23 alelos), están presentes en el 69,5% de los alelos. Todas las variantes presentaron una significancia clínica patogénica. Conclusiones: Este trabajo contribuye al establecimiento de las bases moleculares de la EG en los pacientes del Suroccidente Colombiano, permitiendo realizar una correlación genotipo-endotipo-fenotipo. Así mismo, se determina que los algoritmos de diagnóstico que incluyen análisis molecular y herramientas predictivas bioinformáticas permiten mejorar el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el pronóstico de los pacientes afectados por EG, generando un impacto positivo en el seguimiento de los afectados, de la mano de una correcta consejería genética y estudios de portadores.

Introduction:Gaucher's disease (EG) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, caused by a deficiency of the acid B-Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) enzyme. In Colombia, a prevalence of 1: 266.441 inhabitants have been estimated. However, the country does not have exact data on the incidence, prevalence and population burden of this disease. Objective: molecularly characterize the variants found in the GBA gene present in patients from the Southwest of Colombia with Gaucher disease. Material and methods: 19 patients were included in the study, 57,8% male, with an age range between 4 and 71 years, clinically and enzymatically diagnosed with GD. A molecular analysis of the GBA gene was performed and the variants were subsequently searched in different population and clinical databases; In addition, a bioinformatic analysis was performed to evaluate the possible impact of the variants of interest on the structure and functionality of the protein. Results: 14/19 homozygous patients were found; 4/19 compound heterozygotes and 1/19 heterozygotes). The presence of 7 variants coding for 8 different genotypes was reported. The most frequent genotype was p.Asn409Ser/p.Asn409Ser (36%). Of the 7 variants found, it was reported that specifically p. Asn409Ser (10/23 alleles) and p.Leu483Pro (3/23 alleles) and p.Lys237Glu (3/23 alleles), are present in 69,5% of the alleles. All the variants presented a pathogenic clinical significance. Conclusion: This work contributes to the establishment of the molecular bases of GD in patients from the Southwest of Colombia, allowing a genotype-endotype-phenotype correlation to be carried out. Likewise, it is determined that diagnostic algorithms that include molecular analysis and bioinformatic predictive tools allow improving the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients affected by GD, generating a positive impact on the follow-up of those affected, hand in hand with correct genetic counseling and carrier studies.

Analysis of CT features of chest in Gaucher disease / 中华放射学杂志

Objective@#To explore the imaging manifestations of thoracic CT in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) in order to improve the diagnostic ability.@*Methods@#Forty-three patients with GD were collected from May 2003 to October 2018 in Beijing Children′s Hospital, including 25 males and 18 females, aged from 10 to 34 years, with an average age of (21±6) years. All the patients underwent routine chest CT examinations, and analysis and description of pulmonary interstitial and parenchyma imaging manifestations were performed.@*Results@#Among the 43 GD patients, 20 patients presented with abnormal chest CT findings: 10 showed diffuse interlobular septa thickening, mainly distributed in the lower lobes of both lungs; 5 showed ground glass opacities in a single or multiple lobes of the lung. There were 2 cases with small nodules, which showed round-like nodules of different sizes. One case had pulmonary fibrosis, especially in the left upper lobe. Other manifestations included bullae in 3 cases,localized pleural thickening in 2 cases, pneumothorax in 1 case; pulmonary hypertension in 1 case and thymus enlargement in 12 cases. Most of the GD patients had pulmonary lesions between 10 and 14 years old. The signs of interlobular septa thickening and thymus enlargement were common, with 5 cases in each age group.@*Conclusions@#GD involves the lungs in half of the patients. The manifestations of the lungs are diverse, and most of them are diffuse interstitial lesions. The main signs are interlobular septal thickening and ground glass opacity, which are consistent with the pathology of Gaucher cell infiltration.But the signs are not specific, the diagnosis should be made in combination with the clinical information, and attention should be paid to the differentiation of lung infiltration caused by other diseases.

Enfermedad de Gaucher asociado a linfoma de celulas T tipo hidroa vacciniforme like: reporte de un caso / Gaucher disease associated with T-cell lymphoma hydroa vacciniforme like: Case report

La enfermedad de Gaucher es un trastorno metabólico autosómico recesivo crónico y progresivo que se caracteriza por depósito lisosomal con deficiencia de la enzima glucocerebrosidasa ácida produciendo causando daño celular y disfunción orgánica; se asocia a enfermedades neoplásicas hematológicas; sin embargo, su asociación con linfomas es rara. El linfoma hidroa vacciniforme like es una enfermedad rara per se pero afecta en más casos a niños y adolescentes; está caracterizado por lesiones vesiculares cutáneas, adenopatías y visceromegalias. Presentamos el caso de una niña proveniente de una comunidad andina de Cusco de 12 años que presentó durante siete años vesículas costrosas, fiebre, edema facial con ulcera palpebral, ganglios palpables, hepatoesplenomegalia, acompañado de pancitopenia. Se realizó un estudio enzimático y genético observándose deficiencia de β-glucosidasa y del gen GBA; en la biopsia de piel se encontró un infiltrado linfoide dérmico con pleomorfismo nuclear compatible con linfoma de células T tipo hidroavacciniforme like, posteriormente la paciente presentó leve mejoría con el tratamiento de reemplazo enzimático pero falleció debido al shock hipovolémico tras dos episodios de hemorragia digestiva baja.

Gaucher disease is a chronic and progressive autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that is characterized by lysosome depots with deficiency of acid glucocerebrosidase enzyme, which leads to cell damage and organic dysfunction. This condition is associated with some hematological malignancies; however, its association with lymphomas is rare. Hydroa vacciniform-like lymphoma is a rare condition per se, but it is becoming increasingly frequent in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the presence of cutaneous vesicular lesions, adenopathy, and visceromegaly. We present the case of a 12-year old girl from an Andean community in Cusco who presented with crusting vesicles, fever, face edema with eyelid ulceration, palpable lymph nodes, and hepatosplenomegaly, accompanied by pancytopenia. An enzymatic and genetic study was carried out, and both β-glucosidase deficiency and GBA gene deficiency were found. Skin biopsies revealed a dermal lymphoid infiltrate with nuclear pleomorphism compatible with hydroa vacciniform like T-cell lymphoma. Subsequently, the patient developed slight improvement with the enzyme replacement therapy, but she died because of hypovolemic shock after two episodes of low gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

GBA mutations p.N370S and p. L444P are associated with Parkinson's disease in patients from Northern Brazil / Mutações p.N370S e p. L444P no gene GBA estão associadas com doença de Parkinson em pacientes do norte do Brasil

ABSTRACT Mutations of the GBA gene have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from a number of different countries, including Brazil. In order to confirm this pattern in a sample of PD patients from northern Brazil, we conducted a case-control study of the occurrence of the two most common mutations of the GBA gene (c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P) in a group of 81 PD patients and 81 control individuals, using PCR-RFLP, confirmed by the direct sequencing of the PCR products. In the patient group, three patients (3.7%) were heterozygous for the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S mutation, and three (3.7%) for GBA c.1448T>C; p.L444P Neither mutation was detected in the control group (p =0.0284). Patients with the c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutation showed a tendency to have an earlier disease onset, but a larger sample number is required to confirm this observation. Our results suggest an association between the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutations and the development of PD in the population of patients from the Northern Brazil.

RESUMO Mutações no gene GBA têm sido reportadas em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) em diferentes países, incluindo o Brasil. Com o objetivo de confirmar esse padrão em uma amostra de pacientes com DP provenientes do Norte brasileiro, foi conduzindo esse estudo caso-controle investigando a frequência das duas mutações mais comuns do gene GBA (c.1226A>G; p.N370S e c.1448T>C; p.L444P) em um grupo de 81 pacientes com DP e 81 controles, usando PCR-RFLP e confirmado pelo sequenciamento direto de produtos de PCR. No grupo experimental, três pacientes (3,7%) foram heterozigotos para a mutação c.1226A>G; p.N370S e três (3,7%), para a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P Nenhuma das duas mutações foi detectada no grupo controle (p =0,0284). Pacientes com a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P demonstraram uma tendência a apresentar os sintomas mais precocemente, porém um número amostrai maior é necessário para confirmar essa observação. Nossos resultados sugerem uma associação entre essas duas mutações no gene GBA e o desenvolvimento de DP na população de pacientes do norte Brasileiro.

Development of a Label-Free LC-MS/MS-Based Glucosylceramide Synthase Assay and Its Application to Inhibitors Screening for Ceramide-Related Diseases

Ceramide metabolism is known to be an essential etiology for various diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and Gaucher disease. Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which is a main ceramide metabolism pathway in mammalian cells. In this article, we developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to determine GCS activity using synthetic non-natural sphingolipid C8-ceramide as a substrate. The reaction products, C8-GlcCer for GCS, could be separated on a C18 column by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantification was conducted using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to monitor the precursor-to-product ion transitions of m/z 588.6 → 264.4 for C8-GlcCer at positive ionization mode. The calibration curve was established over the range of 0.625–160 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficient was larger than 0.999. This method was successfully applied to detect GCS in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2 cells) and mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We also evaluated the inhibition degree of a known GCS inhibitor 1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) on GCS enzymatic activity and proved that this method could be successfully applied to GCS inhibitor screening of preventive and therapeutic drugs for ceramide metabolism diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and Gaucher disease.