Macrophage migration inhibitory factor antagonist (p425) ameliorates kidney histopathological and functional changes in diabetic rats / Antagonista (p425) do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) melhora as alterações histopatológicas e funcionais renais em ratos diabéticos

Abstract Introduction: It is hypothesized that increased macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression may contribute to diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects of MIF inhibition in a diabetic experimental model. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were divided into three groups: 1) control, 2) diabetic (STZ, 50 mg/kg, dissolved in saline, ip), 3) diabetic + MIF antagonist (p425, 1 mg/kg per day, ip, on the 21th day, for 21 consecutive days). The treatment started since we founwd a significant increase in urine albumin excretion (UAE) rate in the diabetic rats in comparison with the control rats. The rats were kept individually in metabolic cages (8 AM-2 PM) and urine samples were collected in the 21 and 42th day. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical (BS, UPE, urine GAG, BUN, Cr, Na, and K) and histological analyses. Results: The results of this study showed that MIF antagonist (p425) significantly decreased urine protein and GAG excretion, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and serum BUN and Cr in the streptozotocin-induced DN in the rats. Pathological changes were significantly alleviated in the MIF antagonist (p425)-administered DN rats. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggested that MIF antagonist (p425) was able to protect against functional and histopathological injury in the DN.

Resumo Introdução: Supõe-se que elevações da expressão do fator de inibição da migração de macrófagos (MIF) possam contribuir para a patogênese da nefropatia diabética (ND). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos renais da inibição do MIF em um modelo experimental diabético. Métodos: Dezoito ratos Wistar machos (230 ± 20g) foram divididos em três grupos: 1) controle, 2) diabético (STZ 50 mg/kg dissolvida em soro fisiológico, IP), 3) diabético + antagonista do MIF (p425 1 mg/kg por dia IP no 21o dia por 21 dias consecutivos). O tratamento começou após a identificação de aumento significativo na albuminúria nos ratos diabéticos em relação aos controles. Os ratos foram mantidos individualmente em gaiolas metabólicas (8h-14h) e amostras de urina foram colhidas no 21o e no 42o dia. Ao final do estudo, amostras de sangue e tecido foram colhidas para análises bioquímicas (BS, excreção urinária de proteína, excreção urinária de GAGs, BUN, Cr, Na e K) e histológicas. Resultados: O presente estudo demonstrou que o antagonista do MIF (p425) diminuiu significativamente proteinúria, excreção urinária de GAGs , relação proteína/creatinina na urina, BUN e Cr no grupo com ND induzida por estreptozotocina. As alterações patológicas foram significativamente abrandadas nos ratos com ND que receberam antagonista do MIF (p425). Conclusão: Coletivamente, os dados sugerem que o antagonista do MIF (p425) teve efeito protetor contra lesões funcionais e histopatológicas da ND.

Assessment of respiratory involvement in children with mucoplysaccharidosis using pulmonary function tests

Mucopolysaccharidosis [MPS] are classified into seven clinical types based on eleven known lysosomal enzyme deficiencies of glycosaminoglycan [GAG] metabolism. Respiratory involvement seen in most MPS types includes recurrent respiratory infections, upper and lower airway obstruction, tracheomalacia, restrictive lung disease, and sleep disturbances. To delineate the pattern of respiratory compromise and pulmonary function abnormalities in MPS patients. This is a cross section observational study conducted on 30 patients recruited from the Neurometabolic Clinic, Children's Hospital, Cairo University over a period of 18 months. All patients were screened first by the quantitative determination of GAGs in urine, and diagnosis was confirmed by unidimensional electrophoresis for GAGs in urine and/or specific enzymatic assay in blood leucocytes. Infant pulmonary functions [IPFT] were done in twenty-two patients [< 3 years of age], while 8 cases performed impulse oscillometry [IOS] test [3-6 years of age]. Ages at diagnosis ranged from 1 to 9 years with a median of 2.3 years. Male to female ratio was 4:1. Consanguinity was observed in 53.3% whereas similar family condition was present in 40% of cases. Lumbar kyphosis was detected in 60% of cases, while scoliosis was detected in 46.7%. Results of pulmonary functions were mainly obstructive in 20 [66.6%] cases; however, combined obstructive and restrictive were detected in only 6 [20%] of cases. Data showed no association between the presence of scoliosis or the presence of organomegaly and the pattern of pulmonary function abnormalities. Evaluation and follow up of patients with MPS using pulmonary function tests are essential to detect early involvement of respiratory system and hence start treatment for respiratory complications early in the course of the disease

Effect of castration on renal glycosaminoglycans and their urinary excretion in male and female rats with chronic renal failure

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) participate in a variety of processes in the kidney, and evidence suggests that gender-related hormones participate in renal function. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of GAGs, gender, and proteinuria in male and female rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). GAGs were analyzed in total kidney tissue and 24-h urine of castrated (c), male (M), and female (F) Wistar control (C) rats (CM, CMc, CF, CFc) and after 30 days of CRF induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (CRFM, CRFMc, CRFF, CRFFc). Total GAG quantification and composition were determined using agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. Renal GAGs were higher in CF compared to CM. CRFM presented an increase in renal GAGs, heparan sulfate (HS), and proteinuria, while castration reduced these parameters. However, CRFF and CRFFc groups showed a decrease in renal GAGs concomitant with an increase in proteinuria. Our results suggest that, in CRFM, sex hormones quantitatively alter GAGs, mainly HS, and possibly the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to proteinuria. The lack of this response in CRFMc, where HS did not increase, corroborates this theory. This pattern was not observed in females. Further studies of CRF are needed to clarify gender-dependent differences in HS synthesis.

The First Korean Case of Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIC (Sanfilippo Syndrome Type C) Confirmed by Biochemical and Molecular Investigation

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) III has 4 enzymatically distinct forms (A, B, C, and D), and MPS IIIC, also known as Sanfilippo C syndrome, is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of heparan acetyl-CoA:alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT). Here, we report a case of MPS IIIC that was confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. The patient was a 2-yr-old girl presenting with skeletal deformity, hepatomegaly, and delayed motor development. Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was markedly elevated (984.4 mg GAG/g creatinine) compared with the age-specific reference range (A (IVS2+1G>A) and c.1150C>T (p.Arg384*). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of MPS IIIC to be confirmed by clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic findings in Korea.

Excreção urinária de glicosaminoglicanos em crianças com bexiga neurogênica secundária a mielomeningocele / Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans in children with neurogenic bladder secondary to myelomeningocele

A excreção urinária de glicosaminoglicanos (GAG) está alterada em várias patologias do trato urinário; o padrão de excreção pode estar associado com o estado da doença. A excreção urinária de GAG em crianças com bexiga neurogênica (BN) secundária a mielomeningocele (MMC) pode também estar alterada, mas até a presente data não há detalhamento epidemiológico dos pacientes e não se correlacionou o padrão de excreção com grau de disfunção vesical. Analisamos a excreção urinária de um grupo bem definido de crianças de 17 pacientes com MMC, 10 meninos e 7 meninas (média de idade +- DP de 4,6 +- 2,9 anos) foram obtidas durante o exame cistométrico. As amostras do grupo controle foram obtidas de 18 crianças normais, 13 meninos e 5 meninas (6,9 +- 2,2 anos). Todas as crianças não estavam com infecção urinária, tinham função renal normal e não estavam sob tratamento farmacológico. A quantificação do GAG urinário total foi expressa em ug de ácido hexurônico/mg de creatinina e a proporção dos diferentes tipos de GAGs sulfatados foi obtida por eletroforese em gel de agarose. A avaliação cistométrica foi realizada utilizando aparelho de urodinâmica Dynapack modelo MPX816 (Dynamed, São Paulo, Brasil), a partir da qual o escore cistométrico foi calculado de acordo com procedimento recente publicado [14]. Não observamos diferença significativa na excreção urinária de GAG total entre meninos e meninas tanto no grupo com MMC (0,913 +- 0,528 vs 0,867 +- 0,434, p>0,05) como no grupo controle (0,546 +- 0,240 vs 0,699 +- 0,296, p>0,05). Os resultados mostraram também que a excreção de GAG urinário não se correlacionou com a idade tanto no grupo com MMC (r = -0,28, p>0,05) como no grupo controle (r = -0,40, p>0,05). Entretanto, a comparação dos dois grupos mostrou que o grupo com MMC excretava 52% a mais de GAG total que o grupo controle (0,894 +- 0,477 vs 0,588 +- 0,257, p<0,04). Nesses pacientes a excreção de GAG total não se correlacionou com a complacência vesical...

Urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion is altered in a number of urinary tract disorders, and the excretion pattern may be associated with disease state and/or outcome. GAG excretion in children with neurogenic bladder secondary to myelomeningocele (MMC) may be affected, but existing data lack more detailed demographics and does not correlate excretion pattern with severity of bladder dysfunction. Here we analyzed GAG excretion in a well defined group of children with MMC and correlated the results with cystometric score. Urine specimens from 17 patients (10 boys, 7 girls) mean age +- SD, 4.6 +- 2.9 years) were obtained during cystometry. Control specimens were from 18 normal children (13 boys, 5 girls) (6.9 +- 2.2 years). All children were free from urinary infection, had normal renal function, and were not under pharmacological treatment. Total urinary GAG was assayed as ug hexuronic acid/mg urinary creatinin e, and sulfated GAGs were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cistometry was done using a Dynapack MPX816 (Dynamed, São Paulo, Brazil), from wich a cystometry score was calculated according to a recent procedure [14]. There were no significant differences in total GAG excretion between male and female individuals in the MMC (0.913 +- 0.528 vs 0.867 +- 0.434, p>0.05) and control (0.546 +- 0.240 vs 0.699+- 0.296, p>0.05) groups. Also, urinary GAG did not correlated with age in the MMC (r = -0.28, p>0.05) and control (r = -0.40, p>0.05) groups. However, MMC patients excreted 52% more GAG than controls (0.894 +- 0.477 vs 0.588 +- 0.257, p<0.04). In these patients, total GAG excretion was not associated with vesical complicance alone (r = -0.18, p>0.05), but was significantly and negatively correlated (r = -0.56, p<0.05) with cystometric score. On average, MMC patients with worst scores (<9) excreted 81% more GAG than those with better scores (>9) (1.157 +- 0.467 vs 0.639 +- 0.133, p<0.04). Chondroitin sulfate prevailed in both groups...

[Measurement of serum and 24-h urinary glucose amino glycans as an diagnostic marker in early hypertention]

Glucose Amino Glycans [GAG] are unbranched polysacharides, major components of the basement membrane and play a key role in their molecular organization and function, also have an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases such as hypertension. Hypertention is probably the most important health problem in several countries. But there is not yet a reliable indicator for early diagnosis of hypertension. The goal of this study was the measurement of serum and 24-h urinary GAG as an exact and early diagnostic marker. In this case - control study, 24-h urine and serum samples collected from the 53 patients and 38 persons as matched control normotensive group. Then amount of GAG was measured with spectrophotometery method. Our findings showed that there is a direct relation between 24-h urinary GAG excretion and systolic blood pressure and it increases with increase of systolic blood pressure. Also amount of serum GAG increases in hypertensive patients in comparison with control group This study showed that the concentration of GAG in sera and 24-h of urine samples increase in systolic hypertention

Urinary glycosaminoglycans excretion and the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in an experimental model of non-bacterial cystitis

PURPOSE: We reproduced a non-bacterial experimental model to assess bladder inflammation and urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) excretion and examined the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female rats were instilled with either protamine sulfate (PS groups) or sterile saline (control groups). At different days after the procedure, 24 h urine and bladder samples were obtained. Urinary levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (S-GAG) were determined. Also to evaluate the effect of DMSO animals were instilled with either 50 percent DMSO or saline 6 hours after PS instillation. To evaluate the effect of DMSO in healthy bladders, rats were instilled with 50 percent DMSO and controls with saline. RESULTS: In the PS groups, bladder inflammation was observed, with polymorphonuclear cells during the first days and lymphomononuclear in the last days. HA and S-GAG had 2 peaks of urinary excretion, at the 1st and 7th day after PS injection. DMSO significantly reduced bladder inflammation. In contrast, in healthy bladders, DMSO produced mild inflammation and an increase in urinary HA levels after 1 and 7 days and an increase of S-GAG level in 7 days. Animals instilled with PS and treated with DMSO had significantly reduced levels of urinary HA only at the 1st day. Urinary S-GAG/Cr levels were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increased urinary levels of GAG were associated with bladder inflammation in a PS-induced cystitis model. DMSO significantly reduced the inflammatory process after urothelial injury. Conversely, this drug provoked mild inflammation in normal mucosa. DMSO treatment was shown to influence urinary HA excretion.

Mucopolissacaridose tipo VI (síndrome de Maroteaux-Lamy): avaliação da mobilidade articular e das forças de garra e de pinça / Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome): assessment of joint mobility and grip and pinch strength

OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil de mobilidade articular e das forças de garra e de pinça de indivíduos com MPS VI, além de sua correlação com a excreção urinária de glicosaminoglicanos, atividade da ARSB e distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de 28 pacientes com MPS VI, não submetidos a tratamento específico. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados em relação à amplitude da mobilidade articular, forças de garra e de pinça, excreção urinária de glicosaminoglicanos, atividade da ARSB e teste de caminhada de 6 minutos. RESULTADOS: Demonstrou-se maior comprometimento de flexão de ombro, sem correlação com a idade, e da extensão de joelho e flexão de cotovelo, estas últimas correlacionadas negativamente com a idade. A força de garra mostrou-se comprometida em todos os pacientes, e a força de pinça apresentou correlação positiva com idade. CONCLUSÕES: A restrição da flexão de ombro, sem correlação com a idade, sugere que este achado esteja presente precocemente na MPS VI e se constitua em sinal clínico importante para suspeita diagnóstica desta doença. A amplitude da extensão de joelho e da flexão de cotovelo, por sua vez, por apresentarem correlação negativa com a idade, são possíveis marcadores da evolução da doença. Estudos adicionais são necessários para confirmação dessas hipóteses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of joint mobility and grip and pinch strength of MPS VI patients and to correlate this with urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), ARSB activity, and the distance covered in a 6-minute walking test (6MWT). METHODS: This was an observational study of 28 patients with MPS VI, who had not undergone specific treatment. All patients were assessed for amplitude of joint mobility (shoulder, elbow, and knee), grip and pinch strength and urinary GAG excretion and also performed the 6MWT. RESULTS: Shoulder flexion exhibited the greatest limitation, with no correlation with age, followed by knee extension and elbow flexion, both of which were correlated inversely with age. Hand grip strength was compromised in all patients, and pinch strength exhibited a positive correlation with age. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that restricted shoulder flexion was not correlated with age suggests that this finding is present early on in MPS VI and that it constitutes an important clinical sign that should arouse diagnostic suspicion of this disease. The amplitude of knee extension and elbow flexion, in turn, are possible markers of disease progression since they have a negative correlation with age. Further studies are needed to confirm these hypotheses.

Profile of Egyptian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis

Mucopolysaccharidoses [MPS] are chronic progressive lysosomal disorders [Six distinct types] which are inherited as autosomal recessive except MPS II which is inherited as X-linked recessive disorder This study is designed to investigate a group of Egyptian patients with MPS biochemically using screening test by electrophoretic separation of glycosaminoglycans and enzymatic assay in order to establish the diagnosis of the disorder and its subtypes, to prepare patients for enzyme replacement therapy. Also this will help in proper genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Establishing a reliable rapid screening test for MPS is another aim of the study. The present study included 20 index cases suspected clinically as mucopolysaccardioses at the Medical Genetics Center, Ain Shams University [ASUMGC].They were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, family pedigree construction, skeletal survey, abdominal ultrasound and echocardiography, quatitative assay of glycosaminoglycans [GAGs] by diemethylmethlene blue [DMB] is done. The level of urinary GAGs by two dimentional electrophoresis [DMB] test was high in all patients tested. After that the patients were subjected to 2-DEP to determine the pattern of GAGs for probable type of MPS. 11 cases [55%] showed big dermatan sulfate spot [Type I, II or VI]. Seven cases [35%] showed hepran sulfate spot [Type III], 2 cases [10%] showed keratan sulfate spot [Type IV]. Finally patients were subjected to enzyme analysis specific for each type of MPS to confirm diagnosis. Reaching a specific diagnosis is of importance for genetic counseling and prenatal diognosis which is possible for all types of MPS. Prenatal diagnosis was done by 2-DEP of the amniotic fluid for four mothers of affected patients of MPS. One fetus was proved to be affected with MPS III. Another fetus was affected with MPSII. The others fetuses were normal

Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans and ultrasound urinary bladder wall thickness in children with refractory primary nocturnal enuresis

This study was undertaken to determine variations in the amount of glycosaminoglycans [GAGs] excreted by patients with refractory primary nocturnal enuresis [RPNE], and assessment of associated bladder dysfunction with the use of a special ultrasound [US] protocol, as prediction of pathophysiology of refractory primary nocturnal enuresis and associated bladder dysfunction. The study included 30 children with [RPNE] with mean age 7.33 +/- 2.23 and 30 healthy age matched control children with mean age 8.9 +/- 1.68 years. All patients more than 5 years old were treated for primary nocturnal enuresis [PNE] with behavioral therapy and desmopressin for at least 6 months with no response. The studied groups were subjected to the following complete medical history, physical examination, urine analysis and their urinary GAGs excretion was assessed over 24 h using the sodium tetraboratecarbazole method. Plain KUB, and abdominal ultrasound using special protocol was designed for the evaluation of bladder parameters using bladder volume and wall thickness index [BVWI%], and expected percentage bladder volume index for kidney volume. Patients with refractory primary nocturnal enuresis had higher mean values of urinary GAGs excretion than age-matched controls. Also they had low bladder capacity and thick bladder wall more than age-matched. The mean urinary GAGs contents were 38.9, and 27.5 mg/g creatinine in patients with RPNE and controls respectively; [P<0.001]. Comparing the BVWI in normal and enuretic children in correlation with functional bladder capacities we found that patients with low capacity thick bladder wall also have high GAGs excretion. Measuring urinary GAGs excretion and Ultrasound bladder wall thickness can be used as predictive pathophysiological clues, for underlying bladder dysfunction, which has an important role in the pathophysiology of enuresis especially in refractory cases. Also they can minimizing the need for invasive urodynamic study in children with RPNE for assessing bladder wall dysfunction

Síndrome de Hurler: a propósito de un caso / Hurler syndrome: clinical case

La mucopolisacaridosis tipo I es una enfermedad de depósito lisosomal, autosómica recesiva, de baja incidencia, aproximadamente 1:100.000 recién nacidos. Su etiología es el déficit de la glicosidasa, -L-iduronidasa (IDUA), que es una enzima que degrada los glicosaminoglicanos (GAG), heparán sulfato y dermatán sulfato. El déficit causa su acumulación progresiva a nivel intralisosomal, y posteriormente desencadena el daño a nivel celular y tisular. La gran heterogeneidad fenotípica depende del tipo de mutación del gen IDUA, ubicado en el cromosoma 4p16.3. Los casos más severos se denominan síndrome de Hurler, los intermedios, síndrome de Hurler-Scheie y el fenotipo más atenuado corresponde al síndrome de Scheie.1 Los pacientes con síndrome de Hurler habitualmente fallecen en la primera década de vida. En el síndrome de Scheie la sobrevida es normal y su sintomatología es más atenuada. El síndrome de Hurler-Scheie tiene un curso intermedio, falleciendo cerca de los 20 años por compromiso cardiorrespiratorio. La fascies tosca, talla baja, retraso del desarrollo psicomotor progresivo, opacidad corneal y hepatomegalia deben plantear la sospecha clínica de la forma más severa de esta enfermedad, que es letal sin tratamiento. El objetivo de esta comunicación es presentar un caso de síndrome de Hurler con manifestaciones cutáneas como motivo de consulta.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that has a low incidence of approximately 1:100.000 new born. It is caused by the deficiency of -L- iduronidase (IDUA), a lysosomal enzyme involved in the degradation of the glycosaminoglycans, heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. This deficient activity leads to intracellular accumulation and ultimately compromises cellular and organ function. The -L- iduronidase gene (IDUA) is located on chromosome 4p16.3. The phenotypic heterogeneity ranging from the most severe (Hurler syndrome) to the most attenuated phenotype (Scheie syndrome) is related to the different mutations.1 Life expectancy for Hurler disease is less than ten years; Scheie syndrome has a normal survival rate and its symptomatology is less severe; Hurler-Scheie syndrome follows an intermediate line and life expectancy is approximately twenty years due to cardiorespiratory complications. The most appropriate approach to patients with coarse facial features, short stature, hepatosplenomegaly, corneal clouding and progressive mental retardation is to perform a diagnostic test to rule out the presence of a mucopolysaccharidosis. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment prevent its progression, which can otherwise be lethal. We present a case of Hurler syndrome with cutaneous symptoms whose reason for consultation was dermatological.

Genetic heterogeneity in spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasias: a clinical and radiological study

Spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasias [SEMD] are a heterogeneous group of skeletal disorders characterized by defective growth and modeling of the spine and long bones. Different types are described in the literature. Accurate classification of SEMDs is essential for proper genetic counseling. This study included 20 cases of SEMDs diagnosed by clinical and radiological findings. Cases were classified based on additional associated clinical and/or radiological features into 7 subtypes. Different subtypes were discussed with review of the literature. The study illustrated the heterogeneity of SEMDs and emphasized the importance of detailed and meticulous clinical genetic and biochemical evaluation in addition to comprehensive radiological investigations for such group of disorders. It also recommends further molecular studies to identify the molecular bases of the different types

Prospective study of 11 Brazilian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a progressão da mucopolissacaridose II, durante um período de 12 meses, em 11 pacientes brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Onze pacientes brasileiros com mucopolissacaridose II foram avaliados prospectivamente no Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. As avaliações realizadas na visita inicial e na de 12 meses foram: anamnese, exame físico, ressonância nuclear magnética abdominal, ecocardiograma, teste da caminhada em 6 minutos, audiometria, exames bioquímicos séricos e dosagem uriná- ria de glicosaminoglicanos. RESULTADOS: Os principais achados relativos à comparação entre as duas visitas foram: 1) dois pacientes apresentaram retardo de crescimento; 2) dois pacientes apresentaram variação negativa em relação ao peso; 3) um paciente apresentou variação de obesidade para sobrepeso; 4) três pacientes desenvolveram alargamento do ventrículo esquerdo; destes, dois aumentaram o número de lesões nas valvas cardíacas; 5) não foi encontrada diferença estatística significativa entre a média das distâncias percorridas no teste da caminhada em 6 minutos; 6) houve aumento do volume esplênico; 7) ocorreu aumento dos níveis de gamaglutamiltransferase; 8) não houve alteração dos níveis urinários de glicosaminoglicanos. CONCLUSÕES: De uma maneira geral, a única variável que apresentou, no período estudado, piora com potencial repercussão clínica imediata foram os achados ecocardiográficos. Embora o período de 12 meses seja curto para medir alterações na maioria dos parâmetros comprometidos na mucopolissacaridose II, sua natureza progressiva deve ser levada em conta na avaliação da eficácia dos protocolos de tratamento para essa condição.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the progression of mucopolysaccharidosis II in 11 Brazilian patients over a 12-month period. METHODS: Eleven Brazilian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II were prospectively studied at the Division of Medical Genetics of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The initial assessment and the assessment at 12 months included: anamnesis, physical examination, abdominal nuclear magnetic resonance, echocardiogram, 6-minute walk test, audiometry, serum biochemical tests and urinary glycosaminoglycan concentration. RESULTS: The major findings after comparing the assessments were: 1) two patients had growth retardation; 2) two patients showed negative weight change; 3) one patient went from obese to overweight; 4) three patients revealed left ventricle hypertrophy; of these, two increased the number of cardiac valve lesions; 5) there was no statistically significant difference between the mean distances obtained on the 6-minute walk test; 6) there was splenic enlargement; 7) there was an increase in gamma-glutamyltransferase levels; 8) the urinary concentration of glycosaminoglycans remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In general, echocardiographic findings were the only variable with deterioration and possible immediate clinical consequences. Although a 12-month period is too short to detect changes in most variables related to mucopolysaccharidosis II, its progressive nature should be taken into account when evaluating the efficiency of treatment protocols.

Urinary glycosaminoglycans in systemic lupus erythematosus: marker of renal affection and relation to disease activity

To evaluate glycosaminoglycans [GAG], heparan sulphate [HS] and chondroitin sulphate [CS] levels in the urine of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients. Also, to determine its possible use as a marker for lupus nephritis and its correlation with disease activity. This study was conducted on 30 patients suffering from SLE. They were subdivided according to disease activity and renal affection. Ten apparently healthy subjects were taken as a control group. GAGs were isolated from urine with ion exchange chromatography on DEAE sephacel. Determination of HS and CS levels were done with ELISA. There was a significant increase of GAGs and HS levels in SLE patients than in controls [p<0.05]. There was a highly significant difference [p<0.01] between active and inactive SLE patients as regards CS/HS ratio. GAGs and CS/HS ratio were significantly higher in active patients with lupus nephritis [p< 0.001]. Urinary GAGs may represent an additional, non-invasive diagnostic approach for lupus nephritis. It could be used as a parameter for disease activity and lupus nephritis

Las mucopolisacaridosis / The mucopolysaccharidosis

Las mucopolisacaridosis (MPS) son errores innatos del metabolismo de los glicosaminoglicanos (GAG), que ocurren por déficit de alguna de las enzimas que degradan estas moléculas en los lisosomas. Esto conduce al depósito intralisosomal progresivo de GAG en diferentes tejidos, lo que explica el carácter multistémico de estas patologías. Las MPS, se presentan con una frecuencia aproximada de 1 caso en 10.000 a 25.000 recién nacidos vivos y son de herencia autosómica recesiva, salvo la MPS II o enfermedad de Hunter, que se hereda ligada al cromosoma X. Las características clínicas más frecuentes de las MPS son la presencia de rasgos faciales toscos, macrocefalia, opacidades corneales, disostosis múltiple, talla baja, valvulopatía mitroaórtica, hepatoesplenomegalia, hernias umbilical e inguinales, con o sin retraso del desarrollo sicomotor y con un deterioro neurológico progresivo. Salvo para las formas menos severas de MPS I, hasta ahora no hay un tratamiento efectivo para estas patologías, por lo que el daño sistémico progresivo produce la muerte entre los fines de la primera y de la cuarta década de la vida. En esta revisión se discuten las características clínicas de las MPS con las particularidades de cada fenotipo, el modo de confirmar el diagnóstico y los avances recientes en su tratamiento.

Mucopolisacaridosis tipo I, III y VI: actividad enzimática y determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de glucosaminoglucanos urinarios / Mucopolysaccharidoses types I, III and VI: enzimatic activity quantitative and qualiatative determination of urinary glycosaminoglycans

Introducción. Las mucopolisacaridosis (MPS) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades hereditarias, originadas por la deficiencia de enzimas lisosomales que catalizan la degradación de los glucosaminoglucanos (GAGs). Actualmente se conocen 11 deficiencias enzimáticas que originan 8 fenotipos distintos y expresan una variedad de síntomas clínicos. Material y métodos. Doce pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de MPS (4 con MPS I, 2 con MPS IIIB y 6 con MPS VI) dos fueron estudiados bioquímicamente mediante la cuantificación de GAGs urinarios, su identificación a través de electroforesis en acetato de celulosa y la correlación con la actividad enzimática en leucocitos. Resultados. En todos los casos la concentración de GAGs/creatinina estuvo elevada en comparación con un grupo control. La electroforesis reveló la presencia de los GAGs esperados en cada tipo de MPS y la actividad enzimática fue deficiente en los 12 pacientes estudiados. Conclusiones. La aplicación de los métodos anteriores en pacientes con MPS, es una poderosa herramienta a utilizar como diagnóstico.

Clinical and laboratorial study of 19 cases of mucopolysaccharidoses

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a heterogeneous group of inborn errors of lysosomal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism. The importance of this group of disorders among the inborn errors of metabolism led us to report 19 cases. METHOD: We performed clinical, radiological, and biochemical evaluations of the suspected patients, which allowed us to establish a definite diagnosis in 19 cases. RESULTS: Not all patients showed increased GAG levels in urine; enzyme assays should be performed in all cases with strong clinical suspicion. The diagnosis was made on average at the age of 48 months, and the 19 MPS cases, after a full clinical, radiological, and biochemical study, were classified as follows: Hurler -- MPS I (1 case); Hunter -- MPS II (2 cases); Sanfilippo -- MPS III (2 cases); Morquio -- MPS IV (4 cases); Maroteaux-Lamy -- MPS VI (9 cases); and Sly -- MPS VII (1 case). DISCUSSION: The high relative frequency of Maroteaux-Lamy disease contrasts with most reports in the literature and could express a population variability

Discontinuous electrophoresis of glycosaminoglycans: a screening method for mucopolysaccharidoses.

A modified discontinuous electrophoretic method for the separation of standard and urinary glycosaminoglycans has been reported. The merits of the method are the simple and easy to handle apparatus, non-requirement of elaborate cooling system, sensitivity and high reproducibility of the results and applicability of the method for the preliminary grouping of the MPS patients to reduce the number of enzyme assays to be done.

A useful routine for biochemical detection and diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses

As mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) constituem, devido às suas características bioquímicas, genéticas e clínicas, um grupo grande e heterogêneo dentro das doenças lisôssomicas de depósito (LSD), e säo causadas pela deficiência de enzimas específicas que säo responsáveis pela quebra de gicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) em passos diferentes da sua rota de degradaçäo. Sendo as MPS responsáveis por aproximadamente 32 por cento dos erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) e 54 por cento das LSD identificadas em nosso laboratório (Laboratório Regional dos Erros Inatos do Metabolismo (RLIEM), Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre), que é um centro de referência para o diagnóstico de LSD no Brasil, nós decidimos implantar uma rotina para detecçäo e o diagnóstico diferencial de MPS em pacientes com características clínicas sugestivas deste grupo de doenças.

Mucopolysaccharidoses type II: Enzymatic activity and quantitative and qualitative studies of urinary glycosaminoglycans in five patients

Five patients presenting Hunter's syndrome were biochemically studied. Quantification of urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), electrophoretic characterizatio and correlation with ensymatic activity in leucocytes were carried out. In all cases, urinary GAGs/creatinine ratio was increased. Electrophoresis revealed the presence of heparan sulfate (HS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) in four cases (80 perecent), but in the remaining patient, only DS was present. In all patients, deficient enzymatic activity was demonstrated. These results show evidences of biochemical differences in thys syndrome