Clinical characteristics of adrenoleukodystrophy with a novel ABCD1 gene mutation / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and genetic background of adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD).Methods:In this study, we reported a rare case of ALD who initially presented with progressive bilateral lower limb weakness. The clinical data of the patient and his family members were collected and the ABCD1 gene was sequenced for the patient and his three daughters by a high-throughput sequencing method.Results:The proband had a later onset of symptoms, a prolonged course of the disease, and initially exhibited bilateral lower limb weakness and nocturnal muscle spasms. The disease progressed to spastic quadriplegia, aphasia, dementia, swallowing difficulties, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Serum very-long-chain fatty acid concentrations were elevated. Subclinical cortisol secretion abnormalities were observed. Cranial imaging indicated symmetrical reduction in density around the lateral ventricles and white matter degeneration. The proband′s ABCD1 gene analysis revealed a novel heterozygous mutation c. 1367G>A, p. R456H. His three daughters carried the same nucleotide heterozygous mutation.Conclusion:This study investigates the clinical characteristics of ALD, providing additional clinical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Additionally, a novel mutation in the ABCD1 gene was identified, contributing to the genetic variation database.

Clinical manifestations and gene mutation of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: case analysis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The clinical manifestations, biochemical parameters and imaging examination, genetic test results, and treatment of 3 cases of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy(X-ALD) patients were reviewed and analyzed, and the structure of adrenoleukodystrophy protein(ALDP) was analyzed. All 3 patients were male. Patients 1 and 2 were childhood cerebral ALD(CCALD), patients 3 was adrenomyeloneuropathy(AMN), and all of them were misdiagnosed at early stage. Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and hematologic examinations showed the neurological demyelination of X-ALD, adrenocortical insufficiency, and accumulation of very long chain fatty acids(VLCFAs). Sequencing of ABCD1 gene revealed 3 new pathogenic mutations[c.910delins22(p.A304delins8), c. 887A>C(p.Y296S), and c. 1451_1481del(p.P484fs)], which affected the key structure of ALDP and led to the disease. Patients 1 and 2 received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and their condition continued to progress after surgery. Patient 3 was in stable condition. The misdiagnosis rate of X-ALD is high, clinicians should be vigilant. In this study, 3 new mutations were found, which expanded the ABCD1 gene mutation spectrum in patients with X-ALD. It is important to note that early identification and early diagnosis of X-ALD should be made to reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of adrenomyeloneuropathy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN).Methods:Clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively on AMN patients who were diagnosed by genetic testing in Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May 2008 to August 2022. Clinical characteristics of AMN patients with different types of gene mutations were compared. Loe score was used to evaluate the severity of white matter demyelinating, and the serum levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in patients with or without white matter demyelinating were compared. The motor function of the AMN patients was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the association between EDSS scores and the course of disease was analyzed.Results:A total of 23 male patients with onset age of (29.52±9.91) years were included in this study. The first symptom of all patients was abnormal lower extremities, of which 17 patients showed stiffness and weakness in their lower limbs (73.9%, 17/23), and 6 patients showed numbness and pain in both lower limbs (26.1%, 6/23). The occurrence of symptoms was not related to the type of gene mutation. White matter demyelination occurred in 33.3% (7/21) of patients over a disease duration of (7.67±4.46) years. There was no statistically significant difference in serum VLCFA level between the white-matter demyelination group and the non-demyelination group. The EDSS score was positively correlated with the disease duration ( r=0.57, P=0.006). Sixteen ABCD1 gene mutations were found in this study, among which c.5_19delinsTCTCCAGG (p.P2Lfs *12) was reported for the first time. Four probands belonging to different families carried the c.1415_1416del (p.Q472Rfs *83) variant. Conclusions:Lower limb movement disorders and sensory dysfunction are the prominent clinical manifestations in AMN patients, with deterioration of motor function associated with the course of disease. AMN may be converted to cerebral type and VLCFA concentration is not associated with the phenotypic changes. The c.1415_1416del (p.Q472Rfs *83) mutation is a hot spot mutation of the disease.

Adult-onset X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy characterized by brainstem symptoms: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder. Adult-onset X-ALD characterized by brainstem symptoms is a rare phenotype of the disease. A male youth of adult-onset X-ALD characterized by brainstem symptoms in Tianjin Huanhu Hospital at April 12, 2021 is reported. The patient mainly presented with progressively gait disturbance, dysarthria and ataxia, which were consistent with the clinical diagnosis of X-ALD in combination with other ancillary tests. Genetic testing suggested the presence of a hemizygous mutation site in the ABCD1 gene. The clinical, imaging and genetic characteristics of X-ALD patients in the literature with brain stem lesion are also summarized, thereby improving the understanding of the rare clinical phenotype of X-ALD.

Prognosis of childhood adrenoleukodystrophy with cognitive disorder after haploidentical allogenic hemato-poietic stem cell transplantation / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the prognosis of childhood adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) with cognitive disorder after haploidentical allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT), and to identify risk factors affecting the prognosis.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study involving 31 ALD children receiving haplo-HSCT in Peking University People′s Hospital from January 2014 to October 2022.Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the prognosis of childhood ALD following haplo-HSCT. Results:Among the 31 children with ALD, 1 case died of cardiogenic shock during the transplantation, and the remaining had a successful haplo-HSCT.Ten children with ALD had cognitive disorder before haplo-HSCT, including 3 cases with the minimal LOES score ≥10 points and 8 cases with the Neurologic Function Score (NFS)>0 point before haplo-HSCT.Six children had major functional disability (MFD) and 2 cases died due to progression of ALD after haplo-HSCT.Twenty children did not have cognitive disorder before haplo-HSCT, of whom 3 cases had the LOES score≥10 points and 6 cases had NFS>0 before haplo-HSCT.Four children had MFD and 2 cases died due to progression of ALD after haplo-HSCT.For ALD patients without cognitive disorder after haplo-HSCT, the 3-year and 5-year survival rate were 100.0% and 72.9%, respectively, and the 5-year MFD-free survival was 61.6%.For ALD patients with cognitive disorder after haplo-HSCT, the 3-year survival rate was 83.3%.Compared with ALD patients with the LOES score<10 points before haplo-HSCT, those with the LOES score≥10 points had 9.243 times the risk of developing MFD after haplo-HSCT ( P=0.024, 95% CI: 1.332-64.127). Compared with ALD patients without cognitive disorder before haplo-HSCT, ALD patients with cognitive disorder had 9.749 times the risk of developing MFD after haplo-HSCT ( P=0.023, 95% CI: 1.358-66.148). Conclusions:Cognitive disorder and LOES score≥10 points before haplo-HSCT are risk factors for developing MFD in children with ALD following haplo-HSCT.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Adrenoleukodystrophy in Adults / 罕见病研究

  Objective  Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is the most common peroxisomal diseases with high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Our study is to analyze the phenotype and genotype characteristics of adult patients with ALD.  Methods  A total of 18 adult patients with ALD admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from May 2016 to April 2021 were recruited, and their clinical manifestations, imaging features, and genetic results were comprehensively analyzed.  Results  Among 18 patients, 6(33%) patients were diagnosed as adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), 2(11%) were cerebral AMN, 5(28%) were adult cerebral ALD (ACALD), 2(11%) were childhood cerebral ALD (CCALD), 1(6%) were adolescent cerebral ALD (AdolALD), and 2(11%) were cerebellar variant of ALD. AMN patients presented with adult-onset stiffness and weakness of lower limbs as the initial and main symptoms, and can developed additional cerebral demyelination; In the case of cerebral ALD, ACALD is more common than CCALD and AdolALD. The prominent manifestations were psychiatric disorders, cognitive, and motor impairment. The imaging features were predominantly occipitoparietal involvement or predominantly frontal involvement with or without contrast enhancement marginal to the demyelinated areas; cerebellar ataxia is the main manifestation in patients with cerebellar variant, and the imaging feature was symmetrical involvement of the cerebellar dentate nucleus. Genetically, the most common mutation type was missense mutation (10/18, 55.6%), followed by frameshift mutation (7/18, 38.9%), and splice site mutation (1/18, 5.6%). Moreover, we found five novo mutations, all of which were frameshift mutations.  Conclusions  AMN is the most common subtype of adult patients with ALD. ACALD is common among the cerebral ALD. The proportion of cerebellar variant might have been underestimated.

Study on the phenotype and genotype of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize the phenotype and genotype of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) patients, and compare the phenotype and genotype characteristics between children and adult patients.Methods:The comprehensive clinical data of 30 patients with X-ALD admitted to Beijing Jingdu Children′s Hospital and the First Medical Center of People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from August 2012 to December 2019 were analyzed, including their clinical manifestations and the results of gene test, biochemical test and magnetic resonance imaging examination, etc.Results:Among the 30 patients, 15 (50.0%) were childhood cerebraI ALD (CCALD, onset age 5－10 yeas, mean 7 years), 13 (43.3%) were adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN, onset age 21－41 yeas, mean 29 years). One (3.3%) was adult cerebral ALD (onset age 29 yeas), one (3.3%) was pure Addison disease (onset age 3.5 yeas). Most common clinical phenotype in children was CCALD and the first symptoms were inattention, learning ability decline, vision and hearing impairment. Otherwise the most common type in adult was AMN and the first symptoms were mainly progressive weakness of the lower limbs, muscle spasm, and abnormal gait. These patients came from 29 different families, among whom, 25 patients conducted gene test and 22 different types of ABCD1 gene mutations were found. Missense mutation was the main gene mutation type. Patients with different clinical types had no specificity in gene mutation types.Conclusions:In China, the most common clinical classification of X-ALD in children is CCALD, and AMN in adults. No clear correlation has been found between genotype and phenotype.

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)

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in brazil: a case series / Adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao x no brasil: uma série de casos

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe patients with different phenotypes of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: pre-symptomatic, cerebral demyelinating inflammatory adrenoleukodystrophy, adrenomyeloneuropathy and adrenal insufficiency only. Methods: Specific data related to epidemiology, phenotype, diagnosis and treatment of 24 patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy were collected. A qualitative cross-sectional and descriptive-exploratory analysis was performed using medical records from a reference center in Neuropediatrics in Curitiba, Brazil, as well as an electronic questionnaire. Results: The majority (79%) of patients had cerebral demyelinating inflammatory adrenoleukodystrophy, presenting aphasia, hyperactivity and vision disorders as the main initial symptoms. These symptoms appeared, on average, between six and seven years of age. There was a mean delay of 11 months between the onset of symptoms/signs and the diagnosis. Patients sought diagnosis mainly with neuropediatricians, and the main requested tests were dosage of very long chain fatty acids and brain magnetic resonance. Conclusions: All phenotypes of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, except for myelopathy in women, were presented in the studied population, which mainly consisted of children and adolescents. Prevalent signs and symptoms registered in the literature were observed. Most of the patients with cerebral demyelinating inflammatory adrenoleukodystrophy were not diagnosed in time for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever pacientes com diferentes formas de adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X: pré-sintomática, adrenoleucodistrofia inflamatória desmielinizante cerebral, adrenomieloneuropatia e insuficiência adrenal primária. Métodos: Dados específicos relacionados a epidemiologia, fenótipo, diagnóstico e tratamento de 24 pacientes com adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X foram coletados. Realizou-se análise qualitativa, transversal e descritivo-exploratória, utilizando prontuários de um centro de referência em neuropediatria de Curitiba, Brasil, além de um questionário eletrônico. Resultados: A maioria (79%) dos pacientes manifestou adrenoleucodistrofia inflamatória desmielinizante cerebral, apresentando afasia, hiperatividade e distúrbios da visão como principais sintomas iniciais, que apareceram, em média, entre seis e sete anos de idade. Houve um atraso médio de 11 meses entre o início das manifestações e o diagnóstico. Os pacientes procuraram diagnóstico principalmente com neuropediatras, e os principais exames solicitados foram dosagem de ácidos graxos de cadeia muito longa e a ressonância magnética de crânio. Conclusões: Todos os fenótipos da adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X, exceto mielopatia em mulheres, foram apresentados na amostra estudada, composta principalmente de crianças e adolescentes. Foram observados sinais e sintomas prevalentes na literatura. A maioria dos pacientes com adrenoleucodistrofia inflamatória desmielinizante cerebral não recebeu diagnóstico em tempo hábil para a realização de transplante de medula óssea.

Visual loss as first clinical manifestation of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy / Perda visual como primeira manifestação clínica de adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X

Abstract X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) represents a group of diseases characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fattyacids (VLCFAs) in the tissues. Its clinical manifestations are usually manifold. Visual changes may be present, but they often appear later in the disease. We describe here the case of a 9-year-old boy with X-ALD, whose first symptom was visual loss, which began at 8 years of age. His ophthalmologic evaluation revealed no alterations. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a head injury. The magnetic resonance imaging of brain revealed findings that led to the suspicion of X-ALD. The plasma VLCFA dosage confirmed this diagnosis. This report aims toshow that in cases of visual loss with a normal ophthalmic examination, a high index of suspicion should be given for conditions suchas X-ALD, since it affects the cortical routes related to vision. Fundoscopy findings appear late in X-ALD.

Resumo A adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X (X-ALD) representa um grupo de doenças caracterizadas pelo acúmulo de ácidos graxos de cadeia muito longa (VLCFAs) nos tecidos. Suas manifestações clínicas costumam ser múltiplas. Alterações visuais podem estar presentes, contudo costumam surgir mais tardiamente na doença. Descrevemos aqui o caso de um menino de 9 anos com X-ALD, cujo primeiro sintoma foi perda visual, iniciada aos 8 anos de idade. A sua avaliação oftalmológica não revelou alterações. Pouco tempo depois, ele sofreu um traumatismo craniano. A imagem de ressonância magnética de encéfalo revelou achados que levaram a suspeita de X-ALD. A dosagem dos VLCFAs no plasma confirmou este diagnóstico. Este relato tem como objetivo mostrar que em casos de perda visual com um exame oftalmológico normal, deve-se ter um alto índice de suspeita para condições como a X-ALD, pois a mesma afeta as vias corticais relacionadas à visão. Nessa doença, os achados da fundoscopia aparecem mais tardiamente.

Genetic analysis of a pedigree affected with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Objective@#To explore the genetic basis for a pedigree affected with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy presenting as spastic paraplegia of the lower limbs.@*Methods@#Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patient and his mother. Potential variant was detected with a panel for genes associated with spastic paraplegia. Candidate variant was verified by PCR and Sanger sequencing.@*Results@#Both the proband and his mother presented with walking difficulty. A previously known variant, c. 623T>A (p.V208E), was identified in the ABCD1 gene mapped on chromosome X in both.@*Conclusion@#X-link adrenoleukodystrophy should be taken into account as a possible diagnosis for this pedigree.

Adrenoleucodistrofia tipo adrenomieloneuropatia en un hombre de 32 años: reporte de caso / Adrenomyeloneuropathy type Adrenoleukodystrophy in a 32 years male: a case report

RESUMEN La adrenoleucodistrofia, el trastorno peroxisomal más frecuente, es una condición genética ligada al cromosoma X en la cual se presenta un defecto en la betaoxidación de los ácidos grasos de cadena muy larga dentro del perosixoma, con su consecuente acumulación en diferentes tejidos, lo que lleva a manifestaciones principalmente neurológicas y endocrinológicas. Existe una variabilidad fenotípica de acuerdo con la edad de presentación que incluye la forma adulta llamada adrenomieloneuropatía. A continuación se presenta el caso de un hombre adulto, con múltiples consultas a los servicios de urgencias en relación con síntomas medulares dorsales, con evidencia de insuficiencia suprarrenal y paraclínicos que soportan el diagnóstico de adrenomieloneuropatía.

SUMMARY Adrenoleukodystrophy, the most common peroxisomal disorder, is a genetic condition linked to the X chromosome in which a defect of beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids occurs within the perosixome with its consequent accumulation in different tissues leading to mainly neurological and endocrinological manifestations; there is a phenotypic variability according to the age of presentation including the adult form called adrenomyeloneuropathy. This case report refers to an adult male with multiple visits to emergency departments in relation to dorsal spinal symptoms with evidence of adrenal insufficiency and paraclinical support the diagnosis of adrenomyeloneuropathy.

One case of adult X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy characterized by cerebellar brainstem symptoms / 中华神经科杂志

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked recessive genetic disease that mainly affects adrenal and white matter,mostly onset in childhood or adolescence,mainly manifested as progressive psychomotor disorder,visual and hearing loss and/or adrenocortical dysfunction,etc.A case of adult X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in our hospital is reported and analyzed.The patient's early performances were unclear speech and low emotions,and no obvious positive signs,repeatedly diagnosed as "neurosis".Then gradually emerged drinking cough and unsteady walking,and physical examination showed brainstem and cerebella positive signs.Brain MRI was characterized by symmetrical lesions of bilateral cerebellar hemisphere,bilateral pontine arm,brainstem and pyramidal tract of internal capsule posterior limb,which was reconsidered as " spinal cerebellar degeneration" Finally,the disease was confirmed by gene examination as adrenoleukodystrophy.By summarizing the characteristics of the patient,we hope to provide diagnostic reference for patients with atypical adrenoleukodystrophy.

Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of female heterozygotes with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is the most common peroxisomal disorder,which belongs to single peroxidase enzyme deficiency disease.It is caused by mutations in the ABCDI gene and alterations in peroxisomal beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acid in plasma and tissues.It manifests a wide range of phenotypes in male and it has been frequently discussed,in which progressive myelopathy is the most common.For X-linked recessive inheritance,female heterozygotes are always thought to be nonpathogenic.There have been only limited studies specifically focused on the phenotype of female heterozygotes,while,these patients also need further study.This article discusses the clinical manifestations,diagnosis and treatment of female heterozygotes with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy,to enhance people's understanding of clinical diagnosis and treatment,and provide the basis for accurate prognosis assess-ment and diagnosis.

Adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al X: presentación de tres casos. Importancia del diagnóstico precoz / X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: a report of three cases. The importance of early diagnosis

La adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al X es el trastorno peroxisomal más común. Se debe a mutaciones en el gen ABCD1, lo que ocasiona un acúmulo de ácidos grasos saturados de cadena muy larga en el suero, la corteza adrenal y la sustancia blanca del sistema nervioso central. La clínica se caracteriza por deterioro neurològico e insuficiencia suprarrenal con un pronóstico devastador. Se presenta un primer caso clínico de adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al X con evolución fatal que permitió identificar a dos familiares asintomáticos e instaurar un tratamiento preventivo. Aunque, en la actualidad, no existe un tratamiento curativo definitivo, hay que destacar la importancia del estudio familiar de pacientes en situación de riesgo para poder instaurar un tratamiento preventivo precoz y dar un asesoramiento genético adecuado.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is the most common peroxisomal disorder. This disease is caused by a defect in the ABCD1 gen. Saturated very long chain fatty acids are accumulated in serum, adrenal cortex and central nervous system white matter. The clinical spectrum is characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency with a devastating prognosis. We report a first case of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy with fatal evolution which identified two asymptomatic family members and established a preventive treatment. Although there is no definitive cure, we stress the importance of family study and evaluation of the individual in situation of risk to establish an early preventive treatment and to give in each particular situation suitable professional advice.

In vitro effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on glutathione and sulfhydryl levels in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients

Introduction: Recent evidence shows that oxidative stress seems to be related with the pathophysiology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a neurodegenerative disorder. Methods: In the present study, the in vitro effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl levels in X-ALD patients was evaluated. Results: A significant reduction of GSH and sulfhydryl content was observed in X-ALD patients compared to the control group. Furthermore, 5 mM of NAC, in vitro, led to an increase in GSH content and sulfhydryl groups in these patients. Conclusion: These data probably indicate that an adjuvant therapy with the antioxidant NAC could improve the oxidative imbalance in X-ALD patients(AU)

Neurological outcomes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, late onset metachromatic leukodystrophy and Hurler syndrome / Desfechos neurológicos após transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas na adrenoleucodistrofia ligada ao X, forma cerebral, na leucodistrofia metacromática de início tardio e na síndrome de Hurler

ABSTRACT Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only available treatment for the neurological involvement of disorders such as late-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), mucopolysaccharidosis type I-Hurler (MPS-IH), and X-linked cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD). Objective To describe survival and neurological outcomes after HSCT for these disorders. Methods Seven CALD, 2 MLD and 2 MPS-IH patients underwent HSCT between 2007 and 2014. Neurological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular and biochemical studies were obtained at baseline and repeated when appropriated. Results Favorable outcomes were obtained with 4/5 related and 3/6 unrelated donors. Two patients died from procedure-related complications. Nine transplanted patients were alive after a median of 3.7 years: neurological stabilization was obtained in 5/6 CALD, 1/2 MLD, and one MPS-IH patient. Brain lesions of the MPS-IH patient were reduced four years after HSCT. Conclusion Good outcomes were obtained when HSCT was performed before adulthood, early in the clinical course, and/or from a related donor.

RESUMO O transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) é o único tratamento disponível para o envolvimento neurológico de doenças como a leucodistrofia metacromática (MLD), a mucopolissacaridose tipo I-Hurler (MPS-IH) e a adrenoleucodistrofia (CALD). Objetivos Descrever a sobrevida e os desfechos neurológicos após o TCTH nessas doenças. Métodos Sete pacientes CALD, 2 MLD e 2 MPS-IH realizaram TCTH entre 2007 e 2014. Avaliações neurológicas, ressonância nuclear magnética e estudos bioquímicos e moleculares foram feitos no baseline e repetidos quando apropriado. Resultados Desfechos favoráveis foram obtidos em 4/5 TCTH de doadores relacionados e em 3/6 não relacionados. Dois pacientes faleceram de complicações do procedimento. Nove transplantados sobreviveram após uma mediana de 3,7 anos: estabilização neurológica foi obtida em 5/6 CALD, ½ MLD e em um caso MPS-IH. As lesões encefálicas de um caso MPS-IH reduziram-se quatro anos após o TCTH. Conclusão Bons desfechos foram obtidos quando o TCTH foi feito antes da vida adulta, cedo no curso clínico e/ou a partir de um doador relacionado.

Diagnosis and managements of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD,OMIM# 300100) is one of the most common peroxisomal disease.It is a kind of X-linked genetic disorder.The disease is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene that encodes the peroxisomal membrane protein(ALDP).A defect in ALDP results in very long-chain fatty acids can not be transported from the cytosol into the peroxisome and impaired accumulation of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA)-CoA esters in the white matter of the brain,the spinal cord and adrenal cortex.The clinical spectrum in males with X-ALD ranges from isolated adrenocortical insufficiency and slowly progressive myelopathy to devastating cerebral demyelination.Corticosteroid replacement therapy is essential and life saving treatment,bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an option for boys and adolescents in early stages.This review focus on the genetic pathology,diagnosis and managements of patients with X-ALD and provides a guideline for clinicians.