Research progress of GBA1 variation and Parkinson′s disease / 中华神经科杂志

GBA1 is one of the common risk genes of Parkinson′s disease (PD), which encodes glucocerebrosidase. It is difficult to distinguish PD patients with heterozygous variants of GBA1 ( GBA1-PD) from idiopathic Parkinson′s disease patients, but GBA1-PD tends to progress faster, be more severe, and be more likely to be associated with cognitive impairment and other non-motor symptoms. The pathological mechanism of the increased risk of PD in GBA1 heterozygous variant carriers may be related to autophagy-lysosome dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction. Targeted therapy for GBA1 is expected to become a new direction of precision therapy for PD. In this article, the epidemiology and clinical features of GBA1-PD, the possible pathogenesis of GBA1 variation, and the therapeutic strategies for GBA1-PD were elaborated.

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.

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.

Glucocerebrosidase genetic variants in Malays with early and late-onset Parkinson’s disease

@#Background: Mutations in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) have been associated with the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) in different ethnic populations. The prevalence of GBA mutations among Malay PD patients is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of GBA mutations among Malay PD patients, focusing on early (EOPD) and late-onset (LOPD) patients. Methods:EOPD (n = 50) and LOPD (n = 50) patients along with 50 ethnically and age-matched control wererecruited. The GBA exons of these patients were sequenced using the Ion Torrent PGMTM System. Results: Five heterozygous mutations exclusive to EOPD patients were identified; c.-203A>G,p.S146L, p.R159Q, p.L483P and p.L483R+c.-145G>A. In LOPD patients, c.543C>T(p.(F181=)), c.28-10C>A and p.R202Q were identified in which this p.R202Q was also present in a control subject. In addition, c.259C>A(p.(R87=)) and c.-145G>A were identified in two control subjects. In summary, we observed GBA mutations in 8% and 6% of Malay PD cases and control subject, respectively. The prevalence of GBA mutations was higher in EOPD (10%) than LOPD (6%). However, these differences were not statistically significant; [PD vs. controls: OR = 1.36, 95%CI 0.35-5.38, p = 0.752] and [EOPD vs. LOPD: OR = 1.74, 95%CI 0.39-7.71, p = 0.715]. Conclusion: We identified five exclusive heterozygous GBA mutations in EOPD patients which might predict the increase susceptibility of Malays to develop PD at young age. These findings could add knowledge into the existing evidences linking genetic alterations in GBA and PD.

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.

Enfermedad de Gaucher, diagnostico en el embarazo, reporte de caso y consideraciones de su tratamiento en Colombia / Gaucher disease, diagnosis in pregnancy, report case study and considerations of its treatment in Colombia

RESUMEN Introducción y Objetivo: La enfermedad de Gaucher es una condición autosómica recesiva de baja prevalencia, de difícil diagnóstico y manejo, especialmente en embarazo. Reportamos una gestante con enfermedad de Gaucher manejada desde la semana 15,3 hasta el término del embarazo con Taliglucerasa en la Unidad de Alta Complejidad Obstétrica, en la Fundación Valle del Lili en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Reporte de caso de gestante con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Gaucher diagnosticada durante el embarazo, con exacerbación de síntomas, quien presento severa pancitopenia y esplenomegalia. Resultados: El manejo medico interdiscilplinario permitió el control del severo deterioro clínico de la paciente durante el parto, presentó hemorragia postparto con choque hipovolémico, con adecuada respuesta al manejo médico. La madre y el neonato fueron dados de alta sin otras complicaciones asociadas. Conclusión: El manejo interdisciplinario es indispensable en gestantes con esta entidad para lograr buenos resultados maternos y perinatales.

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: Gaucher disease is a low prevalence autosomal recessive condition, difficult to diagnose and manage especially during pregnancy. We reported a pregnant woman with Gaucher disease managed with Taliglucerase in a critical care obstetric unit from week 15.3 until the end of her pregnancy, at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Methods: A case report of a pregnant woman diagnosed during her pregnancy with Gaucher disease, who presented severe pancytopenia and splenomegaly. Results: The interdisciplinary medical management allowed the control of the severe clinical deterioration of the patient. During the delivery, she presented postpartum hemorrhage with hypovolemic shock, which resolved with medical management. The mother and the newborn were discharged without other associated complications. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary management is essential for handling a critically ill obstetric patient with Gaucher disease, and to achieve good maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Association of glucocerebrosidase gene polymorphism with Parkinson's disease in Han, Uygur and Kazak people in Xinjiang / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To study the polymorphism of glucocerebrosidase ( GBA) gene of N370S, V394L, L444P, R120W, R359X, R496H, R353W and RecNcil in the patients with Parkinson's disease ( PD) in Han, Uygur and Kazak in Xinjiang and to investigate the relationship between GBA gene polymorphism and Parkinson's disease.Methods GBA gene polymorphism was analyzed by improved multiplex ligation detection reaction technique in 294 sporadic PD patients (100 cases of Uygur, 134 cases of Han, 60 cases of Kazak) and 305 healthy controls (109 cases of Uygur, 122 cases of Han, 74 cases of Kazak) in Xinjiang area.Results There were two L444P loci polymorphisms that were heterozygous mutations in 294 cases of PD patients and the mutation frequency was 0.7%.Three hundred and five cases of control group did not show L 444P polymorphism.There were no significant differences in L 444P genotype and allele frequency distribution between PD group and control group ( AA:99.3%vs 100.0%, GA:0.7%vs 0, P>0.05;G:0.3%vs 0, A:99.7%vs 100.0%, P>0.05);L444P genotype and allele frequency distribution in Han and Uygur patients with PD showed no significant differences ( AA:99.3% vs 99.0%, GA:0.7%vs 1.0%, P>0.05;G:0.4%vs 0.5%, A:99.6%vs 99.5%,P>0.05);N370S, V394L, R120W, R359X, R496H, R353W, RecNcil loci polymorphisms were not found in the PD and control groups.Conclusion The GBA gene of N370S, V394L, R120W, R359X, R496H, R353W, RecNcil showed no polymorphism in Xinjiang Han and Uygur population and there was no association of L 444P polymorphism with Parkinson's disease in Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang .

Outcome of Gaucher Disease in India: Lessons from Prevalent Diagnostic and Therapeutic Practices.

Objectives: To study disease severity and response to enzyme replacement therapy in Gaucher disease. Methods: Updated data was captured from records of 37 patients (35 reported previously) with confirmed diagnosis of Gaucher disease from January 1995 through December 2011 (31, 83.8 %) and prospectively from January 2012 through June 2013 (6, 16.2 %). Severity of manifestations was determined by Gaucher disease Severity Score Index. Response to enzyme replacement therapy was assessed in terms of attainment of therapeutic goals. Results: Moderate to severe manifestations (domain score of > 2) were observed in treated patients at baseline (83%, 58%, 66% and 25% for anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatomegaly and leucopenia, respectively and 100% for splenomegaly and elevated plasma chitotriosidase). None of the 11 patients treated with synthetic enzyme (average annual dose 23 to 53 units/kg) attained all therapeutic goals in the recommended time frame, particularly the visceral, skeletal and growth domains. Conclusions: Early onset of moderate to severe disease in Indian patients mandates early therapy with optimum doses to ensure attainment of all recommended therapeutic goals.

A Rare Case of Infantile Gaucher Disease-A Case Report

A 3-month old male child weight 3.2 kg presented was with anaemia (Hb 3.1 mg/dl) and massive hepatospleenomegaly. His respiratory and CVS systems were normal. Osmatic fragility and G6PD spot test were normal. Hb electrophoresis showed HbA-86.02%, HbF 2.8% and HbA2 3.9%. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed typical Gaucher cells. This case was diagnosed as an infantile Gaucher's disease.

Alterations of plasma glucocerabrosidase,protein phosphastase 2A and ceramide levels in patients with ischemic stroke / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective Toanalyzethealterationsofplasmaglucocerebrosidase(GBA),protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)and its degradation product ceramide in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods Atotalof45inpatientswithischemicstrokeattheDepartmentofNeurology,theAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of the CAPF were enrolled from May to September 2013,and 45 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects at the Physical Examination Center collected at the same time period were used as a control group. Blood samples of the patients and healthy subjects were obtained,anticoagulated, and the plasma was separated. H50 protein chip and laser matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization top of flymassspectrometrywereusedtotestthelevelsofplasmaceramide.Results TheplasmaGBAand PP2A activities in patients with ischemic stroke were significantly lower than those of the control group;the GBA activities of the ischemic stroke group and the control group were 2 . 4 ± 0 . 8 and 3 . 1 ± 1 . 4 U/L respectively. There was significant difference (P<0. 05);the PP2A activities of the two groups were 6. 5 ± 2. 8 and 14. 5 ± 4. 7 U/L respectively (P<0. 01). The relative level of the plasma ceramide in patients with ischemic stroke was 1. 9 ± 0. 7,and it was significantly lower than 12. 2 ± 5. 0 of the control group (P<0.01).Conclusion ThedecreasedlevelsofplasmaGBAandPP2Aactivitiesaswellasthe ceramide in patients with ischemic stroke suggested that the abnormal phosphorylation of synuclein in the blood of patients with stroke.

Gaucher disease II：a case report / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnosis of Gaucher disease. Methods The clini-cal features, enzyme activities and genetypes of an infant with Gaucher disease II were analyzed. Results The main clinical manifestations of the infant included hepatosplenomegaly, ocular dyscinesia and mental retardation. Gaucher′s cells could be seen in the bone marrow aspirates. Glucocerebrosidase activity was low (0.3 nmol/g/min). Serum chitotriosidase activity was high (87317 nmol/L/min). GBA mutations were M85T (c.371T>C) and R120W (c.475C>T). Conlusions Main features of Gau-cher disease II are hepatosplenomegaly with nerve system injury. Glucocerebrosidase activity and gene analysis are important for the diagnosis of Gaucher disease.

Estudo da doença de Gaucher em Santa Catarina / Study of Gaucher disease in Santa Catarina

A doença de Gaucher (DG) foi a primeira doença de armazenamento lisossomal descrita e a mais encontrada. Caracteriza-se pela deficiência hereditária da atividade da enzima lisossomal glucocerebrosidase, que bloqueia o metabolismo do glicocerebrosídeo. A proposta deste trabalho foi estudar as características clínicas, laboratoriais e radiológicas, as principais mutações encontradas, relacionando-as com as formas clínicas e avaliar a resposta à terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) nos pacientes com DG em Santa Catarina. Foram estudados dez pacientes com DG no Hospital Universitário, no período entre 1998 e 2003, após confirmação diagnóstica da doença pela dosagem da enzima beta-glicosidase em leucócitos. Pesquisa das mutações foi realizada em amostras de sangue e de mucosa oral. A média de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 19,6 anos. A DG tipo 1 foi diagnosticada em 80 por cento dos casos, e a tipo 2 em 20 por cento. Quatro pacientes tiveram história familiar de DG. Hepatoesplenomegalia foi a manifestação clínica mais comum. Anemia e trombocitopenia ocorreram em 100 por cento dos casos. Dores ósseas foram relatadas por 75 por cento dos pacientes. Os alelos mutantes encontrados foram N370S e L444P. Houve elevação dos níveis de hemoglobina em todos os pacientes com DG tipo 1. Concluímos que a DG tipo 1 é a forma clínica mais comum. Anemia, trombocitopenia, hepatoesplenomegalia e osteopenia são as características mais freqüentes dos pacientes com DG. O alelo N370S é o mais freqüente, estando relacionado com o tipo 1. O alelo L444P em homozigose sugere letalidade precoce. A TRE é segura e efetiva para a DG tipo 1.

Gaucher Disease (GD) was the first described and is the most common lysosomal deposit disease. It is characterized byahereditary deficiency of glucocerebrosidase lysosomal enzyme activity which blocks the metabolism of glucocerebrosideo. The aim of this work was to study the clinical, laboratorial and radiological characteristics, the main mutations correlating them with the clinical form of the disease and evaluating the response to enzymatic replacement therapy in patients with GD in Santa Catarina. Ten GD patients were studied at a University Hospital between 1998 and 2003. The disease was diagnosed by measurement of the beta-glucosidase enzyme in leukocytes. Investigation of mutations used samples of blood and oral mucus. The average age at diagnosis was 19.6 years. Type 1 GD was diagnosis in 80 percent of the cases and type 2 in 20 percent. Four patients had a family history of GD. Hepatosplenomegaly was the most common clinical manifestation. Anemia and thrombocitopenia occurred in all cases. Bone pain was reported by 75 percent of the patients. The mutanted alleles identified were N370S and L444P. The hemoglobina levels were elevated in all patients with type 1 GD. In conclusion, type 1 GD is the most common clinical form and anemia, thrombocitopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and osteopenia were the most common characteristics of GD patients. The N370S allele is the most common mutation and is related with type 1 GD 1. Homozygosity of the L444P allele suggests early death. Enzyme replacement therapy is safe and efficacious in type 1 GD.

Upregulation of Proinflammatory Cytokines in the Fetal Brain of the Gaucher Mouse

Gaucher disease is caused by a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. Patients with Gaucher disease are divided into three major phenotypes: chronic nonneuronopathic, acute neuronopathic, and chronic neuronopathic, based on symptoms of the nervous system, the severity of symptoms, and the age of disease onset. The characteristics of patients with acute neuronopathic- and chronic neuronopathic-type Gaucher disease include oculomotor abnormalities, bulbar signs, limb rigidity, seizures and occasional choreoathetoid movements, and neuronal loss. However, the mechanisms leading to the neurodegeneration of this disorder remain unknown. To investigate brain dysfunction in Gaucher disease, we studied the possible role of inflammation in neurodegeneration during development of Gaucher disease in a mouse model. Elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, were detected in the fetal brains of Gaucher mice. Moreover, the levels of secreted nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the brains of Gaucher mice were higher than in wild-type mice. Thus, accumulated glucocerebroside or glucosylsphingosine, caused by glucocerebrosidase deficiency, may mediate brain inflammation in the Gaucher mouse via the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species.

Advance in the genetherapy of Gaucher's disease / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Gaucher disease is a commonly inherited, autosomtic recessive lysosomal storage disorder, due to the mutation of structure gene encoding beta-glucocerebrosidase (GC) resulted in the deficiency of the enzyme. Besides enzyme replacement, there is no good ways to treat it. This review briefly introduced the phenotypes, pathologic physiology and general therapy to the disease, strongly stress the genetherapy. From animals to human, from in vitro to in vivo, the review detaily descibe the rapid progress made in genetherapy of Gaucher disease.