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1.
Metabolism ; 158: 155952, 2024 Jun 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38906371

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ammonia is a pathogenic factor implicated in the progression of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The contribution of the glutaminase 1 (GLS) isoform, an enzyme converting glutamine to glutamate and ammonia, to hepatic ammonia build-up and the mechanisms underlying its upregulation in metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) remain elusive. METHODS: Multiplex transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics analysis of liver biopsies in dietary mouse models representing the whole spectra of MASLD were carried out to characterize the relevance of hepatic GLS during disease pathological progression. In addition, the acute effect of liver-specific GLS inhibition in hepatic ammonia content was evaluated in cultured hepatocytes and in in vivo mouse models of diet-induced MASLD. Finally, the regulatory mechanisms of hepatic GLS overexpression related to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) axis were explored in the context of MASH. RESULTS: In mouse models of diet-induced MASLD, we found that augmented liver GLS expression is closely associated with the build-up of hepatic ammonia as the disease progresses from steatosis to steatohepatitis. Importantly, the acute silencing/pharmacological inhibition of GLS diminishes the ammonia burden in cultured primary mouse hepatocytes undergoing dedifferentiation, in steatotic hepatocytes, and in a mouse model of diet-induced steatohepatitis, irrespective of changes in ureagenesis and gut permeability. Under these conditions, GLS upregulation in the liver correlates positively with the hepatic expression of TLR4 that recognizes LPS. In agreement, the pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 reduces GLS and hepatic ammonia content in LPS-stimulated mouse hepatocytes and hyperammonemia animal models of endotoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results suggest that the LPS/TLR4 axis regulates hepatic GLS expression promoting liver ammonia build-up as steatotic liver disease progresses to steatohepatitis.

2.
Orphanet J Rare Dis ; 19(1): 244, 2024 Jun 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38918870

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sebelipase alfa (Kanuma®) is approved for patients with Wolman disease (WD) at a dosage of 3-5 mg/kg once weekly. Survival rates in the second of two clinical trials was greater, despite recruiting more severely ill patients, probably related to higher initial and maximal doses. We aimed to evaluate the effective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Sebelipase alfa when administered to patients with severe WD at 5 mg/kg twice weekly, an intensive regimen which was not assessed in the trials. METHODS: We recruited 3 patients receiving Sebelipase alfa 5 mg/kg twice weekly. We measured LAL activity in leukocytes and plasma oxysterol concentration in two patients and LAL activity in fibroblasts in one patient. Clinical follow up was also assessed. RESULTS: Analyses of LAL activity and oxysterols demonstrate that there is short-lived enzyme activity post-dosing which is associated with the release of stored lipids. Clinical data demonstrate that 5 mg/kg twice weekly dosing is well tolerated and effective. CONCLUSION: 5 mg/kg twice weekly dosing with Sebelipase alfa rescues severely ill infants with WD by increasing substrate clearance. There is biologically relevant lipid accumulation in the 'trough' periods before the next dosing, even with this intensive regimen.


Subject(s)
Sterol Esterase , Wolman Disease , Humans , Infant , Sterol Esterase/administration & dosage , Sterol Esterase/therapeutic use , Wolman Disease/drug therapy
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 6917, 2024 03 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38519529

ABSTRACT

Variants in the CNNM2 gene are causative for hypomagnesaemia, seizures and intellectual disability, although the phenotypes can be variable. This study aims to understand the genotype-phenotype relationship in affected individuals with CNNM2 variants by phenotypic, functional and structural analysis of new as well as previously reported variants. This results in the identification of seven variants that significantly affect CNNM2-mediated Mg2+ transport. Pathogenicity of these variants is further supported by structural modelling, which predicts CNNM2 structure to be affected by all of them. Strikingly, seizures and intellectual disability are absent in 4 out of 7 cases, indicating these phenotypes are caused either by specific CNNM2 variant only or by additional risk factors. Moreover, in line with sporadic observations from previous reports, CNNM2 variants might be associated with disturbances in parathyroid hormone and Ca2+ homeostasis.


Subject(s)
Cation Transport Proteins , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Magnesium/metabolism , Seizures/genetics , Phenotype , Cation Transport Proteins/genetics
4.
Prev Vet Med ; 224: 106138, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38341944

ABSTRACT

Transmission of pathogens between farms via animal transport vehicles is a potential concern; however, the available information on driver routines and biosecurity measures implemented during transport is limited. Given the above, the aim of this study was to describe and characterize the prevailing practices and biosecurity measures adopted by cattle transport drivers in Spain. Eighty-two drivers were surveyed via face-to-face or remotely. The survey included questions on general characteristics of the drivers (type of journeys and vehicles) together with biosecurity practices implemented during cattle transport and vehicle hygiene practices. Results showed that several risky practices are performed quite frequently such as visiting different premises with different levels of risk (e.g., breeder and fattening farms); entering the farm premises to load/unload animals, passing by several farms to load and unload animals, or not always cleaning and disinfecting the vehicle between travels, among others. To explore similarities among the drivers and identify groups sharing specific practices, hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) was computed on the results of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). The first three MCA dimensions (out of 13) were retained in the agglomerative clustering and four different clusters were identified. Clusters 1 and Cluster 4 accounted for 39.5% and 29.6% of respondents, respectively. The clusters were mainly differentiated by practices in the loading/unloading of cattle, such as the frequency of contact with animals remaining on the farm, and the frequency of the vehicle's disinfection between farms. Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 were of similar size, about 15% of respondents each. Cluster 2 consisted of drivers who mainly made journeys to slaughterhouse, while drivers in Cluster 3 were characterised by the use of working clothes and boots. Based on these findings, it is advisable to increase awareness on the role that animal transport can have in the spread of pathogens between cattle farms and the importance of biosecurity in preventing such transmission. There is also a need to support animal transport professionals in such task, not only through the development of initiatives to increase awareness, but also through the investment in improving cleaning and disinfection facilities and to consider the economic cost associated with some practices to not compromise the economic viability of the sector.


Subject(s)
Animal Husbandry , Biosecurity , Cattle , Animals , Animal Husbandry/methods , Spain , Farms , Surveys and Questionnaires
5.
Neuromuscul Disord ; 34: 1-8, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38087756

ABSTRACT

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:60.000. The two main phenotypes are Infantile Onset Pompe Disease (IOPD) and Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). There is no published data from Spain regarding the existing number of cases, regional distribution, clinical features or, access and response to the treatment. We created a registry to collect all these data from patients with Pompe in Spain. Here, we report the data of the 122 patients registered including nine IOPD and 113 LOPD patients. There was a high variability in how the diagnosis was obtained and how the follow-up was performed among different centres. Seven IOPD patients were still alive being all treated with enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) at last visit. Ninety four of the 113 LOPD patients had muscle weakness of which 81 were receiving ERT. We observed a progressive decline in the results of muscle function tests during follow-up. Overall, the Spanish Pompe Registry is a valuable resource for understanding the demographics, patient's journey and clinical characteristics of patients in Spain. Our data supports the development of agreed guidelines to ensure that the care provided to the patients is standardized across the country.


Subject(s)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type II , Humans , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II/epidemiology , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II/genetics , Glycogen Storage Disease Type II/therapy , alpha-Glucosidases/genetics , Phenotype , Registries , Enzyme Replacement Therapy/methods
7.
Sensors (Basel) ; 22(17)2022 Sep 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36081108

ABSTRACT

A new versatile and geometrically reconfigurable ultrasonic tomography system (UTS) has been designed to inspect and obtain information about the internal structure and inner damage of columns in heritage buildings. This nondestructive system is considered innovative because it aims to overcome common limitations of existing systems. Tomographic inspections are typically carried out manually and are thus limited to small portions of construction elements. The proposed UTS allows the automatization of the inspection and the generation of numerous tomographic slices along the height of the column. It is valid for multiple types of columns and materials. In the present work, the system was tested on two limestone columns of the north façade of the Convent of Carmo in Lisbon, Portugal. The UTS is composed of a mechanical and an electronic system. The mechanical system consists of four linear motion subsystems mounted in a square setup. A transducer is placed on each of the axes, acting as emitter or receiver of the ultrasonic signals. The mechanical system also includes a guide system to adapt the inspections to the complex geometry of the columns. The electronic system allows the control and the synchronization of the movements and the emission/reception configuration of the four ultrasonic transducers.


Subject(s)
Transducers , Ultrasonics , Motion , Portugal , Ultrasonography/methods
8.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 76(12): 1733-1739, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35854131

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare inborn error of fructose metabolism caused by the deficiency of aldolase B. Since treatment consists of a fructose-, sucrose- and sorbitol-restrictive diet for life, patients are at risk of presenting vitamin deficiencies. Although there is no published data on the status of these vitamins in HFI patients, supplementation with vitamin C and folic acid is common. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess vitamin C and folate status and supplementation practices in a nationwide cohort of HFI patients. METHODS: Vitamin C and folic acid dietary intake, supplementation and circulating levels were assessed in 32 HFI patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Most of the HFI participants presented vitamin C (96.7%) and folate (90%) dietary intake below the recommended population reference intake. Up to 69% received vitamin C and 50% folic acid supplementation. Among HFI patients, 15.6% presented vitamin C and 3.1% folate deficiency. The amount of vitamin C supplementation and plasma levels correlated positively (R = 0.443; p = 0.011). Interestingly, a higher percentage of non-supplemented HFI patients were vitamin C deficient when compared to supplemented HFI patients (30% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.01) and to healthy controls (30% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence for the first time supporting vitamin C supplementation in HFI. There is great heterogeneity in vitamin supplementation practices and, despite follow-up at specialised centres, vitamin C deficiency is common. Further research is warranted to establish optimal doses of vitamin C and the need for folic acid supplementation in HFI.


Subject(s)
Fructose Intolerance , Humans , Fructose Intolerance/chemically induced , Folic Acid , Ascorbic Acid , Vitamins , Fructose , Vitamin B 12
9.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 13: 1058101, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36589817

ABSTRACT

The homeostasis of the most important nitrogen-containing intermediates, ammonia and glutamine, is a tightly regulated process in which the gut-liver axis plays a central role. Several studies revealed that nitrogen metabolism is altered in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), a consensus-driven novel nomenclature for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Both increased ammonia production by gut microbiota and decreased ammonia hepatic removal due to impaired hepatic urea cycle activity or disrupted glutamine synthetase activity may contribute to hepatic ammonia accumulation underlying steatosis, which can eventually progress to hyperammonemia in more advanced stages of steatohepatitis and overt liver fibrosis. Furthermore, our group recently showed that augmented hepatic ammoniagenesis via increased glutaminase activity and overexpression of the high activity glutaminase 1 isoenzyme occurs in Fatty Liver Disease. Overall, the improved knowledge of disrupted nitrogen metabolism and metabolic miscommunication between the gut and the liver suggests that the reestablishment of altered gut-liver axis nitrogenous balance is an appealing and attractive therapeutic approach to tackle Fatty Liver Disease, a growing and unmet health problem.


Subject(s)
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Humans , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism , Glutaminase/metabolism , Nitrogen , Ammonia/metabolism
10.
Children (Basel) ; 8(11)2021 Nov 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34828739

ABSTRACT

Classic infantile Pompe disease (IPD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and profound muscle weakness. Without treatment, death occurs within the first 2 years of life. Although enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa has improved survival, treatment outcome is not good in many cases and is largely dependent on age at initiation. The objective of the study was (a) to analyse the different stages in the diagnosis and specific treatment initiation procedure in IPD patients, and (b) to compare clinical and biochemical outcomes depending on age at ERT initiation (<1 month of age vs. <3 months of age). Here, we show satisfactory clinical and biochemical outcomes in two IPD patients after early treatment initiation before 3 months of life with immunomodulatory therapy in the ERT-naïve setting, with a high ERT dose from the beginning. Despite the overall good evolution, the patient who initiated treatment <1 month of life presented even better outcomes than the patient who started treatment <3 months of life, with an earlier normalization of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, along with CK normalization, highlighting the importance of early treatment initiation in this progressive disease before irreversible muscle damage has occurred.

11.
J Clin Med ; 10(16)2021 Aug 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34441968

ABSTRACT

Phenylketonuria (PKU), an autosomal-recessive inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism is the most prevalent disorder of amino acid metabolism. Currently, clinical follow-up relies on frequent monitoring of Phe levels in blood. We hypothesize that the urine level of phenylacetylglutamine (PAG), a phenyl-group marker, could be used as a non-invasive biomarker. In this cross-sectional study, a validated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was used for urinary PAG quantification in 35 participants with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We have found that (a) PKU patients present higher urine PAG levels than healthy control subjects, and that (b) there is a significant correlation between urine PAG and circulating Phe levels in patients with HPA. In addition, we show a significant strong correlation between Phe levels from venous blood samples and from capillary finger-prick dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected at the same time in patients with HPA. Further research in order to assess the potential role of urine PAG as a non-invasive biomarker in PKU is warranted.

12.
J Clin Med ; 10(13)2021 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34208868

ABSTRACT

Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterised by the deficiency of the hepatic enzyme aldolase B. Its treatment consists in adopting a fructose-, sucrose-, and sorbitol (FSS)-restrictive diet for life. Untreated HFI patients present an abnormal transferrin (Tf) glycosylation pattern due to the inhibition of mannose-6-phosphate isomerase by fructose-1-phosphate. Hence, elevated serum carbohydrate-deficient Tf (CDT) may allow the prompt detection of HFI. The CDT values improve when an FSS-restrictive diet is followed; however, previous data on CDT and fructose intake correlation are inconsistent. Therefore, we examined the complete serum sialoTf profile and correlated it with FSS dietary intake and with hepatic parameters in a cohort of paediatric and adult fructosemic patients. To do so, the profiles of serum sialoTf from genetically diagnosed HFI patients on an FSS-restricted diet (n = 37) and their age-, sex- and body mass index-paired controls (n = 32) were analysed by capillary zone electrophoresis. We found that in HFI patients, asialoTf correlated with dietary intake of sucrose (R = 0.575, p < 0.001) and FSS (R = 0.475, p = 0.008), and that pentasialoTf+hexasialoTf negatively correlated with dietary intake of fructose (R = -0.386, p = 0.024) and FSS (R = -0.400, p = 0.019). In addition, the tetrasialoTf/disialoTf ratio truthfully differentiated treated HFI patients from healthy controls, with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.97, 92% sensitivity, 94% specificity and 93% accuracy.

13.
Mol Genet Metab Rep ; 26: 100710, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33552904

ABSTRACT

Mutations in the MMADHC gene cause cobalamin D disorder (cblD), an autosomal recessive inborn disease with defects in intracellular cobalamin (cbl, vitamin B12) metabolism. CblD patients present methylmalonic aciduria (MMA), homocystinuria (HC), or combined MMA/HC, and usually suffer developmental delay and cognitive deficits. The most frequent MMADHC genetic alterations associated with disease generate MMADHC truncated proteins, in many cases due to mutations that create premature termination codons (PTC). In this study, we have performed a comprehensive and global characterization of MMADHC protein variants generated by all annotated MMADHC PTC mutations in cblD patients, and analyzed the potential of inducible translational PTC readthrough to reconstitute MMADHC biosynthesis. MMADHC protein truncation caused by disease-associated PTC differentially affected the alternative usage of translation initiation sites, protein abundance, and subcellular localization of MMADHC. Aminoglycoside compounds induced translational PTC readthrough of MMADHC truncated variants, allowing the biosynthesis of full-length MMADHC in a PTC-specific manner. Our results suggest that translational PTC readthrough-based interventions could complement current therapies for cblD patients carrying specific MMADHC PTC mutations.

14.
Mol Genet Metab Rep ; 26: 100690, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33365252

ABSTRACT

tRNA 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridylate methyltransferase (TRMU) deficiency causes an early onset potentially reversible acute liver failure, so far reported in less than 30 patients. We describe two new unrelated patients with an acute liver failure and a neuroimaging compatible with Leigh syndrome (LS) due to TRMU deficiency, a combination not previously reported. Our report enlarges the phenotypical spectrum of TRMU disease.

15.
J Clin Med ; 9(4)2020 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32252256

ABSTRACT

Neuroimaging studies describing brain circuits' alterations in cobalamin (vitamin B12)-deficient patients are limited and have not been carried out in patients with inborn errors of cobalamin metabolism. The objective of this study was to assess brain functionality and brain circuit alterations in a patient with an ultra-rare inborn error of cobalamin metabolism, methylmalonic aciduria, and homocystinuria due to cobalamin D disease, as compared with his twin sister as a healthy control (HC). We acquired magnetic resonance imaging (including structural, functional, and diffusion images) to calculate brain circuit abnormalities and combined these results with the scores after a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. As compared with HC, the patient had severe patterns of damage, such as a 254% increment of ventricular volume, pronounced subcortical and cortical atrophies (mainly at striatum, cingulate cortex, and precuneus), and connectivity alterations at fronto-striato-thalamic circuit, cerebellum, and corpus callosum. In agreement with brain circuit alterations, cognitive deficits existed in attention, executive function, inhibitory control, and mental flexibility. This is the first study that provides the clinical, genetic, neuroanatomical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial characterization of a patient with the cobalamin D disorder, showing functional alterations in central nervous system motor tracts, thalamus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia, that, as far as we know, have not been reported yet in vitamin B12-related disorders.

16.
Clin Nutr ; 39(2): 455-459, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30833214

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by fat accumulation affecting >5% of the liver volume that is not explained by alcohol abuse. It is known that fructose gives rise to NAFLD and it has been recently described that the ingestion of fructose in low amounts in aldolase B deficient mice is associated with the development of fatty liver. Therefore, it is reasonable that patients with HFI (Hereditary Fructose Intolerance) present fatty liver at diagnosis, but its prevalence in patients treated and with adequate follow-up is not well documented in the literature. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between HFI and NAFLD in treated patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The population comprised 16 genetically diagnosed HFI patients aged from 3 years to 48 and in dietary treatment of fructose, sorbitol and sacarose exclusion at least for two years. Blood samples were obtained for analytical studies and anthropometric measurements of each patient were performed. RESULTS: Patients presented a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 17.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The HOMA index and Quick index were in normal range for our population. The S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM)/S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) ratio was increased in the patients in whom this analysis was performed. By imaging techniques it was observed that 9 of the 16 patients presented fatty liver (7 by hepatic MRI). Of these 9 patients, only 3 presented hepatomegaly. 7 of 9 patients affected by the c.448G > C mutation had fatty infiltration, of which three of them presented in addition hepatomegaly. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of fatty liver in HFI patients and it is not related to obesity and insulin resistance. The diagnosis of fatty liver in HFI patients and, above all, the identification of new therapeutic approaches, can positively impact the quality of life of these patients.


Subject(s)
Fructose Intolerance/blood , Fructose Intolerance/complications , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/blood , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnostic imaging , Young Adult
17.
J Pharm Biomed Anal ; 176: 112798, 2019 Nov 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31394303

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Salts of phenylacetic acid (PAA) and phenylbutyric acid (PBA) have been used for nitrogen elimination as a treatment for hyperammonaemia caused by urea cycle disorders (UCD). A new analytical method for PBA measurement in urine which helps to evaluate the drug adherence has been implemented. METHODS: Urine specimens from UCD patients receiving PBA were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry to measure urine phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln). Some clinical and biochemical data for each patient were collected. RESULTS: Our study included 87 samples from 40 UCD patients. The PAGln levels did not correlate with height, weight or age. However, the PAGln values showed correlation with PBA dose (r = 0.383, P = 0.015). Plasma glutamine and ammonia levels presented a positive correlation (r = 0.537, P < 0.001). The stability for PAGln in urine was determined at different storage temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a simple method for the determination of PAGln in urine, which acts as useful biomarker of effective drug delivery. PAGln in urine is stable at room temperature at least for 15 days, and for several months when frozen at -20 °C. This procedure is useful for the optimization and monitorization of the drug dose allowing the use of spot urine samples.


Subject(s)
Benzoates/pharmacokinetics , Drug Monitoring/methods , Glutamine/analogs & derivatives , Phenylbutyrates/pharmacokinetics , Urea Cycle Disorders, Inborn/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Benzoates/therapeutic use , Biomarkers/urine , Child , Child, Preschool , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Female , Glutamine/metabolism , Glutamine/urine , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Medication Adherence , Phenylbutyrates/therapeutic use , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Urea Cycle Disorders, Inborn/urine , Young Adult
18.
Mol Genet Metab ; 127(1): 1-11, 2019 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31103398

ABSTRACT

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. As the resulting high blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentration can have detrimental effects on brain development and function, international guidelines recommend lifelong control of blood Phe concentration with dietary and/or medical therapy. Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic preparation of tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4), the naturally occurring cofactor of PAH. It acts as a pharmacological chaperone, reducing blood Phe concentration and increasing dietary Phe tolerance in BH4-responsive patients with PAH deficiency. Protocols to establish responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride vary widely. Two meetings were held with an international panel of clinical experts in PKU management to develop recommendations for sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing. At the first meeting, regional differences and similarities in testing practices were discussed based on guidelines, a literature review, outcomes of a global physician survey, and case reports. Statements developed based on the discussions were sent to all participants for consensus (>70% of participants) evaluation using a 7-level rating system, and further discussed during the second meeting. The experts recommend sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing in patients with untreated blood Phe concentrations of 360-2000 µmol/L, except in those with two null mutations. For neonates, a 24-h sapropterin dihydrochloride loading test is recommended; responsiveness is defined as a decrease in blood Phe ≥30%. For older infants, children, adolescents, and adults, a test duration of ≥48 h or a 4-week trial is recommended. The main endpoint for a 48-h to 7-day trial is a decrease in blood Phe, while improved Phe tolerance is the endpoint to be assessed during a longer trial. Longer trials may not be feasible in some locations due to lack of reimbursement for hospitalization, while a 4-week trial may not be possible due to limited access to sapropterin dihydrochloride or public health regulation. A 48-h response test should be considered in pregnant patients who cannot achieve blood Phe ≤360 µmol/L with a Phe-restricted diet. Durability of response and clinical benefits of sapropterin dihydrochloride should be assessed over the long term. Harmonization of protocols is expected to improve identification of responders and comparability of test results worldwide.


Subject(s)
Biopterins/analogs & derivatives , Diet , Phenylketonurias/diet therapy , Phenylketonurias/drug therapy , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Biopterins/therapeutic use , Consensus , Female , Humans , Internationality , Phenylketonurias/diagnosis , Physicians , Pregnancy
19.
Eur J Pediatr ; 178(6): 903-911, 2019 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30941500

ABSTRACT

Phenylketonuria's (PKU) treatment based on low-protein diet may affect other metabolic pathways, such as that of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ADMA as a biomarker of adequate metabolic control and possible nutritional risk in a long-term PKU patient population. One hundred and six dietary-treated PKU patients from four hospitals in Spain were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Their lipid profile, total homocysteine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations were analyzed and compared with a control group. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of the proposed biomarker were calculated. PKU patients had statistically significant lower plasmatic ADMA, SDMA, and arginine concentrations as compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between ADMA, phenylalanine, and total homocysteine levels. The ADMA/creatinine ratio correlated with phenylalanine levels as metabolic control and nutritional risk in PKU patients. Its reliability as a management biomarker was studied with positive results. The ADMA/creatinine ratio might serve as an independent biomarker in the management of PKU patients, different from blood phenylalanine levels. It could be of particular usefulness to detect those who are following an unbalanced diet that could have long-term negative effects.Conclusion: In this study, we have evaluated the reliability of ADMA as a potential biomarker of adequate metabolic control and possible nutritional risk in a long-term PKU patient population. What is Known: • Although PKU individuals have lower values of ADMA even with blood Phe levels in the recommended range, little attention is payed to other metabolic pathways. What is New: • ADMA could be used as new biomarker for PKU management and follow-up of the diet, after evaluating their reliability in a long-term PKU patient population.


Subject(s)
Arginine/analogs & derivatives , Phenylketonurias/blood , Arginine/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Case-Control Studies , Child , Creatinine/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diet, Protein-Restricted/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Male , Phenylketonurias/diet therapy , Spain
20.
Reprod Domest Anim ; 54(2): 243-251, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30220090

ABSTRACT

We recorded conception rates and estimated pregnancy rates following second and later timed artificial inseminations (TAIs) after hormonal resynchronization on commercial dairy farms, using the so-called G6G protocol (PGF day-0; GnRH 2, 8 days; PGF 15, 16 days, GnRH 17 days; TAI 18 days), and the 5-day Ovsynch protocol or 5DO (GnRH day 0; PGF 5, 6 days; GnRH 7 days; TAI 8 days). In four farms, both protocols were implemented in parallel, and these 1,368 s and later TAIs were used for the protocols' comparison based on logistic regression (544 TAIs in primiparous; 824 in multiparous cows; 1,024 TAIs after G6G [600 TAIs in multiparous and 424 in primiparous]; 344 TAIs after 5DO [224 TAIs in multiparous and 120 in primiparous]; 280 TAIs during the hot season; 1,088 during the cool season). Conception rate (CR) was 31.7% ± 12.0% among all cows, 35.1% ± 10.7% among cows resynchronized with the G6G protocol and 21.8% ± 9.7% among cows resynchronized with the 5DO protocol (p < 0.0001). CR among all cows was lower during the hot season (19.3% ± 8.4%) than during the cool season (34.9% ± 10.6%; p < 0.0001), and similar seasonal results were observed with G6G protocols. Logistic regression showed significant effects on CR in second and later TAIs by protocol (OR = 0.514; 95% CI 0.385-0.686; p < 0.0001) and season (OR = 0.486; 95% CI 0.350-0.676; p < 0.0001). Parity did not influence CR after second and later TAIs (p > 0.1), and no interaction with season or resynchronization protocol was found. Estimated pregnancy rates based on these CR data from both hormonal protocols suggest that G6G can be effectively used for second and later TAIs and highlight the importance of considering protocol and season when designing strategies for second and later timed AIs on dairy farms.


Subject(s)
Estrus Synchronization/methods , Insemination, Artificial/veterinary , Ovulation/drug effects , Seasons , Animals , Cattle , Dinoprost/pharmacology , Farms , Female , Fertility , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/pharmacology , Logistic Models , Parity , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Rate , Progesterone/pharmacology , Retrospective Studies
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