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American Journal of Human Genetics Jan 2024Autosomal-dominant ataxia with sensory and autonomic neuropathy is a highly specific combined phenotype that we described in two Swedish kindreds in 2014; its genetic...
Autosomal-dominant ataxia with sensory and autonomic neuropathy is a highly specific combined phenotype that we described in two Swedish kindreds in 2014; its genetic cause had remained unknown. Here, we report the discovery of exonic GGC trinucleotide repeat expansions, encoding poly-glycine, in zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) in these families. The expansions were identified in whole-genome datasets within genomic segments that all affected family members shared. Non-expanded alleles carried one or more interruptions within the repeat. We also found ZFHX3 repeat expansions in three additional families, all from the region of Skåne in southern Sweden. Individuals with expanded repeats developed balance and gait disturbances at 15 to 60 years of age and had sensory neuropathy and slow saccades. Anticipation was observed in all families and correlated with different repeat lengths determined through long-read sequencing in two family members. The most severely affected individuals had marked autonomic dysfunction, with severe orthostatism as the most disabling clinical feature. Neuropathology revealed p62-positive intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions in neurons of the central and enteric nervous system, as well as alpha-synuclein positivity. ZFHX3 is located within the 16q22 locus, to which spinocerebellar ataxia type 4 (SCA4) repeatedly had been mapped; the clinical phenotype in our families corresponded well with the unique phenotype described in SCA4, and the original SCA4 kindred originated from Sweden. ZFHX3 has known functions in neuronal development and differentiation n both the central and peripheral nervous system. Our findings demonstrate that SCA4 is caused by repeat expansions in ZFHX3.
Topics: Humans; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion; Spinocerebellar Ataxias; Ataxia; Cerebellar Ataxia; Phenotype; Spinocerebellar Degenerations; Homeodomain Proteins
PubMed: 38035881
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.11.008 -
Current Pain and Headache Reports Jun 2024Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by nerve damage resulting... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by nerve damage resulting from prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels. Diabetic neuropathy may cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction, and foot ulcers, potentially causing significant impairment to the quality of life for those affected. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy. The etiology of diabetic neuropathy will be discussed, including risk factors, predisposing conditions, and an overview of the complex interplay between hyperglycemia, metabolic dysregulation, and nerve damage. Additionally, we will explore the molecular mechanisms and pathways of diabetic neuropathy, including the impact of hyperglycemia on nerve function, abnormalities in glucose metabolism, the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and inflammatory and immune-mediated processes. We will provide an overview of the various nerve fibers affected by diabetic neuropathy and explore the common symptoms and complications associated with diabetic neuropathy in the pain medicine field.
RECENT FINDINGS
This review highlights advances in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy as well as reviews potential novel therapeutic strategies and promising areas for future research. In conclusion, this review article aims to shed light on the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy, its far-reaching consequences, and the evolving strategies for prevention and management. In understanding the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy and the ongoing research in this area, healthcare professionals can better serve patients with diabetes, ultimately improving well-being and reducing complications.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Neuropathies; Risk Factors; Hyperglycemia
PubMed: 38558164
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01243-5 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Dec 2023This article summarizes the latest epidemiology of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), and provides a brief overview on epidemiology, current outcomes measures for... (Review)
Review
This article summarizes the latest epidemiology of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), and provides a brief overview on epidemiology, current outcomes measures for screening and diagnosis in research and clinical settings, the latest evidence on effective management, and novel perspectives on the impacts of social determinants of health in development and management of DAN. Among the various forms of diabetic neuropathy, distal symmetric polyneuropathy and diabetic autonomic neuropathies, particularly cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, are by far the most studied. However, emerging data highlight the impact of other forms of autonomic neuropathies such as gastrointestinal and urogenital autonomic neuropathies, on healthcare and patients' reported outcomes [1].
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Neuropathies
PubMed: 38245325
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110762 -
American Journal of Hematology Feb 2024Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in...
DISEASE OVERVIEW
Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and "atypical smoldering multiple myeloma or MGUS."
DIAGNOSIS
Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Organ biopsy is not required in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory. The gold standard is laser capture mass spectroscopy.
PROGNOSIS
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP or BNP), serum troponin T(or I), and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four stages; 5-year survivals are 82%, 62%, 34%, and 20%, respectively.
THERAPY
All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure. Current first-line therapy with the best outcome is daratumumab, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. The goal of therapy is a ≥VGPR. In patients failing to achieve this depth of response options for consolidation include pomalidomide, stem cell transplantation, venetoclax, and bendamustine.
FUTURE CHALLENGES
Delayed diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy prior to the development of end-stage organ failure. Trials of antibodies to deplete deposited fibrils are underway.
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Amyloidosis; Prognosis; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38095141
DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27177 -
Journal of Diabetes Dec 2023The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has multifarious action with its target genes having redox-regulating functions and being... (Review)
Review
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has multifarious action with its target genes having redox-regulating functions and being involved in inflammation control, proteostasis, autophagy, and metabolic pathways. Therefore, the genes controlled by NRF2 are involved in the pathogenesis of myriad diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Amidst this large array of diseases, diabetic neuropathy (DN) occurs in half of patients diagnosed with diabetes and appears as an injury inflicted upon peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. As a complex effector factor, NRF2 has entered the spotlight during the search of new biomarkers and/or new therapy targets in DN. Due to the growing attention for NRF2 as a modulating factor in several diseases, including DN, this paper aims to update the recently discovered regulatory pathways of NRF2 in oxidative stress, inflammation and immunity. It presents the animal models that further facilitated the human studies in regard to NRF2 modulation and the possibilities of using NRF2 as DN biomarker and/or as target therapy.
PubMed: 38158644
DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13524 -
Journal of Neurogenetics 2023is a gene whose alternative splicing yields epithelial, neuronal, and muscular isoforms. The autosomal recessive () spontaneous mouse mutation causes degeneration of... (Review)
Review
is a gene whose alternative splicing yields epithelial, neuronal, and muscular isoforms. The autosomal recessive () spontaneous mouse mutation causes degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts as well as peripheral sensory nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and cranial nerve ganglia. In addition to mutants, axonopathy and neurofilament accumulation in perikarya are features of two other murine lines with spontaneous mutations, targeted knockout mice, Tg4 transgenic mice carrying two deleted exons, mice with trapped actin-binding domain-containing isoforms, and conditional Schwann cell-specific knockout mice. As a result of nerve damage, mutants display dystonia and ataxia, as seen in several genetically modified models and their motor coordination deficits have been quantified along with the spontaneous nonsense mutant, the conditional Schwann cell-specific knockout, the conditional mutant, and the Dst-b isoform specific mutant. Recent findings in humans have associated mutations of the Dst-b isoform with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies type 6 (HSAN-VI). These data should further encourage the development of genetic techniques to treat or prevent ataxic and dystonic symptoms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Dystonia; Mice, Knockout; Mice, Transgenic; Neurobiology; Neurons; Protein Isoforms
PubMed: 38465459
DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2024.2319880 -
Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest,... 2023This study aims to determine the prevalence of neuropathy in the prediabetic period.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to determine the prevalence of neuropathy in the prediabetic period.
DESIGN SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Informed consent was attained from the patients who volunteered to participate in the study after ethics committee approval was obtained. Patients under the age of 18, having vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, history of collagen tissue-rheumatological disease, chronic kidney failure, cirrhosis, ethylism, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, malignancy, tuberculosis, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and pregnant women were excluded from the study. Patients diagnosed with prediabetes were evaluated by the DN4 neuropathy complaint questionnaire. Neuropathy was diagnosed in patients having a score of four or more. For the statistical analyses Student t-test, Pearson chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were performed using the NCSS program.
RESULTS
A total of 224 volunteers, 167 women and 57 men, were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 51 and the mean level of hemoglobin A1C was 5.9. Neuropathy was detected in 45% of the cases. Especially in women, there was a significant increase in the frequency of neuropathy compared to men. The most common complaints found in our study were burning sensation and numbness in the extremities.
CONCLUSIONS
Similar to diabetic patients, prediabetic patients also have a high rate of neuropathy. For the early diagnosis of neuropathy and to be treated promptly, screening tests such as DN4 should be performed for all prediabetic patients. According to the test results, advanced examinations such as EMG or biopsy should be performed earlier.
PubMed: 38933248
DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2023.497 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Dec 2023The diabetic neuropathies represent the commonest long-term complications of diabetes, and may be the presenting feature of Type 2 diabetes. In clinical practice, distal... (Review)
Review
The diabetic neuropathies represent the commonest long-term complications of diabetes, and may be the presenting feature of Type 2 diabetes. In clinical practice, distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) and the autonomic neuropathies are the most frequently seen forms of diabetic neuropathy. The 2017 American Diabetes Association classification system for the neuropathies of diabetes are in general use. Treatment challenges remain and the need for revised recommendations and further discussion of management of severely painful DSPN that does not fully respond to conventional medical management is clear, especially in light of the recent opioid crisis in the USA.
Topics: Humans; Autonomic Nervous System; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Neuropathies; Pain; Polyneuropathies
PubMed: 38245328
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110758 -
Journal of Diabetes and Its... May 2024We investigated associations between gastrointestinal symptoms - evaluated as a combined weighted symptom score (CWSS) - Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), and distal...
OBJECTIVE
We investigated associations between gastrointestinal symptoms - evaluated as a combined weighted symptom score (CWSS) - Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), and distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Cross-sectional study in a tertiary outpatient clinic. CWSS was calculated based on questionnaires: gastroparesis composite symptom index (GCSI) and gastrointestinal symptom rating score (GSRS). DAN and DSPN were addressed using the composite autonomic symptom score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire, cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs), electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), vibration perception threshold (VPT), Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), pain- and thermal sensation. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, smoking, LDL-cholesterol, HbA and systolic blood pressure. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes were evaluated separately.
RESULTS
We included 566 with type 1 diabetes and 377 with type 2 diabetes. Mean ± SD age was 58 ± 15 years and 565 (59.9 %) were women. A high CWSS was present in 143 (25 %) with type 1 and 142 (38 %) with type 2 diabetes. The odds of DAN by COMPASS-31 (p < 0.001) were higher in the high score group. For type 1 diabetes, odds of cardiac autonomic neuropathy were higher in the high CWSS group. The odds of DSPN by VPT and MNSI in type 1 diabetes, and by ESC, VPT and pain sensation in type 2 diabetes were higher in the high CWSS group.
CONCLUSIONS
A high symptom score was associated with neuropathy by COMPASS-31 and vibration perception. Gastrointestinal symptom burden associated inconsistently with other neuropathy tests between diabetes types.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Cohort Studies; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Denmark; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Neuropathies; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Scandinavians and Nordic People; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Symptom Burden
PubMed: 38615421
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108745 -
Innere Medizin (Heidelberg, Germany) Sep 2023Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare disease in which the protein transthyretin (TTR) is deposited in the form of amyloid fibrils in various tissues and organs... (Review)
Review
Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare disease in which the protein transthyretin (TTR) is deposited in the form of amyloid fibrils in various tissues and organs and secondarily leads to functional impairment, especially in peripheral nerves and the heart. A differentiation is made between hereditary and sporadic forms. The hereditary variant is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and usually occurs in the younger to middle-aged, while the sporadic form occurs in older age and has no known genetic cause. Typical signs of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) include a rapidly progressing sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy (PNP), cardiac dysfunction as well as ocular and gastrointestinal symptoms. A carpal tunnel syndrome often precedes the manifestation. Various options (tafamidis, patisiran, inotersen or vutrisiran) are available for the treatment of patients with ATTRv with PNP in Germany, depending on the severity. In the sporadic variant of wild-type ATTR amyloidosis (ATTRwt), symptoms of progressive cardiomyopathy are usually prominent; however, neurological assessment of these patients often also reveals a concomitant sensory ataxic PNP. The tetramer stabilizer tafamidis can be used for treatment. Because of this complex presentation, the management of patients with ATTR amyloidosis should be performed in interdisciplinary centers specialized in amyloidosis.
Topics: Middle Aged; Humans; Prealbumin; Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Polyneuropathies; Cardiomyopathies; Germany
PubMed: 37555967
DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01570-6