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Andes Pediatrica : Revista Chilena de... Apr 2024Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder that typically presents with cholestasis, cardiac, ocular, skeletal, vascular and renal...
UNLABELLED
Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder that typically presents with cholestasis, cardiac, ocular, skeletal, vascular and renal abnormalities, and distinct facial features. Most cases are due to variants in the JAG1 gene, with only a small percentage involving a complete gene deletion.
OBJECTIVE
to contribute to the phenotype delineation and interpretation of a microdeletion not previously described in the literature on chromosome 20.
CLINICAL CASE
A 4-month-old female patient was diagnosed with a heart murmur. An echocardiogram revealed pulmonary artery stenosis, which, combined with a prominent forehead observed on physical examination, determined her referral to clinical genetics. Because ALGS was suspected, complementary studies were performed, revealing butterfly vertebras and a genetic panel identified a pathogenic heterozygous deletion, encompassing the entire coding sequence of the JAG1 gene. To rule out a more extensive deletion, a chromosome microarray was performed, confirming a pathogenic microdeletion on chromosome 20 of 378 kb (arr[GRCh37] 20p12.2(10414643_10792802)x1).
CONCLUSIONS
A targeted sequencing panel followed by confirmation with a chromosome microarray allowed the identification and delineation of a pathogenic microdeletion not previously reported in the literature, including the complete JAG1 gene in a Chilean patient whose phenotype is consistent with ALGS.
Topics: Humans; Alagille Syndrome; Jagged-1 Protein; Female; Gene Deletion; Infant; Phenotype
PubMed: 38801368
DOI: 10.32641/andespediatr.v95i2.4820 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024The hepatic deletion of Rbpjκ () in the mouse leads to exhibition of the Alagille syndrome phenotype during early postnatal liver development with hyperlipidemia and...
The hepatic deletion of Rbpjκ () in the mouse leads to exhibition of the Alagille syndrome phenotype during early postnatal liver development with hyperlipidemia and cholestasis due to attenuated disruption of NOTCH signaling. Given the roles of NRF2 signaling in the regulation of lipid metabolism and bile ductal formation, it was anticipated that these symptoms could be alleviated by enhancing NRF2 signaling in the mouse by hepatic deletion of in compound mice. Unexpectedly, these mice developed higher hepatic and plasma cholesterol levels with more severe cholestatic liver damage during the pre-weaning period than in the mice. In addition, hypercholesterolemia and hepatic damage were sustained throughout the growth period unlike in the mouse. These enhanced abnormalities in lipid metabolism appear to be due to NRF2-dependent changes in gene expression related to cholesterol synthetic and subsequent bile acid production pathways. Notably, the hepatic expression of and genes involved in bile acid homeostasis was significantly reduced in compared to mice. The accumulation of liver cholesterol and the weakened capacity for bile excretion during the 3 pre-weaning weeks in the mice may aggravate hepatocellular damage level caused by both excessive cholesterol and residual bile acid toxicity in hepatocytes. These results indicate that a tuned balance of NOTCH and NRF2 signaling is of biological importance for early liver development after birth.
Topics: Animals; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; Mice; Hypercholesterolemia; Liver; Hepatomegaly; Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Lipid Metabolism; Gene Deletion; Signal Transduction; Cholesterol; Mice, Knockout; Male; Bile Acids and Salts
PubMed: 38731931
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094712 -
Stem Cell Research Apr 2024Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disorder due to haploinsufficiency in JAG1 or less frequently, mutations in NOTCH2. The disease has been...
Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disorder due to haploinsufficiency in JAG1 or less frequently, mutations in NOTCH2. The disease has been difficult to diagnose and treat due to variable expression. The generation of this iPSC line (TRNDi036-A) carrying a heterozygous mutation (p.Cys693*) in the JAG1 gene provides a means of studying the disease and developing novel therapeutics towards patient treatment.
PubMed: 38703666
DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103429 -
The Lancet. Gastroenterology &... Apr 2024In patients with Alagille syndrome, cholestasis-associated clinical features can include high serum bile acids and severe pruritus that can necessitate liver...
BACKGROUND
In patients with Alagille syndrome, cholestasis-associated clinical features can include high serum bile acids and severe pruritus that can necessitate liver transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor odevixibat versus placebo in patients with Alagille syndrome.
METHODS
The ASSERT study was a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled patients at 21 medical centres or hospitals in ten countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Türkiye, the UK, and the USA). Eligible patients had a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Alagille syndrome, a history of significant pruritus, and elevated serum bile acids. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive oral odevixibat 120 μg/kg per day or placebo for 24 weeks (in a block size of six and stratified by age: <10 years and ≥10 years to <18 years) via a web-based system. Patients, clinicians, study staff, and people analysing the data were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in caregiver-reported scratching score (on the PRUCISION instrument; range 0-4) from baseline to weeks 21-24. The prespecified key secondary efficacy endpoint was change in serum bile acid concentration from baseline to the average of weeks 20 and 24. Outcomes were analysed in patients who received at least one dose of study drug (the full analysis set for efficacy outcomes and the safety analysis set for safety outcomes). This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04674761) and EudraCT (2020-004011-28), and is completed.
FINDINGS
Between Feb 26, 2021, and Sept 9, 2022, 52 patients were randomly assigned to receive odevixibat (n=35) or placebo (n=17), all of whom were included in the analysis sets. The median age was 5·5 years (IQR 3·2 to 8·9). 27 (52%) of 52 patients were male and 25 (48%) were female. The mean scratching score was elevated at baseline in both groups (2·8 [SD 0·5] for odevixibat vs 3·0 [0·6] for placebo). Mean scratching scores at weeks 21-24 were 1·1 (0·9) for odevixibat and 2·2 (1·0) for placebo, representing a least-squares (LS) mean change of -1·7 (95% CI -2·0 to -1·3) for odevixibat and -0·8 (-1·3 to -0·3) for placebo, which was significantly greater for odevixibat than for placebo (difference in LS mean change from baseline -0·9 [95% CI -1·4 to -0·3]; p=0·0024). Odevixibat also resulted in significantly greater reductions in mean serum bile acids from baseline versus placebo (237 μmol/L [SD 115] with odevixibat vs 246 μmol/L [121] with placebo) to the average of weeks 20 and 24 (149 μmol/L [102] vs 271 μmol/L [167]; LS mean change -90 μmol/L [95% CI -133 to -48] with odevixibat vs 22 μmol/L [-35 to 80] with placebo; difference in LS mean change -113 μmol/L [95% CI -179 to -47]; p=0·0012). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were diarrhoea (ten [29%] of 35 patients in the odevixibat group vs one [6%] of 17 in the placebo group) and pyrexia (eight [23%] vs four [24%]). Seven patients had serious treatment-emergent adverse events during the treatment period: five (14%) in the odevixibat group and two (12%) in the placebo group. No patients discontinued treatment and there were no deaths.
INTERPRETATION
Odevixibat could be an efficacious non-surgical intervention to improve pruritus, reduce serum bile acids, and enhance the standard of care in patients with Alagille syndrome. Longer-term safety and efficacy data of odevixibat in this population are awaited from the ongoing, open-label ASSERT-EXT study.
FUNDING
Albireo Pharma, an Ipsen company.
PubMed: 38670135
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00074-8 -
Journal of the American Heart... Apr 2024We aimed to describe the frequency and yield of genetic testing in supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) following negative evaluation for Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS).
BACKGROUND
We aimed to describe the frequency and yield of genetic testing in supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) following negative evaluation for Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS).
METHODS AND RESULTS
This retrospective cohort study included patients with SVAS at our institution who had a negative evaluation for WS from May 1991 to September 2021. SVAS was defined as (1) peak supravalvar velocity of ≥2 meters/second, (2) sinotubular junction or ascending aortic score <-2.0, or (3) sinotubular junction score <-1.5 with family history of SVAS. Patients with complex congenital heart disease, aortic valve disease as the primary condition, or only postoperative SVAS were excluded. Genetic testing and diagnoses were reported. Of 162 patients who were WS negative meeting inclusion criteria, 61 had genetic testing results available (38%). Chromosomal microarray had been performed in 44 of 61 and was nondiagnostic for non-WS causes of SVAS. Sequencing of 1 or more genes was performed in 47 of 61. Of these, 39 of 47 underwent sequencing, 20 of 39 (51%) of whom had a diagnostic variant. Other diagnoses made by gene sequencing were Noonan syndrome (3 , 1 , Alagille syndrome (3 ), neurofibromatosis (1 ), and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (1 ). Overall, sequencing was diagnostic in 29 of 47 (62%).
CONCLUSIONS
When WS is excluded, gene sequencing for SVAS is high yield, with the highest yield for the gene. Therefore, we recommend gene sequencing using a multigene panel or exome analysis. Hypercholesterolemia can also be considered in individuals bearing the stigmata of this disease.
Topics: Humans; Williams Syndrome; Aortic Stenosis, Supravalvular; Retrospective Studies; Genetic Testing; Aorta
PubMed: 38591341
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.034048 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024Several diseases originate from bile duct pathology. Despite studies on these diseases, certain etiologies of some of them still cannot be concluded. The most common... (Review)
Review
Several diseases originate from bile duct pathology. Despite studies on these diseases, certain etiologies of some of them still cannot be concluded. The most common disease of the bile duct in newborns is biliary atresia, whose prognosis varies according to the age of surgical correction. Other diseases such as Alagille syndrome, inspissated bile duct syndrome, and choledochal cysts are also time-sensitive because they can cause severe liver damage due to obstruction. The majority of these diseases present with cholestatic jaundice in the newborn or infant period, which is quite difficult to differentiate regarding clinical acumen and initial investigations. Intraoperative cholangiography is potentially necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, and further treatment will be performed synchronously or planned as findings suggest. This article provides a concise review of bile duct diseases, with interesting cases.
Topics: Infant; Child; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Bile Ducts; Biliary Atresia; Choledochal Cyst; Bile Duct Diseases; Cholangiography
PubMed: 38577180
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i9.1043 -
Experimental and Clinical... Feb 2024Alagille syndrome is an autosomal-dominantinherited disease characterized by intrahepatic bile duct involvement, congenital heart disease, eye anomalies, skeletal and...
Alagille syndrome is an autosomal-dominantinherited disease characterized by intrahepatic bile duct involvement, congenital heart disease, eye anomalies, skeletal and central nervous system involvement, kidney anomalies, and facial appearance. Liver transplant is the only treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease and Alagille syndrome. Bilateral peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis is a contraindication for liver transplant due to high mortality, and the decision for liver transplant in patients with bilateral peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis is extremely challenging for anesthesiologists andtransplant surgeons.Wepresent a 2-year-oldfemale patient with successful anesthetic management of a pediatric living donor liver transplant with mild bilateral pulmonary artery stenosis, mild aortic stenosis, and mitral regurgitation due to Alagille syndrome. Anesthesiologists should know the underlying pathophysiological condition and perform a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to determine the correct anesthesia plan in patients with Alagille syndrome who will undergo liver transplants to treat multiple system disorders. Successful perioperative management of Alagille syndrome requires effective communication and collaboration between specialists through a multidisciplinary team approach.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Alagille Syndrome; Stenosis, Pulmonary Artery; Liver Transplantation; Living Donors; Pulmonary Artery; Anesthesia
PubMed: 38511987
DOI: 10.6002/ect.2023.0308 -
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology 2023Coronary bifurcation lesions and treatment with two-stent techniques have been developed, including the double kissing (DK) crush technique. The use of this technique in...
Coronary bifurcation lesions and treatment with two-stent techniques have been developed, including the double kissing (DK) crush technique. The use of this technique in children or noncoronary vessels, including pulmonary arteries, has not been described. We present a 12-year-old girl with Alagille syndrome, a ventricular septal defect (VSD), and complex bilateral pulmonary artery (PA) stenoses who is status post six catheterizations for PA angioplasty and stenting to improve her marked right ventricular hypertension. With collaboration between the congenital and structural teams, she successfully underwent the DK crush technique for a complex lesion in her PA. This improved pulmonary flow and allowed for successful surgical VSD closure.
PubMed: 38343512
DOI: 10.4103/apc.apc_60_23 -
Genes & Diseases May 2024
PubMed: 38274370
DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.029 -
Annual Review of Pathology Jan 2024Cholestasis is the predominate feature of many pediatric hepatobiliary diseases. The physiologic flow of bile requires multiple complex processes working in concert.... (Review)
Review
Cholestasis is the predominate feature of many pediatric hepatobiliary diseases. The physiologic flow of bile requires multiple complex processes working in concert. Bile acid (BA) synthesis and excretion, the formation and flow of bile, and the enterohepatic reuptake of BAs all function to maintain the circulation of BAs, a key molecule in lipid digestion, metabolic and cellular signaling, and, as discussed in the review, a crucial mediator in the pathogenesis of cholestasis. Disruption of one or several of these steps can result in the accumulation of toxic BAs in bile ducts and hepatocytes leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and, over time, biliary and hepatic cirrhosis. Biliary atresia, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and Alagille syndrome are four of the most common pediatric cholestatic conditions. Through understanding the commonalities and differences in these diseases, the important cellular mechanistic underpinnings of cholestasis can be greater appreciated.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cholestasis; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic; Hepatocytes; Inflammation
PubMed: 38265882
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-025623