Orphan or Rare Diseases
Breast: Sezary Syndrome: A Unique Presentation.
Breast: Sezary Syndrome: A Unique Presentation.
Breast J. 2015 Jul-Aug;21(4):423-7
Authors: Bedayat A, Mirzabeigi M, Yu H, Hultman R, MacMaster S
Abstract
Sezary syndrome is a subtype of cutaneous T cell lymphoma which usually presents as generalized skin disease with erytheroderma. Distal organ involvement is rare and is usually a late finding in the course of the disease. Breast involvement is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case report of a patient whose initial presentation involved an intramammary lymph node prior to the onset of more characteristic skin disease. Sezary syndrome was confirmed by cythopathologic findings.
PMID: 25939954 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Activation of sirtuin 1 as therapy for the peroxisomal disease adrenoleukodystrophy.
Activation of sirtuin 1 as therapy for the peroxisomal disease adrenoleukodystrophy.
Cell Death Differ. 2015 Nov;22(11):1742-53
Authors: Morató L, Ruiz M, Boada J, Calingasan NY, Galino J, Guilera C, Jové M, Naudí A, Ferrer I, Pamplona R, Serrano M, Portero-Otín M, Beal MF, Fourcade S, Pujol A
Abstract
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial failure are prominent factors in the axonal degeneration process. In this study, we demonstrate that sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a key regulator of the mitochondrial function, is impaired in the axonopathy and peroxisomal disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). We have restored SIRT1 activity using a dual strategy of resveratrol treatment or by the moderate transgenic overexpression of SIRT1 in a X-ALD mouse model. Both strategies normalized redox homeostasis, mitochondrial respiration, bioenergetic failure, axonal degeneration and associated locomotor disabilities in the X-ALD mice. These results indicate that the reactivation of SIRT1 may be a valuable strategy to treat X-ALD and other axonopathies in which the control of redox and energetic homeostasis is impaired.
PMID: 25822341 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Providing family-centred care for rare diseases in maternity services: Parent satisfaction and preferences when dysmelia is identified.
Providing family-centred care for rare diseases in maternity services: Parent satisfaction and preferences when dysmelia is identified.
Women Birth. 2016 May 4;
Authors: Johnson J, Adams-Spink G, Arndt T, Wijeratne D, Heyhoe J, Taylor P
Abstract
PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND: Dysmelia is usually detected prenatally or postnatally in maternity services. The provision of family-centred care for parents at the time of initial diagnosis is crucial to facilitate decision making, access to appropriate services, and the provision of parental care-giving, but no research has investigated parent experiences or preferences in this population.
AIMS: The current research aimed to address this by investigating satisfaction with service, occurrence of signposting and preferences in this group.
METHODS: Two online surveys were conducted. In the first survey (n=417), parents reported whether they were offered signposting information and their level of satisfaction with the service they received when initially diagnosed. In the second survey (n=130), a subgroup of participants who completed the first survey reported their preferences for signposting and health service access after diagnosis.
FINDINGS: On average, participants were less than satisfied with the service they received and only 27% were offered signposting information. Satisfaction was higher amongst parents who had been offered signposting information. 91% of parents said they would have wanted signposting information and 67% would have wanted access to a support group.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve the family-centeredness of care when dysmelia is identified. Offering signposting information to relevant third-sector organisations may increase parent satisfaction and address parent preferences. These findings could have implications for parents of children with other rare diseases identified in maternity services.
PMID: 27156021 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
[Pulmonary MALT lymphoma and paraneoplastic syndromes].
[Pulmonary MALT lymphoma and paraneoplastic syndromes].
Rev Mal Respir. 2016 May 4;
Authors: Monge E, Coolen-Allou N, Mascarel P, Gazaille V
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Primary pulmonary lymphoma is a rare disease; diagnosis is often delayed because of atypical clinical presentation and slow progression.
OBSERVATION: A 42-year-old woman consulted because of haemoptysis. Chest CT-scan showed multiple nodular calcified masses. A lung biopsy led to the diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis with pulmonary MALT lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue). The patient developed two paraneoplastic syndromes: a hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and mucinosis.
CONCLUSION: Multiple nodular amyloidosis can be a mode of presentation for pulmonary lymphoma. Paraneoplastic syndromes must be systematically considered and can help in early diagnosis of the disease and its relapse.
PMID: 27155897 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Spinal cord ependymoma: a review of the literature and case series of ten patients.
Spinal cord ependymoma: a review of the literature and case series of ten patients.
J Neurooncol. 2016 May 6;
Authors: Celano E, Salehani A, Malcolm JG, Reinertsen E, Hadjipanayis CG
Abstract
Spinal cord ependymoma (SCE) is a rare tumor that is most commonly low-grade. Complete surgical resection has been established as first-line treatment and can be curative. However, SCEs tend to recur when complete tumor resection is not possible. Evidence supporting the use of adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy is not definitive. We review the most recent literature on SCE covering a comprehensive range of topics spanning the biology, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes. In addition, we present a case series of ten SCE patients with the goal of contributing to existing knowledge of this rare disease.
PMID: 27154165 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Gene-specific mitochondria dysfunctions in human TARDBP and C9ORF72 fibroblasts.
Gene-specific mitochondria dysfunctions in human TARDBP and C9ORF72 fibroblasts.
Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2016;4(1):47
Authors: Onesto E, Colombrita C, Gumina V, Borghi MO, Dusi S, Doretti A, Fagiolari G, Invernizzi F, Moggio M, Tiranti V, Silani V, Ratti A
Abstract
Dysregulation of RNA metabolism represents an important pathogenetic mechanism in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to the involvement of the DNA/RNA-binding proteins TDP-43 and FUS and, more recently, of C9ORF72. A potential link between dysregulation of RNA metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction is recently emerged in TDP-43 disease models. To further investigate the possible relationship between these two pathogenetic mechanisms in ALS/FTD, we studied mitochondria functionality in human mutant TARDBP(p.A382T) and C9ORF72 fibroblasts grown in galactose medium to induce a switch from a glycolytic to an oxidative metabolism. In this condition we observed significant changes in mitochondria morphology and ultrastructure in both mutant cells with a fragmented mitochondria network particularly evident in TARDBP(p.A382T) fibroblasts. From analysis of the mitochondrial functionality, a decrease of mitochondria membrane potential with no alterations in oxygen consumption rate emerged in TARDBP fibroblasts. Conversely, an increased oxygen consumption and mitochondria hyperpolarization were observed in C9ORF72 fibroblasts in association to increased ROS and ATP content. We found evidence of autophagy/mitophagy in dynamic equilibrium with the biogenesis of novel mitochondria, particularly in mutant C9ORF72 fibroblasts where an increase of mitochondrial DNA content and mass, and of PGC1-α protein was observed. Our imaging and biochemical data show that wild-type and mutant TDP-43 proteins do not localize at mitochondria so that the molecular mechanisms responsible for such mitochondria impairment remain to be further elucidated. For the first time our findings assess a link between C9ORF72 and mitochondria dysfunction and indicate that mitochondria functionality is affected in TARDBP and C9ORF72 fibroblasts with gene-specific features in oxidative conditions. As in neuronal metabolism mitochondria are actively used for ATP production, we speculate that TARDBP and C9ORF72 mutations might trigger cell death by impairing not only RNA metabolism, but also mitochondria activity in ALS/FTD neurons.
PMID: 27151080 [PubMed - in process]
Gene-manipulated Adipocytes for the Treatment of Various Intractable Diseases.
Gene-manipulated Adipocytes for the Treatment of Various Intractable Diseases.
Yakugaku Zasshi. 2016;136(5):705-9
Authors: Kuroda M, Bujo H, Aso M, Saito Y, Yokote K
Abstract
Although protein replacement is an effective treatment for serum protein deficiencies such as diabetes and hemophilia, recombinant protein products are not available for all rare inherited diseases due to the instability of the recombinant proteins and/or to cost. Gene therapy is the most attractive option for treating patients with such rare diseases. To develop an effective ex vivo gene therapy-based protein replacement treatment requires recipient cells that differ from those used in standard gene therapy, which is performed to correct the function of the recipient cells. Adipose tissue is an expected source of proliferative cells for cell-based therapies, including regenerative medicine and gene transfer applications. Based on recent advances in cell biology and extensive clinical experience in transplantation therapy for adipose tissue, we focused on the mature adipocyte fraction, which is the floating fraction after collagenase digestion and centrifugation of adipose tissue. Proliferative adipocytes were propagated from the floating fraction by the ceiling culture technique. These cells are designated as ceiling culture-derived proliferative adipocytes (ccdPAs). We first focused on lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency, an inherited metabolic disorder caused by lcat gene mutation, and ccdPAs as a therapeutic gene vehicle for LCAT replacement therapy. In our recent in vitro and animal model studies, we developed an adipose cell manipulation procedure using advanced gene transduction methods and transplantation scaffolds. We herein introduce the progress made in novel adipose tissue-based therapeutic strategies for the treatment of protein deficiencies and describe their future applications for other intractable diseases.
PMID: 27150923 [PubMed - in process]
Controversies with Kalydeco: Newspaper coverage in Canada and the United States of the cystic fibrosis "wonder drug".
Controversies with Kalydeco: Newspaper coverage in Canada and the United States of the cystic fibrosis "wonder drug".
J Cyst Fibros. 2016 Apr 14;
Authors: Rachul C, Toews M, Caulfield T
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cystic fibrosis drug, Kalydeco, has attracted attention both for its effectiveness in particular CF patients and its substantial price tag. An analysis of newspaper portrayals of Kalydeco provides an opportunity to examine how policy issues associated with rare diseases and orphan drugs are being represented in the popular press.
METHODS: We conducted a content analysis of 203 newspaper articles in Canada and the U.S. that mention Kalydeco. Articles were analyzed for their main frame, discussion of Kalydeco, including issues of drug development, patient access, and reimbursement, and overall tone.
RESULTS: In Canadian newspaper coverage, 77.4% of articles were framed as human interest stories featuring individual patients seeking public funding for Kalydeco, yet only 7.5% mentioned any budgetary limitations in doing so. In contrast, U.S. newspaper coverage was framed as a financial/economic story in 43.1% of articles and a medical/scientific story in 27.8%.
CONCLUSIONS: Newspaper coverage varied significantly between Canada, where Kalydeco is predominantly a story about increasing patient access through full government funding, and the U.S., where Kalydeco is largely a financial story about the economic impact of Kalydeco. The difference in coverage may be due to differences in public funding between the healthcare systems of these two countries.
PMID: 27150823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
ECL-cell carcinoids and carcinoma in patients homozygous for an inactivating mutation in the gastric H(+) K(+) ATPase alpha subunit.
ECL-cell carcinoids and carcinoma in patients homozygous for an inactivating mutation in the gastric H(+) K(+) ATPase alpha subunit.
APMIS. 2016 May 6;
Authors: Fossmark R, Calvete O, Mjønes P, Benitez J, Waldum HL
Abstract
A family with a missense variant of the ATP4A gene encoding the alpha subunit of the gastric proton pump (H(+) K(+) ATPase) has recently been described. Homozygous siblings were hypergastrinemic (median gastrin 486 pM) and had gastric tumours diagnosed at a median age of 33 years. In the current histopathological study, we further characterized the tumours found in the gastric corpus. The tumours had the histological appearance of carcinoids (NET G1 or G2) and were immunoreactive for the general neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A (CgA) and synaptophysin as well as the ECL-cell markers vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and histidine decarbozylase (HDC). One of the tumours consisted of a NET G2 component, but also had a component with glandular growth, which morphologically was classified as an intestinal type adenocarcinoma. Many glands of the adenocarcinoma contained a large proportion of cells positive for neuroendocrine markers, especially the small vesicle marker synaptophysin and the cytoplasmic enzyme HDC. In conclusion, patients homozygous for an inactivating ATP4A mutation develop gastric ECL-cell carcinoids in their 3rd or 4th decade. The adenocarcinoma may be classified as neuroendocrine with ECL-cell differentiation.
PMID: 27150581 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Treacher Collins Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Treatment and Recommendations.
Treacher Collins Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Treatment and Recommendations.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Jan;137(1):191-204
Authors: Plomp RG, van Lieshout MJ, Joosten KF, Wolvius EB, van der Schroeff MP, Versnel SL, Poublon RM, Mathijssen IM
Abstract
BACKGROUND: No reviews or guidelines are available on evidence-based treatment for the multidisciplinary approach in Treacher Collins syndrome. The authors' aim is to provide an evidence-based review of multidisciplinary treatment of Treacher Collins syndrome based on levels of evidence and supported with graded recommendations.
METHODS: A systematic search was performed by means of the PubMed, Web-of-Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases (1985 to January of 2014). Included were clinical studies (with five or more Treacher Collins syndrome patients) related to therapy, diagnosis, or risk of concomitant diseases. Level of evidence of the selected articles was rated according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. After two panelists had reviewed each abstract separately, a consensus method was used to solve any disagreements concerning article inclusion.
RESULTS: Of the 2433 identified articles, 63 studies (Level of Evidence II through V) were included. Conclusions and recommendations were extracted consecutively for the following items: upper airway; ear, hearing, and speech; the eye, eyelashes, and lacrimal system; growth, feeding, and swallowing; the nose; psychosocial factors; and craniofacial reconstruction.
CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, current evidence for the multidisciplinary treatment of Treacher Collins syndrome is provided, recommendations for treatment are made, and a proposed algorithm for treatment is presented. Although some topics are well supported, others, especially ocular, nasal, speech, feeding, and swallowing problems, lack sufficient evidence. In addition, craniofacial surgical reconstruction lacks a sufficient level of evidence to provide a sound basis for a full treatment protocol. Despite the rarity of the syndrome, more research is needed to compare outcomes of several surgical treatments, especially in orbitozygomatic/maxillary regions.
PMID: 26710023 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Kullback-Leibler divergence for detection of rare haplotype common disease association.
Kullback-Leibler divergence for detection of rare haplotype common disease association.
Eur J Hum Genet. 2015 Nov;23(11):1558-65
Authors: Lin S
Abstract
Rare haplotypes may tag rare causal variants of common diseases; hence, detection of such rare haplotypes may also contribute to our understanding of complex disease etiology. Because rare haplotypes frequently result from common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), focusing on rare haplotypes is much more economical compared with using rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) from sequencing, as SNPs are available and 'free' from already amassed genome-wide studies. Further, associated haplotypes may shed light on the underlying disease causal mechanism, a feat unmatched by SNV-based collapsing methods. In recent years, data mining approaches have been adapted to detect rare haplotype association. However, as they rely on an assumed underlying disease model and require the specification of a null haplotype, results can be erroneous if such assumptions are violated. In this paper, we present a haplotype association method based on Kullback-Leibler divergence (hapKL) for case-control samples. The idea is to compare haplotype frequencies for the cases versus the controls by computing symmetrical divergence measures. An important property of such measures is that both the frequencies and logarithms of the frequencies contribute in parallel, thus balancing the contributions from rare and common, and accommodating both deleterious and protective, haplotypes. A simulation study under various scenarios shows that hapKL has well-controlled type I error rates and good power compared with existing data mining methods. Application of hapKL to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shows a strong association of the complement factor H (CFH) gene with AMD, identifying several individual rare haplotypes with strong signals.
PMID: 25735482 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
("orphan disease" OR "rare disease" OR "orphan diseases" OR "rare diseases"); +17 new citations
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Disease models for the development of therapies for lysosomal storage diseases.
Disease models for the development of therapies for lysosomal storage diseases.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016 May 4;
Authors: Xu M, Motabar O, Ferrer M, Marugan JJ, Zheng W, Ottinger EA
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases in which the function of the lysosome is disrupted by the accumulation of macromolecules. The complexity underlying the pathogenesis of LSDs and the small, often pediatric, population of patients make the development of therapies for these diseases challenging. Current treatments are only available for a small subset of LSDs and have not been effective at treating neurological symptoms. Disease-relevant cellular and animal models with high clinical predictability are critical for the discovery and development of new treatments for LSDs. In this paper, we review how LSD patient primary cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cellular models are providing novel assay systems in which phenotypes are more similar to those of the human LSD physiology. Furthermore, larger animal disease models are providing additional tools for evaluation of the efficacy of drug candidates. Early predictors of efficacy and better understanding of disease biology can significantly affect the translational process by focusing efforts on those therapies with the higher probability of success, thus decreasing overall time and cost spent in clinical development and increasing the overall positive outcomes in clinical trials.
PMID: 27144735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Exploring Rare Diseases in South Africa, a Personal Journey: Time for Electronic Record-keeping.
Exploring Rare Diseases in South Africa, a Personal Journey: Time for Electronic Record-keeping.
Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2016 Jan-Feb;6(1):1-3
Authors: Ross IL
PMID: 27144070 [PubMed]
Successful Surgical Excision of a Large Cardiac Fibroma in an Asymptomatic Child: A Case Report.
Successful Surgical Excision of a Large Cardiac Fibroma in an Asymptomatic Child: A Case Report.
World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Borodinova O, Ostras O, Raad T, Yemets I
Abstract
Cardiac fibroma is a rare disease, and the management of asymptomatic patients is controversial. We report a case of successful surgical excision of a large cardiac fibroma in an asymptomatic child. Surgery should be considered for such a patient, as sudden cardiac death may occur in the absence of premonitory symptoms.
PMID: 27143716 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Natural history of mevalonate kinase deficiency: a literature review.
Natural history of mevalonate kinase deficiency: a literature review.
Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2016;14(1):30
Authors: Zhang S
Abstract
Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a very rare autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease with multiple organ involvement, presents clinically as hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (HIDS), a less severe phenotype and more common form, and mevalonic aciduria (MVA), a more severe phenotype and rare form. MKD is characterized by recurrent febrile attacks that are frequently accompanied by lymphadenopathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, arthralgia, myalgia, skin rash, and aphthous ulcers. Patients with MVA also have intrauterine growth retardation, congenital defects (cataracts, shortened limbs, and dysmorphic craniofacial features), neurological disease, and failure to thrive. Mean age at onset of symptoms is within the first year of life. There is a delay by several years between symptom onset and diagnosis, which is in part attributable to the initial misdiagnosis due to the rarity and nonspecific clinical manifestations of disease. The frequency of recurrent febrile attacks is highest in childhood and gradually decreases after adolescence. MKD is associated with rare long-term complications such as type AA amyloidosis, joint contractures, abdominal adhesions, renal angiomyolipoma, and severe pneumococcal infections. Frequent febrile attacks significantly impair several aspects of patients' and caregivers' quality of life, with an adverse impact on patients' daily activities, education, and employment. Lifespan is generally normal for HIDS whereas MVA can be fatal in early childhood.
PMID: 27142780 [PubMed - in process]
Enrichment of rare variants in population isolates: single AICDA mutation responsible for hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 in Finland.
Enrichment of rare variants in population isolates: single AICDA mutation responsible for hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 in Finland.
Eur J Hum Genet. 2016 May 4;
Authors: Trotta L, Hautala T, Hämäläinen S, Syrjänen J, Viskari H, Almusa H, Lepisto M, Kaustio M, Porkka K, Palotie A, Seppänen M, Saarela J
Abstract
Antibody class-switch recombination and somatic hypermutation critically depend on the function of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Rare variants in its gene AICDA have been reported to cause autosomal recessive AID deficiency (autosomal recessive hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 (HIGM2)). Exome sequencing of a multicase Finnish family with an HIGM2 phenotype identified a rare, homozygous, variant (c.416T>C, p.(Met139Thr)) in the AICDA gene, found to be significantly enriched in the Finnish population compared with other populations of European origin (38.56-fold, P<0.001). The population history of Finland, characterized by a restricted number of founders, isolation and several population bottlenecks, has caused enrichment of certain rare disease-causing variants and losses of others, as part of a phenomenon called the Finnish Disease Heritage. Accordingly, rare founder mutations cause the majority of observed Finnish cases in these mostly autosomal recessive disorders that consequently are more frequent in Finland than elsewhere. Screening of all currently known Finnish patients with an HIGM2 phenotype showed them to be homozygous for p.(Met139Thr). All the Finnish p.(Met139Thr) carriers with available data on their geographic descent originated from the eastern and northeastern parts of Finland. They were observed to share more of their genome identity by descent (IBD) than Finns in general (P<0.001), and they all carried a 207.5-kb ancestral haplotype containing the variant. In conclusion, the identified p.(Met139Thr) variant is significantly enriched in Finns and explains all thus far found AID deficiencies in Finland.European Journal of Human Genetics advance online publication, 4 May 2016; doi:10.1038/ejhg.2016.37.
PMID: 27142677 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Fatal Primary Capillary Leak Syndrome in a Late Preterm Newborn.
Fatal Primary Capillary Leak Syndrome in a Late Preterm Newborn.
Indian J Pediatr. 2016 May 4;
Authors: Kulihova K, Prochazkova M, Semberova J, Janota J
Abstract
Primary capillary leak syndrome is a rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by episodes of vascular collapse and plasma extravasation, which may lead to multiple organ failure. Primary capillary leak is extremely rare in children. The authors report a case of a late preterm newborn with fatal capillary leak syndrome of unknown etiology, manifesting as hypotension unresponsive to treatment, extravasation leading to generalised edema, disseminated intravascular coagulation and finally, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Aggressive volumotherapy and a combination of inotropes and high doses of terlipressin did not influence systemic vascular collapse and plasma extravasation. The newborn developed multiple organ failure and died on day 27 of life. Investigations performed failed to reveal any specific cause of capillary leak. This is the first report of a fatal primary capillary leak syndrome in a newborn.
PMID: 27142601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
[Pharmacogenetics in anesthesia and intensive care medicine : Clinical and legal challenges exemplified by malignant hyperthermia].
[Pharmacogenetics in anesthesia and intensive care medicine : Clinical and legal challenges exemplified by malignant hyperthermia].
Anaesthesist. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Klingler W, Pfenninger E
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy is a key component of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. The individual genetic profile influences not only the effect of pharmaceuticals but can also completely alter the mode of action. New technologies for genetic screening (e.g. next generation sequencing) and increasing knowledge of molecular pathways foster the disclosure of pharmacogenetic syndromes, which are classified as rare diseases. Taking into account the high genetic variability in humans and over 8000 known rare diseases, up to 20 % of the population may be affected. In summary, rare diseases are not rare. Most pharmacogenetic syndromes lead to a weakening or loss of pharmacological action. In contrast, malignant hyperthermia (MH), which is the most relevant pharmacogenetic syndrome for anesthesia, is characterized by a pharmacologically induced overactivation of calcium metabolism in skeletal muscle. Volatile anesthetic agents and succinylcholine trigger life-threatening hypermetabolic crises. Emergency treatment is based on inhibition of the calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum by dantrolene. After an adverse pharmacological event patients must be informed and a clarification consultation must be carried out during which the hereditory character of MH is explained. The patient should be referred to a specialist MH center where a predisposition can be diagnosed by the functional in vitro contracture test from a muscle biopsy. Additional molecular genetic investigations can yield mutations in the genes for calcium-regulating proteins in skeletal muscle, e.g. ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) and calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1S (CACNA1S). Currently, an association to MH has only been shown for 35 mutations out of more than 400 known and probably hundreds of unknown genetic variations. Furthermore, MH predisposition is not excluded by negative mutation screening. For anesthesiological patient safety it is crucial to identify individuals at risk and warn genetic relatives; however, the legal requirements of the Patients Rights Act and the Human Genetic Examination Act must be strictly adhered to. Specific features of insurance and employment law must be respected under consideration of the Human Genetic Examination Act.
PMID: 27142362 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Non-cholesterol Sterols in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyslipidemias: A Review.
Non-cholesterol Sterols in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyslipidemias: A Review.
Curr Med Chem. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Baila-Rueda L, Cenarro A, Civeira F
Abstract
Non-cholesterol sterols have been used as markers of cholesterol intestinal absorption and hepatic synthesis, leading to a better understanding of cholesterol homeostasis in humans. This review discusses the main non-cholesterol sterols that are clinically useful, different methods to quantify the factors associated with blood concentration, and the potential role of non-cholesterol sterols in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of dyslipidemia. The main indication is the use of non-cholesterol sterols for the diagnosis of rare diseases associated with defects in cholesterol synthesis or anomalies in the absorption and/or elimination of phytosterols. However, other potential uses, including the diagnosis of certain hypercholesterolemias and the individualization of lipid-lowering therapies, are promising as they could help treat a wider population.
PMID: 27142287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]