Prevalence of rare mitochondrial DNA mutations in mitochondrial disorders.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are rare disorders whose prevalence is estimated around 1 in 5000. Patients are usually tested only for deletions and for common mutations of mtDNA which account for 5-40% of cases, depending on the study. However, the prevalence of rare mtDNA mutations is not known. METHODS: We analysed the whole mtDNA in a cohort of 743 patients suspected of manifesting a mitochondrial disease, after excluding deletions and common mutations. Both heteroplasmic and homoplasmic variants were identified using two complementary strategies (Surveyor and MitoChip). Multiple correspondence analyses followed by hierarchical ascendant cluster process were used to explore relationships between clinical spectrum, age at onset and localisation of mutations. RESULTS: 7.4% of deleterious mutations and 22.4% of novel putative mutations were identified. Pathogenic heteroplasmic mutations were more frequent than homoplasmic mutations (4.6% vs 2.8%). Patients carrying deleterious mutations showed symptoms before 16 years of age in 67% of cases. Early onset disease (<1 year) was significantly associated with mutations in protein coding genes (mainly in complex I) while late onset disorders (>16 years) were associated with mutations in tRNA genes. MTND5 and MTND6 genes were identified as 'hotspots' of mutations, with Leigh syndrome accounting for the large majority of associated phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Rare mitochondrial DNA mutations probably account for more than 7.4% of patients with respiratory chain deficiency. This study shows that a comprehensive analysis of mtDNA is essential, and should include young children, for an accurate diagnosis that is now accessible with the development of next generation sequencing technology.

Primary mitochondrial disorders and mimics: Insights from a large French cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of NGS within the French mitochondrial network, MitoDiag, from targeted gene panels to whole exome sequencing (WES) or whole genome sequencing (WGS) focusing on mitochondrial nuclear-encoded genes. METHODS: Over 2000 patients suspected of Primary Mitochondrial Diseases (PMD) were sequenced by either targeted gene panels, WES or WGS within MitoDiag. We described the clinical, biochemical, and molecular data of 397 genetically confirmed patients, comprising 294 children and 103 adults, carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in nuclear-encoded genes. RESULTS: The cohort exhibited a large genetic heterogeneity, with the identification of 172 distinct genes and 253 novel variants. Among children, a notable prevalence of pathogenic variants in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) functions and mitochondrial translation was observed. In adults, pathogenic variants were primarily identified in genes linked to mtDNA maintenance. Additionally, a substantial proportion of patients (54% (42/78) and 48% (13/27) in children and adults, respectively), undergoing WES or WGS testing displayed PMD mimics, representing pathologies that clinically resemble mitochondrial diseases. INTERPRETATION: We reported the largest French cohort of patients suspected of PMD with pathogenic variants in nuclear genes. We have emphasized the clinical complexity of PMD and the challenges associated with recognizing and distinguishing them from other pathologies, particularly neuromuscular disorders. We confirmed that WES/WGS, instead of panel approach, was more valuable to identify the genetic basis in patients with "possible" PMD and we provided a genetic testing flowchart to guide physicians in their diagnostic strategy.

Diagnostic biologique des angioedèmes bradykiniques : les recommandations du CREAK.

Bradykinin mediated angioedema (BK-AE) can be associated either with C1Inhibitor deficiency (hereditary and acquired forms), either with normal C1Inh (hereditary form and drug induced AE as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors…). In case of high clinical suspicion of BK-AE, C1Inh exploration must be done at first: C1Inh function and antigenemy as well as C4 concentration. C1Inh deficiency is significant if the tests are below 50 % of the normal values and controlled a second time. In case of C1Inh deficiency, you have to identify hereditary from acquired forms. C1q and anti-C1Inh antibody tests are useful for acquired BK-AE. SERPING1 gene screening must be done if a hereditary angioedema is suspected, even if there is no family context (de novo mutation 15 %). If a hereditary BK-AE with normal C1Inh is suspected, F12 and PLG gene screening is suitable.

Urinary leukotriene E4 excretion is increased in type 1 diabetic patients: a quantification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is associated with inflammatory state and increased cardiovascular mortality. Leukotrienes are arachidonic acid metabolites derived from the 5-lipoxygenase pathway that possess vasoactive, chemotactic and proinflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the urinary excretion of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) in type 1 diabetic subjects and healthy volunteers and (2) the influence of glycemic control attested by HbA(1C) on LTE4 excretion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Urinary excretion of LTE(4), measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, was significantly (P=0.033) increased in diabetic patients (median [10th-90th percentiles]: 42.1 pg/mg creatinine [16.7-71.4], n=34), compared to healthy subjects (25.5 pg/mg creatinine [13.9-54.1], n=28). Subgroup analysis indicated a trend towards increased LTE4 excretion in patients with poor glycemic control [(HbA(1C)> or =9% or plasma glucose >18 mmol/L): 43.3 pg/mg creatinine [21.6-70.5], n=14], whereas no difference was observed between patients with good metabolic control [(HbA(1C)< or =7.5%): 36.4 pg/mg creatinine [15.8-83.4], n=20] and healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that increased LTE4 excretion in type 1 diabetic state might reflect systemic activation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. It could be a determinant of underlying inflammatory state and vascular disease.

2-Arachidonoyl glycerol induces contraction of isolated rat aorta: role of cyclooxygenase-derived products.

OBJECTIVES: Endocannabinoids have been shown to play a role in the regulation of vascular tone. The effects of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) on induced-tone were examined in rat aortic rings in vitro. METHODS: Aortic rings from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were suspended in organ chambers for recording isometric tension development in response to 2-AG. The production of TXA2 in response to 2-AG was also assessed by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In endothelium-intact rings pre-contracted to PGF(2alpha), 2-AG (10 nM-30 microM) induced a biphasic effect: a weak relaxation from 10 nM to 0.1 microM, which turned into a concentration-dependent contraction from 3 to 30 microM. Endothelium-denudation did not change 2-AG-mediated vascular effects. 2-AG-induced contraction was unaffected by both the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A (3 microM) and the CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528 (1 microM). In contrast, the anandamine transport inhibitor (AM404, 100 microM) and the amino hydrolase inhibitor (PMSF, 30 microM) attenuated (P<0.05) the contractile response evoked by 2-AG in endothelium-intact and rubbed aortic rings. In addition, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin, 10 microM) and the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor (TP receptor) antagonist GR32191 (0.3 microM) totally abolished the contraction elicited by 2-AG in endothelium-intact and rubbed aortic rings. Challenge of isolated aortic rings with 2-AG (10 microM) evoked a significant increase in TXA2 level (measured as TXB2 level) in endothelium-intact and rubbed aortic rings. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that the contraction elicited by 2-AG resulted from the vascular smooth muscle cell uptake and conversion of 2-AG to constrictor prostanoid TXA2, which in turn caused vasoconstriction through the stimulation of TP receptor.

Involvement of cysteinyl leukotrienes in angiotensin II-induced contraction in isolated aortas from transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats.

OBJECTIVES: We have previously reported that 5-lipoxygenase-derived products, and particularly the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), were involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contractions in isolated aortas from spontaneously hypertensive rats. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to assess the role of CysLTs in the vascular response to Ang II in an Ang II-dependent model of hypertension, the (mRen-2)27 transgenic rats (TGs). METHODS: Intact aortic rings from TG and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SDs) were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension development in response to Ang II. In addition, the release of CysLTs in response to Ang II (0.3 micromol/l) was measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In isolated aortas from TG rats, pretreatment with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (AA861, 10 micromol/l) or the CysLT1 receptor antagonist (MK571, 1 micromol/l) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Ang II-induced contractions by 52 and 42%, respectively. In addition, Ang II induced a 2.6-fold increase in CysLT release (pg/mg dry weight tissue: 58.3 +/- 17.9 (Ang II, n = 7) versus 22.5 +/- 5.9 (basal, n = 7) P < 0.05), which was inhibited by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 micromol/l). In contrast, in aortas from SD rats, pretreatment with AA861 or MK571 did not alter Ang II-induced contraction and CysLT production remained unchanged after exposure to Ang II. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that CysLTs are involved in the contractile responses to Ang II in isolated aortas from TG but not from SD rats.

Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis with MK-886 prevents a rise in blood pressure and reduces noradrenaline-evoked contraction in L-NAME-treated rats.

(1) Long-term treatment of rats with Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) induces hypertension associated with inflammatory and vascular changes. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory vasoactive products that are suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We investigated, in rats chronically treated with l-NAME, the involvement of leukotrienes in the in vivo regulation of blood pressure and the in vitro contraction elicited by noradrenaline in isolated aorta. (2) Rats were randomly assigned to four groups and orally treated for 3 weeks with l-NAME (1 mg ml-1), l-NAME (1 mg ml-1) plus the leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor MK-886 (0.1 mg ml-1), MK-886 (0.1 mg ml-1) alone or vehicle (Methocel, 0.1%). All the drugs were added to the drinking fluid. (3) The mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) increased significantly in l-NAME-treated rats (173.3+/-9.4 mmHg (n=25)) vs Methocel-treated rats (110.7+/-4.8 mmHg (n=11), P<0.001). Chronic treatment with MK-886 prevented this rise in MABP. (4) Aortic rings with or without endothelium were suspended in organ baths for recording isometric changes in response to noradrenaline. Pretreatment with either MK-886 (10 microm), the CysLT1 receptor antagonist MK571 (1 microm) or the dual CysLT1/CysLT2 receptor antagonist BAY-u9773 (0.1 microm) reduced (P<0.05) noradrenaline-induced contractions in intact aortic rings from l-NAME-treated rats only. (5) Noradrenaline (0.3 microm) induced a two-fold increase in cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) release (measured by enzyme immunoassay) in intact aortic rings from l-NAME-treated rats only. (6) These data suggested (1) a role for the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in the regulation of blood pressure in l-NAME-treated rats and (2) the involvement of endothelial CysLTs in noradrenaline-induced contraction in aorta from l-NAME-treated rats.

[Genetic polymorphism and treatment of chronic bowel inflammatory diseases: the example of azathioprine]. / Polymorphisme génétique et traitement des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin: exemple de l'azathioprine.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive drug used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a prodrug that is hydrolysed to 6-mercaptopurine, which represents the active form. Azathioprine is also used in the treatment of leukaemia in children and in organ transplantation. Azathioprine treatment is associated with adverse effects such as leukopenia and aplasia. These adverse effects are related to a single nucleotide polymorphism, including the inability of cells to synthesize thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). TPMT is a detoxification enzyme that limits 6-thioguanine nucleotide production and thereby interferes with normal DNA and RNA synthesis. This review presents the different approaches used for azathioprine therapeutic monitoring in IBD treatment and discusses the discrepancies in recent clinical trials.

Iodination increases the activity of verapamil derivatives in reversing PGP multidrug resistance.

Iodinated derivatives of verapamil were synthesized and tested as P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal agents. The ability of these compounds to revert MDR was evaluated on daunorubicin-resistant K562 cells, by measuring the intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123, a fluorescent probe of Pgp transport activity. One of the investigated compounds (16c) was found to be a more potent MDR reversal agent than verapamil and cyclosporin A, used as reference molecules. Further in vitro studies showed that compound 16c restored daunorubicin activity and, when used alone, did not induce cell death, cell cycle perturbation and modification of calcium channel activity in comparison with verapamil.

Response of rat thoracic aorta to F(2)-isoprostane metabolites.

SUMMARY: This study was undertaken to investigate the vascular actions (contraction and relaxation) of the F(2)-isoprostane metabolites 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP, 2,3-dinor-15-F(2t)-IsoP, and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro -15-F(2t)-IsoP in comparison with 15-F(2t)-IsoP on the rat thoracic aorta. 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP induced a vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner with a pD(2) value of 5.80 +/- 0.05, whereas 2,3-dinor-15-F(2t)-IsoP and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F(2t)-IsoP had no effect. The parent compound 15-F(2t)-IsoP was more potent (pD(2) value: 6.46 +/- 0.1). Endothelium removal had no influence on the contraction to 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP. GR32191 (a TP-receptor antagonist) concentration-dependently inhibited the contraction induced by 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP, with a significant decrease in the E(max) values for GR32191 10(-7) M. Pretreatment with 2,3-dinor-15-F(2t)-IsoP and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F(2t)-IsoP induced no alteration of 15-F(2t)-IsoP concentration-response curves. In contrast, 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP pretreatment competitively inhibited the response to 15-F(2t)-IsoP. When concentration ratios of EC(50) values were used, a Schild regression of this data was linear with a slope of 0.974 and a pA(2) value of 6.13. 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP at high concentrations caused a weak concentration-dependent relaxation of rat aorta rings contracted with U46619 (3.10(-8) M) that was not modified in the absence of endothelium. In contrast, 2,3-dinor-15-F(2t)-IsoP and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F(2t)-IsoP induced no vasodilation. In conclusion, among the F(2)-isoprostane metabolites, 2,3-dinor-15-F(2t)-IsoP and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F(2t)-IsoP did not cause vasorelaxation or vasoconstriction on the rat thoracic aorta. In contrast, 15-keto-15-F(2t)-IsoP mediates contraction through activation of TP-receptors, probably as a partial agonist, and induces a weak endothelium-independent relaxation at high concentrations.