Therapeutic strategy for Fabry disease by intravenous administration of adeno-associated virus 2 or 9 in α-galactosidase A-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) encoded by the GLA gene. The symptoms of FD occur as a result of the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), comprising a substrate of α-Gal A, in the organs. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising treatment for FD. METHODS: α-Gal A knockout (GLAko) mice were injected intravenously with AAV2 (1 × 1011 viral genomes [vg]) or AAV9 (1 × 1011 or 2 × 1012 vg) vectors carrying human GLA (AAV-hGLA), and plasma, brain, heart, liver and kidney were tested for α-Gal A activity. The vector genome copy numbers (VGCNs) and Gb3 content in each organ were also examined. RESULTS: The plasma α-Gal A enzymatic activity was three-fold higher in the AAV9 2 × 1012 vg group than wild-type (WT) controls, which was maintained for up to 8 weeks after injection. In the AAV9 2 × 1012 vg group, the level of α-Gal A expression was high in the heart and liver, intermediate in the kidney, and low in the brain. VGCNs in the all organs of the AAV9 2 × 1012 vg group significantly increased compared to the phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) group. Although Gb3 in the heart, liver and kidney of the AAV9 2 × 1012 vg was reduced compared to PBS group and AAV2 group, and the amount of Gb3 in the brain was not reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic injection of AAV9-hGLA resulted in α-Gal A expression and Gb3 reduction in the organs of GLAko mice. To expect a higher expression of α-Gal A in the brain, the injection dosage, administration route and the timing of injection should be reconsidered.

Investigation of the efficacy and adverse effects of lacosamide over 36 months.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and retention rate of lacosamide (LCM) over 36 months as a treatment for children and adolescents with focal and generalized epilepsy based on a retrospective study. METHODS: All patients prescribed LCM as monotherapy and add-on therapy between October 2016 and September 2019 at Jichi Children's Medical Center Tochigi were included in the study. The response rate, retention rate, and adverse effects were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 126 (female, n = 73) patients of 1.3 to 34.9 years old (median age: 12.8 years; mean ± SD 13.2 ± 6.6 years) received LCM as monotherapy or add-on treatment for focal, generalized, and combined focal and generalized epilepsy. The response rate was 40.5% at 3 months, 40.5% at 6 months, 38.1% at 9 months, 35.7% at 12 months, 25.9% at 24 months, and 29.4% at 36 months. For 34 patients who were observable for 36 months, the retention rate was 70.6% at 3 months, but then gradually declined to 34.8% at 36 months. According to the number of concomitant anti-seizure medications (ASMs), the retention rate was higher in patients receiving <3 ASMs than in those receiving ≥3 ASMs at all observation points. The most common adverse effects were somnolence in 21 patients (16.7%) and dizziness in 5 patients (39.7%). CONCLUSION: Our response rate was lower and our retention rate was higher in comparison to a previous study that observed patients over 36 months. Further prospective studies in children are required to confirm the response rate and retention rate in patients treated with LCM over 36 months.

Genetic and clinical landscape of childhood cerebellar hypoplasia and atrophy.

PURPOSE: Cerebellar hypoplasia and atrophy (CBHA) in children is an extremely heterogeneous group of disorders, but few comprehensive genetic studies have been reported. Comprehensive genetic analysis of CBHA patients may help differentiating atrophy and hypoplasia and potentially improve their prognostic aspects. METHODS: Patients with CBHA in 176 families were genetically examined using exome sequencing. Patients with disease-causing variants were clinically evaluated. RESULTS: Disease-causing variants were identified in 96 of the 176 families (54.5%). After excluding 6 families, 48 patients from 42 families were categorized as having syndromic associations with CBHA, whereas the remaining 51 patients from 48 families had isolated CBHA. In 51 patients, 26 aberrant genes were identified, of which, 20 (76.9%) caused disease in 1 family each. The most prevalent genes were CACNA1A, ITPR1, and KIF1A. Of the 26 aberrant genes, 21 and 1 were functionally annotated to atrophy and hypoplasia, respectively. CBHA+S was more clinically severe than CBHA-S. Notably, ARG1 and FOLR1 variants were identified in 2 families, leading to medical treatments. CONCLUSION: A wide genetic and clinical diversity of CBHA was revealed through exome sequencing in this cohort, which highlights the importance of comprehensive genetic analyses. Furthermore, molecular-based treatment was available for 2 families.

An Adolescent Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome Complicated by Hypothyroidism Carrying an SCN5A Variant.

Previous studies have reported that hypothyroidism can lead to sick sinus syndrome (SSS) or other rhythm disturbances. Variants in the alpha subunit of the cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) are known to be among the genetic causes of SSS. We encountered an adolescent patient with SSS and hypothyroidism who also harbored an SCN5A variant. The patient was a 13-year-old girl who was referred to our hospital because of bradycardia identified during a school electrocardiography screening. Clinical examination revealed severe hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis and SSS. After levothyroxine supplementation, her symptoms of hypothyroidism improved; however, the SSS did not. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous variant (c.1066 G>A, p.Asp356Asn) in SCN5A. This is the first report of the coexistence of SSS due to an SCN5A variant and severe hypothyroidism in an adolescent patient. While patients with SCN5A variants exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity due to the presence of various modifiers, the presence of severe hypothyroidism may affect the development of SSS. This case highlights the importance of genetic analysis, including testing for SCN5A variants, in patients with hypothyroidism complicated by SSS or cardiac conduction disorders.

Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration presenting Rett-like features: A case report and literature review.

Several patients with beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN)/static encephalopathy with neurodegeneration in adulthood have been reported to present Rett syndrome (RTT)-like features. This report presents an individual with BPAN showing clinical features of RTT. Psychomotor delay and epilepsy onset were noted at 1 year, and regression began at 4 years. Screening of the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) did not show variants. At 22 years, basal ganglia iron deposits were found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the WD-domain repeat 45 gene (WDR45) variant was identified. Review of the literature showed that BPAN with RTT-like features is associated with more epileptic seizures and less deceleration of head growth, breathing irregularities, and cold extremities than classic RTT with MECP2 variants. These clinical presentations may provide clues for differentiating between these two disorders. However, both WDR45 and MECP2 should be screened in patients presenting a clinical picture of RTT without specific MRI findings of BPAN.

Neurodevelopmental outcome and respiratory management of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disease characterized by sleep apnea. Anoxia often occurs soon after birth, and it is important to prevent anoxia-mediated central nervous system complications; however, data on the relationship between respiratory management and the prognosis for intellectual development of patients with CCHS is not well yet investigate. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review cohort study of patients with CCHS in Japan. We investigated the risk and prognostic factors for developmental outcomes and examined the disease in terms of its symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients with CCHS included in the survey, 88 patients were 6 years old and older. They were divided into two group based on their intelligence quotient. Those treated using positive-pressure ventilation via tracheostomy in the first three months of life had a better developmental prognosis than those managed via tracheostomy after three months of age and those treated by ventilation using mask (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.00-14.37, OR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.11-19.37). There was no significant difference in physical development (P = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: The best respiratory treatment for patients with CCHS is ventilation via tracheostomy, initiated ideally before the age of three months.

Demyelinating neuropathy in a 6-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder.

Herein we report the case of a 6-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and weakness in the distal portion of the right upper limb. Although difficult to perform, nerve conduction studies indicated demyelinating neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed swelling a nd high-intensity signals in the right brachial plexus and cervical spinal roots. The symptoms recovered after a single course of i.v. immunoglobulin. Electrophysiological indices and MRI findings also improved after treatment. This case demonstrates the utility of neuroimaging in addition to electrophysiological assessments for the diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathy, particularly in young patients with ASD.

[Transient epileptic amnesia].

Transient amnesia is one of common clinical phenomenon of epilepsy that are encountered by physicians. The amnestic attacks are often associated with persistent memory disturbances. Epilepsy is common among the elderly, with amnesia as a common symptom and convulsions relatively uncommon. Therefore, amnesia due to epilepsy can easily be misdiagnosed as dementia. The term 'transient epileptic amnesia (TEA)' was introduced in the early 1990s by Kapur, who highlighted that amnestic attacks caused by epilepsy can be similar to those occurring in 'transient global amnesia', but are distinguished by features brevity and recurrence. In 1998, Zeman et al. proposed diagnostic criteria for TEA.

[Relation between psychological development and respiratory management in patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome in Japan].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychological development of patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). METHODS: We performed a questionnaire-based survey of 17 patients with CCHS aged over 7 years and assessed their clinical course, respiratory management, and psychological development. RESULTS: CCHS was present at birth in 15 patients, of which eight presented with respiratory failure with a low Apgar score. Twelve patients required mechanical ventilation with intubation, and five received mask ventilation. All patients with intubation underwent tracheostomy between 1 and 12 months of age (median 5.5 months), and most of them had associated conditions such as Hirschsprung disease. Four of 12 patients with intubation were eventually switched to mask ventilation and one to diaphragm pacing and mask ventilation. The patients undergoing mask ventilation had relatively milder disease severity and had fewer complications than did the patients with intubation. The psychological development of patients who received tracheostomy ranged from normal to severe retardation. Retardation was more likely to be severe in patients who received tracheostomy in late infancy. All patients who received mask ventilation experienced borderline to moderate psychological retardation. This effect could be attributed to poor compliance with mask fitting. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the psychological development of CCHS patients was influenced by hypoxia; tracheostomy and strict respiratory management since the neonatal period were needed for neurological protection.

Therapeutic Strategy for Fabry Disease by Intravenous Administration of Adeno-Associated Virus 9 in a Symptomatic Mouse Model.

Fabry disease (FD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycosphingolipids in lysosome. Accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in tissues, induces cellular dysfunction leading to multi-organ disorder. Gene therapy is a promising strategy that can overcome these problems, and virus vectors such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been used for study on gene therapy. We used human Gb3 synthetase-transgenic (TgG3S)/α-Gal A knockout (GLAko) mice. TgG3S/GLAko mice have elevated Gb3 accumulation in the major organs compared with GLAko mice, which have been widely used as a model for FD. At the age of 6 weeks, male TgG3S/GLAko were injected with 2 × 1012 vector genome AAV9 vectors containing human α-Gal A cDNA. Eight weeks after intravenous injection of AAV, α-Gal A enzymatic activity was elevated in the plasma, heart, and liver of TgG3S/GLAko mice to levels corresponding to 224%, 293%, and 105% of wild-type, respectively. Gb3 amount 8 weeks after AAV injection in the heart and liver of this group was successfully reduced to levels corresponding to 16% and 3% of untreated TgG3S/GLAko mice. Although the brain and kidney of AAV9-treated TgG3S/GLAko mice showed no significant increases in α-Gal A activity, Gb3 amount was smaller than untreated littermates (48% and 44%, respectively). In this study, systemic AAV administration did not show significant extension of the lifespan of TgG3S/GLAko mice compared with the untreated littermates. The timing of AAV injection, capsid choice, administration route, and injection volume may be important to achieve sufficient expression of α-Gal A in the whole body for the amelioration of lifespan.

The first case of hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome with fulminant hypercytokinemia associated with pediatric COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead not only to respiratory symptoms but also to neurologic symptoms with various levels of severity. After the worldwide prevalence of Omicron variant, severe neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as febrile seizure, demyelinating disease, and cerebrovascular disease, have been reported. However, reports of acute encephalopathy in patients with COVID-19 are quite limited. Especially in terms of cytokine storm-inducing hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome (HSES), there is no case reported related to COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with fatal HSES associated with pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection. Status epilepticus occurs after the onset of fever and diarrhea and lasted for at least an hour. Unconsciousness was followed by circulatory failure and ultimately leading to death within 2 days after the fever onset. Analysis of forty-eight cytokines and chemokines measured in three consecutive serum samples revealed that interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, IL-8, Interferon gamma inducible protein (IP)-10, and Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, were increased within an hour after the onset of impaired consciousness. CONCLUSION: Here, we describe a case of fatal fulminant encephalopathy with rapid progression because of HSES associated with COVID-19. High levels of cytokines and chemokines observed in this case may be because of the SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm. This study is the first COVID-19-associated case of HSES.

Uncovering genes required for neuronal morphology by morphology-based gene trap screening with a revertible retrovirus vector.

The molecular mechanisms of neuronal morphology and synaptic vesicle transport have been largely elusive, and only a few of the molecules involved in these processes have been identified. Here, we developed a novel morphology-based gene trap method, which is theoretically applicable to all cell lines, to easily and rapidly identify the responsible genes. Using this method, we selected several gene-trapped clones of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, which displayed abnormal morphology and distribution of synaptic vesicle-like microvesicles (SLMVs). We identified several genes responsible for the phenotypes and analyzed three genes in more detail. The first gene was BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 9 (Btbd9), which is associated with restless legs syndrome. The second gene was cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (Crlf3), whose involvement in the nervous system remains unknown. The third gene was single-stranded DNA-binding protein 3 (Ssbp3), a gene known to regulate head morphogenesis. These results suggest that Btbd9, Crlf3, and Ssbp3 regulate neuronal morphology and the biogenesis/transport of synaptic vesicles. Because our novel morphology-based gene trap method is generally applicable, this method is promising for uncovering novel genes involved in the function of interest in any cell lines.

Adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapies for pediatric diseases.

Gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a rapidly developing technology with widespread treatment potential. AAV2 vectors injected directly into the brain by stereotaxic brain surgery have shown good results in treating aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Moreover, gene therapy using the AAV9 vector, which crosses the blood-brain barrier, has been performed in more than 2000 patients worldwide as a disease-modifying therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. AAV vectors have been applied to the development of gene therapies for various pediatric diseases. Gene therapy trials for hemophilia and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency are underway. Clinical trials are planned for glucose transporter I deficiency, Niemann-Pick disease type C, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. The genome of AAV vectors is located in the episome and is rarely integrated into chromosomes, making the vectors safe. However, serious adverse events such as hepatic failure and thrombotic microangiopathy have been reported, and ongoing studies are focusing on developing more efficient vectors to reduce required dosages.

Neonatal onset of Niemann-Pick disease type C in a patient with cholesterol re-accumulation in the transplanted liver and inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive inherited and neurodegenerative disorder. Approximately 10% of NPC patients have acute liver failure and sometimes need liver transplantation (LT), and 7% reportedly develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We report the case of a girl with NPC who had a re- accumulation of cholesterol in the transplanted liver and NPC-related IBD. CASE REPORT: The patient underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) due to severe acute liver failure caused by an unknown etiology inherited from her father. At 1 year and 6 months (1Y6M), she developed neurological delay, catalepsy, and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. The foam cells were found in her skin, and fibroblast Filipin staining was positive; hence, she was diagnosed with NPC. It was identified that her father had NPC heterozygous pathogenic variant. At 2 years, she had anal fissure, skin tag and diarrhea. She was diagnosed with NPC-related IBD, using a gastrointestinal endoscopy. Three years after LT, liver biopsy revealed foam cells and numerous fatty droplets. At 8 years, broken hepatocytes and substantial fibrosis were observed. She died from circulation failure due to hypoalbuminemia at 8Y2M. CONCLUSIONS: In NPC, load of cholesterol metabolism is suggested to persist even after LT. LDLT from NPC heterozygous variant donor was insufficient to metabolize cholesterol overload. In NPC patients, the possibility of cholesterol re-accumulation should be considered when LT is performed. NPC-related IBD should be considered when NPC patients have anorectal lesions or diarrhea.

Wound healing responses of urinary extravasation after urethral injury.

The post-surgical fluid leakage from the tubular tissues is a critical symptom after gastrointestinal or urinary tract surgeries. Elucidating the mechanism for such abnormalities is vital in surgical and medical science. The exposure of the fluid such as peritonitis due to urinary or gastrointestinal perforation has been reported to induce severe inflammation to the surrounding tissue. However, there have been no reports for the tissue responses by fluid extravasation and assessment of post-surgical and injury complication processes is therefore vital. The current model mouse study aims to investigate the effect of the urinary extravasation of the urethral injuries. Analyses on the urinary extravasation affecting both urethral mesenchyme and epithelium and the resultant spongio-fibrosis/urethral stricture were performed. The urine was injected from the lumen of urethra exposing the surrounding mesenchyme after the injury. The wound healing responses with urinary extravasation were shown as severe edematous mesenchymal lesions with the narrow urethral lumen. The epithelial cell proliferation was significantly increased in the wide layers. The mesenchymal spongio-fibrosis was induced by urethral injury with subsequent extravasation. The current report thus offers a novel research tool for surgical sciences on the urinary tract.

Severe pediatric acute encephalopathy syndromes related to SARS-CoV-2.

Background and objectives: To clarify whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection cause acute encephalopathy in children and which are the most common syndromes that cause them and what are the outcomes. Methods: A nationwide web-based survey among all members of the Japanese Society of Child Neurology to identify pediatric patients aged < 18 years who developed acute encephalopathy in Japan between 1 January 2020 and 31 May 2022 associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or antigen tests using pharyngeal swabs. Acute encephalopathy was defined as acute onset of impaired consciousness lasting > 24 h or an altered mental state; neurological symptoms arising within 2 weeks of onset of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)/pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS); evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection; and reasonable exclusion of other diseases. Patients were divided into the known clinico-radiological acute encephalopathy syndrome group and unexplained or unclassifiable acute encephalopathy group. Outcomes were assessed by pediatric cerebral performance category (PCPC) score at hospital discharge. Results: Of the 3,802 society members, 217 representing institutions responded, and 39 patients with suspected acute encephalopathy were reported, of which 31 met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 14 were diagnosed with known clinico-radiological acute encephalopathy syndromes, with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (five patients) being the most common. Five developed acute encephalopathy associated with MIS-C/PIMS. Among 31 patients, 9 (29.0%) had severe sequelae or died (PCPC ≥ 4). Two of three patients with encephalopathy with acute fulminant cerebral edema and two with hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome died. The PCPC scores were higher in the known clinico-radiological acute encephalopathy syndrome group than in the unexplained or unclassifiable acute encephalopathy group (P < 0.01). Discussion: Acute encephalopathy related to SARS-CoV-2 infection was demonstrated to be more severe than that caused by other viruses in Japan. Acute encephalopathy syndromes characterized by specific neuroradiological findings was associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Glucocorticoids inhibit MUC5AC production induced by transforming growth factor-α in human respiratory cells.

BACKGROUND: Mucus hypersecretion from airway epithelium is a characteristic feature of severe asthma. Glucocorticoids (GCs) may suppress mucus production and diminish the harmful airway obstruction. We investigated the ability of GCs to suppress mRNA expression and protein synthesis of a gene encoding mucin, MUC5AC, induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-α in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma (NCI-H292) cells and the molecular mechanisms underlying the suppression. METHODS: We determined if GCs such as dexamethasone (DEX), budesonide (BUD), and fluticasone (FP) could suppress MUC5AC production induced by a combination of TGF-α and double-strand RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C). MUC5AC mRNA expression and MUC5AC protein production were evaluated. The signaling pathways activated by TGF-α and their inhibition by GCs were tested using a phosphoprotein assay and MUC5AC promoter assay. RESULTS: DEX significantly suppressed the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and MUC5AC protein induced by TGF-α. The activation of the MUC5AC promoter by TGF-α was significantly inhibited by DEX. DEX did not affect activation of downstream pathways of the EGF receptor or mRNA stability of MUC5AC transcripts. DEX, BUD, and FP suppressed MUC5AC protein expression induced by a combination of TGF-α and polyI:C in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: GCs inhibited MUC5AC production induced by TGF-α alone or a combination of TGF-α and polyI:C; the repression may be mediated at the transcriptional but not post-transcriptional level.

WDR45 variants cause ferrous iron loss due to impaired ferritinophagy associated with nuclear receptor coactivator 4 and WD repeat domain phosphoinositide interacting protein 4 reduction.

Static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood/ß-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration is a neurodegenerative disorder with brain iron accumulation caused by the variants of WDR45, a core autophagy-related gene that encodes WD repeat domain phosphoinositide interacting protein 4. However, the pathophysiology of the disease, particularly the function of WDR45/WD repeat domain phosphoinositide interacting protein 4 in iron metabolism, is largely unknown. As no other variants of core autophagy-related genes show abnormalities in iron metabolism, the relation between autophagy and iron metabolism remains to be elucidated. Since iron deposition in the brain is the hallmark of static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood/ß-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration, iron chelation therapy has been attempted, but it was found to worsen the symptoms; thus, the establishment of a curative treatment is essential. Here, we evaluated autophagy and iron metabolism in patient-derived cells. The expression of ferritin and ferric iron increased and that of ferrous iron decreased in the patient cells with WDR45 variants. In addition, the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 was markedly reduced in patient-derived cells. Furthermore, divalent metal transporter 1, which takes in ferrous iron, was upregulated, while ferroportin, which exports ferrous iron, was downregulated in patient-derived cells. The transfer of WDR45 via an adeno-associated virus vector restored WD repeat domain phosphoinositide interacting protein 4 and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 expression, reduced ferritin levels, and improved other phenotypes observed in patient-derived cells. As nuclear receptor coactivator 4 mediates the ferritin-specific autophagy, i.e. ferritinophagy, its deficiency impaired ferritinophagy, leading to the accumulation of ferric iron-containing ferritin and insufficiency of ferrous iron. Because ferrous iron is required for various essential biochemical reactions, the changes in divalent metal transporter 1 and ferroportin levels may indicate a compensatory response for maintaining the intracellular levels of ferrous iron. Our study revealed that the pathophysiology of static encephalopathy of childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood/ß-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration involves ferrous iron insufficiency via impaired ferritinophagy through nuclear receptor coactivator 4 expression reduction. Our findings could aid in developing a treatment strategy involving WDR45 manipulation, which may have clinical applications.

Recurrent pneumonia in three patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome with aspiration as the possible cause.

INTRODUCTION: Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) is located on the X chromosome (Xq28) and is important for nervous and immune system functioning. Patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) have recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs). Although RRIs often occur with MDS because some patients with MDS also have hypoimmunoglobulinemia and duplication of the interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase-1 gene (IRAK1), which is also located on Xq28, the phenotype of IRAK1 duplication in patients with MDS remains unclear. METHODS: The clinical course of three patients with MDS who underwent laryngotracheal separation (LTS) at two institutions was summarized. RESULTS: Three patients with MDS were identified to have recurrent pneumonia characteristic of aspiration pneumonia, sometimes requiring artificial ventilation therapy; they had no other bacterial infections. After LTS, they rarely had pneumonia. In MDS, MECP2 expression increased two-fold naturally, while IRAK-1 expression showed no difference compared with a healthy subject. CONCLUSIONS: Since RRIs in MDS are thought to be caused by aspiration and not susceptibility to infection previously estimated to be major complication, the evaluation of aspiration is recommended for RRIs for better management of MDS.