Patient and caregiver experiences with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN): results from a patient community survey.

BACKGROUND: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder of PANK2, which enables mitochondrial synthesis of coenzyme A. Its loss causes neurodegeneration with iron accumulation primarily in motor-related brain areas. Symptoms include dystonia, parkinsonism, and other disabilities. PKAN has been categorized as classic PKAN, with an age of onset ≤ 10 years, rapid progression, and early disability or death; and atypical PKAN, with later onset, slower progression, generally milder, and more diverse symptom manifestations. Available treatments are mostly palliative. Information on the lived experience of patients with PKAN and their caregivers or on community-level disease burden is limited. It is necessary to engage patients as partners to expand our understanding and improve clinical outcomes. This patient-oriented research study used multiple-choice and free-form question surveys distributed by patient organizations to collect information on the manifestations and disease burden of PKAN. It also assessed respondents' experiences and preferences with clinical research to inform future clinical trials. RESULTS: The analysis included 166 surveys. Most respondents (87%) were parents of a patient with PKAN and 7% were patients, with 80% from Europe and North America. The study cohort included 85 patients with classic PKAN (mean ± SD age of onset 4.4 ± 2.79 years), 65 with atypical PKAN (13.8 ± 4.79 years), and 16 identified as "not sure". Respondents reported gait disturbances and dystonia most often in both groups, with 44% unable to walk. The classic PKAN group reported more speech, swallowing, and visual difficulties and more severe motor problems than the atypical PKAN group. Dystonia and speech/swallowing difficulties were reported as the most challenging symptoms. Most respondents reported using multiple medications, primarily anticonvulsants and antiparkinsonian drugs, and about half had participated in a clinical research study. Study participants reported the most difficulties with the physical exertion associated with imaging assessments and travel to assessment sites. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results support the dichotomy between classic and atypical PKAN that extends beyond the age of onset. Inclusion of patients as clinical research partners shows promise as a pathway to improving clinical trials and providing more efficacious PKAN therapies.

Growth patterns in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Objective: This study assessed growth patterns in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VII before enzyme replacement therapy. Methods: Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measurements and Z-scores from patients from three clinical studies were compared with those from CDC healthy population growth charts. Relationships with age/sex and history of non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) were assessed by linear regression and ANOVA, respectively. Results: Among 20 enrolled patients with MPS VII, height Z-scores were near normal until 1 year of age but declined thereafter, particularly among males. There was no consistent pattern in weight Z-score. BMI Z-scores were above normal and increased slightly with age among males and were slightly below normal among females. Male patients with a history of NIHF had greater declines in height and weight Z-scores over time versus males without history of NIHF. There was no clear effect of NIHF history on height and weight Z-scores in female patients. Conclusions: In patients with MPS VII, declines in height Z-score began early in life, particularly among males, while changes in BMI varied by sex. Patients with MPS VII and a history of NIHF had greater declines in height Z-score with age than did patients without a history of NIHF.Clinical trial registration: This retrospective analysis included patients enrolled in an open-label phase 2 study (UX003-CL203; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02418455), a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind-start phase 3 study (UX003-CL301; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02230566), or its open-label, long-term extension (UX003-CL202; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02432144). Requests for individual de-identified participant data and the clinical study report from this study are available to researchers providing a methodologically sound proposal that is in accordance with the Ultragenyx data sharing commitment. To gain access, data requestors will need to sign a data access and use agreement. Data will be shared via secured portal. The study protocol and statistical analysis plan for this study are available on the relevant clinical trial registry websites with the tabulated results.

Challenges and strategies for clinical trials in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias.

Clinical trial development in rare diseases poses significant study design and methodology challenges, such as disease heterogeneity and appropriate patient selection, identification and selection of key endpoints, decisions on study duration, choice of control groups, selection of appropriate statistical analyses, and patient recruitment. Therapeutic development in organic acidemias (OAs) shares many challenges with other inborn errors of metabolism, such as incomplete understanding of natural history, heterogenous disease presentations, requirement for sensitive outcome measures and difficulties recruiting a small sample of participants. Here, we review strategies for the successful development of a clinical trial to evaluate treatment response in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias. Specifically, we discuss crucial decisions that may significantly impact success of the study, including patient selection, identification and selection of endpoints, determination of the study duration, consideration of control groups including natural history controls, and selection of appropriate statistical analyses. The significant challenges associated with designing a clinical trial in rare disease can sometimes be successfully met through strategic engagement with experts in the rare disease, seeking regulatory and biostatistical guidance, and early involvement of patients and families.

Study design challenges and strategies in clinical trials for rare diseases: Lessons learned from pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

Substantial challenges in study design and methodology exist during clinical trial development to examine treatment response in patients with a rare disease, especially those with predominant central nervous system involvement and heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and natural history. Here we discuss crucial decisions which may significantly impact success of the study, including patient selection and recruitment, identification and selection of endpoints, determination of the study duration, consideration of control groups including natural history controls, and selection of appropriate statistical analyses. We review strategies for the successful development of a clinical trial to evaluate treatment of a rare disease with a focus on inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) that present with movement disorders. The strategies presented using pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) as the rare disease example can be applied to other rare diseases, particularly IEMs with movement disorders (e.g., other neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation disorders, lysosomal storage disorders). The significant challenges associated with designing a clinical trial in rare disease can sometimes be successfully met through strategic engagement with experts in the rare disease, seeking regulatory and biostatistical guidance, and early involvement of patients and families. In addition to these strategies, we discuss the urgent need for a paradigm shift within the regulatory processes to help accelerate medical product development and bring new innovations and advances to patients with rare neurodegenerative diseases who need them earlier in disease progression and prior to clinical manifestations.

Long-term efficacy and safety of vestronidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy in pediatric subjects < 5 years with mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VII is an ultra-rare, autosomal-recessive, metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of ß-glucuronidase, a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including dermatan sulfate (DS), chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate (HS). ß-glucuronidase deficiency leads to progressive accumulation of undegraded GAGs in lysosomes of affected tissues, which may cause hydrops fetalis, short stature, hepatosplenomegaly, and cognitive impairment. An open-label, multicenter, phase II study was conducted in 8 pediatric subjects <5 years of age with MPS VII. Subjects received the recombinant human ß-glucuronidase vestronidase alfa 4 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every other week for 48 weeks (treatment period). Those who completed the 48-week treatment were offered to continue treatment with vestronidase alfa 4 mg/kg for up to 240 weeks or until withdrawal of consent, discontinuation, or study termination (continuation period). The level of GAG excreted in urine (uGAG) above normal has been shown to correlate with disease severity and clinical outcomes in MPS diseases. Therefore, the primary efficacy endpoint of this study was to determine the mean percentage change in uGAG DS excretion from baseline to week 48. Statistically significant reductions in uGAG DS from baseline were observed at each visit (p < 0.0001), with a least square mean (standard error) percentage change of -60% (6.6) at week 4 (first post-baseline assessment) and -61% (6.41) at week 48 (final assessment during treatment period). Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from baseline to week 48 in growth and hepatosplenomegaly. Positive trends were observed toward increased standing height Z-score (mean [standard deviation] at baseline, -2.630 [1.17], n = 8; at week 48, -2.045 [0.27], n = 7) and growth velocity (mean [SD] Z-score at baseline, -2.59 [1.49], n = 4; at week 48, -0.39 [2.10], n = 4; p = 0.27). Hepatomegaly was resolved in 3 of 3 subjects assessed by ultrasound and in 5 of 6 subjects assessed by physical examination; splenomegaly was resolved in 1 of 3 subjects assessed by ultrasound and in 2 of 2 subjects assessed by physical examination. There were no new safety signals identified during this study. Mild-to-moderate infusion-associated reactions occurred in 4 (50%) subjects. In conclusion, long-term vestronidase alfa treatment demonstrated a rapid and sustained reduction in uGAGs, maintained growth, and improved hepatosplenomegaly in pediatric subjects with MPS VII <5 years of age. Trial registration: NCT02418455.

Inborn errors of purine and pyrimidine metabolism: A guide to diagnosis.

Inborn errors of purine and pyrimidine (P/P) metabolism are under-reported and rarely mentioned in the general literature or in clinical practice, as well as in reviews dedicated to other inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). However, their diagnosis is important because genetic counseling can be provided and, in some cases, specific treatment exists that may slow or even reverse clinical signs. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical guideline on the suspicion and investigation of inborn errors of P/P metabolism. Failure of a physician to recognize the presence of these disorders may be devastating for affected infants and children because of its permanent effects in the patient, and for their parents because of implications for future offspring. Diagnosis is crucial because genetic counseling can be provided and, in some cases, specific treatment can be offered that may slow or even reverse clinical symptoms. This review highlights the risk factors in the history, the important examination findings, and the appropriate biochemical investigation of the child. Herein we describe the approach to the diagnosis of P/P disorders and emphasize clinical situations in which physicians should consider these diseases as diagnostic possibilities.

Biomarkers for drug development in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias.

There is an unmet need for the development and validation of biomarkers and surrogate endpoints for clinical trials in propionic acidemia (PA) and methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). This review examines the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of PA and MMA that could form the basis for potential biomarkers and surrogate endpoints. Changes in primary metabolites such as methylcitric acid (MCA), MCA:citric acid ratio, oxidation of 13 C-propionate (exhaled 13 CO2 ), and propionylcarnitine (C3) have demonstrated clinical relevance in patients with PA or MMA. Methylmalonic acid, another primary metabolite, is a potential biomarker, but only in patients with MMA. Other potential biomarkers in patients with either PA and MMA include secondary metabolites, such as ammonium, or the mitochondrial disease marker, fibroblast growth factor 21. Additional research is needed to validate these biomarkers as surrogate endpoints, and to determine whether other metabolites or markers of organ damage could also be useful biomarkers for clinical trials of investigational drug treatments in patients with PA or MMA. This review examines the evidence supporting a variety of possible biomarkers for drug development in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias.

Open-label phase 1/2 study of vestronidase alfa for mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Vestronidase alfa is an enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII). In this open-label, phase 1/2 study, three subjects with MPS VII received intravenous vestronidase alfa administered every other week (QOW) for 14 weeks (2 mg/kg), followed by 24-week forced-dose titration (1, 4, and 2 mg/kg QOW; 8 weeks each), 36-week continuation (2 mg/kg), and long-term extension (4 mg/kg). Vestronidase alfa was well tolerated and led to dose-responsive, sustained reductions in urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion.

Clinical manifestations and management of fatty acid oxidation disorders.

Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD) are a group of rare, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorders caused by variants of the genes for the enzymes and proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of fatty acids in the mitochondria. Those affected by FAOD are unable to convert fatty acids into tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates such as acetyl-coenzyme A, resulting in decreased adenosine triphosphate and glucose for use as energy in a variety of high-energy-requiring organ systems. Signs and symptoms may manifest in infants but often also appear in adolescents or adults during times of increased metabolic demand, such as fasting, physiologic stress, and prolonged exercise. Patients with FAOD present with a highly heterogeneous clinical spectrum. The most common clinical presentations include hypoketotic hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and skeletal myopathy, as well as peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy in some subtypes. Despite efforts to detect FAOD through newborn screening and manage patients early, symptom onset can be sudden and serious, even resulting in death. Therefore, it is critical to identify quickly and accurately the key signs and symptoms of patients with FAOD to manage metabolic decompensations and prevent serious comorbidities.

Vestronidase alfa: Recombinant human ß-glucuronidase as an enzyme replacement therapy for MPS VII.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme ß-glucuronidase that has previously been successfully treated in a mouse model with enzyme replacement therapy. Here, we present the generation of a novel, highly sialylated version of recombinant human ß-glucuronidase (rhGUS), vestronidase alfa, that has high uptake, resulting in an improved enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of patients with MPS VII. In vitro, vestronidase alfa has 10-fold more sialic acid per mole of rhGUS monomer than a prior rhGUS version (referred to as GUS 43/44) and demonstrated very high affinity at ~1 nM half maximal uptake in human MPS VII fibroblasts. Vestronidase alfa has a longer enzymatic half-life after uptake into fibroblasts compared with other enzymes used as replacement therapy for MPS (40 days vs 3 to 4 days, respectively). In pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution experiments in Sprague-Dawley rats, intravenous administration of vestronidase alfa resulted in higher serum rhGUS levels and enhanced ß-glucuronidase activity distributed to target tissues. Weekly intravenous injections of vestronidase alfa (0.1 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg) in a murine model of MPS VII demonstrated efficient enzyme delivery to all tissues, including bone and brain, as well as reduced lysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in increased survival after 8 weeks of treatment. Vestronidase alfa was well-tolerated and demonstrated no toxicity at concentrations that reached 5-times the proposed clinical dose. In a first-in-human phase 1/2 clinical trial, a dose-dependent reduction in urine GAG levels was sustained over 38 weeks of treatment with vestronidase alfa. Together, these results support the therapeutic potential of vestronidase alfa as an enzyme replacement therapy for patients with MPS VII.

The long-term safety and efficacy of vestronidase alfa, rhGUS enzyme replacement therapy, in subjects with mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Vestronidase alfa (recombinant human beta-glucuronidase) is an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VII, a highly heterogeneous, ultra-rare disease. Twelve subjects, ages 8-25 years, completed a Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, blind-start, single crossover study (UX003-CL301; NCT02377921), receiving 24-48 weeks of vestronidase alfa 4 mg/kg IV. All 12 subjects completed the blind-start study, which showed significantly reduced urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and clinical improvement in a multi-domain responder index, and enrolled in a long-term, open-label, extension study (UX003-CL202; NCT02432144). Here, we report the final results of the extension study, up to an additional 144 weeks after completion of the blind-start study. Three subjects (25%) completed all 144 weeks of study, eight subjects (67%) ended study participation before Week 144 to switch to commercially available vestronidase alfa, and one subject discontinued due to non-compliance after receiving one infusion of vestronidase alfa in the extension study. The safety profile of vestronidase alfa in the extension study was consistent with observations in the preceding blind-start study, with most adverse events mild to moderate in severity. There were no treatment or study discontinuations due to AEs and no noteworthy changes in a standard safety chemistry panel. Out of the eleven subjects who tested positive for anti-drug antibodies at any time during the blind-start or extension study, including the baseline assessment in the blind-start study, seven subjects tested positive for neutralizing antibodies and all seven continued to demonstrate a reduction in urinary GAG levels. There was no association between antibody formation and infusion associated reactions. Subjects receiving continuous vestronidase alfa treatment showed a sustained urinary GAG reduction and clinical response evaluated using a multi-domain responder index that includes assessments in pulmonary function, motor function, range of motion, mobility, and visual acuity. Reduction in fatigue was also maintained in the overall population. As ERT is not expected to cross the blood brain barrier, limiting the impact on neurological signs of disease, and not all subjects presented with neurological symptoms, outcomes related to central nervous system pathology are not focused on in this report. Results from this study show the long-term safety and durability of clinical efficacy in subjects with MPS VII with long-term vestronidase alfa treatment.

Safety and Efficacy of Lomitapide in Japanese Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): Results from the AEGR-733-301 Long-Term Extension Study.

AIM: Lomitapide is an approved lipid-lowering agent indicated as adjunct to low-fat diet and standard lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) including lipoprotein apheresis for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Clinical data from Phase 3 studies have demonstrated the prolonged lipid-lowering capacity of lomitapide in patients with HoFH. We assessed the long-term lipid-lowering capacity of daily oral lomitapide in a cohort of Japanese patients with HoFH enrolled in a Phase 3 extension study. METHODS: Five of 8 Japanese HoFH patients completing a 56-week Phase 3 dose-escalation and safety study of lomitapide continued their maximum tolerated dose (MTD) until study drug was approved or commercially available or until treatment was discontinued. Lipid parameters were measured at Day 1 and at 12-week intervals through study end. Safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS: Daily lomitapide treatment with permitted LLTs maintained approximately 50% mean reductions in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from baseline for ＞60 weeks. Reductions in LDL-C levels varied across patients and were not associated with the HoFH genotype. Four patients achieved ＞25% reductions and 1 patient achieved ＞50% reduction in LDL-C; 2 patients achieved reduction in LDL-C to ＜100 mg/dL. Lomitapide significantly reduced total cholesterol (－26.5%), triglycerides (－54.8%), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (－37.4%). All 5 patients continued their individual MTD of lomitapide throughout the extension study with acceptable safety and tolerability, and no deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: Results from this extension study support the long-term safety and efficacy of lomitapide in significantly reducing plasma levels of atherosclerotic lipids in patients with HoFH.

Can Macrosomia or Large for Gestational Age Be Predictive of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I, II and VI?

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to compare mean values for birth body length and weight between patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and the general population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of birth anthropometric data was performed for patients (n = 103) with MPS I, II, and VI. Two-tailed t tests were used to compare mean values for body length and weight at birth between patients with MPS and the general population. RESULTS: Mean values for birth body length and weight for all studied groups were greater than in the general population. For body length the differences were statistically significant. When considered individually, 53% of patients were large for gestational age (LGA) and 30% were macrosomic. The highest percentage of LGA was observed in MPS II males and MPS VI females (55% and 56%, respectively), while the highest percentage of macrosomia was observed in MPS VI males (36%). CONCLUSION: At the time of birth, MPS patients were larger than those in the general population. High birth weight and/or LGA can be suggestive of MPS disease and should raise suspicion aiding early disease recognition.

Ultrasonographic Features of Hip Joints in Mucopolysaccharidoses Type I and II.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to assess the ultrasonographic features of hip joints in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type I and II in comparison with healthy population. The secondary aims were to correlate these features with clinical measures and to evaluate the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of MPS disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen MPS I (n = 3) and II (n = 13) patients were enrolled in the present study and underwent clinical and radiological evaluation, and bilateral high-resolution ultrasonography (US) of hip joints. The distance from the femoral neck to joint capsule (synovial joint space, SJS), joint effusion, synovial hyperthrophy, and local pathological vascularization were evaluated. The results were compared to the healthy population and correlated with clinical and radiological measures. RESULTS: 1. There was a difference in US SJS between children with MPS disease and the normative value for healthy population (7mm). Mean values of SJS were 15.81 ± 4.08 cm (right hip joints) and 15.69 ± 4.19 cm (left joints). 2. No inflammatory joint abnormalities were detected in MPS patients. 3. There was a clear correlation between US SJS and patients' age and height, while no clear correlation was observed between SJS and disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Patients with MPS I and II present specific features in hip joint ultrasonography. 2. The data suggests that ultrasonography might be effective in the evaluation of hip joint involvement in patients with MPS and might present a valuable tool in facilitating the diagnosis and follow up of the disease.

Cervical spine MRI findings in patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis type II.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome) is an X-linked, recessive, lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (EC 3.1.6.13). The purpose of this report is to describe cervical spine magnetic resonance (MRI) findings in MPS II patients and to correlate them with clinical phenotype. Seven cervical spine MRI examinations from Polish MPS II patients (mean age 11.4 years, median age 8 years, range 5-30) were evaluated. Six patients were classified as neurological (85.7%) and 1 as attenuated (14.3%). Five patients were treated with idursulfase (range 110-260 weeks, mean 195, median 200), while 2 patients never received the treatment. The following features were assessed: periodontoid thickening, spinal stenosis, dens hypoplasia, myelopathy, and vertebral and intervertebral disc abnormalities. Mean age at evaluation was 11 years (range 5-30, median 8). Cervical spine MRI was abnormal in all the patients and the most frequent abnormalities found were dens hypoplasia (100%), periodontoid thickening (100%), disc abnormalities (100%) and spinal stenosis (43%). There was no clear correlation between MRI findings and patients' phenotypes.

Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome due to mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor α gene (THRA).

BACKGROUND: Resistance to thyroid hormone is characterised by a lack of response of peripheral tissues to the active form of thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T3). In about 85% of cases, a mutation in THRB, the gene coding for thyroid receptor ß (TRß), is the cause of this disorder. Recently, individual reports described the first patients with thyroid hormone receptor α gene (THRA) defects. METHODS: We used longitudinal clinical assessments over a period of 18 years at one hospital setting combined with biochemical and molecular studies to characterise a novel thyroid hormone resistance syndrome in a cohort of six patients from five families. FINDINGS: Using whole exome sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing, we identified truncating and missense mutations in the THRA gene in five of six individuals and describe a distinct and consistent phenotype of mild hypothyroidism (growth retardation, relatively high birth length and weight, mild-to-moderate mental retardation, mild skeletal dysplasia and constipation), specific facial features (round, somewhat coarse and flat face) and macrocephaly. Laboratory investigations revealed anaemia and slightly elevated cholesterol, while the thyroid profile showed low free thyroxine (fT4) levels coupled with high free T3 (fT3), leading to an altered T4 : T3 ratio, along with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. We observed a genotype-phenotype correlation, with milder outcomes for missense mutations and more severe phenotypical effects for truncating mutations. INTERPRETATION: THRA mutations may be more common than expected. In patients with clinical symptoms of mild hypothyreosis without confirmation in endocrine studies, a molecular study of THRA defects is strongly recommended.

Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells in the model of mucopolysaccharidosis VI present a prohypertensive phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by a deficient activity of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (ARSB). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurs in MPS VI patients and is a marker of bad prognosis. Malfunction of endothelium, which regulates vascular tonus and stimulates angiogenesis, can contribute to the occurrence of PH in MPS VI. AIM: The aim of the study was to establish a human MPS VI cellular model of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) and evaluate how it affects factors that may trigger PH such as proliferation, apoptosis, expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). RESULTS: Increasing concentrations of dermatan sulfate (DS) reduce the viability of the cells in both ARSB deficiency and controls, but hardly influence apoptosis. The expression of eNOS in HPAECs is reduced up to two thirds in the presence of DS. NPPC shows a biphasic expression reaction with an increase at 50 µg/mL DS and reduction at 0 and 100 µg/mL DS. The expression of VEGFA decreases with increasing DS concentrations and absence of elastin, and increases with increasing DS in the presence of elastin. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MPS VI endothelium presents a prohypertensive phenotype due to the reduction of endothelium's proliferation ability and expression of vasorelaxing factors.

Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency.

Adenylosuccinate lyase ADSL) deficiency is a defect of purine metabolism affecting purinosome assembly and reducing metabolite fluxes through purine de novo synthesis and purine nucleotide recycling pathways. Biochemically this defect manifests by the presence in the biologic fluids of two dephosphorylated substrates of ADSL enzyme: succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide riboside (SAICAr) and succinyladenosine (S-Ado). More than 80 individuals with ADSL deficiency have been identified, but incidence of the disease remains unknown. The disorder shows a wide spectrum of symptoms from slowly to rapidly progressing forms. The fatal neonatal form has onset from birth and presents with fatal neonatal encephalopathy with a lack of spontaneous movement, respiratory failure, and intractable seizures resulting in early death within the first weeks of life. Patients with type I (severe form) present with a purely neurologic clinical picture characterized by severe psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, early onset of seizures, and autistic features. A more slowly progressing form has also been described (type II, moderate or mild form), as having later onset, usually within the first years of life, slight to moderate psychomotor retardation and transient contact disturbances. Diagnosis is facilitated by demonstration of SAICAr and S-Ado in extracellular fluids such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and/or followed by genomic and/or cDNA sequencing and characterization of mutant proteins. Over 50 ADSL mutations have been identified and their effects on protein biogenesis, structural stability and activity as well as on purinosome assembly were characterized. To date there is no specific and effective therapy for ADSL deficiency.

Prevalence rates of mucopolysaccharidoses in Poland.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rates of mucopolysaccharidoses in Poland and to compare them with other European countries. A retrospective epidemiological survey covering the period between 1970 and 2010 was implemented. Multiple ascertainment sources were used to identify affected patients. The overall prevalence of mucopolysaccharidoses in the Polish population was 1.81 per 100,000. Five different mucopolysaccharidoses were diagnosed in a total of 392 individuals. MPS III was the most frequent mucopolysaccharidosis, with a birth prevalence of 0.86 per 100,000 live births. A prevalence of approximately 0.22 cases per 100,000 births was obtained for MPS I. For MPS II, the prevalence was estimated as 0.45 cases per 100,000 births; for MPS IV A and B as 0.14 cases in 100,000 births; and that for MPS VI as 0.03 cases per 100,000 births. 1. The prevalence pattern of mucopolysaccharidosis in Poland is lower when compared to the prevalence reported for other European countries, such as the Netherlands, Czech Republic, or Germany, but similar to countries like Sweden and Denmark. 2. Different frequencies of the various forms of mucopolysaccharidosis were observed. 3. In the case of MPS VI, the incidence values for Poland were the lowest of all the studies previously published so far.