Changes in redox and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis are related to congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2.

CGL type 2 is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by an almost complete lack of body fat. CGL is caused by loss-of-function mutations in both alleles of the BSCL2 gene that codifies to seipin. Subjects often show hyperglycemia, decreased HDL-c, and hypoadiponectinemia. These laboratory findings are important triggers for changes in redox and ER homeostasis. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether these intracellular mechanisms are associated with this syndrome. We collected blood from people from Northeastern Brazil with 0, 1, and 2 mutant alleles for the rs786205071 in the BSCL2 gene. Through the qPCR technique, we evaluated the expression of genes responsible for triggering the antioxidant response, DNA repair, and ER stress in leukocytes. Colorimetric tests were applied to quantify lipid peroxidation and to evaluate the redox status of glutathione, as well as to access the panorama of energy metabolism. Long extension PCR was performed to observe leukocyte mitochondrial DNA lesions, and the immunoblot technique to investigate plasma adiponectin concentrations. Subjects with the rs786205071 in both BSCL2 alleles showed increased transcription of NFE2L2, APEX1, and OGG1 in leukocytes, as well as high concentrations of malondialdehyde and the GSSG:GSH ratio in plasma. We also observed increase of mitochondrial DNA lesions and XBP1 splicing, as well as a decrease in adiponectin and HDL-c. Our data suggest the presence of lipid lesions due to changes in redox homeostasis in that group, associated with increased levels of mitochondrial DNA damage and transcriptional activation of genes involved with antioxidant response and DNA repair.

Do you know this syndrome? Berardinelli-Seip syndrome.

Berardinelli-Seip syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by inadequate metabolism and inefficient storing of lipids in fat cells, generating accumulation of fat in organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, arterial endothelium and skin. Classically, patients manifest generalized lipoatrophy at birth or until 2 years of age, and in adolescence usually develop marked insulin resistance with rapid progression to diabetes and dyslipidemia. We report the case of a 17-year-old Berardinelli-Seip syndrome patient with eruptive xanthoma associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia. It is worth noting Eruptive xanthoma as a dermatological manifestation that is not generally highlighted in the reports of cases of this genetic metabolic disorder.

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy, type 4 (CGL4) associated with myopathy due to novel PTRF mutations.

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by near total absence of body fat since birth with predisposition to insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis. Three CGL loci, AGPAT2, BSCL2, and CAV1, have been identified previously. Recently, mutations in polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) were reported in five Japanese patients presenting with myopathy and CGL (CGL4). We report novel PTRF mutations and detailed phenotypes of two male and three female patients with CGL4 belonging to two pedigrees of Mexican origin (CGL7100 and CGL178) and one pedigree of Turkish origin (CGL180). All patients had near total loss of body fat and congenital myopathy manifesting as weakness, percussion-induced muscle mounding, and high serum creatine kinase levels. Four of them had hypertriglyceridemia. Three of them had atlantoaxial instability. Two patients belonging to CGL178 pedigree required surgery for pyloric stenosis in the first month of life. None of them had prolonged QT interval on electrocardiography but both siblings belonging to CGL7100 had exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Three of them had mild acanthosis nigricans but had normal glucose tolerance. Two of them had hepatic steatosis. All patients had novel null mutations in PTRF gene. In conclusion, mutations in PTRF result in a novel phenotype that includes generalized lipodystrophy with mild metabolic derangements, myopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, atlantoaxial instability, and pyloric stenosis. It is unclear how mutations in PTRF, which plays an essential role in formation of caveolae, affect a wide variety of tissues resulting in a variable phenotype.

Berardinelli syndrome. A case report with fatal outcome.

The aim of this paper is to present the main clinical findings and evolution of a fatal case of Berardinelli Syndrome (congenital generalized lipodystrophy). A 15-year-old girl, followed since the age of three months in the Genetic outpatients' clinic, developed insulin resistance when she was eight years old. She had hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, bilateral retinopathy, proteinuria and hydronephrosis. She was hospitalized several times due to urinary infections. In her last admission she had fever, abdominal pain and was diagnosed urinary sepsis. She presented hemodynamic instability and died, despite all therapeutic measures adopted. Considering the rarity of this syndrome it is important to describe the clinical presentation and evolution of this patient with Berardinelli Syndrome, which developed renal dysfunction and had a fatal outcome.