To detect potential pathways and target genes in infantile Pompe patients using computational analysis.

Introduction: Pompe disease (PD) is a disease caused by pathogenic variations in the GAA gene known as glycogen storage disease type II, characterized by heart hypertrophy, respiratory failure, and muscle hypotonia, leading to premature death if not treated early. The only treatment option, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), significantly improves the prognosis for some patients while failing to help others. In this study, the determination of key genes involved in the response to ERT and potential molecular mechanisms were investigated. Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data, accession number GSE38680, containing samples of biceps and quadriceps muscles was used. Expression array data were analyzed using BRB-Array Tools. Biceps group patients did not receive ERT, while quadriceps received treatment with rhGAA at 0, 12, and 52 weeks. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were deeply analyzed by DAVID, GO, KEGG and STRING online analyses, respectively. Results: A total of 1727 genes in the biceps group and 1198 genes in the quadriceps group are expressed differently. It was observed that DEGs were enriched in the group that responded poorly to ERT in the 52nd week. Genes frequently changed in the weak response group; the expression of 530 genes increased and 1245 genes decreased compared to 0 and 12 weeks. The GO analysis demonstrated that the DEGs were mainly involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction, lysosomes, autophagy, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, inflammatory response, and the WNT signaling pathway. We also discovered that the WNT signaling pathway is highly correlated with DEGs. Several DEGs, such as WNT11, WNT5A, CTNNB1, M6PR, MYL12A, VCL, TLN, FYN, YES1, and BCL2, may be important in elucidating the mechanisms underlying poor response to ERT. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of PD are very important for the clinic of the disease. As a result, it suggests that the enriched genes and new pathways emerging as a result of the analysis may help identify the group that responds poorly to treatment and the outcome of the treatment. Obtained genes and pathways in neonatal screening will guide diagnosis and treatment.

The usage of enzyme replacement treatments, economic burden, and quality of life of patients with four lysosomal storage diseases in Shanghai, China.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases that cause progressive physical dysfunction and organ failure, which significantly affected patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics and usage of Enzyme Replacement Treatments (ERTs), which is the only specific therapy for LSDs, of patients with the four different LSDs (Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis) in Shanghai, and then evaluate the economic burden and quality of life of these patients. A total of 31patients, involving 5, 14, 4 and 8 patients with Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis, respectively, were included in analysis. The result showed that only five Gaucher disease (GD) patients in Shanghai used Imiglucerase in 2019, while the other 26 patients with the other three LSDs did not receive ERTs. The total health expenditure of GD patients was 2,273,000CNY on average mainly resulted by the high cost of Imiglucerase. The total health expenditure of the other 26 patients was 37,765CNY on average. Though the cost-sharing mechanism between basic medical insurance, charity fund and patients had been explored for Gaucher disease in Shanghai, the out-of-pocket part, which was 164,301 CNY, still laid a heavy economic burden on the patients and their families. The mean EQ-VAS score of GD patients was 76.4 ± 15.5, which was higher than that of the other three LSDs. It is recommended that the scope of drug reimbursement list and the reimbursement level should be further expanded and raised to help improve the living conditions of patients with LSDs.

[Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy in pregnancy]. / Tapasztalataink Pompe-betegségben terhesség alatt alkalmazott enzimpótló kezeléssel és az irodalom áttekintése.

Pompe disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease inherited in a recessive manner resulting muscular dystrophy. Due to the lack of the enzyme alpha glucosidase, glycogen accumulates in the cells. In the infantile form of Pompe disease hypotonia and severe cardio-respiratory failure are common leading to death within 2 years if left untreated, while the late-onset form is characterized with limb-girdle and axial muscle weakness accompanied with respiratory dysfunction. Pompe disease has been treated with regular intake of the missing enzyme since 2006, which significantly improved the survival and severity of symptoms in patients of both subtypes. The enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is safe and well tolerated. However, limited data are available on its use in pregnancy. Our goal is to share our experience and review the literature on the safety of enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease during pregnancy and post partum.

[The long-term follow-up of enzyme replacement treatment in late onset Pompe disease]. / A késoi kezdetu Pompe-kórban szenvedok enzimpótló kezelésének hosszú távú követése.

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare lysosomal disease caused by the deficient activity of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme due to mutations in the GAA gene. The enzymatic deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycogen within the lysosomes. Clinically, the disease has been classically classified in infantile and childhood/adult forms. Presently cc. close to 600 mutations distributed throughout the whole gene have been reported. The c.-32-13T>G splice mutation that is very common in patients of Caucasian origin affected by the childhood/adult form of the disease, with an allelic frequency close to 70%. Enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) is available for the patients with Pompe disease (Myozyme). In this paper, we are presenting the long term follow up of 13 adult onset cases treated more than 5 years. The longest follow up was 15 years. To evaluate the treatment efficacy, the 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) and the respiratory functions were monitored annually. The analysis revealed that at the beginning of ERT for 3-4 years the 6MWT had been generally increasing, then it declined, and after 10 years it was lower in 77% of the cases than it had been at the start of the treatment. In 23% of the cases the 6MWT increased during the follow up time. Only one of the patients become wheelchair dependent during the follow-up period. The respiratory function showed similar results especially in supine position. A high degree of variability was observed among patients in their responses to the treatment, which only partially associated with the antibody titer against the therapeutic protein. The efficacy of the ERT was associated with the type of the disease causing mutation, the baseline status of the disease, the lifestyle and the diet of the patient. The long-term follow up of the patients with innovative orphan drugs is necessary to really understand the value of the treatment and the need of the patients.

Neuronopathic Gaucher disease presenting with microcytic hypochromic anemia.

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a hereditary deficiency of glucocerebrosidase, resulting in accumulation of glucosylceramide and potentially manifesting as hepatosplenomegaly. We report the case of a 15-month-old boy with chronic neuronopathic GD. The patient had prolonged anemia despite continued iron supplementation for 3 months. White blood count (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count, and corrected reticulocyte count were 3,300 /µL, 8.7 g/dL, 90,000 /µL, and 0.55, respectively. The patient had microcytic hypochromic anemia with mildly elevated ferritin. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. Bone-marrow aspiration showed sheets of Gaucher cells. Glucocerebrosidase activity in monocytes was significantly lower than normal. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous L444P mutation of GBA, and he was diagnosed with type 1 GD. Enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) consisting of imiglucerase was initiated and was effective; WBC, Hb, and platelet count gradually normalized and the hepatosplenomegaly improved. However, when the patient entered elementary school, he showed mild impaired cognitive function, and supranuclear gaze palsy occurred the same year. He was ultimately diagnosed with type 3 GD and continued ERT. Pediatric hemato-oncologists should be aware of GD, especially when patients exhibit anemia refractory to iron therapy, radiologic bone deformity, neurologic signs or symptoms, and growth retardation.

Clinical response to long term enzyme replacement treatment in children, adolescent and adult patients with Hunter syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Since enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) with idursulfase is available for Hunter syndrome (HS; mucopolysaccharidosis type II), for the first time, disease progression can be limited and organ damage reduced or prevented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We described retrospectively the clinical evolution of eight HS males, treated with ERT and followed in routine clinical practice in Hospital Infantil La Fe (Valencia, Spain). RESULTS: We studied three children, three adolescents and two adults. Time from diagnosis to ERT ranged from 13.7 to 0.2 years, and duration of ERT ranged from 24 to 77.1 months. From the start of ERT, weight and height increased in children and adolescents and remained stable in adults. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) decreased in all patients; in patient 5 (aged 23 years), we observed the highest reduction (86%) with recovery of carpal tunnel syndrome, splenomegaly and a decrease in nocturnal oxygen dependence. CONCLUSION: Our results show that ERT improve respiratory impairment and organomegalies and decrease GAGs levels in all patients including children, adolescent and adults. While cardiac manifestations and facial features stabilized, responses in other parameters were heterogeneous.

Home infusion program for Fabry disease: experience with agalsidase alfa in Argentina / Programa de infusión domiciliaria para la enfermedad de Fabry: experiencia con agalsidasa alfa en la Argentina

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by inherited deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A. Enzyme replacement treatment using agalsidase alfa significantly reduces pain, improves cardiac function and quality of life, and slows renal deterioration. Nevertheless, it is a life-long treatment which requires regular intravenous infusions and entails a great burden for patients. Our objective was to evaluate retrospectively the safety and tolerability of the home infusion of agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease in Argentina. We evaluated all the patients with Fabry disease who received home infusion with agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg between January 2005 and June 2011. The program included 87 patients; 51 males (mean age: 30 years) and 36 females (mean age: 34 years). A total of 5229 infusions (mean: 59 per patient; range: 1-150) were administered. A total of 5 adverse reactions were seen in 5 patients (5.7% of patients and 0.9% of the total number of infusions). All were mild in severity and resolved by reducing the rate of infusion and by using antihistaminics. All these 5 patients were positive for IgG antibodies, but none of them presented IgE antibodies and none suffered an anaphylactic shock. In our group 18 patients were switched from agalsidase beta to agalsidase alfa without complications. Home infusion with agalsidase alfa is safe, well tolerated and is associated to high compliance.

La enfermedad de Fabry es un trastorno de almacenamiento lisosomal hereditario ligado al cromosoma X ocasionado por el déficit de la enzima alfa galactosidasa A. La terapia de reemplazo enzimático utilizando agalsidasa alfa reduce significativamente el dolor, mejora la función cardíaca y la calidad de vida y enlentece el deterioro renal. Sin embargo, es un tratamiento de por vida que requiere infusiones intravenosas regulares y supone una gran carga para los pacientes. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar retrospectivamente la tolerabilidad y la seguridad del procedimiento de infusión domiciliaria de agalsidasa alfa en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry en Argentina. Evaluamos a todos los pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry que recibieron infusiones domiciliarias de 0.2 mg/kg de agalsidasa alfa entre enero del 2005 y junio del 2011. El programa incluyó 87 pacientes; 51 hombres (edad media: 30 años) y 36 mujeres (edad media: 34 años). Se administraron un total de 5229 infusiones (media: 59 por paciente; rango: 1-50). Se observaron un total de 5 reacciones adversas en 5 pacientes (5.7% de los pacientes y 0.9 % del número total de infusiones). Todas fueron de gravedad leve y se resolvieron reduciendo la velocidad de la infusión o usando antihistamínicos. Los 5 pacientes fueron positivos para anticuerpos IgG, pero ninguno presentó anticuerpos IgE o sufrió un shock anafiláctico. En nuestro grupo, 18 pacientes fueron cambiados de agalsidasa beta a agalsidasa alfa sin complicaciones. La infusión domiciliaria de agalsidasa alfa es segura, bien tolerada y logra una alta adherencia al tratamiento.

Home infusion program for Fabry disease: experience with agalsidase alfa in Argentina / Programa de infusión domiciliaria para la enfermedad de Fabry: experiencia con agalsidasa alfa en la Argentina

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by inherited deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A. Enzyme replacement treatment using agalsidase alfa significantly reduces pain, improves cardiac function and quality of life, and slows renal deterioration. Nevertheless, it is a life-long treatment which requires regular intravenous infusions and entails a great burden for patients. Our objective was to evaluate retrospectively the safety and tolerability of the home infusion of agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease in Argentina. We evaluated all the patients with Fabry disease who received home infusion with agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg between January 2005 and June 2011. The program included 87 patients; 51 males (mean age: 30 years) and 36 females (mean age: 34 years). A total of 5229 infusions (mean: 59 per patient; range: 1-150) were administered. A total of 5 adverse reactions were seen in 5 patients (5.7% of patients and 0.9% of the total number of infusions). All were mild in severity and resolved by reducing the rate of infusion and by using antihistaminics. All these 5 patients were positive for IgG antibodies, but none of them presented IgE antibodies and none suffered an anaphylactic shock. In our group 18 patients were switched from agalsidase beta to agalsidase alfa without complications. Home infusion with agalsidase alfa is safe, well tolerated and is associated to high compliance.(AU)

La enfermedad de Fabry es un trastorno de almacenamiento lisosomal hereditario ligado al cromosoma X ocasionado por el déficit de la enzima alfa galactosidasa A. La terapia de reemplazo enzimático utilizando agalsidasa alfa reduce significativamente el dolor, mejora la función cardíaca y la calidad de vida y enlentece el deterioro renal. Sin embargo, es un tratamiento de por vida que requiere infusiones intravenosas regulares y supone una gran carga para los pacientes. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar retrospectivamente la tolerabilidad y la seguridad del procedimiento de infusión domiciliaria de agalsidasa alfa en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry en Argentina. Evaluamos a todos los pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry que recibieron infusiones domiciliarias de 0.2 mg/kg de agalsidasa alfa entre enero del 2005 y junio del 2011. El programa incluyó 87 pacientes; 51 hombres (edad media: 30 años) y 36 mujeres (edad media: 34 años). Se administraron un total de 5229 infusiones (media: 59 por paciente; rango: 1-50). Se observaron un total de 5 reacciones adversas en 5 pacientes (5.7% de los pacientes y 0.9 % del número total de infusiones). Todas fueron de gravedad leve y se resolvieron reduciendo la velocidad de la infusión o usando antihistamínicos. Los 5 pacientes fueron positivos para anticuerpos IgG, pero ninguno presentó anticuerpos IgE o sufrió un shock anafiláctico. En nuestro grupo, 18 pacientes fueron cambiados de agalsidasa beta a agalsidasa alfa sin complicaciones. La infusión domiciliaria de agalsidasa alfa es segura, bien tolerada y logra una alta adherencia al tratamiento.(AU)