Changes in gut microbiota and lactose intolerance symptoms before and after daily lactose supplementation in individuals with the lactase nonpersistent genotype.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 70%-100% of the Asian adult population is lactase nonpersistent (LNP). The literature shows that many individuals with the LNP-genotype can consume ≤12 g of lactose without experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Repetitive consumption of lactose may reduce intolerance symptoms via adaptation of the gut microbiota. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of daily consumption of incremental lactose doses on microbiota composition and function, and intolerance symptoms. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy adults of Asian origin, carrying the LNP-genotype were included in this 12-wk before and after intervention trial. Participants consumed gradually increasing lactose doses from 3 to 6 g to 12 g twice daily, each daily dose of 6 g, 12 g, or 24 g being provided for 4 consecutive weeks. Participants handed-in repeated stool samples and underwent a 25 g lactose challenge hydrogen breath test (HBT) before and after the 12-wk intervention. Daily gastrointestinal symptoms and total symptom scores (TSSs) during the lactose challenge were recorded. RESULTS: A significant increase from 5.5% ± 7.6% to 10.4% ± 9.6% was observed in Bifidobacterium relative abundance after the intervention (P = 0.009), accompanied by a 2-fold increase (570 ± 269 U/g; P < 0.001) in fecal ß-galactosidase activity compared with baseline (272 ± 158 U/g). A 1.5-fold decrease (incremental area under the curve; P = 0.01) in expired hydrogen was observed during the second HBT (38 ± 35 ppm·min), compared with the baseline HBT (57 ± 38 ppm·min). There was a nonsignificant decrease in TSS (10.6 ± 8.3 before compared with 8.1 ± 7.2 after intervention; P = 0.09). Daily consumption of lactose was well tolerated, with mild to no gastrointestinal complaints reported during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of Bifidobacterium indicate an adaptation of the gut microbiota upon repetitive consumption of incremental doses of lactose, which was well tolerated as demonstrated by reduced expired hydrogen concentrations during the second 25-g lactose HBT. Bifidobacteria metabolize lactose without gas production thereby potentially reducing intestinal gas formation in the gut of individuals with the LNP-genotype. This increased lactose tolerance possibly lifts the necessity to remove nutrient-rich dairy foods completely from the diet. The trial is registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: NL9516. The effect of dietary lactose in lactase nonpersistent individuals on gut microbiota.

Sialidase NEU3 action on GM1 ganglioside is neuroprotective in GM1 gangliosidosis.

GM1 gangliosidosis is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the GLB1 gene, which encodes lysosomal ß-galactosidase. The enzyme deficiency blocks GM1 ganglioside catabolism, leading to accumulation of GM1 ganglioside and asialo-GM1 ganglioside (GA1 glycolipid) in brain. This disease can present in varying degrees of severity, with the level of residual ß-galactosidase activity primarily determining the clinical course. Glb1 null mouse models, which completely lack ß-galactosidase expression, exhibit a less severe form of the disease than expected from the comparable deficiency in humans, suggesting a potential species difference in the GM1 ganglioside degradation pathway. We hypothesized this difference may involve the sialidase NEU3, which acts on GM1 ganglioside to produce GA1 glycolipid. To test this hypothesis, we generated Glb1/Neu3 double KO (DKO) mice. These mice had a significantly shorter lifespan, increased neurodegeneration, and more severe ataxia than Glb1 KO mice. Glb1/Neu3 DKO mouse brains exhibited an increased GM1 ganglioside to GA1 glycolipid ratio compared with Glb1 KO mice, indicating that NEU3 mediated GM1 ganglioside to GA1 glycolipid conversion in Glb1 KO mice. The expression of genes associated with neuroinflammation and glial responses were enhanced in Glb1/Neu3 DKO mice compared with Glb1 KO mice. Mouse NEU3 more efficiently converted GM1 ganglioside to GA1 glycolipid than human NEU3 did. Our findings highlight NEU3's role in ameliorating the consequences of Glb1 deletion in mice, provide insights into NEU3's differential effects between mice and humans in GM1 gangliosidosis, and offer a potential therapeutic approach for reducing toxic GM1 ganglioside accumulation in GM1 gangliosidosis patients.

A pentasaccharide for monitoring pharmacodynamic response to gene therapy in GM1 gangliosidosis.

BACKGROUND: GM1 gangliosidosis is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the GLB1 gene and deficiency in ß-galactosidase. Delay of symptom onset and increase in lifespan in a GM1 gangliosidosis cat model after adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy treatment provide the basis for AAV gene therapy trials. The availability of validated biomarkers would greatly improve assessment of therapeutic efficacy. METHODS: The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to screen oligosaccharides as potential biomarkers for GM1 gangliosidosis. The structures of pentasaccharide biomarkers were determined with mass spectrometry, as well as chemical and enzymatic degradations. Comparison of LC-MS/MS data of endogenous and synthetic compounds confirmed the identification. The study samples were analyzed with fully validated LC-MS/MS methods. FINDINGS: We identified two pentasaccharide biomarkers, H3N2a and H3N2b, that were elevated more than 18-fold in patient plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine. Only H3N2b was detectable in the cat model, and it was negatively correlated with ß-galactosidase activity. Following intravenous (IV) AAV9 gene therapy treatment, reduction of H3N2b was observed in central nervous system, urine, plasma, and CSF samples from the cat model and in urine, plasma, and CSF samples from a patient. Reduction of H3N2b accurately reflected normalization of neuropathology in the cat model and improvement of clinical outcomes in the patient. INTERPRETATIONS: These results demonstrate that H3N2b is a useful pharmacodynamic biomarker to evaluate the efficacy of gene therapy for GM1 gangliosidosis. H3N2b will facilitate the translation of gene therapy from animal models to patients. FUNDING: This work was supported by grants U01NS114156, R01HD060576, ZIAHG200409, and P30 DK020579 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a grant from National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association Inc.

Microencapsulated islet transplantation alleviates podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy via inhibiting Notch-1 signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Podocyte injury has a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Microencapsulated islet transplantation (MIT) is identified as an effective method for improving the clinical condition of DN. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of MIT in alleviating podocyte injury in DN. METHODS: A mouse model of DN was constructed using streptozotocin (STZ). Mice were divided into 3 groups: the untreated diabetic nephropathy group (DN group), the microencapsulated islet transplantation-treated group (MIT group) and the control group. The mice were raised for 6 weeks posterior to islet transplantation to identify the role of MIT. Renal function and structure of glomerular filtration barrier were assessed by urine analysis, histopathological examination, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of several proteins including Caspase-3, Bcl2/Bax, ß-galactosidase, Ki-67, synaptopodin, WT-1, Jagged-1, Notch-1, and Hes-1 in renal tissues were identified via immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blotting techniques. RESULTS: Compared with the DN group, the MIT group presented decreased levels of blood glucose, urinary albumin/creatinine, urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine while their body weight gradually increased. Glomerular injury in the MIT group was significantly better than that in the DN group. The MIT group indicated significantly decreased expression of Caspase-3, ß-galactosidase, Bax/Bcl-2, and Ki-67 when compared with DN group, while the proportion of synaptopodin- and WT-1-positive cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The protein expression of Jagged-1, Notch-1, and Hes-1 in the glomerulus of the MIT group was significantly lower than that in the DN group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MIT alleviates podocyte injury induced by DN by inhibiting Notch-1 signaling. The identification of signaling pathways influencing podocyte restoration can help evaluate personalized medicine efficacy for patients treated with islet transplantation.

Alfagalsidase e Beta-agalsidase para o tratamento da Doença de Fabry / Alfagalsidase and Beta-agalsidase for the treatment Fabry disease

CONTEXTO: Doença de Fabry (DF) é uma condição genética rara em que a ausência ou atividade reduzida da enzima αgalactosidase A (αGal-A) provoca acúmulo do seu substrato, globotriaosilceramida (Gb3), nas células do organismo, afetando principalmente os sistemas nervoso, renal e cardíaco. Pacientes com DF, em especial homens com o tipo clássico, apresentam impacto negativo em qualidade e expectativa de vida. O SUS oferece tratamento sintomático e paliativo para a DF. Há disponíveis comercialmente terapias específicas para a doença, como terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) (alfa e beta-agalsidase) e chaperonas (migalastate). TECNOLOGIA: Alfagalsidase (Replagal®) 0,2mg/kg intravenosa a cada duas semanas e Beta-agalsidase (Fabrazyme®) 1mg/kg intravenosa a cada duas semanas. PERGUNTA: O uso da alfagalsidase ou beta-agalsidase é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo em pacientes com doença de Fabry? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: A melhor evidência de eficácia da alfagalsidase é baseada em dois ensaios clínicos randomizados, controlados por placebo e inclusão de 41 pacientes adultos do sexo masculino e fenótipo clássico da DF, acompanhados por 6 meses. Foi observada redução significativa dos níveis de dor, massa ventricular esquerda e concentração plasmática de Gb3 (certeza moderada da evidência). Não foram localizados estudos comparativos com pacientes pediátricos ou adultos do sexo feminino com DF tratados com alfagalsidase. A melhor evidência de eficácia da beta-agalsidase é baseada em dois ensaios clínicos randomizados, controlados por placebo e inclusão de 140 pacientes com idade superior a 16 anos, de ambos os sexos, e acompanhamento por até 35 meses. Não foram identificados benefícios nos desfechos de qualidade de vida, dor e desfechos composto incluindo função renal, doenças cardíacas e doenças cerebrovasculares em análise por intenção de tratar (certeza moderada da evidência). Foi observada redução significativa da concentração plasmática de Gb3 (certeza moderada da evidência). Ambas as enzimas apresentaram perfil de segurança semelhante a placebo (certeza moderada da evidência). AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Os dois demandantes apresentaram avaliações de custo-utilidade distintas, mas ambas baseadas em modelos de Markov já publicados e utilizando os mesmos parâmetros de efetividade, utilidade e utilização de recursos dos estudos internacionais originais. Com custo unitário proposto de R$3.802,22 (ICMS 18%) e custo anual por paciente de R$395.430,88, o demandante da alfagalsidase estimou que o tratamento representaria ganho de 14,74 anos de vida ajustados pela qualidade (QALY) em horizonte lifetime e custo incremental de R$5.684.051, composto quase inteiramente pelo custo do medicamento. A razão de custo efetividade incremental (RCEI) foi estimada em R$385.689/QALY. O demandante da beta-agalsidase apresentou proposta de preço de R$7.275,86 por frasco (ICMS 18%), com custo anual por paciente de R$378.344,72. Foi estimado ganho de 1,43 QALY e custo incremental de R$6.706.163, resultando numa RCEI de R$4.699.570/QALY. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: O demandante da alfagalsidase estimou um impacto orçamentário incremental de cerca de R$250 milhões ao ano para atender aproximadamente 500 pacientes com fenótipo clássico da DF, resultando em R$1,3 bilhão acumulado em 5 anos. Para a beta-agalsidase, o demandante estimou impacto orçamentário incremental de cerca de R$230 milhões ao ano para atender em torno de 600 pacientes adultos com DF, com impacto total de R$1,1 bilhão em 5 anos. Como cenário alternativo, propõe-se uma estimativa de impacto orçamentário incluindo todos os pacientes com DF (cerca de 1.000 ao ano), distribuídos equitativamente entre as duas enzimas. O impacto orçamentário proposto resultou em cerca de R$380 milhões ao ano e R$1,9 bilhão acumulado em 5 anos. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: Foram identificadas três tecnologias para o tratamento de pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos com doença de Fabry: lucerastate alfa (oral) e pegnigalsidase alfa (intravenosa), ambas sem registros na Anvisa, FDA ou EMA; e migalastate (oral), com registro nas três agências. Para a população pediátrica, foram identificados estudos fase 3 em andamento com migalastate e com beta-agalsidase. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O benefício da alfagalsidase ou beta-agalsidase para DF foi observado apenas em desfechos pouco importantes para a tomada de decisão, sem evidências de modificação no curso natural da doença. O impacto orçamentário ao SUS é potencialmente superior à sua capacidade de pagamento. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: O Plenário da Conitec considerou que as melhores evidências científicas disponíveis são limitadas em número de pacientes incluídos e tempo de acompanhamento, e não demonstram benefício em desfechos clínicos importantes ou modificação do curso natural da doença. Soma-se a isso o grande impacto orçamentário que a incorporação representaria ao SUS. Assim, a Conitec, em sua 89ª reunião ordinária, realizada no dia 05 de agosto de 2020, deliberou que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar não favorável à incorporação no SUS do medicamento alfagalsidase para pacientes acima de sete anos com diagnóstico confirmado de doença de Fabry e do medicamento beta-agalsidase para pacientes acima de 16 anos com diagnóstico confirmado de Doença de Fabry. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A consulta pública ficou vigente no período entre 24 de agosto e 14 de setembro de 2020. Foram recebidas 1.939 contribuições, sendo 90 por meio do formulário técnico-científico e 1.849 por meio do formulário de experiência ou opinião. As contribuições versaram principalmente sobre: 1) inclusão de estudos com menor qualidade metodológica diante da raridade da doença; 2) indicação de uma subpopulação de pacientes para os quais a TRE seria indicada; 3) inconsistência com recomendações anteriores da Conitec para outras doenças raras; 4) necessidade de avaliação do medicamento migalastate; 5) relatos de experiência com as enzimas, indicando melhora especialmente em qualidade de vida, incluindo componentes físicos e emocionais. O Plenário da Conitec considerou, entretanto, que as evidências científicas disponíveis não comprovam uma interrupção da progressão da doença de Fabry pelas enzimas analisadas e entendeu que não houve argumentação suficiente para alterar a recomendação inicial. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros da Conitec presentes na 91ª reunião ordinária, no dia 08 de outubro de 2020, deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação no SUS do medicamento alfagalsidase para terapia crônica de reposição enzimática em pacientes acima de 7 anos com diagnóstico confirmado de doença de Fabry e do medicamento beta-agalsidase para tratamento de longo prazo da reposição enzimática em pacientes acima de 16 anos com diagnóstico confirmado de Doença de Fabry, devido a: 1) não comprovação de interrupção da progressão da doença, 2) evidências limitadas quanto ao número de pacientes incluídos nos estudos clínicos comparativos, 3) evidências limitadas quanto ao tempo de acompanhamento dos pacientes nos estudos comparativos, 4) elevado impacto orçamentário que a incorporação representaria ao SUS. Foram assinados os Registros de Deliberação nº 568/2020 e 569/2020, respectivamente. DECISÃO: Não incorporar a alfagalsidase e a beta-agalsidase para o tratamento da doença de Fabry, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, conforme Portaria nº 56, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 224, seção 1, página 65, em 24 de novembro de 2020.

Intermittent enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human ß-galactosidase prevents neuraminidase 1 deficiency

Mutations in the galactosidase ß 1 (GLB1) gene cause lysosomal ß-galactosidase (ß-Gal) deficiency and clinical onset of the neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease, GM1 gangliosidosis. ß-Gal and neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) form a multienzyme complex in lysosomes along with the molecular chaperone, protective protein cathepsin A (PPCA). NEU1 is deficient in the neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease sialidosis, and its targeting to and stability in lysosomes strictly depend on PPCA. In contrast, ß-Gal only partially depends on PPCA, prompting us to investigate the role that ß-Gal plays in the multienzyme complex. Here, we demonstrate that ß-Gal negatively regulates NEU1 levels in lysosomes by competitively displacing this labile sialidase from PPCA. Chronic cellular uptake of purified recombinant human ß-Gal (rhß-Gal) or chronic lentiviral-mediated GLB1 overexpression in GM1 gangliosidosis patient fibroblasts coincides with profound secondary NEU1 deficiency. A regimen of intermittent enzyme replacement therapy dosing with rhß-Gal, followed by enzyme withdrawal, is sufficient to augment ß-Gal activity levels in GM1 gangliosidosis patient fibroblasts without promoting NEU1 deficiency. In the absence of ß-Gal, NEU1 levels are elevated in the GM1 gangliosidosis mouse brain, which are restored to normal levels following weekly intracerebroventricular dosing with rhß-Gal. Collectively, our results highlight the need to carefully titrate the dose and dosing frequency of ß-Gal augmentation therapy for GM1 gangliosidosis. They further suggest that intermittent intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy dosing with rhß-Gal is a tunable approach that can safely augment ß-Gal levels while maintaining NEU1 at physiological levels in the GM1 gangliosidosis brain.

Alfa-agalsidase e beta-agalsidase como terapia de reposição enzimática na doença de Fabry / Alpha-agalsidase and beta-agalsidase as enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease

CONTEXTO: a doença de Fabry (DF) é uma doença grave, multissistêmica, com morbimortalidade significativa. O único tratamento específico para esta doença disponível no Brasil é a terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) com as enzimas recombinantes alfa-agalsidase e beta-agalsidase, ambas com registro no país e disponíveis comercialmente. TECNOLOGIA: ALFA-AGALSIDASE E BETA-AGALSIDASE (Replagal® e Fabrazyme®). PERGUNTA: a TRE com alfa-agalsidase e beta-agalsidase é segura e eficaz no tratamento da DF? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: os estudos avaliados indicam que a terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE), que vem a ser a primeira opção de tratamento específico (e a única licenciada no Brasil) para pacientes com a doença de Fabry (DF) tem benefícios sobre a cardiomiopatia (maior causa de mortalidade desses pacientes) e no controle da dor neuropática desses (um dos principais problemas na vida diária daqueles com DF). DISCUSSÃO: considerando-se que em 30 de janeiro de 2014 foi publicada a Portaria nº 199 que institui a Política Nacional de Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Doenças Raras, observa-se que entre os princípios dessa política está: a incorporação e uso de tecnologias voltadas para a promoção, prevenção e cuidado integral na Rede de Atenção à Saúde (RAS) incluindo, no âmbito do SUS, a disponibilização de tratamento medicamentoso e fórmulas nutricionais quando indicados. Há que se discutir de forma técnica e objetiva, mas com uma visão abrangente, a incorporação ou não do tratamento específico para estas doenças (genéticas, raras). A doença de Fabry é uma destas condições e seu tratamento específico já está disponível no Brasil há cerca de uma década e há atualmente evidências de sua efetividade, ao menos, na cardiopatia (principal causa de morte) e na dor neuropática (principal causa de redução na qualidade de vida). IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Foram projetados três cenários para avaliar o impacto orçamentário de uma possível incorporação da terapia de reposição enzimática para tratamento da doença de Fabry no SUS. Nos três cenários se considera a incorporação somente de uma das duas formas da enzima, cenários 1 e 2 e de ambas as formas disponíveis no mercado, cenário 3. Para o cenário 1 estimou-se impacto que variou entre R$ 252 a R$ 315 milhões para o primeiro ano e de R$ 1,3 a 1,6 bilhões após cinco anos de incorporação de alfa-agalsidase pelo SUS. Para o cenário 2 projetou-se impacto que variou entre R$ 429 a R$ 537 milhões no primeiro ano e de R$ 2,2 a 2,8 bilhões para cinco anos de incorporação da beta-agalsidase. Já para o cenário 3 os custos variaram entre R$ 354 a R$ 427 milhões no primeiro ano e entre R$ 1,8 a R$ 2,2 bilhões após cinco anos de incorporação das duas agalsidases simultaneamente pelo SUS. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL DA CONITEC: Os membros do plenário da CONITEC decidiram na 64ª reunião ordinária da Comissão em 8 de março de 2018, por unanimidade, emitir recomendação inicial não favorável à incorporação de agalsidase recombinante (forma alfa ou beta) no SUS. Essa matéria será disponibilizada para consulta pública com recomendação inicial de não incorporação. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: O exame da literatura complementar enviada não alterou as conclusões técnicas sobre TRE na DF expostas no PTC: a evidência em relação à segurança é ALTA (favorável); a evidência em relação à cardiopatia e à dor neuropática é MODERADA (favorável); evidência em relação à nefropatia e à qualidade de vida é BAIXA (favorável). Porém os resultados apresentados nos estudos avaliados na consulta pública, de uma forma geral, também reforçam o provável benefício da TRE na hipertrofia de VE, naqueles com alterações leves ou moderadas (sem evidência para aqueles sem alterações ou com alterações graves) ­ tendo sido estas evidências, e quase todas sobre TRE, produzidas em sua maioria em indivíduos do sexo masculino. É difícil, no entanto, quantificar o impacto, devido à heterogeneidade dos desfechos e da aferição destes. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros presentes na 70ª Reunião da CONITEC no dia 29 de agosto de 2018 deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação da alfaagalsidase e beta-agalsidase como terapia de reposição enzimática na doença de Fabry. Foi assinado registro de deliberação n° 366/2018. DECISÃO: Não incorporar a alfa-agalsidase e beta-agalsidase como terapia de reposição enzimática na doença de Fabry, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Dada pela Portaria nº 76, publicada no DOU nº 241, seção 1, página 75, em 17 de dezembro de 2018.

Diferencias entre agalsidasa alpha y agalsidasa Beta en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Fabry / Differences between agalsidase alpha and agalsidase Beta in the treatment of Fabry disease

No disponible

Respuesta: Diferencias entre agalsidasa Alpha y agalsidasa Beta en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Fabry / Reply: Differences between agalsidase Alpha and agalsidase Beta in the treatment of Fabry disease

No disponible

Association of lymphocytic colitis and lactase deficiency in pediatric population.

Characterized by colonic mucosa intraepithelial lymphocytosis, lymphocytic colitis is primarily an entity presented in the middle-aged to elderly patient population. Very few large series of lymphocytic colitis of childhood occurrence are available in the medical literature. Ten cases each of lymphocytic colitis and of colonic lymphocytosis of other diagnosis, all with duodenal disaccharidases analysis data, were collected from the files of our institution. The electronic medical records were reviewed and multiple variables were analyzed. The ten patients with lymphocytic colitis presented with diarrhea. Of these, three had abdominal pain. The age range was 2-18 years. Nearly all patients were Caucasian (90%) and 70% were female. Endoscopically, most had normal appearing colonic mucosa. Significant past medical history, family medical history and associated comorbidities included celiac disease, Down syndrome, juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, the most revealing observation was that the majority of cases (80%) were associated with lactase deficiency and, for the most part, gastrointestinal symptoms improved simply by treatment with Lactaid or avoidance of dairy products. This association is statistically significant. Our clinicopathological study indicates that the typical pediatric patient is a female Caucasian. A large of portion of the patients had associated lactase deficiency and improved on Lactaid supplement alone.

Terapia de reemplazo enzimático con agalsidasa alfa o beta para la enfermedad de Fabry / Enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa or beta for Fabry disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Fabry (EF) es una enfermedad hereditaria poco prevalente producida por la deficiencia de la enzima alfa galactosidasa. El déficit enzimático provoca un acúmulo anormal de glucoesfingolípidos en células de todo el organismo, que conlleva al desarrollo de diferentes manifestaciones clínicas, como insuficiencia renal, cardíaca y la aparición progresiva de accidentes cerebrovasculares, siendo responsables de la reducción en la calidad y expectativa de vida. La Terapia de Reemplazo Enzimático (TRE) con agalsidasa alfa o beta constituyen las alternativas de tratamiento específico de la enfermedad. TECNOLOGÍA: En la actualidad existen dos opciones de tratamiento, la agalsidasa alfa (Replagal®) y beta (Fabrazyme®). Su administración es por vía endovenosa cada 15 días a una dosis recomendada de 0,2mg/kg y 1mg/kg respectivamente. Ambas fueron autorizadas en Europa y Argentina, sin embargo en los Estados Unidos de América sólo se encuentra autorizada la agalsidasa beta. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura del uso de la terapia de reemplazo enzimático con agalsidasa alfa o beta en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas (incluyendo Medline, Cochrane y CRD), en buscadores genéricos de Internet, agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas (RS), ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), registros de pacientes y otros estudios observacionales relevantes, evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y económicas, guías de práctica clínica y políticas de cobertura de otros sistemas de salud cuando estaban disponibles. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron para este reporte dos RS, un documento de ETS, cuatro estudios observacionales, nueve guías de práctica clínica y diez políticas de cobertura. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia encontrada acerca de la eficacia de agalsidasa alfa o beta es de baja calidad metodológica. La misma ha sido demostrada principalmente al evaluar desenlaces intermedios, como reducción del deterioro del filtrado glomerular, del dolor y, en ocasiones, de los niveles de glucoesfingolípidos en riñón o miocardio. No se ha demostrado su beneficio a mediano o largo plazo, ni en desenlaces como mortalidad o el desarrollo de insuficiencia renal crónica terminal. Aunque en Estados Unidos de América solo se utiliza y está aprobada la agalsidasa beta, en el resto del mundo se usan ambas indistintamente. Existe consenso a nivel internacional de iniciar el tratamiento en aquellos individuos con daño a nivel renal o manifestaciones clínicas con impacto significativo en la calidad de vida. No es uniforme la recomendación del uso de la terapia de reemplazo enzimático en pacientes asintomáticos con enfermedad de Fabry clásica, o ante la presencia de daño orgánico en las formas incompletas, mujeres o niños.

INTRODUCTION: Fabry's disease (FD) is an uncommon hereditary disease resulting from alpha galactosidase enzyme deficiency. The deficit produces an abnormal accumulation of glycosphingolipids in cells throughout the body, causing different clinical manifestations such as kidney and heart failure as well as progressive occurrence of strokes, being responsible for a lower quality and shorter life expectancy. Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) with agalsidase alpha or beta become a disease-specific treatment. TECHNOLOGY: There are currently two treatment options, agalsidase alpha (Replagal®) and beta (Fabrazyme®). It is intravenously administered every 15 days at a recommended dose of 0.2mg/kg and 1mg/kg, respectively. Both of them were authorized in Europe and Argentina, however in the United States of America only agalsidase beta was authorized. PURPOSE: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and coverage policy related aspects on the use agalsidase alpha or beta enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry's disease. METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out on the main databases (such as MEDLINE, Cochrane and CRD), in general Internet engines, in health technology assessment agencies and health sponsors. Priority was given to the inclusion of systematic reviews (SRs); controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs); patient records and other relevant observational studies, health technology assessments (HTAs) and economic evaluations; clinical practice guidelines and coverage policies of other health systems when available. RESULTS: Two SRs, one HTS, four observational studies, nine clinical practice guidelines and ten coverage policies were included in this report. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence found on the efficacy of agalsidase alpha or beta has low methodological quality. This has been mainly demonstrated when assessing intermediate outcomes, such as reduction in glomerular filtration rate, pain and, occasionally, in the glycosphingolipids levels in the kidney or myocardium. Its benefit has not been demonstrated at mid or long term, or in outcomes such as mortality or end stage renal disease development. Although in the United States of America agalsidase beta is used and approved, both algasidases are used indistinctly in the rest of the world. There is international consensus on initiating treatment in those who have kidney injury or clinical manifestations with significant impact on quality of life. The recommendation to use enzyme replacement therapy is not uniform in asymptomatic patients with classic Fabry's disease, or when there is incomplete organ damage, in women or children.

Sustained normalization of neurological disease after intracranial gene therapy in a feline model.

Progressive debilitating neurological defects characterize feline G(M1) gangliosidosis, a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of lysosomal ß-galactosidase. No effective therapy exists for affected children, who often die before age 5 years. An adeno-associated viral vector carrying the therapeutic gene was injected bilaterally into two brain targets (thalamus and deep cerebellar nuclei) of a feline model of G(M1) gangliosidosis. Gene therapy normalized ß-galactosidase activity and storage throughout the brain and spinal cord. The mean survival of 12 treated G(M1) animals was >38 months, compared to 8 months for untreated animals. Seven of the eight treated animals remaining alive demonstrated normalization of disease, with abrogation of many symptoms including gait deficits and postural imbalance. Sustained correction of the G(M1) gangliosidosis disease phenotype after limited intracranial targeting by gene therapy in a large animal model suggests that this approach may be useful for treating the human version of this lysosomal storage disorder.

[Fabry's disease: a comparison of the effectiveness of two different enzyme replacement therapies]. / Malattia di Fabry: ERT a confronto.

INTRODUCTION: Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a multiorgan X-linked lysosomal storage disease that particularly affects the heart, kidneys, and cerebrovascular system. Current treatment is with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), using either beta-galactosidase ('Fabrazyme') or alpha-galactosidase ('Replagal'). From June 2009, it was recommended that patients switch to alpha-galactosidase due to a manufacturing shortage of beta-galactosidase. This study assesses the effect of switching to alpha-galactosidase on clinical outcomes in patients with AFD previously treated with beta-galactosidase. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients (seven male, three female) with genetically confirmed AFD and at least 48 months continuous data collected during treatment with beta-galactosidase 1 mg/kg every other week, were switched to alpha-galactosidase 0.2 mg/kg every other week for at least 20 months, with prospective clinical evaluations performed every 6 months. Pre-switch data was collected retrospectively from patient charts. Cardiac functional parameters were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Results showed that renal function generally remained stable after the switch. Cardiac mass had already decreased significantly (p < 0.05 vs pre-ERT) after introduction of beta-galactosidase and remained unchanged after switching to alpha-galactosidase. Symptoms of pain and health status scores did not deteriorate during alpha-galactosidase therapy. Adverse events were mostly mild and infusion -related. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, switching to alpha-galactosidse was generally well tolerated and associated with stable clinical status and preservation of both renal and cardiac function.

Hypolactasia: a common enzyme deficiency leading to lactose malabsorption and intolerance.

Adult­type hypolactasia (lactase nonpersistence or lactase deficiency) is the most common enzyme deficiency leading to lactose intolerance and primary lactose malabsorption. Clinical presentation of the condition includes symptoms resulting from bacterial fermentation of undigested lactose in the colon, which gives rise to gas bloat, increased motility, and loose stools. Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical symptoms, biochemical, functional, histochemical and genetic tests. Treatment includes dietary restrictions, namely, use of low­lactose milk, in which lactose has been prehydrolyzed, or non­lactose milk.

[Court-ordered access to treatment of rare genetic diseases: Fabry Disease in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Judicialização do acesso ao tratamento de doenças genéticas raras: a doença de Fabry no Rio Grande do Sul.

Court-ordered access to high-cost drugs for rare genetic diseases, such as Fabry Disease (alpha-galactosidase-A deficiency), is a growing phenomenon as yet lacking systematic study. An observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted to characterize the lawsuits related to access to treatment for Fabry Disease by Enzyme Replacement Therapy in the State of Rio Grande do Sul prior to 2007. The study identified 13 lawsuits and 17 plaintiffs, 11 requesting alfa and 6 betagalsidase. The State of RS, the Federal Government, and 5 municipalities figured as defendants, in the form of joinder of parties or otherwise. There were 13 requests for interlocutory relief of which 12 were granted, and 2 sentences were handed down, both favorable. "Risk of death" was alleged by doctors in 4 prescriptions and by lawyers in the 13 lawsuits. The data suggest the lack of discussions combining aspects of medical efficacy and safety, cost-effectiveness, economic impact, and legal and constitutional arguments, which requires a specific policy for rare genetic diseases to standardize access to treatment.

Magnetically-enabled and MR-monitored selective brain tumor protein delivery in rats via magnetic nanocarriers.

The delivery of bioactive proteins to tumors is associated with many difficulties that have impeded clinical translation of these promising therapeutics. Herein we present an approach, including (1) use of magnetically-responsive and MRI-visible nanoparticles as drug carriers, (2) topography-optimized intra-arterial magnetic targeting, (3) MRI-guided subject alignment within the magnetic field, and (4) surface modification of the protein drug with membrane-permeable polyethyleneimine (PEI), to prevail over the obstacles in protein delivery. Applying these methodologies, we demonstrated the delivery of a significant quantity of ß-galactosidase selectively into brain tumors of glioma-bearing rats, while limiting the exposure of normal brain regions. Clinical viability of the technologies utilized, and the ability to deliver proteins at high nanomolar-range tumor concentrations, sufficient to completely eradicate a tumor lesion with existing picomolar-potency protein toxins, renders the prospect of enabling protein-based cancer therapy extremely promising.

Targeted PLGA microparticles as a novel concept for treatment of lactose intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Peroral ß-galactosidase preparations for the management of lactose intolerance need to be administered in large doses (1500 to 6000 U) immediately before or together with a lactose-containing meal. AIM: Therefore, this work aimed at developing an innovative long-acting formulation. For this purpose, biodegradable polymeric microcarriers were functionalized with ß-galactosidase and targeted with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) for bioadhesion and thus prolonged residence time in the small intestine. METHODS: Spray-dried poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles with 2.78±1.05µm in diameter were functionalized with ß-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis and WGA using different types of spacers (polyethyleneimine, hexamethylene diamine, 6-aminocaproic acid) and coupling methods (carbodiimide and glutaraldehyde). The particle-bound enzyme activity was determined, and the bioadhesive characteristics were assessed by interaction with mucin coatings and Caco-2 cell monolayers. RESULTS: Up to 1470 U ß-galactosidase per gram PLGA were immobilized. The best results were obtained with hexamethylene diamine as a spacer applying the carbodiimide method. Thereby, a nearly 6-fold increase in enzyme activity was obtained as compared to particles without spacer. Upon targeting with WGA, binding to artificial human intestinal epithelium was increased considerably. CONCLUSIONS: For the delivery of ß-galactosidase WGA-targeted PLGA microparticles were prepared, which represent promising candidates for a convenient biomimetic treatment regimen of lactose intolerance.

[Food intolerance]. / Intolerancia alimentaria.

Adverse food reactions are common in the general population. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the structure of food allergens and of the mechanisms involved is poor. In 1995 the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology suggested a classification based on the causative pathogenic mechanism. According to this classification, non-toxic reactions can be divided into food allergies when they recognize immunological mechanisms and food intolerance when there are no immunological implications. The treatment of food intolerance is avoidance of the particular food. There are specific treatments for some food intolerance (beta-galactosidases for the management of lactose intolerance).

Lactose intolerance: a non-allergic disorder often managed by allergologists.

Lactose malabsorption is a very common condition characterized by intestinal lactase deficiency. Primary lactose malabsorption is an inherited deficit present in the majority of the world's population, while secondary bypolactasia can be the consequence of an intestinal disease. The presence of malabsorbed lactose in the colonic lumen may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. This condition is known as lactose intolerance. Lactase non-persistence is the ancestral state, whilst two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the lactase gene have been associated with lactase persistence. These are C/T 13910 and G/A 22018 substitutions. Lactase persistence, this Mendelian dominant trait, only became advantageous after the invention of agriculture, when milk from domesticated animals became available for adults to drink. Lactase persistence is then strongly correlated with the diary history of the population. Diagnosis is assessed clinically by elimination of dietary lactose or, better, by non-invasive tests including hydrogen breath test and genetic test. In patients with lactase non-persistence, treatment should be considered exclusively if intolerance symptoms are present. In the absence of guidelines, the common therapeutic approach tends to exclude milk and dairy products from the diet. However, this strategy may have serious nutritional disadvantages. Several studies have been carried out to find alternative approaches, such as exogenous beta-galactosidase, yogurt and probiotics for their bacterial lactase activity, strategies that can prolong contact time between enzyme and substrate delaying gastrointestinal transit time, and chronic lactose ingestion to enhance colonic adaptation.

Synthesis and biological studies of different duocarmycin based glycosidic prodrugs for their use in the antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel prodrugs for use in the antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) of cancer based on the cytotoxic antibiotic duocarmycin SA (1) are described. In this approach, we investigated the influence of the sugar moiety of the glycosidic prodrug on the QIC(50) values as well as on the stability and the water solubility. The best result was found for prodrug 22 containing an alpha-mannoside moiety with a QIC(50) value of 4500.