Dermoscopic features associated with 3-GEP PLA: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT expression in suspicious pigmented lesions.

Utilization of dermoscopy and novel molecular triage technologies augments visual triage of pigmented skin lesions, promoting early detection of melanoma. One emerging in vivo genomic test, 3-GEP pigmented lesion assay (3-GEP PLA) aids in pigmented lesion triage by noninvasively detecting the presence of three genes associated with melanoma: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT. The purpose of our retrospective case-control study was to identify dermoscopic features uniquely associated with the presence of LINC00518, PRAME, or TERT in the stratum corneum as determined by 3-GEP PLA testing. Images of suspicious pigmented lesions that had undergone 3-GEP PLA testing and received a definitive positive or negative result (n = 393) were evaluated for the presence of specific clinical and dermoscopic features associated with melanoma. We found that asymmetry of color was a significant predictor for PRAME expression (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6-34.5, p = 0.004), blue color and negative pigment network were significant predictors for LINC00518 expression (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-5.5, p = 0.014 and adjusted OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.6-16.9, p = 0.010, respectively), and atypical polymorphous vessels present in a pigmented skin lesion were a significant predictor for TERT promoter mutations (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-23.4, p = 0.022). The results presented suggest a hierarchy in the significance of these dermoscopic features and may help guide evaluation and management of pigmented skin lesions.

Visibility of Board-Certified Dermatologists on TikTok.

Tik Tok is an emerging social media platform that provides a novel opportunity for health practitioners such as dermatologists to disseminate accurate health information.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Non-Invasive Imaging Modalities in Identification of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to systematically analyze the current state of the literature regarding novel artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning models utilized in non-invasive imaging for the early detection of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Furthermore, we aimed to assess their potential clinical relevance by evaluating the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each algorithm and assessing for the risk of bias. METHODS: Two reviewers screened the MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases for peer-reviewed studies that focused on AI-based skin cancer classification involving nonmelanoma skin cancers and were published between 2018 and 2023. The search terms included skin neoplasms, nonmelanoma, basal-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, diagnostic techniques and procedures, artificial intelligence, algorithms, computer systems, dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. Based on the search results, only studies that directly answered the review objectives were included and the efficacy measures for each were recorded. A QUADAS-2 risk assessment for bias in included studies was then conducted. RESULTS: A total of 44 studies were included in our review; 40 utilizing dermoscopy, 3 using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and 1 for hyperspectral epidermal imaging (HEI). The average accuracy of AI algorithms applied to all imaging modalities combined was 86.80%, with the same average for dermoscopy. Only one of the three studies applying AI to RCM measured accuracy, with a result of 87%. Accuracy was not measured in regard to AI based HEI interpretation. CONCLUSION: AI algorithms exhibited an overall favorable performance in the diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer via noninvasive imaging techniques. Ultimately, further research is needed to isolate pooled diagnostic accuracy for nonmelanoma skin cancers as many testing datasets also include melanoma and other pigmented lesions.

Revolutionizing Skin Cancer Triage: The Role of Patient-Initiated Teledermoscopy in Remote Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Teledermatology, defined as the use of remote imaging technologies to provide dermatologic healthcare services to individuals in a distant setting, has grown considerably in popularity since its widespread implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teledermoscopy employs a smartphone dermatoscope attachment paired with a smartphone camera to visualize colors and microstructures within the epidermis and superficial dermis that cannot be seen with the naked eye ABCD criteria alone. METHODS: Our retrospective observational cohort and case-control study evaluated the utility of loaning a smartphone dermatoscope attachment to patients for remote triage of self-selected lesions of concern for skin cancer. The primary outcome was the number (percentage) of in-person follow-up visits required for patients who submitted lesion images, either with or without accompanying dermoscopic images. A medical record review was conducted on all Oregon Health & Science University Department of Dermatology spot check image submissions utilizing the smartphone dermatoscopes between August 2020 and August 2022. De-identified dermoscopic images of lesions that included corresponding non-dermoscopic clinical images in their submission (n = 70) were independently reviewed by a blinded expert dermoscopist. The expert used standard clinical algorithms (ABCD criteria for clinical images; dermoscopy three-point checklist for dermoscopic images) to determine whether the imaged lesion should be converted to an in-person visit for further evaluation and consideration for biopsy. RESULTS: Of the 70 lesions submitted with corresponding clinical and dermoscopy images, 60 met the criteria for in-person evaluation from clinical (non-dermoscopic) image review compared to 28 meeting the criteria for in-person evaluation from dermoscopic images of the same lesion. Thus, a 53% reduction in conversion to an in-person consultation with the addition of smartphone dermatoscope images in virtual lesion triage was observed (p < 0.001, McNemar's Test). CONCLUSION: Implementing patient-led teledermoscopy may reduce the frequency of in-person visits for benign lesions and consequently improve access to in-person dermatology consultations for patients with concerning and possibly malignant lesions.

The skinny on skin: The role of skin-aware professionals in skin cancer surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Licensed nonmedical, skin-aware professionals (e.g., hairdressers, massage therapists, etc.) have the potential to identify skin cancer, but baseline knowledge may not be sufficient to accomplish this goal. Following educational intervention, self-efficacy is one of the best surrogate metrics for behavior change. Curricula that increase knowledge and confidence levels can improve screening behaviors, but few have been tested for efficacy in this population AIMS: We assessed whether an online curriculum could reliably improve skin screening knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of nonmedical professionals PATIENTS/METHODS: Skin-aware professionals were recruited through the Oregon Health Authority and IMPACT Melanoma TM. Participants completed a pre-survey, online training module, post-survey, and one-year follow-up survey. We evaluated participants' indicated levels of concern for suspicious and nonsuspicious lesions relative to "gold standard" physician ratings. We also assessed confidence and self-reported behavior change regarding talking to clients about skin cancer and recommending they see a provider to evaluate suspicious lesions RESULTS: The pre-survey was completed by 9872 skin-aware professionals; 5434 completed the post-survey, and 162 completed the one-year follow-up survey. Participants showed a significant improvement in ability to indicate the correct level of concern for all lesion types in concordance with "gold standard" physician ratings (p < 0.001). Participants reported increased comfort levels in discussing health-related topics with their clients posttraining CONCLUSIONS: Our training module effectively increased skin-aware professionals' knowledge, confidence, and concern for malignant lesions. Skin-aware professionals may serve as a valuable extension of the skin self-exam, but additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of these curricula long-term, including potential downstream consequences.

Oxidative Stress in Melanoma: Beneficial Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Therapeutic Strategies.

Cutaneous melanoma ranks as the fifth most common cancer in the United States and represents one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. While recent advances in systemic targeted therapies and immunotherapies have positively impacted melanoma survival, the survival rate of stage IV melanoma remains at a meager 32%. Unfortunately, tumor resistance can impede the effectiveness of these treatments. Oxidative stress is a pivotal player in all stages of melanoma progression, with a somewhat paradoxical function that promotes tumor initiation but hinders vertical growth and metastasis in later disease. As melanoma progresses, it employs adaptive mechanisms to lessen oxidative stress in the tumor environment. Redox metabolic rewiring has been implicated in acquired resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. A promising approach to enhance the response to therapy involves boosting intracellular ROS production using active biomolecules or targeting enzymes that regulate oxidative stress. The complex interplay between oxidative stress, redox homeostasis, and melanomagenesis can also be leveraged in a preventive context. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of oxidative stress in melanoma, and how the antioxidant system may be manipulated in a therapeutic context for improved efficacy and survival.

Bridging the transition from homelessness: Developing an occupational therapy framework.

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists support individuals experiencing homelessness in traditional roles, and occupational therapy positions focussed specifically on homelessness appear to be growing. OBJECTIVES: To develop and refine a framework to guide occupational therapy practice and research in homelessness. METHOD: We developed a framework and refined it through a stakeholder consultation process conducted with 17 international occupational therapy experts using an online survey. In this survey, we presented an initial framework and requested qualitative feedback. We analyzed this qualitative data using content analysis. RESULTS: Stakeholder feedback was categorized into eight recommendations: (1) Revision to the 'four processes'; (2) Emphasizing social justice and systems-level advocacy; (3) Reflecting intersectionality; (4) Emphasizing meaningful activity; (5) Emphasizing peer support; (6) Incorporating a focus on independent living skills; (7) Increasing a focus on an activity for addressing substance misuse; and (8) Acknowledging cognitive and physical health. Each of these recommendations was incorporated into a refined version of this framework. These recommendations and a refined version of the framework are presented in this paper. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed and refined a framework aimed at guiding practice and research in occupational therapy in homelessness that will be evaluated in future research. SIGNIFICANCE: Though a range of frameworks exists for guiding the practice of occupational therapists more generally, this framework represents the first that is focussed specifically on guiding occupational therapy practice and research with individuals who experience homelessness. Research and practice implications are discussed.

The Use of Vibrato in Belt and Legit Styles of Singing in Professional Female Musical-Theater Performers.

OBJECTIVE: Musical theater (MT) performers are required to sing in several different styles, requiring different registration (quality) and different use of vibrato. Many measures of vibrato in MT performers are made in laboratory settings, studying a limited set of pitches, intensities, and vowels, using amateur and not well-defined professional singers. It is unclear if these observations are observed in well-known professional MT singers, during live instrumentally accompanied legit and belt performances. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive from a convenience sample. METHODS: Five well-known MT performers' recordings of one legit and one belt performance were downloaded for analysis of vocal vibrato. The vocal part was extracted from the recording and each note demarcated with and without vibrato. The pitch track of each note was analyzed for average pitch, duration, the proportion of a note sung with vibrato, if present, and written to file. The pitch track (f0 and time stamps) was written to a separate file for further analysis. This analysis consisted of vibrato rate (Hz), vibrato extent (semitones), and cycle-to-cycle perturbation (jitter-local and shimmer-local). RESULTS: The most consistent finding was that the belt performances of the five singers had lesser proportion of notes sung with vibrato than their legit performances. The next consistent finding was that during belt performances, when vibrato was used, it was for a shorter duration within a note. There was a trend for the average rate of vibrato to be slower in the belt performances, but not to a substantial degree. There was no clear difference between legit and belt performances for vibrato extent or cycle-to-cycle perturbation. CONCLUSIONS: For these five performers, the strategy for the use of vibrato most often employed for differentiating the two singing styles was using less vibrato and when used to engage it for a shorter portion of a sung note. We believe this study offers reasonable ecological validity in how professional MT performers utilize vibrato to distinguish between belt and legit styles of singing. Vibrato rate and extent are subject to a number of factors which may not be in direct control of the singer. However, learning to sing with and without vibrato and the duration to which it is produced within a note may be a useful training strategy for students of MT.

NRF2 and Key Transcriptional Targets in Melanoma Redox Manipulation.

Melanocytes are dendritic, pigment-producing cells located in the skin and are responsible for its protection against the deleterious effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which include DNA damage and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). They do so by synthesizing photoprotective melanin pigments and distributing them to adjacent skin cells (e.g., keratinocytes). However, melanocytes encounter a large burden of oxidative stress during this process, due to both exogenous and endogenous sources. Therefore, melanocytes employ numerous antioxidant defenses to protect themselves; these are largely regulated by the master stress response transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Key effector transcriptional targets of NRF2 include the components of the glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems. Despite these defenses, melanocyte DNA often is subject to mutations that result in the dysregulation of the proliferative mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the cell cycle. Following tumor initiation, endogenous antioxidant systems are co-opted, a consequence of elevated oxidative stress caused by metabolic reprogramming, to establish an altered redox homeostasis. This altered redox homeostasis contributes to tumor progression and metastasis, while also complicating the application of exogenous antioxidant treatments. Further understanding of melanocyte redox homeostasis, in the presence or absence of disease, would contribute to the development of novel therapies to aid in the prevention and treatment of melanomas and other skin diseases.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Reveals Partial Perfusion Recovery After Hindlimb Ischemia as Opposed to Full Recovery by Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging.

Mouse models are critical in developing new therapeutic approaches to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Despite decades of research and numerous clinical trials, the efficacy of available therapies is limited. This may suggest shortcomings in our current animal models and/or methods of assessment. We evaluated perfusion measurement methods in a mouse model of PAD by comparing laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI, the most common technique), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS, an emerging technique) and fluorescent microspheres (conventional standard). Mice undergoing a femoral artery ligation were assessed by LDPI and CEUS at baseline and 1, 4, 7, 14, 28, 60, 90 and 150 d post-surgery to evaluate perfusion recovery in the ischemic hindlimb. Fourteen days after surgery, additional mice were measured with fluorescent microspheres, LDPI, and CEUS. LDPI and CEUS resulted in broadly similar trends of perfusion recovery until 7 d post-surgery. However, by day 14, LDPI indicated full recovery of perfusion, whereas CEUS indicated ∼50% recovery, which failed to improve even after 5 mo. In agreement with the CEUS results, fluorescent microspheres at day 14 post-surgery confirmed that perfusion recovery was incomplete. Histopathology and photoacoustic microscopy provided further evidence of sustained vascular abnormalities.

The Role of the Vitamin D Receptor in the Pathogenesis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma.

Melanoma is the malignant transformation of melanocytes and represents the most lethal form of skin cancer. While early-stage melanoma localized to the skin can be cured with surgical excision, metastatic melanoma often requires a multi-pronged approach and even then can exhibit treatment resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma could lead to novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies to ultimately decrease morbidity and mortality. One emerging candidate that may have value as both a prognostic marker and in a therapeutic context is the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is a nuclear steroid hormone receptor activated by 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [calcitriol, 1,25(OH)2D3]. While 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 is typically thought of in relation to calcium metabolism, it also plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, programmed-cell death as well as photoprotection. This review discusses the role of VDR in the crosstalk between keratinocytes and melanocytes during melanomagenesis and summarizes the clinical data regarding VDR polymorphisms, VDR as a prognostic marker, and potential uses of vitamin D and its analogs as an adjuvant treatment for melanoma.

Friedreich Ataxia: Hypoplasia of Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglia.

After Friedreich's description in 1877, depletion of myelinated fibers in the dorsal columns, dorsal spinocerebellar and lateral corticospinal tracts, and neuronal loss in the dorsal nuclei of Clarke columns were considered unique and essential neuropathological features of Friedreich ataxia (FA). Lack of large neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thinning of dorsal roots (DR), and poor myelination in sensory nerves are now recognized as key components of FA. Here, we measured cross-sectional areas of the mid-thoracic spinal cord (SC) and neuronal sizes in lumbosacral DRG of 24 genetically confirmed FA cases. Mean thoracic SC areas in FA (24.17 mm2) were significantly smaller than those in 12 normal controls (37.5 mm2); DRG neuron perikarya in FA (1362 µm2) were also significantly smaller than normal (2004 µm2). DRG neuron sizes were not correlated with SC areas. The FA patients included a wide range of disease onset and duration suggesting that the SC undergoes growth arrest early and remains abnormally small throughout life. Immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated neurofilament protein, peripheral myelin protein 22, and myelin proteolipid protein confirmed chaotic transition of axons into the SC in DR entry zones. We conclude that smaller SC areas and lack of large DRG neurons indicate hypoplasia rather than atrophy in FA.

Friedreich Ataxia: Developmental Failure of the Dorsal Root Entry Zone.

Dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots (DR), and dorsal root entry zones (DREZ) are vulnerable to frataxin deficiency in Friedreich ataxia (FA). A previously unrecognized abnormality is the intrusion of astroglial tissue into DR. Segments of formalin-fixed upper lumbar spinal cord of 13 homozygous and 2 compound heterozygous FA patients were sectioned longitudinally to represent DREZ and stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, vimentin, the central nervous system (CNS)-specific myelin protein proteolipid protein, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin proteins PMP-22 and P0, and the Schwann cell proteins laminin, alpha-dystroglycan, and periaxin. Normal DREZ showed short, sharply demarcated, dome-like extensions of CNS tissue into DR. The Schwann cell-related proteins formed tight caps around these domes. In FA, GFAP-, S100-, and vimentin-reactive CNS tissue extended across DREZ and into DR over much longer distances by breaching the CNS-PNS barrier. The transition between PNS and CNS myelin proteins was disorganized. During development, neural-crest derived boundary cap cells provide guidance to dorsal root ganglia axons growing into the dorsal spinal cord and at the same time block the inappropriate intrusion of CNS glia into DR. It is likely that frataxin is required during a critical period of permissive (axons) and nonpermissive (astroglia) border-control.

Heart and Nervous System Pathology in Compound Heterozygous Friedreich Ataxia.

In a small percentage of patients with Friedreich ataxia (FA), the pathogenic mutation is compound heterozygous, consisting of a guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) trinucleotide repeat expansion in one allele, and a deletion, point mutation, or insertion in the other. In 2 cases of compound heterozygous FA, the GAA expansion was inherited from the mother, and deletions from the father. Compound heterozygous FA patient 1, an 11-year-old boy (GAA, 896/c.11_12TCdel), had ataxia, chorea, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. Compound heterozygous FA patient 2, a 28-year-old man (GAA, 744/exon 5 del), had ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. Microscopy showed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, iron-positive inclusions, and disrupted intercalated discs. The cardiac lesions were similar to those in age-matched homozygous FA patients with cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus (boy, 10, GAA 1016/1016; woman, 25, GAA 800/1100). The neuropathology was also similar and included hypoplasia of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, loss of large axons in dorsal roots, and atrophy of the dentate nucleus (DN). Frataxin levels in heart and DN of all 4 FA cases were at or below the detection limits of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (≤10 ng/g wet weight) (normal DN: 126 ± 43 ng/g; normal heart: 266 ± 92 ng/g). The pathologic phenotype in homozygous and compound heterozygous FA is determined by residual frataxin levels rather than unique mutations.

Dorsal root ganglia in Friedreich ataxia: satellite cell proliferation and inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are highly vulnerable to frataxin deficiency in Friedreich ataxia (FA), an autosomal recessive disease due to pathogenic homozygous guanine-adenine-adenine trinucleotide repeat expansions in intron 1 of the FXN gene (chromosome 9q21.11). An immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence study of DRG in 15 FA cases and 12 controls revealed that FA causes major primary changes in satellite cells and inflammatory destruction of neurons. A panel of antibodies was used to reveal the cytoplasm of satellite cells (glutamine synthetase, S100, metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3, excitatory amino acid transporter 1, ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 10, and cytosolic ferritin), gap junctions (connexin 43), basement membranes (laminin), mitochondria (ATP synthase subunit beta and frataxin), and monocytes (CD68 and IBA1). RESULTS: Reaction product of the cytoplasmic markers and laminin confirmed proliferation of satellite cells and processes into multiple perineuronal layers and residual nodules. The formation of connexin 43-reactive gap junctions between satellite cells was strongly upregulated. Proliferating satellite cells in FA displayed many more frataxin- and ATP5B-reactive mitochondria than normal. Monocytes entered into the satellite cell layer, appeared to penetrate neuronal plasma membranes, and infiltrated residual nodules. Satellite cells and IBA1-reactive monocytes displayed upregulated ferritin biosynthesis, which was most likely due to leakage of iron from dying neurons. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that FA differentially affects the key cellular elements of DRG, and postulate that the disease causes loss of bidirectional trophic support between satellite cells and neurons.

The significance of intercalated discs in the pathogenesis of Friedreich cardiomyopathy.

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder with a complex clinical and neuropathological phenotype, but the most frequent cause of death is cardiomyopathy. The principal autopsy findings in FRDA hearts are concentric hypertrophy, enlargement of cardiomyocytes, myofiber necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, scarring, and random accumulation of iron. In addition, the myocardium shows generalized disorganization of intercalated discs (ICD), the Velcro-like end-to-end connections of heart fibers that provide mechanical cohesion and ionic coupling. The principal components of ICD are fascia adherens junctions (FAJ), desmosomes, and gap junctions. Frataxin deficiency in FRDA may cause improper assembly of ICD early in life, making hearts vulnerable to mechanical stress in childhood and adolescence. We studied the ICD in the myocardium of left ventricular wall (LVW), right ventricular wall, and ventricular septum in 18 genetically confirmed FRDA patients (age of death, 10 to 87years) and 12 normal controls (age of death, 13 to 69years). In cases with juvenile onset, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry of N-cadherin and vinculin, two abundant FAJ proteins, showed enlargement of ICD, discontinuity, and hyperconvolution. Reaction product of the desmosomal protein desmoglein 2 was similar. The distribution of the gap junction protein connexin 43 at ICD was also irregular and displayed abnormal lateralization to the plasma membranes of cardiomyocytes. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy of α-actinin, affinity fluorescence microscopy of actin with rhodamine-labeled phalloidin, and electron microscopy, revealed the principal integrity of sarcomeres of the myocardium in FRDA. In two late-onset long-surviving FRDA patients (ages 79 and 87), clinical cardiomyopathy was absent, and ICD were normal. The described observations in patients with a broad range of disease onset and duration allow us to conclude that faulty assembly of ICD interferes with proper end-to-end adhesion of cardiomyocytes of the growing heart and contributes to the pathogenesis of FRDA cardiomyopathy.

Abundance and Significance of Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in the Hearts of Patients With Friedreich Ataxia.

Cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of death in patients with Friedreich ataxia (FA), and a characteristic pathological feature is the focal accumulation of iron (Fe) in cardiomyocytes. This restricted localization of the metal contrasts with the diffuse cardiac Fe overload in hemochromatosis and transfusion siderosis. Nevertheless, heart Fe in FA contributes to cardiomyocyte necrosis, inflammation, and scarring as the disease progresses. A putative mechanism of cardiomyopathy in FA is Fe-mediated oxidative damage. Two other transition metals zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), are diffusely distributed throughout normal hearts and the hearts of patients with FA. The myocardium in FA is also prone to deposits of calcium in the form of scattered concretions. In this study, heart tissues (left and right ventricular walls and ventricular septum) of 23 patients with genetically confirmed FA and 8 normal controls were obtained at autopsy and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, and calcium. The principal assay methods were inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and plasma mass spectrometry. Total levels of Fe in bulk extracts were not significantly higher than normal, and the concentrations of Zn also remained in the normal range. Cu levels, however, were significantly lower in FA. In conclusion, the decrease of Cu may be important in consideration of the potential benefit of Cu supplements in FA cardiomyopathy.

Friedreich ataxia: failure of GABA-ergic and glycinergic synaptic transmission in the dentate nucleus.

Atrophy of large neurons in the dentate nucleus (DN) is an important pathologic correlate of neurologic disability in patients with Friedreich ataxia (FA). Thinning of the DN was quantified in 29 autopsy cases of FA and 2 carriers by measuring the thickness of the gray matter ribbon on stains with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA). The DN was thinner than normal in all cases of FA, and atrophy correlated inversely with disease duration but not with age at onset or length of the homozygous guanine-adenine-adenine trinucleotide expansions. In 13 of the FA cases, frozen DN tissue was available for assay of frataxin. Dentate nucleus atrophy was more severe when frataxin was very low. Immunohistochemical staining for glutamic acid decarboxylase revealed grumose reaction and preservation of small GABA-ergic neurons in the DN of FA patients. Residual small DN neurons and varicose axons also contained the glycine transporter 2, identifying them as glycinergic. Immunohistochemistry also confirmed severe loss of GABA-A and glycine receptors in the DN with comparable depletion of the receptor-anchoring protein gephyrin. Thus, loss of gephyrin and failure to position GABA-A and glycine receptors correctly may reduce trophic support of large DN neurons and contribute to their atrophy. By contrast, Purkinje cells may escape retrograde atrophy in FA by issuing new axonal sprouts to small surviving DN neurons where they form reparative grumose clusters.