scholarly journals Fabry disease, a complex pathology not easy to diagnose

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Colomba ◽  
Simone Scalia ◽  
Giuseppe Cammarata ◽  
Carmela Zizzo ◽  
Daniele Francofonte ◽  
...  

Fabry disease is a multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder, inherited in an X-linked manner. It is a defect of metabolism of the glycosphingolipids, due to the reduction or absence of the activity of lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. This reduction of activity causes the storage of globotriaosylceramide and derivatives in the lysosomes, triggering a cascade of cellular events, mainly in vascular endothelium. These events are the responsible for the systemic clinical manifestations and the renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular complications, or a combination of them. The symptomatology can lead to the premature death of patient between the fourth or fifth decade of life. The first symptoms can occur at different ages, generally in childhood, with different severity and course. Fabry disease is suspected on the basis of clinical and anamnestic-familial data, and it is confirmed by enzymatic and genetic assays. However, Fabry disease could be a pathology more complex than previously considered, and the diagnostic tests that are currently in use could be not always sufficient to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Probably, other factors could be also involved in the onset of symptomatology. In the last years, the knowledge of the disease is considerably increased but other studies are necessary to make a prompt and reliable diagnosis. An early diagnosis of Fabry disease is essential for the beginning of the enzyme replacement therapy, which can contribute to arrest its progression and improve the quality of life of patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
Olga Azevedo ◽  
Miguel Fernandes Gago ◽  
Gabriel Miltenberger-Miltenyi ◽  
Nuno Sousa ◽  
Damião Cunha

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations of the GLA gene that lead to a deficiency of the enzymatic activity of α-galactosidase A. Available therapies for FD include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) (agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta) and the chaperone migalastat. Despite the large body of literature published about ERT over the years, many issues remain unresolved, such as the optimal dose, the best timing to start therapy, and the clinical impact of anti-drug antibodies. Migalastat was recently approved for FD patients with amenable GLA mutations; however, recent studies have raised concerns that “in vitro” amenability may not always reflect “in vivo” amenability, and some findings on real-life studies have contrasted with the results of the pivotal clinical trials. Moreover, both FD specific therapies present limitations, and the attempt to correct the enzymatic deficiency, either by enzyme exogenous administration or enzyme stabilization with a chaperone, has not shown to be able to fully revert FD pathology and clinical manifestations. Therefore, several new therapies are under research, including new forms of ERT, substrate reduction therapy, mRNA therapy, and gene therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art on the currently approved and emerging new therapies for adult patients with FD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1664
Author(s):  
Clara Carnicer-Cáceres ◽  
Jose Antonio Arranz-Amo ◽  
Cristina Cea-Arestin ◽  
Maria Camprodon-Gomez ◽  
David Moreno-Martinez ◽  
...  

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity in the lysosome due to mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in gradual accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and other derivatives in different tissues. Substrate accumulation promotes different pathogenic mechanisms in which several mediators could be implicated, inducing multiorgan lesions, mainly in the kidney, heart and nervous system, resulting in clinical manifestations of the disease. Enzyme replacement therapy was shown to delay disease progression, mainly if initiated early. However, a diagnosis in the early stages represents a clinical challenge, especially in patients with a non-classic phenotype, which prompts the search for biomarkers that help detect and predict the evolution of the disease. We have reviewed the mediators involved in different pathogenic mechanisms that were studied as potential biomarkers and can be easily incorporated into clinical practice. Some accumulation biomarkers seem to be useful to detect non-classic forms of the disease and could even improve diagnosis of female patients. The combination of such biomarkers with some response biomarkers, may be useful for early detection of organ injury. The incorporation of some biomarkers into clinical practice may increase the capacity of detection compared to that currently obtained with the established diagnostic markers and provide more information on the progression and prognosis of the disease.


Author(s):  
Mehmet Hamdi Orum

Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by accumulation of glycosphingolipids in all tissues and especially in the vascular endothelium. Kidney, heart, skin and eye are often affected organs. The nervous system and brain may also be affected primarily or secondary, and AFD may present with psychiatric symptoms. Herein, we discussed a female patient with AFD who had severe psychiatric symptoms. The patient was managed by cognitive behavioral therapy plus psychotropic medications. The early detection of psychiatric disorders in patients with AFD may improve the quality of life and may increase treatment compliance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verdiana Ravarotto ◽  
Francesca Simioni ◽  
Gianni Carraro ◽  
Giovanni Bertoldi ◽  
Elisa Pagnin ◽  
...  

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the GLA gene that lead to a reduction or an absence of the enzyme α-galactosidase A, resulting in the progressive and multisystemic accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Clinical manifestation varies from mild to severe, depending on the phenotype. The main clinical manifestations are cutaneous (angiokeratomas), neurological (acroparesthesias), gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea abdominal pain), renal (proteinuria and kidney failure), cardiovascular (cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias), and cerebrovascular (stroke). A diagnosis of Fabry disease can be made with an enzymatic assay showing absent or reduced α-galactosidase A in male patients, while in heterozygous female patients, molecular genetic testing is needed. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human α-galactosidase is nowadays the most-used disease-specific therapeutic option. Despite ERT, cardiocerebrovascular-renal irreversible organ injury occurs, therefore additional knowledge and a deeper understanding of further pathophysiological mechanisms leading to end organ damage in Fabry disease are needed. Recent data point toward oxidative stress, oxidative stress signaling, and inflammation as some such mechanisms. In this short review, the current knowledge on the involvement of oxidative stress in cardiovascular-renal remodeling is summarized and related to the most recent evidence of oxidative stress activation in Fabry disease, and clearly points toward the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of the medium- to long-term cardiovascular-renal damage of Fabry disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-200
Author(s):  
Letizia Roggero ◽  
Sara Auricchio ◽  
Federico Pieruzzi

Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Fabry Disease Anderson-Fabry disease (FD) is a X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, which involves glycosphingolipids metabolism. Specific treatment for FD has been available in the last two decades, after the development and commercialization of recombinant human alfa-galactosidase A. Since then enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has changed the natural history of the disease. Two different enzymatic formulations are available: agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta at different dosages. The safety and efficacy profiles are similar. ERT induces Gb3 deposits reduction in renal and cardiac biopsies, improves quality of life, reduces pain and GI symptoms, decreases left ventricular mass and slows down renal function decline. In case of organ involvement, clinical evidence confirms the need to treat all patients with enzyme therapy, both male and female. In all other clinical settings, the decision to start ERT is controversial, because of the extremely variable clinical manifestations of FD. However, data suggest a greater response to ERT if started as early as possible in any patients. Timely treatment appears to be effective in stabilizing and possibly delaying FD progression. ERT infusion reactions due to allergic hypersensitivity or IgG antibody development could occur but can be easily managed. In-hospital and at home infusions are possible. The wide genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity observed in all FD patients requires a tailored approach to treatment options. Patients should be referred to an expert multidisciplinary team for the long term management of this challenging disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6518
Author(s):  
Andrea Modrego ◽  
Marilla Amaranto ◽  
Agustina Godino ◽  
Rosa Mendoza ◽  
José Luis Barra ◽  
...  

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene for the α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzyme. The absence of the enzyme or its activity results in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in different tissues, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations. More than 1000 natural variants have been described in the GLA gene, most of them affecting proper protein folding and enzymatic activity. Currently, FD is treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT). However, as both approaches show specific drawbacks, new strategies (such as new forms of ERT, organ/cell transplant, substrate reduction therapy, or gene therapy) are under extensive study. In this review, we summarize GLA mutants described so far and discuss their putative application for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of FD. Unfavorable mutants with lower activities and stabilities than wild-type enzymes could serve as tools for the development of new pharmacological chaperones. On the other hand, GLA mutants showing improved enzymatic activity have been identified and produced in vitro. Such mutants could overcome several complications associated with current ERT, as lower-dose infusions of these mutants could achieve a therapeutic effect equivalent to that of the wild-type enzyme.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Mehta ◽  
Uma Ramaswami ◽  
Joseph Muenzer ◽  
Roberto Giugliani ◽  
Kurt Ullrich ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare genetic disorders, with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and severity. Treatment options, such as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), substrate replacement therapy, and pharmacological chaperone therapy, are available for several LSDs, including Gaucher disease (GD), Fabry disease (FD), and Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II [MPS II]). However, patients in some countries face challenges accessing treatments owing to limited availability of locally licensed, approved drugs. Methods The Takeda LSD Charitable access program aims to meet the needs of individuals with GD, FD or MPS II with the greatest overall likelihood of benefit, in selected countries, through donation of ERT to nonprofit organizations, and support for medical capacity-building as well as family support via independent grants. Long-term aims of the program are to establish sustainable healthcare services delivered by local healthcare providers for patients with rare metabolic diseases. Patients receiving treatment through the program are monitored regularly, and their clinical data and progress are reviewed annually by an independent medical expert committee (MEC). The MEC also selects patients for enrollment completely independent from the sponsoring company. Results As of 31 August, 2019, 199 patients from 13 countries were enrolled in the program; 142 with GD, 41 with MPS II, and 16 with FD. Physicians reported improvements in clinical condition for 147 (95%) of 155 patients with follow-up data at 1 year. Conclusions The response rate for follow-up data at 1 year was high, with data collected for > 90% of patients who received ERT through the program showing clinical improvements in the majority of patients. These findings suggest that the program can benefit selected patients previously unable to access disease-specific treatments. Further innovative solutions and efforts are needed to address the challenges and unmet needs of patients with LSDs and other rare diseases around the world.


2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (5) ◽  
pp. F1015-F1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ester M. Pereira ◽  
Anatália Labilloy ◽  
Megan L. Eshbach ◽  
Ankita Roy ◽  
Arohan R. Subramanya ◽  
...  

Fabry nephropathy is a major cause of morbidity and premature death in patients with Fabry disease (FD), a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Gb3, the main substrate of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), progressively accumulates within cells in a variety of tissues. Establishment of cell models has been useful as a tool for testing hypotheses of disease pathogenesis. We applied CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to the GLA gene to develop human kidney cell models of FD in human immortalized podocytes, which are the main affected renal cell type. Our podocytes lack detectable α-Gal A activity and have increased levels of Gb3. To explore different pathways that could have distinct patterns of activation under conditions of α-gal A deficiency, we used a high-throughput antibody array to perform phosphorylation profiling of CRISPR/Cas9-edited and control podocytes. Changes in both total protein levels and in phosphorylation status per site were observed. Analysis of our candidate proteins suggests that multiple signaling pathways are impaired in FD.


Diseases ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Maria L. Gonzalez Suarez ◽  
Charat Thongprayoon ◽  
Panupong Hansrivijit ◽  
Juan Medaura ◽  
Pradeep Vaitla ◽  
...  

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder with progressive systemic deposition of globotriaosylceramide, leading to life-threatening cardiac, central nervous system, and kidney disease. Current therapy involves symptomatic medical management, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), dialysis, kidney transplantation, and, more recently, gene therapy. The aim of this systematic review was to assess outcomes of kidney transplantation among patients with FD. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database, from inception through to 28 February 2020, to identify studies that evaluate outcomes of kidney transplantation including patient and allograft survival among kidney transplant patients with FD. Effect estimates from each study were extracted and combined using the random-effects generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results: In total, 11 studies, including 424 kidney transplant recipients with FD, were enrolled. The post-transplant median follow-up time ranged from 3 to 11.5 years. Overall, the pooled estimated rates of all-cause graft failure, graft failure before death, and allograft rejection were 32.5% (95%CI: 23.9%–42.5%), 14.5% (95%CI: 8.4%–23.7%), and 20.2% (95%CI: 15.4%–25.9%), respectively. In the sensitivity analysis, limited only to the recent studies (year 2001 or newer when ERT became available), the pooled estimated rates of all-cause graft failure, graft failure before death, and allograft rejection were 28.1% (95%CI: 20.5%–37.3%), 11.7% (95%CI: 8.4%–16.0%), and 20.2% (95%CI: 15.5%–26.0%), respectively. The pooled estimated rate of biopsy proven FD recurrence was 11.1% (95%CI: 3.6%–29.4%), respectively. There are no significant differences in the risks of all-cause graft failure (p = 0.10) or mortality (0.48) among recipients with vs. without FD. Conclusions: Despite possible FD recurrence after transplantation of 11.1%, allograft and patient survival are comparable among kidney transplant recipients with vs. without FD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Silva ◽  
Nicole Pestana ◽  
José Durães ◽  
Nuno Guimarães Rosa ◽  
Gil Silva

Abstract Background and Aims Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked hereditary disease. It results from mutations in the GLA gene, leading to deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A and progressive accumulation of undegraded glycosphingolipids in cell lysosomes. Enzyme replacement therapy improved the natural course of this disease, but an early diagnosis is crucial for a successful treatment. Method A screening study for GLA gene mutations was conducted for all patients under dialysis, from a single centre. All the probands with a detectable mutation were analysed individually. Data on the patient's family and personal pathological history were retrospectively collected, by consulting the clinical file. Results 35 years-old female diagnosed with chronic proteinuric kidney disease in the postpartum period. Despite optimal medical treatment the disease progressed, and she started renal replacement therapy with peritoneal dialysis. Five years later she was enrolled in a pilot screening study for FD and the heterozygous mutation c.870G>C (p.Met290Ile; M290I) in exon 6 of the GLA gene was found. The proband didn’t meet the criteria for a definitive FD diagnosis, but she remained under follow-up at our nephrology metabolic diseases consultation, as the mutation was described as pathogenic and associated with a classic FD phenotype. Later that same year, reassessment exams revealed a worsening left ventricle mass index, a new ischemic cerebral lesion and a substantial increase in serum globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) levels. These clinical changes led to the decision to initiate enzyme replacement therapy. Until now there are only a few descriptions of this genetic variant in the scientific literature. A Portuguese study analysed a total of 11 FD patients and described 2 patients with p.M290I mutation, without detectable Gb3 accumulation. Another study was designed to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relationship in 73 Chinese FD patients. Contrary to other reports, the p.M290I mutation was not associated to the classic FD phenotype. A Swiss investigation with a similar design analysed 69 FD patients during their routine annual examinations. M290I mutant enzyme was found in a 48-year-old heterozygous female with a classic FD phenotype but with a low serum LysoGb3. A Spanish newborn screening identified one male patient with FD and the p.M290I genetic variant but was unable to provide any information about the clinical expression of this mutation, since the diagnosis was made between the third and fifth days of life. The study describing the most patients carrying the M290I mutant enzyme is Brazilian and screened a total of 25,223 dialysis patients. Among 89 FD-positive patients, the p.M290I mutation was present in 22. However, the authors did not provide detailed information about the clinical manifestations or α-Gal A activity and LysoGb3 levels of these patients. Finally, a recent Portuguese screening of 150 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients found 25 patients with FD. Of these, one female carried the GLA gene variant p.M290I, with a non-detectable LysoGb3 plasma level. Conclusion We describe a case of FD due to a previously known but still poorly described GLA mutation, which offers strong evidence of its pathogenicity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of p.M290I mutation-associated disease activity evidenced by elevated levels of serum LysoGb3. Despite the absence of classic FD symptoms such as neuropathic pain, cornea verticillata and angiokeratoma, the presence of severe multiple organ evolvement, characterized by renal failure, cardiac disease and ischaemic stroke, strongly suggests a classic phenotype. Consequently, it is our opinion that the presence of a p.M290I GLA mutation should require a strict ongoing patient follow-up, as it may cause clinically significant disease.


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