Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 is a severe infantile autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by a survival motor neuron 1 gene () mutation and characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Without supportive care, SMA type 1 is rapidly fatal. The antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen has recently improved the natural course of this disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFlavocoxid is a blended extract containing baicalin and catechin with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways. This phase 1/2 study was designed to assess the safety and tolerability of flavocoxid in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Thirty-four patients were recruited: 17 were treated with flavocoxid at an oral dose of 250 or 500 mg, according to body weight, for one year; 17 did not receive flavocoxid and served as controls.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPompe disease is a rare hereditary metabolic disorder caused by α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency. The late-onset form of the disease (LOPD) is considered a multisystemic disorder which could involve vascular system with cerebrovascular abnormalities such as intracranial aneurysms or dolichoectasia. Intracranial aneurysm rupture may represent a life-threatening emergency.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrimary aim was to investigate the diagnostic value of PAS-positive vacuolated lymphocytes on blood smear in Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) patients and, secondly, to evaluate its potential utility in monitoring treatment effects. We examined blood smear of 26 LOPD patients. We evaluated 10 treated and 16 untreated LOPD patients.
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