Beneficial in vitro effect of N-acetylcysteine and coenzyme Q10 on DNA damage in neurodegenerative Niemann-Pick type C 1 disease: preliminary results.

Niemann-Pick type C1 (NP-C1) is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by mutations in NPC1 gene that lead to defective synthesis of the respective lysosomal transporter protein and cholesterol accumulation in late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/L) compartments, as well as glycosphingolipids GM2 and GM3 in the central nervous system (CNS). Clinical presentation varies according to the age of onset and includes visceral and neurological symptoms, such as hepatosplenomegaly and psychiatric disorders. Studies have been associating the pathophysiology of NP-C1 with oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, as well as evaluating the benefits of adjuvant therapy with antioxidants for this disease.

Evidence of redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in Niemann-Pick type C 1 patients: the in vitro effect of combined therapy with antioxidants and β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles.

Niemann-Pick C disease (NPC) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from mutation in one of two cholesterol transport genes: NPC1 or NPC2, causing accumulation of unesterified cholesterol, together with glycosphingolipids, within the endosomal/lysosomal compartment of cells. The result is a severe disease in both multiple peripheral organs and the central nervous system, causing neurodegeneration and early death. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NPC1 remain poorly understood.

Cytokine profile and cholesterol levels in patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease presenting neurological symptoms: in vivo effect of miglustat and in vitro effect of N-acetylcysteine and coenzyme Q10.

Niemann Pick type C is an inborn error of metabolism (IEM), classified as a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by a dysfunction in NPC transport protein, that leads to intracellular accumulation of non-esterified cholesterol and other lipids. Clinical manifestations are ample, with visceral and neurological symptoms. Miglustat, a molecule that reversibly inhibits glucosylceramide synthase is used as treatment for this disorder.

Nanoparticles containing β-cyclodextrin potentially useful for the treatment of Niemann-Pick C.

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) is being considered a promising therapy for Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease because of its ability to mobilise the entrapped cholesterol from lysosomes, however, a major limitation is its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and address the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of the disease. Considering this, we aimed to design nanoparticles able to cross the BBB and deliver β-CD into the CNS lysosomes. The physicochemical characteristics of β-CD-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.

Monoolein-based nanoparticles for drug delivery to the central nervous system: A platform for lysosomal storage disorder treatment.

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) are characterized by an abnormal accumulation of substrates within the lysosome and comprise more than 50 genetic disorders with a frequency of 1:5000 live births. Nanotechnology may be a promising way to circumvent the drawbacks of the current therapies for lysosomal diseases. The blood circulation time and bioavailability of the enzymes or drugs could be improved by inserting them in nanocarriers, which could decrease and/or avoid the need of frequent intravenous infusions along with the minimization or elimination of associated immunogenic responses.

Molecular and biochemical biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy monitorization of Niemann-Pick type C patients.

Background: Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C), one of 50 inherited lysosomal storage disorders, is caused by NPC protein impairment that leads to unesterified cholesterol accumulation in late endosomal/lysosomal compartments. The clinical manifestations of NP-C include hepatosplenomegaly, neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Current diagnosis for NP-C is based on observation of the accumulated cholesterol in fibroblasts of affected individuals, using an invasive and time expensive test, called Filipin staining.

Elevation of glycosaminoglycans in the amniotic fluid of a fetus with mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in amniotic fluid (AF) from an MPS VII fetus compared with age-matched fetuses obtained from normal pregnancies.

Method: Disaccharides were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, compared to age-matched controls. Enzyme assay was performed in AF supernatant or cultured amniocytes.

Pitfalls in the prenatal diagnosis of mucolipidosis II alpha/beta: A case report.

Mucolipidosis II alpha/beta is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient activity of GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase. We report the prenatal diagnosis of a fetus who was found to exhibit normal levels of lysosomal enzymes in the amniotic fluid but low levels in amniocytes, and who was found to be heterozygous for the most common GNPTAB mutation. As in some carriers of Mucolipidosis II biochemical abnormalities may hinder prenatal diagnosis, we suggest DNA analysis should be performed whenever possible.

[Nonimmune hydrops fetalis: two decades of experience in a university hospital].

Purpose: To identify the etiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis cases in pregnant women diagnosed and referred for prenatal care.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of cases with nonimmune hydrops fetalis that were monitored between March 1992 and December 2011. Diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of fetal subcutaneous edema (≥ 5 mm) with effusion in at least one serous cavity using obstetric ultrasound, and etiological investigation was conducted with cytogenetic (karyotype), infectious (syphilis, parvovirus B19, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus and herpes simplex), hematologic and metabolic (inborn errors) analysis and fetal echocardiography.

Chromosome analysis in 31 cases of benign and malignant breast tumors: a study in Brazil.

Cultures of 31 breast tumors, being 20 carcinomas and 11 benign lesions, were cytogenetically analysed. Clonal chromosome aberrations were detected in 16 carcinomas and in 4 benign lesions. Nine carcinomas and 2 benign lesions had multiple cytogenetically unrelated and related clones, whereas a single abnormal clone was observed in 7 carcinomas and in 2 benign lesions.