Excretion Of Glycosaminoglycans Research Articles

An evaluation of the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome): the experience of the R.M. Gorbacheva Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS IH; Hurler syndrome) is a hereditary storage disease caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. Enzyme replacement therapy may extend the lifespan of affected patients by 6–12 years but the only currently available radical treatment option is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Objectives: We aim to evaluate the influence of conditioning regimens of various intensities and “graft versus host” disease (GvHD) prophylaxis with anti-thymocyte globulin and post-transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) on overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival, the incidence of GvHD, the normalization of alpha-L-iduronidase and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels over time as well as cardiovascular and cognitive recovery following allo-HSCT. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University. We included 28 patients with MPS IH who had received allo-HSCT at the clinic at the R.М. Gorbacheva Memorial Institute of Children Oncology, Haematology and Transplantation. The five-year OS was 89%, the EFS – 57%. The use of myeloablative conditioning regimens and allo-HSCT within 12 months of diagnosis improve EFS in affected patients. The cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute GvHD and grade III–IV acute GvHD was 43% and 18% respectively. The use of PTCy results in a significantly lower incidence of this complication (69% vs 33%, p = 0.013). After allo-HSCT, normal alpha-L-iduronidase levels and urinary GAG excretion were achieved in cases where graft function was normal. Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment for patients with MPS IH. Myeloablative conditioning regimens are the preferred treatment modality for this group of patients but in cases of comorbidities or poor physical status at the time of allo-HSCT, conditioning regimens with reduced intensity may be opted for instead. PTCy may be used for GVHD prevention in patients with MPS IH without increasing the risk of cardiac toxicity.

Retrospective chart review of urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion and long-term clinical outcomes of enzyme replacement therapy in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare, inherited metabolic diseases that result from a deficiency in one of several lysosomal enzymes essential for stepwise glycosaminoglycan (GAG) degradation, leading to GAG accumulation and widespread cellular pathology and clinical disease. Although disease presentation is heterogeneous, the clinical hallmarks are largely comparable across several MPS subtypes. Extensive data have shown that the level of urinary GAG (uGAG) excretion above normal is strongly correlated with disease severity and clinical outcomes in MPS diseases. Thus, change in uGAG excretion may have significant value as a potential primary endpoint in clinical trials of MPS diseases that are too rare to study using traditional clinical endpoints. MethodsA retrospective medical chart review was undertaken of patients with MPS I, II, and VI who had been treated long term with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). The relationship between uGAG reduction and clinical outcomes relevant to the major clinical manifestations of these MPS diseases was evaluated. A multi-domain responder index (MDRI) score was calculated, measuring the following 4 domains: 6-min walk test, pulmonary function, growth rate, and Clinician Global Impression of Change. For each domain, a minimal important difference (MID) was defined based on published information of these outcome measures in MPS and other diseases. ResultsOf the 50 patients evaluated, 18 (36%) had MPS I, 23 (46%) had MPS II, and 9 (18%) had MPS VI. Forty-two were clinical practice patients and 8 had participated in clinical trials. Across all MPS subtypes, the mean (± SD) uGAG level at baseline was 66.0 ± 51.5 mg/mmol creatinine (n = 48) and there was a mean reduction of 54.6% following ERT. Analysis of the MDRI score based on the MID defined for each domain showed a greater magnitude of improvement in patients with increased uGAG reduction when compared with those patients with lower uGAG reduction for all assessed uGAG thresholds, and a trend toward a higher likelihood of positive mean MDRI score in patients with a uGAG reduction ≥40%. ConclusionsIn this retrospective study, uGAG reduction was associated with long-term clinical outcomes as assessed by a number of approaches, supporting the use of uGAG reduction as a biomarker primary endpoint.

Odiparcil, a potential glycosaminoglycans clearance therapy in mucopolysaccharidosis VI-Evidence from in vitro and in vivo models.

Mucopolysaccharidoses are a class of lysosomal storage diseases, characterized by enzymatic deficiency in the degradation of specific glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Pathological accumulation of excess GAG leads to multiple clinical symptoms with systemic character, most severely affecting bones, muscles and connective tissues. Current therapies include periodic intravenous infusion of supplementary recombinant enzyme (Enzyme Replacement Therapy–ERT) or bone marrow transplantation. However, ERT has limited efficacy due to poor penetration in some organs and tissues. Here, we investigated the potential of the β-D-xyloside derivative odiparcil as an oral GAG clearance therapy for Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, MPS VI). In vitro, in bovine aortic endothelial cells, odiparcil stimulated the secretion of sulphated GAG into culture media, mainly of chondroitin sulphate (CS) /dermatan sulphate (DS) type. Efficacy of odiparcil in reducing intracellular GAG content was investigated in skin fibroblasts from MPS VI patients where odiparcil was shown to reduce efficiently the accumulation of intracellular CS with an EC50 in the range of 1 μM. In vivo, in wild type rats, after oral administrations, odiparcil was well distributed, achieving μM concentrations in MPS VI disease-relevant tissues and organs (bone, cartilage, heart and cornea). In MPS VI Arylsulphatase B deficient mice (Arsb-), after chronic oral administration, odiparcil consistently stimulated the urinary excretion of sulphated GAG throughout the treatment period and significantly reduced tissue GAG accumulation in liver and kidney. Furthermore, odiparcil diminished the pathological cartilage thickening observed in trachea and femoral growth plates of MPS VI mice. The therapeutic efficacy of odiparcil was similar in models of early (treatment starting in juvenile, 4 weeks old mice) or established disease (treatment starting in adult, 3 months old mice). Our data demonstrate that odiparcil effectively diverts the synthesis of cellular glycosaminoglycans into secreted soluble species and this effect can be used for reducing cellular and tissue GAG accumulation in MPS VI models. Therefore, our data reveal the potential of odiparcil as an oral GAG clearance therapy for MPS VI patients.

High Levels of Glycosaminoglycans in the Urines of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral/neurodevelopmental disorder. Some early studies indicated that increased intake of added sugars might have a role in ADHD. In the present study, we tested this possibility by evaluating the urinary excretion of oligosaccharides and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in ADHD and control subjects. Forty ADHD subjects matched with 34 controls were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent a standardized dietary regimen. The urine levels of oligosaccharides and GAGs were quantified biochemically, and their covariance and association were evaluated statistically. Fructose (21/40, 52.5%), maltose (26/40, 65%), galactose (30/40, 75%), and lactose (38/40, 95%) excretions were frequently found in the urine of ADHD subjects (p < 0.05), an excretion which does not occur normally. Furthermore, these subjects showed a pathologic tGAG (glycosaminoglycan) excretion (40/40, 100%). The present study supportsthe thesis that carbohydrate metabolism differs in ADHD subjects compared with control subjects.

Impact of extended post-HSCT enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on linear growth in mucopolysaccharidosis type IH (MPS IH)

Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, MPS VI) is a rare progressive metabolic disorder characterized by coarse facial features, hepatosplenomegaly, restrictive pulmonary function, cardiac abnormalities and stiff joints. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl galactosamine 4-sulfatase which leads to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) storage in various tissues. It presents as a clinical spectrum with varying disease progressions and severities. While the phases I/II/III studies proved the effectiveness of enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human arylsulfatase B, long-term data are still scarce.Over treatment periods ranging from 1.3 to 5.4 years, this prospective open-label follow-up study in 11 Dutch mucopolysaccharidosis type VI patients (age 2–18 years) showed that ERT had significant positive effects on cardiac-wall diameters (IVSd and LVMI), left and right shoulder flexions (p < 0.001), liver size and spleen size (p < 0.001), urinary GAG excretion (p < 0.001), and the scales of quality of life (motor functioning and body functioning). ERT did not affect cardiac valve regurgitation or hearing function; HRQoL decreased slightly in two domains (‘anxiety’ and ‘negative emotions’), and patients with the rapid and slow progressive forms of the disease differed with regard to baseline GAG excretion and GAG decrease during treatment.In conclusion, ERT had an effect on several clinical parameters. This effect was established in an open cohort of young mucopolysaccharidosis type VI patients.

Urinary sulphated glycosaminoglycans excretion in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with metformin

Objective The pattern of urinary excretion of total sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their particular types: chondroitin sulphate/dermatan sulphate (CS/DS) and heparan sulphate (HS) was analysed in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with metformin in monotherapy for the period of six months. Methods The urinary sulphated glycosaminoglycans were quantitated using standardised dye (1.9-dimethylmethylene blue)-binding method and normalised to creatinine level. Results Urinary total GAGs, CS/DS and HS levels were significantly higher in untreated diabetic patients in comparison to healthy subjects. Moreover, it was observed that urinary total GAGs, CS/DS and HS levels in diabetic patients after six-month metformin therapy were significantly decreased versus pre-treatment situation. Conclusions The obtained results suggest that the six-month treatment with metformin in obese patients with T2DM has a regulating influence on the systemic changes in proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, resulting in a decrease in the urinary excretion of total GAGs, CS/DS and HS.

Hyaluronan as a predictive biomarker in recurrent renal stone formers

Recurrence of renal calculi after treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and surgeries, remains high. A viable diagnostic biomarker is needed to alert the patient and the clinician to monitor for stone recurrences. This study concentrates on idiopathic stone-formers (SF) and 6 groups of subjects were recruited with Active-SF (pre- and post- treatments), Non-SF (with and without infection) for comparisons. Urine and blood samples were collected from the patients (with inclusion and exclusion criteria) from the hospital clinic and processed at the laboratory with ELISA and biochemical methods (electrophoresis and HPLC). 120 samples were collected amongst the 3 groups. The following demographics were obtained: Age-range (32 – 63 years old); Male: Female ratio (58: 42); Mean urinary pH 6.33 ± 0.23 (though in each group there are differential mean pH) and urinalysis done for all samples to verify the integrity of the samples. The first biomarker studied was the excretion of urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin sulphate A/C (CS), dermatan sulphate (DS), heparin sulphate (HS) and hyaluronan (HA) were extracted and quantified. Active SF (prior treatment) had 70% positive indicator for GAGs and those SF (post treatment) had over 90% compared to the Normals. Other biomarkers (not reported here) under investigations are cytokines including NAG and MIP-1α. This study combines majority of the biomarkers in our study under a case-control investigation to suggest a potential and sensitive marker for recurrent SFs. Hyaluronan is one such candidate biomarker. Keywords: Biomarkers; Glycosaminoglycans; Hyaluronan; Recurrence; Urolithiasis

Extensive Metabolic Correction of Hurler Disease By Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy: Preliminary Results from a Phase I/II Trial

Extensive Metabolic Correction of Hurler Disease By Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy: Preliminary Results from a Phase I/II Trial

Post-transplant laronidase augmentation for children with Hurler syndrome: biochemical outcomes

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) benefits children with Hurler syndrome (MPS-IH). However, survivors remain burdened by substantial MPS-IH related residual disease. We studied the feasibility, safety and biochemical impact of augmentative recombinant intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (IV-ERT) post transplantation. Ten children with MPS-IH and ≥2 years from successful HCT underwent IV-ERT for 2 years’ duration. Patients were monitored for anti-drug antibody (ADA) development, including inhibitory capacity and changes in urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (uGAG). Three patients demonstrated low-level ADA at baseline, though all children tolerated IV-ERT well. Eight patients developed ADA over the 2-year study, with 3 (38%) meeting criteria for an inhibitory ADA response. The aggregate cohort experienced a reduction in uGAG from baseline to study end, which was enhanced in children with low or no ADA response. Conversely, children with inhibitory ADA showed increase in uGAG over time. IV-ERT in previously transplanted children with MPS-IH appears safe and can reduce uGAG, although this is reversed by the presence of inhibitory ADA. These data show a biochemical change after initiation of post-HCT IV-ERT, but the occurrence of ADA and inhibitory antibodies are a concern and should be monitored in future efficacy trials. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01173016, 07/30/2010.

The Rat (Rattus norvegicus) as a Model Object for Acute Organophosphate Poisoning. 5. Morphofunctional Alterations in Kidneys

In two rat models of acute paraoxon (POX) poisoning against the background of specific and nonspecific inhibition of blood plasma carboxyl esterase (CE) activity, the POX effect on morphology and functions of the rat kidneys was assessed within a period from 1 day to 6 weeks after the poisoning. During the first 3 days, rats developed transient glycosuria and increased urinary excretion of calbindin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. One day after the poisoning, a positive reaction for protein deposits (AFOG+) was observed in the descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and collecting ducts against the background of nonspecific CE inhibition. After 2 weeks, the AFOG+ reaction was detected in the proximal straight tubules along with desquamation of epithelial cells. Both 3 days and 2 weeks after the poisoning, regardless of the mode of CE inhibition, a morphometric analysis of individual components of the rat nephron revealed an increase in the size of the renal corpuscle and the glomerular capillary tuft within the Bowman’s capsule. Three days after the poisoning and at every subsequent observations, intoxicated rats exhibited an alteration in the luminal diameter of the proximal tubules and the luminal surface of the collecting ducts. Most pronounced alterations in the luminal diameter of the distal tubules were observed 3 days, 4 and 6 weeks after the poisoning.

Enzyme replacement therapy with laronidase (Aldurazyme®) for treating mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I can be classified as three clinical sub-types; Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome and Scheie syndrome, with the scale of severity being such that Hurler syndrome is the most severe and Scheie syndrome the least severe. It is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of alpha-L-iduronidase. Deficiency of this enzyme results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans within the tissues. The clinical manifestations are facial dysmorphism, hepatosplenomegaly, upper airway obstruction, skeletal deformity and cardiomyopathy. If Hurler syndrome is left untreated, death ensues by adolescence. There are more attenuated variants termed Hurler-Scheie or Scheie syndrome, with those affected potentially not presenting until adulthood. Enzyme replacement therapy has been used for a number of years in the treatment of Hurler syndrome, although the current gold standard would be a haemopoietic stem cell transplant in those diagnosed by 2.5 years of age. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in 2013 and previously updated in 2015. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of treating mucopolysaccharidosis type I with laronidase enzyme replacement therapy as compared to placebo. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Inborn Errors of Metabolism Trials Register, MEDLINE via OVID and Embase.Date of most recent search: 30 January 2019. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled studies of laronidase enzyme replacement therapy compared to placebo. Two authors independently screened the identified studies. The authors then appraised and extracted data. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. One study (45 participants) met the inclusion criteria. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, multinational study looked at laronidase at a dose of 0.58 mg/kg/week versus placebo in people with mucopolysaccharidosis type I. All primary outcomes listed in this review were studied in this study. The laronidase group achieved statistically significant improvements in per cent predicted forced vital capacity compared to placebo, MD 5.60 (95% confidence intervals 1.24 to 9.96) (low-quality evidence) and in the six-minute-walk test (mean improvement of 38.1 metres in the laronidase group; P = 0.039, when using a prospectively planned analysis of covariance) (low-quality evidence). The levels of urinary glycoaminoglycans were also significantly reduced (low-quality evidence). In addition, there were improvements in hepatomegaly, sleep apnoea and hypopnoea. Laronidase antibodies were detected in nearly all participants in the treatment group with no apparent clinical effect and titres were reducing by the end of the study (very low-quality evidence). Infusion-related adverse reactions occurred in both groups but all were mild and none necessitated medical intervention or infusion cessation (low-quality evidence). As assessed by questionnaires,changes in a 'Disability Index' after treatment were small and did not differ between groups (low-quality evidence). There were no deaths in either group (low-quality evidence). The current evidence demonstrates that laronidase is effective when compared to placebo in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I. The included study was comprehensive, with few participants and of low quality. The study included all of the key outcome measures we wished to look at. It demonstrated that laronidase is efficacious in relation to reducing biochemical parameters (reduced urine glycosaminoglycan excretion) and improved functional capacity as assessed by forced vital capacity and the six-minute-walk test. In addition glycosaminoglycan storage was reduced as ascertained by a reduction in liver volume. Laronidase appeared to be safe and, while antibodies were generated, these titres were reducing by the end of the study. More studies are required to determine long-term effectiveness and safety and to assess the impact upon quality of life. Enzyme replacement therapy with laronidase can be used pre- and peri-haemopoietic stem cell transplant, which is now the gold standard treatment in those individuals diagnosed under 2.5 years of age. We do not anticipate any further trials to be undertaken and therefore do not plan to update this review.

The Heparanase Inhibitor (Sulodexide) Decreases Urine Glycosaminoglycan Excretion and Mitigates Functional and Histological Renal Damages in Diabetic Rats

Abstract Background/objectives: Recent data suggest a role for heparanase in several proteinuric conditions. An increased glomerular heparanase expression is associated with loss of heparan sulfate in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects of heparanase inhibition in a diabetic experimental model. Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were divided into three groups: 1) controls, 2) diabetics (STZ, 50 mg/kg, dissolved in saline, ip), 3) diabetics + heparanase inhibitor (Sulodexide 1/5 mg/kg per day, gavage). The treatment started on the 21st day, for 21 consecutive days. The rats were kept individually in a metabolic cage (8 AM-2 PM) and urine samples were collected on the 21st and 42nd day. At study end blood, urine and tissue samples were collected for biochemical (blood BUN and Cr, urine GAG and Protein) and histological analyses. Results: The results of this study showed that the heparanase inhibitor (sulodexide) significantly decreased urine GAG and protein excretion, urine protein/creatinine ratio and serum BUN and Cr in streptozotocin-induced DN in the rats. Pathological changes were significantly alleviated in the DN rats having received the heparanase inhibitor (sulodexide). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the heparanase inhibitor (sulodexide) is able to protect against functional and histopathological injury in DN.

Urinary sulfated glycosaminoglycan insufficiency and chondroitin sulfate supplement in urolithiasis.

Familial members of urolithiasis have high risk for stone development. We observed the low sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion in urolithiasis patients and their descendants. In this study, we investigated urinary excretion of sulfated GAG, chondroitin sulfate (CS), heparan sulfate (HS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in urolithiasis and their children, and explored the effect of CS and HA supplement in urolithic hyperoxaluric rats. The 24-hour urines were collected from urolithiasis patients (28) and their children (40), as well as healthy controls (45) and their children (33) to measure urinary sulfated GAG, CS, HS and HA excretion rate. Our result showed that urinary sulfated GAG and CS were diminished in both urolithiasis patients and their children, while decreased HS and increased HA were observed only in urolithiasis patients. Percentage of HS per sulfated GAG increased in both urolithiasis patients and their children. In hyperoxaluric rats induced by ethylene glycol and vitamin D, we found that CS supplement could prevent stone formation, while HA supplement had no effect on stone formation. Our study revealed that decreased urinary GAG and CS excretion are common in familial members of urolithiasis patients, and CS supplement might be beneficial in calcium oxalate urolithiasis prophylaxis for hyperoxaluric patients.

The role of endothelial dysfunction in children with pyelonephritis against fibrylogenesis disorders

Annotation: The prevalence of microbial inflammatory diseases of the urinary system, according to epidemiological studies, is 29.0 per 1000 children. Over the past decades, an unfavourable tendency towards an increase in the pediatric population of chronic pathology has been observed, treatment complicated by a significant pathomorphosis of the disease. Aim of the research: analysis of the frequency of birth defects in the development of organs of the urinary system, as a visceral marker of violation of the fibrillogenase, in children with different variants of pyelonephritis. Materials and methods: 148 children with pyelonephritis from 3 to 18 years were examined. According to the results of catamnestic observation, they were divided into 2 groups: I - 92 people, children with pyelonephritis, in which catamnesis was diagnosed 3 or more episodes of recurrence of pyelonephritis in 2 years, II - 56 children with pyelonephritis, in which for 2 years no relapse of the disease was noted. The control group consisted of 65 somatically healthy children of the same age. All children had a routine comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination and clinical and laboratory markers of fibrillogenic disorder (phenotypic signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD), excretion of oxyproline with urine) were established. Results: In children with recurrent pyelonephritis, phenotypic signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia. For this purpose, the activity of endothelin-1 fraction, alkaline phosphatase and serum creatine phosphokinase, excretion of creatinine and glycosaminoglycans with daily urine in children with pyelonephritis was studied. On average, the level of endothelin-1 in blood plasma in practically all children in group I was significantly higher (1.815±0.03 fmol/l, q=0.92, p≤0.01) more than in the 10th time, than in children with APN (0.179±0.02 fmol/l, q=0.78 p≤0.01) and healthy children (0.077±0.01 fmol/l, q=0.03). Conclusions: In children with recurrent pyelonephritis, compared with the data of children with acute non-recurrent pyelonephritis, phenotypic signs of undifferentiated dysplasia of connective tissue were significantly more marked. Thus, the negative role of UCTD in the course of pyelonephritis in children has been confirmed. It has been shown that UCTD in children with pyelonephritis is manifested not only by phenotypic features, but also by visceral, such as BD US, which leads to the chronization of the process with frequent relapses.

Hurler’s Syndrome - A Case Report (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type-1H)

A girl named Tania, aged 5yrs was brought to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogra with the complains of swelling of both legs for 5days &amp; low grade intermittent fever for 1month &amp; she also had severe mental retardation, facial dysmorphism, hepatosplenomegaly, umbilical hernia, corneal clouding, large calvaria &amp; features of dysostosis multiplex. Her clinical as well as radiological features arouse strong suspicion suffering from a rare genetic disease (autosomal recessive) hurler’s syndrome though it wasn’t confirmed by deficiency of specific enzyme or urinary excretion of GAG (glycosaminoglycan).TAJ 2011; 24(2): 148-151

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ENZYME REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS TYPE I, II, AND VI: A SINGLE-CENTER COHORT STUDY

Background. There are limited data on the efficacy of long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in children with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Objective. Our aim was to study the efficacy and safety of long-term ERT in children with MPS type I, II, and VI. Methods. We analyzed the results of ERT with laronidase, idursulfase, and galsulfase in children with MPS type I, II, and VI admitted to the federal research center from January 2007 to November 2016. The response rate was assessed by the level of normalized urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (the ratio of GAGs concentration to urine creatinine) recalculated in percent (%) exceedance of the upper limit of normal for the corresponding age. Data on the administered therapy and its results, including adverse events, is extracted from the medical records of in-patients. Results. The results of treatment (intravenous infusions, intervals between administrations from 4 to 10 days) were studied in 33 children (5 of them were girls) with MPS type I (n = 4; laronidase at a dose of 0.58 mg/kg), II (n = 26; idursulfase at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg), and VI (n = 3; galsulfase at a dose of 1 mg/kg). A decrease in the normalized urinary excretion of GAGs from 376% (172; 791) to 54% (0; 146) exceedance of the upper limit of normal for the age (p &lt; 0.001) was noted in the course of ERT lasting (median) 27 (14; 41) months. A decrease in the normalized GAGs excretion below the upper limit of normal for the age was established in 12/33 (36%) patients. ERT-associated adverse events were identified in 12 patients; one case required a two-fold therapy interruption. The development of nephrotic syndrome in the course of ERT in patients with severe MPS II was first described. Conclusion. Long-term ERT in children with MPS type I, II, and VI is characterized by acceptable efficacy and safety. Key words: children, mucopolysaccharidosis, enzyme replacement therapy, laronidase, idursulfase, galsulfase, glycosaminoglycans.

Microvascular Permeability after an Acute and Chronic Salt Load in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Open-label Crossover Intervention Study.

Sodium-induced microcirculatory changes, endothelial surface layer alterations in particular, may play an important role in sodium-mediated blood pressure elevation. However, effects of acute and chronic sodium loading on the endothelial surface layer and microcirculation in humans have not been established. The objective of this study was to assess sodium-induced changes in blood pressure and body weight as primary outcomes and also in microvascular permeability, sublingual microcirculatory dimensions, and urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion in healthy subjects. Twelve normotensive males followed both a low-sodium diet (less than 50 mmol/day) and a high-sodium diet (more than 200 mmol/day) for eight days in randomized order, separated by a crossover period. After the low-sodium diet, hypertonic saline (5 mmol sodium/liter body water) was administered intravenously in 30 min. Both sodium interventions did not change blood pressure. Body weight increased with 2.5 (95% CI, 1.7 to 3.2) kg (P < 0.001) after dietary sodium loading. Acute intravenous sodium loading resulted in increased transcapillary escape rate of I-labeled albumin (2.7 [0.1 to 5.3] % cpm · g · h; P = 0.04), whereas chronic dietary sodium loading did not affect transcapillary escape rate of I-labeled albumin (-0.03 [-3.3 to 3.2] % cpm · g · h; P = 1.00), despite similar increases of plasma sodium and osmolality. Acute intravenous sodium loading coincided with significantly increased plasma volume, as assessed by the distribution volume of albumin, and significantly decreased urinary excretion of heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. These changes were not observed after dietary sodium loading. Our results suggest that intravenous sodium loading has direct adverse effects on the endothelial surface layer, independent of blood pressure.

Low molecular weight heparin may benefit nephrotic remission in steroid‑sensitive nephrotic syndrome via inhibiting elastase.

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has a structure similar to heparan sulfate, which exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting elastase (Ela) activity. Release of Ela along the glomerular capillary wall may induce glomerular injury and proteinuria. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of LMWH on steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and the potential underlying mechanism. A total of 40 SSNS patients and 20 healthy controls were recruited. SSNS patients were treated with LMWH and prednisone simultaneously (LMWH+pred group) or with prednisone alone (pred group). Proteinuria, urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), serum Ela and urinary creatinine levels were measured. The nephrotic period of SSNS was 15.93±5.78 days. The nephrotic period of SSNS in LMWH+pred group was significantly reduced compared with the pred group (14.13±4.56 vs. 18.63±6.49 days; P<0.05). At the follow-up of the SSNS patients, there was no statistically significant difference in number of relapses between the LMWH+pred and pred groups. Proteinuria (2.51±0.97 g/24 h), urinary GAG levels (4.92±0.87 mg/mmol creatinine) and serum Ela levels (77.64±10.99 ng/l) were significantly greater in the nephrotic period of SSNS compared with the remission period (0.107±0.026 g/24 h, 1.53±0.27 mg/mmol Cr and 41.92±7.81 ng/l, respectively) and the healthy control group (0.098±0.027 g/24 h, 1.40±0.26 mg/mmol creatinine and 38.43±9.83 ng/l, respectively; P<0.05). During the remission period, urinary GAG and serum Ela levels in the LMWH+pred group were significantly reduced compared with the pred group (P<0.05), whereas proteinuria did not differ between these groups (P>0.05). Positive correlations were revealed between urinary GAG excretion and proteinuria (r=0.877; P<0.05), proteinuria and serum Ela levels (r=0.844; P<0.05) and serum Ela levels and urinary GAG excretion (r=0.881; P<0.05). The results of the present study indicated that elevated serum Ela levels may induce proteinuria by degrading GAGs in the glomerular basement membrane in children with SSNS. LMWH may benefit nephrotic remission of SSNS via inhibiting Ela.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous laronidase for mucopolysaccharidosis type I: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by deficient activity of alpha-L-iduronidase. Intravenous (IV) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase is currently used for treating patients with MPS I.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV laronidase for MPS I.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed by searching the ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane Library databases, limited to clinical trials published until December 31, 2016. The first inclusion criterion was being a randomized controlled trial (RCT). If < five RCTs were identified, open-label and nonrandomized trials, controlled or uncontrolled (quasi-experimental), including ≥ five patients, and evaluating relevant outcomes defined a priori, would also be included. For meta-analysis, primary inferences were based on random-effects models. Assessment of article quality was performed in accordance with the GRADE criteria. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to examine the risk of bias for RCTs.ResultsThe selection phase retrieved 632 articles. During the first phase of selection, 158 had the abstract or full text read for assessment of eligibility, of which nine (two RCTs) were included for qualitative synthesis. Four papers were included in the meta-analysis, which was performed for the following outcomes: occurrence of treatment-emergent or infusion-related adverse events (65%; 95%CI 53, 76), mild in most cases; development of IgG antibodies to laronidase (88%; 95%CI 67, 100); apnea-hypopnea index (not significant—NS), urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) [mean change -65.5 μg/mg creatinine (95%CI -68.8, -62.3)], liver size [mean change -31.03% (95%CI -36.1, -25.9)], left ventricular mass index (LVMI) [mean change -1.8 (95%CI -2.32, -0.25)], and distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (NS). Among the outcomes not included in meta-analysis, we found evidence for benefit of laronidase only on shoulder flexion.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that IV laronidase effectively reduces urinary GAGs excretion, hepatomegaly and LVMI, and can improve shoulder flexion in MPS I patients. Laronidase appears to be safe in the studied population.

Liver-Directed Human Amniotic Epithelial Cell Transplantation Improves Systemic Disease Phenotype in Hurler Syndrome Mouse Model.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS1) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)‐degrading enzyme α‐l‐iduronidase (IDUA). In affected patients, the systemic accumulation of GAGs results in skeletal dysplasia, neurological degeneration, multiple organ dysfunction, and early death. Current therapies, including enzyme replacement and bone marrow transplant, improve life expectancy but the benefits to skeletal and neurological phenotypes are limited. In this study, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of liver‐directed transplantation of a placental stem cell, which possesses multilineage differentiation potential, low immunogenicity, and high lysosomal enzyme activity. Unfractionated human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) were transplanted directly into the liver of immunodeficient Idua knockout mouse neonates. The hAECs engraftment was immunohistochemically confirmed with anti‐human mitochondria staining. Enzyme activity assays indicated that hAECs transplantation restored IDUA function in the liver and significantly decreased urinary GAG excretion. Histochemical and micro‐computed tomography analyses revealed reduced GAG deposition in the phalanges joints and composition/morphology improvement of cranial and facial bones. Neurological assessment in the hAEC treated mice showed significant improvement of sensorimotor coordination in the hAEC treated mice compared to untreated mice. Results confirm that partial liver cell replacement with placental stem cells can provide long‐term (>20 weeks) and systemic restoration of enzyme function, and lead to significant phenotypic improvement in the MPS1 mouse model. This preclinical data indicate that liver‐directed placental stem cell transplantation may improve skeletal and neurological phenotypes of MPS1 patients. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1583–1594