Browsing by Author "Lacerda, L."
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- Assessment of a targeted resequencing assay as a support tool in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disordersPublication . Fernández-Marmiesse, A.; Morey, M.; Pineda, M.; Eiris, J.; Couce, M.; Castro-Gago, M.; Fraga, J.; Lacerda, L.; Gouveia, S.; Pérez-Poyato, M.; Armstrong, J.; Castiñeiras, D.; Cocho, J.BACKGROUND: With over 50 different disorders and a combined incidence of up to 1/3000 births, lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) constitute a major public health problem and place an enormous burden on affected individuals and their families. Many factors make LSD diagnosis difficult, including phenotype and penetrance variability, shared signs and symptoms, and problems inherent to biochemical diagnosis. Developing a powerful diagnostic tool could mitigate the protracted diagnostic process for these families, lead to better outcomes for current and proposed therapies, and provide the basis for more appropriate genetic counseling. METHODS: We have designed a targeted resequencing assay for the simultaneous testing of 57 lysosomal genes, using in-solution capture as the enrichment method and two different sequencing platforms. A total of 84 patients with high to moderate-or low suspicion index for LSD were enrolled in different centers in Spain and Portugal, including 18 positive controls. RESULTS: We correctly diagnosed 18 positive blinded controls, provided genetic diagnosis to 25 potential LSD patients, and ended with 18 diagnostic odysseys. CONCLUSION: We report the assessment of a next-generation-sequencing-based approach as an accessory tool in the diagnosis of LSDs, a group of disorders which have overlapping clinical profiles and genetic heterogeneity. We have also identified and quantified the strengths and limitations of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology applied to diagnosis.
- Avaliação dos níveis de ácidos gordos essenciais (DHA, AA e EPA) em doentes submetidos a dietas restritivas em proteínasPublication . Pacheco, S.; Ferreira, R.; Quelhas, D.; Martins, E.; Lacerda, L.
- Cistinúria – Revisão da literatura e investigação das suas bases genéticas em 4 doentesPublication . Lopes, A.; Barbosa, M.; Mota, C.; Alves, S.; Martins, E.; Mota, M.C.; Quelhas, D.; Lacerda, L.; Cardoso, M.L.Introdução: Classicamente, e com base na apresentação fenotípica, os doentes com cistinúria classificavam-se em tipo I e tipo não I. Mais recentemente e com base nos aspectos genéticos da doença podemos identificar: o tipo A, causada por mutações no gene SLC3A1, o tipo B, causada por mutações no gene SLC7A9 Objectivos e metodologia: O objectivo deste trabalho foi rever o estado actual do conhecimento no que se refere ao diagnóstico, incidência/prevalência, classificação bioquímica, aspectos genéticos e tratamento desta patologia e caracterizar a nível molecular quatro casos com diagnóstico clínico e/ou bioquímico de cistinúria através da sequenciação dos genes SLC3A1 e SLC7A9. Resultados: No gene SLC3A1 foram detectadas cinco mutações, duas das quais são novas (c.1597T>A e c.611-2A>C) e três previamente descritas na literatura (c.647C>T; c.1190A>G e c.2019C>G). A sequenciação do gene SLC7A9 revelou a presença de uma mutação previamente descrita (c.614_615insA). Foi possível classificar três doentes tipo A (um homozigoto e dois heterozigotos compostos) e um doente como heterozigoto tipo B, o que está de acordo com a excreção urinária de cistina observada. Conclusões: A caracterização genotípica dos doentes cistinúricos contribui para o esclarecimento da patofisiologia da doença, permite efectuar a confirmação do diagnóstico clínico e bioquímicoe oferecer o aconselhamento genético aos familiares em risco. Os autores salientam a importância de uma abordagem multidisciplinar na estratégia de seguimento destes doentes. ABSTRACT Introduction: Classically, based on the phenotype, two types of cystinuria were identifi ed and classifi ed as type I and non-type I. More recently a new classification was proposed based on molecular genetics: cystinuria type A (caused by mutations on SLC3A1 gene), type B (involving mutations on SLC7A9 gene) and type AB if there is a digenic inheritance (SLC3A1 and SLC7A9). Objective and methodology: We reviewed the state of the art on the diagnosis, incidence/prevalence, biochemical classification, genetic data and treatment of cystinuria. Furthermore we characterized four patients with cystinuria at molecular level by sequencing SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 genes. Results: On SLC3A1 we detect five mutations, two of them (c.1597T>A and c.611-2A>C) are novel and three (c.647C>T; c.1190A>G and c.2019C>G) were been previously reported in literature. Sequencing of SLC7A9 gene showed one (c.614_615insA) previously published mutation. It was possible to classify three type A patients (one homozygote and two compound heterozygotes) and one patient as heterozygous type B, which is consistent with the observed urinary excretion of cystine. Conclusions: Genotypic characterization of patients with cystinuria contributes to the understanding of the pathophysiology, confirms the clinical and biochemical diagnosis and provides genetic counseling to relatives at risk. The authors underline the need of a multidisciplinary team approach in the follow-up of these patients.
- D-bifunctional protein deficiency – a cause of neonatal onset seizures and hypotoniaPublication . Nascimento, J.; Mota, C.; Lacerda, L.; Pacheco, S.; Chorão, R.; Martins, E.; Garrido, C.Background Peroxisomal disorders are classified in two major groups: (1) Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders and (2) single Peroxisomal Enzyme/Transporter Deficiencies. D-bifunctional protein deficiency (DBP; OMIM #261515) included in this last group of rare diseases leads to an impaired peroxisomal beta-oxidation. D-bifunctional protein deficiencies are classified in four types based on the degree of activity of the 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase protein units. Case report/Result The authors present the first portuguese reported type II DBP deficiency patient, whose neonatal clinical picture is indistinguishable from a Zellweger spectrum disease. The clinical features and the neuroimaging findings of polymicrogyria raised suspicion of the diagnosis. After biochemical analysis, DBP deficiency was confirmed with the identification of p.Asn457Tyr (N457Y) mutation, present in homozygosity in HSD17B4 gene. Parents were found to be carriers of the mutated allele, confirming the patient homozygosity status and allowing prenatal diagnosis to future pregnancies. Conclusion D-bifunctional protein deficiency is a rare and severe disease and final diagnosis can only be accomplished after HSD17B4 gene sequencing. Treatment is generally of supportive nature, aimed at improving nutrition and growth, controlling the central nervous system symptoms and limiting the eventual progression of liver disease.
- Doença de Pompe Juvenil: Estudo Retrospetivo de Casuística ClínicaPublication . Loureiro-Neves, F.; Garcia, P.; Madeira, N.; Araújo, H.; Rodrigues, F.; Estevão, M.; Lacerda, L.; Diogo-Matos, L.ntrodução: A doença de Pompe ou glicogenose tipo II é uma doença autossómica recessiva por deficiência de maltase ácida. É uma entidade rara, com prevalência de 1/40.000 nas populações holandesa e afro-americana e 1/46000 na população australiana. Embora se distingam três formas de apresentação (infantil, juvenil e do adulto), observa-se um amplo espectro clínico. Em Portugal está disponível terapêutica enzimática de substituição desde 2006.Material e Métodos: Fez-se o estudo retrospetivo de quatro doentes (duas das quais irmãs), baseado na revisão dos processos clínicos.Resultados: Em todas, a doença manifestou-se no segundo ano de vida. O tempo até ao diagnóstico variou entre dois e onze anos. Aquando do diagnóstico, todas apresentavam miopatia com atraso de aquisições motoras e em duas havia hipertrofia miocárdica. A suspeita clínica surgiu por insuficiência respiratória em contexto infeccioso em duas doentes. Em todas havia elevação da creatina quinase e das aminotransferases. Todas evoluíram com insuficiência respiratória crónica por síndrome restritiva. O diagnóstico foi baseado na diminuição da atividade da maltase ácida em fibroblastos (0 a 1,5% do limite inferior do normal). Na biópsia muscular, realizada em três doentes, demonstrou-se acumulação lisossómica de glicogénio. Todas apresentavam a mutação c.1064T > C no exão 6 do gene GAA (glucosidase-alpha-acid), em homozigotia numa delas, associada às mutações c.1666A > G no exão 12 e c.2065G > A no exão 15 nas duas irmãs e à mutação c.380G > T no exão 2 na doente mais nova. Todas iniciaram terapia enzimática de substituiçãologo que disponível, com boa tolerância. A doente mais jovem faleceu pouco depois. As outras mantêm medidas de suporteventilatório e fisioterapia, deslocando-se a mais velha, em cadeira de rodas, mantendo a irmã marcha independente e necessitando a mais nova de andarilho.Conclusão: Os nossos casos incluem-se clinicamente na forma juvenil da doença de Pompe. A hipótese de doença de Pompe deve ser considerada em lactentes com miocardiopatia e nas miopatias progressivas, especialmente as das cinturas e dos músculos respiratórios em qualquer idade. A elevação da creatina quinase é um dado sensível, embora inespecífico. Dada a grande variabilidade dos achados genéticos, a demonstração da redução da atividade da maltase ácida continua a ser o pilar do diagnóstico.
- Doenças hereditárias do metabolismo estudadas na Unidade de Bioquímica GenéticaPublication . Caseiro, C.; Ribeiro, H.; Silva, E.; Ferreira, C.; Pinto, E.; Ribeiro, I.; Rocha, S.; Laranjeira, F.; Sousa, D.; Pacheco, S.; Pinto, F.; Quelhas, D.; Lacerda, L.
- Doenças lisossomais na etiologia da hidropsia fetal não imunePublication . Ribeiro, H.; Caseiro, C.; Sousa, D.; Pinto, E.; Ribeiro, I.; Laranjeira, F.; Silva, E.; Ferreira, C.; Rocha, S.; Quelhas, D.; Lacerda, L.
- Genotype-phenotype correlations and BH4 estimated responsiveness in patients with phenylketonuria from Rio de Janeiro, Southeast BrazilPublication . Vieira Neto, Eduardo; Laranjeira, F.; Quelhas, D.; Ribeiro, I.; Seabra, A.; Mineiro, N.; Carvalho, L.; Lacerda, L.; Ribeiro, M.Background: Genetic heterogeneity and compound heterozygosis give rise to a continuous spectrum of phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency and metabolic phenotypes in phenylketonuria (PKU). The most used parameters for evaluating phenotype in PKU are pretreatment phenylalanine (Phe) levels, tolerance for dietary Phe, and Phe overloading test. Phenotype can vary from a "classic" (severe) form to mild hyperphenylalaninemia, which does not require dietary treatment. A subset of patients is responsive to treatment by the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4 ). Genotypes of PKU patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were compared to predicted and observed phenotypes. Genotype-based estimations of responsiveness to BH4 were also conducted. Methods: Phenotype was defined by pretreatment Phe levels. A standard prediction system based on arbitrary assigned values was employed to measure genotype-phenotype concordance. Patients were also estimated as BH4 -responders according to the responsiveness previously reported for their mutations and genotypes. Results: A 48.3% concordance rate between genotype-predicted and observed phenotypes was found. When the predicted phenotypes included those reported at the BIOPKU database, the concordance rate reached 77%. A total of 18 genotypes from 30 patients (29.4%) were estimated as of potential or probable BH4 responsiveness. Inconsistencies were observed in genotypic combinations including the common "moderate" mutations p.R261Q, p.V388M, and p.I65T and the mild mutations p.L48S, p.R68S, and p.L249F. Conclusion: The high discordance rate between genotype-predicted and observed metabolic phenotypes in this study seems to be due partially to the high frequency of the so-called "moderate" common mutations, p.R261Q, p.V388M, and p.I65T, which are reported to be associated to erratic or more severe than expected metabolic phenotypes. Although our results of BH4 estimated responsiveness must be regarded as tentative, it should be emphasized that genotyping and genotype-phenotype association studies are important in selecting patients to be offered a BH4 overload test, especially in low-resource settings like Brazil.
- Infantile Refsum Disease: Influence of Dietary Treatment on Plasma Phytanic Acid LevelsPublication . Sá, M.; Rocha, J.; Almeida, M.; Carmona, C.; Martins, E.; Miranda, V.; Coutinho, M.; Ferreira, R.; Pacheco, S.; Laranjeira, F.; Ribeiro, I.; Fortuna, A.; Lacerda, L.Infantile Refsum disease (IRD) is one of the less severe of Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs), a group of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders resulting from a generalized peroxisomal function impairment. Increased plasma levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) and phytanic acid are biomarkers used in IRD diagnosis. Furthermore, an increased plasma level of phytanic acid is known to be associated with neurologic damage. Treatment of IRD is symptomatic and multidisciplinary.The authors report a 3-year-old child, born from consanguineous parents, who presented with developmental delay, retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural deafness and craniofacial dysmorphisms. While the relative level of plasma C26:0 was slightly increased, other VLCFA were normal. Thus, a detailed characterization of the phenotype was essential to point to a ZSD. Repeatedly increased levels of plasma VLCFA, along with phytanic acid and pristanic acid, deficient dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase activity in fibroblasts and identification of the homozygous pathogenic mutation c.2528G>A (p.Gly843Asp) in the PEX1 gene, confirmed this diagnosis. Nutritional advice and follow-up was proposed aiming phytanic acid dietary intake reduction. During dietary treatment, plasma levels of phytanic acid decreased to normal, and the patient's development evaluation showed slow progressive acquisition of new competences.This case report highlights the relevance of considering a ZSD in any child with developmental delay who manifests hearing and visual impairment and of performing a systematic biochemical investigation, when plasma VLCFA are mildly increased. During dietary intervention, a biochemical improvement was observed, and the long-term clinical effect of this approach needs to be evaluated.
- A próxima geração no presente do diagnósticoPublication . Laranjeira, F.; Ribeiro, I.; Pinto, E.; Marmiesse, A.; Lacerda, L.