scholarly journals Fabry Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Kåks ◽  
Peter Magnusson

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder where deficient or completely absent activity of the enzyme α-galactosidas A leads to accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and other glycosphingolipids in lysosomes. The condition is rare, approximately 1:50,000, although underdiagnosis seems frequent. The condition can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, nervous system, kidneys, and heart. Early manifestations include skin lesions (angiokeratoma), neuropathic pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Later on, FD can result in cardiomyopathy, kidney failure, and stroke. Both lifespan and health-related quality of life are affected negatively by FD. Patients are divided into a classical or a non-classical phenotype based on presentation, where the diagnosis of classical FD requires that a set of specific criteria are met. Patients with non-classical FD often have a less severe disease course, sometimes limited to one organ. The hereditary pattern is X-linked. Thus, men are in general more severely affected than women, although there is an overlap in symptomatic burden. Two types of specific treatment options are available: enzyme replacement therapy and pharmacological chaperone therapy. In addition to this, management of each organ manifestation with usual treatment is indicated.

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 271
Author(s):  
Ken Kok ◽  
Kimberley C. Zwiers ◽  
Rolf G. Boot ◽  
Hermen S. Overkleeft ◽  
Johannes M. F. G. Aerts ◽  
...  

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) characterized by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-GalA) and the consequent accumulation of toxic metabolites such as globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3). Early diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment of FD patients are crucial to prevent tissue damage and organ failure which no treatment can reverse. LSDs might profit from four main therapeutic strategies, but hitherto there is no cure. Among the therapeutic possibilities are intravenous administered enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), oral pharmacological chaperone therapy (PCT) or enzyme stabilizers, substrate reduction therapy (SRT) and the more recent gene/RNA therapy. Unfortunately, FD patients can only benefit from ERT and, since 2016, PCT, both always combined with supportive adjunctive and preventive therapies to clinically manage FD-related chronic renal, cardiac and neurological complications. Gene therapy for FD is currently studied and further strategies such as substrate reduction therapy (SRT) and novel PCTs are under investigation. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis of FD, the pathophysiology and diagnostic procedures, together with the current treatments and potential therapeutic avenues that FD patients could benefit from in the future.


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.


Diseases ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Barbara Polistena ◽  
Donato Rigante ◽  
Ludovico Luca Sicignano ◽  
Elena Verrecchia ◽  
Raffaele Manna ◽  
...  

Fabry disease (FD) is a genetic disease included in the group of lysosomal storage disorders, caused by X-linked deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. The aim of this study was to evaluate different aspects related to the quality of life (QoL) of a multicentre cohort of Italian patients with FD. An observational survey was conducted to measure health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in FD patients using the CAPI (Computer-Assisted Personal Interview) method: 106 patients (mostly women) responded to the questionnaire. Geographically, 53.7% of patients lived in northern Italy, 18.9% in central Italy and 27.4% in southern Italy or the Islands. All data were collected through a five-dimensional EuroQoL questionnaire referring to functional aspects (mobility, personal care, routine activities) and perception of physical/mental well-being (pain or discomfort, anxiety or depression). A descriptive analysis of responses was performed; FD patients were compared in terms of QoL with subjects suffering from other chronic diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and multiple sclerosis. Difficulty in normal daily activities was reported by 47.2% of FD patients. About one third of subjects also had mobility difficulties. Feelings of loneliness and isolation were reported by 33.3% of those being 60–69 years old. Anxiety was equally reported in both oldest and youngest patients (66.7%), while depression, relational problems, fear of other people’s judgement increased along with age, reaching 66.7% in the over-70-years group. Male patients were largely troubled about the risk of physical disability, particularly those aged 60 years or over. Furthermore, FD patients had a poorer QoL than people suffering from other chronic inflammatory disorders. Our study upholds that FD patients have a poor QoL, as already known, negatively impacting psychic well-being and social activities. Our survey has also found a worse QoL in FD patients compared with other severe chronic disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (40) ◽  
pp. 5089-5099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Simonetta ◽  
Antonino Tuttolomondo ◽  
Mario Daidone ◽  
Salvatore Miceli ◽  
Antonio Pinto

: Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results in progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids, predominantly globotriaosylsphingosine (Gb3) in lysosomes, as well as other cellular compartments of several tissues, causing multi-organ manifestations (acroparesthesias, hypohidrosis, angiokeratomas, signs and symptoms of cardiac, renal, cerebrovascular involvement). Pathogenic mutations lead to a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). In the presence of high clinical suspicion, a careful physical examination and specific laboratory tests are required. Finally, the diagnosis of Fabry’s disease is confirmed by the demonstration of the absence of or reduced alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity in hemizygous men and gene typing in heterozygous females. Measurement of the biomarkers Gb3 and Lyso Gb3 in biological specimens may facilitate diagnosis. The current treatment of Anderson-Fabry disease is represented by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and oral pharmacological chaperone. Future treatments are based on new strategic approaches such as stem cell-based therapy, pharmacological approaches chaperones, mRNA therapy, and viral gene therapy. : This review outlines the current therapeutic approaches and emerging treatment strategies for Anderson-Fabry disease.


Author(s):  
Michał Nowicki ◽  
Stanisława Bazan-Socha ◽  
Mariusz Kłopotowski ◽  
Beata Błażejewska-Hyżorek ◽  
Mariusz Kusztal ◽  
...  

Current therapy for Anderson–Fabry disease in Poland includes hospital or clinic-based intravenous enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant agalsidase alpha or beta, or oral pharmacological chaperone therapy with migalastat. Some countries around the world offer such treatment to patients in the comfort of their own homes. The 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic has pushed global healthcare providers to evolve their services so as to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure to both patients and providers; this has led to advances in telemedicine services and the increasing availability of at-home treatment for various procedures including parenteral drug administration. A total of 80% of surveyed Anderson–Fabry disease patients in Poland would prefer home-based treatment, which would be a safe and convenient alternative to clinic-based treatment if patient selection is based on our proposed algorithm. Our recommendations for home-based treatments appear feasible for the long term care of Anderson–Fabry disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This may also serve as a basis for home-based treatment programs in other rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases.


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.


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.


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.


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