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- Garcia-Moreno, Hector, et al.
(författare)
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Tau and neurofilament light-chain as fluid biomarkers in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Journal of Neurology. - : Wiley. - 1351-5101 .- 1468-1331. ; 29:8, s. 2439-2452
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical trials in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) will require biomarkers for use as outcome measures.METHODS: To evaluate total tau (t-tau), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and neurofilament light-chain (NfL) as fluid biomarkers in SCA3, ATXN3 mutation carriers (n = 143) and controls (n = 172) were clinically assessed, and the plasma concentrations of the four proteins were analysed on the Simoa HD-1 platform. Eleven ATXN3 mutation carrier cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed for t-tau and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181 ). A transgenic SCA3 mouse model (MJDTg) was used to measure cerebellar t-tau levels.RESULTS: Plasma t-tau levels were higher in mutation carriers below the age of 50 compared to controls, and the Inventory of Non-Ataxia Signs was associated with t-tau in ataxic patients (p = 0.004). Pre-ataxic carriers showed higher cerebrospinal fluid t-tau and p-tau181 concentrations compared to ataxic patients (p = 0.025 and p = 0.014, respectively). Cerebellar t-tau was elevated in MJDTg mice compared to wild-type (p = 0.033) only in the early stages of the disease. GFAP and UCHL1 did not show higher levels in mutation carriers compared to controls. Plasma NfL concentrations were higher in mutation carriers compared to controls, and differences were greater for younger carriers. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia was the strongest predictor of NfL in ataxic patients (p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that tau might be a marker of early disease stages in SCA3. NfL can discriminate mutation carriers from controls and is associated with different clinical variables. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm their potential role as biomarkers in clinical trials.
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| 2. |
- Gorcenco, Sorina, et al.
(författare)
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Patients’ Perspective in Hereditary Ataxia
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cerebellum. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1473-4222.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hereditary ataxia represents a heterogeneous group of rare disorders with the chronic progression of motor symptoms that often become debilitating. Many forms include additional neurological, cognitive, or other symptoms. Most of these disorders lack specific treatment. We aimed to investigate aspects of patients’ quality of life, experiences, and expectations. Patients with a diagnosis of hereditary ataxia were identified from our center’s diagnostic register, direct referrals, and from a patient organization. We designed a questionnaire with 32 multiple-choice or open-ended questions on disability and impairment of daily life activities, the perceived effect of symptomatic and supportive therapies, coping strategies, and how they used and experienced various sources of information about their neurological disease. We also included the EQ-5D-3L quality-of-life instrument. Results were analyzed statistically for gender, age, and groups with and without a genetic diagnosis, and were compared to published data from the general population. Seventy-five patients returned the questionnaire. Patients reported considerable disease-related disability and impairment and had significantly lower quality-of-life scores than the general population. Physiotherapy and support from family or friends were important for patients’ overall well-being. Patients with a genetic diagnosis had a lower average age at onset and felt more well-informed about their disease than patients without a genetic diagnosis. Patients used internet sources but relied primarily on their doctors to obtain information about their disease. Our study provides insights into hereditary ataxia patients’ experiences that can lead to improvements in medical and nursing care for these patients.
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