Orientador: Anamarli Nucci / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-07T09:41:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ramos_MargotGuarieiro_M.pdf: 985606 bytes, checksum: 434d1760ad15f7e85ae84d37db9d1523 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) está entre as neuropatias hereditárias mais comuns, com prevalência mundial de 1:2.500 indivíduos. Constitui-se de doenças geneticamente heterogêneas, caracterizadas por atrofia e fraqueza distais dos membros inferiores, podendo estender-se para os membros superiores. Objetivos: elaborar protocolos de exame podiátrico exeqüível em nosso meio. Aplicá-los e utilizar o Escore de Neuropatia para CMT para avaliação das disfunções e sua documentação em uma amostra de pacientes do Ambulatório de Doenças Neuromusculares. Descrever o fenótipo do conjunto dos pacientes estudados. Métodos: realizou-se avaliação clínico neurológica dos pacientes, teste do suporte lateral dos pés e preencheu-se o Escore de Neuropatia para CMT. Dois protocolos de avaliação podiátrica foram elaborados, com os respectivos escores. A parte comum a ambos consistiu na avaliação da impressão plantar e da função dos plantiflexores. A parte diferencial constituiu-se na utilização de goniometria para avaliação do ângulo do tornozelo e do calcanhar em um e utilização de fotos digitalizadas para leitura dos mesmos ângulos em outro. Resultados: participaram 20 pacientes com CMT, entre 7 e 53 anos (média e mediana de 29 anos), 50% de cada sexo, 90% com CMT de herança autossômica dominante. Atrofia peroneal ocorreu em 65% dos pacientes e atrofia dos músculos intrínsecos das mãos em 50%; rigidez da articulação subtalar em 20%; pés cavos em 90%; dedos em martelo em 85%; hipertrofia dos nervos periféricos em 40%. No escore de Neuropatia para CMT encontrou-se pontuação mínima de 9 e máxima de 30. Os protocolos podiátricos resultaram em escores sem diferenças estatísticas significantes. A avaliação do ângulo do tornozelo pelo método da goniometria demonstrou pé eqüino grave em 57,5% dos membros inferiores e pelas fotos digitalizadas em 50%. Setenta e cinco por cento (75%) dos pés tinham inversão do calcanhar. A avaliação da impressão plantar diagnosticou 70% de pés cavos. Houve déficit da flexão plantar em 60% dos pacientes. Conclusões: dois escores podiátricos por métodos diferentes foram elaborados, ambos factíveis e com resultados similares. A aplicação do Escore de Neuropatia para CMT mostrou 1 paciente com incapacidade leve, 10 (50%) com incapacidade moderada e 9 (45%) com incapacidade grave. O fenótipo de atrofia peroneal com pés eqüinos graves e inversão dos calcanhares foi predominante. Palavras-chave: Charcot-Marie-Tooth, avaliação podiátrica, Escore de Neuropatia para CMT / Abstract: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a genetically heterogeneous group of peripheral neuropathies presenting world prevalence of 1:2.500. Atrophy and weakness of the distal lower limbs are common clinical features and these signs may extend to the upper limbs. Objectives: to elaborate reliable protocols for podiatric exams, apply them and make use of the CMT neuropathy score in a sample of outpatients of the Neuromuscular Disorders Unit at Unicamp Hospital. To describe patients phenotypes by using the mentioned tools. Methods: patients were clinically examined and test block was realized. CMT neuropathy score was fulfilled. Two protocols of podiatric evaluation were produced, resulting in two distinct scores. Both protocols had the evaluation of footprint and plantarflexors functions in common and have used different means to assess ankle and heel angles. One of them has used goniometry to assess those angles and the other has made use of digitalized photos to do the same measurement. Results: 20 CMT patients from 7 to 53 years old (being both the average age and the median value 29) were studied - 50% males and 50% females, 90% with dominant autosomal CMT. Peroneal atrophy was observed in 65% of the patients and atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles in 50%; subtalar rigidity in 20%; pes cavus in 90%; claw of toes in 85%; peripheral nerves hypertrophy in 40%. CMT neuropathy score ranged from the minimal score of 9 and the maximal of 30. There were no significant statistical differences in the results of both podiatric protocols. The evaluation of the ankle angle by goniometry showed severe footdrop in 57,5% of the lower limbs and when the digital photos were used - 50%. Seventy-five per cent (75%) of the feet showed heel inversion. Footprint method diagnosed 70% of pes cavus. Plantarflexors failure was seen in 60% of patients. Conclusions: by using different methods, two podiatric scores were elaborated - both reliable and presenting similar results. CMT neuropathy score classified 1 patient with mild disability, 10 (50%) with moderate and 9 (45%) with severe. The predominant phenotype was peroneal atrophy associated with severe footdrop and heel inversion. Key words: Charcot-Marie-Tooth, podiatric evaluation, CMT neuropathy score / Mestrado / Ciencias Biomedicas / Mestre em Ciências Médicas

La myéline est une gaine formée par l’enroulement de la membrane plasmique de la cellule de Schwann autour de l’axone dans le nerf périphérique. Lorsque cette gaine est détruite, on parle de démyélinisation, cela provoque de nombreuses maladies, dont les maladies de Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) de type 1. Les maladies CMT sont héréditaires et atteignent le système nerveux périphérique. Les symptômes communs incluent : une faiblesse musculaire, une démarche maladroite, des troubles de l’équilibre et des pieds très cambrés ou très plats. Le type le plus fréquent est la forme autosomique dominante CMT1A.Une duplication du bras court du chromosome 17 contenant le gène PMP22 (Peripheral Myelin Protein 22) induit la CMT1A. La PMP22, une petite protéine exprimée par les cellules de Schwann, est donc en excès et entraine une démyélinisation. Il existe un modèle de rats transgéniques PMP22 (ou rats CMT1A) mimant cette pathologie humaine. Les rats CMT1A surexpriment la pmp22 de souris de façon hétérozygote. Jusqu’à présent, aucun remède n’existe pour les maladies CMT. Un des traitements envisageables est la thérapie génique. Le but de mon projet de thèse était d’étudier la validité et l'efficacité de la thérapie génique chez les rats CMT1A. La stratégie consiste à réduire la surexpression de la protéine PMP22 chez le rat CMT1A à l’aide d’ARNsh anti-PMP22. Pour ne pas être détruits par l’organisme et maintenir une expression longue, ces ARN sh-PMP22 sont transférés chez le rat grâce à des vecteurs viraux dérivés de virus adéno-associés, ou AAV (pour adeno-associated virus). Nous avons donc injecté un des différents sérotypes d'AAV,l'AAV9 exprimant les ARN sh-PMP22 de souris ainsi que la GFP comme marqueur des cellules infectées dans les nerfs sciatiques de rats CMT1A à l’âge de 6 jours ou 7 jours.Nous avons d’abord confirmé que les virus thérapeutiques infectaient une très large proportion de cellules de Schwann dans le nerf sciatique de rat CMT1A et ensuite que l’infection de ces cellules par les virus exprimant les ARN sh-PMP22 induisait une diminution significative de l’expression de la protéine PMP22. L'analyse du phénotype moteur des rats CMT1A traités avec les AAV9 exprimant les ARN sh-PMP22 montre que les rats CMT1A traités ne développent pas la maladie observée dans les contrôles. Également, les rats CMT1A présentent une hypoalgésie, un phénotype qui n’apparait pas dans les CMT1A traités avec les vecteurs thérapeutiques. Le traitement par thérapie génique empêche la réduction de la vitesse de conduction nerveuse observé dans les rats malades. Concernant la biodistribution des virus, 2,5 mois après le traitement, en dehors des nerfs sciatiques ou les virus ont été injectés, le virus était présent dans les muscles qui entourent le nerf et aussi dans quelques ganglion dorsaux. Pour la réponse immunitaire,les rats injectés, à seulement 2 exceptions près, n’ont pas développé de facteurs neutralisants anti-AAV9. Cette thérapie génique pourrait être utilisée dans les essais cliniques.Avant de passer aux études cliniques pour le traitement de la maladie CMT1A à l’aide d’AAV9 exprimant des ARN sh-PMP22 humain, la dose d’expression de ce ARN sh-PMP22 doit être très soigneusement déterminée car si la PMP22 est trop réduite, une autre maladie peut se développer, la neuropathie héréditaire avec hypersensibilité à la pression. Il est aussi important d’avoir un outil bien adapté qui permet d’évaluer l’efficacité du traitement. Aucun existant n’est assez fiable pour mesurer la myéline du nerf périphérique. Pour remédier à ce manque, nous avons testé la technique d'imagerie Coherent Anti-stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) en caractérisant avec succès les défauts de la myéline. Par conséquent, le CARS est une technique prometteuse permettant d’évaluer l’avancement des maladies de la myéline et l’efficacité de nouvelles thérapies pour les neuropathies périphériques démyélinisantes. / Myelin, a tissue synthesized by Schwann cells, covers and protects nerves. If damaged, it causes many demyelinating diseases such as the inherited peripheral nervous system disorder Charcot Marie Tooth or CMT type 1. CMT neuropathies display a large variability from one patient to another. Nevertheless, the most common symptoms include muscle weakness, an awkward way of walking (gait), equilibrium problem and highly arched or very flat feet. The most common subtype of CMT is an autosomal dominant disorder known as CMT1A. CMT1A is caused by the duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene on the short arm of chromosome 17 (17p11.2) resulting in an excess of PMP22. This leads to demyelination. PMP22 is a small protein expressed by Schwann cells. There is still no cure for CMT diseases. One approach for a treatment is gene therapy. The aim of my thesis project was to deliver proof of principle for a gene therapy approach on a CMT1A rat model characterized by extra copies of mouse pmp22 gene (CMT1A rat). The treatment strategy consisted in reducing PMP22 overexpression in CMT1A rats with shRNA against PMP22. Viral vectors like adeno-associated virus (AAV having serotypes from1-10) are used to deliver shRNA in vivo so that they won’t be destroyed by the organism and for them to be long-lasting. Thus, we injected sciatic nerves of 6-7-day-old CMT1A rats with AAV9 expressing shRNA PMP22 with a GFP marker. We first confirmed that the virus highly transduced Schwann cells and that AAV9 shRNA PMP22 decreased PMP22 protein expression in CMT1A rats’ sciatic nerves. CMT1A rats treated with AAV9 shRNA PMP22 showed that they didn’t develop the motor phenotype seen in controls. Moreover, hypoalgesia observed in CMT1A rats was alleviated by treatment. In addition, gene therapy increased the reduced nerve conduction velocity found in CMT1A rats. Concerning safety, no viral off-targets were detected except in muscles close to the injection site (sciatic nerve) and in the dorsal root ganglions. Except for 2 rats, there was no immune response against AAV; no anti-AAV9 neutralizing factors. Consequently, this gene therapy could be used in clinical trials. Before moving to clinical studies, the minimal effective dosage should be very carefully defined because if PMP22 is completely deleted, another disease is caused: Hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies. It is also crucial to have a strong readout to evaluate the outcome of a treatment. However, no tool consistent enough exists for examining the peripheral nerve. Thus, we tested the label-free imaging technique Coherent Anti-stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and successfully characterized myelination defects. Consequently, CARS could be used as a consistent outcome measure for developing new therapies for demyelinating peripheral neuropathies.

Introdução: Polineuropatias são doenças do sistema nervoso periférico com etiologias variadas. Dentre elas são freqüentes as inflamatórias e as hereditárias, com prevalência de 0,67-7,7/100000 e 7,9-82,3/100000 para polineuropatia inflamatória desmielinizante crônica (PIDC) e Doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), respectivamente. Existem poucas evidências de sobreposição entre estas duas doenças e também algumas dificuldades diagnósticas em situações específicas. Objetivos: Estudar a freqüência de mutações (duplicações e deleções) do gene PMP22 em uma coorte de pacientes inicialmente diagnosticados como PIDC ou suspeitos de apresentarem as duas condições, os sinais e sintomas sugestivos da sobreposição e os fatores implicados em erro de classificação da neuropatia. Métodos: 111 pacientes com diagnóstico de PIDC foram estudados. DNA foi isolado a partir de leucócitos de sangue periférico segundo protocolo padrão. Duplicações e deleções do gene PMP22 foram avaliadas através de marcadores polimórficos do DNA localizados dentro do cromossomo 17p11.2-12, o qual contém o gene PMP22. Achados clínicos e laboratoriais também foram estudados e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Dentre os 111 pacientes estudados, mutações no PMP22 foram encontradas em 10 (9%), sendo duplicações em 9 pacientes e deleção em 1 paciente. Concomitância entre PIDC e CMT foi verificada em 4 pacientes (3,6%), todos com duplicação do PMP22. Os outros 6 pacientes foram diagnosticados como CMT puro (5) ou Neuropatia Hereditária Susceptível à Compressão (1), visto que não apresentaram melhora com o uso de tratamento imunomodulador e/ou imunossupressor (5 casos) ou foi estabelecido diagnóstico alternativo associado (1). Os outros 101 pacientes não tiveram duplicação nem deleção deste gene e, portanto, tinham PIDC apenas. Idade média dos pacientes com PIDC/CMT foi de 23,8±18,0 anos e 43,6±19,3 anos para pacientes sem mutações (p=0,04). Houve diferença estatísticamente significativa na resposta ao tratamento entre os grupos PIDC/CMT X CMT (p=0,008) e PIDC X CMT (p=0,00). Ausência de história familiar e presença de doenças e hábitos ligados ao desenvolvimento de neuropatias periféricas, como diabetes mellitus e ingesta de bebidas alcoólicas, por exemplo, bem como achados atípicos na eletroneuromiografia e na biópsia de nervo podem ter contribuído para a confusão diagnóstica nos casos de CMT puro. Conclusões: Alguns pacientes podem desenvolver PIDC em associação com CMT e se beneficiam do tratamento. A neuropatia hereditária poderia predispor à neuropatia inflamatória, uma vez que estes pacientes tendem a apresentar essa condição em idades mais precoces. Cautela deve ser dispensada àqueles pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de PIDC que não têm os achados clássicos ou não melhoram com o tratamento, uma vez que podem apresentar outras etiologias para a neuropatia, dentre elas uma neuropatia hereditária, como a CMT. / Introduction: Polyneuropathies are peripheral nervous system disorders with a wide range of etiologies. Among them, inflammatory and hereditary are frequent with prevalence of 0.67-7.7/100000 and 7.9-82.3/100000, for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), respectively. There are a few evidence of ovelapping between these two conditions and also some diagnostic difficulties in specific situations. Objectives: To study the frequency of mutations in PMP22 gene (duplications and delections) among a cohort of patients initially diagnosed as CIDP or suspected to have both conditions, the signs and symptoms related to this ovelapping and factors implicated in misdiagnose. Methods: 111 patients with an initially CIDP suspected diagnosis were studied. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes following a standard salting-out protocol. Duplications and delections in the PMP22 gene were analysed by polymorphic DNA markers located within the chromosome 17p11.2-12, wich contains the PMP22 gene. Clinical and laboratory findings were also studied and compared within groups. Results: Among 111 patients studied, 10 (9%) were found to harbor mutations in PMP22 gene, specifically duplications in nine and delection in one. We therefore diagnosed CIDP plus CMT in four patients (3.6%), all of them with a duplicated PMP22 gene. The other six patients were diagnosed as pure CMT (5) or Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsy (1), as they did not improved with the use of immunomodulatory and/or immunosupressive treatment (five cases) or were found to have alternative associated diagnosis (one patient). The other 101 patients did not show duplication nor delection in this gene, so they had CIDP. Mean age of patients with CIDP/CMT were 23.8±18.0 years and 43.6±19.3 years for patients without mutations (p=0.04). There were statistically significant difference in treatmet response between groups CIDP/CMT X CMT (p=0.008) and CIDP X CMT (p=0.00). The lack of family history and presence of other diseases and habits linked to the development of peripheral neuropathies, as diabetes mellitus and alcohol intake, for instance, as well as atypical findings in electrodiagnostic studies and nerve biopsy may have contributed to misdiagnose in the pure CMT cases. Conclusions: Some patients may develop CIDP in association with CMT and have benefit from treatment. The hereditary neuropathy may predispose to the inflammatory neuropathy as these patients tend to show this condition at younger ages. Caution should be dispensed to those patients with a suspected diagnose of CIDP who do not have the classical disease findings or do not improve with treatment, as they can have alternative etiologies for the neuropathy, among them a hereditary neuropathy as CMT disease.

Les neuropathies périphériques héréditaires (NP) sont caractérisées par des phénotypes très divers et une hétérogénéité génétique importante. La maladie de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) représente la majeure partie des neuropathies périphériques sensitivo-motrices. D’autres symptômes peuvent être associés, telle que la surdité. A l’heure actuelle, aucune estimation précise de la surdité n’existe dans cette population et la pathogénicité est incertaine. L’objectif de cette thèse était de mieux comprendre la physiopathologie de la surdité chez les patients atteints de neuropathies périphériques. Pour cela plusieurs approches complémentaires ont été mises en œuvre : 1) Approche clinique sur une cohorte française de patients atteints à la fois de neuropathie périphérique et de surdité et tests de génétique moléculaire avec séquençage NGS (Panels NP, surdités et/ou exomes) ; 2) Approche biochimique sur des prélèvements de nerfs cochléaires murins et humains ; 3) Approche bioinformatique afin d’identifier des réseaux de protéines impliquées dans l’apparition de surdité liée à une neuropathie périphérique. Grâce à ce travail, nous avons pu caractériser les phénotypes variés des patients atteints de NP génétique et surdité, et ainsi constater que la surdité peut être endo, rétro ou endo et rétrocochléaire. Trente-six gènes ont été rapportés comme associées à NP et surdité. Le génotype de nos patients NP+Surdité a pu être établi dans 60% des cas, avec la découverte de sept nouveaux variants pathogènes dans cinq gènes différents. Nos travaux suggèrent également que PMP22, le gène le plus retrouvé dans les CMT, n’est probablement pas ou peu impliqué dans l’apparition de la surdité des patients NP. Chez deux de nos patients présentant un variant pathogène de PMP22, un deuxième gène impliqué a été trouvé avec respectivement COCH et MYH14. Des corrélations génotypes-phénotypes ont pu être mises en évidence avec les gènes ABHD12, SH3TC2, NEFL et PRPS1. Deuxièmement, l’étude préliminaire immunohistochimique sur des nerfs auditifs de rats sauvages a permis de mettre en évidence l’expression de pmp22, mpz, nefl et trpv4 au niveau du nerf cochléaire et de pister une différence d’expression chez les rats CMTpmp22/+. L’étude chez l’humain n’a pas été concluante. Dernièrement, la recherche in silico de voies communes aux différents gènes décrits comme impliqués dans NP+surdité a permis de confirmer le lien direct entre PMP22 et MPZ. Des liens indirects entre plusieurs autres protéines ont été pistés. Cette thèse montre également que la surdité est très certainement sous-diagnostiquée dans cette population de NP génétique. Nous proposons donc un suivi audiométrique systématique des patients atteints de NP héréditaire, et une évaluation neurologique pour les enfants diagnostiqués pour surdité. / Hereditary Peripheral Neuropathies (PN) are characterized by various phenotypes and great genetic heterogeneity. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) accounts for most sensori-motor peripheral neuropathies. Besides, other symptoms can be associated, such as deafness. No precise estimation of deafness within this population exist and its pathogenicity is uncertain. The aim of this PhD was to better understand the physiopathology of deafness in patients suffering from PN. Various complementary approaches were used; 1) a clinical approach on a French cohort of patients suffering from both PN and hearing loss and molecular genetic tests with NGS sequencing (PN, deafness panels, and/or exomes), 2) a biochemical approach on murine and human cochlear nerve samples and 3) a bioinformatic approach to identify protein hubs implicated in the onset of PN-associated deafness.This has enabled us to characterize the various phenotypes of patients suffering from both hereditary PN and deafness, and then notice that deafness can be endo-, retro- or endo- and retrocochlear. Thirty-six genes were reported to be associated with both PN and hearing impairment. Sixty percent of our patients were genotyped, highlighting seven novel pathogenic variants in five different genes. Our research also suggests that PMP22, the most frequent gene in CMT, is probably not or poorly implicated in deafness onset in PN patients. In two of our patients with PMP22 pathogenic variants, a second involved gene was found with COCH and MYH14 respectively. Genotype-phenotype correlations were found out with the ABHD12, SH3TC2, NEFL and PRPS1 genes. Secondly, the preliminary immunohistochemical study on wild-type rats auditory nerves highlighted the expression of pmp22, mpz, nefl and trpv4 on the cochlear nerve and tracked a different expression in CMTpmp22/+ rats. However, the study on humans was not conclusive. Recently, in silico research of pathways common to the different genes described to be involved in both PN and deafness, has found the direct link between PMP22 and MPZ. Indirect links between several other proteins have been tracked.This thesis also shows that hearing impairment is most probably under-diagnosed in this population of genetic PN sufferers. We suggest regular audiologic follow-up for PN patients and neurological assessment for deaf children.

Les nerfs périphériques sont sujets à de nombreuses pathologies et l’étiologie des neuropathies périphériques (NP) est vaste (troubles métaboliques, infections, toxines, blessures physiques et mutations génétiques, ect.). Par exemple, les NP d’origine traumatique sont courantes et sont caractérisées par une dégénérescence dite Wallérienne des fibres nerveuses. Autre exemple, la maladie de Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) qui est la NP génétique héréditaire la plus fréquente. Elle est caractérisée par une surexpression de la protéine PMP22 impliquée dans le maintien de la gaine de myéline. Actuellement, il n’existe pas de traitement pharmacologique de ces deux affections des nerfs. Récemment, l’intérêt pour le rôle des antioxydants alimentaires, tels que la curcumine, a suscité de nombreuses recherches. Cette molécule est depuis longtemps utilisée en médecine asiatique pour ces propriétés thérapeutiques. Cependant, elle possède une très faible biodisponibilité et nécessite donc l’emploi de doses très élevées pour obtenir des effets bénéfiques. Dans une première étude, nos résultats ont montré que des faibles doses de curcumine administrées localement et en continu, améliorent la récupération fonctionnelle, les paramètres électrophysiologiques et histologiques, et l’expression des principales protéines de la myéline dans un modèle d’écrasement du nerf sciatique chez le rat. Ces effets bénéfiques ont été attribués aux propriétés antioxydantes de la curcumine. Dans une seconde étude, nos résultats ont montré qu’une faible dose de nanocristaux de curcumine (Nano-Cur), injectée en IP, améliorent le phénotype, les paramètres électrophysiologiques et histologiques dans un modèle transgénique de rat CMT1A. Dans cette étude, les effets positifs ont été attribués aux propriétés antioxydantes des Nano-Cur, couplés à l’activation de la voie de dégradation associée au réticulum endoplasmique, permettant la réduction de la surexpression nocive de PMP22 chez les rats CMT1A. L'ensemble de ces résultats démontrent que, l’administration de faibles doses de curcumine constitue un traitement prometteur dans la réparation des nerfs périphériques. / Peripheral nerves are subject to many pathologies and the etiology of peripheral neuropathies (PN) is vast (metabolic disorders, infections, toxins, physical injuries and genetic mutations, etc.). For example, PN of traumatic origin are common and are characterized by a called Wallerian degeneration of nerve fibres. Another example is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 1A (CMT1A), which is the most common hereditary genetic PN. It is characterized by an overexpression of the PMP22 protein involved in maintaining the myelin sheath. Currently, there is no pharmacological treatment for these two nerve disorders. Recently, interest in the role of dietary antioxidants, such as curcumin, has led to much research. This molecule has long been used in Asian medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, it has a very low bioavailability and therefore requires the use of very high doses to obtain beneficial effects. In a first study, our results showed that low doses of curcumin administered locally and continuously improve functional recovery, electrophysiological and histological parameters, and expression of major myelin proteins in a rat sciatic nerve crush model. These beneficial effects have been attributed to the antioxidant properties of curcumin. In a second study, our results showed that a low dose of curcumin nanocrystals (Nano-Cur), injected in IP, improves phenotype, electrophysiological and histological parameters in a transgenic model of CMT1A rats. In this study, the positive effects were attributed to the antioxidant properties of the Nano-cur, coupled with the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation pathway, allowing the reduction of harmful overexpression of PMP22 in CMT1A rats. All these results show that the administration of low doses of curcumin is a promising treatment for peripheral nerve repair

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is peripheral neuropathy genetically inherited most common worldwide. The most cases of CMT can be classified into two major categories of the nature of the primary nerve injury: CMT type 1 and type 2. The main clinical symptoms are muscle weakness and decreased sensation in the legs and feet, changes in gait and balance. The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the balance and functionality of individuals with the disease of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), as well as assess the muscle strength, balance and functionality of individuals with the disease of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 ( CMT2). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using as a database MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (1980- 2015). Furthermore, an observational and cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews and clinical evaluation of individuals with CMT2 disease in the city Tobias Barreto. The sample consisted of a group of 15 patients with CMT2 (GCMT2) and a control group (CG), with healthy subjects matched for age and gender with CMT2 group. Individuals with CMT were classified by Neuropathic scale of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (Neuropathy Scale Charcot-Marie-Tooth - CMTNS) that assesses the degree of severity of the disease. The muscle strength of the lower limbs was evaluated by a hand dynamometer. The balance was measured through footwork stabilometer and Berg Balance Scale. Functional assessment was measured by the Timed Up Go test (TUG). Results: In the systematic review were selected 18 articles, most of the cross-sectional and performed in Europe. The types of study were prevailed on assessment of balance and functionality, rehabilitation treatment and natural evolution of CMT disease. The number of participants per study ranged 6-211 affected individuals. In the second article, there was a statistically significant difference between the GCMT2 and GC for muscle strength of all assessed muscles (ankle extensor: p = <0.0001, plantarflexors: p = <0.0001, inverters: p = <0.0001, eversors: p = 0.0016).For the VCoPAP and DCopAP parameters stabilometry for open and closed eyes, respectively (p = 0.0123, p = 0.0183, p = 0.0132, p = 0.0129) for the Berg balance scale (p = 0.0066) and the TUG (p = 0.0003) test. The most evident correlations were between all variables and CMTNS. In addition, individuals with CMT2 have loss of balance in the anteroposterior direction and with increasing severity of the disease these individuals need more vision for maintaining balance. Conclusion: Most studies of the systematic review evaluating balance and /or functionality also included in their assessments to measure muscle strength and sensitivity. Furthermore, studies have shown that the distal muscle weakness, especially ankle extensor plantar flexors and is associated with loss of balance and dynamic activities in the stop position, respectively. Clinical evaluations, conducted in CMT2 group and control group, showed that patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth have less balance and loss of functional activity as compared to healthy subjects. / A doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) é a neuropatia periférica geneticamente herdada mais frequente em todo mundo. A maioria dos casos de CMT pode ser classificada em duas grandes categorias quanto à natureza da lesão primária do nervo: CMT tipo 1 e tipo 2. As principais manifestações clínicas são fraqueza muscular e diminuição da sensibilidade nas pernas e pés, alterações na marcha e equilíbrio. Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre o equilíbrio e funcionalidade de indivíduos com a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), assim como avaliar a força muscular, o equilíbrio e funcionalidade de indivíduos com a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth tipo 2 (CMT2). Métodos: Uma pesquisa abrangente na literatura foi realizada utilizando como base de dados a MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (1980- 2015). Além disso, foi realizado um estudo observacional e transversal, por meio de entrevista e avaliação clínica de indivíduos com a doença de CMT2 no município de Tobias Barreto. A amostra foi composta por um grupo com 15 pacientes com CMT2(GCMT2) e um grupo controle (GC), com indivíduos saudáveis pareados por idades e gêneros com o grupo CMT2. Os indivíduos com CMT foram classificados pela escala neuropática de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (Charcot-Marie-Totth Neuropathy Score - CMTNS) que avalia o grau de severidade da doença. A força muscular foi avaliada através de um dinamômetro manual. O equilíbrio foi mensurado através do baropodômetro footwork e da escala de equilíbrio de Berg. A avaliação funcional foi mensurada pelo teste Timed Up Go (TUG). Resultados: Na revisão sistemática foram selecionados 18 artigos. Os tipos de estudo que prevaleceram foram sobre avaliação do equilibrio e funcionalidade, tratamento de reabilitação e evolução natural da doença de CMT. A maioria dos estudos encontrou que a fraqueza muscular e alterações da sensibilidade estavam relacionadas à perda de equilíbrio e menor desempenho das atividades funcionais. No segundo artigo, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o GCMT2 e GC para força muscular de todos os músculos avaliados (dorsiflexores: p= < 0.0001, flexores plantares: p= < 0.0001, inversores: p= < 0.0001, eversores: p= 0.0016), para os parâmetros VCoPAP e DCopAP da estabilometria para olhos abertos e fechados respectivamente (p= 0,0123; p= 0,0183, p= 0,0132, p=0,0129), para a escala de equilíbrio de Berg (p=0,0066) e para o teste TUG ( p = 0.0003). As correlações mais evidentes foram entre todas as variáveis analisadas e o CMTNS. Além disso, indivíduos com CMT2 apresentam perda de equilíbrio no sentido ântero-posterior e com o aumento da severidade da doença esses indivíduos necessitam mais da visão para manutenção do equilíbrio. Conclusão: A maioria dos estudos da revisão sistemática que avaliaram equilibrio e/ou funcionalidade também incluiram em suas avaliações a mensuração da força muscular e sensibilidade. Além disso, os estudos mostraram que a fraqueza muscular distal, especialmente de dorsiflexores e flexores plantares, está associada à perda de equilíbrio em atividades dinâmicas e a posição estática, respectivamente. As avaliações clínicas, realizadas no grupo CMT2 e grupo controle, revelaram que pacientes com Charcot-Marie-Tooth têm menor equilíbrio e prejuízo das atividades funcionais quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the hereditary peripheral neuropath more prevalent all over the world and it is characterized for motor and sensitive alterations predominantly in toes segments of the inferior members. Having slow and gradual evolution, nutrition alterations and motor limitations frequent. Feet are especially attacked and alterations of the march and the balance influence significantly the quality of life of such patients. The objective of this work was to carry through feet evaluation as well as patients with the CMT disease type 2 life quality evaluation. Methods: Twenty participants diagnosed with CMT2 and fourteen normal subjects were assessed for foot posture, mobility and functional impairment, health-related quality of life (SF-36) and feet pressure distribution. Static feet postures were measured using the rearpost foot and mid-lateral foot displacement and contact area. In dynamic analysis, foot pressure parameters (mean pressure, peak pressure, integral pressure-time) and contact duration was measured using the footwork system and the foot was divided into rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot regions for analysis. Results: Differences between CMT2 and controls in the SF-36 were statistically significant for all dimensions except general health and mental health. There was a decrease in the mobility and function ankle comparing CMT2 and control group. Baropodometry data demonstrated that the midfoot region was the one that presented more relevant data, since all variable presented significant difference. Conclusions: There is a clear need to recognize the impact of such progressive foot deformity and the change in gait characteristics with respect to the changing foot pressures. In particular, protection of the lateral midfoot may be an important strategy in the management of patients with CMT, especially as the condition progresses. / Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) é a neuropata periférica hereditária mais prevalente em todo o mundo e se caracteriza por alterações sensitivas e motoras predominantemente em segmentos distais dos membros inferiores. Tendo evolução lenta e gradual, as limitações motoras são freqüentes. Os pés são especialmente acometidos e alterações da marcha e do equilíbrio influenciam significativamente a qualidade de vida destes pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar avaliação do pé assim como da qualidade de vida de pacientes com a doença de CMT tipo 2. Métodos: Vinte participantes com diagnóstico de CMT2 e 14 indivíduos normais foram avaliados em relação a postura dos pés, mobilidade e incapacidade funcional do tornozelo, qualidade de vida (SF-36) e distribuição da pressão plantar. Na postura estática dos pés foram mensurados o deslocamento antero-posterior, latero-lateral e superfície de contato. Na análise dinâmica, os parâmetros de pressão do pé (pressão média, pressão máxima, integral pressão-tempo) e duração de contato foram mensurados utilizando o sistema Footwork e o pé foi dividido em regiões: retropé, mediopé e antepé para análise. Resultados: Diferenças entre os grupos CMT2 e o controle no SF-36 foram estatisticamente significativas para todas as dimensões, exceto Saúde Geral e Saúde Mental. Houve uma diminuição na mobilidade e função tornozelo comparando grupo CMT2 e controle. Na baropodometria os dados demonstraram que a região do médio-pé foi o que apresentou os dados mais relevantes, uma vez que todas as variáveis apresentaram diferença significativa. Conclusões: Há uma necessidade clara para reconhecer o impacto da deformidade do pé, tais progressiva a mudança nas características da marcha com respeito às pressões do pé. Em particular, a proteção do mediopé lateral pode ser uma importante estratégia na avaliação de pacientes com CMT, especialmente com a progressão da doença.

A doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) é a neuropatia periférica hereditária mais prevalente em todo mundo e caracteriza-sepela fraqueza muscular, atrofia e hipoestesia distal dos membros podendo estar associada à hipotonia, diminuição dos reflexos profundos e, nas formais mais graves e tardias, alterações respiratórias. Objetivos: avaliar as possíveis alterações respiratórias em indivíduos de uma família multigeracional do interior do estado de Sergipe com a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth tipo 2.Método: foram realizadas a espirometria, amanovacuometria e o questionário de avaliação de dispneia (MRC). Além disso, foi avaliada a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos da pesquisa utilizando o questionário Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Foram incluídos na pesquisa 20 indivíduos no grupo controle (GC) e 18 no grupo com a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth tipo 2 (GCMT2).Resultados: em relação à idade não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Através da espirometria verificou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos nos quesitos VEF1, CVF e FEF25%-75% tanto no momento pré como no momento pós-broncodilatador. Na avaliação da força muscular a medida de pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx) demonstrou estar precocemente reduzida em indivíduos com doença de CMT.A presença de sinais piramidais não influenciou no padrão respiratório embora o tamanho da amostra possa ter influenciado os resultados.A qualidade de vida não demonstrou ter influência naqueles indivíduos com pior desempenho na avaliação das pressões respiratórias.Conclusão: A espirometria e a manovacuometria, por não serem invasivas e serem de fácil execução, deverm ser indicadas em pacientes com doença de CMT que apresentam pontuação elevada no CMTNS.

Introdução: Polineuropatias são doenças do sistema nervoso periférico com etiologias variadas. Dentre elas são freqüentes as inflamatórias e as hereditárias, com prevalência de 0,67-7,7/100000 e 7,9-82,3/100000 para polineuropatia inflamatória desmielinizante crônica (PIDC) e Doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), respectivamente. Existem poucas evidências de sobreposição entre estas duas doenças e também algumas dificuldades diagnósticas em situações específicas. Objetivos: Estudar a freqüência de mutações (duplicações e deleções) do gene PMP22 em uma coorte de pacientes inicialmente diagnosticados como PIDC ou suspeitos de apresentarem as duas condições, os sinais e sintomas sugestivos da sobreposição e os fatores implicados em erro de classificação da neuropatia. Métodos: 111 pacientes com diagnóstico de PIDC foram estudados. DNA foi isolado a partir de leucócitos de sangue periférico segundo protocolo padrão. Duplicações e deleções do gene PMP22 foram avaliadas através de marcadores polimórficos do DNA localizados dentro do cromossomo 17p11.2-12, o qual contém o gene PMP22. Achados clínicos e laboratoriais também foram estudados e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Dentre os 111 pacientes estudados, mutações no PMP22 foram encontradas em 10 (9%), sendo duplicações em 9 pacientes e deleção em 1 paciente. Concomitância entre PIDC e CMT foi verificada em 4 pacientes (3,6%), todos com duplicação do PMP22. Os outros 6 pacientes foram diagnosticados como CMT puro (5) ou Neuropatia Hereditária Susceptível à Compressão (1), visto que não apresentaram melhora com o uso de tratamento imunomodulador e/ou imunossupressor (5 casos) ou foi estabelecido diagnóstico alternativo associado (1). Os outros 101 pacientes não tiveram duplicação nem deleção deste gene e, portanto, tinham PIDC apenas. Idade média dos pacientes com PIDC/CMT foi de 23,8±18,0 anos e 43,6±19,3 anos para pacientes sem mutações (p=0,04). Houve diferença estatísticamente significativa na resposta ao tratamento entre os grupos PIDC/CMT X CMT (p=0,008) e PIDC X CMT (p=0,00). Ausência de história familiar e presença de doenças e hábitos ligados ao desenvolvimento de neuropatias periféricas, como diabetes mellitus e ingesta de bebidas alcoólicas, por exemplo, bem como achados atípicos na eletroneuromiografia e na biópsia de nervo podem ter contribuído para a confusão diagnóstica nos casos de CMT puro. Conclusões: Alguns pacientes podem desenvolver PIDC em associação com CMT e se beneficiam do tratamento. A neuropatia hereditária poderia predispor à neuropatia inflamatória, uma vez que estes pacientes tendem a apresentar essa condição em idades mais precoces. Cautela deve ser dispensada àqueles pacientes com suspeita diagnóstica de PIDC que não têm os achados clássicos ou não melhoram com o tratamento, uma vez que podem apresentar outras etiologias para a neuropatia, dentre elas uma neuropatia hereditária, como a CMT. / Introduction: Polyneuropathies are peripheral nervous system disorders with a wide range of etiologies. Among them, inflammatory and hereditary are frequent with prevalence of 0.67-7.7/100000 and 7.9-82.3/100000, for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), respectively. There are a few evidence of ovelapping between these two conditions and also some diagnostic difficulties in specific situations. Objectives: To study the frequency of mutations in PMP22 gene (duplications and delections) among a cohort of patients initially diagnosed as CIDP or suspected to have both conditions, the signs and symptoms related to this ovelapping and factors implicated in misdiagnose. Methods: 111 patients with an initially CIDP suspected diagnosis were studied. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes following a standard salting-out protocol. Duplications and delections in the PMP22 gene were analysed by polymorphic DNA markers located within the chromosome 17p11.2-12, wich contains the PMP22 gene. Clinical and laboratory findings were also studied and compared within groups. Results: Among 111 patients studied, 10 (9%) were found to harbor mutations in PMP22 gene, specifically duplications in nine and delection in one. We therefore diagnosed CIDP plus CMT in four patients (3.6%), all of them with a duplicated PMP22 gene. The other six patients were diagnosed as pure CMT (5) or Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsy (1), as they did not improved with the use of immunomodulatory and/or immunosupressive treatment (five cases) or were found to have alternative associated diagnosis (one patient). The other 101 patients did not show duplication nor delection in this gene, so they had CIDP. Mean age of patients with CIDP/CMT were 23.8±18.0 years and 43.6±19.3 years for patients without mutations (p=0.04). There were statistically significant difference in treatmet response between groups CIDP/CMT X CMT (p=0.008) and CIDP X CMT (p=0.00). The lack of family history and presence of other diseases and habits linked to the development of peripheral neuropathies, as diabetes mellitus and alcohol intake, for instance, as well as atypical findings in electrodiagnostic studies and nerve biopsy may have contributed to misdiagnose in the pure CMT cases. Conclusions: Some patients may develop CIDP in association with CMT and have benefit from treatment. The hereditary neuropathy may predispose to the inflammatory neuropathy as these patients tend to show this condition at younger ages. Caution should be dispensed to those patients with a suspected diagnose of CIDP who do not have the classical disease findings or do not improve with treatment, as they can have alternative etiologies for the neuropathy, among them a hereditary neuropathy as CMT disease.

L’existence de douleurs neuropathiques et/ou de perte de la sensibilité douloureuse sont souvent le reflet d’une neuropathie sensitive affectant plus particulièrement les fibres nerveuses sensitives amyélinique Aδ et C, dites neuropathie des petites fibres (NPF). Ces fibres innervent, notamment, le derme et l’épiderme de la peau. Elles communiquent la sensibilité thermique et algique au système nerveux central et contribuent à l’homéostasie cutanée, entre autres, par la libération de neuropeptides en périphérie. De nombreuses pathologies sont associées à une altération de ces petites fibres dans la peau. Deux pathologies impliquant une NPF ont été étudiées au cours de ce travail : les escarres et la maladie de Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A. Un travail expérimental a été réalisé chez la souris pour répondre à la question suivante ; est-ce qu’une seule atteinte des fibres nociceptives, responsables de la perte de sensibilité peut entraîner un déséquilibre de l’homéostasie cutanée, responsable de l’apparition des escarres ? La mise en place d’un modèle de neuropathie sensitive fonctionnelle réversible a permis de mettre en en évidence l’implication des neuropeptides, substance P (SP) et « calcitonin gene-related peptide » (CGRP), libérés par les fibres nerveuses cutanées, dans la formation d’ulcères de pression. Un traitement préventif à la rhEPO (Recombinant Human Erythropoietin) dans ce modèle associant une neuropathie et des plaies de pression, protège la peau contre une pression ischémiante induisant une escarre par son effet neuroprotecteur sur les petites fibres cutanées. L’association CMT1A et NPF a été étudiée à partir de biopsies cutanées humaines. La quantification des fibres intraépidermiques révèle que 48% des patients CMT1A sont atteints d’une NPF. L’analyse des biopsies cutanées révèle également une altération du nombre et de la morphologie de cellules de Langerhans dans la maladie de CMT1A. L'ensemble de ces résultats confirme l'intérêt de l'étude des petites fibres dans des pathologies variées et confirme le potentiel thérapeutique neuroprotecteur de l'EPO / The neuropathic pain and/or hypoalgesia often reflect a sensory neuropathy that affects particularly sensory, Aδ (thinly myelinated) and C (unmyelinated) nerve fibers. This kind of neuropathy is named "small fiber neuropathy" (SFN). These small fibers innervate the dermis and epidermis. C and Aδ free nerve endings respond to a variable range of stimuli including mechanical, thermal and pain stimuli. They conduct nociceptive signals to central nervous system and contribute to skin homeostasis, among others, by the release of neuropeptides in the periphery. Many diseases are associated with an alteration of these cutaneous small fibers. Two pathologies involving SFN were studied in this work: pressure ulcers and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 1A (CMT1A). Experimental studies on mice were performed to determine if impairment of nociceptive fibers could lead to an imbalance of skin homeostasis and could be involved in development of pressure ulcers, apart from its role in pain signal transduction. A functional reversible sensory neuropathy mouse model was set up and helped to demonstrate the involvement of the neuropeptides, substance P (SP) and "calcitonin gene-related peptide" (CGRP), released by cutaneous nerve fibers in the formation of pressure ulcers. By its neuroprotective effect on small nerve fibers, a preventive rhEPO (Recombinant Human Erythropoietin) treatment in this model protects the skin against an ischemic pressure-induced Stage 2 ulcer. The CMT1A and SFN association has been studied from human skin biopsies. Quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibers reveals that 48% of CMT1A patients have a SFN. The analysis of skin biopsies also revealed an alteration in the number and morphology of Langerhans cells in CMT1A disease. All these results confirm the interest of the study of small fibers in various pathologies and confirm the neuroprotective therapeutic potential of EPO.