| Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation | |
|---|---|
| Other names | NBIA |
| Specialty | Neurology  |
Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation is a heterogenous group of inheritedneurodegenerative diseases, still under research, in which iron accumulates in thebasal ganglia, either resulting in progressivedystonia,parkinsonism,spasticity,optic atrophy,retinal degeneration,neuropsychiatric, or diverse neurologic abnormalities.[1]Some of the NBIA disorders have also been associated with several genes in synapse and lipid metabolism related pathways.[2] NBIA is not one disease but an entire group of disorders, characterized by an accumulation of brain iron, sometimes in the presence ofaxonal spheroids in thecentral nervous system.[3]
Iron accumulation can occur anywhere in the brain, with accumulation typically occurring inglobus pallidus,substantia nigra, pars reticula,striatum and cerebellardentate nuclei.[4] Symptoms can include various movement disorders, neuropsychiatric issues, seizures, visual disturbances, and cognitive decline, usually in different combinations.[4] Ten to fifteen genetic NBIA disorders involving various cell processes have been identified: iron metabolism,coenzyme A biosynthesis,phospholipid metabolism,ceramide metabolism, lysosomal disorders, as well as mutations in genes with unknown functions.[5][4] Onset can occur at different ages, from early childhood to late adulthood.[4]
As of 2021[update] there were no curative treatments for any of the NBIA disorders, though several medications have been subject to clinical trial including the ironchelatordeferiprone.[5]
| NBIA variant | Gene | Inheritance |
|---|---|---|
| Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN)[8] | PANK2 | autosomalrecessive |
| PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN)[9] | PLA2G6 | autosomal recessive |
| Mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN)[10] | C19orf12 | autosomalrecessive or dominant |
| Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN)[11] | WDR45 | X-linked dominant (mostlyde novo mutations) |
| Fatty acid hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN)[12] | FA2H | autosomal recessive |
| Kufor–Rakeb syndrome | ATP13A2 | autosomal recessive |
| Neuroferritinopathy | FTL,FTH1 | autosomaldominant |
| Aceruloplasminemia | CP | autosomal recessive |
| Woodhouse–Sakati syndrome | DCAF17 | autosomal recessive |
| COASY protein-associated neurodegeneration (CoPAN) | COASY | autosomal recessive |
| NBIA7[13] | REPS1 | autosomal recessive |
| NBIA8[13] | CRAT | autosomal recessive |
DaT scans,transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD),PET scans, and, in some cases,magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (type of scans depending on the symptoms)[14] are used to distinguish between the different forms of NBIA due to the accumulation of iron in different areas of the brain.[15] Patients typically fall into two different categories: (1) early onset, rapid progression or (2) late onset, slow progression.[15] The first type is considered to be the classic presentation, while the second type is thought to be a more atypical presentation. Phenotypes of the different disorders appear to be dependent on age, i.e. amount of iron accumulation and cognitive abilities.[16]
Effective disease-modifying treatments have not yet been found for any of the NBIA disorders.[5] Treatment is supportive and focused on improving symptoms:Dystonia is a common debilitating symptom and can be managed with oral medications, and sometimes withdeep-brain electrical stimulation, therapy support for walking, eating, and manual tasks is essential. Later, in many of the diseases, slowing and stopping of movement (known as parkinsonism) can become common. Removal of iron, using medications known as ironchelators, has been tested in clinical trial but was not definitively shown to be effective.[17]
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