Electronic Journal of Biology

Table 1. Symptoms in patients.

Currently, the final diagnosis is set after a genetic examination (DNA diagnostics). Analysis of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose absorption in erythrocytes (35%-74% of the standard) is currently considered as the diagnostic gold standard for this disease [4].

SLC2A1 is the only gene where mutations are associated with the development of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome. SLC2A1 gene encoding GLUT1 protein consists of 10 exons and 9 introns, is localized on the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p34.2) [5]. More than 150 mutations in SLC2A1 gene, which are the cause of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, are described [6]. Pathogenic variants are represented by missense, nonsense mutations, which may include small intragenic deletions/insertions, as well as variants of splicing sites.

Proteins are carriers of glucose from GLUT protein group. These transport proteins facilitate passive diffusion of glucose through tissue seals by means of energy-independent mechanisms. The group includes 12 GLUT proteins. GLUT1 is expressed in endothelial cells of blood vessels that form part of the blood-brain barrier and is responsible for the penetration of glucose into the brain. GLUT2 is associated with the Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, GLUT3 is responsible for the penetration of glucose through the neuronal plasma membrane, GLUT4 is an insulin-regulating glucose transporter of adipose tissue, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscles, and is responsible for insulin-mediated glucose transport, GLUT5 is expressed in the intestines, testicles and kidneys. The function of GLUT7 is currently unknown [7-9].

Currently the only effective approach to the treatment of GLUT1 consists of a Ketogenic Diet (KD). Consumption of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet is accompanied by the formation of ketone bodies, which are able to cross the bloodbrain barrier using the MCT-1 transporter, supporting alternative energy metabolism in the CNS [10-14].

The KD method was developed earlier for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. In the Russian Federation, the only center that applies KD for the treatment of non-curable epilepsy is the State Budgetary Health Care Institution Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children n.a. V.F. Voyno-Yasenets Health Care Department of Moscow." In 2010, we have received a patent for invention No. 2404777 "A method for treating pharmaco-resistant epilepsy".

Published data and our own results show that the use of a KD in epilepsy leads to improvements, with decreases in the frequency of seizures by 50-75% in more than half the patients and complete termination of seizures in 18% [8-17]. In practice, various modifications of the KD are used depending on the child’s age and individual characteristics.

The KD is characterized by a high content of fat, which leads to metabolic acidosis, which can elicit side effects such as dyslipidemia, osteopenia, biliary dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, diarrhea, hyperuraturia, cardiopathy, etc. [10,11,13,17]. The phenomenon of aggravation of seizures has been described, along with changes in the emotional background (disinhibition, irritability) [12].

Patients on a KD therefore require careful observation for maintenance of the therapeutic level of ketosis and appropriate prophylaxis and correction of possible complications. [15-18]. A KD was first used in GLUT1 in 1991. As evidenced by published data, use of a KD in GLUT1 allows convulsive states to be eliminated and provides improvements in motor and cognitive functions and metabolic parameters, and, if prescribed early, improvements in the long-term neurological outcome [2,3,19].

According to the published data, 95% of children with seizures with GLUT1 with KD showed a reduction in seizures by more than 50% and 80% - a reduction in seizures by more than 90% [20].

Many centers that treat GLUT1 give recommendations on the use of classical KD with a high ketogenic ratio of 4:1 and control the increase in ketones in blood serum or in urine, which is confirmed by our clinical data [20]; but there are other data showing that there is no differences between patients using KD with a ratio of 4:1 (more strict) and lower ratios. 5 of 16 (31%) patients adhering to a ketogenic ratio of 4:1 using KD were free of seizures compared with 21 of 38 (55%) for lower ketogenic ratios [20].

Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) are generally ineffective in GLUT1 or have only limited application, and some are contraindicated. This relates to barbiturates, which are often used in children in the first year of life, as well as valproates, acetazolamide, topiramate and zonisamide [21]. Treatment with methyl xanthines should be avoided.

Alternative therapies are being developed recognizing that side effects occur in children with GLUT1 with prolonged use of KD. They include a modified Atkins diet (MDA) [22-25]; ketoesters [26]; triheptanone [27]; alpha-lipoic acid [28]; and acetazolamide [29].

In the southeast medical center of the University of Texas in Dallas, Juan et al. [35] conducts a number of new studies using triheptanon-C7 edible oil in respect of GLUT1. The ultimate goal of the study using the proposed C7 diet is to answer the question of whether C7 influences the effectiveness of neuropsychological activity (cognitive abilities) in patients with GLUT1 who observe and do not observe KD. There is a concern that C7 may have a negative effect on KD and as a result, researchers intend to thoroughly study the potential compatibility/ incompatibility.

Triheptanon (C7) is a food product considered as a possible therapeutic food. Perhaps, C7 will soon appear in the market as a therapeutic food along with other widely available food additives, such as vitamins (NANO VM) or MCT oil [30].

2. Research Objective

To increase the level of diagnostics of patients with glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1) and to give recommendations on their treatment using KD.

3. Subject of Research

In the neuropsychiatric department of the State Budgetary Health Care Institution Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children n.a. V.F. Voyno-Yasenets Health Care Department of Moscow, patients with confirmed glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (De Vivo disease) associated with mutations in SLC2A1 gene have been observed for 6 years.

The permission of the Ethical Committee of the Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children was obtained after the parents signed voluntary informed consent.

4. Methods of Research

Molecular-genetic research was conducted using modern diagnostic methods. The diagnosis of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome in the first examined patient was confirmed by method of targeted exome sequencing of the panel of 34 genes associated with early forms of epileptic encephalopathy, first developed in the genetic laboratory of the SPC of [32]. The isolated genomic DNA was used to prepare genomic libraries for massively parallel sequencing. Nucleotide sequence was determined on 454 Sequencing GS Junior sequencer (Roche) using NimbleGen oligonucleotide probes and IlluminaNextSeq500 platform using targeted DNA technique TruSightOne V1.1. The received reads were mapped to the coding regions of the human genome.

Sequencing data was processed using an automated algorithm that included alignment of reads to reference sequence of the human genome (hg19), postprocessing of the alignment, identification of variants and filtering of variants in according with quality and annotation of the identified variants for all known transcripts of each gene from RefSeq database using methods pathogenicity predictions (SIFT, PolyPhen2- HDIV, PolyPhen2-HVAR, MutationTaster), as well as methods for calculating evolutionary conservatism of positions (PhyloP, PhastCons).

The databases «1000 genomes», ESP6500, Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database were used to estimate population frequencies of the identified variants. To assess the clinical relevance of the identified variants, OMIM database, Orphanet database, specialized databases for selected diseases (if available) and literature data were used.

The detected mutation in SLC2A1 gene is represented by insertion of additional 6 nucleotides into the sequence – c.1305-1306insTGAAGA (p.V435VFI). The mutation is not registered in the control samples of "1000 genomes", ESP6500 and ExAC. Algorithms for predicting pathogenicity regard this substitution as pathogenic [31].

In 2 patients, mutations in SLC2A1 gene were determined by direct Sanger sequencing: с.115- 2A>G (IV S2-2A-G) and с.101A>G (p.Asn34Ser).

When performing the exome sequencing, mutation c.400G>A (p.Gly134Ser) was detected in 1 patient, which was not registered in the control samples of "1000 genomes", ESP6500 and ExAC. Algorithms for predicting pathogenicity regard this substitution as likely pathogenic.

The diagnosis of GLUT 1 deficiency syndrome in two patients was based on the clinical picture, data of biochemical analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (a decrease in the level of glucose in CSF below the threshold level of 2.2-3.3 mmol/l) and detection of pathogenic mutations in SLC2A1 gene. Two patients were diagnosed according to the clinical picture and biochemical analysis of CSF, since no informed consent was given to genetic testing.

Patients observed by us showed different types of mutations in SLC2A1 gene. Due to the small number of observations, it is not possible to carry out genotype-phenotypic correlations. All children were admitted with a diagnosis of cryptogenic epilepsy, a delay in psychomotor and speech development.

It is known from the anamnesis that all 6 patients from full-term normal pregnancies, independent births on time, had a good birth weight and a high APGAR scale score. The period of newborn childhood was uneventful. However, in the future, psycho-speech development slowed, ataxia and epileptic seizures appeared.

Part of the patients showed an increase in the frequency of seizures during "hunger", as well as lethargy and drowsiness. After eating, the children's condition improved, epileptic seizures disappeared. Further, all 6 children reported complaints of weakness in the legs that increased after physical exertion.

EEG revealed epileptiform multiregional activity, periodically with secondary generalization. The effect of taking anticonvulsants was ambiguous.

Clinico-laboratory and instrumental studies showed a decrease in the concentration of glucose in CSF to 1.3-2.0 mmol/l (2.2-3.3 mmol/l); the level of glycemia in blood was 4-5 mmol/l (standard 3.9-6 mmol/l); the ratio of glucose in CSF to blood glucose was 0.3-0.45 mmol/l (standard 0.54-0.56 mmol/l). The level of lactate in blood was increased (standard 0.5-2.2 mmol/l).

EEG of some children before eating showed an irregular α-rhythm, generalized discharges of epileptiform activity; after eating-a regular α-rhythm, regress of epileptiform activity.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed no pathology in all patients.

Based on the results of the studies, the following disease was diagnosed:

• Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1)

• Epilepsy

A molecular genetic examination confirmed GLUT1 in 4 patients. These children were immediately taken to pass the KD course.

The preliminary examination revealed no contraindications on the part of the somatic and neurological statuses for using this method of therapy. With the introduction of KD all children took AEDs in connection with epileptic attacks: myoclonic, myoclonicatonic, complex absences and tonic-clonic. Often, myoclonias had a cascading behavior, intensified and becoming more frequent in a state of hunger. The neurological status showed motor disinhibition, expressive speech in the form of single words, poor vocabulary, dysarthria, diffuse muscle hypotension, motoric awkwardness, ataxia.

A complex comparative assessment of the dynamics of mental and motor functions of patients on a ketogenic diet with GLUT1 was carried out using scales used in international practice: the scales of "psychomotor development according to Griffits 2 and 3", and an objective assessment of the evolution of seizures with help of the "Hague scale".

Differential diagnostics of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome was performed with other pathological conditions causing neuroglycopenia (chronic or transient hypoglycemia in familial hyperinsulinism), convulsions in newborns and microcephaly, in particular, early manifestations of Rett syndrome, Angelmann syndrome, infantile forms of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis; opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome; cryptogenic epileptic encephalopathy with a delay in development; familial epilepsy with autosomal dominant type of inheritance; episodes of paroxysmal neurological dysfunction in response to carbohydrate intake, especially when combined with alternating hemiparesis, ataxia, cognitive impairment, or convulsions; motoric disorders, including dystonia [31].

4. Results

A positive effect was observed after KD in the form of complete relief of epileptic seizures in all patients, absence of epileptiform activity according to video EEG monitoring data, improvement of EEG frequency characteristics, complete abolition of perinatal encephalopathy, however, the psychoneurological deficiency in the form of hypotension, discoordination and dysarthria retained, but with expressed improvement.

Patients are being continuously monitored at home with regular monitoring of the children's condition, as provided for in the protocol. Symptomatic therapy was recommended to prevent and correct side effects: preparations of pancreatic enzymes, cholagogues, prokinetics and probiotics, as well as constant intake of multivitamin-mineral complexes.

Positive changes in cognitive and speech development have been achieved even after 3 months from the beginning of diet therapy: socialization of children has improved, interest in viewing television programs, surrounding subjects has increased and phrase speech has appeared (separate phrases and sentences). At the same time, motoric disinhibition, restlessness and periodical aggressiveness and irritancy retain in some children.

In our center, we use a metabolic drug-carnitine to improve metabolic processes, reduce manifestations of asthenic syndrome, MCT or coconut oil to increase the level of ketosis, gamma-aminobutyric acid and choline alphoscerate-to improve neurocognitive functions.

Later, in all patients on the background of KD administration and concomitant therapy, progress in cognitive and speech development grew, as well as interest in games, learning, expressive speech improved – simple sentences appeared, children started attending kindergartens and auxiliary schools. Quality of life of families and patients significantly improved.

In our research, we carried out a comprehensive, not only qualitative, but also quantitative assessment of the evolution of the psychomotor functions of patients with GLUT1 on the background of CD treatment using known international and domestic scales. An analysis of the efficacy of CD in relation to various types of epileptic seizures and electroencephalographic disorders was also performed.

An objective evaluation of the evolution of the severity of seizures was carried out using the "Hague scale", which includes 13 questions reflecting a violation of consciousness during an attack, the severity of seizures, involuntary urination during an attack, trauma, biting of the tongue, headache and muscle pain. All patients (100%) had complete relief of seizures.

Neuropsychological study in dynamics using the "Scale of psychomotor development according to Griffits 2 and 3", allows to determine the level of development of the child in such parameters as motor skills, social adaptation, hearing and speech, visual function and hand actions, ability to play.

There was a positive dynamics in psychomotor development in 100% of children.

5. Discussion

According to Columbia University (results obtained from many patients around the world and are similar to university results), patients with GLUT1 receiving KD can achieve a seizure reduction of more than 90% without using AEDs [20]. In our clinic, we managed to achieve 100% control of seizures, apparently due to a small number of patients.

According to global and our own published data, the overall results are better among those who started diet therapy at an earlier age. Patients diagnosed with GLUT1 in the earlier age were also prone to achieve better results than older patients.

Screening of SLC2A1 gene will help speed up early diagnostics of GLUT1 and may lead to a faster KD appointment [20].

Alternative GLUT1treatments, such as the use of triheptanon, are the subject of clinical research; our foreign colleagues and we are convinced that the introduction of KD cannot be delayed..

The results of foreign and our studies contribute to approval of dietary therapy as the "gold standard" for GLUT1 treatment; it remains unclear what specific diet should be used. According to our colleagues, among children without seizures, the percentage of those observing KD and MCT (including triglycerides with an average chain length) diet was approximately equal to the percentage of those observing MDA and hypoglycemic diet, 74% and 63%, respectively [20].

Among the patients using classical KD, the ketogenic ratios vary considerably from 4:1 to 2:1 and also include the MCT diet. The results are almost identical among all diets and ratios [20]. We noticed a certain trend towards better signs of absence of seizures and improvement of cognitive functions among those with a 4:1 ratio, but nevertheless, this can not reflect the modest size of our sampling.

There is a dependence of control over seizures on the level of ketones in the serum (the higher the level). Monitoring of the comparison of ketone levels in blood and urine can be important, especially given that daily use of scarifiers in a sick child can be cumbersome and costly for the family in financial terms [20]. In our center, we determine the level of ketone bodies in both serum and urine. Two children (33%) had a clear dependence of the absence of seizures on the level of ketone bodies.

And finally, according to our data and the data of foreign authors, all patients with GLUT1 on the background of diet therapy should receive symptomatic therapy to improve tolerability of KD and reduce side effects from its application, as well as nutritional supplements and nootropic drugs to improve cognitive functions.

6. Conclusion

GLUT1 deficiency syndrome associated with impaired glucose transport to the brain, as a result of mutations in SLC2A1 gene, leads to neurological disorders with large phenotypic variety. Spinal puncture should be performed in each patient with suspected GLUT1 deficiency syndrome with glucose level measurement. Reduction in the glucose concentration in CSF of less than 2.2 mmol/l is an indication for the molecular genetic study of SLC2A1 gene and early KD administration.

Satisfactory tolerability of KD at high efficiency (almost 100%) in respect of epileptic seizures and significant improvement in motoric and cognitive functions is the grounds for its continued use in these patients, especially given the fact that diet therapy is currently the only effective GLUT1 treatment.

Medico-genetic counseling of families where the child has a confirmed GLUT1 syndrome is important in planning the next pregnancy. The type of inheritance is autosomal-dominant, the risk of transmitting a pathogenic mutation from parents to the child is 50%. When a mutation in SLC2A1 gene is detected in a proband, it is recommended to subject the parents to molecular-genetic testing, as parents may have a subclinical form of the disease [31].

The above medical cases show availability of KD in treatment of patients with such a rare and severe hereditary disease as glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1).

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