Tocotrienols reverse IKAP and monoamine oxidase deficiencies in familial dysautonomia.

Abstract

Familial dysautonomia (FD), a recessive neurodegenerative disease, is caused by mutations in the IKBKAP gene that result in the production of nonfunctional IKAP protein. Manifestations of FD include autonomic crises characterized by hypertension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and vomiting. Elevated plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine observed during autonomic crises and an exaggerated hypertensive response to low doses of NE prompted an examination of monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels, key isoenzymes responsible for degrading biogenic and dietary monoamines, in individuals with FD. Fetal tissue homozygous for the common FD-causing mutation and peripheral blood cells of individuals with FD have reduced MAO A mRNA levels. FD-derived cells, stimulated with tocotrienols or EGCG to produce increased levels of functional IKAP, express increased amounts of MAO A mRNA transcript and protein. Administration of tocotrienol to individuals with FD results in increased expression of both functional IKAP and MAO A transcripts in their peripheral blood cells. These findings provide new insight into the pathophysiology of FD and demonstrate the value of therapeutic approaches designed to elevate cellular levels of functional IKAP and MAO A.

• Authors: Sylvia L Anderson, Berish Y Rubin
• Journal: Biochemical and biophysical research communications (Biochem Biophys Res Commun) Vol. 336 Issue 1 Pg. 150-6 (Oct 14 2005) ISSN: 0006-291X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16125677 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carrier Proteins
• DNA Primers
• Elp1 protein, human
• RNA, Messenger
• Tocotrienols
• Transcriptional Elongation Factors
• Monoamine Oxidase

Topics

• Base Sequence
• Carrier Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• DNA Primers
• Dysautonomia, Familial (drug therapy, enzymology)
• Humans
• Monoamine Oxidase (genetics, metabolism)
• RNA, Messenger (genetics)
• Tocotrienols (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Transcriptional Elongation Factors