Clinical features of MELAS and its relation with A3243G gene point mutation

Mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) mostly occur in children. The point mutation A3243G of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) may work as a specific bio-marker for mitochondrial disorders. The related clinical features, however, may vary among individuals. This study therefore investigated the relation between MELAS clinical features and point mutation A3243G of mtDNA, in an attempt to provide further evidences for genetic diagnosis of MELAS. Children with MELAS-like syndromes were tested for both blood lactate level and point mutation A3243G of mtDNA. Further family study was performed by mtDNA mutation screening at the same loci for those who had positive gene mutation at A3243G loci. Those who were negative for A3243G point mutation were examined by muscle biopsy and genetic screening. Both clinical and genetic features were analyzed. In all 40 cases with positive A3243G mutation, 36 children fitted clinical diagnosis of MELAS. In other 484 cases with negative mutation, only 8 children were clinically diagnosed with MELAS. Blood lactate levels in both groups were all elevated (P>0.05). In a further genetic screening of 28 families, 10 biological mothers and 8 silbings of MELAS children had positive A3243G point mutations but without any clinical symptoms. Certain difference existed in the clinical manifestations between children who were positive and negative for A3243G mutation of mtDNA but without statistical significance. MELAS showed maternal inheritance under most circumstances.     

The mitochondrial 13513G>A mutation is associated with Leigh disease phenotypes independent of complex I deficiency in muscle

The mitochondrial 13513G>A (D393N) mutation in the ND5 subunit of the respiratory chain complex I was initially described in association with MELAS syndrome. Recent observations have linked this mutation to Leigh disease. We screened for the 13513G>A mutation in a cohort of 265 patients with Leigh and Leigh-like disease. The mutation was found in a total of 5 patients. An additional patient who had clinical presentation consistent with a Leigh-like phenotype but with a normal brain MRI was added to the cohort. None of an additional 88 patients meeting MELAS disease criteria, nor 56 patients with respiratory chain deficiency screened for the 13513G>A were found positive for the mutation. The most frequent clinical manifestations in our patients were hypotonia, ocular and cerebellar involvement. Low mutation heteroplasmy in the range of 20–40% was observed in all 6 patients. This observation is consistent with the previously reported low heteroplasmy of this mutation in some patients with the 13513G>A mutation and complex I deficiency. However, normal complex I activity was observed in two patients in our cohort. As most patients with Leigh-like disease and the 13513G>A mutation have been described with complex I deficiency, this report adds to the previously reported subset of patients with normal respiratory complex function. We conclude that in any patient with Leigh or Leigh-like disease, testing for the 13513G>A mutation is clinically relevant and low mutant loads in blood or muscle may be considered pathogenic, in the presence of normal respiratory chain enzyme activities.     

线粒体脑肌病伴乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征的临床特征及遗传学研究

目的探讨线粒体脑肌病伴乳酸血症和卒中样发作（MELAS）综合征临床与分子遗传学特征,寻找MELAS线粒体DNA（mtDNA）A3243G点突变比例与临床特征的关联性。方法对2001年1月至2008年1月在首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院神经内科住院和门诊临床疑似线粒体脑肌病的患儿,行外周血白细胞mtDNA A3243G点突变筛查、血乳酸检测和神经影像学等检查。A3243G点突变阳性病例中选取符合MELAS临床疑似诊断标准的患儿（突变阳性组）,对其家系进行调查,采集家族成员血进行mtDNA A3243G点突变筛查;A3243G点突变阴性病例中选取符合MELAS临床疑似诊断标准的患儿行肌肉病理活检和肌肉A3243G点突变筛查（突变阴性组）。分析比较两组的临床资料及MELAS遗传学特征。结果研究期间共有272例疑似线粒体脑肌病的患儿进行了外周血白细胞A3243G点突变的筛查。A3243G点突变的20例阳性标本中,突变均为异胞质性（heteroplasmy）,18例符合MELAS的临床疑似诊断标准。血细胞中突变型mtDNA的比例为9.0%-50.0%,其中4例同时在肌肉组织检测到相同突变,突变比例为42.4%-64.8%。临床症状以惊厥、乏力、智力进行性倒退、发热、呕吐、视力障碍和失语为主,身材矮小和体毛增多为主要体征,13例合并癫,血乳酸均升高,头颅CT/MRI显示双侧对称性苍白球钙化和脑梗死信号。A3243G点突变筛查阴性标本中有4例临床符合MELAS临床疑似诊断标准,肌肉病理可见破碎红边纤维,肌肉A3243G点突变筛查阴性。14个家庭中的37名家庭成员采集了外周血进行mtDNA A3243G点突变筛查,突变阳性组中患儿母亲5名检测到A3243G点突变,突变比例分别为3.0%,5.0%,11.8%,21.3%和26.9%,同胞兄弟4名检测到A3243G突变,突变比例分别为19.3%、33.3%,37.5%和41.5%,均无临床症状,其他成员未检测到突变。本研究A3243G点突变比例与发病年龄和就诊年龄呈负相关趋势,与病程未?     

Two mtDNA mutations 14487T>C (M63V,ND6) and 12297T>C (tRNA Leu) in a Leigh syndrome family

Mitochondrial cytopathies are characterized by a large variability of clinical phenotypes and severity. The 14487T>C mutation in mtDNA has been recently described to be associated with Leigh syndrome. The 12297T>C mutation has been described in isolated dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Here, we report a family with multiple members who harbor both mutations, with only a few individuals who are affected with Leigh syndrome. Mitochondrial whole genome sequencing analysis in the proband’s muscle specimen detected two nearly homoplasmic mutations: 14487T>C (M63V in ND6) and 12297T>C in the tRNA ^Leu (CUN) gene. These two mutations were also detected in the blood, urine sediments, hair follicles, and buccal swab samples of all matrilineal relatives tested. All individuals tested were nearly homoplasmic for the 12297T>C mutation, but had variable degrees of heteroplasmy for 14487T>C. We also screened for the frequency of these two mutations. Of 268 patients with Leigh or Leigh-like disease, one case was found to harbor the 14487T>C mutation (0.3%), and one had the 12297T>C mutation (0.3%). Neither mutation was detected in the 88 patients meeting MELAS syndrome criteria nor in the 56 patients with respiratory chain complex I or I + III deficiency. In conclusion, the 14487T>C mutation appears as the primary etiology of Leigh syndrome in this family, demonstrating the high level of heteroplasmy needed for a clinically significant phenotype with this mutation. The 12297T>C mutation was not associated with dilated cardiomyopathy for the family members who were clinically evaluated and who were shown by testing to be nearly homoplasmic for that mutation.     

An mtDNA mutation, 14453G-->A, in the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 associated with severe MELAS syndrome.

We report a novel point mutation in the gene for the mitochondrially encoded ND6 subunit of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I of the respiratory chain) in a patient with MELAS syndrome. The mutation causes a change from alanine to valine in the most conserved region of the ND6 subunit. The patient was heteroplasmic for the mutation in both muscle and blood, but the mutation was not detected in the patient's mother. A marked reduction of complex I activity was found in the patient's muscular tissue. This is the first report of a mutation in the ND6 subunit causing MELAS. Our data confirm the genetic heterogeneity in mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes syndrome, and confirms that MELAS can be caused by mutation in polypeptide-coding mtDNA genes.     

EYA1 nonsense mutation in a Japanese branchio-oto-renal syndrome family

Advances in molecular genetics have recently revealed that mutations in the EYA1 gene are responsible for branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome in European and other populations. This is the first report confirming that an EYA1 gene mutation is also disease-causing in an Asian population. We have described one Japanese BOR syndrome family showing a novel mutation in exon 7 of the EYA1 gene. There was extensive variation of clinical phenotypes within this family. When the physician is confronted with a BOR family showing a wide variation in clinical expression, molecular genetic testing helps to achieve accurate diagnosis. Received: February 23, 1999 / Accepted: April 2, 1999     

Challenging colonic polyposis pedigrees: differential diagnosis, surveillance, and management concerns

Hereditary polyposis syndromes show extensive phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity within and among families, a situation that may hinder diagnosis. In these settings, germline mutation testing may be the sine qua non for diagnosis if such a mutation is identified in a patient or family. We provide examples of phenotypically differing polyposis pedigrees depicting various challenges in hereditary polyposis syndrome diagnosis. Our purpose is to augment physician understanding of phenotypic variation and thus help identify high-risk presymptomatic family members who could benefit from highly targeted surveillance and management strategies. We describe nine familial polyposis pedigrees displaying anecdotal clinical problems that can confound the differential diagnosis. Emphasis was given to a multidisciplinary approach focusing on pathological confirmation with respect to number, histology, and location of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract; a detailed family history of cancer at all anatomic sites; noncancer phenotypic features of hereditary polyposis syndromes; and appropriate molecular genetic testing in concert with genetic counseling. Improved physician understanding of the clinical natural history features, genetic transmission patterns, and appropriate gene testing will help in diagnosis and, ultimately, surveillance and management for the various hereditary polyposis syndromes.     

The mitochondrial DNA G13513A MELAS mutation in the NADH dehydrogenase 5 gene is a frequent cause of Leigh-like syndrome with isolated complex I deficiency

Leigh syndrome is a subacute necrotising encephalomyopathy frequently ascribed to mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiency. This condition is genetically heterogeneous, as mutations in both mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear genes have been reported. Here, we report the G13513A transition in the ND5 mtDNA gene in three unrelated children with complex I deficiency and a peculiar MRI aspect distinct from typical Leigh syndrome. Brain MRI consistently showed a specific involvement of the substantia nigra and medulla oblongata sparing the basal ganglia. Variable degrees of heteroplasmy were found in all tissues tested and a high percentage of mutant mtDNA was observed in muscle. The asymptomatic mothers presented low levels of mutant mtDNA in blood leucocytes. This mutation, which affects an evolutionary conserved amino acid (D393N), has been previously reported in adult patients with MELAS or LHON/MELAS syndromes, emphasising the clinical heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Since the G13513A mutation was found in 21% of our patients with Leigh syndrome and complex I deficiency (3/14), it appears that this mutation represents a frequent cause of Leigh-like syndrome, which should be systematically tested for molecular diagnosis in affected children and for genetic counselling in their maternal relatives.     

Noninvasive diagnosis of the 3243A > G mitochondrial DNA mutation using urinary epithelial cells

The 3243A > G mutation is one of the most frequently observed mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and is associated with numerous clinical presentations including mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) and diabetes and deafness. The routine diagnosis of the 3243A > G mutation in blood is difficult as mutation levels are known to decrease in this tissue over time, while in some patients it may be absent. We have directly compared the levels of the 3243A > G mutation in skeletal muscle, blood and urinary epithelial cells in 18 patients and observed a striking correlation between the mutation load in postmitotic muscle and urinary epithelium, a mitotic tissue. These data strongly support the use of urinary epithelial cells as the tissue of choice in the noninvasive diagnosis of the 3243A > G mutation.     

Nonrandom tissue distribution of mutant mtDNA.

Heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects are an important cause of inherited human disease. On a cellular level, the percentage of mutant mtDNA is the principal factor behind the expression of the genetic defect. Marked variation in the level of mutant mtDNA among tissues is thought to be responsible for the diverse clinical phenotypes associated with the same pathogenic mtDNA mutation. This study was designed to determine whether the percentage level of a pathogenic mtDNA molecule is determined by a purely random process. The tissue distribution of the A3243G MELAS point mutation was analyzed in five individuals who were members of a family with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness. The level of mutant mtDNA was measured in four tissues in three individuals and three tissues in two individuals. The highest level of mutant mtDNA occurred in skeletal muscle, followed by hair follicles, and then buccal mucosa, with the lowest levels in blood (leucocyte/platelet fraction). The probability of observing any strict hierarchy in family is 4.82 x 10(-5). These results indicate that the distribution of the A3243G mutation is not solely determined by random processes.     

Mutations in mitochondrially encoded complex I enzyme as the second common cause in a cohort of Chinese patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes

The mutation pattern of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in mainland Chinese patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) has been rarely reported, though previous data suggested that the mutation pattern of MELAS could be different among geographically localized populations. We presented the results of comprehensive mtDNA mutation analysis in 92 unrelated Chinese patients with MELAS (85 with classic MELAS and 7 with MELAS/Leigh syndrome (LS) overlap syndrome). The mtDNA A3243G mutation was the most common causal genotype in this patient group (79/92 and 85.9%). The second common gene mutation was G13513A (7/92 and 7.6%). Additionally, we identified T10191C (p.S45P) in ND3, A11470C (p. K237N) in ND4, T13046C (p.M237T) in ND5 and a large-scale deletion (13025-13033:14417-14425) involving partial ND5 and ND6 subunits of complex I in one patient each. Among them, A11470C, T13046C and the single deletion were novel mutations. In summary, patients with mutations affecting mitochondrially encoded complex I (MTND) reached 12.0% (11/92) in this group. It is noteworthy that all seven patients with MELAS/LS overlap syndrome were associated with MTND mutations. Our data emphasize the important role of MTND mutations in the pathogenicity of MELAS, especially MELAS/LS overlap syndrome.     

Mitochondrial disorders: genetics, counseling, prenatal diagnosis and reproductive options

Most patients with mitochondrial disorders are diagnosed by finding a respiratory chain enzyme defect or a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The provision of accurate genetic counseling and reproductive options to these families is complicated by the unique genetic features of mtDNA that distinguish it from Mendelian genetics. These include maternal inheritance, heteroplasmy, the threshold effect, the mitochondrial bottleneck, tissue variation, and selection. Although we still have much to learn about mtDNA genetics, it is now possible to provide useful guidance to families with an mtDNA mutation or a respiratory chain enzyme defect. We describe a range of current reproductive options that may be considered for prevention of transmission of mtDNA mutations, including the use of donor oocytes, prenatal diagnosis (by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis), and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, plus possible future options such as nuclear transfer and cytoplasmic transfer. For common mtDNA mutations associated with mitochondrial cytopathies (such as NARP, Leigh Disease, MELAS, MERRF, Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, CPEO, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Pearson syndrome), we summarize the available data on recurrence risk and discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of reproductive options.     

Nonrandom tissue distribution of mutant mtDNA

Heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects are an important cause of inherited human disease. On a cellular level, the percentage of mutant mtDNA is the principal factor behind the expression of the genetic defect. Marked variation in the level of mutant mtDNA among tissues is thought to be responsible for the diverse clinical phenotypes associated with the same pathogenic mtDNA mutation. This study was designed to determine whether the percentage level of a pathogenic mtDNA molecule is determined by a purely random process. The tissue distribution of the A3243G MELAS point mutation was analyzed in five individuals who were members of a family with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness. The level of mutant mtDNA was measured in four tissues in three individuals and three tissues in two individuals. The highest level of mutant mtDNA occurred in skeletal muscle, followed by hair follicles, and then buccal mucosa, with the lowest levels in blood (leucocyte/platelet fraction). The probability of observing any strict hierarchy in family is 4.82 × 10⁻⁵. These results indicate that the distribution of the A3243G mutation is not solely determined by random processes. Am. J. Med. Genet. 85:498–501, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

LHON/MELAS overlap syndrome associated with a mitochondrial MTND1 gene mutation

Pathogenic point mutations in the mitochondrial MTND1 gene have previously been described in association with two distinct clinical phenotypes -- Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). Here we report the first heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutation (3376G>A) in the MTND1 gene associated with an overlap syndrome comprising the clinical features of both LHON and MELAS. Muscle histochemistry revealed subtle mitochondrial abnormalities, while biochemical analysis showed an isolated complex I deficiency. Our findings serve to highlight the growing importance of mutations in mitochondrial complex I structural genes in MELAS and its associated overlap syndromes.     

Determination of a positive malignant hyperthermia (MH) disposition without the in vitro contracture test in families carrying the RYR1 Arg614Cys mutation

Molecular genetic methods are used with caution for determining positive malignant hyperthermia (MH) disposition in clinical MH diagnosis because of the genetic variability of this disease. But under defined conditions, genotyping can have an advantage over the standardized in vitro contracture test (IVCT) in respect of invasive approach, specificity, patient compliance, and the work and expense involved in the method. We aim to demonstrate this using 10 families with the Arg614Cys mutation in the ryanodine receptor as an example. Fifty-one index patients who had been classified as MH-susceptible (MHS) in the IVCT (European MH protocol) after a clinical MH incident or suspected MH were screened for the Arg614Cys (C1840-->T) mutation in the RYR1 gene because this mutation is more common in German MH families (9%). The family members of those index patients, in whom a Arg614Cys mutation was detectable, were also screened for the presence of this mutation (n=136), and the results were subjected to a more detailed analysis including existing IVCT findings (n=71). The Arg614Cys mutation was identified in a total of 64 members of the 10 independent families. In 35 individuals in this group, there was a definite concordance between the MHS diagnosis in the IVCT and the presence of the Arg614Cys mutation. No individual phenotyped as MH-negative carried the mutation. On the basis of the guidelines of the EMHG for molecular genetic detection of MH susceptibility, 29 individuals who bore the Arg614Cys mutation were classified as MHS without the IVCT. If a causal mutation is detected in an MH family, the MHS diagnosis can be deduced without the invasive IVCT in all other mutation carriers. Despite inclusion of only one (Arg614Cys) of all known MH mutations, the study emphasizes the practical use of a genetic approach for determination of a positive MH diagnosis.     

Barth's syndrome‐like disorder: A new phenotype with a maternally inherited A3243G substitution of mitochondrial DNA (MELAS mutation)

An Argentine male child died at 4.5 years of age of a lethal mitochondrial disease associated with a MELAS mutation and a Barth syndrome‐like presentation. The child had severe failure to thrive from the early months and for approximately two years thereafter. In addition, the patient had severely delayed gross motor milestones, marked muscle weakness, and dilated cardiomyopathy that progressed to congestive heart failure. He also had persistently elevated urinary levels of 3‐methylglutaconic and 2‐ethylhydracrylic acids and low blood levels of cholesterol. Detailed histopathologic evaluation of the skeletal muscle biopsy showed high activity of succinate dehydrogenase, a generalized decrease of COX activity, and abundant ragged‐red fibers. Electron microscopic studies revealed multiple mitochondrial abnormalities in lymphocytes and monocytes, in the striated muscle, and in the postmortem samples (muscle, heart, liver, and brain). Biochemical analysis showed a pronounced and constant lactic acidosis, and abnormal urinary organic acid excretion (unchanged in the fasting and postprandial states). In addition, in CSF there was a marked increase of lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐HOB) and also a high systemic ratio β‐HOB/acetoacetate. Enzymatic assay of the respiratory chain in biopsied muscle showed 10% of complex I activity and 24% of complex IV activity compared with controls. Molecular studies of the mitochondrial genome revealed an A to G mutation at nucleotide pair 3243 in mitochondrial DNA, a well‐known pathogenetic mutation (MELAS mutation) in all the patient's tissues and also in the blood specimens of the probands mother and sibs (4 of 5). The diagnosis of MELAS mutation was reinforced by the absence of an identifiable mutation in the X‐linked G4.5 gene of the propositus. The present observation gives additional evidence of the variable clinical expression of mtDNA mutations in humans and demonstrates that all clinical variants deserve adequate investigation to establish a primary defect. It also suggests adding Barth‐like syndrome to the list of phenotypes with the MELAS mutation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Prenatal diagnosis of myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like syndrome: contribution to understanding mitochondrial DNA segregation during human embryofetal development

Introduction

Myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like (MELAS) syndrome, a maternally inherited disorder that is among the most common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases, is usually associated with the m.3242A>G mutation of the mitochondrial tRNA^leu gene. Very few data are available with respect to prenatal diagnosis of this serious disease. The rate of mutant versus wild‐type mtDNA (heteroplasmy) in fetal DNA is indeed considered to be a poor indicator of postnatal outcome.

Materials and methods

Taking advantage of a novel semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction test for m.3243A>G mutant load assessment, we carried out nine prenatal diagnoses in five unrelated women, using two different fetal tissues (chorionic villi v amniocytes) sampled at two or three different stages of pregnancy.

Results

Two of the five women, although not carrying m.3243A>G in blood or extra‐blood tissues, were, however, considered at risk for transmission of the mutation, as they were closely related to MELAS‐affected individuals. The absence of 3243A>G in the blood of first degree relatives was associated with no mutated mtDNA in the cardiovascular system (CVS) or amniocytes, and their three children are healthy, with a follow‐up of 3 months–3 years. Among the six fetuses from the three carrier women, three were shown to be homoplasmic (0% mutant load), the remaining three being heteroplasmic, with a mutant load ranging from 23% to 63%. The fetal mutant load was fairly stable at two or three different stages of pregnancy in CVS and amniocytes. Although pregnancy was terminated in the case of the fetus with a 63% mutant load, all other children are healthy with a follow‐up of 3 months–6 years.

Conclusion

These data suggest that a prenatal diagnosis for MELAS syndrome might be helpful for at‐risk families.Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations cause a wide range of serious genetic diseases with maternal inheritance. Most of these defects result in a progressive disabling neurological syndrome with premature death. Among them, the myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like (MELAS) syndrome (OMIM: 540 000) is one of the most common and serious conditions. MELAS syndrome is mainly caused by the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu gene¹ (Genbank NC001 807), which produces a generalised dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The clinical features are highly variable, not only in terms of age at onset and severity of symptoms but also in relation to the specific organs associated.² Many patients present with mellitus diabetes, deafness, cardiomyopathy, external ophthalmoplegia and skeletal myopathy, variously associated in different degrees.³ The interfamilial and intrafamilial variability of the clinical phenotype is classically related to the properties of mtDNA segregation: heteroplasmy, “threshold” effect, mitochondrial “bottleneck” and variation in the tissue distribution⁴.Owing to the severity of the disease, the high risk of recurrence in siblings and the absence of efficient treatment, couples at risk of transmitting the m.3243A>G mutation often ask for prenatal diagnosis. However, very few data are so far available with respect to the prenatal diagnosis of MELAS syndrome.^4,5 Thus, whether prenatal assessment of the fetal mutant load (rate of mutant v wild‐type mtDNA) is a good predictive marker for the postnatal clinical outcome remains a matter of debate. In the few available reports, imprecise assessment of the fetal mutant load, most often studied in a single fetal tissue, hampers consideration of this issue. We report here a sensitive novel technical approach, designed to quantify as accurately as possible the mutant load in a given tissue. The results of prenatal analyses in a series of nine cases are detailed.     

Barth's syndrome-like disorder: a new phenotype with a maternally inherited A3243G substitution of mitochondrial DNA (MELAS mutation)

An Argentine male child died at 4.5 years of age of a lethal mitochondrial disease associated with a MELAS mutation and a Barth syndrome-like presentation. The child had severe failure to thrive from the early months and for approximately two years thereafter. In addition, the patient had severely delayed gross motor milestones, marked muscle weakness, and dilated cardiomyopathy that progressed to congestive heart failure. He also had persistently elevated urinary levels of 3-methylglutaconic and 2-ethylhydracrylic acids and low blood levels of cholesterol. Detailed histopathologic evaluation of the skeletal muscle biopsy showed high activity of succinate dehydrogenase, a generalized decrease of COX activity, and abundant ragged-red fibers. Electron microscopic studies revealed multiple mitochondrial abnormalities in lymphocytes and monocytes, in the striated muscle, and in the postmortem samples (muscle, heart, liver, and brain). Biochemical analysis showed a pronounced and constant lactic acidosis, and abnormal urinary organic acid excretion (unchanged in the fasting and postprandial states). In addition, in CSF there was a marked increase of lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HOB) and also a high systemic ratio beta-HOB/acetoacetate. Enzymatic assay of the respiratory chain in biopsied muscle showed 10% of complex I activity and 24% of complex IV activity compared with controls. Molecular studies of the mitochondrial genome revealed an A to G mutation at nucleotide pair 3243 in mitochondrial DNA, a well-known pathogenetic mutation (MELAS mutation) in all the patient's tissues and also in the blood specimens of the probands mother and sibs (4 of 5). The diagnosis of MELAS mutation was reinforced by the absence of an identifiable mutation in the X-linked G4.5 gene of the propositus. The present observation gives additional evidence of the variable clinical expression of mtDNA mutations in humans and demonstrates that all clinical variants deserve adequate investigation to establish a primary defect. It also suggests adding Barth-like syndrome to the list of phenotypes with the MELAS mutation.     

Clinical and genetic uniqueness in an individual with MELAS.

Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke like episodes (MELAS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with varying age of onset. It is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Molecular etiology of MELAS is not known in several cases. We have identified a unique individual with late onset MELAS at the age of 55 years. We have analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the tissue and blood samples of the patient. One novel heteroplasmic mutation (C13565A) in NADH dehydrogenase 5 subunit (ND5) gene was found only in the tissue sample but not in the blood. This mutation is missense causing a change of amino acid serine to tyrosine at position 410. This mutation was found neither in controls nor in world populations. This study has also confirmed ND5 as a hotspot for the mitochondrial diseases. This will be of great help for the clinicians in the diagnosis of MELAS.