Iminosugar-Based Inhibitors of Glucosylceramide Synthase Increase Brain Glycosphingolipids and Survival in a Mouse Model of Sandhoff Disease
2011

Iminosugar-Based Inhibitors Improve Survival in Sandhoff Disease Mice

Sample size: 15 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ashe Karen M., Bangari Dinesh, Li Lingyun, Cabrera-Salazar Mario A., Bercury Scott D., Nietupski Jennifer B., Cooper Christopher G. F., Aerts Johannes M. F. G., Lee Edward R., Copeland Diane P., Cheng Seng H., Scheule Ronald K., Marshall John

Primary Institution: Genzyme Corporation

Hypothesis

Can iminosugar-based inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase improve outcomes in a mouse model of Sandhoff disease?

Conclusion

Iminosugar-based inhibitors increased brain glycosphingolipids but still improved motor function and extended the lifespan of Sandhoff mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • Treatment with Genz-529468 and NB-DNJ significantly increased the lifespan of Sandhoff mice.
  • Both drugs delayed the loss of motor function and coordination in treated mice.
  • Unexpected increases in brain glucosylceramide levels were observed despite improved outcomes.

Takeaway

Researchers gave special medicine to sick mice and found that it helped them live longer and move better, even though it made some bad stuff in their brains go up.

Methodology

Mice were treated with Genz-529468 or NB-DNJ, and their motor function, glycosphingolipid levels, and survival were assessed.

Potential Biases

Potential conflicts of interest due to authors' affiliations with Genzyme Corporation.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human disease.

Participant Demographics

Sandhoff mice, a model for human Sandhoff disease.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021758

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