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GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by lysosomal beta-galactosidase deficiency, resulting in the storage of GM1 and GA1, primarily in the central nervous system. This disease typically afflicts infants and young children and there is currently no effective therapy. Substrate reduction therapy (SRT) could be of potential benefit. The imino sugars N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ, miglustat, Zavesca) and N-butyldeoxygalactonojirimycin (NB-DGJ) used for SRT inhibit glucosylceramide synthase (GlcCerS) that catalyses the first committed step in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis. We have compared the efficacy and tolerability of NB-DNJ and NB-DGJ in the beta-galactosidase knockout mouse. NB-DGJ was better tolerated than NB-DNJ, due to intrinsic gastrointestinal tract dysfunction that was exacerbated by NB-DNJ. However, functional improvement was greatest with NB-DNJ treatment which may potentially be caused by novel anti-inflammatory properties of NB-DNJ.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.02.005

Type

Journal article

Journal

Mol Genet Metab

Publication Date

06/2008

Volume

94

Pages

204 - 211

Keywords

1-Deoxynojirimycin, Animals, Brain, Disease Models, Animal, Enzyme Inhibitors, Feces, Gangliosidosis, GM1, Glucosyltransferases, Glycosphingolipids, Humans, Macrophage Activation, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Motor Activity, Protein Transport, beta-Galactosidase