Sylvia Stockler

Metabolic neuroprotection by ketone bodies and anaplerotic substrates in a rat model of insulin-induced infantile hypoglycemia

Severe recurrent hypoglycemia in infancy is a recognised pediatric condition with potential neurological sequeleae. Determinants of the severity of brain injury are incompletely understood. The developing vs. adult brain has a higher potential for the utilisation of alternative energy substrates and it has been suggested that an intact ketogenic response to low circulating glucose levels is a protective factor. Most conditions causing severe recurrent hypoglycemia in infancy (persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy, fatty acid oxidation defects) also disrupt this ketogenic response. We hypothesise that the supplementation of ketone bodies in these conditions may improve the neurological outcome.

To investigate this neuroprotective effect and its limitations we will develop a model of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in infant rats and study the effects of D-3-hydroxybutyrate administration. Based on recent analyses of the interconnections between pathways of energy metabolism and glutamate synthesis in the brain, we anticipate that ketone bodies may show biochemical limitations to sustaining glutamergic brain function and possibly neuronal survival. Current understanding suggests this could be patched by additional provision of anaplerotic substrates.

Clinically, the aim of this project is to establish an experimental basis for a trial of ketones and anaplerotic substrates in conditions of recurrent severe hypoglycemia of infancy or related conditions. Experimentally, the model will lend itself to studies of the pathobiochemical significance of alternative energy substrate metabolism and anaplerotic pathways in the developing brain.

Tackling mental retardation: Development of screening and diagnostic methods for the recognition of X-linked creatine transporter (CRTR) deficiency, a newly described mental retardation syndrome

Mental retardation affects 2-3% of the general population. The majority of cases are genetic in origin but otherwise unexplained. About 70% of patients with unexplained mental retardation are males, suggesting a high contribution of X-linked disorders. Recent studies have shown that X-linked creatine transporter (CRTR) deficiency accounts for 2% of X-linked mental retardation. This equals the incidence of Fragile-X syndrome, which currently is considered the most frequent cause of X-linked mental retardation.

Recently it has also been shown that patients with X-linked CRTR deficiency have a low ratio of urinary creatine to creatinine excretion. The BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) Biochemical Genetics Laboratory has now established a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the measurement of both. This opens the exciting possibility of establishing a reliable, high throughput screening method for X-linked CRTR deficiency. Diagnosis will be confirmed by molecular genetic and functional creatine uptake studies in skin fibroblasts.

Oral creatine substitution is effective in the treatment of some creatine deficiency syndromes (GAMT and AGAT deficiency), however, current protocols of oral creatine substitution for CRTR deficiency have not proven effective. So far, the limited number of known patients has made the search for better treatment difficult. This screening program will also help to overcome this obstacle.

The final goal is to develop BCCH and CFRI as the North American diagnostic and research center for cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes.

Honours & Awards

Science Award, Best clinical work in 1996 (Lancet 348: 798-90, 1996), Austrian Pediatric Society - 1997