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Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

Fragile X syndrome: a pilot proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study in premutation carriers

Authors: Brian P Hallahan, Eileen M Daly, Andrew Simmons, Caroline J Moore, Kieran C Murphy, Declan D G Murphy

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Purpose

There is increasing evidence that neurodevelopmental differences in people with Fragile X syndrome (FraX) may be explained by differences in glutamatergic metabolism. Premutation carriers of FraX were originally considered to be unaffected although several recent reports demonstrate neuroanatomical, cognitive, and emotional differences from controls. However there are few studies on brain metabolism in premutation carriers of FraX.

Methods

We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare neuronal integrity of a number of brain metabolites including N-Acetyl Aspartate, Creatine + Phosphocreatinine, Choline, myoInositol, and Glutamate containing substances (Glx) in 17 male premutation carriers of FraX and 16 male healthy control individuals.

Results

There was no significant between-group difference in the concentration of any measured brain metabolites. However there was a differential increase in N-acetyl aspartate with aging in premutation FraX individuals compared to controls.

Conclusions

This is the first ¹ H-MRS study to examine premutation FraX individuals. Although we demonstrated no difference in the concentration of any of the metabolites examined between the groups, this may be due to the large age ranges included in the two samples. The differential increase in NAA levels with aging may reflect an abnormal synaptic pruning process.

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Title: Fragile X syndrome: a pilot proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study in premutation carriers
Authors: Brian P Hallahan
Eileen M Daly
Andrew Simmons
Caroline J Moore
Kieran C Murphy
Declan D G Murphy
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1866-1955-4-23

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fragile X syndrome: a pilot proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study in premutation carriers

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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