Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis: overlap between mitochondrial disease and neuroinflammation

Although Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) have distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, they are both neurodegenerative conditions that involve mitochondrial dysfunction. MS is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by demyelination and neuroinflammation; and LHON is a mitochondrial disorder predominantly affecting the optic nerves, resulting in severe vision loss. Recent studies have highlighted the coexistence of these two conditions, particularly in…

Vitamin A treatment restores vision failures arising from Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy-linked mtDNA mutation

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a paradigm for mitochondrial retinopathy due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. However, the mechanism underlying retinal cell-specific effects of LHON-linked mtDNA mutations remains poorly understood and there has been no effective treatment or cure for this disorder. Using a mice model bearing a LHON-linked ND6P25L mutation, we demonstrated that the mutation caused retinal cell-specific deficiencies, especially in retinal ganglion cells (RGC),…

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy “Plus” with the m.14487 T>C Mutation as the Causality of Hemidystonia: A Case Report

CONCLUSION: The m.14487 T>C mutation is one of the causative mutations in patients with dystonia or Leigh encephalopathy and a minor mutation in patients with LHON. However, in the present case, ocular symptoms were more severe than systematic symptoms and the disease course was consistent with LHON. For the above reasons, this case can be diagnosed as LHON plus. Whole mtDNA sequencing is important in diagnosing LHON if none of the three major mutations are detected.

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy – current status of idebenone and gene replacement therapies

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most common mitochondrial disease, and was the first to be linked to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations. Recently, autosomal recessive forms of LHON were described in addition to the classical mtDNA-associated forms. Clinically, LHON manifests with subacute and painless loss of central visual acuity, in most cases starting unilaterally, and involving the second eye a few weeks later. Almost all LHON cases are caused by pathogenic variants in…

An exploratory study to evaluate efficacy and safety of frequent Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

Electrical stimulation (ES) may be effective for intractable retinal or optic nerve diseases. We studied frequent transcutaneous ES in a single-center, single-arm prospective study in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) who carry the mitochondrial (mt) 11778 G > A mutation. A 30-min ES was applied to either eye every other day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) at baseline and 1 week after…

Clinical spectrum, treatment and outcomes of the m.10197G>A mutation in MT-ND3: a case report, systematic review and meta-analysis

CONCLUSIONS: LS/LS+ and LHON/LHON+ are the predominant presentations of the m.10197G>A mutation. An older age at onset and greater mutation load increases the probability of an LHON/LHON+ presentation. Patients presenting with LS/LS+ have an exceedingly high possibility of an unfavorable outcome. The identification of factors and outcomes associated with phenotypes in patients with the m.10197G>A mutation facilitates the provision of improved prognostic counseling for patients and their family…

A Case of Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy With Reversible Symmetric Lesions in the Substantia Nigra

A 34-year-old man with a history of alcoholism experienced progressive vision loss in both eyes over two months. His best corrected visual acuity was 0.1 OD and 0.2 OS, with visual field tests showing central scotoma bilaterally. Fundus examination revealed reddish optic discs with peripapillary telangiectasia in both eyes. Brain MRI showed bilateral high-intensity lesions in the substantia nigra on T2-weighted/Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted images….

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Support, Genetic Prediction and Accurate Genetic Counselling Enhance Family Planning Choices

With the increased availability of genetic testing and the addition of mitochondrial genetic variants on disease panels, accurate genetic counselling for individuals and families affected by, or at risk of, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is becoming increasingly relevant. Challenges in providing genetic counselling for LHON include its mitochondrial inheritance pattern, different haplogroups, incomplete penetrance and that it predominantly affects males. Accurate genetic counselling…

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Associated with Corticosteroid Use in a Patient with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report

Introduction. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a condition characterized by bilateral acute or subacute vision loss in seemingly healthy individuals. Depending on the disease stage and initial presentation, it is often diagnosed as optic neuritis. Elevated levels of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids have been associated with the onset of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). In our patient, CSCR developed after only three days of pulse corticosteroid therapy, prescribed due…