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Altered activity of specific enzymes in phenylalanine‐tyrosine (phe‐tyr) metabolism results in incomplete breakdown of various metabolite substrates in this pathway. Increased biofluid concentration and tissue accumulation of the phe‐tyr pathway metabolite homogentisic acid (HGA) is central to pathophysiology in the inherited disorder alkaptonuria (AKU). Accumulation of metabolites upstream of HGA, including tyrosine, occurs in patients on nitisinone, a licenced drug for AKU and hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for HGA production. The aim of this study was to investigate the phe‐tyr metabolite content of key biofluids and tissues in AKU mice on and off nitisinone to gain new insights into the biodistribution of metabolites in these altered metabolic states. The data show for the first time that HGA is present in bile in AKU (mean [±SD] = 1003[±410] μmol/L; nitisinone‐treated AKU mean [±SD] = 45[±23] μmol/L). Biliary tyrosine, 3(4‐hydroxyphenyl)pyruvic acid (HPPA) and 3(4‐hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid (HPLA) are also increased on nitisinone. Urine was confirmed as the dominant elimination route of HGA in untreated AKU, but with indication of biliary excretion. These data provide new insights into pathways of phe‐tyr metabolite biodistribution and metabolism, showing for the first time that hepatobiliary excretion contributes to the total pool of metabolites in this pathway. Our data suggest that biliary elimination of organic acids and other metabolites may play an underappreciated role in disorders of metabolism. We propose that our finding of approximately 3.8 times greater urinary HGA excretion in AKU mice compared with patients is one reason for the lack of extensive tissue ochronosis in the AKU mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous ochronosis, also known as alkaptonuria, is a rare disease known for its bluish-black discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and pinnae, as well as urine that turns black upon standing. Though rarely fatal, joint degradation is a common sequela, and many patients require multiple large joint arthroplasties throughout their lifetime. Though many aspects of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease have been described, questions remain, such as how the initiation of ochronotic pigmentation is prompted and the specific circumstances that make some tissues more resistant to pigmentation-related damage than others. In this report, we present the case of an 83-year-old female previously diagnosed with alkaptonuria including high-quality arthroscopic images displaying the fraying of articular cartilage. We also offer a summary of the latest literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease, including cellular-level changes observed in ochronotic chondrocytes, biochemical and mechanical alterations to the cartilaginous extracellular matrix, and patterns of pigmentation and joint degradation observed in humans and mice models. With these, we present an overview of the mechanisms of ochronotic chondropathy and joint degradation as the processes are currently understood. While alkaptonuria itself is rare, it has been termed a "fundamental disease," implying that its study and greater understanding have the potential to lead to insights in skeletal biology in general, as well as more common pathologies such as osteoarthritis and their potential treatment mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Amongst a cohort of 88 alkaptonuria (AKU) patients attending the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC), four unrelated patients had co‐existing Parkinson's disease (PD). Two of the NAC patients developed PD before receiving nitisinone (NIT) while the other two developed overt PD during NIT therapy. NIT lowers redox‐active homogentisic acid (HGA) and profoundly increases tyrosine (TYR). A further unpublished case of a Dutch patient with AKU and PD on deep brain stimulation is included in this report. A Pubmed search revealed a further five AKU patients with PD, all without NIT usage. The prevalence of PD in AKU in the NAC appears to be nearly 20‐times higher than in the non‐AKU population (p

Despite urgent warnings about the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, the antibiotic development pipeline has remained sparsely populated. Naturally occurring antibacterial compounds may provide novel chemical starting points for antibiotic development programs and should be actively sought out. Evaluation of homogentisic acid (HGA), an intermediate in the tyrosine degradation pathway, showed that the compound had innate activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was lost following conversion into the degradation product benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA). Anti-staphylococcal activity of HGA can be attributed to effects on bacterial membranes. Despite an absence of haemolytic activity, the compound was cytotoxic to human HepG2 cells. We conclude that the antibacterial activity and in vitro safety profile of HGA render it more suitable for use as a topical agent or for inclusion in a small-molecule medicinal chemistry program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Endogenous ochronosis or alkaptonuria is a rare disease of autosomal recessive inheritance, which manifests with a brown or ocher hue caused by the insufficiency of the homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme causing its accumulation in the connective tissues. CLINICAL CASE: A 56-year-old female patient, with a history of renal lithiasis, presenting with one year evolution of ocher, erythematous and grayish-blue macules on the ears and hands, asymptomatic. The biopsy showed yellowish-brown material in the shape of a banana, with the presence of choluria when performing the urinary alkalinization test with bicarbonate; the imaging studies showed lumbar spondyloarthrosis and annular disc protrusion with foraminal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Alkaptonuria is a disease with multiple clinical manifestations, it is characteristic the darkening in the urine, the presence of multiple ocher-toned macules and multiple joint conditions; the definitive diagnosis is stablished by measuring the levels of homogentisic acid in urine or with a genetic study; it is recommended to perform biopsies in the macules in search of the characteristic pigment and to carry out an integral approach with paraclinical studies such as magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and ultrasound studies, the treatment is mainly symptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited disorder for which there was no disease-modifying treatment. In order to develop a successful approved therapy of AKU multiple barriers had to be overcome. These included activities before the conduct of the study including deciding on the drug therapy, the dose of the drug to be used, clarify the nature of the disease, develop outcome measures likely to yield a positive outcome, have a strategy to ensure appropriate patient participation through identification, build a consortium of investigators, obtain regulatory approval for proposed investigation plan and secure funding. Significant barriers were overcome during the conduct of the multicentre study to ensure harmonisation. Mechanisms were put in place to recruit and retain patients in the study. Barriers to patient access following completion of the study and regulatory approval were resolved.

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and resulting in accumulation of homogentisic acid in collagenous structures. It is characterized by homogentisic aciduria, bluish-black discoloration of connective tissues (ochronosis) and arthropathy of large joints. Less common manifestations include cardiovascular abnormalities, renal, urethral and prostate calculi. Bone fractures are unusual in ochronosis. In this report, we describe a woman, 72 years of age, with a history of severe arthropathy requiring total joint replacement in both of her hips and left Knee. During the Left Total Knee Replacement, an intra operative observation of a bluish-black discoloration of the knee joint and the surrounding soft tissue raised the diagnosis of Alkaptonuria. We review the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of alkaptonuric ochronosis. Early detection is important for prevention and treatment of multiple systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Homogentisic acid (HGA) lowering, disease modifying off‐label nitisinone therapy has been used in the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) since 2012. This study evaluated the serendipitous observation of cataract in a large cohort of patients with the very rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU), over a 5‐year period. Patients with AKU who attended the NAC since 2012. Standard physical examination and ocular assessment, including photographs of the crystalline lens were taken before commencement of nitisinone 2 mg daily and annually over 5 years. Photographs were randomised and graded by two independent observers using the WHO cataract classification. AKU patients who did not receive nitisinone were included as a control group. HGA was measured on acidified 24 h urine (u‐HGA24) and HGA and tyrosine in fasting acidified serum samples (sHGA, sTYR) at each visit. Patients without suitable lens images were excluded. Cataract (mean grade 1) was noted at baseline in 47 out of 62 (76%) with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14) years. In nitisinone‐treated patients, there were significant increases in the mean grade of nuclear (0.18, p

Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited disorder for which there was no disease-modifying treatment. In order to develop a successful approved therapy of AKU multiple barriers had to be overcome. These included activities before the conduct of the study including deciding on the drug therapy, the dose of the drug to be used, clarify the nature of the disease, develop outcome measures likely to yield a positive outcome, have a strategy to ensure appropriate patient participation through identification, build a consortium of investigators, obtain regulatory approval for proposed investigation plan and secure funding. Significant barriers were overcome during the conduct of the multicentre study to ensure harmonisation. Mechanisms were put in place to recruit and retain patients in the study. Barriers to patient access following completion of the study and regulatory approval were resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the phenylalanine (PHE)/tyrosine (TYR) pathway metabolites before and during homogentisic acid (HGA)-lowering by nitisinone in the Suitability of Nitisinone in Alkaptonuria (AKU) 2 (SONIA 2) study enabled the magnitude of the flux in the pathway to be examined. SONIA 2 was a 48-month randomised, open-label, evaluator-blinded, parallel-group study performed in the UK, France and Slovakia recruiting patients with confirmed AKU to receive either 10 mg nitisinone or no treatment. Site visits were performed at 3 months and yearly thereafter. Results from history, photographs of eyes/ears, whole body scintigraphy, echocardiography and abdomen/pelvis ultrasonography were combined to produce the Alkaptonuria Severity Score Index (cAKUSSI). PHE, TYR, hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA) and HGA metabolites were analysed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 24 h urine and serum samples collected before and during nitisinone. Serum metabolites were corrected for total body water (TBW), and the sum of 24 h urine plus total body water metabolites of PHE, TYR, HPPA, HPLA and HGA were determined. The sum of urine metabolites (PHE, TYR, HPPA, HPLA and HGA) were similar pre- and peri-nitisinone. The sum of TBW metabolites and sum TBW + URINE metabolites were significantly higher peri-nitisinone (p < 0.001 for both) compared with pre-nitisinone baseline. Significantly higher concentrations of metabolites from the tyrosine metabolic pathway were observed during treatment with nitisinone. Arguments for unmasking of the ochronotic pathway and biliary elimination of HGA are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Outcomes from studies employing nitisinone 10 mg and 2 mg in alkaptonuria were compared. Patients and methods Sixty‐nine patients in each of the nitisinone (10 mg daily) and controls of suitability of nitisinone in alkaptonuria 2 (SONIA 2), as well as 37 and 23 in nitisinone (2 mg daily) and control cohorts at the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC), respectively, were followed up for 4 years. Severity of alkaptonuria (AKU) was assessed by the AKU Severity Score Index (AKUSSI). 24‐h urine homogentisic acid (uHGA24), serum HGA (sHGA), serum tyrosine (sTYR) and serum nitisinone (sNIT) were also analysed at each time point. Dietetic support was used in the NAC, but not in SONIA 2. Safety outcomes were also compared. All statistical analyses were post hoc. Results The slope of the AKUSSI was 0.55, 0.19, 0.30, and 0.06 per month in the control NAC, nitisinone NAC, control SONIA 2, and nitisinone SONIA 2 cohorts, respectively. The intersection of the slopes on the x‐axis was −132, −411, −295, and − 1460 months, respectively. The control and nitisinone slope comparisons were statistically significant both in the NAC (p

ABSTRACT: Ochronosis is a syndrome characterized by bluish black discoloration due to the deposition of polymerized products of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the connective tissues. The endogenous variety (alkaptonuria), is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. The disorder is manifested by deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. The characteristic of the condition is a triad of pigmentation of skin, cartilage, and sclera; ochronotic arthropathies and homogentisic aciduria (resulting in darkening of urine). More rarely, it may affect the breast. This rare and interesting case of a woman with ochronosis of both breasts and chest wall, prompted us to write this case report.

Nitisinone (NIT) causes tyrosinaemia and corneal keratopathy (KP), especially in men. However, the adaptation within the phenylalanine (PHE)/tyrosine (TYR) catabolic pathway during KP is not understood. The objective of this study is to assess potential differences in the PHE/TYR pathway during KP and the influence of gender in NIT-induced tyrosinaemia in alkaptonuria (AKU). Samples of serum and 24 h urine collected from patients treated with NIT during a 4-year randomized study in NIT vs. no-treatment controls (SONIA 2; Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 2; EudraCT no. 2013-001633-41) at months 3 (V2), 12 (V3), 24 (V4), 36 (V5) and 48 (V6) were included in these analyses. Homogentisic acid (HGA), TYR, PHE, hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA) and sNIT were analysed at all time-points in serum and urine in the NIT-group. All statistical analyses were post hoc. Keratopathy occurred in 10 out of 69 AKU patients, eight of them male. Thirty-five sampling points (serum and 24 h urine) were analysed in patients experiencing KP and 272 in those with no-KP (NKP) during NIT therapy. The KP group had a lower HPLA/TYR ratio and a higher TYR/PHE ratio compared with the NKP group (p < 0.05 for both). There were 24, 45, 100 and 207 sampling points (serum and 24 h urine) in the NIT group which were pre-NIT female, pre-NIT male, NIT female and NIT male, respectively. The PHE/TYR ratio and the HPLA/TYR ratio were lower in males (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). In the KP group and in the male group during NIT therapy, adaptive responses to minimise TYR formation were impaired compared to NKP group and females, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare tyrosine metabolism disorder caused by homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD) mutations and homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation. In this study, we investigated the genotype-phenotype relationship in AKU patients with a novel HGD gene mutation from a Chinese Hani family. Routine clinical examination and laboratory evaluation were performed, urine alkalinization test and urinary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to assess HGA. Gene sequencing was utilized to study the defining features of AKU. NetGene2-2.42 and BDGP software was used to predict protein structure online. Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to analyze HGD proteins and HGD mRNA, respectively. Two pediatric patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria for AKU with eddish-brown or black diapers and urine HGA testing. Sequencing testing revealed that all members of this family had a novel samesense mutation c.15G > A at the edge of exon 1 of the HGD. By flow cytometry, the expression of HGD protein in the pediatric patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells was barely expressed. NetGene2-2.42 and BDGP software showed that the mutation reduced the score of the 5′ splice donor site and disrupted its normal splicing, and the RT-PCR product also demonstrated that the defect in the HGD protein was due to the lack of the first exon containing the start codon ATG after the mutation. The novel mutation c.15G > A in HGD is associated with the AKU phenotype. It may affect the splicing of exon 1, leading to exon skipping, which impairs the structure and function of the protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaptonuria is a rare disorder of tyrosine catabolism caused by deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase that leads to accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). Deposition of HGA-derived polymers in connective tissue causes progressive arthropathy of the spine and large joints, cardiac valvular disease, and genitourinary stones beginning in the fourth decade of life. Nitisinone, a potent inhibitor of the upstream enzyme, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, dramatically reduces HGA production. As such, nitisinone is a proposed treatment for alkaptonuria. A randomized clinical trial of nitisinone in alkaptonuria confirmed the biochemical efficacy and tolerability of nitisinone for patients with alkaptonuria but the selected primary outcome did not demonstrate significant clinical benefit. Given that alkaptonuria is a rare disease with slow progression and variable presentation, identifying outcome parameters that can detect significant change during a time-limited clinical trial is challenging. To gain insight into patient-perceived improvements in quality of life and corresponding changes in physical function associated with nitisinone use, we conducted a post-hoc per protocol analysis of patient-reported outcomes and a functional assessment. Analysis revealed that nitisinone-treated patients showed significant improvements in complementary domains of the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Together, these findings suggest that nitisinone improves both quality of life and function of patients with alkaptonuria. The observed trends support nitisinone as a therapy for alkaptonuria., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest KRS, FR, MBP, MAK, PS, KEO, JCB, WAG, and WJI have no conflicts of interest to declare. WFG and SF are employees of Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited. Partial research support was received from Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited through a cooperative research and development agreement with the NIH., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Abstract Four patients, from three families, with alkaptonuria receiving 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase‐inhibiting nitisinone therapy, which lowers homogentisic acid and increases tyrosine, developed vitiligo. Three of the four patients were receiving nitisinone 2 mg daily, while the fourth was on 10 mg daily. All four patients were either receiving or had received transiently proton‐pump inhibitors as therapy for dyspepsia. The ages of the patients were 35, 42, 40, and 67 years, respectively. Three patients were men and one was a woman. All four patients were either taking a proton‐pump inhibitor or had been taking one at some point. Three of the four were of South Asian and one of Caucasian background. The three patients with South Asian background also had either a personal or family history of autoimmune disease. Distressing vitiligo, initially in an acrofacial distribution, developed unexpectedly in these four patients, before then progressing to involve other parts of the body. Potential factors in the appearance of vitiligo in this setting, including nitisinone and other drug therapy, are explored and responses to the appearance of vitiligo are discussed.

Despite urgent warnings about the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, the antibiotic development pipeline has remained sparsely populated. Naturally occurring antibacterial compounds may provide novel chemical starting points for antibiotic development programs and should be actively sought out. Evaluation of homogentisic acid (HGA), an intermediate in the tyrosine degradation pathway, showed that the compound had innate activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which was lost following conversion into the degradation product benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA). Anti-staphylococcal activity of HGA can be attributed to effects on bacterial membranes. Despite an absence of haemolytic activity, the compound was cytotoxic to human HepG2 cells. We conclude that the antibacterial activity and in vitro safety profile of HGA render it more suitable for use as a topical agent or for inclusion in a small-molecule medicinal chemistry program.

Aim: Report a case of alkaptonuria diagnosed following consultation with an otolaryngologist. Background: Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern that leads to an increase in homogentisic acid (HGA). Our aim is to raise awareness about the otolaryngology manifestations of the disease and the treatment of this disease. Case description: A 75-year-old woman presented to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultation with a history of progressive bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. She had a history of joint pain and morning stiffness, which had previously been attributed to osteoarthritis. Physical examination revealed hyperpigmentation of the conchae, sclerae, and both hands. Laboratory tests showed significantly elevated levels of HGA in her urine, leading to a diagnosis of alkaptonuria. Conclusion and clinical significance: Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder that can present with a variety of symptoms, including joint and cardiovascular problems. This case highlights the significance of recognizing unusual symptoms, such as blue discoloration of the ears, as potential indicators of alkaptonuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: La ocronosis es una enfermedad genética rara del metabolismo de la fenilamina y de la tirosina en la que se produce una acumulación de ácido homogentísico. La acumulación de este provoca alcaptonuria y depósito en el tejido conectivo, provocando una coloración oscura del mismo. En las articulaciones puede provocar una artropatía temprana muy invalidante, conocida como artropatía ocronótica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente diagnosticada de ocronosis y artropatía ocronótica de la rodilla izquierda en la que describimos el proceso intraoperatorio con las características anatomopatológicas macroscópicas y microscópicas encontradas. La paciente presenta muy buena evolución tras la implantación de una prótesis total de rodilla tipo PS, siendo capaz de seguir el mismo protocolo de rehabilitación utilizado en pacientes sometidos a prótesis total de rodilla sin artropatía ocronótica. La paciente muestra mejoría de las distintas escalas funcionales, así como desaparición del dolor. Abstract: Ochronosis is a rare genetic disease of phenylamine and tyrosine metabolism in which an accumulation of homogentisic acid occurs. The accumulation of HGA causes alkaptonuria and deposition in the connective tissue causing a dark colouring of the tissue. In the joints, it can lead to early and very disabling arthropathy, known as ochronotic arthropathy. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with ochronosis and ochronotic arthropathy of the left knee, in which we describe the intraoperative process with the macroscopic and microscopic anatomopathological findings. The patient made good progress after implantation of a total knee prosthesis (TKP), PS type, and was able to follow the same rehabilitation protocol used in patients without ochronotic arthropathy undergoing TKP. The patient showed improvement in the different functional scales, as well as disappearance of pain.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common primary endocrine malignancies worldwide, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the predominant histological type observed therein. Although PTC has been studied extensively, our understanding of the altered metabolism and metabolic profile of PTC tumors is limited. We identified that the content of metabolite homogentisic acid (HGA) in PTC tissues was lower than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. We evaluated the potential of HGA as a novel molecular marker in the diagnosis of PTC tumors, as well as its ability to indicate the degree of malignancy. Studies have further shown that HGA contributes to reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated oxidative stress, leading to toxicity and inhibition of proliferation. In addition, HGA caused an increase in p21 expression levels in PTC cells and induced G1 arrest. Moreover, we found that the low HGA content in PTC tumors was due to the low expression levels of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) and p -hydroxyphenylpyruvate hydroxylase (HPD), which catalyze the conversion of tyrosine to HGA. The low expression levels of TAT and HPD are strongly associated with a higher probability of PTC tumor invasion and metastasis. Our study demonstrates that HGA could be used to diagnose PTC and provides mechanisms linking altered HGA levels to the biological behavior of PTC tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although changes in the tyrosine pathway during nitisinone therapy are known, a complete characterization of the induced tyrosinaemia is lacking to improve disease management. Patients and methods: Our research aims were addressed by 24-h blood sampling. 40 patients with alkaptonuria (AKU), treated with 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg nitisinone daily (n = 8), were studied over four weeks. Serum homogentisic acid (sHGA), tyrosine (sTYR), phenylalanine (sPHE), hydroxyphenylpyruvate (sHPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (sHPLA) and nitisinone (sNIT) were measured at baseline and after four weeks. Results: sNIT showed a clear dose-proportional response. sTYR increased markedly but with less clear-cut dose responses after nitisinone. Fasting and average 24-h (Cav) sTYR responses were similar. Individual patient sTYR 24-h profiles showed significant fluctuations during nitisinone therapy. At week 4, sTYR, sHPPA and sHPPL all showed dose-related increases compared to V0, with the greatest difference between 1 and 8 mg nitisinone seen for HPLA, while there was no change from V0 in sPHE. sHGA decreased to values around the lower limit of quantitation. Discussion: There was sustained tyrosinaemia after four weeks of nitisinone therapy with significant fluctuations over the day in individual patients. Diet and degree of conversion of HPPA to HPLA may determine extent of nitisinone-induced tyrosinaemia. Conclusion: A fasting blood sample is recommended to monitor sTYR during nitisinone therapy Adaptations in HPPA metabolites as well as the inhibition of tyrosine aminotransferase could be contributing factors generating tyrosinaemia during nitisinone therapy.

Abstract Background Increased homogentisic acid (HGA) causes ochronosis. Nitisinone decreases HGA. The aim was to study the effect of nitisinone on the ochronosis progression. Methods Photographs of the eyes and ears were acquired from patients attending the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) at V‐1 (pre‐baseline visit), V0 (baseline visit when 2 mg nitisinone was commenced), and yearly at V1, V2, and V3 visits. Photographs were inspected for evolution of ochronotic pigment and also scored categorically to derive eye, ear, and combined ochronosis scores. An ear cartilage biopsy was also carried out at V0 and one year after V3 (V4) and ochronotic pigment was assessed and quantitated. Visits were compared for changes in pigment. Fasting blood and 24‐hour urine samples were collected for measurement of HGA. Results There were 80 AKU patients at V0, and 52, 47, and 40 at V1, V2, and V3 in the group with variable numbers (VAR Group) respectively; 23 patients attended once before V0, in the V‐1 visit. Photographs of patients show increase in eye pigment between V‐1 and V0, followed by decrease post‐nitisinone at V1, V2, and V3. Ear and combined ochronosis semiquantitative scoring showed an increase between V‐1 and V0 (P

Two cases of advanced alkaptonuria (AKU) with co-existing osteoporosis are described. Case 1 developed multiple non-vertebral fragility fractures, while Case 2 developed vertebral fragility fractures, both refractory to bisphosphonates. Difficulties in diagnosing osteoporosis in AKU complicated by extensive calcifying and ossifying spondylosis are discussed. Both patients continued to fracture despite nitisinone therapy for metabolic control of AKU, as well as bisphosphonate antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis. Subsequently the patients were treated with teriparatide 20 μg subcutaneous injections daily for two years, leading to reduction in fractures soon after commencing therapy in both cases. Markers of bone remodelling P1NP and CTX were stimulated. No complications due hypercalcaemia or calcification were encountered in either case. We conclude that teriparatide is an effective adjunct in the treatment of AKU when bisphosphonates prove ineffective.

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGO) gene, leading to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). HGA polymerizes to form a black pigment that accumulates in connective tissue and joints (ochronosis), causing their destruction. In this work, we report a case of Achilles tendon rupture in a patient with a prior diagnosis of alkaptonuria. A 71-year-old man presented to the emergency department reporting pain in his posterior right ankle and dysfunction, evolving over three weeks after falling down a short flight of stairs. He had previously been diagnosed with alkaptonuria and had undergone five joint prostheses and an aortic valve replacement. A physical examination revealed right ankle edema, pain upon palpation, a palpable gap at the insertion of the tendon, and a positive Thompson test. An MRI confirmed an avulsive rupture at the insertion of the Achilles tendon. During surgical exploration, black pigmentation was observed in the tendon, which was reinserted using a double-row system reinforced with a percutaneous Bunnel stitch. The patient was discharged the following day with a cast splint, maintaining the foot in physiological plantar flexion for two weeks. In the subsequent two weeks, he used a non-weight-bearing walker boot, and finally, in the following two weeks, he began weight-bearing. Two months post-operation, he was walking without support. Twelve months after the intervention, the patient regained their previous functional status, being able to walk on tiptoes without difficulty. Spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture without associated trauma in patients with ochronosis is rare, with limited literature demonstrating successful outcomes post-surgery. Since the tendon becomes more fragile due to pigment accumulation, it was reinserted using a double-row system, increasing the contact area and more effectively distributing the load. There is no standard technique for treating these patients, but the patient's previous functional capacity was restored, with no new ruptures to date. The significant morbidity of alkaptonuria and potential complications, such as tendon ruptures, warrant future studies to discover and develop new prophylactic and therapeutic treatments., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Fabião et al.)

Alkaptonuria is a rare hereditary condition in which homogentisic acid is deposited in collagenous tissues, leading to blackish discoloration, degenerative changes, restricted mobility, and pain in the affected part. The skeletal system is commonly affected, resulting in the stiffening of the vertebral spine, shoulders, knees, hip joints, and thoracic cage. Additionally, the degenerative process involves heart valves, endocardium, and kidneys, with associated pathophysiological changes. These patients present significant challenges in neuraxial anesthesia, airway management, and postoperative pain relief. In this report, we present the anesthetic management of a case of alkaptonuria undergoing total knee arthroplasty and discuss the encountered difficulties. We conclude that the perioperative anesthesia management of alkaptonuria patients requires thorough planning to effectively address the various challenges associated with the administration of anesthesia., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Barde et al.)

Alkaptonuria is an inborn error of metabolism inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder due to a mutation in the homogentisic acid dioxygenase gene. It occurs rarely (global prevalence of alkaptonuria is 1 in 100,000 to 250,000), and mainly affects the joints and connective tissue of the body due to deposition of homogentisic acid giving affected areas a blue-black discoloration (ochronosis).In this case report, we present a male patient, aged 47 years, with joint and scleral involvement. He had been diagnosed many years ago with the disease by gas chromatography. His symptoms kept progressively worsening since he was recently prescribed physiotherapy and vitamin C for his disease, which has not been shown to be an effective treatment. A main reason for his disease deterioration was also the lack of nitisinone availability in his home country, as well as in the subcontinent region generally. We also presen a summary of some previously reported cases and treatment regimens to compare our case and present the comparison as a learning source for future physicians., Competing Interests: Disclosures: The authors report no conflicts of interest or financial support related to this work., (Copyright © 2024 Marshfield Clinic Health System.)

Introduction: Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder found in 2-5/million live births. It results in dark brown pigmentation of connective tissues including cartilage and joint capsule that can often lead to arthropathy of large joints. However, bone fractures are unusual. This article describes a fracture neck of the femur in a patient with undiagnosed alkaptonuria managed at a rural center., Case Report: A 60-year-old daily wage laborer with previously pain-free hips presented with sudden onset pain in the left hip while walking with no prior history of trauma. Radiographs showed a displaced fracture of the neck of the left femur. She underwent Left hip hemiarthroplasty. Intraoperatively, her soft-tissue including the joint capsule and the femoral head had dark brown pigmentation. Postoperatively, her urine was tested and the same turned black supporting the clinical diagnosis of alkaptonuria. At her 1-year follow-up, she had a painless, stable, and mobile hip., Conclusion: We report a rare and unique case of neck of femur fracture in a patient with alkaptonuria treated with hemiarthroplasty in a resource-limited hospital in rural India. It is essential to consider the possibility of this condition when we come across a patient with an atypical fracture presentation. This article also presents an overview of alkaptonuria with a discussion on etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: Nil, (Copyright: © Indian Orthopaedic Research Group.)

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase (HGO) enzyme leading to accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the body. HGA excreted and oxidized through urine causes its characteristic dark discoloration; however, once accumulated in bodily connective tissues, it causes characteristic dark pigmentation (ochronosis) of tissues, and in the long-term, it leads to degeneration of cartilage and tendons. In this case report, we present a patient who has had a unilateral spontaneous atraumatic rupture of the Achilles tendon. To our knowledge, such a case has not been previously reported in the French and Bahraini literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra‐rare disease caused by the deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase enzyme, leading the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in connective tissues implicating the formation of a black pigmentation called "ochronosis." Although AKU is a multisystemic disease, the most affected tissue is the articular cartilage, which during the pathology appears to be highly damaged. In this study, a model of alkaptonuric chondrocytes and cartilage was realized to investigate the role of HGA in the alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The AKU tissues lost its architecture composed of collagen, proteoglycans, and all the proteins that characterize the ECM. The cause of this alteration in AKU cartilage is attributed to a degeneration of the cytoskeletal network in chondrocytes caused by the accumulation of HGA. The three cytoskeletal proteins, actin, vimentin, and tubulin, were analyzed and a modification in their amount and disposition in AKU chondrocytes model was identified. Cytoskeleton is involved in many fundamental cellular processes; therefore, the aberration in this complex network is involved in the manifestation of AKU disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large alkaptonuria (AKU) cohort was studied to better characterise the poorly understood phenotype of aortic stenosis of rare disease AKU. Eighty-one patients attended the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) between 2007 and 2020. Nine only attended once. Fifty-one attended more than once and received nitisinone 2 mg daily. Twenty-one attended at least twice without receiving nitisinone. Assessments included questionnaire analysis, standard transthoracic echocardiography, as well as photographs of ochronotic pigment in eyes and ears at baseline when 2 mg nitisinone was commenced, and yearly thereafter. Blood and urine samples were collected for chemical measurement. The prevalence of aortic stenosis and aortic valve replacement were 22.2 and 6.2% in the current group. Aortic maximum velocity (Vmax) was directly related to varying degrees to age (R = 0.58, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (R = 0.32, p < 0.05), serum homogentisic acid (sHGA) (R = 0.28, p < 0.05), ochronosis scores (R = 0.72, p < 0.001), and alkaptonuria severity score index (AKUSSI) (R = 0.58, p < 0.001) on linear regression analysis. Age and ochronosis scores were significantly related to Vmax on multiple regression analysis (p < 0.005). Nitisinone decreased sHGA, 24-h urine HGA (uHGA 24) , ochronosis scores and AKUSSI significantly at all visits post-nitisinone. Nitisinone decreased Vmax change scores at final visit comparison, with a similar pattern at earlier visits. Aortic valve disease is highly prevalent in this NAC cohort, and strongly associated with ochronosis and disease severity. Nitisinone decreases ochronosis and had a similar significant effect on Vmax. • Aortic stenosis is highly prevalent in alkaptonuria. • Ochronosis is strongly related to aortic jet maximum velocity in alkaptonuria. • Nitisinone decreases ochronosis and homogentisic acid. • Nitisinone also decreases progression of aortic valve disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the phenylalanine (PHE)/tyrosine (TYR) pathway metabolites before and during homogentisic acid (HGA)-lowering by nitisinone in the Suitability of Nitisinone in Alkaptonuria (AKU) 2 (SONIA 2) study enabled the magnitude of the flux in the pathway to be examined. SONIA 2 was a 48-month randomised, open-label, evaluator-blinded, parallel-group study performed in the UK, France and Slovakia recruiting patients with confirmed AKU to receive either 10 mg nitisinone or no treatment. Site visits were performed at 3 months and yearly thereafter. Results from history, photographs of eyes/ears, whole body scintigraphy, echocardiography and abdomen/pelvis ultrasonography were combined to produce the Alkaptonuria Severity Score Index (cAKUSSI). PHE, TYR, hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA) and HGA metabolites were analysed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 24 h urine and serum samples collected before and during nitisinone. Serum metabolites were corrected for total body water (TBW), and the sum of 24 h urine plus total body water metabolites of PHE, TYR, HPPA, HPLA and HGA were determined. The sum of urine metabolites (PHE, TYR, HPPA, HPLA and HGA) were similar pre- and peri-nitisinone. The sum of TBW metabolites and sum TBW + URINE metabolites were significantly higher peri-nitisinone (p < 0.001 for both) compared with pre-nitisinone baseline. Significantly higher concentrations of metabolites from the tyrosine metabolic pathway were observed during treatment with nitisinone. Arguments for unmasking of the ochronotic pathway and biliary elimination of HGA are put forward.

Nitisinone (NIT) causes tyrosinaemia and corneal keratopathy (KP), especially in men. However, the adaptation within the phenylalanine (PHE)/tyrosine (TYR) catabolic pathway during KP is not understood. The objective of this study is to assess potential differences in the PHE/TYR pathway during KP and the influence of gender in NIT-induced tyrosinaemia in alkaptonuria (AKU). Samples of serum and 24 h urine collected from patients treated with NIT during a 4-year randomized study in NIT vs. no-treatment controls (SONIA 2; Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 2; EudraCT no. 2013-001633-41) at months 3 (V2), 12 (V3), 24 (V4), 36 (V5) and 48 (V6) were included in these analyses. Homogentisic acid (HGA), TYR, PHE, hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA) and sNIT were analysed at all time-points in serum and urine in the NIT-group. All statistical analyses were post hoc. Keratopathy occurred in 10 out of 69 AKU patients, eight of them male. Thirty-five sampling points (serum and 24 h urine) were analysed in patients experiencing KP and 272 in those with no-KP (NKP) during NIT therapy. The KP group had a lower HPLA/TYR ratio and a higher TYR/PHE ratio compared with the NKP group (p < 0.05 for both). There were 24, 45, 100 and 207 sampling points (serum and 24 h urine) in the NIT group which were pre-NIT female, pre-NIT male, NIT female and NIT male, respectively. The PHE/TYR ratio and the HPLA/TYR ratio were lower in males (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). In the KP group and in the male group during NIT therapy, adaptive responses to minimise TYR formation were impaired compared to NKP group and females, respectively.

A 34-year old woman with alkaptonuria had an elective pregnancy, during which she collected urine samples over the duration of her pregnancy until parturition. She had been attending the National Alkaptonuria Centre from the age of 31 years and continued to attend after delivery for a further three annual visits. Data from her NAC visits as well as urine samples collected during pregnancy were analysed. Urine CTX-1/urine creatinine, urine αCTX-I/ urine creatinine, urine CTX-II/ urine creatinine, and urine C3M/urine creatinine all showed a rapid increase early in pregnancy, returning to baseline before increasing in late pregnancy, indicating significant remodelling of bone, subchondral bone, cartilage and other organs and connective tissue rich in collagens I, II and III. The pattern of tissue remodelling in AKU pregnancy has been described for the very first time. Further research is needed to understand pregnancy in AKU.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major causes of disability and pain worldwide, yet despite a massive international research effort, no effective disease-modifying drugs have been identified to date. In this review, we put forward the proposition that greater focus on rarer forms of OA could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of more common OA. We have investigated the severe osteoarthropathy of the ultra-rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU). In addition to the progress made in finding a treatment for AKU, our research has revealed important lessons for more common OA, including the identification of high-density mineralized protrusions (HDMPs), new pathoanatomical structures which may play an important role in joint destruction and pain in AKU and in OA. AKU is an inherited disorder of tyrosine metabolism, caused by genetic lack of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase (HGD), which leads to failure to breakdown homogentisic acid (HGA). While most HGA is excreted over time, some of it is deposited as a pigment in connective tissues, a process described as ochronosis. Ochronotic pigment alters the mechanical properties of tissues, leading to inevitable joint destruction and frequently to cardiac valve disease. Until recently, there was no effective therapy for AKU, but preclinical studies demonstrated that upstream inhibition of tyrosine metabolism by nitisinone, a drug previously used in hereditary tyrosinaemia 1 (HT1), completely prevented ochronosis in AKU mice. This was followed by successful clinical trials which have resulted in nitisinone being approved for therapy of AKU by the European Medicines Agency, making AKU the only cause of OA for which there is an effective therapy to date. Study of other rare causes of OA should be a higher priority for researchers and funders to ensure further advances in understanding and eventual therapy of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim:Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an autosomal recessively inherited disease caused by a deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. This enzyme converts homogentisic acid (HGA) into maleylacetoacetic acid in the tyrosine degradation pathway. The presence of HGA in urine, ochronosis (bluish-black pigmentation in connective tissues) and arthritis of the spine and the other large joints are the three major features of AKU. Nitisinone and a tyrosine-restricted diet are the treatment options. In this study, we evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics and also the mutations of our AKU patients.Materials and Methods:This retrospective single centre study included 36 patients who were diagnosed as AKU between the years of 2002 and 2017 Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolism and Nutrition.Results:Thirty six AKU patients were included (17 female, 19 male) in our study. The mean age of the patients was 9.3±13.4 years (3 months-54 years). The major complaints were darkening of the urine (100%), ochronosis (11.1%), arthralgia (16.7%) and arthritis (8.1%). Darkening of the urine was firstly recognized at the age of 8.89±16.9 months (1-84 months). Eighteen (86%) patients had homozygous and 3 (14%) patients had compound heterozygous mutations in the HGD gene.Conclusion:AKU was the first inherited metabolic disease defined. The three main features are; darkening of the urine at birth which is followed by ochronosis (blue-dark pigmentation) clinically visible in the ear and alae of the nose and finally a severe ochronotic arthropathy of the spine and large joints at around the age of 50 years. Here we report on the clinical and genetic features of our patients at various ages.

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare inherited disorder of tyrosine metabolism resulting in an accumulation of homogentisic acid oxidation products in the joints and cardiovascular system. Aortic distensibility may be a non-invasive indicator of cardiovascular complications. Descending thoracic aortic distensibility in alkaptonuria has not been studied. Patients diagnosed with alkaptonuria underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and gated non-contrast and contrast-enhanced cardiovascular computed tomography. Using MRI cine images, aortic distensibility of the descending thoracic aorta was determined. Seventy-six patients with alkaptonuria were imaged. When compared to literature normal values, aortic distensibility in AKU was impaired (5.2 vs 6.2 × 10−3, p <.001). Aortic distensibility was inversely related to age (r = −0.6, p =.0001). Hypertensive patients with alkaptonuria had impaired distensibility compared to normotensive patients with alkaptonuria (4.6 vs 5.6 × 10−3, p =.03), and hyperlipidemic patients with alkaptonuria had impaired distensibility compared to non-hyperlipidemic patients with alkaptonuria (4.1 vs 6.0 × 10−3, p =.001). Male hypertensive patients with alkaptonuria had greater distensibility than their female counterparts (5.3 vs 2.9 × 10−3, p =.02). Similarly, male hyperlipidemic patients with alkaptonuria had greater distensibility than their female counterparts (4.8 vs 2.5 × 10−3, p <.01). Of patients with alkaptonuria, those with a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score greater than 100 had more impaired distensibility than those with a CAC score less than 100 (3.5 vs 5.1 × 10−3, p =.01) and those with aortic calcium score greater than 100 had impaired distensibility compared to those with an aortic calcium score less than 100 (3.2 vs 4.9 × 10−3, p =.02). Univariate analysis revealed age, aortic calcification, and hyperlipidemia to be significant factors of distensibility, and multiple regression analysis showed age as the only significant risk factor of distensibility. Patients with alkaptonuria have impaired aortic distensibility, which is likely an early marker for reduced cardiovascular health. Variables such as age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and aortic and coronary calcification were associated with impaired distensibility. • Patients with alkaptonuria have impaired aortic distensibility in alkaptonuria compared to normal cohorts. • In patients with alkaptonuria, increased age is associated with decreased distensibility. • Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are significant CVD risk factors for impaired aortic distensibility in alkaptonuria. • Coronary artery and aortic calcification are significant determinants of aortic distensibility in alkaptonuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ochronosis induced osteoarthritis of the knee. • Clinical features and intraoperative evaluation of Ochronosis induced osteoarthritis. • Indication for arthroplasty in Ochronosis induced osteoarthritis. • Total knee arthroplasty 1 year results in Ochronosis induced osteoarthritis. • Functional results, pain score and satisfaction at 1 year after Arthroplasty for Ochronosis induced knee osteoarthritis. Alkaptunurea is a rare metabolic disorder with autosomal recessive genetic pattern in transmission, it is characterized by accumulation of hemogenistic acid in the tissues due to deficiency of homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase activity. Characteristically, affected patient will have dark urine and blackish discoloration of connective tissue, especially cartilage and bone and hence it is known as black bone disease. The reported case is for 49 years old gentleman, known to have hypertension, hypothyroidism and Alkaptunurea. He presented to our facility with long standing bilateral knee pain (more in the left) with difficulty in doing daily activities. He presented to our tertiary facility after failure of previous treatment measures. The patient underwent uncomplicated Robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty that resulted in significant improvement of his pain and function. Knee arthroplasty is a reliable and reproducible modality in treating Ochronotic knee arthropathy and it would result in pain reduction and better function of patients with such condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical effects of alkaptonuria (AKU) are delayed and ageing influences disease progression. Morbidity of AKU is secondary to high circulating homogentisic acid (HGA) and ochronosis. It is not known whether HGA is produced by or processed in the kidney in AKU. Data from AKU patients from four studies were merged to form a single AKU group. A control group of non‐AKU subjects was generated by merging data from two non‐AKU studies. Data were used to derive renal clearance and fractional excretion (FE) ratios for creatinine, HGA, phenylalanine (PHE) and tyrosine (TYR) using standard calculations, for comparison between the AKU and the control groups. There were 225 AKU patients in the AKU group and 52 in the non‐AKU control group. Circulating HGA increased with age (P < 0.001), and was significantly associated with decreased HGA clearance (CLHGA) (P < 0.001) and FEHGA (P < 0.001). CLHGA and FEHGA were increased beyond the theoretical maximum renal plasma flow, confirming renal production and emphasising the greater contribution of net tubular secretion than glomerular filtration to renal elimination of HGA. The kidneys are crucial to elimination of HGA. Elimination of HGA is impaired with age resulting in worsening disease over time. The kidney is an important site for production of HGA. Tubular secretion of HGA contributes more to elimination of HGA in AKU than glomerular filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bZIP gene is a transcription factor that plays various roles in relation to plant stress and hormone signaling. This gene is also involved in plant environmental stress and herbicide tolerance. We generated Nicotiana benthamiana transgenic plants with LebZIP2-encoding gene isolated from tomatoes using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic seeds harvested from these T0 transgenic plants were grown and examined for gene transfer and changes in phenolic compounds in the T1 generation. RT-PCR analysis using a primer specific to the LebZIP gene confirmed that the gene was transferred to the T1 generation. We analyzed the increase and decrease tendency for 30 phenolic compounds using the T1 generation-transgenic plants and investigated the mechanism between the specifically increased compound and LebZIP2 gene. Gallic acid, homogentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, myricetin, t -cinnamic acid, and b-resorcyclic acid were identified as the phenolic compounds that increased in T1 transgenic plants overexpressing the LebZIP gene. Among these, homogentisic acid at 246.75-1055.19 μg/g, was increased by 2-5 fold in the T1 transgenic plants compared to the control. Protocatechuic acid was found at 1640.54-2456.00 μg/g and was increased by 2-4 fold in T1 transgenic plants. t-Cinnamic acid was present in a small amount of 23.14 μg/g in the control, whereas it was 102.19-135.47 μg/g in T1 transgenic plants, showing an increase of 4-5 folds. These results indicated that homogentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, and t-cinnamic acid among the 30 phenolic compounds analyzed, were significantly increased in LebZIP2-overexpressing T1 transgenic plants, and support the evidence that the LebZIP2 gene is significantly involved in the increment of three phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]