MitoAction Expert Series

Dr. Bedoyan will present the essentials for understanding pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) and detail current clinical trials and therapeutics research for this disorder at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He will also describe the elements of newborn screening (NBS) and update the audience of current research and prospects for future PDCD NBS.

Immune dysfunction is increasingly appreciated in mitochondrial disorders. Join Dr. Melissa Walker to review the small number of known immune manifestations of specific primary mitochondrial disorders as well as emerging studies on non-specific immune dysfunction in mitochondrial disease more broadly.

In May 2023, Dr. Boles and his research group published a scientific paper on the results of 50 people that had either whole exome or whole genome sequencing. About 30 genes were identified that are highly likely or likely to be risk factors for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. The vast majority of these genes involved cation  (kat·ai.aan) (positively-charge salts) channels or mitochondria (energy metabolism), suggesting that disease results from a vicious cycle of cellular over-excitation(x-cytation). Dr. Boles will discuss how genetic information can help find an individual’s genetic predisposition towards cyclic vomiting, and how that translates to treatment options, including those treatments generally not considered in CVS. Lastly, he will briefly discuss 18 chronic fatigue patients with extensive DNA sequencing.

Why are patients with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lymes diagnosed with mitochondrial disease? How do I know I have Mito? What should my doctor look for to consider further testing for Mito? Join Dr. Amel Karaa for a discussion about misdiagnosed mitochondrial disease.

Despite advances in newborn screening and treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorders, patients with very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) continue to suffer from heart failure. Marie Norris will discuss her preliminary data which suggests that lipotoxicity, largely mediated by the accumulation of ceramides, is a major contributor to VLCADD-induced heart failure. Ms. Norris will discuss the role of ceramides, while addressing the mounting evidence that elevated ceramides contribute to heart failure in humans/rodents and that cardiac function improves with ceramide depletion.

 “Expanded Access” and “Compassionate Use” are terms that are utilized in our rare disease community, but what do they mean? How do patients learn about, get involved, better understand the qualifications, and talk with their doctor about participation in either of these programs? Join MitoAction and Dr. Koenig as we dive deep into better understanding the differences and overlap between “Expanded Access” and “Compassionate Use” therapies.

Having a better understanding of what things are associated with LCHADD retinopathy can provide insight towards developing treatment. During this presentation, Dr. Gillingham will provide an update on the current results of a natural history study of 40 patients with LCHADD. She will also discuss what factors are associated with retinal structure and function, and how blood biomarkers or genetics might be related. Lastly, Dr. Gillingham will update our FAOD community about her lab’s efforts to treat retinopathy in an LCHADD mouse.

Join Dr. McCormack and Dr. Guzman as they review and discuss the causes of high and low blood sugars in mitochondrial disease, while also providing important updates on mitochondrial diabetes and hypoglycemia management.

Numerous Mitochondrial disease patients consume something known as the "Mito Cocktail". What is this exactly? How do you decide where to get components of your "Mito Cocktail" and what are the pros and cons of using a compounding pharmacy?  How do compounding pharmacies work with clinicians to make sure that patients are receiving the treatments that they need?  Join MitoAction and Chemistry RX as we seek to better understand these questions and the compounding pharmacy.

Presenters: Jonathan Mordis, PharmD and CEO;  Houry Lepedjian, PharmD and VP of Operations; Jennifer Kmetich, PharmD and Lab Director