Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked peroxisomal disorder caused by pathogenic variants in ABCD1, leading to defective degradation of very long-chain fatty acids and their accumulation in the nervous system and adrenal cortex. Major disease consequences include cerebral demyelination and primary adrenal insufficiency.
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Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from adrenoleukodystrophy:
name: adrenoleukodystrophy
creation_date: '2026-04-14T12:05:00Z'
updated_date: '2026-05-20T13:20:13Z'
category: Mendelian
description: >-
Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked peroxisomal disorder caused by pathogenic
variants in ABCD1, leading to defective degradation of very long-chain fatty
acids and their accumulation in the nervous system and adrenal cortex. Major
disease consequences include cerebral demyelination and primary adrenal
insufficiency.
disease_term:
preferred_term: adrenoleukodystrophy
term:
id: MONDO:0018544
label: adrenoleukodystrophy
synonyms:
- X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
- X-ALD
parents:
- hereditary disease
- leukodystrophy
has_subtypes:
- name: Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
subtype_term:
preferred_term: X-linked cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
term:
id: MONDO:0010247
label: X-linked cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
The inflammatory cerebral form marked by rapidly progressive white-matter
demyelination and the main subtype considered for early HSCT. Anchored to
MONDO:0010247, the cerebral child class of the ABCD1 umbrella
(MONDO:0018544); this subtype carries the cerebral-ALD mechanism that was
formerly duplicated in a standalone X-linked cerebral ALD entry, which was
removed in favor of this single ABCD1 pathograph (#4179).
- name: Adrenomyeloneuropathy
subtype_term:
preferred_term: adrenomyeloneuropathy
term:
id: MONDO:0015339
label: adrenomyeloneuropathy
description: >-
The adult spinal cord and peripheral nerve-predominant form of
adrenoleukodystrophy.
- name: Addison-only adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
A presentation with primary adrenal insufficiency before overt
neurologic disease. No dedicated MONDO leaf class exists for the
Addison-only ALD form, so no subtype_term is asserted here (the
autoimmune-Addison class MONDO:0100480 is a distinct disease and must
not be used).
inheritance:
- name: X-linked recessive inheritance
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: X-linked recessive inheritance
term:
id: HP:0001419
label: X-linked recessive inheritance
description: >-
Classic adrenoleukodystrophy is inherited as an X-linked recessive
disorder due to pathogenic ABCD1 variants.
mechanistic_hypotheses:
- hypothesis_group_id: canonical_abcd1_vlcfa_demyelination_adrenal_model
hypothesis_label: Canonical ABCD1 / VLCFA Accumulation / Demyelination & Adrenal Insufficiency Model
status: CANONICAL
description: >-
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by loss-of-function variants in ABCD1 on Xq28
encoding the peroxisomal membrane transporter ALDP, which imports very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA)
CoA-esters into the peroxisome for β-oxidation. Loss of ABCD1 function disables peroxisomal
β-oxidation of saturated VLCFAs (C24:0, C26:0) and produces their pathological accumulation in
plasma, adrenal cortex, Leydig cells, oligodendrocytes, and CNS myelin. VLCFA accumulation drives
mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, microglial activation, and a neuroinflammatory cerebral
demyelination program, alongside adrenocortical apoptosis producing primary adrenal insufficiency.
Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and lentiviral gene therapy (elivaldogene autotemcel) halt
cerebral disease progression in early-stage childhood cerebral ALD, corroborating the ABCD1-loss /
VLCFA-accumulation / neuroinflammatory-demyelination axis as the canonical pathogenic mechanism.
notes: >-
Retained as CANONICAL with PARTIALLY SUPPORTED
qualification (upstream definitive, downstream mechanistically
incomplete). The 2026 openscientist hypothesis-search report
(kb/hypotheses/adrenoleukodystrophy/canonical_abcd1_vlcfa_demyelination_adrenal_model)
confirms 18 findings from 120 papers. Upstream biochemistry is
definitively established: cryo-EM ABCD1 structure, VLCFA-CoA
substrate recognition, impaired peroxisomal β-oxidation, and
ELOVL1-amplified VLCFA accumulation. Lentiviral gene therapy
(eli-cel/elivaldogene autotemcel; PMID:39383459) and allogeneic
HSCT provide therapeutic proof-of-concept by halting cerebral
disease via hematopoietic ABCD1 restoration. Three critical
downstream refinements limit the model's explanatory power:
(1) VLCFA accumulation is necessary but not sufficient for
cerebral inflammatory demyelination — all patients accumulate
VLCFA but only 35–40% of males develop cerebral ALD, with no
genotype-phenotype correlation, indicating unknown modifier
genes and environmental/stochastic factors determine
phenotypic conversion; (2) no animal model spontaneously
develops cerebral demyelination despite VLCFA accumulation,
indicating VLCFA alone cannot drive the inflammatory cerebral
phenotype; (3) adrenal insufficiency operates through a
pathway DISTINCT from the neuroinflammatory cascade — HSCT/
gene therapy fail to correct adrenal dysfunction; first
therapeutic adrenal rescue achieved through 2-hydroxypropyl-β-
cyclodextrin (HPCD), suggesting lysosomal cholesterol trapping
rather than VLCFA toxicity drives adrenocortical apoptosis.
Six downstream mechanisms converge on tissue damage:
mitochondrial dysfunction / oxidative stress, NLRP3
inflammasome via 25-hydroxycholesterol, CD1-mediated lipid
antigen presentation to CD8 T cells, macrophage CD36/JNK
priming, ER-stress/UPR activation, and emerging ferroptosis.
Only saturated VLCFAs are specifically toxic. Plasma
neurofilament light chain (NfL) is validated as a prognostic
biomarker for cerebral disease onset and treatment response.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: "A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder caused by a hemizygous mutation of the ABCD1 gene."
explanation: >
Canonical mechanism reference used as the seed for the
hypothesis-search deep-research run.
pathophysiology:
- name: ABCD1-mediated peroxisomal fatty acid transport defect
description: >-
Pathogenic ABCD1 variants impair the peroxisomal transporter required to
move very long-chain fatty acids into peroxisomes for degradation.
genes:
- preferred_term: ABCD1
term:
id: hgnc:61
label: ABCD1
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: fatty acid transport
term:
id: GO:0015908
label: fatty acid transport
modifier: DECREASED
- preferred_term: fatty acid beta-oxidation
term:
id: GO:0006635
label: fatty acid beta-oxidation
modifier: DECREASED
- preferred_term: very long-chain fatty acid metabolic process
term:
id: GO:0000038
label: very long-chain fatty acid metabolic process
modifier: DECREASED
cellular_components:
- preferred_term: peroxisome
term:
id: GO:0005777
label: peroxisome
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: very long-chain fatty acid
term:
id: CHEBI:27283
label: very long-chain fatty acid
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder caused by a
hemizygous mutation of the ABCD1 gene.
explanation: >-
This directly supports ABCD1 as the causal gene for ALD.
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The disease results from pathogenic mutations in the peroxisomal
transporter ABCD1 gene
explanation: >-
This supports the peroxisomal transporter defect as the proximal
metabolic lesion in ALD.
downstream:
- target: Very long-chain fatty acid accumulation
description: >-
Impaired peroxisomal transport and beta-oxidation cause VLCFA buildup in
blood and tissues.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This supports elevated VLCFAs as the central biochemical mediator of ALD
tissue manifestations.
- name: Very long-chain fatty acid accumulation
description: >-
Defective degradation causes pathologic elevation of VLCFAs in plasma and
tissues, especially affecting brain, spinal cord, and adrenal tissue.
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: very long-chain fatty acid
term:
id: CHEBI:27283
label: very long-chain fatty acid
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels were elevated, and the ABCD1
mutation, p.Gly116Arg, was identified in hemizygous state.
explanation: >-
This directly supports VLCFA accumulation as a biochemical hallmark.
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This links VLCFA accumulation to the major tissue-level manifestations of
ALD.
downstream:
- target: Oxidative stress
description: >-
VLCFA excess promotes redox imbalance and oxidative injury that seeds the
cerebral inflammatory cascade.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35463999
reference_title: "The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in X-Link Adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
research showed that VLCFA could induce oxidative stress and inflammation,
leading to damage.
explanation: >-
The review supports VLCFA-induced oxidative and inflammatory injury as the
upstream step of the cerebral cascade.
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
description: >-
VLCFA-mediated tissue injury contributes to the inflammatory cerebral
phenotype.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination
explanation: >-
This links elevated VLCFAs to the central nervous system demyelination
phenotype.
- target: Adrenomyeloneuropathy spinal cord axonopathy
description: >-
VLCFA-mediated injury can also produce the adult spinal-cord and
peripheral-nerve-predominant adrenomyeloneuropathy phenotype.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
intermediate_mechanisms:
- spinal cord tract injury
- peripheral nerve involvement
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and
bladder and bowel dysfunction
explanation: GeneReviews documents AMN as the adult spinal-cord/peripheral-nerve-predominant ALD phenotype.
- target: Adrenocortical dysfunction
description: >-
VLCFA accumulation also injures adrenal tissue and contributes to primary
adrenal insufficiency.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism
explanation: >-
This links elevated VLCFAs to primary hypoadrenalism in ALD.
- target: Gonadal dysfunction
description: VLCFA accumulation can also impair gonadal endocrine function.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This links elevated VLCFAs to primary hypogonadism as an endocrine
manifestation of ALD.
- name: Oxidative stress
description: >-
Oxidative stress contributes to cellular injury in X-ALD and amplifies the
inflammatory cascade that drives the childhood cerebral phenotype.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: response to oxidative stress
term:
id: GO:0006979
label: response to oxidative stress
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35463999
reference_title: "The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in X-Link Adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
research showed that VLCFA could induce oxidative stress and inflammation,
leading to damage.
explanation: >-
This directly supports oxidative stress as a pathogenic mechanism in X-ALD.
- reference: PMID:24316281
reference_title: "Pathophysiology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Cell autonomous processes such as oxidative stress and energy shortage in
axons as well as non-cell autonomous processes involving axon-glial
interactions seem pertinent to the dying-back axonopathy.
explanation: >-
This supports oxidative stress as part of the disease mechanism.
downstream:
- target: Astrocyte metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction
description: >-
Redox imbalance contributes to astrocytic metabolic failure and
inflammatory activation.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Adrenomyeloneuropathy spinal cord axonopathy
description: >-
Axonal oxidative stress and energy shortage are implicated in the
dying-back axonopathy that underlies the AMN branch of X-ALD.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
intermediate_mechanisms:
- Energy shortage in axons.
- Axon-glial interactions.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24316281
reference_title: "Pathophysiology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
Cell autonomous processes such as oxidative stress and energy shortage in
axons as well as non-cell autonomous processes involving axon-glial
interactions seem pertinent to the dying-back axonopathy.
explanation: >-
This explicitly links oxidative stress, axonal energy shortage, and
axon-glial interactions to the AMN axonopathy branch.
- name: Astrocyte metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction
description: >-
ABCD1-mutant astrocytes exhibit metabolic stress and pro-inflammatory
signaling changes that help drive cerebral disease.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: astrocyte
term:
id: CL:0000127
label: astrocyte
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: inflammatory response
term:
id: GO:0006954
label: inflammatory response
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38077449
reference_title: "IPSC-Derived Astrocytes to Model Neuroinflammatory and Metabolic Responses in X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Mitochondrial function analysis by Seahorse extracellular flux identified
increased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates in cALD
astrocytes, yet the ATP levels were decreased. Molecular signaling
identified increased phosphorylation of STAT3 in cALD astrocytes, and
higher proinflammatory cytokine and Toll like receptor (TLR) expression.
explanation: >-
This supports an astrocyte-centered inflammatory/metabolic dysfunction
downstream of ABCD1 loss.
downstream:
- target: Blood-brain barrier dysfunction
description: >-
Astrocyte dysfunction contributes to BBB injury and vascular leakage.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Blood-brain barrier dysfunction
description: >-
Matrix metalloproteinase-mediated BBB injury is a distinct early step in
cerebral ALD.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: extracellular matrix organization
term:
id: GO:0030198
label: extracellular matrix organization
modifier: DYSREGULATED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23185624
reference_title: "Cerebrospinal fluid matrix metalloproteinases are elevated in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and correlate with MRI severity and neurologic dysfunction."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Neuroimaging in cALD shows inflammatory changes and indicates
blood-brain-barrier (BBB) disruption.
explanation: >-
This directly supports BBB dysfunction as a distinct pathogenic event.
- reference: PMID:23185624
reference_title: "Cerebrospinal fluid matrix metalloproteinases are elevated in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and correlate with MRI severity and neurologic dysfunction."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
MMPs were found to be elevated in the CSF of boys with cALD and may
mechanistically contribute to the breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier.
explanation: >-
CSF MMP elevation supports matrix-metalloproteinase involvement in BBB
breakdown.
downstream:
- target: Microglial and macrophage activation
description: >-
Barrier injury promotes innate immune cell recruitment and activation.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Microglial and macrophage activation
description: >-
Activated innate immune cells drive the inflammatory cerebral lesion in
cALD.
cell_types:
- preferred_term: microglial cell
term:
id: CL:0000129
label: microglial cell
- preferred_term: macrophage
term:
id: CL:0000235
label: macrophage
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: microglial cell activation
term:
id: GO:0001774
label: microglial cell activation
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: macrophage activation
term:
id: GO:0042116
label: macrophage activation
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22014002
reference_title: "Chitotriosidase as a biomarker of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
As cellular infiltration has been observed in C-ALD, including activation
of monocytes and macrophages, we evaluated the activity of chitotriosidase
in the plasma and spinal fluid of boys with active C-ALD.
explanation: >-
This directly supports monocyte/macrophage activation in active cerebral
ALD.
downstream:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
description: >-
Innate immune activation propagates active white-matter destruction.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
description: >-
Childhood cerebral ALD is marked by rapidly progressive inflammatory white
matter demyelination.
locations:
- preferred_term: cerebral hemisphere white matter
term:
id: UBERON:0002437
label: cerebral hemisphere white matter
cell_types:
- preferred_term: oligodendrocyte
term:
id: CL:0000128
label: oligodendrocyte
- preferred_term: microglial cell
term:
id: CL:0000129
label: microglial cell
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: inflammatory response
term:
id: GO:0006954
label: inflammatory response
modifier: INCREASED
- preferred_term: axon ensheathment
term:
id: GO:0008366
label: axon ensheathment
modifier: DECREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This devastating phenotype is characterized by rapidly progressive
central nervous
demyelination and, if untreated, usually death within years of onset of
clinical signs and symptoms.
explanation: >-
This directly supports inflammatory cerebral demyelination as a major
downstream mechanism.
downstream:
- target: CNS demyelination
description: Inflammatory white-matter injury is expressed clinically as CNS demyelination.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This devastating phenotype is characterized by rapidly progressive
central nervous demyelination
explanation: >-
This directly supports CNS demyelination as the clinical expression of
the cerebral inflammatory lesion.
- target: Cerebral White Matter Lesions
description: Active cerebral ALD produces symmetric, expanding white matter lesions on brain MRI.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Radiographic changes generally precede clinical neurologic disease by
several years in childhood cALD and are characterized by symmetric,
expanding white matter lesions.
explanation: >-
This supports cerebral white matter lesions as an early radiographic
manifestation of cerebral ALD.
- target: CSF Chitotriosidase Activity
description: Activated monocyte/macrophage neuroinflammation is reported by increased CSF chitotriosidase activity.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
CSF chitotriosidase levels, a known inflammatory marker correlating
with outcomes following transplantation.
explanation: >-
This supports CSF chitotriosidase activity as a biomarker readout of
inflammatory cerebral ALD.
- name: Adrenomyeloneuropathy spinal cord axonopathy
description: >-
The adult AMN branch of ALD preferentially affects spinal cord tracts and
peripheral/autonomic pathways, producing progressive spastic paraparesis
with bladder and bowel dysfunction.
subtypes:
- Adrenomyeloneuropathy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and
bladder and bowel dysfunction
explanation: GeneReviews supports AMN as a progressive adult neurologic phenotype involving spasticity and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
downstream:
- target: Progressive Spastic Paraplegia (AMN)
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: AMN spinal cord tract disease manifests clinically as progressive spastic paraplegia.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and
bladder and bowel dysfunction
explanation: GeneReviews documents leg weakness, spasticity, and gait disturbance in AMN.
- target: Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (AMN)
causal_link_type: DIRECT
description: AMN spinal cord and autonomic pathway involvement produces bladder and bowel dysfunction.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and
bladder and bowel dysfunction
explanation: GeneReviews documents bladder and bowel dysfunction as part of AMN.
- name: Adrenocortical dysfunction
description: >-
ALD frequently involves primary adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal cortex
dysfunction.
locations:
- preferred_term: adrenal cortex
term:
id: UBERON:0001235
label: adrenal cortex
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: steroid hormone secretion
term:
id: GO:0035929
label: steroid hormone secretion
modifier: DECREASED
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: cortisol
term:
id: CHEBI:17650
label: cortisol
modifier: DECREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This directly supports adrenal insufficiency as a major tissue-level
consequence of ALD.
downstream:
- target: Adrenal insufficiency
description: Adrenocortical dysfunction is expressed clinically as adrenal insufficiency.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism
explanation: >-
This supports primary hypoadrenalism as the clinical output of adrenal
cortex dysfunction in ALD.
- target: Cortisol
description: Loss of adrenal cortex steroid hormone secretion is measured as decreased serum cortisol.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Endocrinological examination showed low serum cortisol
explanation: This supports decreased cortisol as a biochemical readout of adrenal insufficiency in ALD.
- target: ACTH
description: Primary adrenal insufficiency is accompanied by compensatory elevation of plasma ACTH.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: with high plasma ACTH
explanation: This supports elevated ACTH as a biochemical readout of primary adrenal insufficiency in ALD.
- target: Hyperpigmentation of the Skin
description: Primary adrenal insufficiency in ALD can present with increased skin pigmentation.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: anorexia, weight loss, and skin pigmentation from 18 years of age.
explanation: The case report supports skin pigmentation as part of the Addison-form ALD presentation.
- target: Weight Loss
description: Addison-form ALD can present with weight loss before neurologic disease is apparent.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: At first visit, his weight had decreased by 12 kg from 57 kg when he was 15 years old.
explanation: The case report directly supports weight loss in an Addison-form ALD presentation.
- target: Anorexia
description: Addison-form ALD can present with anorexia as part of adrenal insufficiency.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: anorexia, weight loss, and skin pigmentation from 18 years of age.
explanation: The case report directly supports anorexia in an Addison-form ALD presentation.
- name: Gonadal dysfunction
description: >-
VLCFA-mediated endocrine tissue injury can also impair gonadal function in
some affected individuals.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This directly supports gonadal dysfunction as an additional endocrine
consequence of VLCFA accumulation in ALD.
downstream:
- target: Hypogonadism
description: Gonadal dysfunction is expressed clinically as hypogonadism.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: This supports hypogonadism as the clinical output of gonadal dysfunction in ALD.
phenotypes:
- name: Progressive Spastic Paraplegia (AMN)
category: Neurological
subtype: Adrenomyeloneuropathy
description: >-
Progressive spastic paraplegia is the dominant adult neurological
manifestation in adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), reflecting distal
axonopathy of the corticospinal tracts and posterior columns.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Progressive spastic paraplegia
term:
id: HP:0007020
label: Progressive spastic paraplegia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction"
explanation: >-
GeneReviews documents adrenomyeloneuropathy as the dominant adult
neurologic phenotype, characterized by progressive leg weakness,
spasticity, and gait disturbance.
- name: Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (AMN)
category: Genitourinary
subtype: Adrenomyeloneuropathy
description: >-
Urinary urgency, incontinence, and bowel dysfunction are recognized
AMN-associated phenotypes attributable to spinal-cord and autonomic
involvement.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Urinary incontinence
term:
id: HP:0000020
label: Urinary incontinence
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20301491
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "AMN is characterized by leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction"
explanation: >-
GeneReviews documents bladder/bowel dysfunction in adult AMN as
part of the progressive spinal-cord and autonomic phenotype.
- name: Adrenal insufficiency
category: Endocrine
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Primary adrenal insufficiency is a major endocrine presentation of ALD and
may precede neurologic disease.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Adrenal insufficiency
term:
id: HP:0000846
label: Adrenal insufficiency
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This directly supports adrenal insufficiency as a core phenotype.
- name: Hyperpigmentation of the Skin
category: Endocrine
description: >-
Addison-form ALD can present with increased skin pigmentation as part of
primary adrenal insufficiency.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hyperpigmentation of the skin
term:
id: HP:0000953
label: Hyperpigmentation of the skin
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: anorexia, weight loss, and skin pigmentation from 18 years of age.
explanation: This supports skin pigmentation as a clinical manifestation in Addison-form ALD.
- name: Weight Loss
category: Constitutional
description: >-
Weight loss can accompany the Addison-only presentation of ALD before
neurologic signs are detected.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Weight loss
term:
id: HP:0001824
label: Weight loss
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: At first visit, his weight had decreased by 12 kg from 57 kg when he was 15 years old.
explanation: This directly supports weight loss in the described ALD Addison-form case.
- name: Anorexia
category: Gastrointestinal
description: >-
Anorexia can be part of the adrenal-insufficiency presentation of ALD.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Anorexia
term:
id: HP:0002039
label: Anorexia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: anorexia, weight loss, and skin pigmentation from 18 years of age.
explanation: This directly supports anorexia in an Addison-form ALD presentation.
- name: CNS demyelination
category: Neurologic
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Progressive cerebral white matter demyelination is the major neurologic
lesion in cerebral ALD.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: CNS demyelination
term:
id: HP:0007305
label: CNS demyelination
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This devastating phenotype is characterized by rapidly progressive
central nervous demyelination and, if untreated, usually death within
years of onset of clinical signs and symptoms.
explanation: >-
This directly supports CNS demyelination as a defining neurologic
phenotype.
- name: Cerebral White Matter Lesions
category: Neurologic
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Brain MRI can show symmetric, expanding cerebral white matter lesions before
overt neurologic symptoms in childhood cerebral ALD.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cerebral white matter lesions
term:
id: HP:0002500
label: Abnormal cerebral white matter morphology
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Radiographic changes generally precede clinical neurologic disease by
several years in childhood cALD and are characterized by symmetric,
expanding white matter lesions.
explanation: >-
This directly supports cerebral white matter lesions as a radiographic
phenotype in cerebral ALD.
- name: Hypogonadism
category: Endocrine
description: >-
Primary hypogonadism can occur as part of the broader endocrine phenotype
of adrenoleukodystrophy.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypogonadism
term:
id: HP:0000135
label: Hypogonadism
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Mediated by elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids, the
disease may manifest as central nervous system demyelination, primary
hypoadrenalism, and/or primary hypogonadism.
explanation: >-
This directly supports hypogonadism as part of the recognized endocrine
phenotype of ALD.
- name: Leukoencephalopathy
category: Neurologic
subtype: Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
Cerebral X-ALD causes inflammatory demyelinating white-matter disease.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Leukoencephalopathy
term:
id: HP:0002352
label: Leukoencephalopathy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22014002
reference_title: "Chitotriosidase as a biomarker of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In 35-40% of children with ALD, an acute inflammatory process occurs in
the central nervous system (CNS) leading to demyelination that is rapidly
progressive, debilitating and ultimately fatal.
explanation: >-
This supports a cerebral demyelinating white-matter phenotype.
- name: Behavioral abnormality
category: Neurologic
subtype: Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
Cerebral disease may be accompanied by psychiatric and behavioral
disturbance.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Behavioral abnormality
term:
id: HP:0000708
label: Atypical behavior
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35291541
reference_title: "X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in a 20-Year-Old Male With an ABCD1 Gene Mutation: First Case From Pakistan."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
psychiatric problems included primarily depressive disorder and mild
psychotic behavior.
explanation: >-
This supports behavioral and neurologic involvement in X-ALD.
- name: Cognitive impairment
category: Neurologic
subtype: Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
Cerebral inflammatory disease causes progressive cognitive decline and
neurologic dysfunction.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cognitive impairment
term:
id: HP:0100543
label: Cognitive impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35291541
reference_title: "X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in a 20-Year-Old Male With an ABCD1 Gene Mutation: First Case From Pakistan."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
poor concentration and memory
explanation: >-
This supports cognitive impairment as part of the cerebral X-ALD
phenotype.
- name: Visual loss
category: Ophthalmologic
subtype: Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
description: >-
Visual pathway involvement can contribute to progressive vision loss.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Visual loss
term:
id: HP:0000572
label: Visual loss
evidence:
- reference: PMID:35291541
reference_title: "X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in a 20-Year-Old Male With an ABCD1 Gene Mutation: First Case From Pakistan."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our 20-year-old male patient, a known case of Addison's disease,
presented with vision loss, neurologic symptoms, and psychiatric issues.
explanation: >-
This directly supports vision loss as part of the X-ALD phenotype.
- name: Progressive myelopathy
category: Neurologic
subtype: Adrenomyeloneuropathy
description: >-
Males with X-ALD can develop slowly progressive myelopathy as part of the
adrenomyeloneuropathy branch.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: slowly progressive myelopathy
term:
id: HP:0002196
label: Myelopathy
clinical_course: PROGRESSIVE
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22889154
reference_title: "X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD): clinical presentation and guidelines for diagnosis, follow-up and management."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
The clinical spectrum in males with X-ALD ranges from isolated
adrenocortical insufficiency and slowly progressive myelopathy to
devastating cerebral demyelination.
explanation: >-
This directly supports progressive myelopathy in the male X-ALD clinical
spectrum.
- name: Peripheral neuropathy
category: Neurologic
subtype: Adrenomyeloneuropathy
description: >-
Peripheral neuropathy can accompany the adrenomyeloneuropathy axonopathy
branch.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Peripheral neuropathy
term:
id: HP:0009830
label: Peripheral neuropathy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:24316281
reference_title: "Pathophysiology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
a slowly progressive dying-back axonopathy affecting both ascending and
descending spinal cord tracts as well as in some cases, a peripheral
neuropathy.
explanation: >-
This directly supports peripheral neuropathy as part of the AMN branch of
X-ALD.
biochemical:
- name: Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL)
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Plasma NfL is a validated prognostic biomarker for cerebral ALD onset
and treatment response, with a cut-off of 8.33 pg/mL discriminating
cALD with 96% accuracy in an independent validation cohort.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: neurofilament light polypeptide
term:
id: NCIT:C88043
label: Neurofilament Light Polypeptide
readouts:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: PROGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Elevated plasma NfL reports cerebral axonal injury and predicts cALD
onset, supporting early intervention decisions.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:37683329
reference_title: "Neurofilament light chain in plasma as a sensitive diagnostic biomarker for the demyelinating onset of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "A plasma NfL cut-off level of 8.33 pg/mL, determined in the assessment cohort, correctly discriminated CALD with an accuracy of 96%"
explanation: >-
Plasma NfL is validated as a high-accuracy biomarker for cerebral
ALD onset across multiple independent cohorts.
- name: Very-long-chain fatty acids
presence: INCREASED
context: Elevated VLCFA levels in plasma are a biochemical hallmark of ALD.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: very long-chain fatty acid
term:
id: CHEBI:27283
label: very long-chain fatty acid
readouts:
- target: Very long-chain fatty acid accumulation
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Elevated plasma VLCFA levels report the biochemical accumulation caused by
ABCD1-related peroxisomal transport failure.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels were elevated, and the ABCD1
mutation, p.Gly116Arg, was identified in hemizygous state.
explanation: This supports elevated VLCFA as a diagnostic readout of ABCD1-related ALD.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels were elevated, and the ABCD1
mutation, p.Gly116Arg, was identified in hemizygous state.
explanation: This directly supports elevated VLCFA levels as a biochemical hallmark of ALD.
- name: Cortisol
presence: DECREASED
context: Low serum cortisol reflects impaired adrenal steroid hormone secretion in Addison-form ALD.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: cortisol
term:
id: CHEBI:17650
label: cortisol
readouts:
- target: Adrenocortical dysfunction
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: NEGATIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: Low cortisol reports adrenal cortex failure in ALD-related primary adrenal insufficiency.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Endocrinological examination showed low serum cortisol
explanation: This supports low cortisol as a biochemical readout of ALD adrenal involvement.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Endocrinological examination showed low serum cortisol
explanation: This directly supports decreased cortisol in the Addison-form ALD case.
- name: ACTH
presence: INCREASED
context: High plasma ACTH reflects primary adrenal insufficiency with adrenal cortex failure.
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: corticotropin
term:
id: CHEBI:3892
label: corticotropin
readouts:
- target: Adrenocortical dysfunction
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: Elevated ACTH supports a primary adrenal insufficiency pattern downstream of adrenal cortex dysfunction.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: with high plasma ACTH
explanation: This supports elevated ACTH as a biochemical readout of primary adrenal insufficiency in ALD.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: with high plasma ACTH
explanation: This directly supports increased ACTH in the Addison-form ALD case.
- name: CSF Chitotriosidase Activity
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Increased CSF chitotriosidase activity reports activated
monocyte/macrophage inflammation in cerebral ALD and correlates with MRI
gadolinium intensity.
readouts:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: PROGNOSTIC
interpretation: Higher CSF chitotriosidase activity reports active neuroinflammation in cerebral ALD.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
CSF chitotriosidase levels, a known inflammatory marker correlating
with outcomes following transplantation.
explanation: This supports CSF chitotriosidase as a biomarker readout of cerebral ALD neuroinflammation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
the score positively correlated with average concomitant CSF
chitotriosidase activity
explanation: This supports increased CSF chitotriosidase activity as a measurable inflammatory biomarker in cerebral ALD.
- name: CSF matrix metalloproteinase 10
biomarker_term:
preferred_term: Matrix metalloproteinase 10 measurement
term:
id: NCIT:C209604
label: Matrix Metalloproteinase 10 Measurement
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
CSF MMP10 elevation is one of the matrix metalloproteinase signals that
correlates with MRI Loes score and neurologic function in cerebral ALD.
readouts:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: MONITORING
interpretation: >-
CSF matrix metalloproteinase elevation reports blood-brain-barrier
extracellular-matrix breakdown in active cerebral ALD.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23185624
reference_title: "Cerebrospinal fluid matrix metalloproteinases are elevated in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and correlate with MRI severity and neurologic dysfunction."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
MMPs were found to be elevated in the CSF of boys with cALD and may
mechanistically contribute to the breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier.
explanation: >-
This links elevated CSF MMPs to BBB breakdown.
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
relationship: CORRELATES_WITH
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: PROGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Higher CSF MMP concentrations correlate with radiographic inflammation and
clinical neurologic severity.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23185624
reference_title: "Cerebrospinal fluid matrix metalloproteinases are elevated in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and correlate with MRI severity and neurologic dysfunction."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
MMP concentrations directly correlate to radiographic and clinical
neurologic severity.
explanation: >-
The biomarker correlates with radiographic and clinical severity of the
active cerebral disease branch.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23185624
reference_title: "Cerebrospinal fluid matrix metalloproteinases are elevated in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and correlate with MRI severity and neurologic dysfunction."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
There were significant elevations of MMP2, MMP9, MMP10, TIMP1, and total
protein in the CSF of boys with cALD compared to controls.
explanation: >-
This supports CSF MMP10 as an elevated biomarker in cerebral ALD.
genetic:
- name: ABCD1
gene_term:
preferred_term: ABCD1
term:
id: hgnc:61
label: ABCD1
association: X-linked causal pathogenic variant
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder caused by a
hemizygous mutation of the ABCD1 gene.
explanation: >-
This directly supports ABCD1 as the disease-causing gene.
- reference: CGGV:assertion_815e0f84-b530-4fd2-81a9-02e02bf352ee-2020-12-18T050000.000Z
reference_title: "ABCD1 / adrenoleukodystrophy (Definitive)"
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: "ABCD1 | HGNC:61 | adrenoleukodystrophy | MONDO:0018544 | XL | Definitive"
explanation: ClinGen classifies the ABCD1-adrenoleukodystrophy gene-disease relationship as definitive with X-linked inheritance.
environmental: []
treatments:
- name: Lentiviral gene therapy (elivaldogene autotemcel / eli-cel)
description: >-
Autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells transduced with a Lenti-D
lentiviral vector carrying ABCD1 cDNA. FDA-approved for early-stage
cerebral ALD. In the phase 2-3 ALD-102 / LTF-304 trials with up to
6 years of follow-up, most boys with early cerebral ALD remained
free of major functional disabilities; one case of treatment-related
myelodysplastic syndrome was reported, identifying insertional
oncogenesis as an ongoing risk.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: gene therapy
term:
id: MAXO:0001001
label: gene therapy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:39383459
reference_title: "Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "At month 24, none of these 29 patients had major functional disabilities; overall survival was 94%."
explanation: >-
The ALD-102 phase 2-3 trial validated lentiviral ABCD1 gene therapy
as halting cerebral disease progression in early-stage cALD, with
94% overall survival and 100% major-functional-disability-free at
24 months.
target_mechanisms:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
treatment_effect: MODULATES
description: >-
Restoring ABCD1 in microglia / hematopoietic progeny reduces VLCFA
and halts the cerebral neuroinflammatory cascade.
- name: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
description: >-
Early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the key disease-modifying
intervention for cerebral ALD.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
term:
id: MAXO:0000747
label: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30237433
reference_title: Expanding the concept of peroxisomal diseases and efficient diagnostic system in Japan.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In the cerebral type of ALD, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is
the only treatment in the early stage, and thus prompt diagnosis will
improve the prognosis of affected patients.
explanation: >-
This directly supports early HSCT as the only disease-modifying therapy
for cerebral ALD in the cited review.
target_mechanisms:
- target: Inflammatory cerebral demyelination
treatment_effect: MODULATES
description: HSCT is used to arrest cerebral disease progression and may act in part by reducing neuroinflammation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral
Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of
Outcome following Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
it may, in part, exert its desired effect (arresting further myelin
loss) by quelling neuroinflammation.
explanation: This supports HSCT as a mechanism-targeted intervention for inflammatory cerebral ALD.
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: CNS demyelination
term:
id: HP:0007305
label: CNS demyelination
- preferred_term: Cerebral white matter lesions
term:
id: HP:0002500
label: Abnormal cerebral white matter morphology
- name: Glucocorticoid replacement therapy
description: >-
Glucocorticoid replacement treats the cortisol-deficient adrenal
insufficiency presentation of ALD.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: glucocorticoid
term:
id: CHEBI:24261
label: glucocorticoid
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: glucocorticoid replacement therapy was initiated.
explanation: This directly supports glucocorticoid replacement therapy for Addison-form ALD.
target_mechanisms:
- target: Adrenocortical dysfunction
treatment_effect: BYPASSES
description: Replacement therapy bypasses impaired adrenal cortisol production by supplying glucocorticoid activity.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: glucocorticoid replacement therapy was initiated.
explanation: This supports glucocorticoid replacement as treatment for adrenal insufficiency in ALD.
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Adrenal insufficiency
term:
id: HP:0000846
label: Adrenal insufficiency
diagnosis:
- name: Plasma very-long-chain fatty acid measurement
description: >-
Plasma VLCFA testing is a first-line biochemical diagnostic assay for
adrenoleukodystrophy.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: clinical assessment
term:
id: MAXO:0000487
label: clinical assessment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels were elevated, and the ABCD1
mutation, p.Gly116Arg, was identified in hemizygous state.
explanation: >-
This directly supports plasma VLCFA measurement as a core diagnostic
assay in ALD.
- name: Molecular genetic testing
description: >-
Genetic confirmation of an ABCD1 variant establishes the molecular
diagnosis.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
term:
id: MAXO:0000533
label: molecular genetic testing
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels were elevated, and the ABCD1
mutation, p.Gly116Arg, was identified in hemizygous state.
explanation: >-
This supports molecular confirmation of ALD by identifying a pathogenic
ABCD1 variant.
- name: Brain MRI
description: >-
MRI is used to detect cerebral white matter lesions and inflammatory disease
progression in cerebral ALD.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: magnetic resonance imaging procedure
term:
id: MAXO:0000424
label: magnetic resonance imaging procedure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:26427835
reference_title: >-
Intensity of MRI Gadolinium Enhancement in Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy:
A Biomarker for Inflammation and Predictor of Outcome following
Transplantation in Higher Risk Patients.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Radiographic changes generally precede clinical neurologic disease by
several years in childhood cALD and are characterized by symmetric,
expanding white matter lesions.
explanation: >-
This directly supports MRI as a core diagnostic and surveillance tool in
cerebral ALD.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Addison disease
description: >-
Isolated primary adrenal insufficiency can be an initial presentation in
adult men before neurologic disease makes ALD apparent.
disease_term:
preferred_term: primary adrenal insufficiency
term:
id: MONDO:0015128
label: primary adrenal insufficiency
evidence:
- reference: PMID:32101828
reference_title: A 29-year-old patient with adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with Addison's disease.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Evaluating VLCFA levels for ALD diagnosis is important in young adult men
with idiopathic primary adrenal insufficiency as well as in children.
explanation: >-
This directly supports idiopathic primary adrenal insufficiency as an
important differential context in which ALD should be considered.
- name: Metachromatic leukodystrophy
description: >-
Other inherited leukodystrophies can overlap radiographically and
clinically with the cerebral phenotype of ALD.
disease_term:
preferred_term: metachromatic leukodystrophy
term:
id: MONDO:0018868
label: metachromatic leukodystrophy
- name: Multiple sclerosis
description: >-
Inflammatory demyelinating disease that can overlap with cerebral ALD on a
symptom basis, especially when white-matter lesions and neurologic deficits
are present.
disease_term:
preferred_term: multiple sclerosis
term:
id: MONDO:0005301
label: multiple sclerosis
distinguishing_features:
- X-ALD is suggested by elevated VLCFAs and ABCD1 pathogenic variants.
- Prominent adrenal insufficiency strongly favors X-ALD over multiple sclerosis.
references:
- reference: PMID:20301491
tags:
- GeneReviews
clinical_trials:
- name: NCT03852498
phase: PHASE_III
status: COMPLETED
description: >-
Phase 3 Lenti-D gene therapy study after myeloablative conditioning in
boys with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.
evidence:
- reference: clinicaltrials:NCT03852498
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
Lenti-D Drug Product (also known as elivaldogene autotemcel or Skysona,
hereafter referred to as eli-cel) after myeloablative conditioning with
busulfan and fludarabine in participants with CALD.
explanation: >-
This trial supports active clinical development of gene therapy for
cerebral ALD.
- name: NCT03231878
phase: PHASE_II
status: COMPLETED
description: >-
Randomized MIN-102 (leriglitazone) study in men with adrenomyeloneuropathy
due to X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
evidence:
- reference: clinicaltrials:NCT03231878
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This is a Phase II/III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
multicenter, two parallel-group study in male patients with the AMN
phenotype of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) to assess the efficacy
and safety of MIN-102 treatment.
explanation: >-
This supports ongoing therapeutic development for the X-ALD spectrum.
- name: NCT04528706
phase: PHASE_II
status: COMPLETED
description: >-
Open-label MIN-102 (leriglitazone) study in boys with cerebral
adrenoleukodystrophy before hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
evidence:
- reference: clinicaltrials:NCT04528706
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
An Open-Label, multicenter study in male pediatric patients with cerebral
x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (cald) to assess the effects of MIN-102
treatment on disease progression prior to human stem cell transplant
(HSCT)
explanation: >-
This supports clinical trial activity for treatment of cerebral ALD.
datasets: []
notes: >-
Initial curation emphasizes the ABCD1-VLCFA mechanism, cerebral
demyelination, adrenal insufficiency, and early-transplant management from
currently cached literature.
This report is retrieval-only and is generated directly from Asta results.
search_papers_by_relevance with snippet_search.