[Therapeutics for Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy]

Brain Nerve. 2023 May;75(5):523-525. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416202371.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

In MELAS, taurine modification defect in the anticodon of mitochondrial leucine tRNA causes codon translation failure. An investigator-started clinical trials of high-dose taurine therapy, that showed its efficacy in preventing stroke-like episodes, and improving the taurine modification rate. The drug was found to be safe. Taurine has been approved as a drug covered by public insurance for prevention of stroke-like episodes since 2019. Recently, L-arginine hydrochloride has also been approved for off-label use as a treatment for both acute and intermittent stages of stroke-like episodes.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Arginine
  • Humans
  • MELAS Syndrome* / complications
  • MELAS Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • MELAS Syndrome* / genetics
  • Mitochondria
  • Stroke* / etiology
  • Taurine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Arginine
  • Taurine