We investigated whether the Huntington's disease (HD) gene mutation may produce either primary or secondary effects on energy metabolism. 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated a significant decrease in the phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate ratio in resting muscle of 8 patients as compared with 8 control subjects.

The cerebrospinal fluid lactate-pyruvate ratio was significantly increased in 15 patients as compared with 13 control subjects. Lactate concentrations assessed using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy are increased in Huntington's disease cerebral cortex.

Treatment with coenzyme Q10, an essential cofactor of the electron transport chain, resulted in significant decreases in cortical lactate concentrations in 18 patients, which reversed following withdrawal of therapy.

These findings provide evidence for a generalized energy defect in Huntington's disease, and suggest a possible therapy.

About the Authors

Koroshetz WJ, Jenkins BG, Rosen BR, Beal MF. (1997) Energy metabolism defects in Huntington's disease and effects of coenzyme Q10. Ann Neurol. 1997 Feb;41(2):160-5. Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.