SUMMARY
The research of Marcus Vinicius R. Pinto, M.D., M.S., focuses on understanding the mechanisms and clinical features of hematological neoplastic, metabolic, inflammatory and genetic peripheral nerve disorders. He is particularly interested in clinical trials and discovering new therapies for peripheral neuropathies. The long-term goal of Dr. Pinto's research is to improve the quality of life and decrease disabilities of people with neuropathies.
Focus areas
- Lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LRPN). LRPN, or inflammatory lumbosacral plexopathy, is an immune-mediated lower limb neuropathy that causes pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower extremities. It can occur in diabetics and nondiabetics and also affects upper limb and thoracic nerves. Dr. Pinto is studying the epidemiology, risk factors, potential triggers and clinical outcomes of this disorder. He is developing clinical trials for people with LRPN and aims to demonstrate that LRPN is a treatable neuropathy.
- Vasculitic neuropathies. Vasculitis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the blood vessels and can attack any organ, including the peripheral nerves. Vasculitic neuropathies can be systemic, affecting other organs, or nonsystemic, affecting only the peripheral nerves. Dr. Pinto's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of vasculitic neuropathies, and how pathological features can help individualize treatment for these people.
- Treatment-induced neuropathy of diabetes (TIND). Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Chronic hyperglycemia is the classic mechanism of diabetic neuropathy, but more recent research has shown that rapid glycemic lowering in poorly controlled diabetics can induce an acute sensory and autonomic neuropathy called TIND. Dr. Pinto is interested in understanding why some people develop TIND when undergoing rapid glycemic control and is studying the epidemiology and risk factors of this disorder.
- Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR). hATTR is the most common cause of hereditary amyloidosis. Dr. Pinto participated in the groundbreaking gene silencers trials while still working in Brazil and has continued studying this disorder after moving to Mayo Clinic. He is currently interested in the characterization of the peripheral neuropathy of people with hereditary transthyretin cardiomyopathy and the usefulness of tissue biopsies in people with hATTR peripheral neuropathy.
Significance to patient care
There is currently no FDA-approved therapy for LRPN, even though this is one of the most common immune-mediated neuropathies. Dr. Pinto's goal is to design new clinical trials and discover therapies that will decrease disabilities and improve the quality of life of people with this disease.
The identification of risk factors for TIND may help individualize care for people with poor glycemic control and avoid the development of this painful neuropathy.
Professional highlights
- Member, Education Committee, Peripheral Nerve Society, 2023-2025.
- Member, Junior Committee, Peripheral Nerve Society, 2021-2023.
- Chair, Second Brazilian Consensus for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis with Peripheral Neuropathy, Brazilian Academy of Neurology, 2022.
- Top Reviewer Award, Neurology, American Academy of Neurology, 2022.
- Chair, First Brazilian Consensus for Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis with Peripheral Neuropathy, Brazilian Academy of Neurology, 2017.