Preserved Thermoregulation in Huntington's Disease: Insights from an Observational Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background Thermoregulation is critical for preventing hyperthermia during physical activity. In Huntington's disease (HD), research on possible thermoregulatory alterations has received little attention.

Objectives We aimed to investigate and compare skin temperature differences before and after exercise between HD patients and healthy controls. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate potential correlations between thermoregulation, body composition, and HD severity.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study. HD severity was assessed using the Total Functional Capacity and Unified HD rating scales. Skin temperature was assessed using thermographic infrared imaging of standardized 13 anatomical locations on the trunk and upper and lower extremities at baseline and after a treadmill test. Resting oxygen consumption was measured by indirect calorimetry. Differences between groups and correlation analyses between alterations in skin temperature and body composition, and HD severity were performed.

Results We included 14 patients with mild–moderate HD, mean age 60.5 (32–68) years, and 10 healthy-matched controls, mean age 56 (29–65) years. Although, similar thermoregulation capacity was observed between HD patients and controls, uniquely in HD, reduced temperature recovery after exercise was inversely correlated with body mass index (particularly fat mass), resting oxygen consumption, and CAG repeats, and positively correlated with age and quality of life (mental health domain).

Conclusion Although thermoregulation appears to remain largely intact in patients with mild to moderate HD, it tends to decline with aging, CAG repeat expansion, and lower BMI, which may negatively impact overall well-being in HD patients. However, further research with larger sample sizes is essential to confirm these results.