Say goodbye to Sammy Basso, a 28-year-old biologist and the oldest progeria patient

This article was originally published in Italian

Sammy Basso, an Italian biologist suffering from the rare disease Hutchinson-Gilford (HPHD), has died at the age of 28. The Italian Minister of Education Valditara has proposed that a school be named in his memory.

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Sammy Bassothe Italian biologist and the oldest patient from the life of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndromea rare disease characterized by “premature aging”, He died at the age of 28. In 2018, Basso graduated in Natural Sciences from the University of Padua with a thesis on the existence of therapies to slow the course of his pathology.** The association founded by the biologist, Associazione Italiana Progeria Sammy gave the news. Basso (Aprosab).

Awarded last Thursday at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice, within the framework of the XIV Paolo Rizzi Periodical Award, for his commitment to exposure of the disease is very rare suffer and promote scientific research, Numerous members of the Italian Government remembered Basso.

“It was a an extraordinary example of couragefaith and positivity. He faced every challenge with a smile, which showed that strength of spirit can overcome any obstacle. A commitment to progeria research and his ability to inspire others will remain forever a model” wrote the prime minister Giorgia Meloni.

She had an echo there Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci. “We are saddened by the death of Sammy Basso, a man of extraordinary strength who changed his life battle against progeria in a mission of hope and progressmaking a decisive contribution to the knowledge of his disease and to scientific research on a very rare and complex pathology. He leaves us all a precious testimony of perseverance and courage. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who have walked his path,” wrote the Health Minister.

The Minister of EducationGiuseppe Valditara, to express that I would suggest naming a school after Basso. “I want to name a school after this great boy, example for everyone,” said the Minister.

What is progeria, the Hutchinson-Gilford disease that Sammy Basso suffered from?

According to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), the disease of Hutchinson-Gilford (SPHG), It is a very rare genetic disease, also called progeriacharacterized by accelerated aging that occurs in early childhood, no change in intellectual abilitieswith changes in the skin, bones and cardiovascular system.

SPHG affects approx one in eight million of live births in the United States. In the Netherlands Several new cases were observed 1 in every 4 million of live births. It is a progressive disease that causes rapid aging from the first years of life, the Iss further explains. In general, at birth, children do not show any manifestations of the disease, and only afterwards, during the first year of life, do the first signs and symptoms, such as stunted growth and hair loss, begin to appear.

Most children die from diseases typical of the elderly, such as heart or cerebrovascular problems. The average life expectancy of a child with SPHG is around 13 years, although some can reach 20 years or more. Sammy Basso was until now the only person progeria who has turned 28 years old.

Yes other hereditary diseases characterized by premature aging (progeroids) manifested as SPHG-like disorders, which explain the IS, but different in their underlying mechanisms. Among them are the Nestor Guillermo’s progeroid syndromeprogeroid syndrome atypicalprogeroid syndrome with mandibular hypolasia and deafness, the syndrome Of Barsycongenital progeroid syndrome, Bush diamond Wiedemannthe syndrome Werner and the syndrome Cocaine.

There is no specific therapy for SPHG syndrome.However, it is necessary to diagnose it as soon as possible to start supportive therapy and adequate treatment of complications. The search for possible remedies Huge progress has been made since the gene responsible for the disease was identified.