ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the distribution of androgen receptor (AR) gene CAGrepeats in the Chinese Han nationality and its application in genetic diagnosis for Kennedy's disease (KD). MethodsRT-PCR,denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (DPAGE) and gene sequencing were conducted for AR gene CAG repetition among 100 healthy controls and 28 patients diagnosed as motorneuron diseases,and the number of the repetition was counted. Results The healthy controls had a range of 15-31 times of CAG repetition,with an average of (23 ± 3) times.Among patients with motoneuron disease,3 cases with CAG repetition for more than 40 times (namely,46,47 and 47 times) were diagnosed as KD.The main clinical manifestations included slow progress of limb weakness,primarily in the proximal lower limbs,fatigue accompanied by myalgia,muscle jumping,muscle atrophy,elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels,neurogenic damage revealed by electromyogram (EMG) and androgen insensitivity.Conclusions The incidence of KDmay be underestimated in the Chinese population.Performing genetic diagnosis in patients with motor neuron disease for AR gene can improve clinical diagnosis and avoid misdiagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the state of psychoanalysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assess the Quality of life with fluoxetine therapy. Methods Fifty-three patients were evaluated by self-rating depression scale (SDS). The depression group were treated with fluoxetine. The quality of life of patientswith RA at the study entry and at the end of study were evaluated by questionnaire. Results 77.6% of these patients had clinical features of depression. A high frequency including upset, loss of interest, insomnia, irritability and life devoid of meaning were observed. The SDS and quality of life scores were improved after treated with fluoxetine. Conclusion There is serious depression in patients with RA. The therapy with fluox-etine can help to improve the quality of life.