Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Levels Are Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study

Background@#The association of serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains controversial. Furthermore, few studies have investigated their relationship in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between serum RBP levels and NAFLD in Chinese inpatients with T2DM. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional, real-world study included 2,263 Chinese T2DM inpatients. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The subjects were divided into four groups based on RBP quartiles, and clinical characteristics were compared among the four groups. The associations of both RBP levels and quartiles with the presence of NAFLD were also analyzed. @*Results@#After adjustment for sex, age, and diabetes duration, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of NAFLD from the lowest to the highest RBP quartiles (30.4%, 40.0%, 42.4%, and 44.7% for the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively, P<0.001 for trend). Fully adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that both increased RBP levels (odds ratio, 1.155; 95% confidence interval, 1.012 to 1.318; P=0.033) and quartiles (P=0.014 for trend) were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in T2DM patients. @*Conclusion@#Increased serum RBP levels were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in Chinese T2DM inpatients. Serum RBP levels may be used as one of the indicators to assess the risk of NAFLD in T2DM patients.

FGFR2 gene mutation in a family with Crouzon syndrome and a sporadic Crouzon syndrome patient / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the gene mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR2)in a Crouzon syndrome family and a sporadic patient.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The genomic DNA from 10 members in the Crouzon syndrome family, as well as a sporadic patient, was extracted. Then exons 8 and 10 of FGFR2 gene and their flanking sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Some of the family members were studied by only amplifying exon 8. Finally, the PCR products were purified and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The G to T transversion mutation (heterozygote) at nucleotide 833 in exon 8 of FGFR2 (C278F), was found both in the patients of the family and the sporadic patient.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FGFR2 gene mutation is responsible for the pathogenesis of Crouzon syndrome in these patients.</p>