ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study was to elucidate genealogical and clinical features of hereditary neuropathy in the several kindreds of Gobi-Altai province.Materials and Methods: In the present study, we investigated five kindreds originated from Bayan-Uul sum, Gobi-Altai province on the basis of previous surveys. Each participant was enrolled for genealogical and neurological examinations according to specific questionnaire. We also collected biological samples for further genetic study. Genomic DNA was isolated from biological samples, and quantitative analysis of DNA was determined by spectrophotometer and Picogreen assays.Results: Twenty members from five kindreds were investigated. Genealogical analysis revealed that there is a linkage between two kindreds within the families enrolled into study, whereas no association was revealed among the other pedigrees. As a phenotype of the hereditary neuropathy, the clinical features were inherited in every generation, and the inheritance was not dependent on the gender. In neurological examination, age of hereditary neuropathy onset was detected as follows. The clinical features appeared in the first decade of life in 4 patients, in the second decade of life in 5 patients, and for the other members the disease started in the age of over 20 years. Common clinical features of hereditary neuropathy were characterized by hypomimic- and mask shape face, muscular atrophy of upper and lower limbs, and pes cavus. Interestingly five female patients had similar gynecological problems. Conclusions:1. The hereditary neuropathy exists in the kindreds of Bayan-Uul sum, Gobi-Altai province and the type of inheritance could be categorized as autosomal dominant.2. Onset of hereditary neuropathy disease was started mostly in the second decade of life. Common clinical features of hereditary neuropathy were characterized by hypomimic- and mask shape face, muscular atrophy of upper and lower limbs, and pes cavus. Apart from general clinical features, the specific complications related to metabolic disorders and pregnancy was detected.