Phenocopy in a patient with triple negative breast cancer: a case report

ABSTRACT A total of 1.67 million breast cancer cases per year are reported worldwide. Of these, 5%-10% are caused by inherited mutations. Phenocopy is a rare phenomenon, with only a few cases reported in the literature. In phenocopies, phenotypes identical to those with genetic origin occur because of environmental factors rather than familial mutations. We describe a case of phenocopy in a 44-year-old female patient with triple-negative breast cancer. The mother and sister wee heterozygous for c.1813delA, p.Ile605TyrfsTer9 in BRCA2 . The patient underwent genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and exome sequencing. Familial or other cancer variants were not detected. The most accepted phenocopy theory is that patients without genetic variants but who are carriers of these mutations undergo cellular changes due to environmental factors, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, the detection of phenocopy in patients with breast cancer is important in clinical practice.

Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 and genetic susceptibility to pre-eclampsia / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate whether endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 ( ERAP1) is a susceptible gene for pre-eclampsia (PE) and the possible mechanism in the pathogenesis. Methods:This retrospective study included 990 PE patients (case group) and 1 240 healthy pregnant women (control group) in six prefecture-level tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province, including the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Zaozhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, from September 2018 to April 2021. Peripheral blood were collected for DNA extraction. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ERAP1 gene (rs30187, rs27044, and rs469783 loci) were analyzed by Taqman probe polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two missense mutant plasmids, rs30187(c.1583A>G) and rs27044(c.2188C>G), were constructed by point mutation induction based on wild-type plasmids. Six groups (knock-down control, knock-down, over-expression control, over-expression, variant 1 and 2 groups) were set up in this study. After transfecting Htr8 cells with different transfection molecules, the expression of ERAP1 at mRNA and protein levels were detected. Besides, the effects of different transfections on cell function were detected using Transwell migration assay, Transwell invasion assay, cell scratch assay, and CCK-8 assay. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent samples t-test, rank sum test, and Chi-square test. Results:(1) There were significant differences in the genetic distribution of rs30187 (Genotype: χ2=29.25, Allele: χ2=4.68) and rs469783 (Genotype: χ2=7.01, Allele: χ2=6.45) as well as the genotype distribution of rs27044 ( χ2=28.95) between the case group and the control group (all P<0.05). Statistical analysis of the genetic model revealed that rs30187 and rs27044, both recessive models, were statistically different between the two groups with a higher frequency of CC genotypes in the case group ( χ2=20.82 and 19.97, both P<0.05), but a lower frequency in CC dominant gene pattern for rs469783 ( χ2=5.82, P=0.016). (2) Compared with the knock-down control group, the knock-down group showed significantly inhibited expression of ERAP1 (mRNA: 0.5±0.1 vs 1.0±0.0, t=7.49; protein: 0.4±0.1 vs 0.7±0.1, t=2.81; both P<0.05), reduced cell migration rate after 48 h of scratching [(16.5%±1.8%) vs (23.8%±2.4%), t=3.33, P=0.031] and decreased number of cells crossing Transwell chambers after 24 h of culture (423.7±21.3 vs 499.0±24.6, t=3.29, P=0.031). Compared with the over-expression group, variant 1 group and variant 2 group showed significantly inhibited expression of ERAP1 at mRNA (both P<0.001) and protein ( P=0.003 and 0.006) levels after transfection, decreased number of cells crossing Transwell chambers ( P=0.001 and 0.032) and down-regulated cell migration rate after 48 h of scratching [variant 1: P=0.004; variant 2: (21.1±4.6)% vs (28.3±1.1)%, t=2.10, P=0.099]. ERAP1 expression at both mRNA ( P<0.001) and protein ( P=0.008) levels, as well as cell proliferation ( P<0.001) and invasion ability ( P<0.001), were all enhanced in the over-expression group than those in the over-expression control group. Moreover, the migration rate of cells after 48 h of scratching ( P=0.002) and the number of cells crossing Transwell chambers after 24 h of culture ( P=0.001) were also increased. Conclusions:The rs30187, rs27044, and rs46978 on ERAP1 gene were all associated with PE susceptibility, with more carriers of the CC genotype in PE patients at rs30187 and rs27044 loci and more carriers of the CC genotype in healthy gravida at rs469783 locus. ERAP1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE by affecting the migratory and invasive ability of trophoblast cells.

Association of AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene with the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in elderly diabetic patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene and the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in the elderly.Methods:In the retrospective analysis, 498 elderly patients with decreased left ventricular diastolic function(the disease group)and 155 people without left ventricular diastolic function(the control group)were recruited.Polymerase chain reaction was employed to analyze the genotype distribution of AluYb8 insertion in MUTYH gene.Cardiac function was measured by high-resolution color Doppler ultrasound.Results:The frequencies of the A/A, A/P and P/P genotypes were 30.1%(150/498), 48.4%(241/498)and 21.5%(107/498)in patients with decreased left ventricular diastolic function, and 27.7%(43/155), 54.8%(85/155)and 17.5%(27/155)in the control group, respectively.There were no significant differences in genotype( χ2=2.162, P=0.339)and allele frequency( χ2=1.342, P=0.794)between the two groups.Further analysis after stratification revealed that there were statistically significant differences in genotype( χ2=7.173, P=0.028)and allele frequency( χ2=8.352, P=0.015). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, in elderly patients with diabetes, P-allele carriers had a higher risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function than non-carriers( OR=3.450, 95% CI: 1.148-10.372, P=0.027). Conclusions:AluYb8 insertion in the MUTYH gene may be associated with the risk of decreased left ventricular diastolic function in the elderly with diabetes.

Surgical Correction of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Without Coronary Dilatation After Kawasaki Disease in a 3-Year-Old Child

Abstract Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory condition that may affect genetically predisposed individuals in pediatric ages after infectious/environmental triggering. An infrequent finding associated with KD is ascending aortic aneurysm during or after the acute phase of the disease. In this Multimedia presentation, we describe a three-year-old girl submitted to surgical treatment.

Síndrome de Dandy-Walker. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

El síndrome de Dandy-Walker se asocia con dilatación quística del cuarto ventrículo, diversos grados de alteración del vérnix cerebeloso e hidrocefalia supratentorial. Se basa principalmente en un desarrollo anormal de las vías de comunicación del líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se ha sugerido predisposición genética asociada a malformaciones y alteraciones cromosómicas. El diagnóstico se puede llevar a cabo durante la etapa prenatal o posnatal, de forma clínica y estudios de diagnóstico por imagen. Se presenta el caso de una recién nacida que ingresó en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales por presentar hipotonía, protrusión de la lengua con trastornos de la succión. Se le realizó ultrasonido transfontanelar, con dilatación de ventrículos laterales. Se apreció además de la dilatación de los ventrículos laterales, quiste en el plexo coroideo y signos de atrofia cerebral. Fue diagnosticada con el síndrome de Dandy-Walker, sin criterio quirúrgico, por no presentar signos de hidrocefalia. Se presenta el caso porque es una malformación poco frecuente del sistema nervioso central.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is associated with cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, varying degrees of abnormality of the cerebellar vermix, and supratentorial hydrocephalus. It is mainly based on an abnormal development of the cerebrospinal fluid communication pathways. Genetic predisposition associated with malformations and chromosomal alterations has been suggested. The diagnosis can be carried out during the prenatal or postnatal stage, clinically and diagnostic imaging studies. We present the case of a newborn who was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to hypotonic, tongue protrusion with sucking disorders. A transfontanellar ultrasound was performed, with dilation of the lateral ventricles. In addition to the dilation of the lateral ventricles, a cyst in the choroid plexus and signs of brain atrophy were observed. She was diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome, without surgical criteria because she did not present signs of hydrocephalus. The case is presented because it is a rare malformation of the central nervous system.

Interaction analysis of FTO and IRX3 genes with obesity and related metabolic disorders in an admixed Latin American population: a possible risk increases of body weight excess / Análisis de la interacción entre los genes FTO e IRX3 con obesidad y desórdenes metabólicos relacionados en una población mixta de América Latina: un posible aumento del riesgo de exceso de peso

Abstract Background: Fat Mass and Obesity-related (FTO) has been one of the genes consistently related to common obesity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FTO have been linked with the IRX3 gene. Aim: This study was designed by testing the hypothesis that: i) common SNPs in FTO and IRX3 are associated with obesity and related disorders; ii) there is significant linkage disequilibrium between both genes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured, and obesity and metabolic disorders were diagnosed. Four SNPs were genotyped: 3 at FTO locus (rs17817449, rs8050136, rs9939609) and one at IRX3 locus (rs3751723). LD between these SNPs was estimated. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate associations. Results: A total of 792 subjects were included. FTO and IRX3 were not in LD (D'≤ 0.03; R2≤ 0.03). TT genotype (rs9939609) was found to be associated with waist circumference (p= 0.04; adj-p= 0.01), and IRX3 SNP with Body Weight Excess (BWE) (OR= 1.06, adj-p= 0.03). One FTO-IRX3 haplotype was associated with BWE (G-A-A-T, rs17817449-rs8050136-rs9939609-rs3751723; OR= 0.67, p= 0.04). The statistical significance of these relations continued after admixture adjustment for a three-hybrid population (p= 0.03). Conclusions: FTO was related to waist circumference, and IRX3 was associated with BWE in Latin American adults. This relation remained statistically significant after an adjustment for sex, age, and genetic ancestry was performed. Despite that these genes were not in LD, findings of a haplotype involving FTO-IRX3 suggest a gene-gene interaction associated with an increased risk of BWE.

Resumen Introducción: FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-related) se ha relacionado de manera consistente con la obesidad. Recientemente, Polimorfismos de Nucleótido Único (SNP) en este gen se han relacionado con el gen IRX3. Objetivo: Probar la hipótesis de que: i) SNPs en FTO e IRX3 están asociados con la obesidad y trastornos relacionados; ii) existe desequilibrio de ligamiento (LD) significativo entre ambos genes. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en la costa caribe colombiana. Se valoraron variables antropométricas y bioquímicas, la obesidad y trastornos metabólicos. Se genotipificaron 4 SNPs: 3 en FTO (rs17817449, rs8050136, rs9939609) y uno en IRX3 (rs3751723). Se estimó el LD entre estos SNPs. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión logística para estimar asociaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron 792 sujetos. FTO e IRX3 no se encontraron en LD (D' ≤0.03; R2 ≤0.03). El genotipo TT (rs9939609) se encontró asociado con la circunferencia de la cintura (p= 0.04; adj-p= 0.01), y el SNP IRX3 con el Exceso de Peso (EP) (OR= 1.06, adj-p= 0.03). Se encontró un haplotipo FTO-IRX3 asociado con EP (G-A-A-T, rs17817449-rs8050136-rs9939609-rs3751723; OR= 0.67, p= 0.04). Esta asociación persistió después del ajuste para una población mixta (p= 0.03). Conclusiones: FTO se encontró asociado con la circunferencia de la cintura e IRX3 con EP en adultos latinoamericanos. Estas asociaciones persistieron tras el ajuste por sexo, edad y ascendencia genética. Aunque estos genes no estaban en LD, los hallazgos de un haplotipo entre FTO-IRX3 sugieren una interacción gen-gen asociada con un mayor riesgo de EP.

Genes humanos asociados a la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 / Human genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

RESUMEN Fundamento: La variabilidad clínica de la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 se debe, en parte, a factores genéticos. Objetivo: Describir los principales genes de susceptibilidad a la Covid-19. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en Google Académico, SciELO, Annual Reviews y PubMed Central. Los descriptores que se utilizaron para la búsqueda de los documentos fueron consultados en el DeCS, estos fueron: SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19, genética y predisposición genética a la enfermedad. Se seleccionaron artículos disponibles a texto completo en inglés y en español, preferentemente de revistas arbitradas por pares. Resultados: Entre los genes implicados en la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 se encuentran DDX1 que promueve la replicación viral, IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3, IFNAR2 que codifican proteínas inducidas por el interferón, los genes de receptores (ACE2, ANPEP, DPP4), los genes de proteasas (TMPRSS2, furin, TMPRSS11D, CTSL, CTSB) que contribuyen a la entrada viral, genes de la respuesta inmune como ABO y metalopeptidasas como la familia ADAM. Se han detectado polimorfismos genéticos de riesgo. Conclusiones: En la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 se produce una compleja interrelación entre factores ambientales y genéticos que determinan la susceptibilidad de las personas a la Covid y su gravedad. El papel de los genes en la susceptibilidad a la Covid-19 deberá continuar investigándose.

ABSTRACT Background: The clinical variability of SARS-CoV-2 infection is partially due to genetic factors. Objective: To describe the main Covid-19 susceptibility genes. Methodology: A literature review was performed in Google Scholar, SciELO, Annual Reviews and PubMed Central. The descriptors used to search the documents were consulted in DeCS: SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19, genetics and genetic predisposition to disease. Full text articles available in English and Spanish were selected, rather from peer-reviewed journals. Results: Genes involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection include DDX1 which promotes viral replication, IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3, IFNAR2 encoding interferon-induced proteins, receptor genes (ACE2, ANPEP, DPP4), protease genes (TMPRSS2, furin, TMPRSS11D, CTSL, CTSB) that contribute to viral entry, immune response genes such as ABO and metallopeptidases such as the ADAM family. Risk genetic polymorphisms have been detected. Conclusions: In SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors that determine the susceptibility of individuals to Covid and its severity. The role of genes in Covid-19 susceptibility should be further investigated.

Factores hereditarios y síndromes de predisposición genética relacionados con sarcomas de partes blandas / Hereditary factors and syndromes of genetic predisposition related to sarcomas of soft parts

Los sarcomas de partes blandas son tumores malignos que se originan en el tejido conectivo, a partir del mesénquima embrionario. Teniendo en cuenta la existencia de nuevos y constantes cambios en la naturaleza de estos tumores, se realizó una revisión de las publicaciones más recientes para profundizar en las alteraciones genéticas, los síndromes de predisposición y su relación con los sarcomas. Se pudo concluir que aún siguen siendo muy pocos los registros que describen la identificación de dichos síndromes como principal eslabón en el desarrollo de los sarcomas.

The sarcomas of soft parts are malignancies that originate in the connective tissue, starting from the embryonic mesenchyme. Taking into account the existence of new and constant changes in the nature of these tumors, a review of the most recent publications was carried out to deepen in the genetic disorders, the predisposing syndromes and its relationship with sarcomas. It was concluded that the records that describe the identification of these syndromes are still very few as main link in the development of sarcomas.

Progress in genetic epidemiology of gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华围产医学杂志

Gestational diabetes mellitus poses a substantial threat to the short- and long-term health of women and their offspring. Previous studies have identified a number of genetic risk factors for gestational diabetes through candidate gene strategy and whole genome studies. Many of these identified genetic variations have also been proved to be associated with type 2 diabetes, abnormal glycometabolism as well as insulin secretion and resistance. This article reviews the recent progress in the genetic epidemiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Dermatoglifia como medio de hallazgo de diabetes mellitus: revisión sistemática / Dermatoglyphics as a means of finding diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Introducción. La diabetes mellitus (DM) es una de las enfermedades crónicas más comunes, siendo una de las causas principales de mortalidad de la población mun-dial. La dermatoglifia es empleada como instrumento para el hallazgo de ciertos aspectos biológicos en diferentes poblaciones. Objetivo. Reconocer, a partir de una revisión sistemática, la relevancia que tiene la dermatoglifia como medio de hallazgo de diabetes mellitus. Metodología. Revisión de literatura científica en bases de datos como Sciencedi-rect, PubMed, Scopus y BVS, en las cuales se extrajo información después de co-rrer la ecuación de búsqueda con términos MESH. Posteriormente, fueron revisados para incluir aquellos artículos relacionados con DM y dermatoglifia. Para todo el proceso se siguió la metodología PRISMA, evaluando los artículos con la escala de sesgo de Cochrane y el nivel de evidencia y recomendación con escala SIGN. Resultados. Después de una revisión de 475 artículos, se incluyeron ocho artículos, y al ser evaluados fueron clasificados cinco artículos 2+ y tres 2-, con nivel de reco-mendación D. Conclusión. La dermatoglifía es una herramienta útil como medio de detección de la DM. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar estudios de cohortes para demostrarlo en di-ferentes poblaciones, como la colombiana. En ese sentido, se encuentra que el 70% de los artículos revisados demuestran que la predicción de hallazgo de DM es efectiva. Sin embargo, el 30% de las investigaciones dentro de esta revisión no consideran que sea una herramienta lo suficientemente óptima para descubrir la patología en la población.

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases, be-ing one of the main causes of mortality in the world population. Dermatoglyphics is used as an instrument for the discovery of certain biological aspects in different populations.Objective. To recognize, by doing a systematic review, the relevance of dermato-glyphics as a means of finding diabetes mellitus. Methodology. Review of scientific literature in databases such as Sciencedirect, PubMed, Scopus, and VHL, in which information was extracted after running the search equation with MESH terms. After that, they were revised to include those articles related to DM and dermatoglyphics. For the entire process, the PRISMA methodology was followed, evaluating the articles with the Cochrane bias scale and the level of evidence and recommendation with the SIGN scale. Results. After a review of 475 articles, eight articles were included, and when evalu-ated, five articles were classified as 2+ and three as 2-, with a level D recommendation. Conclusion. Dermatoglyphics is a useful tool as a means of detecting DM. However, it is necessary to carry out cohort studies to demonstrate this in different populations, such as the Colombian population. 70% of the reviewed articles show that the prediction of DM finding is effective. Nevertheless, 30% of the investigations within this review do not consider it to be a sufficiently optimal tool to discover the pathology in the population

Analysis of clinical characteristics and genetic susceptibility of steroid-induced ocular hypertension in patients with uveitis / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical characteristics of steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) in patients with uveitis, and explore the relationship between its clinical phenotype and gene polymorphism.Methods:A retrospective case-control study. From July 2019 to December 2020, 576 patients with uveitis who were treated with glucocorticoid eye drops in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital were included in the study. Among them, there were 175 confirmed glucocorticoid responders (SRs) and 401 glucocorticoid non-responders (NRs). Seventy cases of SRs (age ≥18 years) using 1 % prednisone acetate eye drops were selected as the experiment group and 64 cases of NRs were selected as the control group. The polymorphism of rs2523864 and rs3873352 of human leukocyte antigen complex group ( HCG) 22 gene were detected by Sanger sequencing. To observe the clinical characteristics of SIOH after the use of glucocorticoid eye drops, and the correlation between rs2523864 and rs3873352 and the occurrence of SIOH. Differences among groups were compared with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The correlation between the occurrence of SIOH and the range of intraocular pressure increases after glucocorticoid use and the rs2523864 and rs3873352 loci were compared using the odds ratio ( OR) and its 95% confidence interval ( CI). Results:SIOH occurred in 175 (30.4%, 175/576) of 576 patients. Among them, there were 96 males (54.9%, 96/175) and 79 females (45.1%, 79/175); the average age was 33.64±17.40 years. Steroid high responders (HRs) and steroid moderate responders (MRs) were 58 (33.1%, 58/175) and 117 (66.9%, 117/175) cases. The medication time for the increase in intraocular pressure in MRs that was 33 (19, 56) days, and in HRs that was 28 (14, 36) days, the difference of which was significant ( Z=-1.999, P=0.046). No differences were found in daily doses of ocular hypertension induced by 1% prednisone acetate eye drops between MRs which was 4.24 (3.46, 4.66) drops/day and HRs that was 4.32 (3.84, 5.36) drops/day ( Z=-1.676, P=0.094). The genotype and allele frequency distribution of the rs3873352 locus in the case group and HRs group were significantly different from those in the control group ( P<0.05). The intraocular pressure with rs3873352 GG genotype after the medication was higher than that with GC and CC genotype ( Z=2.855, 2.628; P=0.013, 0.026), whereas there was no significant difference between different genotypes of rs2523864 ( Z=3.580, P>0.05). Genetic model analysis revealed the risk of SIOH in rs3873352 G allele carriers (GG+GC) was 2.048 times that of non-G allele carriers ( OR=2.048, 95% CI: 1.027-4.081, P=0.041). The genotype and allele frequency of rs2523864 locus showed no significant difference between different group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:After the use of glucocorticoid eye drops, HRs have an earlier increase in intraocular pressure than MRs. HCG22-rs3873352 gene polymorphism is related to the occurrence of SIOH, GG genotype increases the risk of SIOH, and G allele is a risk gene for SIOH.

New clues to understand gastroschisis. Embryology, pathogenesis and epidemiology / Nuevas pistas para comprender la gastrosquisis. Embriología, patogénesis y epidemiología

Abstract gastroschisis is a congenital structural defect of the abdominal wall, most often to the right of the umbilicus, through which the abdominal viscera protrude. Its developmental, etiological and epidemiological aspects have been a hot topic of controversy for a long time. However, recent findings suggest the involving of genetic and chromosomal alterations and the existence of a stress-inducing pathogenetic pathway, in which risk factors such as demographic and environmental ones can converge. . We have conducted a review of the medical literature that gathers information on the embryonic development of the ventral body wall, the primitive intestine, and the ring-umbilical cord complex, as well as on the theories about its origin, pathogenesis and recent epidemiological evidence, for which we consulted bibliographic databases and standard search engines

Resumen La gastrosquisis es un defecto estructural congénito de la pared abdominal, localizado con mayor frecuencia a la derecha del ombligo, a través del cual sobresalen las vísceras abdominales. Durante mucho tiempo, sus aspectos evolutivos, etiológicos y epidemiológicos han sido un tema candente de controversia, aunque hallazgos recientes sugieren la participación de alteraciones genéticas, cromosómicas, y la existencia de una vía patogénica inductora de estrés, en la que factores de riesgo como los demográficos y ambientales pueden converger. Con el objetivo de ampliar la frontera del conocimiento sobre una malformación que ha mostrado una creciente prevalencia global, hemos efectuado una revisión que incluye información, del desarrollo embrionario de la pared corporal ventral, el intestino primitivo, el complejo anillo-cordón umbilical, y de las teorías acerca de su origen, patogénesis e información epidemiológica reciente.

Endothelin-1 gene Lys198Asn polymorphism and ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Endothelin (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, which is closely associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that ET-1 gene Lys198Asn polymorphism can be used as a new biomarker of cerebrovascular diseases. This article reviews the research progress on the relationship between the gene polymorphism and susceptibility to ischemic stroke, and discusses its clinical significance.

Apolipoprotein E genotypes and vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment is the only cognitive impairment disease that can be intervened at present. In recent years, the research on its genetic factors has attracted much attention. Among them, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and its genotypes are closely associated with lipid metabolism, β-amyloid aggregation and deposition, the changes of brain structure and function, and are closely correlated with the pathogenesis of dementia. This article discusses some possible mechanisms of ApoE and its genotypes affecting cognitive function, in order to provide reference for the management of cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment.

Predição do risco de adoecimento por hanseníase em contatos de casos da doença de uma região endêmica brasileira / Risk prediction of illness due to leprosy in contacts of cases in an endemic Brazilian region

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os determinantes da infecção pelo Mycobacterium leprae e do adoecimento por hanseníase em contatos de casos da doença, residentes na Microrregião de Almenara, Minas Gerais, Brasil, a fim de compor um modelo de predição da hanseníase em contatos inseridos em regiões endêmicas. Trata-se de uma coorte retrospectiva de contatos domiciliares de casos de hanseníasecom período de acompanhamento de 1999 a 2018. Foi realizada coleta de dados com entrevista, aplicação de questionário semiestruturado, contendo informações sociodemográficas e de saúde, coleta de amostras biológicas e exame dermatoneurológico. As amostras biológicas subsidiaram a avaliação de polimorfismos genéticos e reatividade aos testes sorológicos. A escolha das variáveis explicativas incluídas nas análises se fundamentou no modelo teórico dos determinantes da hanseníase em contatos, elaborado a partir da realização de revisão sistemática. A análise de associação utilizou modelo de regressão logística por meio do método de estimação Generalized Estimating Equations. A construção do modelo de predição envolveu análise exploratória dos dados e aplicação de algoritmos de aprendizagem de máquina. Os determinantes da infecção pelo M. leprae foram: a cor de pele negra e parda, a presença de genótipos contendo o polimorfismo rs8057341 no gene NOD2 (Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2) e o convívio com caso apresentando incapacidades físicas no diagnóstico. Os determinantes do adoecimento por hanseníase foram: consanguinidade com o caso índice e a continuidade do convívio em intradomicílio ou peridomicílio após o diagnóstico do caso. A idade, o contato domiciliar e peridomiciliar, o convívio com mais de um caso e a presença de incapacidades físicas no diagnóstico foram determinantes para o risco à infecção e ao adoecimento em contatos. O genótipo heterozigoto contendo o polimorfismo rs2430561 no gene IFNG (Interferon-gama) foi fator protetor para a infecção e adoecimento em contatos. Os algoritmos de aprendizagem supervisionada Naive Bayes com discretização das variáveis numéricas, J48 e Random Forest tiveram os melhores desempenhos nos conjuntos de dados avaliados. Os determinantes do processo de infecção e adoecimento por hanseníase foram capazes de compor modelos de predição com a acurácia e sensibilidade superiores a 90% e indicam que a vigilância de contatos pode ser aprimorada pela utilização destas tecnologias nos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde, principalmente, em áreas de alta endemicidade.

This study aimed to investigate the determinants of Mycobacterium leprae infection and illness due to leprosy in contacts of cases of the disease in the Microregion of Almenara, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to support the construction of a leprosy prediction model in contacts of patients from endemic regions. We conducted a retrospective cohort of household contacts of leprosy patients with a follow-up period from 1999 to 2018. The researchers performed interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and health questions, biological samples collection, and dermatological examination. Biological samples supported the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms and reactivity to serological tests. The choice of the explanatory variables included in the analysis was based on the theoretical model of the determinants of leprosy in contacts, developed from a systematic review. The association analysis used a logistic regression model using the Generalized Estimating Equations estimation method. The construction of the prediction model involved exploratory data analysis and applied machine learning algorithms. The determinants of M. leprae infection were: black and mixed skin color, homozygous and heterozygous genotypes containing the rs8057341 polymorphism in the NOD2 gene (Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2), and living with a leprosy patient with disabilities at diagnosis. The determinants of illness due to leprosy in contacts were: consanguinity with the index case and living in the same household or yard after the diagnosis of the leprosy patient. Age, living in the same household or lot, with more than one leprosy patient that presented disabilities at the diagnosis were determinants for the risk of infection and illness in contacts. The heterozygous genotype that carried the rs2430561 polymorphism in the IFNG gene (Interferon-gamma) was a protective factor for M. leprae infection and leprosy in contacts of patients. The supervised learning algorithms Naive Bayes with the discretization of numerical variables, J48 and Random Forest had the best performances in the evaluated datasets. The determinants of the process of infection and illness due to leprosy were able to compose prediction models with accuracy and sensitivity higher than 90%. These results indicate that using these technologies in Primary Health Care services can improve contact surveillance, especially in highly endemic areas.

Genetic and genomics in congenital heart disease: a clinical review / Genética e genômica na cardiopatia congênita: uma revisão clínica

Abstract Objective: Discuss evidence referring to the genetic role in congenital heart diseases, whether chromosomic alterations or monogenic diseases. Data source: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, Google Scholar, and references of the articles found. Review articles, case reports, book chapters, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations were included. Summary of findings: Congenital heart diseases are among the most common type of birth defects, afflicting up to 1% of the liveborn. Traditionally, the etiology was defined as a multifactorial model, with both genetic and external contribution, and the genetic role was less recognized. Recently, however, as the natural evolution and epidemiology of congenital heart diseases change, the identification of genetic factors has an expanding significance in the clinical and surgical management of syndromic or non-syndromic heart defects, providing tools for the understanding of heart development. Conclusions: Concrete knowledge of congenital heart disease etiology and recognition of the genetic alterations may be helpful in the bedside management, defining prognosis and anticipating complications.

Resumo Objetivo: Discutir as evidências referentes ao papel genético em cardiopatias congênitas, sejam alterações cromossômicas ou doenças monogênicas. Fonte de dados: Lilacs, PubMed, Medline, SciELO, Google Scholar e referências dos artigos encontrados. Artigos de revisão, relatos de casos, capítulos de livros, dissertações de mestrado e teses de doutorado foram incluídos. Síntese dos dados: As cardiopatias congênitas estão entre os tipos mais comuns de defeitos congênitos, afetando até 1% dos nascidos vivos. Tradicionalmente, a etiologia era definida como um modelo multifatorial, com contribuição tanto genética quanto externa, sendo o papel genético menos reconhecido. Recentemente, no entanto, à medida que a evolução natural e a epidemiologia das cardiopatias congênitas mudaram, a identificação de fatores genéticos tem adquirido importância crescente no tratamento clínico e cirúrgico de defeitos cardíacos sindrômicos e não-sindrômicos, fornecendo ferramentas para a compreensão do desenvolvimento do coração. Conclusões: O conhecimento concreto da etiologia das cardiopatias congênitas e o reconhecimento das alterações genéticas podem ser úteis no tratamento à beira do leito, definindo o prognóstico e antecipando as complicações.

COVID-19: aspectos relacionados a la susceptibilidad genética y defectos congénitos / COVID-19: Aspects of genetic susceptibility and congenital defects

RESUMEN Introducción: la COVID-19 (acrónimo del inglés c oronavirus disease 2019) es una enfermedad infecciosa de reciente descripción, causada por el SARS-CoV-2, sin tratamiento efectivo. La identificación de variantes genéticas que intervienen en la respuesta a la COVID-19; así como la posibilidad de trasmisión materno-fetal del SARS-CoV-2 no solo permitirán ampliar los conocimientos sobre su fisiopatología; sino además estratificar los grupos de la población, y según su riesgo, implementar medidas preventivas y tratamientos personalizados, incluida la prioridad en el uso de vacunas. Objetivo: describir aspectos relacionados con la susceptibilidad genética y defectos congénitos en la COVID-19. Material y Métodos: se realizó una investigación tipo revisión bibliográfica; para identificar los documentos que se revisarían se consultó la base bibliográfica PubMed/Medline, incluyendo los trabajos del 2019 y 2020. Se incluyó publicaciones recomendadas por expertos, preferiblemente publicados en los últimos 10 años; luego de una valoración cualitativa, se realizó una síntesis. Desarrollo: están descritas mutaciones de los genes: ACE2, ACE1, TMPRSS2, TLR7, así como haplotipos HLA asociadas a la susceptibilidad genética a la COVID-19. Variantes de los genes: SLC6A20, LZTFL1, CCR9, FYCO1, CXCR6 y XCR1; así como de los que codifican para el receptor de la Vitamina D y las citoquinas pro inflamatorias (como las IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, y TNT-α), pudieran también estar relacionadas con un incremento de la susceptibilidad al SARS-CoV-2. Ante la posibilidad de trasmisión vertical de la COVID-19 y su posible papel teratogénico, las embarazadas constituyen un grupo de riesgo. Conclusión: variantes genéticas humanas son factores de susceptibilidad genética al virus SARS-CoV-2, que puede ser causa de defectos congénitos(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 (acronym for Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a recently described infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, without effective treatment. Identification of genetic variants involved in the response to COVID-19 as well as the possibility of maternal-fetal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 will not only allow us to expand our knowledge of the pathophysiology of COVID-19, but also stratify population groups according to their risks in order to implement preventive measures and personalized treatments, including the priority in the use of vaccines. Objective: To describe aspects related to congenital defects and genetic susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out. Medline and PubMed bibliographic databases were searched. Studies published between 2019 and 2020 were included as well the ones recommended by experts, preferably published within the last 10 years. After qualitative evaluation, synthesis was made. Development: Mutations in ACE2, ACE1, TMPRSS2, TLR7 genes, as well as HLA haplotypes associated with genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 are described. Variants in the genes SLC6A20, LZTFL1, CCR9, FYCO1, CXCR6, XCR1 and in those codifying vitamin D receptor and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) could be related to an increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Due to the risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 and its possible teratogenic effect, pregnant women are included in the risk group. Conclusion: Human genetic variants are factors of genetic susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which may cause congenital defects(AU)

Evaluación de riesgo de cáncer en personas expuestas ocupacionalmente a solventes orgánicos / Cancer risk evaluation in individuals occupationally exposed to organic solvents

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la frecuencia de micronúcleos (MN) e influencia de los polimorfismos en los genes del metabolismo GSTM1 y GSTT1 como biomarcadores de riesgo de cáncer en pintores de carros (n=152) con respecto a individuos no expuestos (n=152). Métodos Estudio Epidemiológico Molecular, tipo Corte Transversal analítico, interacción gen-ambiente. La evaluación de MNs y polimorfismos genéticos se determinó con pruebas moleculares en linfocitos de los individuos objeto de estudio. Resultados Se determinó que la frecuencia de MNs es 1.6 más alta en el grupo expuesto con relación al grupo referente (1.39±0.92 versus 0,87±0.78, p<0,0001). No se determinó un incremento en la frecuencia de MNs asociado a los polimorfismos en GSTM1 y GSTT1. Conclusiones El incremento de MNs en pintores de carros sirve para alertar al incremento de riesgo de cáncer en esta población expuesta a solventes orgánicos. Estos resultados pueden servir en Programas de Vigilancia Epidemiológica Ocupacional, como estrategia de prevención y en otros países con un amplio sector informal de individuos expuestos a estos químicos para reducir el riesgo de cáncer.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the frequency of micronuclei (MNs) and influence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms as biomarkers of cancer risk in car painters (n=152) compared to unexposed individuals (n=152). Methods Molecular epidemiology study, cross-sectional analysis of gen and environment interaction. The evaluation of MN and genetic polymorphisms was determined by molecular tests in lymphocytes from subjects involved in the study. Results It was determined that the frequency of MNs is 1.6 higher in the exposed group compared to the reference group (1.39 ± 0.92 versus 0.87 ± 0.78, p<0.0001). There was no increase in the frequency of MNs associated with the polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1. Conclusions The increase of MNs in car painters serves to alert the increased risk of cancer in this population exposed to organic solvents. These results can be used in Occupational Epidemiological Surveillance Programs, as a prevention strategy and policies to regulate and control the use of solvents at a national level and in other countries with a large informal sector of individuals exposed to these chemicals to reduce the risk of cancer.(AU)