Serotonin, ghrelin, and motilin gene/receptor/transporter polymorphisms in childhood functional constipation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Functional constipation is the most common form of constipation, and its exact aetiology is still unclear. However, it is known that deficiencies in hormonal factors cause constipation by changing physiological mechanisms. Motilin, ghrelin, serotonin acetylcholine, nitric oxide, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide are factors that play a role in colon motility. There are a limited number of studies in the literature where hormone levels and gene polymorphisms of serotonin and motilin are examined. Our study aimed to investigate the role of motilin, ghrelin, and serotonin gene/receptor/transporter polymorphisms in constipation pathogenesis in patients diagnosed with functional constipation according to the Rome 4 criteria. METHODS: Sociodemographic data, symptom duration, accompanying findings, the presence of constipation in the family, Rome 4 criteria, and clinical findings according to Bristol scale of 200 cases (100 constipated patients and 100 healthy control) who applied to Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic, between March and September 2019 (6-month period) were recorded. Polymorphisms of motilin-MLN (rs2281820), serotonin receptor-HTR3A (rs1062613), serotonin transporter-5-HTT (rs1042173), ghrelin-GHRL (rs27647), and ghrelin receptor-GHSR (rs572169) were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Notably, 40% of the constipated group had a family history of constipation. The number of patients who started to have constipation under 24 months was 78, and the number of patients who started to have constipation after 24 months was 22. There was no significant difference between constipation and control groups in terms of genotype and allele frequencies in MLN, HTR3A, 5-HTT, GHRL, and GHSR polymorphisms (p<0.05). Considering only the constipated group, the rates of gene polymorphism were similar among those with/without a positive family history of constipation, constipation onset age, those with/without fissures, those with/without skin tag, and those with type 1/type 2 stool types according to the Bristol stool scale. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that gene polymorphisms of these three hormones may not be related to constipation in children.

Implication of FSHB rs10835638 variant in endometriosis in Brazilian women

ABSTRACT Objective The follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta gene rs10835638 variant (c.-211G>T) may have detrimental effects on fertility and protective effects against endometriosis. A case-control analysis was performed, aiming to investigate the possible relationship between this variant and the development and/or progression of endometriosis. Methods This study included 326 women with endometriosis and 482 controls without endometriosis, both confirmed by inspection of the pelvic cavity during surgery. Genotyping was performed using a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Genotype and allele frequencies and genetic models were compared between the groups. Results The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs10835638 variant did not differ between women with and those without endometriosis. Subdividing the endometriosis group into fertile and infertile groups did not result in a significant difference in these frequencies. However, the subgroup with minimal/mild endometriosis had a higher frequency of the GT genotype than the Control Group, regardless of fertility. The T allele was significantly more common in women with minimal/mild endometriosis than in the Control Group in the recessive model. Conclusion The T allele is associated with the development of minimal/mild endometriosis in Brazilian women.

The impact and interaction of TLR2 and IRF-5 gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to neonatal sepsis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the impact and interaction of Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to neonatal sepsis.Methods:A total of 78 cases of neonatal septicemia patients admitted to Baoding Children′s Hospital from July 2018 to August 2021 were prospectively selected as the study group, and 78 cases of healthy newborns in the same period were selected as the control group. The TLR2 and IRF-5 gene polymorphisms and the levels of inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] in different genotypes of infants were compared between the two groups. We evaluated the relationship between TLR2 and IRF-5 genotypes, inflammatory markers, and susceptibility to neonatal sepsis, and analyzed the interaction between their gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to neonatal sepsis.Results:There were significant differences in the distribution of TLR2 (rs3804099) and IRF-5 (rs2004640) loci genotype and Allele frequency between the two groups (all P<0.05); The serum CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in children with TLR2 (rs3804099) genotype TT genotype [(111.12±30.87)mg/L, (77.50±20.02)pg/ml, (40.27±11.31)pg/ml] were higher than those in children with CC/CT genotype [(72.46±24.51)mg/L, (54.18±17.65)pg/ml, (28.34±9.05)pg/ml], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The serum CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels [(113.90±28.94)mg/L, TNF-α (79.84±19.82)pg/ml, IL-6 (41.05±11.49)pg/ml] in children with the IRF-5 (rs2004640) TT genotype were higher than those in children with the GG/GT genotype [(70.88±22.16)mg/L, (52.27±16.73)pg/ml, (27.96±9.75)pg/ml], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The TT genotypes at TLR2 (rs3804099) and IRF-5 (rs2004640) loci were positively correlated with serum CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels (all P<0.05); The TT genotypes at TLR2 (rs3804099) and IRF-5 (rs2004640) loci were independent risk factors for susceptibility to neonatal sepsis (all P<0.05); The TT genotype at the TLR2 (rs3804099) locus and the TT genotype at the IRF-5 (rs2004640) locus exhibited a positive interaction in susceptibility to neonatal sepsis ( OR=7.467, γ=1.728). Conclusions:TLR2 (rs3804099) TT genotype and IRF-5 (rs2004640) TT genotype significantly increase the susceptibility to neonatal sepsis, and there is a positive interaction between the two.

Meta analysis of the relationship between DEPDC5 gene polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the relationship between rs1012068 and rs5998152 single nucleotide polymorphisms of DEPDC5 gene and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Up to October 31, 2022, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) were used to search the relationship between rs1012068, rs5998152 and susceptibility to HCC. The odds ratio (OR) values and 95% CI of the five genetic models were calculated, and the RevMan5.3 software was used for meta analysis. Results:A total of 12 articles were included in this study, including 11 articles about rs1012068 locus, including 2 609 patients with HCC and 8 171 controls, and 3 articles about rs5998152 locus, including 411 patients with HCC and 1 448 controls. The results of meta analysis showed that among the five genetic models of rs1012068 locus, allele pattern (G vs T: P=0.02), dominant pattern (GG+ TG vs TT: P=0.01) and heterozygote pattern (TG vs TT: P=0.009) were significantly different between the case group and the control group. In homozygous mode (GG vs TT: P=0.05) and recessive mode (GG vs TG+ TT: P=0.08), there was no correlation between rs1012068 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to HCC. Among the five genetic models of rs5998152 locus, allele model (C vs T: P=0.03), dominant model (CC+ TC vs TT: P=0.001) and heterozygous model (TC vs TT: P<0.000 01) were significantly different between case group and control group. There was no correlation between rs5998152 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to HCC in recessive model (CC vs TC+ TT: P=0.31) and homozygous model (CC vs TT: P=0.09). Conclusions:There is a correlation between rs1012068 locus and susceptibility to HCC in allele model and dominant gene model, which is a genetic factor promoting tumorigenesis. The allele pattern, dominance pattern and heterozygote pattern of rs5998152 locus can increase the risk of liver cancer, but no correlation was found in other patterns.

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.

Genetic analysis of unexplained neonatal encephalopathy / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the potential genetic causes of unexplained neonatal encephalopathy.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 113 infants diagnosed with unexplained neonatal encephalopathy and underwent genetic testing in the Children's Hospital of Hunan Province from January 2019 to May 2021. Perinatal data, clinical manifestations, electroencephalograph, brain MRI findings, genetic information, and prognosis of those patients were analyzed. T-test or Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results:Of the 113 infants enrolled, 74 (65.5%) were males. The gestational age at birth was (38.6±1.5) weeks, and the birth weight was (2 957±561) g. The most common clinical manifestation was the disturbance of consciousness (83/113, 73.5%), followed by seizures (39/113, 34.5%). There were 38.2% (34/89) of the patients with abnormal brain MRI, and 80.4% (74/92) presented abnormal electroencephalography. Among the 113 infants, 60 (53.1%) had genetic abnormalities, including 48 with single nucleotide variations, eight with copy number variations, and four with chromosome abnormalities. Single nucleotide variations in the 48 patients were classified into syndromic ( n=18, 37.5%), metabolic ( n=16, 33.3%), epileptic ( n=11, 22.9%) and mitochondrial-related genes ( n=3, 6.3%), of which 14 were not included in any database. Among the 103 cases which were successfully followed up until December 31, 2021, 75 (72.8%) had a poor prognosis, including 52 (50.5%) death cases and 23 (22.3%) cases of development retardation. Birth weight and the incidence of seizures in the poor prognosis group were both lower than those in the non-poor prognosis group [(2 876±536) vs (3 254±554) g, t=3.15; 29.3% (22/75) vs 53.6% (15/28), χ2=5.20; both P<0.05], while the incidence of disturbance of consciousness was higher [80.0% (60/75) vs 53.6% (15/28), χ2=7.19, P<0.05]. The proportion of infants with genetic abnormalities in the poor prognosis group was higher than that in the non-poor prognosis group, but the difference was not statistically significant [53.3% (40/75) vs 46.4% (13/28), χ2=0.39, P=0.533]. Conclusions:Genetic abnormality is one of the leading causes of unexplained neonatal encephalopathy. Nucleotide variation is the most common genetic type. Syndromic, metabolic, and epileptic variants are frequently detected in these patients.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of seven fetuses with 16p12.2 microdeletion or microduplication / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic features and diagnosis of 16p12.2 copy number variation (CNV).Methods:This retrospective study recruited seven fetuses with 16p12.2 microdeletion/microduplication in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2017 to December 2021. Data, including the prenatal diagnostic indications, ultrasound findings, karyotypes, genetic testing and mutation tracing results, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal follow-up data, were summarized with descriptive statistical analysis.Results:Prenatal ultrasound indicated three fetuses with structural abnormalities, including one case each of multiple malformations, interventricular septal defect, and cleft lip and palate. The other four cases were positive for ultrasonic soft markers involving the heart and kidney. The chromosome karyotypes of the seven fetuses were normal. Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) results showed that four cases had a 381.7-542.4 kb microdeletion containing three genes ( OTOA, METTL9, and IGSF6) in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) at 16p12.2 (distal region) and three cases had a 484.0-701.7 kb microdeletion/microduplication containing four OMIM genes ( UQCRC2, CDR2, EEF2K, and POLR3E) at 16p12.2 (proximal region). Five (cases 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) out of the seven fetuses inherited the variants from their phenotypically normal mother/father, and among them, three (cases 2, 4, and 5) were delivered at term and healthy. Two cases (cases 3 and 7) refused to undergo pedigree verification. Case 3, a full-term infant, underwent ventricular septal defect repair three months after birth, and no abnormality was found at 18 months of age. Conclusions:No specific phenotype presents in fetuses with 16p12.2 microdeletion/microduplication in prenatal diagnosis. OTOA gene is the key gene associated with abnormality in the distal region of 16p12.2. Pedigree analysis is conducive to preventing unnecessary termination of pregnancy.

Research progress on the correlation between genetic factors and sudden cardiac death in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Sudden cardiac death(SCD)in the elderly is defined as a sudden accidental death in patients over 65 years of age within one hour of symptom onset or within 24 hours with no symptoms, possibly due to arrhythmia or abrupt hemodynamic changes.It is characterized by rapid onset, rapid progression, and high mortality.Sudden cardiac death in the elderly is the most serious clinical syndrome in elderly patients with heart disease.It accounts for more than 80% of all sudden death cases and is the cause of sudden death in the vast majority of elderly patients.Clinical methods for the detection of sudden cardiac death include mostly screening through family and personal history, physical examination, electrocardiogram analysis and echocardiography, but their drawbacks include lack specificity, low detection rates and relatively limited scenarios for their use.Genetic susceptibility is also responsible for sudden cardiac death.Genetic factors play an important role in the occurrence and development of sudden cardiac death.This review summarized the correlation between sudden death and genetic factors underlying different cardiovascular diseases, including the role of genetic polymorphisms in the occurrence of sudden cardiac death in older adults.

Influence of rs2587552 polymorphism of DRD2 gene on the effect of a childhood obesity intervention: A prospective, parallel-group controlled trial / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the association between rs2587552 polymorphism (has a strong lin-kage disequilibrium with rs1800497 which had been found in many studies to be related to obesity, r2=0.85) of DRD2 gene and the effect of a childhood obesity intervention in Chinese population, and provide a scientific basis for future personalized childhood obesity intervention based on genetic background.@*METHODS@#From a multi-center cluster randomized controlled trial studying the effect of a childhood obesity intervention, we enrolled 382 children from 8 primary schools (192 and 190 children from intervention and control groups, respectively) in Beijing as study subjects. Saliva was collected and DNA was extracted to detect the rs2587552 polymorphism of DRD2 gene, and the interactions between the gene and study arms on childhood obesity indicators [including body weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage] were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#No association was found between rs2587552 polymorphism and the changes in hip circumference or body fat percentage in the intervention group (P>0.05). However, in the control group, children carrying the A allele at DRD2 rs2587552 locus showed a greater increase in hip circumference and body fat percentage compared with those not carrying A allele (P < 0.001). There were interactions between rs2587552 polymorphism of DRD2 gene and study arms on the changes in hip circumference and body fat percentage (P=0.007 and 0.015, respectively). Compared with the control group, children in the intervention group carrying the A allele at DRD2 rs2587552 locus showed decrease in hip circumference by (-1.30 cm, 95%CI: -2.25 to -0.35, P=0.007) and decrease in body fat percentage by (-1.34%, 95%CI: -2.42 to -0.27, P=0.015) compared with those not carrying A allele. The results were consistent between the dominant model and the additive model (hip circumfe-rence: -0.66 cm, 95%CI: -1.28 to -0.03, P=0.041; body fat percentage: -0.69%, 95%CI: -1.40 to 0.02, P=0.056). No interaction was found between rs2587552 polymorphism and study arms on the changes in other childhood obesity-related indicators (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Children carrying the A allele at rs2587552 polymorphism of DRD2 gene are more sensitive to intervention and showed more improvement in hip circumference and body fat percentage after the intervention, suggesting that future personalized childhood obesity lifestyle intervention can be carried out based on the rs2587552 polymorphism of DRD2 gene.

Associations of genetic variations in pyroptosis related genes with acute adverse events in postoperative rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: This study aims to investigate the associations between genetic variations of pyroptosis pathway related key genes and adverse events (AEs) of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood which was collected from 347 patients before CRT. Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of 43 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) in eight pyroptosis genes, including absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-1 (CASP1), caspase-4(CASP4), caspase-5 (CASP5), caspase-11 (CASP11), gasdermin D (GSDMD), gasdermin E (GSDME) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). The associations between 43 htSNPs and AEs were evaluated by the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for sex, age, clinical stage, tumor grade, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), surgical procedure, and tumor location. Results: Among the 347 patients with rectal cancer underwent concurrent CRT with capecitabine after surgery, a total of 101(29.1%) occurred grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. rs11226565 (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.79, P=0.008), rs579408(OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.03-2.29, P=0.034) and rs543923 (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.98, P=0.040) were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. One hundred and fifty-six (45.0%) had grade ≥ 2 diarrhea, two SNPs were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ diarrhea, including CASP11 rs10880868 (OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.91, P=0.020) and GSDME rs2954558 (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.31, P=0.050). In addition, sixty-six cases (19.0%) developed grade ≥2 dermatitis, three SNPs that significantly associated with the risk of grade ≥2 dermatitis included GSDME rs2237314 (OR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.16-0.83, P=0.017), GSDME rs12540919 (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.99, P=0.045) and NLRP3 rs3806268 (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03-2.22, P=0.037). There was no significant difference in the association between other genetic variations and AEs of rectal cancer patients (all P>0.05). Surgical procedure and tumor location had great impacts on the occurrence of grade ≥2 diarrhea and dermatitis (all P<0.01). Conclusion: The genetic variants of CASP4, CASP11, GSDME and NLRP3 are associated with the occurrence of AEs in patients with rectal cancer who received postoperative CRT, suggesting they may be potential genetic markers in predicting the grade of AEs to achieve individualized treatment of rectal cancer.

Interleukin-17A in Egyptian leprosy patients: a clinical, genetic, and biochemical study

Abstract Background: Leprosy represents a long-term communicable disease resulting from Mycobacterium leprae infection. IL-17A is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that protects humans against many fungal and bacterial pathogens. Objective: To investigate IL-17A (rs2275913) gene polymorphism and its circulating level in leprosy patients, and to correlate the detected results with different clinical aspects of leprosy in the investigated patients. Methods: 60 patients with leprosy, and 29 age and sex-matched volunteers were investigated for IL-17A serum level and IL-17A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) by ELISA and RFLP-PCR respectively. Results: IL-17A serum level was significantly higher in leprosy patients than in controls (p = 0.034), and in TL than LL (p = 0.017). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) G allele and GG genotype were associated significantly with LL (p = 0.005and 0.001 respectively). IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AG genotype carriers demonstrated the highest IL-17A serum levels; however, its lowest levels were found in IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) AA genotype carriers (p = 0.005). Grade 2 disability (p = 0.030) and positive slit skin smear (SSS) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with IL-17A (rs2275913 A/G) GG genotype. Study limitations: The small number of studied subjects. Conclusions: IL -17A may have a pivotal role in leprosy pathogenesis. IL-17A (rs2275913) GG genotype plus G allele might be related to the development of LL in the Egyptian 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.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic etiology analysis of a fetus with nemaline myopathy / 中华围产医学杂志

We reported a fetus with limb abnormalities and abnormal ultrasound soft markers diagnosed with nemaline myopathy. A pregnant woman (G1P0) underwent amniocentesis at 18 +2 gestational weeks due to thickened nuchal translucency suggested by ultrasound at 13 +5 gestational weeks. Karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array of the amniotic fluid cells showed no fetal abnormalities. However, ultrasonographic reexaminations at 23, 28, and 28 +1 weeks indicated limb abnormalities and thickened nuchal fold, and the pregnant woman chose to terminate the pregnancy at 29 +2 gestational weeks. Whole exome sequencing showed compound heterozygous mutations of c.602G>A (p.W201*) and c.1516A>C (p.T506P) in the KLHL40 gene inherited from the mother and the father, respectively, resulting in nemaline myopathy type 8.

Prenatal diagnosis of Cri-du-chat syndrome: analysis of 11 cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic and genetic features of Cri-du-chat syndrome (CDCS).Methods:In this retrospective study, cases with CDCS diagnosed in Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from 2004 to 2021 and with complete data were reviewed to describe and analyze the maternal serum prenatal screening, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), ultrasound, genetic examination data, and pregnancy outcomes.Results:All cases were diagnosed by karyotype analysis, seven of them were diagnosed prenatally through amniotic fluid, and four were diagnosed after birth through peripheral blood. Five of the seven cases diagnosed prenatally had an abnormal serological screening, including two cases with 5p- indicated by NIPT. Of the 11 cases, prenatal ultrasonography showed cerebellar transverse diameter less than －2 SD in eight cases, including four with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), two with fetal growth restriction, and two with cranial diameters less than －2 SD. One case was shown with an increased nuchal translucency, accompanying bilateral choroid plexus cysts of the lateral ventricles, and suspected persistent left superior vena cava. No obvious ultrasound abnormality was observed in the remaining two cases. Among the seven cases diagnosed prenatally, excluding one case that refused parental verification, further single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) showed that all six cases inherited the de novo mutations from the parents. The cytogenetic analysis found the breakpoints at 5p13, 5p14, and 5p15 in five, three, and three cases. All seven pregnancies were terminated in the second trimester. Four children diagnosed postnatally presented with CDCS phenotype during the follow-up at three years old. Conclusions:Fetal CDCS should be considered with CH detected by prenatal ultrasonography, though the correlation between CH and CDCS still needs further investigation. Gene mapping with an SNP array is helpful for phenotypic profiling and genetic counseling.

Indications of invasive prenatal diagnosis in third trimester and pregnancy outcome / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis in the third trimester and summarize the pregnant outcome.Methods:Clinical data of 121 women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis in the third trimester in the prenatal diagnostic center of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Different genetic diagnostic methods were used according to different indications. Indications and results of prenatal diagnosis, as well as the complications within two weeks after the invasive procedure, pregnancy outcome, and neonatal follow-up of all the participants were described.Results:Among the 121 cases, 107 cases underwent amniocentesis, seven underwent percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, and seven had both procedures performed at the same time (one underwent thoracocentesis at the same time). Newly identified ultrasound abnormalities in the second and third trimesters were the main indications for prenatal diagnosis, accounting for 99.2%(120/121), of which short limbs and fetal growth restriction accounted for 25.0% (30/120) and 20.0% (24/120), respectively. Genetic abnormalities and congenital diseases were detected in 20 cases with a detection rate of 16.5%(20/121). Among them, there were nine cases of achondroplasia, five cases of pathogenic copy number variations, one case of achondroplasia with pathogenic copy number variation, one trisomy 18, one 47,XXX, one tetrasome mosaicism of 12p, one de novo WTX c. 1072(Exon2) C>Tp.R358X heterozygous mutation, and one fetal hypoproteinemia. In addition, six cases with copy number variation of unknown significance (VUS) were detected, noting for a detection rate of 5.0%(6/121). Among the 20 cases with abnormal detection, 15 were terminated, two delivered prematurely before obtaining the prenatal diagnosis results, one underwent cesarean section before obtaining prenatal diagnostic results and two continued the pregnancies. In the six cases with VUS, one was terminated and the other five continued the pregnancy. Only one case had preterm premature rupture of membranes 2 d after amniocentesis and the incidence rate of complications after all kinds of invasive procedures was 0.8% (1/121). During the neonatal follow-up, postnatal whole exome sequencing revealed monogenetic disorder in two cases with normal prenatal diagnostic results; the patient with 12p chimerism had developmental delay; the one with WTX mutation deceased on the day of born; the rest newborns developed normally. Conclusions:As a relatively safe method, invasive prenatal diagnosis in the third trimester is of great importance and value in reducing the miss diagnostic rate of fetuses with severe genetic diseases and birth defects. The appropriate application of prenatal whole exome sequencing could further help to decrease the miss diagnostic rate of monogenetic disorder.

Detection rate and clinical significance of regions of homozygosity in prenatal genetic diagnosis / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To detect the incidence and analyze the clinical significance of regions of homozygosity (ROH) through the single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array).Methods:The SNP array detection results of 5 116 pregnant women in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The pregnant women with ROH (5 Mb as the threshold) were followed up to analyze the relationship between ROH and abnormal fetal phenotype. Whole exon sequencing was performed in 4 cases of consanguineous marriage to detect potential recessive causative genes in the ROH region.Results:(1) A total of 39 cases of ROH were detected, with a positive rate of 0.76% (39/5 116). Among them, 25 cases (64%, 25/39) were detected only on single chromosome, and chromosome 11 had the highest detection rate, suggesting the risk of uniparental disomy; fourteen cases (36%,14/39) were detected on multiple chromosomes, most commonly on chromosomes 11, 1, 3, 4 and 8. (2) The number of cases and detection rate of ROH detected by different prenatal diagnosis indicators were as follows: 12 cases (1.78%, 12/676) in pregnant women with abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing result, 12 cases (0.37%, 12/3 284) in pregnant women with ultrasound abnormality, 4 cases (4/4) in pregnant women with consanguineous marriage, 3 cases (0.92%, 3/326) in pregnant women with previous adverse pregnancy, 2 cases (1.15%, 2/174) in pregnant women with high risk of serology in screening, 2 cases (4.00%, 2/50) in pregnant women with abnormal fetal chromosomal karyotype, 2 cases (0.79%, 2/253) in pregnant women with advanced maternal age, 1 case (0.56%, 1/178) in pregnant women with related parental genetic factors and 1 case (0.58%, 1/171) in pregnant women with the other factors. (3) The follow-up results of 39 cases of prenatal ROH showed that there were 16 cases of term birth, 15 cases of termination of pregnancy, 2 cases of preterm births, 1 case of fetal death and 5 cases lost to follow-up.Conclusions:Chromosomal ROH phenomenon is not rare. By analyzing the detection rate of ROH in prenatal diagnosis, combined with the results of fetal phenotype and postpartum follow-up, the clinical characteristics of ROH are discussed, so as to better understand the relationship between ROH and its phenotype.

The correlation between pulmonary surfactant protein B gene polymorphism and susceptibility to respiratory distress syndrome in Uyghur newborns / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the relationship between the 1580 locus (rs1130866) gene polymorphism of pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B) gene and susceptibility of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in Uygur newborns.Methods:From June 2019 to May 2020, Uyghur premature infants admitted to the Department of Neonatology of our hospital were prospectively enrolled and assigned into RDS group and control group according to their diagnosis. The genotype and allele distribution of SP-B gene 1580 locus were examined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis technology. The genotype and allele frequency of SP-B gene 1580 locus in RDS infants among Uyghur, Mongolian and Han nationality were compared.Results:A total of 160 infants were enrolled, including 80 in the RDS group and 80 in the control group. Three genotypes (TT, TC and CC) were detected in both groups. The frequencies of the three genotypes in the RDS group were 18.8%, 53.8% and 27.4%, respectively, with T allele frequency 45.6% and C allele frequency 54.4%. The frequencies of the three genotypes in the control group were 22.5%, 52.5% and 25.0%, respectively, with T allele frequency 48.8% and C allele frequency 51.3%. No significant differences existed in genotype frequency and allele frequency distribution between the two groups ( P>0.05). The CC genotype frequency of SP-B gene 1580 locus in Uyghur was significantly different from Mongolian and Han nationality ( P<0.05). Significant difference existed in C allele frequency between Uyghur and Han nationality ( P<0.05), while no significant difference existed in allele frequency between Uyghur and Mongolian nationality ( P>0.05). Conclusions:No correlation exists between the polymorphism of SP-B gene 1580 locus (rs1130866) and RDS in Uygur premature infants. Different ethnic groups have different SP-B gene 1580 locus polymorphism.

Relationship between NUDT15 gene polymorphism and tolerance to treatment with 6-mercaptopurine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the relationship between NUDT15 gene polymorphism and tolerance to treatment with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Methods:Fifty-eight children diagnosed with ALL in Shanxi Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were recruited. All of them were treated with CCLG-ALL2018 chemotherapy regimen and the bone marrow showed complete remission. They received 6-MP oral treatment during maintenance treatment. Single nucleotide polymorphism of NUDT15 gene was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The bone marrow suppression after 6-MP treatment and 6-MP tolerance dose in patients with different NUDT15 genotypes were analyzed.Results:Among 58 patients, 3 patients had NUDT15 TT genotype, 46 patients had CC genotype and 9 patients had TC genotype. During maintenance treatment with 6-MP, the differences in leukocyte count, hemoglobin and platelet count among the three groups of patients with different NUDT15 genotypes were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Among 58 patients, 23 (39.66%) patients had varying degrees of neutropenia after medication, including 16 cases of NUDT15 CC genotype, 5 cases of TC genotype and 2 cases of TT genotype. There was a statistically significant difference in bone marrow suppression among the three groups ( H = 29.10, P < 0.05). The dosages of 6-MP used in patients with TT, CC and TC genotypes were (10.4±8.8) mg·m -2·d -1, (41.5±1.3) mg·m -2·d -1 and (36.7±2.4) mg·m -2·d -1, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 16.95, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Children with different NUDT15 genotypes have different tolerance to 6-MP, and NUDT15 gene polymorphism is associated with 6-MP intolerance during maintenance treatment in children with ALL, which may affect the treatment of the disease.

Association of IL-10 and TNF-α gene polymorphisms with hepatic echinococcus granulosus infection and necrosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the association between hepatic echinococcus granulosus infection and necrosis with gene polymorphism of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and to identify the related factors at the gene level.Methods:A total of 106 patients with hepatic echinococcosis who underwent surgical treatment in the department of hepatobiliary surgery, People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected. Patients with necrosis caused by hepatic echinococcus granulosus infection were selected as the observation group, and patients without necrosis caused by hepatic echinococcus granulosus infection were selected as the control group, with 53 cases in each group. The serum levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The polymorphisms of IL-10 (-592, -1082) and TNF-α (rsl800630) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The levels of IL-10 and TNF-α and their gene polymorphisms were analyzed.Results:The levels of serum IL-10 and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05); There was significant difference in genotype and allele frequency of IL-10 (-592, -1082) and TNF-α (rsl800630) (all P<0.05). The serum IL-10 level of CC genotype patients with IL-10 gene -592C/A locus in the observation group was higher than that of CA+ AA genotype patients, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The serum IL-10 level in patients with TT genotype at -1082T>A of IL-10 gene in the observation group was higher than that in patients with TA+ AA genotype, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The serum TNF-α level in patients with CC genotype at rsl800630C/A locus of TNF-α gene in the observation group was higher than that in patients with CA+ AA genotype, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The changes of IL-10 (-592, -1082) and TNF-α (rsl800630) gene polymorphisms may be associated with hepatic echinococcus granulosus infection and necrosis.