ABSTRACT
It is estimated that 10-15 % of all clinically recognised pregnancies results in a miscarriage, most of which occur during the first trimester. Large-scale chromosomal abnormalities have been found in up to 50 % of first-trimester spontaneous abortions and, for several decades, standard cytogenetic analysis has been used for their identification. Recent studies have proven that array comparative genomic hybridisation (array-CGH) is a useful tool for the detection of genome imbalances in miscarriages, showing a higher resolution, a significantly higher detection rate and overcoming problems of culture failures, maternal contamination and poor chromosome morphology. In this study, we investigated the possibility that submicroscopic chromosomal changes, not detectable by conventional cytogenetic analysis, exist in euploid miscarriages and could be causative for the spontaneous abortion. We analysed with array-CGH technology 40 foetal tissue samples derived by first-trimester miscarriages with a normal karyotype. A whole-genome microarray with a 100-Kb resolution was used for the analysis. Forty-five copy number variants (CNVs), ranging in size between 120 Kb and 4.3 Mb, were identified in 31 samples (24 gains and 21 losses). Ten samples (10/31, 32 %) have more than one CNV. Thirty-one CNVs (68 %) were defined as common CNVs and 14 were classified as unique. Six genes and five microRNAs contained within these CNVs will be discussed. This study shows that array-CGH is useful for detecting submicroscopic CNVs and identifying candidate genes which could account for euploid miscarriages.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Spontaneous/genetics , Comparative Genomic Hybridization/methods , Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosome Banding , Chromosomes/ultrastructure , Female , Gene Dosage , Genetic Variation , Genome, Human , Humans , Karyotyping , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, FirstABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Italian external quality assessment scheme in classical cytogenetics was started in 2001 as an activity funded by the National Health System and coordinated by the Italian Public Institute of Health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our work is to present data from the first 4 years of activity, 2001-2004. METHODS: Italian cytogenetics public laboratories were enrolled on a voluntary basis, and this nationwide program covered prenatal, postnatal and oncological diagnosis. The scheme is annual and retrospective; a panel of experts reviewed the quality of images and reports in order to assess technical, analytical and interpretative performance. RESULTS: Over the 4-year period, the number of participating laboratories increased: from 36 in 2001, 46 in 2002, 49 in 2003 to 51 in 2004. The overall technical performance was satisfactory. Inadequacy or lack of information in reporting was the most frequent analytical inaccuracy identified in all parts of the scheme. However, the percentage of complete reports increased significantly during the period: by 36% in postnatal diagnosis between 2001 and 2004 (p < 0.001) and by 42% in oncological diagnosis between 2002 and 2004 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience reveals that participation in external quality assessment programs has significant advantages, helping to standardize and to assure quality in cytogenetic testing.
Subject(s)
Cytogenetic Analysis/methods , Cytogenetic Analysis/standards , Genetic Testing , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/standards , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Quality Assurance, Health Care , Genotype , Humans , Italy , Neoplasms/genetics , Prenatal Diagnosis , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The synthesis of dodecyl pyroglutamate (or pyroglutamate lauroyl ester) was achieved in a two-step process involving a pyroglutamic acid alkyl ester intermediate. The reaction was carried out either by lipase or by chemical catalysis using ion exchange resin. Among the various tested lipases, the one from Candida antarctica B gave the best results allowing 73% formation of the desired ester after 6 h. Comparing the efficiency of this latter lipase with the one of Amberlyst IR120H resin in catalyzing this reaction, the biocatalyst gave a molar yield of pyroglutamate lauroyl ester of 79% compared to 69% when using the ion exchange resin starting with 1.04 mmol substrate in each case.
Subject(s)
Ion Exchange Resins/chemistry , Lipase/chemistry , Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid/chemical synthesis , Catalysis , Esterification , Isoenzymes/chemistry , Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid/chemistryABSTRACT
Here we describe a foetus with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), cerebral malformations and a 46,XY,der(1),t(1;6)(p36.3;q25.2) karyotype owing to a familial cryptic translocation segregating in three generations. A balanced translocation was present in the mother, the maternal uncle, the aunt and the grandmother. A female first cousin with dysmorphisms, hydrocephalus and mental retardation was a carrier of a partial trisomy 1p and a partial monosomy 6q. Multiple miscarriages were present in the family pedigree. Parents of the foetus had three other pregnancies: a male with a balanced translocation, and two foetuses with 1p36.3-pter monosomy and 6q25.2-qter trisomy.
Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnosis , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 , Fetal Growth Retardation/diagnosis , Prenatal Diagnosis , Telencephalon/abnormalities , Translocation, Genetic , Abnormalities, Multiple/embryology , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Family , Fatal Outcome , Female , Fetal Growth Retardation/complications , Genetic Counseling , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pedigree , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, ThirdABSTRACT
Five experimental models were developed in different groups of Wistar rats (N = 15) to study selective COX-2-inhibitor NSAIDs such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, as follows: (1) dose-dependent oral Celecoxib and Rofecoxib for 5 days, and 24 hr after oral indomethacin; (2) Same as 1 but subcutaneously; (3) gastric ulcer induced by glacial acetic acid; (4) duodenal ulcer induced by cysteamine; and (5) stress by immobilization and immersion in water at 15 degrees C for 6 hr. Celecoxib and Rofecoxib, either orally or subcutaneously, did not produce necrotic lesions in healthy gastrointestinal mucosa (0%), showing normal histology. In contrast, previously indomethacin-induced lesions were aggravated (90%, P < 0.001). Total necrosis in the small intestine as well as increased ulcers and perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid and cysteamine were observed. There was also aggravation of the necrotic gastric area in stress (60-90%, P < 0.05). Celecoxib and rofecoxib showed neutrophilia (5000/mm3) similar to that with indomethacin. In contrast, there was no leukocyte infiltration in the gastric múcosa; thus, we can consider it a selective COX-2 NSAID. In conclusion, celecoxib and rofecoxib at doses causing COX-2 but not COX-1 inhibition did not produce toxic lesions in healthy gastrointestinal mucosa, yielding a broad therapeutic margin. In contrast, when administered in altered gastrointestinal mucosa, they aggravated and complicated gastric ulcers as well as necrosis in the small intestine, consequently restricting their clinical use.
Subject(s)
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/toxicity , Digestive System/drug effects , Digestive System/pathology , Lactones/toxicity , Sulfonamides/toxicity , Animals , Celecoxib , Female , Male , Pyrazoles , Rats , Rats, Wistar , SulfonesABSTRACT
In Down syndrome (DS) brain an early, selective accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides ending at residue 42 (Abeta42) occurs. Whether this event depends on an altered processing of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) or on defective clearance is uncertain. To investigate this issue, we measured Abeta species 40 and 42 in plasma from 61 patients with DS, 77 age-matched normal controls, and 55 mentally retarded subjects without chromosomal abnormalities. The Abeta 40 and 42 plasma levels were then correlated with apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotypes in all groups of cases, and with I. Q. and Mini Mental Status Examination values in DS subjects. Both Abeta species were significantly elevated in DS compared to control groups, and the extent of their increase reflects that expected from APP gene overexpression. Plasma levels of Abeta 40 and 42 did not correlate with apoE genotypes in DS and control cases, and with the extent of mental retardation in DS subjects. The results indicate that accumulation and clearance of plasma and cerebral Abeta are regulated by different and independent factors.
Subject(s)
Amyloid beta-Peptides/blood , Apolipoproteins E/genetics , Down Syndrome/blood , Intellectual Disability/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Amyloid beta-Peptides/adverse effects , Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/blood , Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism , Case-Control Studies , Child , Cohort Studies , Genotype , Humans , Intellectual Disability/etiology , Middle Aged , Peptide Fragments/adverse effects , Peptide Fragments/blood , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
In 5 random groups of Wistar rats (n = 15 for each group), ulcerogenic doses of NSAIDs COX-1-COX-2 inhibitors such as indomethacin were compared with Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor); the production of antrum gastric ulcers and bowel and colon necrotic areas was studied. Celecoxib was given each 12 hs orally and subcutaneously during 5 days and gastrointestinal lesions were not found; in contrast, Celecoxib given after indomethacin aggravated antrum gastric ulcers (p < 0.001); intestinal massive necrosis and death were observed in all the rats. We conclude that Celecoxib does not induce gastrointestinal lesions in healthy mucosa; in contrast, Celecoxib amplifies the gastrointestinal lesions induced by indomethacin.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/toxicity , Digestive System/drug effects , Indomethacin/adverse effects , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Sulfonamides/toxicity , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Celecoxib , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Female , Indomethacin/administration & dosage , Male , Necrosis , Pyloric Antrum/injuries , Pyrazoles , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Stomach Ulcer/pathology , Sulfonamides/administration & dosageABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Five experimental models were carried out in different groups of Wistar rats (n = 15) in order to study selective (cyclo-oxygenase) COX-2 non-steroid antiinflammatory inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, as follows: 1) Dose-dependent oral celecoxib and rofecoxib for 5 days, and 24 hours after oral indomethacin. 2) Same as 1, but subcutaneously. 3) Gastric ulcer induced by means of glacial acetic acid. 4) Duodenal ulcer induced by means of cysteamine. 5) Stress due to being kept under restraint and immersion in water at 15 degrees C for 6 hours. Celecoxib and rofecoxib, either orally or subcutaneously, did not produce necrotic injuries in healthy gastrointestinal mucosa (0%), showing normal histology. On the other hand, the injuries previously induced by indomethacin worsened (90%, p < 0.001). Total necrosis of small intestine as well as increased ulcer and perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid and cysteamine were observed. There was also worsening of gastric necrotic area with stress (60-90%, p < 0.05). Celecoxib and rofecoxib showed neutrophilia (5,000/mm3) similar to that presented by indomethacin, but there was no leukocyte infiltration in the gastric mucosa; thus we can consider it a COX-2 selective NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). CONCLUSION: Dose-dependent administration of celecoxib and rofecoxib as COX-2 inhibitors and non-COX-1 inhibitors, respectively, did not produce toxic injuries on healthy gastrointestinal mucosa, thus providing a broad therapeutic spectre. On the other hand, when administered in presence of altered gastrointestinal mucosa, they worsened and complicated gastric ulcers, and also induced necrosis in the small intestine, thereby restricting their clinical use.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Enzyme Inhibitors/adverse effects , Lactones/adverse effects , Sulfonamides/adverse effects , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Celecoxib , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Disease Models, Animal , Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Female , Gastric Mucosa/drug effects , Gastric Mucosa/pathology , Intestine, Small/drug effects , Intestine, Small/pathology , Lactones/administration & dosage , Male , Peptic Ulcer Perforation/chemically induced , Pyrazoles , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , SulfonesABSTRACT
En diferentes grupos de ratas Wistar (n=15), se estudiaron AINEs inhibidores selectivos de la COX-2, como delecoxib y refecoxib, en cinco modelos experimentales: 1) Celecoxib y rofecoxib por vía oral y dosis dependiente durante 5 días y 24 hs. Después de indometacina oral. 2) Similar a 1, pero subcutáneo. 3) Ulcera gástrica inducida por ácido acético glacial. 4) Ulcera duodenal por cisteamina. 5) Estrés por inmovilización e inmersión en agua a 15 grados Celsius durante 6 horas. Celecoxib y rofecoxib por vía oral o SC en mucosa gastrointestinal sana no provaron lesiones necróticas en una superficie del 0 grados Celsius, presentanto histología normal; en cambio, agravaron y complicaron lesiones inducidas en forma previa por indometacina en más del 90 por ciento (p<0,001), con necrosis masiva del intestino delgado, así como ampliaron y causaron perforaciones en las úlceras gástricas y duodenales inducidas por ácido acético y cisteamina. Se produjo asimismo agravación de la zona necrótica gástrica por estrés en un 60-90 por ciento (p<0,05). Celecoxib y rofecoxib condujeron a una neutrofilia de 5000/mm3, similar a la inducida por la indometacina; en cambio, no produjeron infiltración leucocitaria en mucosa gástrica (MPO), siendo un marcador de AINE selectivo COX-2. Se concluyó que celecoxib y rofecoxib, administrados en dosis dependiente como inhibidores de COX-2 y no COX-1, no provocaron en mucosa gastrointestinal sana ninguna lesión por toxicidad, observándose un amplio margen terapéutico. En cambio, suministrados en mucosa gastrointestinal dañada agravaron y complicaron las lesiones ulcerosas gástricas y necróticas intestinales, limitando su uso en clínica.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Rats , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/toxicity , Enzyme Inhibitors/toxicity , Indomethacin/toxicity , Lactones/toxicity , Peptic Ulcer Perforation/chemically induced , Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Stress, Physiological , Sulfonamides/toxicity , Disease Models, Animal , Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Gastric Mucosa/drug effects , Gastric Mucosa/pathology , Indomethacin , Intestine, Small/drug effects , Intestine, Small/pathology , Lactones/administration & dosage , Neutrophil Infiltration , Rats, Wistar , Sulfonamides/administration & dosageABSTRACT
En diferentes grupos de ratas Wistar (n=15), se estudiaron AINEs inhibidores selectivos de la COX-2, como delecoxib y refecoxib, en cinco modelos experimentales: 1) Celecoxib y rofecoxib por vía oral y dosis dependiente durante 5 días y 24 hs. Después de indometacina oral. 2) Similar a 1, pero subcutáneo. 3) Ulcera gástrica inducida por ácido acético glacial. 4) Ulcera duodenal por cisteamina. 5) Estrés por inmovilización e inmersión en agua a 15 grados Celsius durante 6 horas. Celecoxib y rofecoxib por vía oral o SC en mucosa gastrointestinal sana no provaron lesiones necróticas en una superficie del 0 grados Celsius, presentanto histología normal; en cambio, agravaron y complicaron lesiones inducidas en forma previa por indometacina en más del 90 por ciento (p<0,001), con necrosis masiva del intestino delgado, así como ampliaron y causaron perforaciones en las úlceras gástricas y duodenales inducidas por ácido acético y cisteamina. Se produjo asimismo agravación de la zona necrótica gástrica por estrés en un 60-90 por ciento (p<0,05). Celecoxib y rofecoxib condujeron a una neutrofilia de 5000/mm3, similar a la inducida por la indometacina; en cambio, no produjeron infiltración leucocitaria en mucosa gástrica (MPO), siendo un marcador de AINE selectivo COX-2. Se concluyó que celecoxib y rofecoxib, administrados en dosis dependiente como inhibidores de COX-2 y no COX-1, no provocaron en mucosa gastrointestinal sana ninguna lesión por toxicidad, observándose un amplio margen terapéutico. En cambio, suministrados en mucosa gastrointestinal dañada agravaron y complicaron las lesiones ulcerosas gástricas y necróticas intestinales, limitando su uso en clínica. (AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Female , Rats , Sulfonamides/toxicity , Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/toxicity , Lactones/toxicity , Enzyme Inhibitors/toxicity , Peptic Ulcer Perforation/chemically induced , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Stress, Physiological , Indomethacin/toxicity , Rats, Wistar , Disease Models, Animal , Indomethacin , Intestine, Small/drug effects , Intestine, Small/pathology , Neutrophil Infiltration , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , Lactones/administration & dosage , Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Gastric Mucosa/drug effects , Gastric Mucosa/pathologyABSTRACT
Five experimental models were carried out in different groups of Wistar rats (n = 15) in order to study selective (cyclo-oxygenase) COX-2 non-steroid antiinflammatory inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, as follows: 1) Dose-dependent oral celecoxib and rofecoxib for 5 days, and 24 hours after oral indomethacin. 2) Same as 1, but subcutaneously. 3) Gastric ulcer induced by means of glacial acetic acid. 4) Duodenal ulcer induced by means of cysteamine. 5) Stress due to being kept under restraint and immersion in water at 15 degrees C for 6 hours. Celecoxib and rofecoxib, either orally or subcutaneously, did not produce necrotic injuries in healthy gastrointestinal mucosa (0
), showing normal histology. On the other hand, the injuries previously induced by indomethacin worsened (90
, p < 0.001). Total necrosis of small intestine as well as increased ulcer and perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid and cysteamine were observed. There was also worsening of gastric necrotic area with stress (60-90
, p < 0.05). Celecoxib and rofecoxib showed neutrophilia (5,000/mm3) similar to that presented by indomethacin, but there was no leukocyte infiltration in the gastric mucosa; thus we can consider it a COX-2 selective NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). CONCLUSION: Dose-dependent administration of celecoxib and rofecoxib as COX-2 inhibitors and non-COX-1 inhibitors, respectively, did not produce toxic injuries on healthy gastrointestinal mucosa, thus providing a broad therapeutic spectre. On the other hand, when administered in presence of altered gastrointestinal mucosa, they worsened and complicated gastric ulcers, and also induced necrosis in the small intestine, thereby restricting their clinical use.
ABSTRACT
In 5 random groups of Wistar rats (n = 15 for each group), ulcerogenic doses of NSAIDs COX-1-COX-2 inhibitors such as indomethacin were compared with Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor); the production of antrum gastric ulcers and bowel and colon necrotic areas was studied. Celecoxib was given each 12 hs orally and subcutaneously during 5 days and gastrointestinal lesions were not found; in contrast, Celecoxib given after indomethacin aggravated antrum gastric ulcers (p < 0.001); intestinal massive necrosis and death were observed in all the rats. We conclude that Celecoxib does not induce gastrointestinal lesions in healthy mucosa; in contrast, Celecoxib amplifies the gastrointestinal lesions induced by indomethacin.
ABSTRACT
We have characterized the interaction between apolipoprotein E (apoE) and amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) in the soluble fraction of the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and control subjects. Western blot analysis with specific antibodies identified in both groups a complex composed of the full-length apoE and Abeta peptides ending at residues 40 and 42. The apoE-Abeta soluble aggregate is less stable in AD brains than in controls, when treated with the anionic detergent SDS. The complex is present in significantly higher quantity in control than in AD brains, whereas in the insoluble fraction an inverse correlation has previously been reported. Moreover, in the AD subjects the Abeta bound to apoE is more sensitive to protease digestion than is the unbound Abeta. Taken together, our results indicate that in normal brains apoE efficiently binds and sequesters Abeta, preventing its aggregation. In AD, the impaired apoE-Abeta binding leads to the critical accumulation of Abeta, facilitating plaque formation.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Apolipoproteins E/metabolism , Brain/metabolism , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Amyloid beta-Peptides/isolation & purification , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Apolipoproteins E/genetics , Apolipoproteins E/isolation & purification , Blotting, Western , Brain/pathology , Cerebral Cortex/metabolism , Cerebral Cortex/pathology , Epitopes/analysis , Genotype , Humans , Reference Values , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-IonizationABSTRACT
In Down's syndrome, the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 is associated with premature aging and progressive mental retardation sharing the pathological features of Alzheimer disease. Early cortical dysgenesis and late neuronal degeneration are probably caused by an overproduction of amyloid beta-peptide, followed by an increased cellular oxidation. Interestingly, chromosome 21 codes for superoxide-dismutase and amyloid beta precursor resulting, in Down's syndrome, in an overflow of these gene products and metabolites. We studied Down's fetal brain cortex to evaluate the presence and amount of lipid and protein oxidation markers; moreover, we quantified two forms of glycation end products that are known to be involved in the process of cellular oxidation. All these parameters are significantly increased in Down's fetal brains in comparison to controls, providing the evidence that accelerated brain glycoxidation occurs very early in the life of Down's syndrome subjects.
Subject(s)
Brain/embryology , Brain/metabolism , Down Syndrome/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Aldehydes/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism , Arginine/analogs & derivatives , Arginine/metabolism , Cerebral Cortex/embryology , Cerebral Cortex/metabolism , Gestational Age , Glycation End Products, Advanced , Glycosylation , Humans , Lipid Peroxidation , Lysine/analogs & derivatives , Lysine/metabolism , Norleucine/analogs & derivatives , Norleucine/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , Pyrroles/metabolism , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolismABSTRACT
In order to investigate the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease processes, the expression of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN) has been analyzed in human fetal tissues using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. These studies allowed the detection of SMN RNA in all the examined tissues, with no significant variation between different developmental stages. In particular, SMN mRNA was detected in spinal cord (dorsal and ventral portions), skeletal muscle, lung, heart, kidney, liver, and spleen. Moreover, RT-PCR studies demonstrated that the expression pattern of SMN isoforms was similar to that observed in adult tissues. The present data confirm a housekeeping role for the SMN protein and may have implications on the search for early therapeutic strategies.
Subject(s)
Fetus/metabolism , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/embryology , Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein , Humans , In Situ Hybridization , Nerve Tissue Proteins/biosynthesis , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Polymerase Chain Reaction , RNA, Messenger/chemistry , RNA-Binding Proteins , SMN Complex ProteinsABSTRACT
The results of 30 prenatal diagnoses for fragile X syndrome are reported. Amniotic fluid cells were examined in 1 case, fetal blood in 4, and chorionic villi samples in the others. Of the 5 fetuses analyzed by cytogenetic methods, 1 had showed 4% of fraXq27.3 expression sites and the pregnancy was terminated. For 1 diagnosis, linkage analysis was used: the female fetus turned out to be normal. In 24 fetuses, the direct analysis of the mutation by StB12.3 probe was performed: 6 female and 3 male fetuses were found to carry a full mutation and 1 female fetus was found to carry a premutation. In 3 cases, the diagnoses were verified on fetal blood samples. Several tissues of 2 aborted male fetuses were analyzed for the fragile X mutation. The results are reported and discussed.
Subject(s)
Fragile X Syndrome/diagnosis , Prenatal Diagnosis , Chorionic Villi Sampling , DNA Methylation , Female , Fragile X Syndrome/genetics , Genetic Carrier Screening , Humans , Male , PregnancyABSTRACT
Non isotopic in situ hybridization with alpha-satellite DNA probes in the cytogenetic diagnosis. Standard banding cytogenetic techniques do not always allow to define the structure and the origin of chromosome rearrangements involving the centromere region. Non-isotopic in situ hybridization of alphoid sequences has allowed to determine the origin of the centromeres in the metaphases of 5 patients referred to us for: 2 structural rearrangements involving chromosome 21, 2 structural rearrangements involving chromosome Y and 1 reciprocal translocation involving on chromosome 20 and one chromosome 15.
