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1.
Int J Epidemiol ; 40(5): 1146-54, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22039189

ABSTRACT

An earlier preliminary paper is expanded. Women who had given birth to one or more infants with a neural tube defect were recruited into a trial of periconceptional vitamin supplementation. Two hundred mothers attending five centres were fully supplemented (FS), 50 were partially supplemented (PS), and 300 were unsupplemented (US). Neural tube defect recurrences in the study pregnancies were 1(0.5%), in FS, none in PS, and 13 (4%) in US mothers. The difference in outcome between FS and US mothers is significant. The most likely explanation is that supplementation has prevented some neural tube defects, but further studies are needed.


Subject(s)
Neural Tube Defects/history , Preconception Care/history , Vitamins/history , Female , History, 20th Century , Humans , Neural Tube Defects/prevention & control , Pregnancy , Vitamins/therapeutic use
2.
Clin Dysmorphol ; 10(3): 215-7, 2001 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11446417

ABSTRACT

The clinical features of a 46,XX fetus with dysmorphic facial features, mild dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain, and female external and male internal genitalia are described. This combination of abnormalities does not appear to have been reported previously, and may represent a new syndrome.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XX/genetics , Lateral Ventricles/abnormalities , Fetal Death , Fetus/abnormalities , Humans , Male
3.
Genomics ; 72(2): 213-6, 2001 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11401435

ABSTRACT

The dominant optic atrophy gene (OPA1) has previously been mapped to chromosome 3q28-q29. We have now constructed a physical and transcriptional map across the OPA1 critical region between markers D3S3557 and D3S3346. It comprises 21 sequence-tagged sites (STSs), 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 29 expressed sequence tags, 2 known genes, and 12 newly generated STSs anchored onto 21 yeast artificial chromosome, 22 bacterial artificial chromosome, 48 P1 phage artificial chromosome, and 42 cosmid overlapping clones spanning 2.5 Mb. The map has allowed us to order many of the markers hitherto only roughly defined and to exclude 23 of the putative candidate genes assigned to the region. We found the OPA1 critical interval to be 450-550 kb. It contains 2 known genes, RPL35a and SDHA, which thus constitute candidate genes.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/genetics , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Physical Chromosome Mapping , Sequence Tagged Sites , Transcription, Genetic
4.
Genomics ; 61(1): 82-91, 1999 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10512683

ABSTRACT

The Drosophila gene sine oculis (so), a nuclear homeoprotein that is required for eye development, has several homologues in vertebrates (the SIX gene family). Among them, SIX3 is considered to be the functional orthologue of so because it is strongly expressed in the developing eye. However, embryonic SIX3 expression is not limited to the eye field, and SIX3 has been found to be mutated in some patients with holoprosencephaly type 2 (HPE2), suggesting that SIX3 has wide implications in head development. We report here the cloning and characterization of SIX6, a novel human SIX gene that is the homologue of the chick Six6(Optx2) gene. SIX6 is closely related to SIX3 and is expressed in the developing and adult human retina. Data from chick and mouse suggest that the human SIX6 gene is also expressed in the hypothalamic and the pituitary regions. SIX6 spans 2567 bp of genomic DNA and is split in two exons that are transcribed into a 1393-nucleotide-long mRNA. Chromosomal mapping of SIX6 revealed that it is closely linked to SIX1 and SIX4 in human chromosome 14q22.3-q23, which provides clues about the origin and evolution of the vertebrate SIX family. Recently three independent reports have associated interstitial deletions at 14q22.3-q23 with bilateral anophthalmia and pituitary anomalies. Genomic analyses of one of these cases demonstrated SIX6 hemizygosity, strongly suggesting that SIX6 haploinsufficiency is responsible for these developmental disorders.


Subject(s)
Anophthalmos/genetics , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 , Genes, Homeobox , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , Multigene Family , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Pituitary Gland/abnormalities , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Anophthalmos/embryology , Chick Embryo , Child , Cloning, Molecular , Evolution, Molecular , Eye Proteins , Female , Fetus/abnormalities , Humans , Hypothalamus/metabolism , Male , Molecular Sequence Data , Pituitary Gland/metabolism , Retina/metabolism , Homeobox Protein SIX3
5.
Ophthalmology ; 106(1): 123-8, 1999 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9917792

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and refine the clinical diagnostic criteria for dominant optic atrophy based on eight British families in which the diagnosis was confirmed by linkage analysis. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Case series; 92 subjects in 8 pedigrees had both eyes examined. INTERVENTION: Family members received a domiciliary examination based on best-corrected visual acuity, color vision using Ishihara and Hardy Richter Rand (HRR) plates, confrontation field testing using a red target, and optic disc evaluation using a direct ophthalmoscope. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes or buccal mucosal cells and genotyped using 12 fluorescently labeled microsatellite markers from the region 3q27-q29. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were classified clinically as definitely or possibly affected on the basis of the domiciliary examination before genetic analysis, and these results were compared with the haplotype analysis. RESULTS: Clinically, 43 subjects were identified as definitely affected, 4 as possibly affected, and 45 as unaffected. Visual acuity in affected subjects ranged from 6/6 to count fingers and declined with age. On genetic analysis, a haplotype was identified in each family, which was found in all definitely affected members but not in those regarded as unaffected. The four possibly affected individuals also bore the haplotype that segregated with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Simple clinical tests are highly efficacious in diagnosing dominant optic atrophy. Contrary to accepted criteria, symptoms begin before the age of 10 years in only 58% of affected individuals. Visual acuity in affected subjects is highly variable. A mild degree of temporal or diffuse pallor of the optic disc and minimal color vision defects, in the context of a family with dominant optic atrophy, are highly suggestive of an individual being affected, even if the visual acuity is normal. This widens the generally accepted diagnostic criteria for this disease.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3/genetics , Genes, Dominant/genetics , Genetic Linkage , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/diagnosis , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , DNA/analysis , Genotype , Haplotypes , Humans , Middle Aged , Pedigree , Visual Acuity
6.
Clin Dysmorphol ; 7(3): 217-9, 1998 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9689998

ABSTRACT

The products of a 14 week spontaneous abortion were examined and found to contain an embryo at a developmental age of around 35 days. It had a cystic lumbosacral spina bifida and was trisomic for chromosome 9.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 , Spinal Dysraphism/genetics , Trisomy , Abortion, Spontaneous , Female , Humans , Pregnancy
7.
J Urol ; 160(3 Pt 2): 1047-53; discussion 1079, 1998 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9719274

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We determine whether smooth and skeletal muscle or nerve density is altered in the lower genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract of male human fetuses with myelomeningocele at 20 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We serially cross sectioned the lower genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts in 7 male fetuses (mean age 20 weeks of gestation) with myelomeningocele and 4 age matched controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using Masson's trichrome stain and antibodies to smooth and skeletal muscle actin. S-100 protein staining for Schwann cell localization and neurofilament protein was also done. Fluorescein and rhodamine double immunolabeling was used to demonstrate the co-expression of smooth and skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Peripheral neural innervation of the bladder, prostate and rectum was markedly decreased in myelomeningocele. Masson's trichrome and smooth muscle actin staining also demonstrated that smooth muscle was less well differentiated in myelomeningocele specimens. Scant smooth muscle was present in the myelomeningocele bladder and bladder neck with an excess of collagen in an interfascicular and intrafascicular distribution. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed persistent co-expression of smooth and skeletal muscle actin by myocytes in the myelomeningocele detrusor, while in the control bladder there was only smooth muscle expression. The skeletal muscle component of structures in fetuses with myelomeningocele, including the external sphincter, was similar to that in controls. Prostatic size, ductal morphogenesis and smooth muscle were decreased compared to those in controls. CONCLUSIONS: A global defect exists in the development of smooth muscle in myelomeningocele in the lower genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts by 20 weeks of gestation. Peripheral nerve density is decreased in smooth muscle in myelomeningocele, suggesting that an intact nervous system is important for the development of normal smooth muscle. Fetal surgery with coverage of the spinal cord in select cases may prevent progressive environmental injury to the somatic nervous system during the second half of gestation. However, achieving normal autonomic function is unlikely due to the extent of early global organ maldevelopment.


Subject(s)
Digestive System/embryology , Digestive System/innervation , Meningomyelocele/pathology , Meningomyelocele/physiopathology , Muscle, Smooth/embryology , Muscle, Smooth/innervation , Urogenital System/embryology , Urogenital System/innervation , Digestive System/chemistry , Digestive System/pathology , Gestational Age , Humans , Male , Muscle, Smooth/chemistry , Muscle, Smooth/pathology , S100 Proteins/analysis , Urogenital System/chemistry , Urogenital System/pathology
8.
9.
Clin Dysmorphol ; 7(1): 41-4, 1998 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9546829

ABSTRACT

Three female sibs had cerebellar hypoplasia, facial dysmorphism comprising a high forehead, lowset posteriorly rotated ears, a prominent upper lip and receding chin, and variable internal abnormalities. Two of the cases had deficient lobulation of the lungs, two had an atrial septal defect of the heart and developmental abnormalities of the urinary system or internal genitalia, one had holoprosencephaly. All had normal chromosomes. This syndrome does not seem to have been reported before and may be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Cerebellum/abnormalities , Facial Bones/abnormalities , Female , Genes, Recessive , Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics , Holoprosencephaly/genetics , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Lung/abnormalities , Male , Pregnancy , Retrognathia/genetics , Syndrome
10.
J Med Genet ; 34(11): 912-6, 1997 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9391885

ABSTRACT

Multiple supernumerary ring chromosomes are a rare cytogenetic finding which is poorly understood. With the introduction of FISH techniques, their chromosomal origin can now be defined clearly. The techniques described previously are complicated and time consuming. We report a new rapid technique which has been used to investigate two new cases. Multiple probes were hybridised to a single slide by means of marking the underside with a diamond pen to form a grid of squares, pipetting fixed cell suspension into the centre of each square, forming a rubber solution grid on the denatured, dehydrated slide following the lines on the underside, adding a mixture of probes into each square, and sealing the slide with a silicone rubber rim and a covering slide. The type of probe and the size, dimensions, and number of squares in the grid can be tailored to individual cases. The two new cases examined here are mosaic for three (case 1) and four (case 2) supernumerary ring chromosomes derived from different chromosomes. Normal cell lines were also present. The karyotypes were established as 47,XY,+r(4)/47,XY,+r(17)/.../48,XY,+r(17),+r(20)/ 49,XY,+r(4),+r(17),+r(20)/46,XY for case 1 and 47,XX,+r(4)/47,XX,+r(8)/47,XX,+r (10)/48,XX,+r(X),+r(4)/... /49,XX,+r(X),+r (8),+r(10)/46,XX for case 2. Our findings suggest that the ring chromosomes were formed during meiosis, perhaps involving complex rearrangements, resulting in a germ cell containing all markers, with subsequent loss of markers during cell division. Our second case also shows that the outcome is not invariably mental or physical handicap.


Subject(s)
In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods , Ring Chromosomes , Child, Preschool , Face/abnormalities , Female , Genetic Counseling , Humans , Joints/abnormalities , Mosaicism , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis
12.
J Pediatr Surg ; 32(3): 448-52, 1997 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9094015

ABSTRACT

Recently produced experimental evidence suggests that secondary traumatic injury and degenerative changes, acquired in utero, to the openly exposed neural tissue may be primarily responsible for the massive neurological deficit associated with myelomeningocele (MMC). The goal of this study was to examine the morphology of human fetuses with MMC to determine if acquired trauma to the spinal cord could be identified. The MMC lesions with surrounding tissues from 10 human fetuses ranging in gestational age between 19 and 23 weeks were prepared with serial histological sections. The MMC lesions were characterized by an open vertebral arch, an open dura mater fused laterally to the dermis, and an open pia mater fused laterally to the epidermis. The spinal cord was exposed, without any meningeal, bony, or cutaneous covering, and was resting on the dorsal aspect of the abnormal arachnoid sac created by the fusion of the meninges to the cutaneous tissues. The exposed neural tissue had undergone varying degrees of recent traumatic injury as a result of its exposed position, ranging from nearly complete preservation of neural elements in four cases to nearly complete loss in two cases. The neural tissue remaining in the MMC with partial loss contained hemorrhages and abrasions from recent injury, suggesting that injury occurred during passage through the birth canal. The presence of dorsal and ventral parts of the cord with nerve roots and ganglia demonstrated that these structures had formed during development and that the loss of tissue by injury was a secondary change. The results support the concept that performing in utero surgery could protect the exposed but initially well-developed and uninjured cord, prevent secondary neural injury, and preserve neural function in the human fetus with myelomeningocele.


Subject(s)
Brain Damage, Chronic/etiology , Meningomyelocele/complications , Spinal Cord/pathology , Brain Damage, Chronic/embryology , Brain Damage, Chronic/pathology , Embryonic and Fetal Development , Female , Fetal Diseases/surgery , Humans , Male , Meningomyelocele/pathology , Meningomyelocele/surgery
13.
Clin Dysmorphol ; 6(1): 69-73, 1997 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9018421

ABSTRACT

The phenotype of four cases of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLO) with proven defects in cholesterol biosynthesis are compared, and shown to be markedly disparate even between sibs, and demonstrate the dilemma for the clinician. The advent of a biochemical test for SLO has been enormously valuable in determining which patients are truly affected by the condition, but because of the wide phenotypic variation, a diagnosis on clinical features alone remains problematic.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Phenotype , Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome/genetics , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn
14.
Arch Ophthalmol ; 115(1): 100-3, 1997 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9006433

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To perform DNA linkage studies in an extensive 5-generation British pedigree with dominant optic atrophy and to validate the efficacy of domiciliary screening for affected members. METHODS: Family members received a domiciliary examination based on corrected visual acuity, color vision, visual field defects, and optic disc appearance; DNA linkage analysis was performed using 7 microsatellite markers on 3q27-qter. RESULTS: Based on the results of the ophthalmic examination, 15 members could be classified as definitely affected, 1 probably affected, and 25 unaffected. Two-point linkage analysis gave significant maximum lod scores at theta [corrected] = 0.00, with the markers D3S3669, D3S3590, and D3S3642. A haplotype segregating with the disease was identified in affected individuals, including the probably affected subject. Informative meioses defined the disease interval between markers D3S1601 and D3S1265. CONCLUSIONS: Domiciliary screening was effective in identifying all 16 affected members of a British family with dominant optic atrophy. The typical clinical features were present. The location of the OPA1 gene in this new British family seems to be in the 3q27-28 region and is the same as that reported in Danish, Cuban, and French families, suggesting no genetic heterogeneity in this disorder.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3/genetics , Genetic Linkage/genetics , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/genetics , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Chromosome Mapping , Color Perception , DNA/analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Microsatellite Repeats , Middle Aged , Pedigree , United Kingdom , Vision Disorders/diagnosis , Vision Disorders/genetics , Visual Acuity , Visual Fields
15.
J Med Genet ; 34(12): 967-72, 1997 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9429135

ABSTRACT

Dominant optic atrophy, Kjer type, is an autosomal dominant disorder causing progressive loss of visual acuity and colour vision from early childhood. The gene (OPA1) has variable expressivity, a penetrance of 0.98, and the locus has been localised to 3q28-29. We have genotyped nine British families with the disease using 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers from this region. Linkage and haplotype analysis shows the OPA1 gene to be located in a 2.3 cM interval between markers D3S1601 and D3S2748. One family showed no evidence of linkage with the chromosome 3 markers, suggesting for the first time that locus heterogeneity for this disease may exist, although exclusion for linkage is based on unaffected subjects. In addition, analysis of recombinants has enabled us to order the 12 markers along chromosome 3.


Subject(s)
Genetic Linkage , Optic Atrophies, Hereditary/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genes, Dominant , Genetic Variation , Haplotypes , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pedigree
16.
Prenat Diagn ; 16(10): 931-3, 1996 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8938063

ABSTRACT

In a 12-week gestation fetus, routine ultrasound examination suggested dilated loops of bowel. Repeat scans at 13 and 15 weeks showed normal growth but persistence of bowel dilatation. At 20 weeks there was megacystis, hyperechogenic bowel, ascites, and oligohydramnios. The diagnosis of cloacal abnormality was suspected and the parents chose to have pregnancy termination. Post-mortem examination demonstrated female pseudohermaphroditism with agenesis of the urethra, vagina, and rectum.


Subject(s)
Rectum/abnormalities , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Urethra/abnormalities , Vagina/abnormalities , Adolescent , Disorders of Sex Development , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Pregnancy , Rectum/diagnostic imaging , Urethra/diagnostic imaging , Vagina/diagnostic imaging
17.
Clin Dysmorphol ; 5(3): 213-5, 1996 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8818449

ABSTRACT

A fetus diagnosed by sonography at 20 weeks' gestation had multiple skeletal abnormalities. The main features were absent ossification of the skull and cervical and upper thoracic vertebral bodies; short, angulated femora, tibiae, radii and ulnae but normal humeri; platyspondyly; trident-shaped acetabular roofs; sclerotic bands on the iliac wings and scapulae; clavicular hooks; and overall, mixed bone density. We suggest that this is a new chondrodysplasia which, since the parents are first cousins, could follow autosomal recessive inheritance.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology , Osteochondrodysplasias/pathology , Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnostic imaging , Abnormalities, Multiple/embryology , Abortion, Induced , Adult , Bone Density , Consanguinity , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Female , Genes, Recessive , Humans , Male , Osteochondrodysplasias/diagnostic imaging , Osteochondrodysplasias/embryology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy in Diabetics , Radiography
18.
Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol ; 7(6): 450-2, 1996 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8807765

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound examination of a 22-week fetus demonstrated a grossly distended stomach and proximal duodenum, with a large cystic area in the chest. There was associated polyhydramnios. A presumptive diagnosis of duodenal atresia with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia was made. Analysis of a fetal blood sample showed that the fetus had Down's syndrome. Histological examination after termination of the pregnancy revealed the unusual combination of duodenal and esophageal atresia, with an intact diaphragm.


Subject(s)
Down Syndrome/complications , Duodenal Obstruction/congenital , Esophageal Atresia/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Atresia/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Adult , Down Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Duodenal Obstruction/complications , Duodenal Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Esophageal Atresia/complications , Female , Gestational Age , Hernia, Diaphragmatic/complications , Hernia, Diaphragmatic/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Intestinal Atresia/complications , Karyotyping , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, Second
19.
Am J Med Genet ; 62(3): 227-29, 1996 Mar 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8882778

ABSTRACT

We describe two sibs with pulmonary hypoplasia and anophthalmia; one also had a number of other malformations. Only one other broadly similar case could be found in the literature, and it was an isolated occurrence. The condition is named the Matthew-Wood syndrome.


Subject(s)
Anophthalmos/complications , Lung/abnormalities , Abortion, Spontaneous , Adult , Anophthalmos/genetics , Anophthalmos/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy
20.
Exp Toxicol Pathol ; 47(6): 453-61, 1995 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8871084

ABSTRACT

Mice were exposed to tobacco smoke inhalation for three ten-minute episodes on days 6, 7 and 8 of pregnancy. The effects of a higher tar cigarette (tar 12.9 mg, nicotine 1.19 mg, carbon monoxide 9.01 mg/cigarette) and a modified brand (4.8, 0.54 and 4.03 mg/cigarette respectively) were compared. Specific cells of the embryos were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy on day 9, 20 hours after the last smoking episode. Cells of the neural plate, surface ectoderm, pericardium and heart all showed marked surface changes with the higher tar cigarettes which suggested depressed metabolic activity. The changes were sometimes less marked with lower tar cigarettes but not in all cell types. Transmission electron microscopy of the neural tube also showed that significant changes were associated with the higher tar cigarettes, particularly of the mitochondria which became elongate and the cristae more common and less distinct. These findings suggest that maternal smoking may cause anoxia in the embryo, and that the cellular changes this produces persist even 20 hours after smoking has ceased. However, cell counts of sections of the closed neural tube showed no change in the total cell number or number of dead cells or alteration in the mitotic index with either type of cigarette. Cigarette modification does reduce to some extent the detrimental effects of maternal smoking observed in the embryo, but it is by no means all-embracing.


Subject(s)
Embryo, Mammalian/ultrastructure , Embryonic and Fetal Development/drug effects , Maternal-Fetal Exchange/drug effects , Smoking/adverse effects , Animals , Epithelium/ultrastructure , Female , Gestational Age , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred CBA , Myocardium/ultrastructure , Nervous System/ultrastructure , Pregnancy
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