Nailfold capillary morphology in exfoliation syndrome.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate nailfold microvascular morphology in exfoliation syndrome with or without glaucoma (XFS/XFG) compared with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and control subjects using nailfold capillary videomicroscopy.Patients and methodsWe used a JH-1004 capillaroscope to perform nailfold capillary videomicroscopy on the fourth and fifth digit of the non-dominant hand. We enrolled 56 XFS/XFG patients, 87 POAG patients, and 75 control subjects. Masked observers graded the videos for hemorrhages, avascular zones ≥200 microns (µm), and degree of microvascular tortuosity on a four-point subjective scale. Multivariable odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and P-for trends for assessing the relation between morphological changes and POAG or XFS/XFG were obtained from logistic regression analyses. We also assessed this relation with XFS/XFG compared with POAG in multivariable models.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple covariates, nailfold hemorrhages, avascular zones ≥200 µm, and higher degree of vascular tortuosity were more common in XFS/XFG vs controls (P-for trend ≤0.0001) and in POAG vs controls (P-for trend ≤0.01). For each 100 capillaries, the number of hemorrhages was similar (P-for trend=0.91) between XFS/XFG and POAG patients; however, there were more avascular zones per 100 capillaries with borderline significance (P-for trend=0.04) in the XFS/XFG group. XFS/XFG patients had more tortuosity than POAG patients; specifically, having a tortuosity score ≥1.5 was associated with a 4.4-fold increased odds of XFS/XFG (95% confidence interval: 1.5-13.3) relative to a tortuosity score <1.0 (P-for trend=0.005).ConclusionA high degree of nailfold capillary tortuosity is a distinct non-ocular feature associated with XFS/XFG compared with either POAG or controls.

Vascular tone pathway polymorphisms in relation to primary open-angle glaucoma.

AIMS: Vascular perfusion may be impaired in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG); thus, we evaluated a panel of markers in vascular tone-regulating genes in relation to POAG. METHODS: We used Illumina 660W-Quad array genotype data and pooled P-values from 3108 POAG cases and 3430 controls from the combined National Eye Institute Glaucoma Human Genetics Collaboration consortium and Glaucoma Genes and Environment studies. Using information from previous literature and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, we compiled single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 186 vascular tone-regulating genes. We used the 'Pathway Analysis by Randomization Incorporating Structure' analysis software, which performed 1000 permutations to compare the overall pathway and selected genes with comparable randomly generated pathways and genes in their association with POAG. RESULTS: The vascular tone pathway was not associated with POAG overall or POAG subtypes, defined by the type of visual field loss (early paracentral loss (n=224 cases) or only peripheral loss (n=993 cases)) (permuted P≥0.20). In gene-based analyses, eight were associated with POAG overall at permuted P<0.001: PRKAA1, CAV1, ITPR3, EDNRB, GNB2, DNM2, HFE, and MYL9. Notably, six of these eight (the first six listed) code for factors involved in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, and three of these six (CAV1, ITPR3, and EDNRB) were also associated with early paracentral loss at P<0.001, whereas none of the six genes reached P<0.001 for peripheral loss only. DISCUSSION: Although the assembled vascular tone SNP set was not associated with POAG, genes that code for local factors involved in setting vascular tone were associated with POAG.

Variations in COL15A1 and COL18A1 influence age of onset of primary open angle glaucoma.

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a genetically and phenotypically complex disease that is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Previously we completed a genome-wide scan for early-onset POAG that identified a locus on 9q22 (GLC1J). To identify potential causative variants underlying GLC1J, we used targeted DNA capture followed by high throughput sequencing of individuals from four GLC1J pedigrees, followed by Sanger sequencing to screen candidate variants in additional pedigrees. A mutation likely to cause early-onset glaucoma was not identified, however COL15A1 variants were found in the youngest affected members of 7 of 15 pedigrees with variable disease onset. In addition, the most common COL15A1 variant, R163H, influenced the age of onset in adult POAG cases. RNA in situ hybridization of mouse eyes shows that Col15a1 is expressed in the multiple ocular structures including ciliary body, astrocytes of the optic nerve and cells in the ganglion cell layer. Sanger sequencing of COL18A1, a related multiplexin collagen, identified a rare variant, A1381T, in members of three additional pedigrees with early-onset disease. These results suggest genetic variation in COL15A1 and COL18A1 can modify the age of onset of both early and late onset POAG.

Effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in those with or at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-masked, crossover, randomized controlled trial with 106 subjects: 22 with high tension POAG, 18 with normal tension POAG, 20 with ocular hypertension, 21 POAG suspects, and 25 healthy participants. Subjects ingested either 237 ml of caffeinated (182 mg caffeine) or decaffeinated (4 mg caffeine) coffee for the first visit and the alternate beverage for the second visit. Blood pressure (BP) and pascal dynamic contour tonometer measurements of IOP, OPA, and heart rate were measured before and at 60 and 90 min after coffee ingestion per visit. OPP was calculated from BP and IOP measurements. Results were analysed using paired t-tests. Multivariable models assessed determinants of IOP, OPP, and OPA changes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline IOP, OPP, and OPA between the caffeinated and decaffeinated visits. After caffeinated as compared with decaffeinated coffee ingestion, mean mm Hg changes (± SD) in IOP, OPP, and OPA were as follows: 0.99 (± 1.52, P<0.0001), 1.57 (± 6.40, P=0.0129), and 0.23 (± 0.52, P<0.0001) at 60 min, respectively; and 1.06 (± 1.67, P<0.0001), 1.26 (± 6.23, P=0.0398), and 0.18 (± 0.52, P=0.0006) at 90 min, respectively. Regression analyses revealed sporadic and inconsistent associations with IOP, OPP, and OPA changes. CONCLUSION: Consuming one cup of caffeinated coffee (182 mg caffeine) statistically increases, but likely does not clinically impact, IOP and OPP in those with or at risk for POAG.

Distribution of COL8A2 and COL8A1 gene variants in Caucasian primary open angle glaucoma patients with thin central corneal thickness.

PURPOSE: One approach to identify genes that contribute to common complex ocular disorders such as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is to study the genetic determinates of endophenotypes that are defined by underlying pre-disposing heritable quantitative traits such as central corneal thickness (CCT). Collagen VIII is a major component of Descemet's membrane and studies in mice have indicated that targeted inactivation of the genes encoding the collagen type 8 alpha1 (Col8a1) and collagen type 8 alpha2 (Col8a2) subunits (COL8A1 and COL8A2) results in thinning of the corneal stroma and of Descemet's membrane. The purpose of this study is to evaluate COL8A1 and COL8A2 as candidate genes for thin CCT in human POAG patients. METHODS: 100 Caucasian POAG patients were enrolled in this study. The entire COL8A1 and COL8A2 coding sequence was determined in 8 patients with CCT<513 µm (one standard deviation (36 microns) below the mean (550 microns) and 8 patients with CCT>586 µm (one standard deviation above the mean). Selected COL8A2 exons containing variants of interest were sequenced in the full POAG cohort. Association and quantitative trait analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three patients with CCT less than 513 µm and advanced POAG were found to have missense changes in COL8A2; two patients had a previously identified mutation, R155Q and one had a novel change, P678L (p=0.0035, Fisher's exact test). Missense changes were not found in any of the patients with CCT>513 µm and missense changes in the COL8A1 gene were not found in any patient. One common COL8A2 SNP, rs274754 was also statistically associated with CCT (p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we have identified COL8A2 missense changes in a group of Caucasian patients with very thin CCT and advanced POAG. These results suggest that DNA sequence variants in the COL8A2 gene may be associated with thin corneas in some glaucoma patients. Further study of COL8A2 variants in other patient populations, especially those with thinner CCT such as African-Americans would provide further support for a role of COL8A2 in corneal thickness and in glaucoma.

Fine mapping of the GLC1K juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma locus and exclusion of candidate genes.

PURPOSE: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. We previously identified a region on chromosome 20p12 associated with juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) that was designated GLC1K. The aim of this study is to refine the boundaries of the GLC1K region and to screen selected candidate genes located within the refined region for biologically significant mutations. METHODS: Four JOAG families (44 individuals) with linkage to GLC1K were used for this study. Informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers located throughout the previously defined region were used for haplotype analysis. Four candidate genes within the refined region were screened for biologically significant mutations using direct genomic sequencing: bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2); phospholipase C beta 1 (PLCB1); phospholipase C beta 4 (PLCB4); and BTB POZ domain containing 3 (BTBD3). RESULTS: Haplotype analysis identified a new critical interval of 12.7 Mb using a combination of SNPs and microsatellite markers. This analysis extended the region of GLC1K from D20S846 to rs6081603 in affected individuals, and the region was further reduced to 9 Mb if unaffected recombinant individuals were included in the analysis. Biologically significant DNA sequence variants were not identified in the BMP2, PLCB1, PLCB4, or BTBD3 genes in these families. CONCLUSIONS: Using recombinant breakpoint mapping and haplotypes based on a combination of SNP and microsatellite markers, the GLC1K region has been reduced to a maximum of 12.7 Mb and a minimum of 9 Mb. Four genes that are located within the refined region with attractive ocular expression and function have been excluded as causative genes for JOAG.

A genomewide scan identifies novel early-onset primary open-angle glaucoma loci on 9q22 and 20p12.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The disease is characterized by a degeneration of the optic nerve, which is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. The common form of adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma is inherited as a complex trait, whereas the rarer early-onset juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance. Of all cases of JOAG, approximately 10%-20% are caused by mutations in the myocilin gene. We have identified 25 pedigrees that are affected with typical JOAG and that demonstrate autosomal dominant inheritance. We sequenced the myocilin gene in probands from each family and found mutations in 8% of this population. To identify novel genes responsible for JOAG, we used families that did not have myocilin mutations for a genomewide screen. Markers located on chromosomes 9q22 and 20p12 showed evidence for linkage, identifying two novel loci for early-onset open-angle glaucoma.

Molecular and clinical evaluation of a patient hemizygous for TIGR/MYOC.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 1 is hemizygous for the TIGR/MYOC gene and if that patient has glaucoma. METHODS: A patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 1 was clinically examined for evidence of glaucoma. DNA samples from the patient and her family were used for molecular studies to determine the boundaries of the chromosome 1 deletion using polymorphic markers located on chromosome 1q21 to 1q24. Additional markers located in the vicinity of the TIGR/MYOC gene, including 2 derived from the ends of the gene, were used to determine if it was included in the deletion. RESULTS: The patient and her family showed no evidence of glaucoma. Molecular analysis demonstrated that a complex deletion of the maternal copy of chromosome 1 included the entire TIGR/MYOC gene. CONCLUSIONS: We have determined that the patient has only 1 functional copy of TIGR/MYOC. The lack of clinical evidence of glaucoma suggests that haploinsufficiency of the TIGR/MYOC protein is not the cause of early-onset glaucoma associated with mutations in TIGR/MYOC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Missense and nonsense mutations in the TIGR/MYOC gene have been associated with juvenile- and adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma. Although many different mutations have been correlated with the disease, the underlying genetic mechanism (haploinsufficiency, gain of function, or a dominant negative effect) remains unknown. Information regarding the genetic mechanism responsible for TIGR/MYOC-associated glaucoma is necessary for further studies designed to develop transgenic animal models and gene-related therapy.

Molecular and clinical characterization of a patient with a chromosome 4p deletion, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and congenital glaucoma.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is a developmental disorder associated with hemizygous deletion of the distal short arm of chromosome 4. We have identified a patient affected with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and early onset glaucoma. Five other patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and early onset glaucoma or ocular anomalies associated with early onset glaucoma have been previously described, suggesting that the association with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is not coincidental. The infrequent association of early onset glaucoma suggests that the chromosomal region commonly deleted in Wolf-Hirschhorn patients does not contain genes responsible for early onset glaucoma. In this study, we performed a molecular characterization of the deleted chromosome 4 to determine the extent of the deletion in an attempt to begin to identify the chromosomal region responsible for the associated glaucoma. Using microsatellite repeat markers located on 4p, we determined that the deletion spanned a 60-cM region including the minimal Wolf-Hirschhorn region. The proximal breakpoint occurred between markers D4S3045 and D4S2974. These results support the hypothesis that patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and early onset glaucoma may have large deletions of 4p that include a gene(s) that may be responsible for a dominant form of congenital glaucoma.

Diversity in medical school: perceptions of first-year students at four southeastern U.S. medical schools.

PURPOSE: To assess students' perceptions of the extent of diversity in their classes, the role of diversity in their first-year curriculum, and their predictions of the amount of diversity in their future patient populations. METHOD: In 1998, students at four southeastern U.S. medical schools that had distinct demographics and differing institutional missions completed a questionnaire on diversity at the end of the first year. In the instrument, diversity was defined according to nine population characteristics: age, sex, race, ethnic background, physical disability, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and rural background (growing up in a community of less than 5,000). Responses were compared according to students' institution, sex, and race. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 349 of 474 students (74%). Students at the school with the most diverse first-year class placed the greatest value on the contributions of diversity to the learning environment. Women students placed more value on the inclusion of diversity issues in the curriculum than did men students, and they placed greater value on understanding diversity issues in their future medical practices than did men. Compared with Asian American, Hispanic, and white students, African American students were the least likely to think that the curriculum contained adequate information about diversity. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that perceptions of diversity were influenced by the students' own demographic characteristics and those of their medical school. The more diverse the class, the more comfortable the students were with diversity and the more they valued its contribution to their medical education.

Genome-wide scan for adult onset primary open angle glaucoma.

Adult onset primary open angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness throughout the world. The disease results in an apoptotic death of retinal ganglion cells that is usually associated with an elevation of intraocular pressure. Familial aggregation of the disorder provides evidence for strong genetic influences that are likely to be the result of multiple susceptibility genes. A two-stage genome scan to identify the genomic locations of glaucoma susceptibility genes was performed using an initial pedigree set of 113 affected sibpairs and a second pedigree set of 69 affected sibpairs. Linkage analysis was performed using both model-dependent (lod score) and model-independent affected relative pair and sibpair methods. Twenty-five regions identified by the initial scan were further investigated using the second pedigree set. In the combined data analysis, regions located on chromosomes 2, 6, 9, 11, 14, 17 and 19 continued to produce model-dependent lod scores and/or an MLS >1.0, while five regions (2, 14, 17p, 17q and 19) produced an MLS >2. 0. Multipoint analysis using ASPEX also showed significant results on chromosomes 2, 14, 17p, 17q and 19. These results are an important step towards the identification of genes responsible for the genetic susceptibility to this blinding condition.

Recruitment and retention: the development of an action plan for African-American health professions students.

This article presents results of a survey of African-American students enrolled in the colleges of medicine, dentistry, allied health, pharmacy, and nursing at the University of Kentucky. The survey was designed to determine the students' perceptions of factors that affect recruitment, enrollment, and academic progress of African-American students. Fifty-three of seventy students responded to survey questions addressing recruitment; admissions; and financial, social, personal, and academic support. Over 50% of medical students decided by junior high to enter a health career; only 15% of other students decided that early. The influence of a family member was more important in student decisions to enter nursing or medicine than in decisions by other students. Only 17% of medical students reported difficulty in locating sources of financial aid compared to 48% of those from other colleges. Perceptions regarding lack of social outlets were consistent among respondents from all colleges. Findings emphasize the importance of early exposure to the health professions, early outreach strategies, ongoing financial assistance, and the importance of establishing social networks for African-American students enrolled in a majority institution. The survey results were used to develop an action plan for the offices of minority affairs, student services, and academic affairs to address identified problems and concerns.

Role of genetic factors in the etiology of juvenile-onset myopia based on a longitudinal study of refractive error.

In an attempt to determine the role of genetic factors in the development of myopia, we examined the relationship of infantile refractive error and parental history to juvenile-onset myopia and analyzed 43 pedigrees affected by juvenile-onset myopia. Refraction data collected at regular intervals from a sample of juvenile subjects participating in a 24-year longitudinal study of refractive error were used. Results showed that children with two myopic parents were 6.42 times as likely to become myopic as children with one or no myopic parents. Furthermore, children who had refractions in the lower half of the distribution at 6 to 12 months of age were 4.33 times as likely to develop myopia as children who had refractions in the upper half of the distribution at 6 to 12 months of age. The pedigree analysis indicated that 63% of individuals considered at risk for developing juvenile-onset myopia actually became myopic, with an equal number of affected males and females. These results suggest that juvenile-onset myopia of moderate amounts may be inherited as a complex trait involving both genetic and environmental factors.

Gln368STOP myocilin mutation in families with late-onset primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To examine families ascertained for late-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) to determine mutations in the gene coding for myocilin. METHODS: The diagnosis of late-onset POAG was defined as age at diagnosis more than 35 years, intraocular pressure (IOP) 22 mm Hg or more in both eyes or 19 mm Hg or more while the patient was taking two glaucoma medications, glaucomatous optic neuropathy in both eyes, and visual field loss consistent with optic nerve damage in at least one eye of the proband. Two of three criteria were required in other family members. DNA from all families was screened for polymorphisms in myocilin using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. All polymorphisms were sequenced for mutations. RESULTS: Eighty-three affected people in 29 families with late-onset POAG were screened for mutations. Three mutations, two novel missense (Thr377Met and Glu352Lys) and one nonsense (Gln368STOP), were identified. The missense mutations did not segregate with the disease phenotype in these families. The nonsense mutation was found in 3 of 29 unrelated families with POAG. All affected family members and 8 of 12 in whom glaucoma was suspected had the Gln368STOP mutation. All people with this mutation had elevated IOP, and 78% had POAG by age 70. CONCLUSIONS: Three mutations were identified in the gene coding for myocilin in families with late-onset POAG. Of these, the Gln368STOP mutation was highly associated with the development of glaucoma. All people with this mutation had glaucoma or elevated IOP by age 70. In the United States, the Gln368STOP mutation in myocilin is strongly associated with the development of late-onset POAG. However, factors in addition to the presence of this mutation seem to play a role in the development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma in these families.

Adult-onset primary open angle glaucoma does not localize to chromosome 2cen-q13 in North American families.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world and is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve atrophy, and progressive visual field loss. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common subtype of glaucoma in the United States. Recently, Stoilova and coworkers [Genomics 1996;36:142-150] identified a locus for POAG on chromosome 2 (2cen-q13) in families primarily located in the United Kingdom. We examined families with POAG identified within the US for linkage to the 2cen-q13 locus. A total of 18 families with POAG were used in the analysis. Of 77 family members, 46 were classified as affected and 31 were either glaucoma suspects or considered normal. Eight highly polymorphic and informative markers flanking and distributed throughout the region were used. Parametric lod score analysis was performed using both a dominant and recessive low penetrance or 'affecteds-only' model. Multipoint affected sibpair exclusion mapping was also performed. Lod score (both models) and sibpair analysis excluded linkage of the POAG phenotype to the 2cen-q13 region in these families. These data suggest that the chromosome 2cen-q13 locus does not explain a substantial amount of genetic variation in familial POAG.

Mammalian homolog of Drosophila retinal degeneration B rescues the mutant fly phenotype.

Mutations in the Drosophila rdgB gene, which encodes a transmembrane phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP), cause a light-enhanced retinal degeneration. Cloning of mammalian rdgB orthologs (mrdgB) reveal predicted proteins that are 39% identical to rdgB, with highest homology in the N-terminal PITP domain (62%) and in a region near the C terminus (65%). The human mrdgB gene spans approximately 12 kb and maps to 11q13.1, a locus where several retinal diseases have also been mapped. Murine mrdgB maps to a syntenic region on the proximal region of chromosome 19. MrdgB is specifically expressed in the retina and brain. In the retina, MrdgB protein is localized to photoreceptor inner segments and the outer and inner plexiform layers. Expression of murine mrdgB in mutant flies fully rescues both the rdgB-dependent retinal degeneration and abnormal electroretinogram. These results suggest the existence of similarities between the invertebrate and mammalian retina that were not previously appreciated and also identify mrdgB as a candidate gene for retinal diseases that map to 11q13.1.