Overlapping SETBP1 gain-of-function mutations in Schinzel-Giedion syndrome and hematologic malignancies.

Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) is a rare developmental disorder characterized by multiple malformations, severe neurological alterations and increased risk of malignancy. SGS is caused by de novo germline mutations clustering to a 12bp hotspot in exon 4 of SETBP1. Mutations in this hotspot disrupt a degron, a signal for the regulation of protein degradation, and lead to the accumulation of SETBP1 protein. Overlapping SETBP1 hotspot mutations have been observed recurrently as somatic events in leukemia. We collected clinical information of 47 SGS patients (including 26 novel cases) with germline SETBP1 mutations and of four individuals with a milder phenotype caused by de novo germline mutations adjacent to the SETBP1 hotspot. Different mutations within and around the SETBP1 hotspot have varying effects on SETBP1 stability and protein levels in vitro and in in silico modeling. Substitutions in SETBP1 residue I871 result in a weak increase in protein levels and mutations affecting this residue are significantly more frequent in SGS than in leukemia. On the other hand, substitutions in residue D868 lead to the largest increase in protein levels. Individuals with germline mutations affecting D868 have enhanced cell proliferation in vitro and higher incidence of cancer compared to patients with other germline SETBP1 mutations. Our findings substantiate that, despite their overlap, somatic SETBP1 mutations driving malignancy are more disruptive to the degron than germline SETBP1 mutations causing SGS. Additionally, this suggests that the functional threshold for the development of cancer driven by the disruption of the SETBP1 degron is higher than for the alteration in prenatal development in SGS. Drawing on previous studies of somatic SETBP1 mutations in leukemia, our results reveal a genotype-phenotype correlation in germline SETBP1 mutations spanning a molecular, cellular and clinical phenotype.

Long-term follow-up of four patients with Langer-Giedion syndrome: clinical course and complications.

Long-term observations of individuals with the so-called Langer-Giedion (LGS) or tricho-rhino-phalangeal type II (TRPS2) are scarce. We report here a on follow-up of four LGS individuals, including one first described by Andres Giedion in 1969, and review the sparse publications on adults with this syndrome which comprises ectodermal dysplasia, multiple cone-shaped epiphyses prior to puberty, multiple cartilaginous exostoses, and mostly mild intellectual impairment. LGS is caused by deletion of the chromosomal segment 8q24.11-q24.13 containing among others the genes EXT1 and TRPS1. Most patients with TRPS2 are only borderline or mildly cognitively delayed, and few are of normal intelligence. Their practical skills are better than their intellectual capability, and, for this reason and because of their low self-esteem, they are often underestimated. Some patients develop seizures at variable age. Osteomas on processes of cervical vertebrae may cause pressure on cervical nerves or dissection of cerebral arteries. Joint stiffness is observed during childhood and changes later to joint laxity causing instability and proneness to trauma. Perthes disease is not rare. Almost all males become bald at or soon after puberty, and some develop (pseudo) gynecomastia. Growth hormone deficiency was found in a few patients, TSH deficiency so far only in one. Puberty and fertility are diminished, and no instance of transmission of the deletion from a non-mosaic parent to a child has been observed so far. Several affected females had vaginal atresia with consequent hydrometrocolpos.

Longitudinal observation of a patient with Rieger syndrome and interstitial deletion 4 (q25-q31.1).

Rieger syndrome (RS; OMIM 180500) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of morphogenesis, with ocular and systemic abnormalities and variability in phenotypic expression. Some patients with RS presented with a deletion of the band 4q25 to which the homeobox gene PIT X2 (former RIEG) was mapped. To study the natural history and perform a genotype-phenotype correlation, we followed a girl with RS from the age of 1 year to puberty. The study included physical examination, clinical and psychological evaluation, and cytogenetic analysis with GTG-banded karyotype and array CGH. Additionally, molecular analysis using microsatellite markers for chromosome 4 (D4S427, D4S194 and D4S1615) was performed. Conventional chromosome analysis showed a 4q deletion, and aCGH confirmed the determination of the breakpoints at 4q25 and 4q31. With the exception of the typical features of RS is the patient, the clinical manifestations were relatively mild, despite the relatively large size of the deleted chromosome segment. The patient was periodically re-evaluated for several years. The teeth are still abnormal, and she is still under orthodontic treatment. The facial features were attenuated with age. Currently, she is under constant monitoring of eye pressure. She benefited from early intervention program, and her tonus is normal. She attends a normal school with minor learning difficulties. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive phenotypic delineation of RS through almost two decades and may contribute to a more accurate genetic counseling in cases of this syndrome.

Trisomy 16q21 --> qter: Seven-year follow-up of a girl with unusually long survival.

The 16q21 --> qter duplication is a chromosomal abnormality rarely found in liveborn infants, with only four published cases. We report here on the 7-year follow-up of a female patient with trisomy 16q21 --> qter due to a maternal balanced translocation t(4;16)(q35.2;q21). The patient shows severe mental retardation, congenital heart malformations, nephropathy, and other congenital anomalies. The derivative chromosome was characterized by GTG banding, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with different BAC probes and the array technique, in order to map the breakpoints. The patient has a 16q21 --> qter duplication, with a 4q35 --> qter monosomy, which we assume does not contribute to the abnormal phenotype. This is the first reported case of postnatal survival to the age of 7 years, an unusually long time in this chromosomal syndrome.

Co-occurrence of achondroplasia and Down syndrome: Genotype/phenotype association.

BACKGROUND: This report describes the sixth case of an unusual association: Down syndrome with achondroplasia. It also analyzes the effects of both of these disorders on patient phenotype. METHODS: A male infant was evaluated for Down syndrome. His appearance also suggested a diagnosis of achondroplasia. The child was evaluated by physical examination, radiography, cytogenetic study, and mutation analysis. RESULTS: Chromosome analysis showed a karyotype of 47,XY,+21 in all 30 cells analyzed. Radiographic examination showed typical findings of achondroplasia, such as disproportionately large skull, shortening of limb segments, and lumbar lordosis. FGFR3 screening showed a heterozygous G1138A mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of these two distinct genetic disorders in the same patient produces a phenotype typical of each syndrome with some overlapping signs. This case represents de novo origin of two disorders that both may be parental-age related.

Evaluation of genotoxicity using the micronucleus assay and nuclear abnormalities in the tropical sea fish Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) (Teleostei, Gobiidae).

The micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities assays have been used increasingly to evaluate genotoxicity of many compounds in polluted aquatic ecossystems. The aim of this study is to verify the efficiency of the micronucleus assay and nuclear abnormality assay in field and laboratory work, when using erythrocytes of the tropical marine fish Bathygobius soporator as genotoxicity biomarkers. Gill peripheral blood samples were obtained from specimens of Bathygobius soporator. In order to investigate the frequencies of micronuclei and to assess the sensitivity of species, the results were compared with samples taken at the reference site and maintained in the laboratory, and fish treated with cyclophosphamide. The micronucleus assay was efficient in demonstrating field pollution and reproducing results in the labotatory. There were significant higher frequencies of micronuclei in two sites subject to discharge of urban and industrial effluents. The nuclear abnormality assay did not appear to be an efficient tool for genotoxicity evaluation when compared with field samples taken at a reference site in laboratory, with a positive control.

Towards New Approaches to Evaluate Dynamic Mosaicism in Ring Chromosome 13 Syndrome.

Individuals with ring chromosome 13 may show characteristics observed in a deletion syndrome and could present a set of dismorphies along with intellectual disability, according to chromosomal segments involved in the genetic imbalance. Nevertheless, ring anomalies likewise is called "dynamic mosaicism", phenomena triggered by the inner instability concerning the ring structure, thus leading to the establishment of different cell clones with secondary aberrations. Phenotypic features, such as growth failure and other anomalies in patients with this condition have been associated with an inherent ring chromosome mitotic instability, while recent studies offer evidence on a role played by the differential loss of genes implicated in development. Here, we observed similar mosaicism rates and specific gene loss profile among three individuals with ring chromosome 13 using GTW-banding karyotype analyses along with FISH and CGH-array approaches. Karyotypes results were: patient 1-r(13)(p13q32.3), patient 2-r(13)(p11q33.3), and patient 3-r(13)(p12q31.1). Array-CGH has revealed qualitative genetic differences among patients in this study and it was elusive in precise chromosomal loss statement, ranging from 13 Mb, 6.8 Mb, and 30 Mb in size. MIR17HG and ZIC2 loss was observed in a patient with digital anomalies, severe growth failure, microcephaly and corpus callosum agenesis while hemizygotic EFNB2 gene loss was identified in two patients, one of them with microphtalmia. According to these findings, it can be concluded that specific hemizygotic loss of genes related to development, more than dynamic mosaicism, may be causative of congenital anomalies shown in patients with ring 13 chromosome.

Mosaic cri-du-chat syndrome in a girl with a mild phenotype.

We report on the clinical observation of a girl patient with few signs of cri-du-chat syndrome. The chromosomal analysis in lymphocyte culture showed 46,XX,del(5)(p15.3) in 38% of cells. Psychological tests revealed motor, perceptive and visual-spatial problems, as well as immaturity and emotional dependence. The phoniatric evaluation showed poor vocabulary, difficulty with repeating words or numbers in sequence, and better receptive than expressive language. The spectrographic measurements showed disturbance of fundamental frequency (F0) in vocal pronunciation. The anatomic findings of the laryngoscopic evaluation were normal, indicating that the voice and speech problems were functional disorders. The present case revealed moderate clinical signs and vocal disturbance associated with a low percentage of 5p- cells and the breakpoint at 5p15.3. The short terminal deletion with a possible loss of the critical region for cat-like cry and the presence of a normal cell line, explain the cry not so typical at birth (weak but not high-pitched), the intermediate values of F0, and the moderate mental retardation. This case is compared with other mosaic 5p- patients reported in the literature.

Cytogenomic Integrative Network Analysis of the Critical Region Associated with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.

Deletions in the 4p16.3 region are associated with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), a contiguous gene deletion syndrome involving variable size deletions. In this study, we perform a cytogenomic integrative analysis combining classical cytogenetic methods, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and systems biology strategies, to establish the cytogenomic profile involving the 4p16.3 critical region and suggest WHS-related intracellular cell signaling cascades. The cytogenetic and clinical patient profiles were evaluated. We characterized 12 terminal deletions, one interstitial deletion, two ring chromosomes, and one classical translocation 4;8. CMA allowed delineation of the deletions, which ranged from 3.7 to 25.6 Mb with breakpoints from 4p16.3 to 4p15.33. Furthermore, the smallest region of overlapping (SRO) encompassed seven genes in a terminal region of 330 kb in the 4p16.3 region, suggesting a region of susceptibility to convulsions and microcephaly. Therefore, molecular interaction networks and topological analysis were performed to understand these WHS-related symptoms. Our results suggest that specific cell signaling pathways including dopamine receptor, NAD+ nucleosidase activity, and fibroblast growth factor-activated receptor activity are associated with the diverse pathological WHS phenotypes and their symptoms. Additionally, we identified 29 hub-bottlenecks (H-B) nodes with a major role in WHS.

Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome: Clinical Profile and Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in Six Patients.

Cri-du-chat syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5. The disease severity, levels of intellectual and developmental delay, and patient prognosis have been related to the size and position of the deletion. Aiming to establish genotype-phenotype correlations, we applied array-CGH to evaluate six patients carrying cytogenetically detected deletions of the short arm of chromosome 5 who were followed at a genetics community service. The patients' cytogenetic and clinical profiles were reevaluated. A database review was performed to predict additional genes and regulatory elements responsible for the characteristic phenotypic and behavioral traits of this disorder. Array-CGH analysis allowed for delineation of the terminal deletions, which ranged in size from approximately 11.2 Mb to 28.6 Mb, with breakpoints from 5p15.2 to 5p13. An additional dup(8)(p23) (3.5 Mb), considered to be a benign copy number variation, was also observed in one patient. The correlation coefficient value (ρ = 0.13) calculated indicated the presence of a weak relationship between developmental delay and deletion size. Genetic background, family history, epigenetic factors, quantitative trait locus polymorphisms, and environmental factors may also affect patient phenotype and must be taken into account in genotype-phenotype correlations.

Hereditariedade do albinismo Oculocutâneo em um grupo populacional no estado da Bahia / Heredity of Oculocutaneous albinism in a population group in the state of Bahia

Objetivo: trazer conhecimentos sobre a hereditariedade do albinismo em famílias da Bahia, estado com estimativa de taxa elevada da característica. Métodos: pesquisa seccional descritiva por amostragem de conveniência, com consulta às fichas de atendimento do programa Genética e Sociedade (Instituto de Biologia- UFBA) e ao banco de dados da Associação de Pessoas com Albinismo da Bahia (APALBA). Resultados: no total de 457 albinos, verificaram-se 265 com mais de um caso de albinismo na família (58%). Casais formados por pessoas albinas tiveram filhos com a mesma característica, o que concorda com o modelo clássico de herança autossômica recessiva para o albinismo, que preconiza nesta situação 100% dos filhos também albinos. Entretanto, em uma família, o casal albino com traços fenotípicos de diferentes subtipos teve um filho pigmentado com avaliação oftalmológica normal. Essa ocorrência foi associada à heterogeneidade genética do albinismo parental. Conclusões: estudos sobre a transmissão hereditária do albinismo em populações numerosas podem trazer contribuições para escolhas reprodutivas, aconselhamento genético e acompanhamento em saúde, tendo em vista a implantação precoce de medidas preventivas de danos à pele e à visão.

Objective: this study aimed to bring knowledge about the heredity of albinism in families from Bahia, a state with an estimated high rate of the characteristic. Methods: descriptive sectional survey by convenience sampling, with consultation to records of admission of the Genetics and Society program (Institute of Biology- UFBA) and the database of the Association of People with Albinism in Bahia (APALBA). Results: in a total of 457 albinos, there were 265 with more than one case of albinism in the family (58%). Albino couples had children with the same characteristic, which agrees with the classic model of autosomal recessive inheritance for albinism, which advocates that in this situation 100% of the children are also albinos. However, in one of these families, the albino couple with phenotypic traits of different subtypes had a pigmented child with normal ophthalmological evaluation. This occurrence was associated with the genetic heterogeneity of parental albinism. Conclusions: studies about hereditary transmission of albinism in large populations can contribute to reproductive choices, genetic counseling, and health monitoring, with a view to early implementation of preventive measures for skin and vision damage.

Multiple congenital malformations including severe eye anomalies and abnormal cerebellar development with Dandy-Walker malformation in a girl with partial trisomy 3q.

PURPOSE: Ocular anomalies have been associated with numerous chromosomal abnormalities. This report describes partial trisomy 3q in a two-month-old girl with dysmorphic features of the Dup3q phenotype and severe eye and cerebellar malformations. METHODS: Clinical examination and chromosomal analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The karyotype of the propositus was 46,XX, ins(3)(pter --> p25::q27 --> q21::p25 --> qter). She had an abnormal head shape, low-set malformed ears, coarse facies, short webbed neck, abnormal foot position, polycystic kidney, and spina bifida. There was also bilateral microphthalmia that was more severe on the right side, microcornea, and corneal opacity. She had posterior fossa abnormalities, including cerebellar vermis hypoplasia suggestive of a Dandy-Walker (DW) malformation. CONCLUSIONS: This girl with an intrachromosomal duplication of distal 3q and typical phenotype belongs to the severe end of the spectrum for such cases. The ocular manifestations of the 3q duplication syndrome provide additional evidence of the involvement of developmental eye genes in this chromosomal segment.

Fatores citogenéticos associados a danos reprodutivos em programa universitário de genética comunitária / Cytogenetic factors associated with reproductive damage in community genetics university programs

Introdução: perdas gestacionais esporádicas são comuns e estima-se que aproximadamente 30 a 50% de todas as concepções não terminem em um recém-nascido vivo. Patologia materna ou alteração genética de natureza cromossômica, em um dos progenitores, são fatores de risco favoráveis a esses acontecimentos. Outras situações que podem estar relacionadas às alterações cromossômicas são a infertilidade e a ocorrência de mola hidatiforme (neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional), caracterizada por interferência na formação e desenvolvimento do embrião. Embora haja um consenso sobre o caráter multifatorial das perdas gestacionais, incluindo componentes anatômicos, imunológicos, endócrinos, genéticos e ambientais, ainda assim, a causalidade pode permanecer desconhecida. Objetivos: analisar e quantificar achados de dificuldades reprodutivas relacionados a presença de alterações cromossômicas encontrados no serviço de genética realizado pelo programa Genética & Sociedade, do Instituto de Biologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Metodologia: estudo descritivo e analítico, realizado por meio de consulta a fichas de anamneses, preenchidas durante o atendimento de casais, que buscaram o serviço de genética comunitária para aconselhamento genético no período de vinte anos. Resultados: entre os 73 casais selecionados para estudo, 59 (80,8%) relataram abortos recorrentes, 9 (12,3%) tinham histórico de mola hidatiforme e 5 (6,8%) apresentaram infertilidade. Entre as alterações foram verificadas translocações, inversões, além de polimorfismos de regiões heterocromáticas. Conclusões: o presente estudo confirma a importância das alterações cromossômicas na etiologia das dificuldades reprodutivas, justificando a busca pelo aconselhamento genético. Em termos de saúde pública, traz contribuições para o entendimento das condições genéticas da comunidade beneficiada pelo programa Genética & Sociedade.

Introduction: sporadic gestational losses are common, it's estimated that approximately 30 to 50% of all conceptions don't end in a newborn alive. Maternal pathology or genetic alterations of chromosomal nature in one of the progenitors are risk factors favorable to these events. Other situations that may be related to chromosomal alterations are infertility and the occurrence of hydatidiform mole (gestational trophoblastic neoplasia), characterized by interference in the formation and development of the embryo. Although there is a consensus about the multifactorial nature of gestational losses, including anatomical, immunological, endocrine, genetic and environmental components, however, the causality may remain unknown. Objectives: analyze and quantify the findings of reproductive difficulties related to the presence of chromosomal alterations found in the genetics service performed by the Genética&Sociedade program of the Biology Institute of the Federal University of Bahia. Methodology: a descriptive and analytical study, carried out by consultation of anamnesis records, made during the care of couples, who sought the community genetic service for genetic counseling in the period of twenty years. Results: among the 73 couples selected, 59 (80.8%) reported recurrent abortions, 9 (12.3%) had a history of hydatidiform mole and 5 (6.8%) had infertility. Among all the alterations, were found translocations, inversions, and polymorphisms of heterochromatic regions. Conclusions: this study confirms the importance of chromosomal alterations in the etiology of reproductive difficulties, justifying the search for genetic counseling. In terms of public health, it contributes to the understanding of the genetic conditions in the community benefited by the Genética&Sociedade program.

[Maternal age and Down syndrome in Northeast Brazil]. / Idade materna e síndrome de Down no Nordeste do Brasil.

This study analyzes the association between advanced maternal age and increased incidence of Down syndrome in neonates, based on a population sample from the State of Bahia in Northeast Brazil. Age of the mothers of 220 Down syndrome subjects was investigated, and age distribution was compared to that of the population control group, 220 mothers of subjects without Down syndrome. The proportion of Down syndrome infants dependent on advanced maternal age was estimated at 43.6%, thus showing a high correlation (r = 0.95) between advanced maternal age and Down syndrome incidence. However, this component was significantly lower than the 75% reported in the literature. The component independent of maternal age was estimated at 56.4%, indicating the action of other factors on meiotic non-disjunction associated with 21 trisomy. The results also indicate that despite the regional characteristics of Northeast Brazil, factors both dependent and independent of maternal age show the same distribution observed in Southeast Brazil, where extensive studies have been performed.

Interstitial 14q24.3 to q31.3 deletion in a 6-year-old boy with a non-specific dysmorphic phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Few patients with interstitial deletions in the distal long arm of chromosome 14 have been reported, and these patients showed rather indistinct features, including growth and mental retardation and phenotypic alterations. RESULTS: We describe a de novo 14q interstitial deletion in a 6-year-old boy with dysmorphic facial traits such as hypertelorism, short and narrow palpebral fissures, broad nose with anteverted nostrils, long philtrum, thin upper lip with cupid's bow, prominent and everted lower lip, mildly low-set ears, as well as moderate developmental delay and mild mental retardation. Array-CGH mapped the deletion to the region 14q24.3 to 14q31.3, including 13.11 Mb, proximal to the imprinted genomic region of 14q32. CONCLUSION: This mild phenotypic presentation suggests that the deleted segment does not contain essential genes for early organ development. Twenty-two genes with known functions, including Neurexin III (NRXN3, OMIM 600567), map to the region deleted in the propositus.

Premature aging in adults with Down syndrome: genetic, cognitive and functional aspects / Envelhecimento precoce em adultos com síndrome de Down: Aspectos genéticos, cognitivos e funcionais

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe genetic aspects and characteristics associated with premature aging in adults with Down syndrome. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out of 28 individuals with Down syndrome, aged between 20 and 54 years old (13 women and 15 men), in a university community genetics program, who were referred by philanthropic institutions which offers support to people with disabilities and their families. The genetic and functional data were recorded in anamnesis forms. RESULTS: Karyotype analysis revealed free trisomy 21, with only one hereditary case of translocation between chromosomes 15/21. In the sample group, functional difficulties were observed in locomotion, sedentary lifestyles, behavior disorders, memory loss and depression symptoms, as well as loss of autonomy at more advanced ages. Only three people had reading and writing skills and 16 had good social relationships and friend-making skills. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that premature aging in Down syndrome starts in adulthood, and therapeutic follow-up is recommended with the implementation of interventions to prevent deficits and stimulate cognition, and activities for quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Descrever aspectos genéticos e características de envelhecimento precoce na síndrome de Down. MÉTODO: Estudo descritivo transversal de 28 indivíduos com síndrome de Down, entre 20 e 54 anos de idade (13 mulheres e 15 homens), atendidos em programa universitário de genética comunitária por solicitação de instituições filantrópicas especializadas, que oferecem apoio a pessoas com deficiência e suas famílias. Os dados genéticos e funcionais foram registrados em ficha de anamnese. RESULTADO: A análise cariotípica mostrou trissomia 21 livre, com apenas um caso hereditário de translocação entre os cromossomos 15/21. Constataram-se dificuldades funcionais na locomoção, sedentarismo, desordens de conduta, perda de memória e depressão, assim como a perda de autonomia em idades mais avançadas. Apenas três pessoas tinham domínio da leitura e escrita e 16 apresentavam bom relacionamento social e habilidades de fazer amigos. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo realizado confirma que sinais de envelhecimento precoce na síndrome de Down podem ser verificados já na fase adulta, sendo recomendado o acompanhamento terapêutico com implantação de medidas de prevenção aos déficits, estimulo à cognição e atividades voltadas à qualidade de vida.

Transtorno do espectro autista: descobertas, perspectivas e Autism Plus / Autism spectrum disorder: findings, perspectives and Autism Plus

Introdução: o Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) é um distúrbio complexo do desenvolvimento sendo alvo de estudos desde 1943, quando o primeiro caso foi descrito. Objetivo: O presente trabalho objetivou revisar as informações mais relevantes das últimas décadas a respeito do Transtorno do Espectro Autista, construindo bases científicas para o Autism Plus de Gilberg. Metodologia: foi realizada revisão da literatura nas bases de dados CAPES/MEC e via PUBMED nos idiomas português e inglês de janeiro de 1978 a janeiro de 2017. Resultados: após a aplicação dos critérios de seleção e exclusão, 46 artigos foram elegíveis para a análise com foco em áreas como: Histórico do autismo; Evolução do Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Desorders (DSM); Autismo idiopático e secundário; Aspectos epidemiológicos; Distribuição de TEA por sexo; Bases neurobiológicas; Bases genéticas; Autism Plus. Tanto os critérios de autismo quanto a sua classificação sofreram mudanças ao longo das décadas, bem como o número de genes sabidamente associados e candidatos a condição. Foram descobertos fatores ambientais determinantes, como uso de abortivos durante a gestação, e foi possível estabelecer a prevalência desproporcional de ocorrência de TEA no sexo, além de diversas condições psiquiátricas e genéticas em comorbidade. Conclusão: o TEA é uma condição complexa, com fenótipo amplo, e vasta condições passíveis de serem encontradas em comorbidade, quadro denominado Autism Plus. A ocorrência de Autism Plus síndromes genéticas é frequentemente observada, e pode compartilhar etiologia comum, por pleiotropia.

Introduction: autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder being studied since 1943, when the first case was described. Objective: This paper aimed to review the most relevant information of the last decades regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder, building scientific basis for Gilberg Autism Plus. Methodology: we performed a literature review in CAPES/MEC databases and via PUBMED in Portuguese and English languages from January 1978 to January 2017. Results: after applying the selection and exclusion criteria, 46 articles were eligible for the analysis with focus on areas such as: Autism history; Evolution of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); Idiopathic and secondary autism; Epidemiological aspects; Distribution of ASD by sex; Neurobiological bases; Genetic bases; Autism Plus. Both the autism criteria and their classification have undergone changes over the decades, as well as the number of genes known to be associated and candidates for the condition. Was found determinant environmental factors, such as abortive use during gestation, and was possible to establish the disproportionate prevalence of occurrence of ASD by sex, in addition to establish several psychiatric and genetic conditions in comorbidity. Conclusion: TEA is a complex condition, with broad phenotype, and vast conditions that can be found in comorbidity, a frame called Autism Plus. The occurrence of Autism Plus genetic syndromes is frequently observed, and may share common etiology, by pleiotropy.

Molecular cytogenetic evaluation of chromosomal microdeletions: the experience of a public hospital in Southern Brazil

Introduction: During the past few decades, the number of diseases identified to be caused by chromosomal microdeletions has increased quickly, bringing a new and crucial role for cytogenetics on the diagnosis of these conditions. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize chromosomal microdeletions associated with malformation syndromes and intellectual disability. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of samples from a cohort of 598 subjects with clinical symptoms of a microdeletion syndrome, including the deletion of chromosomes 4p16.3, 5p15.2, 5q35, 7q11.23, 8q24.12, 15q11.2, 16p13.3, 17p13.3, 17p11.2,2, and 22q11.2, as investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) was performed on 25 samples with microdeletions. Results: A total of 598 samples were evaluated from patients whose clinical phenotypes were most indicative of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (29.10%), Prader-Willi syndrome (23.41%), Angelman syndrome (16.89%), and Williams-Beuren syndrome (14.72%). In 142 of the samples (23.75%), a chromosomal imbalance associated with phenotypic abnormalities was found. The deletion of 7q11.23 was the most frequent (8.03%), followed by del22q11.2 (5.68%) and del15q11.2 (5%). Conclusion: Our study reinforces the idea that the effort to improve the capacity to perform molecular cytogenetic investigations associated with a qualified clinical evaluation is crucial for the detection and precise characterization of submicroscopic chromosome deletions, bringing benefits to patients, relatives, and genetic counselors. It also contributes to the continuing education of cytogeneticists and to the knowledge of chromosomal rearrangements associated with genomic disorders.

Evaluation of genotoxicity using the micronucleus assay and nuclear abnormalities in the tropical sea fish Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) (Teleostei, Gobiidae)

The micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities assays have been used increasingly to evaluate genotoxicity of many compounds in polluted aquatic ecossystems. The aim of this study is to verify the efficiency of the micronucleus assay and nuclear abnormality assay in field and laboratory work, when using erythrocytes of the tropical marine fish Bathygobius soporator as genotoxicity biomarkers. Gill peripheral blood samples were obtained from specimens of Bathygobius soporator. In order to investigate the frequencies of micronuclei and to assess the sensitivity of species, the results were compared with samples taken at the reference site and maintained in the laboratory, and fish treated with cyclophosphamide. The micronucleus assay was efficient in demonstrating field pollution and reproducing results in the labotatory. There were significant higher frequencies of micronuclei in two sites subject to discharge of urban and industrial effluents. The nuclear abnormality assay did not appear to be an efficient tool for genotoxicity evaluation when compared with field samples taken at a reference site in laboratory, with a positive control.