TAF1 Variants Are Associated with Dysmorphic Features, Intellectual Disability, and Neurological Manifestations.

We describe an X-linked genetic syndrome associated with mutations in TAF1 and manifesting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability (ID), characteristic facial dysmorphology, generalized hypotonia, and variable neurologic features, all in male individuals. Simultaneous studies using diverse strategies led to the identification of nine families with overlapping clinical presentations and affected by de novo or maternally inherited single-nucleotide changes. Two additional families harboring large duplications involving TAF1 were also found to share phenotypic overlap with the probands harboring single-nucleotide changes, but they also demonstrated a severe neurodegeneration phenotype. Functional analysis with RNA-seq for one of the families suggested that the phenotype is associated with downregulation of a set of genes notably enriched with genes regulated by E-box proteins. In addition, knockdown and mutant studies of this gene in zebrafish have shown a quantifiable, albeit small, effect on a neuronal phenotype. Our results suggest that mutations in TAF1 play a critical role in the development of this X-linked ID syndrome.

A Short-Term Supplementation with a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Radiata Pine Bark Improves Fatty Acid Profiles in Finishing Lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with a polyphenol-rich extract from radiata pine bark (PBE) on animal performance, blood parameters, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in finishing lambs. Twenty-seven Suffolk lambs (4 months old) fed a finishing diet were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: diet without PBE or diet supplemented with PBE on a 1 or 2% dry matter (DM) basis, for 35 d (14 d adaptation and 21 d of experimental period). Data were compared using Tukey's test and orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The results indicated that the supplementation with PBE increased (p = 0.008) relative growth rate (RGR) and improved (p = 0.003) protein conversion (CPC), whereas weight gain, carcass characteristic, and blood parameters were unaffected (p ≥ 0.106). Total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vaccenic and oleic acids were linearly increased (p ≤ 0.016) by PBE supplementation. In contrast, total saturated FAs (ΣSFA), Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the proportion of elaidic acid were linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.018). In conclusion, the supplementation with 1 or 2% DM of PBE improves subcutaneous FA profiles by increasing CLA and reducing ΣSFA, Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, AI, and TI. Additionally, PBE supplementation has the potential to improve RGR and CPC, with unaffected intake, growth performance, blood parameters, or carcass characteristics.

Clinical manifestations and treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I patients in Latin America as compared with the rest of the world.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) comprises a spectrum of clinical manifestations and is divided into three phenotypes reflecting clinical severity: Hurler, Hurler-Scheie, and Scheie syndromes. There may be important variations in clinical manifestations of this genetic disease in patients residing in different regions of the world. METHODS: Using data from the MPS I Registry (as of September 2009), we evaluated patients from Latin America (n = 118) compared with patients from the rest of the world [ROW (n = 727)]. RESULTS: Phenotype distribution differed among patients in Latin America compared to ROW (Hurler 31 vs. 62%, Hurler-Scheie 36 vs. 21%, Scheie 10 vs. 11%, and unknown 22 vs. 6%). The frequency of certain symptoms, such as cardiac valve abnormalities, sleep impairment, and joint contractures, also differed between Latin America and ROW for some phenotypes. Median age at MPS I diagnosis was earlier in the ROW than Latin America for all phenotypes, and age at first treatment for Hurler and Hurler-Scheie patients was also earlier in the ROW. Hurler patients in Latin America showed a gap of 3.1 years between median ages of diagnosis and first treatment compared to only 0.5 years in the ROW. Treatment allocation in Latin America compared to ROW was as follows: enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) only, 80 vs. 45%; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) only, 0.9 vs. 27%; both ERT and HSCT, 0 vs. 16%; and neither treatment, 19 vs. 13%. CONCLUSION: These data highlight important differences in MPS I patients between Latin America and ROW in terms of phenotypic distribution, clinical manifestations, and treatment practices.

Molecular analysis of exons 8, 9 and 10 of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene in two families with index cases of Apert Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Apert syndrome (AS) is a craniosynostosis condition caused by mutations in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Clinical features include cutaneous and osseous symmetric syndactily in hands and feet, with variable presentations in bones, brain, skin and other internal organs. METHODS: Members of two families with an index case of Apert Syndrome were assessed to describe relevant clinical features and molecular analysis (sequencing and amplification) of exons 8, 9 and 10 of FGFR2 gen. RESULTS: Family 1 consists of the mother, the index case and half -brother who has a cleft lip and palate. In this family we found a single FGFR2 mutation, S252W, in the sequence of exon 8. Although mutations were not found in the study of the patient affected with cleft lip and palate, it is known that these diseases share signaling pathways, allowing suspected alterations in shared genes. In the patient of family 2, we found a sequence variant T78.501A located near the splicing site, which could interfere in this process, and consequently with the protein function.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome Apert (SA) es un síndrome que cursa con craneosinostosis el cual es ocasionado por mutaciones en el gen del Receptor 2 del Factor de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos (FGFR2). Se caracteriza clínicamente por presentar sindactilias cutáneas y óseas en manos y pies de forma simétrica, cursa además con manifestaciones variables esqueléticas, cerebrales, en piel y otros órganos internos. MÉTODOS: Miembros de dos familias con caso índice de Síndrome Apert fueron evaluados con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas relevantes y el análisis molecular (secuenciación y amplificación) de los exones 8, 9 y 10 del gen FGFR2. RESULTADOS: La familia 1 está constituida por la madre, el caso índice y un medio hermano que presenta labio y paladar hendido. En esta familia solo se encontró la mutación S252W en la secuencia del exón 8 del gen FGFR2 del caso índice. A pesar no encontrarse mutaciones dentro del estudio realizado al paciente afectado con labio y paladar hendido, se conoce que estas patologías comparten vías de señalización, lo que permite sospechar alteraciones en genes compartidos. En la familia 2, el resultado molecular del caso índice reportó la variante T78.501A en la secuencia del intrón 8, la cual se sitúa cercana al sitio de splicing, pudiendo alterar este proceso con una consecuente alteración de la función de la proteína.

Identification of mutations in Colombian patients affected with Fabry disease.

Fabry Disease (FD) is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism, caused by a deficiency of the lisosomal α-galactosidase A (AGAL). The disorder leads to a vascular disease secondary to the involvement of kidney, heart and the central nervous system. The mutation analysis is a valuable tool for diagnosis and genetic counseling. Although more than 600 mutations have been identified, most mutations are private. Our objective was to describe the analysis of nine Colombian patients with Fabry disease by automated sequencing of the seven exons of the GLA gene. Two novel mutations were identified in two patients affected with the classical subtype of FD, in addition to other 6 mutations previously reported. The present study confirms the heterogeneity of mutations in Fabry disease and the importance of molecular analysis for genetic counseling, female heterozygotes detection as well as therapeutic decisions.

Shape and surface effects on the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles: Gold nanospheres versus gold nanostars.

Gold nanoparticles are materials with unique optical properties that have made them very attractive for numerous biomedical applications. With the increasing discovery of techniques to synthesize novel nanoparticles such as star-shaped gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications, the safety and performance of these new nanomaterials must be systematically assessed before use. In this study, gold nanostars (AuNSTs) with multibranched surface structures were synthesized, and their influence on the cytotoxicity of human skin fibroblasts and rat fat pad endothelial cells (RFPECs) were assessed and compared with that of gold nanospheres (AuNSPs) with unbranched surfaces. Results showed that the AuNSPs with diameters of approximately 61.46 nm showed greater toxicity with fibroblast cells and RFPECs compared with the synthesized AuNSTs with diameters of approximately 33.69 nm. The AuNSPs were lethal at concentrations of 40 µg/mL for both cell lines, whereas the AuNSTs were less toxic at higher concentrations (400 µg/mL). The calculated IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values of the AuNSPs exposed to fibroblast cells were greater at 1 and 4 days of culture (26.4 and 27.7 µg/mL, respectively) compared with the RFPECs (13.6 and 13.8 µg/mL, respectively), indicating that the AuNSPs have a greater toxicity to endothelial cells. It was proposed that possible factors that could be promoting the reduced toxicity effects of the AuNSTs to fibroblast cells and RFPECs, compared with the AuNSPs may be size, surface chemistry, and shape of the gold nanoparticles. The reduced cell toxicity observed with the AuNSTs suggests that AuNSTs may be a promising material for use in biomedical applications.

Genotypic and bioinformatic evaluation of the alpha-l-iduronidase gene and protein in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme α-l-iduronidase (IDUA), which is instrumental in the hydrolysis of the glycosaminoglycans, dermatan and heparan sulfate. The accumulation of unhydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans leads to pathogenesis in multiple tissue types, especially those of skeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal origin. Although molecular diagnostic tools for MPSI have been available since the identification and characterization of the IDUA gene in 1992, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have lacked such methodologies. Therefore, the mutational profile of the IDUA gene in these countries has largely been unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize genotypes in 14 patients with MPSI from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The most common mutation found at a frequency of 42.8% was W402X. Six patients presented with seven novel mutations, a high novel mutational rate in this population (32%). These novel mutations were validated using bioinformatic techniques. A model of the IDUA protein resulting from three of the novel missense mutations (Y625C, P385L, R621L) revealed that these mutations alter accessible surface area values, thereby reducing the accessibility of the enzyme to its substrates. This is the first characterization of the mutational profile of the IDUA gene in patients with MPSI in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The findings contribute to our understanding of IDUA gene expression and IDUA enzyme function, and may help facilitate early and improved diagnosis and management for patients with MPSI.

Identification and Functional Characterization of GAA Mutations in Colombian Patients Affected by Pompe Disease.

Pompe disease (PD) is a recessive metabolic disorder characterized by acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency, which results in lysosomal accumulation of glycogen in all tissues, especially in skeletal muscles. PD clinical course is mainly determined by the nature of the GAA mutations. Although ~400 distinct GAA sequence variations have been described, the genotype-phenotype correlation is not always evident.In this study, we describe the first clinical and genetic analysis of Colombian PD patients performed in 11 affected individuals. GAA open reading frame sequencing revealed eight distinct mutations related to PD etiology including two novel missense mutations, c.1106 T > C (p.Leu369Pro) and c.2236 T > C (p.Trp746Arg). In vitro functional studies showed that the structural changes conferred by both mutations did not inhibit the synthesis of the 110 kD GAA precursor form but affected the processing and intracellular transport of GAA. In addition, analysis of previously described variants located at this position (p.Trp746Gly, p.Trp746Cys, p.Trp746Ser, p.Trp746X) revealed new insights in the molecular basis of PD. Notably, we found that p.Trp746Cys mutation, which was previously described as a polymorphism as well as a causal mutation, displayed a mild deleterious effect. Interestingly and by chance, our study argues in favor of a remarkable Afro-American and European ancestry of the Colombian population. Taken together, our report provides valuable information on the PD genotype-phenotype correlation, which is expected to facilitate and improve genetic counseling of affected individuals and their families.

Utility of rare disease registries in latin america.

There are many registries in Latin America as dialysis and kidney transplantation, breast cancer, primary immunodeficiency, acute coronary syndromes, but the focus here are the registries of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) because is our experience. Registry of Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, and mucopolysaccharidosis type I are comprehensive observational voluntary programs that aim to collect clinical and laboratory data of initiation, progression, and evolution of those diseases, with and without treatment, using questionnaires of quality of life and/or skills and functions. There are two more programs of LSD: Hunter outcome survey and Fabry outcome survey. The registries are a kind of phase IV clinical trials, postmarketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use, and in addition we have data from natural history. The demographics of the Gaucher, Fabry, MPS I, and Pompe Registries show that a total of patients, being 16%, 8%, 15%, and 7%, respectively, of this population, and 19%, 19%, 18%, and 13%, respectively, of all physicians participating in the program are from Latin America. In the Gaucher Registry, we can observe that the percentage of children in Latin America (29%) is bigger than the rest of the world (20%), what can mean more severe disease in this population. These diseases are rare, and a database of clinical data from a larger number of patients gives us the opportunity to know about the natural history of these diseases, their phenotypic variability, and the response to specific enzyme replacement therapy in our population.

Molecular analysis of exons 8, 9 and 10 of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene in two families with index cases of Apert Syndrome / Análisis molecular de los exones 8, 9 y 10 del gen del factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos (FGFR2) en dos familias con casos índice de síndrome de Apert

Introduction: Apert syndrome (AS) is a craniosynostosis condition caused by mutations in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Clinical features include cutaneous and osseous symmetric syndactily in hands and feet, with variable presentations in bones, brain, skin and other internal organs. Methods: Members of two families with an index case of Apert Syndrome were assessed to describe relevant clinical features and molecular analysis (sequencing and amplification) of exons 8, 9 and 10 of FGFR2 gen. Results: Family 1 consists of the mother, the index case and half -brother who has a cleft lip and palate. In this family we found a single FGFR2 mutation, S252W, in the sequence of exon 8. Although mutations were not found in the study of the patient affected with cleft lip and palate, it is known that these diseases share signaling pathways, allowing suspected alterations in shared genes. In the patient of family 2, we found a sequence variant T78.501A located near the splicing site, which could interfere in this process, and consequently with the protein function.

Introducción: El síndrome Apert (SA) es un síndrome que cursa con craneosinostosis el cual es ocasionado por mutaciones en el gen del Receptor 2 del Factor de Crecimiento de Fibroblastos (FGFR2). Se caracteriza clínicamente por presentar sindactilias cutáneas y óseas en manos y pies de forma simétrica, cursa además con manifestaciones variables esqueléticas, cerebrales, en piel y otros órganos internos. Métodos: Miembros de dos familias con caso índice de Síndrome Apert fueron evaluados con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas relevantes y el análisis molecular (secuenciación y amplificación) de los exones 8, 9 y 10 del gen FGFR2. Resultados: La familia 1 está constituida por la madre, el caso índice y un medio hermano que presenta labio y paladar hendido. En esta familia solo se encontró la mutación S252W en la secuencia del exón 8 del gen FGFR2 del caso índice. A pesar no encontrarse mutaciones dentro del estudio realizado al paciente afectado con labio y paladar hendido, se conoce que estas patologías comparten vías de señalización, lo que permite sospechar alteraciones en genes compartidos. En la familia 2, el resultado molecular del caso índice reportó la variante T78.501A en la secuencia del intrón 8, la cual se sitúa cercana al sitio de splicing, pudiendo alterar este proceso con una consecuente alteración de la función de la proteína.

Análisis clínic y molecular de una pacientecon pentasomia del cromoooma x. / Clinical and Molecular Analysis of a Patient with X-Chromosome Pentasomy.

Introducción: la Pentasomia del X (49,XXXXX) es una alteración cromosómica poco frecuente, que afecta a mujeres y fue descrita en 1963 por Kesaree y Wooley. Hasta la fecha se han reportado menos de 30 casos en la literatura. Se presenta un caso de pentasomia del cromosoma X, y mediante técnicas de biología molecular (microsatélites) se determino el origen materno de los cromosomas X adicionales. Caso clínico: paciente de 28 meses, con talla baja proporcionada, braquicefalia, fascies característica, genitales externos femeninos con labios mayores hipoplásicos, braquidactilia, clinodactilia bilateral del quinto dedo, luxación de rodilla derecha, deformidad en varo. Se realizó cariotipo en sangre periférica que reportó un complemento cromosómico 49,XXXXX. Materiales y métodos: se realizó extracción de ADN y PCR para la amplificación de ocho microsatélites o STR’s tetra y dinucleotídicos situados a lo largo del cromosoma X. Los productos amplificados se analizaron en el secuenciador ALF EXPRESS. Con la información alélica se realizó la construcción del haplotipo y el análisis de dosis génica mediante la determinación del área bajo la curva. Resultados y discusión: el análisis de los ocho STR’s realizados en la paciente y sus padres, permitió establecer que los cromosomas X extras corresponden a información alélica heredada de la madre. Se analizan los resultados y los eventos que se han documentado como relacionados con los fenómenos de no disyunción. Conclusión: el origen de la doble no disyunción que generó la pentasomia es materna, en donde un ovulo tetrasómico, con cuatro copias de cromosoma X fue fecundado con un espermatozoide monosómico normal.

Introduction: Pentasomy X is a rare chromosomal disorder which affects women. It was first described in 1963 by Kesaree and Wooley. Up to date, less than 30 cases have been reported. We report a case of 28 month old female patient with clinical features of Pentasomy X. Cytogenetic and molecular analysis revealed that her karyotype was 49,XXXXX and that the additional X chromosomes were maternal in origin. Case report: We present a 28 month old female patient with short stature, brachycephaly, characteristic facies, with female external genitalia, hypoplasic labia majora, brachydactyly, bilateral clinodactyly of the fifth finger, dislocation of the right knee with genu varum deformities. Chromosome analysis revealed a karyotype of 49, XXXXX. Materials and methods: We performed DNA extraction and subsequent PCR amplification of 8 microsatellites (STR’s) throughout the X chromosome. The amplified products were analyzed in the ALF EXPRESS sequencer. The allelic information obtained was used to construct haplotypes and to analyze gene dosage through the determination of the area under the curve. Results and discussion: Through the analysis of eight STR’s in the patient and her parents we were able to determine that the extra X chromosomes were inherited from the mother. We analyze our results and other well documented events that have been related to non-disjunctions. Conclusion: We confirmed through molecular analysis of X-linked DNA markers that the aneuploidy developed from two maternal non-disjunctions.

Presencia de Organismos Micologicos en las Lesiones Periapicales / Presence of Fungus in Periapical Lesions

Las lesiones pulpares y periapicales en general parecen poseer como agentes etiologicos la combinacion de las bacterias de las lesiones por caries, ademas de los antigenos bacterianos y los productos metabolicos. Pero igualmente la pulpa puede verse atacada por agentes mecanicos, quimicos o termicos. En cavidad oral encontramos organismos bacteriologicos y micologicos como flora normal de la misma, pero se ha observado que las bacterias pueden encontrarse como organismos presentes en las lesiones,- para nuestro estudio en lo concerniente a lesiones periapicales- al existir una alteracion del equilibrio existente; mas hasta el momento no se ha estudiado la presencia de organismos micologicos en dicahs lesiones. El analisis de los doce casos elegidos, se realizo previa eliminacion quirurgica de las lesiones, teniendo en cuenta los diferentes medios de asepcia necesarios para que las muestras no se contaminaran con el medio ambientre. Luego de obtener los resultados correspondientes al laboratorio bacteriologico e histopatologico se pudo determinar si las lesiones periapicales, absceso periapical, granuloma y quiste periapical- poseen organismos micologicos ademas de agentes bacteriologicos..