Micro-RNA-371a-3p in Germ Cell Testicular Tumors on Diagnosis: A Prospective Case-Control Study in Turkish Population.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the miRNA-371a-3p for the primary diagnosis of germ cell tumors (GCT) and to investigate its relationship with pathological factors and clinical stage in the Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 60 patients with GCTs, and 40 healthy male controls were examined for serum levels of miRNA-371a-3p before orchiectomy and again two weeks after surgery. The miRNA-371a-3p, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG) levels in the preoperative and postoperative periods were compared at different clinical stages. Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-371a-3p. Clinical and pathological factors such as clinical stage (CS), tumor size, histology, rete testis invasion, and lymphovascular invasion, potentially impacting miRNA-371a-3p expression levels (relative quantity, RQ), were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The sensitivity of miR-371a-3p in GCT patients was 98.3%, and the specificity was 95% (AUC = 0.997 [95%Cl:0.99-1], p < .001). miR-371a-3p expression was not detected in two patients with teratoma. The median miR-371a-3p RQ was 489 times in GCT and 2.2 times in the Control group (p < .001). In the postoperative period, there was a significant decrease in AFP and bHCG levels in all CS-1 (p = .01) and 30% of the other CS (p = .3). Throughout this time there was a decrease of 19 times at the miR-371a-3p RQ in CS-1(p < .001) and 1.6 times in the other CS (p < .001). The miR-371a-3p RQs were correlated with tumor size and CS. CONCLUSION: The miR-371a-3p seems to have higher diagnostic accuracy than classical serum tumor markers in GCT.

Comparison of MicroRNA Levels of 18-60-month-old Autistic Children with Those of Their Siblings and Controls.

Objective: The present study aims to compare the levels of 7 microRNAs (mi-RNAs) (mi-RNA-125b, mi-RNA-23a-3p, mi-RNA-146a-5p, mi-RNA-106a, mi-RNA-151a-3p, mi-RNA-28, mi-RNA-125a) in the blood of the preschool children with autism and those of their siblings with healthy controls, and to investigate the association between these mi-RNAs and the severity of autism, behavioral problems, and siblings' autistic traits. Methods: A total of 35 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the ages of 18-60 months (patient group), 35 non-affected siblings of the ASD group (sibling group), and 30 control subjects (control group) were involved in the study. The severity of ASD was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The behavioral problems of the children with ASD were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, and the autistic traits of the siblings were assessed using the Autism spectrum screening scale for children. Results: mi-RNA-106a-5p, mi-RNA-151a-3p, and mi-RNA-28-3p were found to be expressed significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between mi-RNA-23a and the sensory subscale of the ABC. mi-RNA-151a was significantly associated with sound sensitivity and mi-RNA-28 with echolalia. After controlling for age and sex, the differences between groups were disappeared. Conclusion: The present study examined mi-RNAs that have been reported as biomarkers in the literature. Although several symptom clusters are found to be related to certain mi-RNA expression levels, they were not found to be significant in discriminating the patient and healthy groups.

The XRCC1 and TP53 gene polymorphisms are associated with advanced-stage disease and early distant metastasis at diagnosis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suggest that DNA repair capacity may have prognostic implications for disease recurrence and survival. However, there is no study investigating the relationship between SNPs and the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis in patients with NSCLC. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential predictive value of SNPs in detecting the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Material and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated 275 patients with NSCLC. Analysis of SNPs from peripheral blood cells was performed by a polymerase chain reaction. Excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1)- Asn118Asn, excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2)-Lys751Gln, X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)-Arg399Gln, and tumor protein 53 (TP53)-Arg72Pro polymorphisms were evaluated in conjunction with the development of metastasis. Results: The ERCC1 normal genotype, ERCC2 heterozygote genotype, XRCC1 normal genotype, and TP53 normal genotype were associated with a higher stage and more advanced-stage disease at the time of initial diagnosis (P = 0.027, 0.005, <0.001, and 0.006, respectively). Also, XRCC1 normal genotype and TP53 normal genotype were associated with the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis (P = <0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Moreover, the XRCC1 normal genotype was associated with the risk of brain metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis (P = 0.031). Conclusions: We showed that SNPs are related to a higher stage and more advanced-stage disease at the time of initial diagnosis in patients with NSCLC, and XRCC1 and TP53 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of metastasis. These results may contribute to the identification of high-risk groups and may help to earlier diagnosis and treatment in patients with NSCLC.

The Effect of RAS/BRAF Mutation Status on Prognosis and Relapse Pattern in Early Stage Colon Cancers.

PURPOSE: It is known that the RAS and BRAF mutations are predictive for targeted therapies in treating metastatic colon cancer and negatively affect the prognosis of the disease. However, there are limited studies in early-stage colon cancer about the relationship of this mutational condition with the prognosis and relapse pattern of the disease. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mutational status on the clinical pattern of recurrence and survival in early-stage colon cancer in addition to classical risk factors. METHODS: Patients with early-stage colon cancer at the first time of diagnosis and developing recurrence or metastasis on following up were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the at the time of relapse RAS/BRAF mutation status: mutant or non-mutant/wild types. Then, mutation analysis was performed again from the early-stage tissue of the patients if available. The relationship between early-stage mutation status and progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and relapse pattern was analyzed. RESULTS: The number of patients with mutant and non-mutations in the early stage was 39 and 40, respectively. Mutant and non-mutant patients with stage 3 disease were similar (69% and 70%, respectively). OS (47.27 months vs. 67.53 months; p = 0.02) and PFS (25.12 vs. 38.13 months; p = 0.049) were statistically significantly lower in mutant patients, respectively. Most patients had distant metastases on both sides at recurrence (61.5% vs. 62.5%, respectively). There was no significant difference between mutant and non-mutant patients regarding distant metastasis and local recurrence rates (p = 0.657). A discordance of 11.4% between early-stage and late-stage tissue mutation status. CONCLUSION: The presence of mutation in early-stage colon cancer is associated with shorter OS and PFS. The mutational status did not have a significant effect on the recurrence pattern. Because of the discordance of early-stage and late-stage mutational status, it is recommended to perform mutation analysis from tissue at relapse.

Novel findings, mini-review and dysmorphological characterization of 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome.

The short arm of chromosome 16 and especially the region 16p13.11 is a chromosome region where many structural variants, especially deletions and duplications, can be observed. Although deletions of this region are clinically well defined, duplications are rare, and so far, there is no established clinical consensus in regard with its clinical picture, and especially the dysmorphic perspective of the disease is far from being clear. A 5-year-and-2-month-old patient who presented with epilepsy, autism and late speech onset complaints was evaluated in our genetics department. On physical examination, unilateral preauricular skin tag and upslanting palpebral fissures were noted. Microarray analysis was performed and reported as ([hg19]: 16p13.11 (14.897.804-16.730.375) x3). The literature review revealed only a few reports about the syndrome, but some dysmorphological findings appear to recur in different reports, which enables a possible characterization. Dysmorphic findings were discussed.

Clinical and molecular evaluation of MEFV gene variants in the Turkish population: a study by the National Genetics Consortium.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disorder with recurrent fever, abdominal pain, serositis, articular manifestations, erysipelas-like erythema, and renal complications as its main features. Caused by the mutations in the MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene, it mainly affects people of Mediterranean descent with a higher incidence in the Turkish, Jewish, Arabic, and Armenian populations. As our understanding of FMF improves, it becomes clearer that we are facing with a more complex picture of FMF with respect to its pathogenesis, penetrance, variant type (gain-of-function vs. loss-of-function), and inheritance. In this study, MEFV gene analysis results and clinical findings of 27,504 patients from 35 universities and institutions in Turkey and Northern Cyprus are combined in an effort to provide a better insight into the genotype-phenotype correlation and how a specific variant contributes to certain clinical findings in FMF patients. Our results may help better understand this complex disease and how the genotype may sometimes contribute to phenotype. Unlike many studies in the literature, our study investigated a broader symptomatic spectrum and the relationship between the genotype and phenotype data. In this sense, we aimed to guide all clinicians and academicians who work in this field to better establish a comprehensive data set for the patients. One of the biggest messages of our study is that lack of uniformity in some clinical and demographic data of participants may become an obstacle in approaching FMF patients and understanding this complex disease.

Evaluation of immunological abnormalities in patients with rare syndromes.

Introduction: Recurrent infections are important problems in syndromic patients. This study aimed to evaluate immunological abnormalities in patients who presented with recurrent infections and were diagnosed with rare syndromes. Material and methods: This retrospective analysis included 14 patients with complaints of recurrent infections, all of whom were diagnosed with a rare syndrome. Results: The study group consisted of patients with Aicardi syndrome, Brugada syndrome, Phelan- McDermid syndrome, trichothiodystrophy, LEOPARD syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Seckel syndrome, trisomy 18 (Edwards' syndrome), Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, West syndrome, Williams syndrome, 47,XYY syndrome, 16p13 deletion syndrome, and 13q1.3 deletion syndrome. Seven patients (50%) were girls and seven (50%) were boys (mean age, 56.7 ±32.9 months; median [range] age: 45.5 [27-153] months). There were high rates of consanguinity (50%), cesarean section delivery (71%), and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (78.5%). No patients had a family history of immunodeficiency. On admission, all patients exhibited humoral and/or cellular immune system abnormalities. During the follow-up period, all T-cell abnormalities were improved after immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT), while B-cell abnormalities persisted. These findings suggested that the patients predominantly had antibody deficiencies associated with mild T-cell abnormalities because of recurrent infections. The rates of infections and hospitalizations were significantly reduced after IGRT (p < 0.001); the rate of intensive care unit admission also significantly decreased (from 78.5% to 21.4%). Two of the three oxygen-dependent patients exhibited improvement therein. IGRT was discontinued in two patients with significant clinical improvement during follow-up. Conclusions: An immunological evaluation should be considered in pediatric patients with rare syndromes and recurrent infections. IGRT may help to improve the prognoses of these patients.

Dynein axonemal heavy chain 9 M4374I variation may have an effect on imatinib mesylate resistance in CML.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm caused by a translocation between the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) and Abelson murine leukemia 1 (ABL1) genes. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used in the treatment of CML. TKIs, bind the ABL1 kinase domain of hybrid BCR-ABL1 protein and inhibit its function. However, resistance can occur due to the pathogenic variations in the ABL kinase domain or BCR-ABL1-independent mechanisms. In the present study, genetic variations possibly related to imatinib resistance in CML were explored. A total of five single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs; MORN2 rs3099950, PTCRA rs9471966, ANKRD35 rs11579366, dynein axonemal heavy chain 9 (DNAH9) rs1990236 and MAGEC1 rs176037] were investigated in imatinib sensitive and in resistant CML patients. Additionally, sequencing of the ABL1 kinase domain was also performed. The frequency of DNAH9 M4374I (NP_001363.2)/M686I (NP_004653.2) (rs1990236) was found to be significantly higher in the imatinib-resistant group. However, the other SNPs did not exhibit any statistically significant differences and no new variant was detected in the ABL1 kinase domain. Considering the frequency difference of the DNAH9 rs1990236 between imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant groups, DNAH9 gene may play a role in TKI resistance. Due to the limited amounts of literature available on this subject, further studies on DNAH9 and related genes may prove to be beneficial for the elucidation of the association between DNAH9 and TKI resistance. Moreover, further larger studies are required to support the current findings. This may aid in the development of novel treatment protocols for patients with CML with DNAH9 genetic polymorphisms.

Interchromosomal effect: Report of a father and son, bearing different translocations of the same chromosome, and a review of the current literature.

Interchromosomal effect is a controversial phenomenon postulating that during gametogenesis of translocation carriers, aside from the unbalanced segregation of chromosomes involved in the translocation, other, structurally normal chromosomes might also be affected and segregated abnormally. Here, we present a balanced reciprocal translocation carrier t(15;20)(q11;p13), and his son, bearing a different translocation of chromosome 15, t(15;Y)(q11;q12). To further elucidate the so-far-controversial interchromosomal effect phenomenon, published original articles and case reports about interchromosomal effect were reviewed. The father was a carrier of t(15;20)(q11;p13). His wife's karyotype was normal. During a pregnancy occurred without any preceding procedure, amniocentesis was recommended to the family and performed. Result of the amniocentesis revealed a different translocation of chromosome 15; t(15;Y)(q11;q12). To our knowledge, this is the first report of two generations within a family, bearing different translocations of a chromosome. On top of all previous studies investigating ICE, our case adds an important finding, showing not only the rate of aneuploidies of structurally normal chromosomes, but also the rate of this 'alternating translocations' might be increased in translocation carriers, and this could be an important clue about interchromosomal effects.

A Novel Pathogenic Variant of the CFTR Gene in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Phenotype-c.4096A > T.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic multisystemic disease originating from functional alterations in CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. To date, more than 300 pathogenic variants have been described in the literature. However, the diagnosis of CF, which was thought to become easier after the CFTR gene was identified, became more complicated due to the enormous amount of variations. In this study, we present a patient whose clinical findings were consistent with cystic fibrosis (CF) and showed a homozygous missense change that is not previously reported in the CFTR gene as pathogenic. In the next-generation sequencing analysis, homozygous c.4096A > T single-nucleotide exchange (I1366F [p.Ile1366Phe], missense) was shown in both alleles of the patient' CFTR gene. According to our database analysis, this variant has not yet been previously reported (VarSome, ClinVar, MutationTaster, Ensembl, dbSNP, PubMed). We do consider the change as pathogenic since the patient's findings were compatible with CF and the data analysis was in favor of pathogenicity. The most recent consensus report published in 2017 emphasized the importance of CFTR gene analysis, and this study emphasizes the difficulties of associating CFTR gene variations with a clinical picture and constitutes a new data on the genotype-phenotype correlation of CFTR variants. Also, considering the frequency of CF (according to World Health Organization data, every 1 out of 2,000-3,000 infants is born with CF in European Union countries and every 1 out of 3,500 in the United States) as well as the increasing rate of molecular studies performed on CF patients worldwide, reporting novel variation has an additional value.

Investigation of the relationship between ischemic stroke and endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms [G894T, intron 4 VNTR and T786C]

Background/aim: We aimed to investigate the associations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) gene polymorphisms [G894T (rs1799983)], intron 4 (27-bpTR) variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and T786C (rs2070744), and ischemic stroke in the Anatolian population. Materials and methods: This case-control study included 112 patients with "stroke of undetermined etiology" and 160 controls. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to analyze these polymorphisms. Between-group frequencies of alleles and genotypes were compared using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the genotype and allele distributions of the eNOS G894T (rs1799983) polymorphism (P > 0.05). The a alleles and the 4b/a and 4a/a genotypes of the intron 4 (27-bpTR) VNTR polymorphism had significantly higher frequencies in the patient group than in the control group (OR: 2.715, P < 0.001; OR: 3.396, P < 0.001; OR: 10.631, P = 0.016, respectively). On the contrary, the TC genotype and C alleles of the T786C (rs2070744) polymorphism had a significantly lower frequency in the patient group than in the control group (OR: 0.244, P < 0.001, OR: 0.605, P = 0.006, respectively) Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the eNOS G894T and T786C [rs2070744] polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of ischemic stroke, whereas the intron 4 [27-bpTR] VNTR may be a risk factor in the Anatolian population.

A rare case in literature: Isochromosome Xq in Klinefelter syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Klinefelter syndrome(KS), affecting 1 in 500-1,000 newborn males, is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy among males with primary hypogonadism. Isochromosome Xq on the other hand is a rare variant of Klinefelter syndrome, accounting approximately 0.3% of all KS and associated with normal height and androgenisation compared to classical KS. Here, we present a case of isochromosome Xq variant of KS with similar clinical and cytogenetic findings with the few cases reported before. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25-year-old male patient referred to our clinic with complaint of infertility. He is the son of a consanguineous couple who are first cousins and there was no family history of reproductive difficulty. In physical examination synophrys, prominent ear and small testicles noted. The patient's spermiogram showed azoospermia and scrotal USG revealed testicular atrophy. RESULTS: Karyotype analysis using G-banding resulted as 47,X,i(X)(q10),Y, and STR analysis showed no deletion in AZF and SRY loci of interest. CONCLUSION: Although several isochromosome Xq variant of KS cases can be found in literature, it is our duty to emphasise the importance of karyotyping for patients with reproductive difficulty who may not have all features of classical Klinefelter syndrome.

NAT2 Gene Polymorphisms in Turkish Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and autoimmune skin disease. Factors that play a role in etiopathogenesis of psoriasis include internal factors such as genetic susceptibility and immunological factors and external factors such as stress, infection, trauma, drug, and environmental compounds. N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is a xenobiotic enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of drugs, environmental toxins, and carcinogens. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate whether the variations in the NAT2 gene lead to a predisposition to psoriasis by affecting the enzyme's ability to metabolize drugs and environmental components or not. Three polymorphisms (rs1799929, rs1799930, and rs1799931) in NAT2 gene were genotyped and compared by real-time PCR method in 260 psoriasis vulgaris patients and 200 healthy controls. There was no difference in the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of polymorphisms between psoriasis vulgaris patients and controls. When the effects of polymorphisms on the clinical features of the disease, such as onset age and severity, are assessed, it has been found that rs1799930 and rs1799929 are, respectively, associated with early onset age and severity of the disease. In conclusion, rs1799929, rs1799930, and rs1799931 polymorphisms of the NAT-2 gene do not appear to be a risk factor for the development of psoriasis. Conversely, they may have an effect on either more severe or early onset cases of the disease.

Ocular Findings in Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To identify the ocular features of children diagnosed as having 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in a Turkish population, which is the most common microdeletion syndrome with a wide range of facial and ocular abnormalities. METHODS: Sixteen children aged between 4 months and 18 years with a microdeletion in chromosome 22q11.2 underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination including uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity testing, stereoscopic vision examination, biomicroscopic and indirect fundus examination, and ocular motility testing. RESULTS: All patients had at least one ocular abnormality. The major abnormalities were eyelid abnormalities (eye hooding, narrow palpebral fissure, telecanthus, hypertelorism, sparse and thin eyebrows and eyelashes, blepharitis, and distichiasis), posterior embryotoxon, and tortuous retinal vessels in at least half of the patients. Other ophthalmological disorders were refractive errors, iris remnants, and strabismus. CONCLUSIONS: The chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is associated with a wide range of ocular disorders, which necessitates a comprehensive eye examination for appropriate treatment and follow-up. Ocular findings sometimes can provide a clue to the diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(4):218-222].

Would mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio be used as a novel formula to predict 22q11.2 deletion syndrome?

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome depends on a time-consuming and expensive method, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine new parameters which can aid for in the diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. METHODS: Twenty two patients with 22q11.2 or 10p13 deletion were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Facial-dysmorphism and mental-motor retardation were detected in 100% of patients. Mean platelet (PLT) counts were lower (224,980 versus 354,000, p = 0.001), mean PLT volume (MPV) (9.95 versus 7.07, p = 0.002), and MPV/PLTx105 ratios (5.36 versus 2.08, p < 0.001) were higher in patients with 22q11.2 deletion compared with the control group. Area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.864, sensitivity was 84.6%, specificity was 90.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 91.7%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 83.3% when MPV was 8.6. Area under ROC curve was 0.864, sensitivity was 76.9%, specificity was 90.1%, PPV was 90.1%, and NPV was 76.3% when PLT was 265,500. Area under ROC curve was 0.906, sensitivity was 84.6%, specificity was 100%, PPV was 100%, and NPV was 84.6% when MPV/PLTx105 was 3.3. Expression of PLT surface markers which were not in the GPIb-V-IX receptor complex (CD61, CD41a) increased as the surface area increased, but markers which were in a complex (CD42a, CD42b) did not change. CONCLUSIONS: High MPV/PLT value can be a good predictor for the diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We suggest that in patients with facial dysmorphism and retardation in neurodevelopmental milestones and if MPV≥8.6fl, MPV/PLTx105 ratio≥3.3 and PLT count ≤265,500/mm3, the patients should be tested by FISH analysis to confirm the 22q11.2 deletion. If there are no macrothrombocytes, the 10p13 deletion should be tested in suspected cases.

GAPO syndrome: four new patients with congenital glaucoma and myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer.

This article reports on the ophthalmological features of four Turkish children with GAPO syndrome, a very rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by growth retardation (G), alopecia (A), pseudoanodontia (P) (failure of tooth eruption), and optic atrophy (O). The children were from two unrelated families born to consanguineous parents. They had the characteristic facial appearance of alopecia, rarefaction of eyebrows and eyelashes, frontal bossing, high forehead, midfacial hypoplasia, hypertelorism, and thickened eyelids and lips. Two children had severe end-stage glaucoma in both eyes and unilateral corneal opacity, whereas other two children had myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer; one with bilateral optic atrophy and the other one with persistent pupillary membrane in the left eye.

Evaluation of c-MYC status in primary acquired cholesteatoma by using fluorescence in situ hybridization technique.

OBJECTIVE: The object of study was to investigate the status of c-MYC oncogene in primary acquired cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHODS: Cholesteatoma samples were obtained from 15 patients with primary acquired cholesteatoma during surgical operation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a mixed DNA probe, which is specific for c-MYC located on 8q24 and chromosome 8 specific-alpha-satellite DNA probe (dual color), was used on the interphase nuclei. RESULTS: Copy number of c-MYC oncogene and aneuploidy of chromosome 8 were 21.2% +/- 14.4% and 21.7% +/- 14.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference between copy number of c-MYC and frequency of chromosome 8 aneuploidy (p > 0.05). Ten of 15 cases showed different percentage of c-MYC and chromosome 8 aneuploidy, whereas 5 (33.3%) of 15 cases showed a normal distribution of c-MYC and chromosome 8 signals. CONCLUSION: The copy number of c-MYC in 10 of 15 cases was found to be high as observed for chromosome 8 aneuploidy in primary acquired cholesteatoma. These findings suggest that the ability of hyperproliferation of primary acquired cholesteatoma might have been related to c-MYC copy number by deregulating c-MYC expression.

A case with ICF syndrome lost to rubella pneumonitis.

The immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by variable immunodeficiency, instability of the pericentromeric heterochromatin, and facial dysmorphism. Here we report a new case of ICF syndrome who died of rubella pneumonitis. A six year-old-girl who was the first child of consanguineous parents was admitted to the hospital because of bronchopneumonia. Laboratory investigations revealed pan-hypogammaglobulinemia, lymphoperria, normal proportions of peripheral blood lymphocytes with an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio, and interstitial pneumonia with a positive serology of acute rubella infection. The ICF syndrome was diagnosed by centromeric instability in the standard cytogenetic analysis. An inclusion body was demonstrated in the lung biopsy after the death of the patient. Chromosomal investigation could be helpful along with other tests for diagnosis of variable immunodeficiency accompanied by facial dysmorphism.

Chromosome 8 aneuploidy in acquired cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of chromosome 8 aneuploidy in acquired cholesteatoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cholesteatoma tissue and postauricular skin as a control were surgically obtained from 12 patients with acquired cholesteatoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using a chromosome 8-specific alpha-satellite DNA probe was performed on the interphase nuclei. Two hundred cells were analyzed for each of the samples. RESULTS: Chromosome 8 aneuploidy was found in 9/12 patients whereas a normal cell structure with 2 signals was observed in the remaining 3 patients. In samples with chromosome 8 aneuploidy, the mean proportion of aneuploidy was 25.6%, including monosomy (3.2%), trisomy (16.1%), tetrasomy (4.9%) and more than tetrasomy (1.4%). The number of aneuploid cells in recurrent cases was more than that in non-recurrent cases. CONCLUSION: A numerical aberration of chromosome 8 was found in patients with acquired cholesteatoma. Our results support the hypothesis that chromosome 8 may be a prognostic factor for cholesteatoma and an indicator in the follow-up of patients with cholesteatoma.