Early occurrence of primary angle-closure glaucoma in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa and CRB1 gene variations / Manifestação precoce de glaucoma de ângulo fechado em paciente com retinopatia por mutação no gene CRB1

ABSTRACT We describe the case of a 15-year-old girl with decreased visual acuity associated with elevated intraocular pressure in both eyes and angle closure on gonioscopy. She also presented attenuation of retinal vessels and optic disc pallor with large excavation in the left eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed an anteriorly positioned ciliary body and absence of ciliary sulcus, confirming the plateau iris configuration. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a bilateral cystoid macular edema. Genetic screening revealed heterozygous variants of the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene (c.2843G>A and c.2506C>A). The patient underwent trabeculectomy for intraocular pressure control and topical treatment for macular edema. This case highlights the importance of performing gonioscopy and evaluating intraocular pressure in patients with a shallow anterior chamber despite young age. In addition, it also shows the importance of genetic screening, when available, in elucidating the diagnosis and providing patients and their families' information on the patient's prognosis and possible therapeutic options.

RESUMO Nós descrevemos um caso de uma paciente de 15 anos com queda de acuidade visual e aumento da pressão intraocular em ambos os olhos, juntamente com fechamento angular no exame de gonioscopia. Na fundoscopia a paciente apresentava atenuação dos vasos retinianos, palidez de disco e aumento de escavação em olho esquerdo. Ao exame da biomicroscopia ultrassônica, foi evidenciado corpo ciliar anteriorizado e ausência de sulco ciliar em ambos os olhos, relevando presença de íris em plateau. Ao exame de tomografia de coerência óptica, visualizamos presença de edema macular cistoide bilateral. O screening genético revelou heterozigose no gene CRB1 (c.2843G>A and c.2506C>A), confirmando o diagnóstico de retinose pigmentar. Este caso reforça a importância do exame de gonioscopia e da avaliação da pressão intraocular em pacientes em câmara rasa, mesmo em pacientes jovens. Além disso, mostra a importância do screening genético como ferramenta útil para elucidação diagnóstica.

Analysis of RS1 gene variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with X-linked congenital retinal splitters / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with X-linked retinoschisis.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of the pedigree was collected. Following DNA extraction, PCR and Sanger sequencing were carried out to detect potential variant in the RS1 gene. The result was verified by using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.@*RESULTS@#All male patients were found to harbor a c.458T>G (p.Val153Gly) variant of the RS1 gene, for which Their mothers were heterozygous carriers. The same variant was not detected among unaffected members of the pedigree as well as 100 healthy controls. Bioinformatic analysis suggested the variant to be pathogenic.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.458T>G (p.Val153Gly) variant of the RS1 gene probably underlay the X-linked retinoschisis in this pedigree.

Retinosquisis ligada al cromosoma X: presentación de un caso clínico y análisis del diagnóstico genético / X-linked Retinoschisis: a case report and genetic diagnosis analysis / Retinosquise ligada ao X: a presentação de um caso clínico e análise do diagnóstico genético

La Retinosquisis ligada al X, que se presenta fundamentalmente en varones, es una enfermedad genética caracterizada por agudeza visual reducida debido a degeneración macular. Su prevalencia es de 1/5000 varones en todo el mundo. Se manifiesta desde la primera década de la vida con pérdida de la visión que progresa hasta la adolescencia y se mantiene estable hasta la 4ta década de la vida, momento en que presenta un declive importante. El fondo de ojo suele mostrar esquisis. Las mujeres portadoras rara vez presentan síntomas. El gen involucrado es RS1, codifica para Retinosquina, proteína que participa en la integridad estructural y funcional de la retina. El mismo presenta diferentes mutaciones que generan pérdida de función de la proteína. La sospecha diagnóstica se basa en la clínica y los antecedentes familiares, y se apoya en la paraclínica confirmándose en la mayoría de los casos mediante secuenciación del gen. El tratamiento consiste en control periódico oftalmológico y cirugía de las complicaciones. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 2 años con episodios reiterados de desprendimiento de retina, con antecedentes familiares de Retinosquisis por línea materna en individuos de sexo masculino. Estos fueron estudiados demostrándose que son portadores de la variante probablemente patogénica c.466A>C (Arg156Gly) en el gen RS1 la cual había sido reportada previamente en una familia de origen chino. Se demostró que nuestro paciente presenta la mutación familiar en hemicigosis, por lo que esta es la segunda familia en que se confirma la segregación de esta variante con Retinosquisis.

X-linked Retinoschisis is a genetic disease characterized by reduced visual acuity mainly in men due to juvenile macular degeneration. Its prevalence is 1/5000 men worldwide. It manifests from the first decade of life with loss of vision that progresses to adolescence and then remains stable until the 4th decade of life, when it may present a significant decline. The fundus exam usually shows schism. Carrier women rarely have symptoms. The gene involved is RS1 (Xp22.13), which encodes for Retinoschisin, a protein that participates in the structural and functional integrity of the retina. In affected cases, mutations that generate loss of protein function were demonstrated. The diagnosis is based on the clinical and family history, and is supported by ophthalmology evaluation; in most cases it can be confirmed by sequencing of the gene. The treatment consists of periodic ophthalmological control and surgery of the complications. We describe the case of a 2 year old boy with repeated episodes of retinal detachment and who has a family history of Retinoschisis by maternal line in male individuals. These were studied, and it was shown that they are carriers of the probably pathogenic variant c.466A> C (Arg156Gly) in the RS1 gene, which had been reported previously in a family of Chinese origin. It was shown that our patient presents the family mutation in hemizygous state, so this is the second family in which the segregation of this variant with Retinoschisis is confirmed.

A retinosquise ligada ao X, que ocorre principalmente em homens, é uma doença genética caracterizada pela redução da acuidade visual devido à degeneração macular. Sua prevalência é de 1/5000 homens em todo o mundo. Manifesta-se desde a primeira década de vida com perda da visão que progride até a adolescência e permanece estável até a 4ª década de vida, época em que apresenta declínio significativo. O fundo geralmente mostra esquise. Portadoras do sexo feminino raramente apresentam sintomas. O gene envolvido é o RS1, que codifica a Retinosquina, proteína que participa da integridade estrutural e funcional da retina. Apresenta diferentes mutações que geram perda de função da proteína. A suspeita diagnóstica baseia-se na história clínica e familiar, e na paraclínica, sendo confirmada na maioria dos casos pelo sequenciamento gênico. O tratamento consiste em acompanhamento oftalmológico periódico e cirurgia para complicações. Apresentamos o caso de um menino de 2 anos com episódios repetidos de descolamento de retina, com história familiar de retinosquise materna no sexo masculino. Estes foram estudados mostrando que são portadores da variante provavelmente patogênica c.466A> C (Arg156Gly) no gene RS1, que havia sido relatado anteriormente em uma família de origem chinesa. Foi demonstrado que nosso paciente apresenta a mutação familiar em hemizigose, sendo esta a segunda família em que se confirma a segregação desta variante com Retinosquise.

Effects of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor and Its Peptides on Proliferation, Apoptosis and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#The anti-tumor effect of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been widely confirmed. However, the anti-tumor effect of its peptides is rarely reported. This study aims to investigate the effects of PEDF and its peptides on the apoptosis and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).@*METHODS@#In this study, A549 cells and H1299 cells were selected as the research object, and the cells were divided into normal group, PEDF treatment group, 34 peptide treatment group, 44 peptide treatment group and 34+44 peptide treatment group by administering different drugs at the same concentration to the cells. The proliferation activity of cells in each group was detected by CCK-8 method; the migration ability of cells was detected by scratch test; the expression levels of apoptosis related proteins such as protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and cleaved-caspase-3 were detected by Western blot; the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in each group, such as cadherin (E-cadherin) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blot; the apoptosis rate of each group was detected by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#The results of CCK-8 showed that PEDF and its peptides could inhibit cell proliferation, and the inhibitory effect of 34+44 peptide was the strongest (P<0.05); Observation under the microscope found that PEDF and its peptides can inhibit the proliferation and mesenchymal transformation of A549 cells and H1299 cells, and the inhibitory effect of the 34+44 peptide group is the most obvious; Western blot indicated that compared with other groups, the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and RIP3 in 34+44 peptide group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the expressions of EMT protein E-cadherin were higher, the expression of α-SMA decreased (P<0.05); The results of flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of 34+44 peptide group was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05); The scratch test showed that compared with all the other groups, the healing rate of 34+44 peptide group was the lowest (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#34+44 combination peptide can better promote the apoptosis of NSCLC, inhibit the migration of NSCLC, and thereby inhibit the growth of NSCLC.

Methylation status of DACH1 gene in esophageal cancer and its clinical significance / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the correlation of methylation status of dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1) gene in tumor tissues with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients of esophageal cancer.@*METHODS@#Tumor tissue, paracancerous tissue and normal esophageal mucosal specimens of 104 patients with esophageal cancer were collected. Methylation-specific PCR was used to determine the methylation status of the DACH1 gene. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression model were used to analyze the correlation between DACH1 methylation status and clinical pathological characteristics of the patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the relationship between DACH1 methylation status and prognostic survival of patients.@*RESULTS@#The methylation rate of the DACH1 gene in esophageal cancer tumor tissue was 30.77% (32/104), which was higher than those in adjacent tissues (1.92%) and normal esophageal mucosa (0%) (P 0.05) but tumor differentiation, TNM staging, and lymph node metastasis(P< 0.05). The degree of tumor differentiation, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis of patients are independent risk factors for the methylation status of the DACH1 gene. By March 2020, 89 of the 104 patients had died. Among them, the median survival foresophageal cancer patients with DACH1 gene methylation was 22 months, which was lower than 34 months of those without DACH1 methylation (P< 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Methylation of the DACH1 gene may be involved in the occurrence and progress of esophageal cancer. The degree of tumor differentiation, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis of patients are independent risk factors for the methylation status of the DACH1 gene. Patients with esophageal cancer but unmethylated DACH1 gene have a longer prognostic survival.

Association of serum levels of secreted frizzled-related protein 5 and Wnt member 5a with glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). ­Inflammation in the kidneys is crucial for promoting development and progression of this complication. Wnt member 5a (Wnt5a) and secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) are proinflammatory proteins associated with insulin resistance and chronic low-grade adipose tissue inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between serum Sfrp5 and Wnt5a concentrations and glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CKD. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, comparative and observational study in the Department of Endocrinology, Civil Hospital, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. METHODS: Eighty individuals with chronic kidney disease were recruited. Their serum Sfrp5 and Wnt5a concentrations were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The statistical analysis consisted of the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples and Spearman correlation, with statistical significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Serum Sfrp5 concentration continually increased through the stages of CKD progression, whereas serum Wnt5a concentration presented its highest levels in stage 3 CKD. Negative correlations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum concentrations of Sfrp5 (r = -0434, P = 0.001) and Wnt5a (r = -0481, P = 0.001) were found. CONCLUSIONS: There were negative correlations between serum Sfrp5 and Wnt5a concentrations and eGFR at each stage of CKD, with higher levels in female patients. This phenomenon suggests that Sfrp5 and Wnt5a might be involved in development and evolution towards end-stage renal disease.

Norrie disease caused by a c.361C>T missense variant of the NDP gene in a pedigree / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic etiology of a pedigree affected with Norrie disease.@*METHODS@#Four individuals from the core family of the proband were subjected to whole exome sequencing in order to identify the pathological variant. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the finding among 7 additional members from the pedigree.@*RESULTS@#The proband and other 3 male patients have all carried a hemizygote c.361C>T (p.Arg121Trp) missense variant of the NDP gene, for which his mother, grandmother and two younger female cousins were heterozygous carriers. The same variant was not detected among unaffected males. Above results conformed to a X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance.@*CONCLUSION@#The missense variant c.361C>T of the NDP gene probably underlies the Norrie disease in this pedigree.

Insulin resistance is associated with Sfrp5 in obstructive sleep apnea / Resistência à insulina está associada à Sfrp5 na apneia obstrutiva do sono

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea, a common disease, is usually complicated by insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adipokine is considered to play an important role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in obstructive sleep apnea. Objective: To assess whether secreted frizzled-related protein 5, a new adipokine, is involved in untreated obstructive sleep apnea patients. Methods: Seventy-six subjects with obstructive sleep apnea and thirty-three control subjects without obstructive sleep apnea were recruited and matched in terms of body mass index and age. The fasting secreted frizzled-related protein 5 plasma concentration was tested using ELISA. In addition, the correlation between secreted frizzled-related protein 5 and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was obtained. Multiple linear regression analysis models with stepwise selection were performed to determine the independent associations between various factors and secreted frizzled-related protein 5. Results: Plasma secreted frizzled-related protein 5 levels were significantly lower in the obstructive sleep apnea group than in the control group (obstructive sleep apnea group: 28.44 ± 13.25 ng/L; control group: 34.16 ± 13.51 ng/L; p = 0.023). In addition, secreted frizzled-related protein 5 was negatively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance but positively correlated with the mean and lowest oxygen saturation with or without adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The multiple linear regression analysis showed there was an independent negative association between secreted frizzled-related protein 5 and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Conclusion: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 was involved in obstructive sleep apnea and the decrease in secreted frizzled-related protein 5 was directly proportional to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. There was an independent negative correlation between homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and secreted frizzled-related protein 5 in the obstructive sleep apnea group. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 might be a therapeutic target for insulin resistance in obstructive sleep apnea.

Resumo Introdução: A apneia obstrutiva do sono, uma doença comum, é geralmente complicada com resistência à insulina e diabetes melito tipo 2. Acredita-se que a adipocina possa ter um papel importante no desenvolvimento de resistência à insulina e diabetes melito tipo 2 na apneia obstrutiva do sono. Objetivo: Avaliar se a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5, uma nova adipocina, está envolvida em pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono não tratada. Método: Foram recrutados 76 indivíduos com apneia obstrutiva do sono e 33 indivíduos controle sem apneia obstrutiva do sono e pareados em relação a índice de massa corporal e idade. A concentração plasmática de proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 foi testada em jejum com o teste Elisa. Além disso, obteve-se correlação entre a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 e o modelo de avaliação da homeostase de resistência à insulina. Modelos de análise de regressão linear múltipla com seleção stepwise foram feitos para determinar as associações independentes entre vários fatores e a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5. Resultados: Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 foram significativamente menores no grupo com apneia obstrutiva do sono do que no grupo controle (grupo com apneia obstrutiva do sono: 28,44 ± 13,25 ng/L; grupo controle: 34,16 ± 13,51 ng/L; p = 0,023). Além disso, a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 foi correlacionada negativamente com o modelo de avaliação da homeostase de resistência à insulina, mas se correlacionou positivamente com a média e a saturação mínima de oxigênio com ou sem ajuste para idade, gênero, índice de massa corporal, circunferência do pescoço, circunferência da cintura e relação cintura-quadril. A análise de regressão linear múltipla mostrou que houve uma associação negativa independente entre a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 e o modelo de avaliação da homeostase de resistência à insulina. Conclusões: A proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 esteve envolvida na apneia obstrutiva do sono e sua diminuição foi diretamente proporcional à gravidade da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Houve uma correlação negativa independente entre o modelo de avaliação da homeostase de resistência à insulina e a proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 no grupo da apneia obstrutiva do sono. A proteína secretada relacionada ao receptor frizzled-5 pode ser um alvo terapêutico para a resistência à insulina na apneia obstrutiva do sono.

Intravitreal neurodegenerative and inflammatory mediators in proliferative diabetic retinopathy / Mediadores intravítreos da neurodegeneração e inflamação na retinopatia diabética proliferativa

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the intravitreal concentrations of cellular mediators involved in neurodegeneration, inflammation, and angiogenesis in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other vitreoretinal diseases. Methods: A multiplex bead immunoassay was used to measure vitreous levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor, serum amyloid P, C-reactive protein, complement C4, alpha-1 antitrypsin, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-AA, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha and beta in patients undergoing 23-gauge vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and other diagnoses (control group). Results: We evaluated 55 patients, of whom 24 had proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 31 had other diagnoses including vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, macular hole, and epiretinal membrane. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy demonstrated increased levels of serum amyloid P (85.49 vs. 31.38 ng/mL); C-reactive protein (59.89 vs. 41.75 ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor (2,330.11 vs. 554.25 pg/mL; p<0.001), platelet-derived growth factor A (127.32 vs. 39.11 pg/mL), platelet-derived growth factor B (29.37 vs. 7.12 pg/mL), interleukin-6 (69.37 vs. 33.58 pg/mL), interleukin-8 (175.25 vs. 59.71 pg/mL), and interleukin-10 (3.70 vs. 1.88 pg/mL); all p<0.004 when compared with the control group. Levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (30.06 vs. 27.48 ng/mL; p=0.295), complement C4 (570.78 vs. 366.24 ng/mL; p=0.069), and alpha-1-antitrypsin (359.27 vs. 522.44 ng/mL; p=0.264) were not significantly different between the groups. Intravitreal levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-beta were undetectable. Serum Amyloid P, C-reactive protein, platelet-derived growth factor A, platelet-derived growth factor B, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 were correlated positively with vascular endothelial growth factor. Conclusions: Cellular mediators involved in neurodegeneration and inflammation demonstrated increased levels in the vitreous humor of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and may be part of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as concentrações intravítreas de mediadores celulares envolvidos na neurodegeneração, inflamação e angiogênese em pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa e outras doenças vítreo-retinianas. Métodos: Um ensaio imunomagnético foi utilizado para medir os níveis vítreos do fator derivado do epitélio pigmentar, amilóide P sérico, proteína-C-reativa, complemento C4, e alfa-1-antitripsina, fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular, fator de crescimento derivado das plaquetas AA, fator de crescimento derivado das plaquetas BB, interleucina-6, interleucina-8, interleucina-10, fator de necrose tumoral alfa e beta em pacientes submetidos à vitrectomia 23-gauge para retinopatia diabética proliferativa ou outros diagnósticos (grupo controle). Resultados: Foram avaliados 55 pacientes, dos quais 24 tinham retinopatia diabética proliferativa e 31 tinham outros diagnósticos, incluindo hemorragia vítrea, descolamento de retina, buraco macular e membrana epirretiniana. Pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa demonstraram níveis aumentados de amilóide P sérico (85,49 vs 31,38 ng/mL), proteína-C-reativa (59,89 vs 41,75 ng/mL), fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (2.330,11 vs 554,25 pg/mL, p<0.001), fator de crescimento derivado das plaquetas-A: (127,32 vs 39,11 pg/mL), fator de crescimento derivado das plaquetas-B (29,37 vs 7,12 pg/mL), interleucina-6 (69,37 vs 33,58 pg/mL), interleucina-8 (175,25 vs 59,71 pg/mL) e interleucina-10 (3,70 vs 1,88 pg/mL), todos com p<0,004 quando comparados ao grupo controle. Níveis de fator derivado do epitélio pigmentar (30,06 vs 27,48 ng/mL; p=0,295), complemento C4 (570,78 vs 366,24 ng/mL; p=0,069), alfa-1 antitripsina (359,27 vs 522,44 ng/mL; p=0,264) não foram significativamente diferente entre os grupos. Níveis intravítreos de fator de necrose tumoral alfa e fator de necrose tumoral beta foram indetectáveis. O amilóide P sérico, a proteína C-reativa, o fator de crescimento derivado das plaquetas A e B, a interleucina-6 e a interleucina-8 correlacionaram-se positivamente com o fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular. Conclusões: Os medidores celulares envolvidos na neurodegeneração e inflamação demonstraram níveis aumentados no humor vítreo de pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa e podem ser parte da patogênese da retinopatia diabética.

Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis for a pedigree affected with X-linked Norrie disease / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To detect mutation of NDP gene in a pedigree affected with Norrie disease.@*METHODS@#Sanger sequencing was used to analyze the NDP gene at Xp11.3. Prenatal diagnosis was performed on amniotic fluid sample after the causative gene was detected.@*RESULTS@#Sanger sequencing has revealed a c.2T>C (p.M1T) missense mutation of the NDP gene in the proband and the fetus. The same variation was not found in ClinVar and HGMD database.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.2T>C mutation of the NDP gene probably underlies the Norrie disease in this pedigree.

Analysis of MYOC gene variants among sporadic patients with primary open-angle glaucoma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To screen for MYOC gene variants among sporadic patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).@*METHODS@#For 398 patients with POAG, Sanger sequencing was applied to detect potential variants of the MYOC gene.@*RESULTS@#Eight patients (2.0%) were found to harbor variations of the MYOC gene. These included five types of variants, among which c.667C>T (p.Pro223Ser) and c.1138G>T (p.Asp380Tyr) were novel. c.382C>T (p.Arg128Trp), c.1109C>T(p.Pro370Leu) and c.1130C>A (p.Thr377Lys) were previously associated with POAG. Alignment of amino acid sequences of MYOC proteins of various species revealed that the two novel variants have occurred at highly conserved positions. c.1138G>T was predicted to be possible pathogenic by Bioinformatic analysis.@*CONCLUSION@#Two novel variants of the MYOC gene were detected among sporadic POAG patients, which enriched its variant spectrum.

Identification of AIPL1 gene variants in two Chinese families with Cone-rod dystrophy / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To detect pathogenic gene variants in two Chinese families with cone-rod dystrophy(CORD).@*METHODS@#After the informed consent and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations for the patients, 3 mL peripheral blood was taken from the patients' blood vessel and DNA was extracted. The DNA was sequenced by whole-exome sequencing technology and variants were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Two novel compound heterozygous AIPL1 variants were detected in two patients, which were c.923T to C (p.L308P) and c.421C to T (p.Q141X) variants in Family 1, c.572T to C (p.L191P) and c.421C to T (p.Q141X) in Family 2.@*CONCLUSION@#The results supported that AIPL1 gene variants are the main cause of the two CORD families. Whole-exome sequencing technology is a useful tool in the clinical differentiated diagnosis and genetic counseling for CORD patients.

Identification of a novel RHO mutation in a pedigree affected with retinitis pigmentosa / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the pathogenic mutation underlying retinitis pigmentosa in a large pedigree.@*METHODS@#The pedigree has included three generations showing an autosomal dominant transmission of retinitis pigmentosa. Potential mutations were screened using a retinitis pigmentosa gene panel and an Ion PGM platform. Suspected mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.251T>C(p.Leu84Pro), was identified in the RHO gene. The mutation has co-segregated with the retinitis pigmentosa phenotype among all family members and was not found in public databases ExAC, 1000G and dbSNP or 831 healthy controls. The mutation was predicted to be damaging by three major protein-predicting software.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.251T>C (p.Leu84Pro) mutation of the RHO gene is a novel pathogenic mutation underlying the retinitis pigmentosa phenotype in this pedigree. Above findings have enabled prenatal diagnosis for the pedigree.

Comprehensive Proteomic Profiling of Patients' Tears Identifies Potential Biomarkers for the Traumatic Vegetative State / 神经科学通报·英文版

The vegetative state is a complex condition with unclear mechanisms and limited diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic methods. In this study, we aimed to explore the proteomic profile of tears from patients in a traumatic vegetative state and identify potential diagnostic markers using tears-a body fluid that can be collected non-invasively. Using iTRAQ quantitative proteomic technology, in the discovery phase, tear samples collected from 16 patients in a traumatic vegetative state and 16 normal individuals were analyzed. Among 1080 identified tear proteins, 57 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated in the patients compared to the controls. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially-expressed proteins were mainly involved in the wound response and immune response signaling pathways. Furthermore, we verified the levels of 7 differentially-expressed proteins in tears from 50 traumatic vegetative state patients and 50 normal controls (including the samples used in the discovery phase) using ELISA. The results showed that this 7-protein panel had a high discrimination ability for traumatic vegetative state (area under the curve = 0.999). In summary, the altered tear proteomic profile identified in this study provides a basis for potential tear protein markers for diagnosis and prognosis of the traumatic vegetative state and also provides novel insights into the mechanisms of traumatic vegetative state.

Genetic and prenatal diagnosis of a retinitis pigmentosa pedigree / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the genetic etiology of a pedigree affected with hereditary retinitis pigmentosa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>High-throughput DNA sequencing was used to analyze the sequences of 173 genes associated with hereditary eye diseases in the proband. Suspected mutation was verified with PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proband was found to have carried a c.570_571 ins GAAGATGCTGT insertional mutation in the RP2 gene located on the X chromosome. All female carriers of the pedigree were heterozygous, while all affected males were hemizygous for the same mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The inheritance pattern of this retinitis pigmentosa pedigree was X-linked recessive. The c.570_571 ins GAAGATGCTGT insertional mutation of the RP2 gene probably underlies the disease.</p>

Homozygosity Mapping and Targeted Sanger Sequencing Identifies Three Novel CRB1 [Crumbs homologue 1] Mutations in Iranian Retinal Degeneration Families

Background: Inherited retinal diseases [IRDs] are a group of genetic disorders with high degrees of clinical, genetic and allelic heterogeneity. IRDs generally show progressive retinal cell death resulting in gradual vision loss

IRDs constitute a broad spectrum of disorders including retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. In this study, we performed genotyping studies to identify the underlying mutations in three Iranian families

Methods: Having employed homozygosity mapping and Sanger sequencing, we identified the underlying mutations in the crumbs homologue 1 gene. The CRB1 protein is a part of a macromolecular complex with a vital role in retinal cell polarity, morphogenesis, and maintenance

Results: We identified a novel homozygous variant [c.1053-1061del; p.Gly352-Cys354del] in one family, a combination of a novel [c.2086T>C; p.Cys696Arg] and a known variant [c.2234C>T, p.Thr745Met] in another family and a homozygous novel variant [c.3090T>A; p.Asn!030Lys] in a third family

Conclusion: This study shows that mutations in CRB1 are relatively common in Iranian non-syndromic IRD patients

Identification of a novel GPR143 mutation in a Chinese family affected with X-linked ocular albinism / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect mutation of GPR143 gene in a Chinese patient affected with ocular albinism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and his parents. The coding regions of the GPR143 gene were subjected to PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A previously unreported mutation (c.758T>A) was found in exon 6 of the GPR143 gene in the proband and his mother. The same mutation was not found in his father. As predicted, the mutation has resulted in a stop codon, causing premature termination of protein translation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel mutation of the GPR143 gene related to X-linked ocular albinism has been identified.</p>

Sequence analysis of the VSXI and SODl genes in families with Keratoconus and a review of the literature

Objective: Keratoconus [KC] is a non-inflammatory disorder of the cornea in which the cornea becomes thin and conical, inducing myopia and irregular astigmatism and resulting in mild to marked impairment of vision. The present study was designed to screen two candidate KC genes to identify pathogenic sequence variants responsible for KC in Saudi families

Methods: Peripheral blood samples from members of five Saudi families with KC from the Northern region were collected. Genomic DNA was isolated, and bidirectional sequencing was performed of all coding exons of VSX1 and SOD1 genes using Sanger sequencing

Results: All five of the KC families showed a pattern of autosomal recessive inheritance. Phenotyping of these families was performed by a senior ophthalmologist. Sequence analysis of the VSX1 and SOD1 genes failed to reveal any pathogenic sequence variant that could account for KC in the affected individuals

Conclusion: Our failure to detect sequence variants in two of the known KC associated genes triggers an interest in other known KC candidate genes, including miR-184, DOCK9, IL1RN and SLC4A11. Future genotyping with dense SNP arrays followed by exome sequencing in these families will be a useful approach to identify the gene[s] underlying KC in this Saudi cohort, which may be different from those reported elsewhere.

Proteomic analysis of retinal proteins in rabbits following intravitreal PBS injection: analysis with tandem mass tag labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Intravitreal (IVT) injection has become one of the most commonly performed ophthalmologic procedures. We investigated the changes in retinal function and proteomics in rabbits receiving IVT injection of PBS to evaluate the safety of IVT injection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty Chinchilla rabbits were subjected to IVT injection of 50 µL PBS in the right eyes. On days 0, 4, 7 and day 14, the retinas of the rabbits were isolated after routine ophthalmic and electroretinogram examinations. The protein expressions in the retinas were quantified using tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS, and bioinformatic analysis of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) was performed based on KEGG database to identify significantly enriched pathways. Functional network of the significant DEPs was analyzed using STRING.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No noticeable fundus or functional changes occurred in the rabbit eyes following IVT injection of PBS. A total of 6042 retinal proteins were identified in the retina following the injection, among which 49 proteins (0.81%) exhibited over 5.0-fold up-regulation or over 80% down- regulation relative to the control. Most of the distinctly up-regulated or down-regulated proteins were associated with the cytoskeleton. Significantly enriched pathways involved focal adhesion, tight junction, riboflavin metabolism, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Functional network analysis showed that ACTC1 and ISG15 played central roles in the protein interaction networks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IVT PBS injection in rabbits causes alterations in proteins associated with cell adhesion, morphology, migration, differentiation, signal transduction and riboflavin metabolism, but the alterations of the retinal proteins appear not sufficient to cause observable pathology of the retina.</p>

Identification of Mutations in Myocilin and Beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 3 Genes in a Chinese Family with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. There is evidence showing that a subset of the disease is genetically determined. In this study, we screened for mutations in chromosome 1q-linked open-angle glaucoma (GLC1A) in a Chinese family with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 23 members from five generations of a family were enrolled and underwent thorough ophthalmologic examinations. In addition, 200 unrelated healthy Chinese controls were also recruited as normal control. GLC1A gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing was performed to screen for mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six members were diagnosed as POAG, with severe clinical manifestations, and history of high intraocular pressures. The mean age of disease onset was 26.3 years. However, the others were asymptomatic. In six affected and three asymptomatic members, gene sequencing revealed a mutation c.C1456T in exon 3 of myocilin gene (MYOC). Furthermore, we also identified a novel mutation c.G322A in beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 3 (B4GALT3) gene in all six affected and three asymptomatic members, which was not reported previously in POAG patients. The two newly identified variants were absent in other family members as well as controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mutations c.1456C < T (p.L486F) in MYOC and c.322G < A (p.V108I) in B4GALT3 are likely responsible for the pathogenesis of POAG in this family.</p>