Molecular Diagnosis of Panel-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Approach and Clinical Symptoms in Patients With Glycogen Storage Disease: A Single Center Retrospective Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of panel-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the diagnostic approach of glycogen storage disease (GSD). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the 32 cases with suspected GSDs between April 2013 and November 2019 through panel-based NGS, clinical and biochemical data and long-term complications. Results: Of the 32 clinical cases, we identified 41 different variants, including 24 missense (58.5%), one synonymous (2.4%), three nonsense (8%), one splice (2.4%), four frameshift (9.8%), one deletion (2.4%), four insertions (9.8%), two deletion-insertion (4.9%) and one duplication(2.4%), of which 13(31.7%) were previously unreported in the literature. In addition, patients with different types of GSDs showed important differences in biochemical parameters (i.e., CK, rGGT, TG, and UA). Conclusions: The panel-based NGS played an important diagnostic role in the suspicious GSDs patients, especially in the mild phenotype and ruled out detectable pathologic conditions. Besides, differences between our GSDs patients reflect biochemical heterogeneity.

Research Progress of Monogenic Mutation in the Pathogenesis of Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome / 罕见病研究

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the second cause of chronic kidney disease in children. The SRNS has high risk of rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology, more than 70 monogenic mutation having the Mendelian inheritance patterns are identified to be associated with SRNS. Most of these genes are involved in podocyte function. Accurate diagnosis of monogenic mutation in SRNS patients helps with guiding clinical treatment protocols and genetic counseling, avoiding the excessive use of steroids/immunosuppressive therapy, and opening up possibilities for targeted therapies in SRNS patients. In this article, our research team summarizes and generalizes the molecular mechanisms, genetic testing, and specific treatment for the major types of monogenic mutations associated with SRNS.

Research Progress of Monogenic Mutation in the Pathogenesis of Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome / 罕见病研究

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the second cause of chronic kidney disease in children. The SRNS has high risk of rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology, more than 70 monogenic mutation having the Mendelian inheritance patterns are identified to be associated with SRNS. Most of these genes are involved in podocyte function. Accurate diagnosis of monogenic mutation in SRNS patients helps with guiding clinical treatment protocols and genetic counseling, avoiding the excessive use of steroids/immunosuppressive therapy, and opening up possibilities for targeted therapies in SRNS patients. In this article, our research team summarizes and generalizes the molecular mechanisms, genetic testing, and specific treatment for the major types of monogenic mutations associated with SRNS.

Research Analysis of SLC12A3 Gene Mutation and Molecular Mechanism in Gitelman Syndrome / 罕见病研究

ObjectiveThis study aimed at conducting retrospective analysis of the clinical symptoms and genetic mutations in 20 children with Gitelman syndrome treated at the Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2015 to November 2022 and also explored the molecular mechanism of the pathogenic high-frequency mutation D486N in the Chinese population.MethodsWe collected the clinical manifestations, growth and development status, laboratory examination results, and SLC12A3 gene variations of the patients. We distinguished the wild-type and mutant SLC12A3 genes overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293T cells (HEK293T). We used protein immunoblotting to detect the expression level of NCC, and used immunofluorescence techniques to examine the subcellular localization of NCC. In addition, we investigated the impact of the high-frequency SLC12A3 gene mutation D486N on NCC protein expression and localization.ResultsIn the 20 patients with Gitelman syndrome, all of them had hypokalemia. We indemnified twenty-six SLC12A3 gene mutations, 13 of which are missense mutation, 1 of which synonymous mutation, 1 nonsense mutation, 4 frameshift mutation, and 7 splicing site mutation. Among them, four mutations (p.T235K, c.1096-1G > A, p.A464A, and c.2660+1_2660+2insT) were novel mutations.ConclusionsWe found the preliminary evidence that the high-frequency mutation D486N in the Chinese population affected the expression of total and membrane-bound NCC protein and influenced the membrane localization of NCC protein. The findings of this study provides experimental evidence for genetic counseling, diagnosis, and treatment of Gitelman syndrome.

Research Analysis of SLC12A3 Gene Mutation and Molecular Mechanism in Gitelman Syndrome / 罕见病研究

ObjectiveThis study aimed at conducting retrospective analysis of the clinical symptoms and genetic mutations in 20 children with Gitelman syndrome treated at the Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2015 to November 2022 and also explored the molecular mechanism of the pathogenic high-frequency mutation D486N in the Chinese population.MethodsWe collected the clinical manifestations, growth and development status, laboratory examination results, and SLC12A3 gene variations of the patients. We distinguished the wild-type and mutant SLC12A3 genes overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293T cells (HEK293T). We used protein immunoblotting to detect the expression level of NCC, and used immunofluorescence techniques to examine the subcellular localization of NCC. In addition, we investigated the impact of the high-frequency SLC12A3 gene mutation D486N on NCC protein expression and localization.ResultsIn the 20 patients with Gitelman syndrome, all of them had hypokalemia. We indemnified twenty-six SLC12A3 gene mutations, 13 of which are missense mutation, 1 of which synonymous mutation, 1 nonsense mutation, 4 frameshift mutation, and 7 splicing site mutation. Among them, four mutations (p.T235K, c.1096-1G > A, p.A464A, and c.2660+1_2660+2insT) were novel mutations.ConclusionsWe found the preliminary evidence that the high-frequency mutation D486N in the Chinese population affected the expression of total and membrane-bound NCC protein and influenced the membrane localization of NCC protein. The findings of this study provides experimental evidence for genetic counseling, diagnosis, and treatment of Gitelman syndrome.

Genetic analysis of PYGL gene variants for a child with Glycogen storage disease VI / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical features and genetic basis of a patient with glycogen storage disease type VI (GSD-VI).@*METHODS@#Clinical data of the patient was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the proband and his parents. Genetic variants were detected by using whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing followed by bioinformatics analysis.@*RESULTS@#The proband presented fasting hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, growth retardation, transaminitis, metabolic acidosis and hyperlactatemia. Liver biopsy indicated GSD. Novel compound heterozygous PYGL gene variants (c.2089A>G/c.158_160delACT) were detected in the proband. Compound heterozygosity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the patient's genomic DNA. Provean and MutationTaster predicted the two variants as deleterious and the variant sites are highly conserved.@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants (c.2089A>G/c.158_160delACT) of PYGL gene probably underlay the GSD in the patient. The two novel variants have expanded the spectrum of PYGL gene variants and provided the basis for genetic counseling of the family.

A case of neonatal Kleefstra syndrome with SLC2A1 gene mutation / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The clinical data of a newborn with Kleefstra syndrome combined with SLC2A1 gene mutation in the Department of Newborn Infants, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.The laboratory examination, genetic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment progress were analyzed.This is the first report of a newborn with Kleefstra syndrome combined with SLC2A1 gene mutation, presenting with an early-onset epilepsy.Gene analysis is the most reliable method to make a definitive diagnosis.

Follow-up of nutrition support and treatment in an infant with severe malnutrition secondary to Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Clinical data, nutrition support and 6-year follow-up results of a patient with Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (THES) diagnosed in the Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in December 2013 were analyzed.The patient suffered severe malnutrition, growth retardation, hypophosphatemia, hypoglobulinemia, high nutritional risk status and significant intestinal dysfunction.The genetic testing revealed SKIV2 L gene variation in this case of THES.During the acute exacerbation of diarrhea, enteral nutrition and periodical short-term parenteral nutrition were given as nutrition support.Deep-hydrolyzed formula by oral and low-fat, low-residue, high-quality-protein diet was given during the remission phase.At last, the diarrhea and nutritional status of the patient improved gradually.The growth and development, including neuromotor development of the case also caught up to children with the same age, and he was capable of schooling.It is suggested that rational individualized nutrition support can significantly improve intestinal function and nutritional status of children with THES, which overcome the dangerous period, improve the quality of life and prolong the survival time.

17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency due to novel compound heterozygous variants of HSD17B3 gene in a sib pair / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a sib pair featuring 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA was extracted from the proband, her sister, and their parents, and was subjected to sequencing analysis with a gene panel for sexual development. Suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#Both the proband and her sister were found to harbor novel compound heterozygous missense variants of the HSD17B3 gene, namely c.839T>C (p.Leu280Pro) and c.239G>T (p.Arg80Leu), which were derived respectively from their mother and father. The variants were unreported previously and predicted to be deleterious by PolyPhen2, MutationTaster and other online software. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics standards and guidelines, both c.839T>C(p.Leu280Pro) and c.239G>T (p.Arg80Leu) were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PM2+PP1+PP2+PP3+PP4, PM2+PM5+PP1+PP2+PP3+PP4).@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterogeneous variants of the HSD17B3 gene probably underlay the disease in this sib pair. 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency may lack specific clinical features and laboratory index, genetic testing can facilitate a definitive diagnosis.

Synonymous variants of the ATP7B gene may cause abnormal splicing of mRNA by affecting the exonic splicing enhancers / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of rare synonymous variants of the ATP7B gene on the splicing of its precursor mRNA.@*METHODS@#A total of 248 rare synonymous variants with allelic frequency of T (p.L540L) and c.3888C>T (p.A1296A) variants could lead to abnormal splicing of the corresponding exons, resulting in complete skipping of exon 4 and 25% increase in the skipping of exon 18, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Synonymous variants may affect the splicing of precursor mRNA in various ways, particularly the destruction of ESE motif. This study confirmed that the c.1620C>T (p.L540L) and c.3888C>T (p.A1296A) variants can affect the mRNA splicing of the ATP7B gene, resulting in skipping of corresponding exons, which may provide a basis for genetic diagnosis and consultation of carriers.

The association between polymorphisms of Eotaxin gene and the allergy to cow's milk protein in infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To assess the association between-426C＞T,-384A＞G,+ 67G＞A polymorphisms in Eotaxin gene and cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants.Methods One hundred and six patients with CMPA who were hospitalized at Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2014 to July 2015 were selected as CMPA group,and 124 healthy infants chosen from Ninghai Road Community Health Service Centers at the same time were selected as healthy control group,and the serum levels of Eotaxin in 2 groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing technology were used to detect the genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of-426C ＞ T,-384A ＞ G,and + 67G ＞ A in Eotaxin gene.The association between the SNPs of-426C ＞ T,-384A ＞ G,and + 67G ＞ A in Eotaxin gene and CMPA,the peripheral blood eosinophil counts,serum Eotaxin levels,and serum total immunoglobulin E levels were analyzed.Results For-426C ＞ T,the frequency of each genotype of the CMPA group was CC,CT,TF (79.25％,19.81％,0.94％),while the frequency of each genotype of the healthy control group was CC,CT,TT(88.71％,8.06％,3.23％).There was a significant difference in the genotype frequency in-426C ＞ T between the CMPA group and the healthy control group (x2 =7.83,P ＜ 0.05).The individuals with heterozygous genotype(CT) had a 1.75-fold increased risk of developing CMPA compared with the individuals with wild-type genotype (CC) [odds ratio (OR) =2.75,95％ confidence interval(CI):1.23-6.15,P ＜ 0.05].For position + 67G ＞ A,CMPA patients with a genotype including variant nucleotide had lower peripheral blood eosinophil counts [(0.48 ± 0.06) × 109/L] and serum Eotaxin levels [(157.67 ± 12.72) ng/L] than those with wild-type genotype [(0.85 ± 0.09) × 109/L,(286.96 ± 33.23) ng/L] (F =10.30,5.75,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Polymorphism of the Eotaxin gene (-426C ＞ T) was associated with the susceptibility to CMPA.Polymorphism of the Eotaxin gene(+ 67G ＞ A) was related to the blood eosinophil counts and the serum Eotaxin levels in children with CMPA.

Analysis of clinical diagnosis and treatment of 20 children with hypophosphatemic tickets / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment data of 20 children with hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) in order to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HR.Methods The retrospective analysis of clinical data of 20 cases with HR who were hospitalized at Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May,2010 to April,2016 was performed to summarize the clinical characteristics.All patients were analyzed for the phosphate regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome(PHEX) gene by direct sequencing.If no mutations were detected,multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis was performed.Results All of the 20 cases with HR showed different degrees of growth retardation and typical X-ray rickets.After treatment,the clinical features were improved.Height standard deviation score (HSDS) was improved significantly with longer treatment time,and the difference was statistically significant(P =0.027).There was a correlation between the blood phosphorus fluctuation and secondary hyperparathyroidism(P ＜ 0.05).Nineteen cases had PHEX gene mutations.Truncating mutations was the most frequent mutation type,and 4 new mutations were found.Conclusions Clinical characteristics,laboratory test results and X-ray examination are important clinical index for the diagnosis of HR,and PHEX gene test can be used as an important auxiliary diagnostic tool.Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the clinical manifestations of the patients.

Clinical features and JAGI gene analysis of 2 cases with Alagille syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To carry out the detection of JAGI gene in children with chronic cholestasis and to im-prove the diagnostic level and understanding of Alagille syndrome. Methods Two cases of chronic cholestasis with multiple organ involvement were selected as the research subjects and their clinical data,laboratory test results were col-lected. Two milliliter peripheral intravenous heparin anticoagulan blood was drawn from each patient. All fragments of 26 exons of the JAGI gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction - sequence based on typing method. Results One patient with chronic cholestasis,heart murmur and dysmorphic face showed bile duct paucity in liver biopsy and a novel heterozygous mutation c. 809 809delG(p. G270Dfs*142)in 6 exon. Abnormal amino acid replaced JAG1 protein and resulted in truncation of the JAG1 protein. The part of epidermal growth factor(EGF)like repeats region loss and the cysteine rich region completely lost. One case with typical chronic cholestasis and dysmorphic face showed a known IVS20 - 2 5delTAAG heterozygous mutation which resulted in splice site changes. Conclusion A novel JAGI gene mutation c. 809 809delG(p. G270Dfs*142)is helpful to screen JAGI gene of Notch signal transduction pathway for chronic cholestasis with multiple organs involvement in children.

Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency due to SLC25 A1 3 gene mutations:a clinical analysis of 2 1 cases in Nanjing,China / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the incidence of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD)in neonates with idiopathic neonatal cholestasis (INC)in Nanjing,China,SLC25A13 gene mutations in these neonates,and clinical features.Methods A total of 152 neonates with INC,who were admitted to the Affiliated Nanjing Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Sep-tember 2009 to August 2013,underwent gene analysis for detecting SLC25A13 gene mutations.The neonates were divided into NICCD group,who had been diagnosed definitely,and INC group at a ratio of 1∶2,considering the age and gender.Several biochemical indices were compared between the two groups.Comparison of continuous data between the two groups was made by Mann-Whitney U test after Bonferroni correction.Results There were 21 confirmed cases of NICCD (21/152,13.82%)among the 152 neonates with INC;five types of SLC25A13 mutations were identified in the 21 neonates with NICCD,including 851_854del (27/42,64.29%),IVS6+5 G→A (7/42, 16.67%),1638ins23 (5/42,11.90%),IVS11 +1 G→A (2/42,4.76%),and Q259X (1/42,2.38%).The alanine aminotransferase (ALT)level,aspartate aminotransferase (AST)level,bile acid concentration,albumin level,fasting blood glucose,blood ammonia,and prothrombin time for the NICCD group were 39.42 ±23.40 U/L,124.85 ±92.65 U/L,142.43 ±24.34μmol/L,30.66 ±2.70 g/L,2.79 ± 0.54 mmol/L,117.57 ±27.88 μmol/L,and 14.03 ±2.79 s,respectively,versus 136.02 ±113.67 U/L,226.12 ±129.26 U/L,80.47 ± 31.53 μmol/L,36.87 ±4.96 g/L,3.14 ±0.45 mmol/L,76.43 ±20.80 μmol/L,and 11.40 ±1.55 s for the INC group.The NICCD group had significantly lower ALT and AST levels than the INC group (Z=-5.02,P=0.000;Z=-3.66,P=0.000);the NICCD group had a significantly higher bile acid concentration than the INC group (Z=-5.58,P=0.000);the NICCD group had significantly lower albumin level and fasting blood glucose than the INC group (Z=-4.52,P=0.000;Z=-2.56,P=0.010);the NICCD group had a significantly higher blood ammonia level than the INC group (Z=-4.75,P=0.000);the NICCD group had a significantly longer prothrombin time than the INC group (Z=-4.10,P=0.000).Conclusion Citrin deficiency due to SLC25A13 gene mutations is an im-portant cause of INC in Nanjing.The three most common mutations are 851_854del,IVS6+5 G>A,and 1638_1660dup23,which account for 92.86% of the SLC25A13 gene mutations.More attention should be paid to clinical analysis and detection of SLC25A13 gene mutations to confirm the diagnosis of NICCD.

Genetic diagnosis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To investigate the clinical features of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) and to illustrate the importance of genetic diagnosis. Methods The mutations in 27 exons of ABCB11 encoding bile salt export pump (BSEP) were identiifed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing in 6 children with suspected PFIC2. The pathogenicity of the newly identiifed mutations were predicted by SIFT, PolyPhen-2, SNPs&GO software. The clini-cal features and laboratory examinations were reviewed. Results Four disease-causing mutations, p.R928*, p.E554K, p.R575Q and p.Y337H were identiifed, and the last three mutations were novel. These three kinds of novel mutations can cause the disease. Two children with genetic diagnosis had such manifestations as onset within a month after birth, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, upset, increased levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin, GGT<100 U/L and high levels of total bile acid. Conclusions Genetic diagnosis is a potent tool for clinical diagnosis of PFIC2.

The Discussing about The Classification of Patients in Hospital and Personnel Arrangement of Nursing Staff / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective Survey the classification on diseases of patients in hospital. Discuss personnel arrange-ment of nursing staff. Methods Survey and star sickbed number,CD rate/month,nurse number accounted on nursing level and sickbed-nurse ratio in 2007, discuss personnel arrangement of nursing staff. Results It is different that the nurse number accounted by two means, Z=2.234,P=0.025. The correlation about CD rate and nurse number in theories: r=0.782,p=0.004, nurse number in theories= CD ratex0.51-17.11, F=16.543,p=0.003.Conclusion CD rate should be reasonable personnel arrangement of nursing staff.

Hospital-acquired Infection in General ICU: Analysis of Pathogen Distribution and Related Factors / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of bacteria in general ICU then discuss the susceptible factors and the treatment.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical information was performed on 123 patients diagnosed infection who stayed in ICU from May 2002 to May 2004.RESULTS Most of bacteria resulted in infection of general ICU were Gram-negative(62.88%) and then Gram-positive(19.65%). Fungal infection accounted for 17.47%.Pseudomonas aeruginosa occupied the highest percentage among Gram-negative bacteria.Most of Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and all of them were MRS.The infection site in ICU focused on lower respiratory tract(89.09%).The second was urinary tract(11.79%).CONCLUSIONS Most of the bacteria causing infection in general ICU locate in respiratory tract.They are mainly Gram-negative.All of the Gram-positive bacteria are MRS.The risk factors of hospital-acquired infection are related with patient′s age,underlying disease,intensive care time,ventilation time and invasive operation.

Hospital-acquired Gram-positive Infection in General ICU / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria in general ICU then discuss the susceptible factors and the treatment.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical information was performed on patients with Gram-positive infection in ICU from May 2002 to May 2004.RESULTS Most of Gram-positive bacteria resulted in infection in general ICU were Staphylococcus aureus and all of them were MRSA.The infective site focused on lower respiratory tract(84.44%).The second was catheter(8.89%).CONCLUSIONS The risk factors of hospital-acquired infection are relative with patient's age,underlying diseases,stay time in ICU,ventilated time and invasive operation.