Gene-body 5-hydroxymethylation is associated with gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex of depressed individuals.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a recently characterized epigenetic mark that is particularly abundant in brain tissue and that regulates gene transcription. We have recently begun to understand the important role of 5hmC in brain development, plasticity and disease, but there are currently little data on 5hmC alterations in psychiatric illnesses. Here we report what we believe to be the first genome-wide analysis of 5hmC in the depressed brain. Using AbaSI sequencing, we investigated 5hmC in the prefrontal cortex of depressed (N=19) and psychiatrically healthy controls (N=19). Consistent with previous global 5hmC analyses in other phenotypes, and likely owing to the inter-individual variability in 5hmC content, the distribution of 5hmC across chromosomes and genomic features was not different between groups. We did, however, find 550 CpGs with suggestive evidence of differential hydroxymethylation. Of these, we validated CpGs in the gene body of myosin XVI (MYO16) and insulin-degrading enzyme using targeted oxidative bisulfite sequencing. Furthermore, the enrichment of 5hmC was also associated with changes in the expression of these two genes in depressed suicides. Together, our results present a novel mechanism linking increased 5hmC to depression and provide a framework for future research in this field.

Intramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord.

In the differential diagnosis of intramedullary masses or tumors of the spinal cord, tuberculoma is an often overlooked possibility. Although rare, this entity should be considered in the differential gamut of spinal cord lesions even in the presence of a normal chest x-ray.

Renal hamartoma (angiomyolipoma) and the tuberous sclerosis complex.

Renal hamartoma is found in 40 to 80 percent of patients with tuberous sclerosis. Microscopic demonstration of fat in the tissues of the mass is felt to be the most reliable diagnostic criterion of hamartoma.Characteristically, the angiographic appearance demonstrates a large, dilated feeding vessel passing through the mass with multiple, multisacculated aneurysmal dilatations appearing like bunches of grapes. There is a delicate neovascularity without A-V shunting and an onion-peel or whorl-like appearance in the venous phase.This case is presented to point out the close association of renal hamartoma and tuberous sclerosis and the need to search for renal hamartoma when the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis is made.

Congenital duodenal web in an adult.

Congenital duodenal webs, as a cause of duodenal obstruction in adults, are rare. Demonstration of the web prior to operation is even rarer. A case is presented showing diagnostic findings on a gastrointestinal (GI) series.