Probing erythrocytes as sensitive and reliable sensors of metabolic disturbances in the crosstalk between childhood obesity and insulin resistance: findings from an observational study, in vivo challenge tests, and ex vivo incubation assays.

BACKGROUND: Although insulin resistance (IR) is among the most frequent and pathogenically relevant complications accompanying childhood obesity, its role in modulating and exacerbating obesity pathophysiology has not yet been completely clarified. METHODS: To get deeper insights into the interplay between childhood obesity and IR, we leveraged a comprehensive experimental design based on a combination of observational data, in vivo challenge tests (i.e., oral glucose tolerance test), and ex vivo assays (i.e., incubation of erythrocytes with insulin) using a population comprising children with obesity and IR, children with obesity without IR, and healthy controls, from whom plasma and erythrocyte samples were collected for subsequent metabolomics analysis. RESULTS: Children with concomitant IR showed exacerbated metabolic disturbances in the crosstalk between endogenous, microbial, and environmental determinants, including failures in energy homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, oxidative stress, synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids, membrane lipid composition, as well as differences in exposome-related metabolites associated with diet, exposure to endocrine disruptors, and gut microbiota. Furthermore, challenge tests and ex vivo assays revealed a deleterious impact of IR on individuals' metabolic flexibility, as reflected in blunted capacity to regulate homeostasis in response to hyperinsulinemia, at both systemic and erythroid levels. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that metabolite alterations in erythrocytes represent reliable and sensitive biomarkers to disentangle the metabolic complexity of IR and childhood obesity. This study emphasizes the crucial need of addressing inter-individual variability factors, such as the presence of comorbidities, to obtain a more accurate understanding of obesity-related molecular mechanisms.

Identifying metabotypes of insulin resistance severity in children with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a frequent precursor of typical obesity and metabolic syndrome complications. However, accurate diagnosis remains elusive because of its pathophysiological complexity and heterogeneity. Herein, we have explored the utility of insulin secretion dynamics in response to an oral glucose tolerance test as a surrogate marker to identify distinct metabotypes of disease severity. METHODS: The study population consisted of children with obesity and insulin resistance, stratified according to the post-challenge insulin peak timing (i.e., early, middle, and late peak), from whom fasting and postprandial plasma and erythrocytes were collected for metabolomics analysis. RESULTS: Children with late insulin peak manifested worse cardiometabolic health (i.e., higher blood pressure, glycemia, and HOMA-IR scores) than early responders. These subjects also showed more pronounced changes in metabolites mirroring failures in energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, metabolism of cholesterol and phospholipids, and adherence to unhealthy dietary habits. Furthermore, delayed insulin peak was associated with impaired metabolic flexibility, as reflected in compromised capacity to regulate mitochondrial energy pathways and the antioxidant defense in response to glucose overload. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these findings suggest that insulin resistance could encompass several phenotypic subtypes characterized by graded disturbances in distinctive metabolic derangements occurring in childhood obesity, which serve as severity predictive markers.

Altered insulin secretion dynamics relate to oxidative stress and inflammasome activation in children with obesity and insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is considered the main driver of obesity related metabolic complications, and is related to oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn promote each other. There is currently no specific definition of IR in children, rather, that for adult population is used by pediatric endocrinologists instead. Altered insulin secretion dynamics are associated with worse metabolic profiles and type 2 diabetes mellitus development, thus we aimed to test whether insulin response relates to oxidative stress and inflammation in children. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study, including 132 children classified as follows: 33 children without obesity (Lean); 42 with obesity but no IR according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for adults (OBIR-); 25 with obesity and IR and an early insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (EP-OBIR +); 32 with obesity, IR, and a late insulin peak (LP-OBIR +); and studied variables associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and inflammasome activation. RESULTS: The measured parameters of children with obesity, IR, and an early insulin response were similar to those of children with obesity but without IR. It was late responders who presented an impaired antioxidant system and elevated oxidative damage in erythrocytes and plasma, and inflammasome activation at their white blood cells, despite lower classical inflammation markers. Increased uric acid levels seems to be one of the underlying mechanisms for inflammasome activation. CONCLUSIONS: It is insulin response to an OGTT that identifies children with obesity suffering oxidative stress and inflammasome activation more specifically. Uric acid could be mediating this pathological inflammatory response by activating NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Assessment of the perception of vertical subjectivity in children born preterm.

Children born preterm have increased rates of paediatric mortality and morbidity. Prematurity has been associated with impaired visual perception and visuo-motor integration. The alteration of the perception of verticality translates into alterations of the vestibular system at central and/or peripheral level, which may manifest itself in symptoms such as imbalance, dizziness or even vertigo. The aim of this study was to compare subjective visual vertical (SVV) test scores in children born preterm with those of children born at term at ages between 7 and 10. One hundred ten children with no neurodevelopmental disorder of 7 to 10 years of age were studied using a mobile application on a smartphone attached to a wall by means of a rotating plate. The SVV test was compared between two groups: a group of 55 preterm children (53 very preterm children born under 32 weeks of gestational age and 2 preterm with very low birth weight) and another group of 55 children born at term (after 37 weeks of gestational age). The SVV results were analysed for comparison with respect to prematurity, sex and age. We found no significant differences in the SVV study in the comparison between preterm and term children. In addition, no significant differences were observed regarding sex or age between 7 and 10 years.  Conclusion: We found no alterations in the perception of vertical subjectivity in children between 7 and 10 years of age, with antecedents of very preterm birth and/or very low birth weight. What is Known: • The different studies published so far suggest the existence of balance disorders in premature children, although in most of these studies the children are examined at an age when the vestibular system is not mature and with non-specific tests for the study of the vestibular system. What is New: • We compared the results of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test in a group of 55 preterm children (53 very preterm children born under 32 weeks of gestational age and 2 preterm with very low weight at birth) and in a group of 55 children born at term (after 37 weeks of gestational age), at the ages of 7 to 10 years and observed no differences. • We conclude that, if there had been any vestibular alterations due to very premature birth, these must have been compensated by the age of 7.

Test-retest of the Subjective Visual Vertical Test performed using a mobile application with the smartphone anchored to a turntable.

PURPOSE: The alterations of the Subjective visual vertical test are related to vestibular pathology. Our previously validated method to distinguish between healthy and pathological individuals measures the deviation from the Subjective visual vertical using a mobile application installed on a smartphone fixed to a turntable anchored to the wall. The aim of this study was evaluating the intra-observer reliability of our method in individuals with or without vestibular pathology. METHODS: Participants were recruited consecutively. In each individual two measurements with an interval of 2 h were made. Both tests were performed by the same examiner. A total of 91 patients were included in this study, of which 25 were healthy and 66 diseased. Intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To assess the clinical accuracy of the measurement, we calculated the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable change (MDC) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Intra-observer reliability was excellent with an ICC 0.95 (0.92-0.97) in the whole sample, in healthy patients 0.91 (0.80-0.96) and in pathological patients 0.92 (0.87-0.95). The SEM was calculated to be 0.59 for the whole sample (0.26 in the "healthy" group, and 0.67 in the pathological group). Likewise, the sample's MDC was 1.16, being 0.52 and 1.36 for the healthy and the pathological group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results, our method presents an excellent intraobserver reliability. Furthermore, changes in deviation greater than 0.52 in healthy individuals and 1.36 in pathological individuals can be considered a real change in deviation.

Growth hormone treatment does not to lead to insulin resistance nor excessive rise in IGF-1 levels, while improving height in patients small for gestational age A long-term observational study.

OBJECTIVE: In children born small for gestational age (SGA), the relationship between growth hormone (GH) treatment and insulin resistance (IR) has only been investigated for a short period, necessitating a longer observation period. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term (10 years) effect of GH to SGA-children on IR and safety during treatment. DESIGN: This was a multicenter observational study. PATIENTS: SGA-children who received GH treatment in Spain (stratified by Tanner-stage and age at GH onset [two groups: ≤6 years old or >6 years old]). MEASUREMENTS: The analysed variables (yearly measures) included auxologic, metabolic (insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), height velocity [HV], weight and homeostatic model assessment-IR [HOMA-IR]) and safety data. Data were collected prospectively (since the study approval: 2007) and retrospectively (since the initiation of GH treatment: 2005-2007). RESULTS: A total of 389 SGA children (369 Tanner-I) were recruited from 27 centres. The mean age (standard deviation) of the children at GH treatment onset was 7.2 (2.8) years old. IGF-1 (standard deviation score [SDS]) and HOMA-IR values tended to increase until the sixth year of GH-treatment, with significant differences being observed only during the first year, while these remained stable in the later years (within normal ranges). Height (SDS) increased significantly (basal: -3.0; tenth year: -1.13), and the maximum HV (SDS) occurred during the first year (2.75 ± 2.39). CONCLUSIONS: HOMA-IR values increased significantly in SGA-children during the first year of GH-treatment, remained stable and were within normal ranges in all cases. Our 10-year data suggests that long-term GH treatment does not promote IR and is well-tolerated, safe and effective.

Toxicity Induced by Cytokines, Glucose, and Lipids Increase Apoptosis and Hamper Insulin Secretion in the 1.1E7 Beta Cell-Line.

Basic research on types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus require early stage studies using beta cells or cell lines, ideally of human origin and with preserved insulin secretion in response to glucose. The 1.1E7 cells are a hybrid cell line resulting from the electrofusion of dispersed human islets and PANC-1 cells, capable of secreting insulin in response to glucose, but their survival and function under toxic conditions remains untested. This characterization is the purpose of the present study. We treated these cells with a cytokine mix, high glucose, palmitate, and the latter two combined. Under these conditions, we measured cell viability and apoptosis (MTT, Caspase Glo and TUNEL assays, as well as caspase-8 and -9 levels by Western blotting), endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (EIF2AK3, HSPA4, EIF2a, and HSPA5) by real-time PCR, and insulin secretion with a glucose challenge. All of these stimuli (i) induce apoptosis and ER stress markers expression, (ii) reduce mRNA amounts of 2-5 components of genes involved in the insulin secretory pathway, and (iii) abrogate the insulin release capability of 1.1E7 cells in response to glucose. The most pronounced effects were observed with cytokines and with palmitate and high glucose combined. This characterization may well serve as the starting point for those choosing this cell line for future basic research on certain aspects of diabetes.

Iron Metabolism in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity is an excessive adipose tissue accumulation that may have detrimental effects on health. Particularly, childhood obesity has become one of the main public health problems in the 21st century, since its prevalence has widely increased in recent years. Childhood obesity is intimately related to the development of several comorbidities such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-congenital cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation and anemia, among others. Within this tangled interplay between these comorbidities and associated pathological conditions, obesity has been closely linked to important perturbations in iron metabolism. Iron is the second most abundant metal on Earth, but its bioavailability is hampered by its ability to form highly insoluble oxides, with iron deficiency being the most common nutritional disorder. Although every living organism requires iron, it may also cause toxic oxygen damage by generating oxygen free radicals through the Fenton reaction. Thus, iron homeostasis and metabolism must be tightly regulated in humans at every level (i.e., absorption, storage, transport, recycling). Dysregulation of any step involved in iron metabolism may lead to iron deficiencies and, eventually, to the anemic state related to obesity. In this review article, we summarize the existent evidence on the role of the most recently described components of iron metabolism and their alterations in obesity.

Normal Cerebellar Growth by Using Three-dimensional US in the Preterm Infant from Birth to Term-corrected Age.

Purpose To establish cross-sectional and longitudinal reference values for cerebellar size in preterm infants with normal neuroimaging findings and normal 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome by using cranial ultrasonography (US). Materials and Methods This prospective study consecutively enrolled preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit from June 2011 to June 2014 with a birth weight of less than or equal to 1500 g and/or gestational age (GA) of less than or equal to 32 weeks. They underwent weekly cranial US from birth to term-equivalent age and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at term-equivalent age. The infants underwent neurodevelopmental assessments at age 2 years with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (BSID-III). Patients with adverse outcomes (death or abnormal neuroimaging findings and/or BSID-III score of <85) were excluded. The following measurements were performed: vermis height, craniocaudal diameter, superior width, inferior width, vermis area, and transcerebellar diameter. Statistical analyses were conducted by using multilevel analyses. Results A total of 137 infants with a mean GA at birth of 29.4 weeks (range, 25-32 weeks) were included. Transcerebellar diameter increased by 1.04 mm per week on average; vermis height and craniocaudal diameter increased by 0.55 mm and 0.59 mm, respectively. Superior vermian width increased by an average of 0.45 mm, whereas inferior vermian width increased by an average of 0.51 mm per week. Vermis area was found to increase by 0.22 cm2 per week on average. The sex effect was significant (female lower than male) for vermis height (P < .05), craniocaudal diameter (P < .05), inferior vermian width (P <. 05), and vermis area (P <. 05). Conclusion Cross-sectional and longitudinal reference values were established for cerebellar growth in preterm infants, which may be included in routine cranial US.

Heterozygous aggrecan variants are associated with short stature and brachydactyly: Description of 16 probands and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the aggrecan gene (ACAN) have been identified in two autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasias, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type (SEDK), and osteochondritis dissecans, as well as in a severe recessive dysplasia, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, aggrecan type. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has aided the identification of heterozygous ACAN mutations in individuals with short stature, minor skeletal defects and mild facial dysmorphisms, some of whom have advanced bone age (BA), poor pubertal spurt and early growth cessation as well as precocious osteoarthritis. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study involves clinical and genetic characterization of 16 probands with heterozygous ACAN variants, 14 with short stature and mild skeletal defects (group 1) and two with SEDK (group 2). Subsequently, we reviewed the literature to determine the frequency of the different clinical characteristics in ACAN-positive individuals. RESULTS: A total of 16 ACAN variants were located throughout the gene, six pathogenic mutations and 10 variants of unknown significance (VUS). Interestingly, brachydactyly was observed in all probands. Probands from group 1 with a pathogenic mutation tended to be shorter, and 60% had an advanced BA compared to 0% in those with a VUS. A higher incidence of coxa valga was observed in individuals with a VUS (37% vs 0%). Nevertheless, other features were present at similar frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: ACAN should be considered as a candidate gene in patients with short stature and minor skeletal defects, particularly those with brachydactyly, and in patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. It is also important to note that advanced BA and osteoarticular complications are not obligatory conditions for aggrecanopathies/aggrecan-associated dysplasias.

Synergic effects of sugar and caffeine on insulin-mediated metabolomic alterations after an acute consumption of soft drinks.

High sugar consumption elicits numerous deleterious effects on health by inducing insulin resistance, which is closely associated with the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity or type-2 diabetes. Furthermore, there is also growing evidence that caffeine may play an important role in the regulation of insulin release and the appearance of related metabolic impairments. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the impact of acute sugar and caffeine intake on the metabolic health status by using a metabolomic multi-platform based on the combination of flow injection mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. To this end, we performed a randomized, crossover and double-blind intervention study with different soft drinks from the same brand. Numerous metabolomic changes were detected in serum samples over time after the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, including energy-related metabolites, amino acids and lipids, thus demonstrating the intense effects provoked by acute sugar consumption on the organism during 3 h of follow-up. However, the most significant findings were observed after the co-ingestion of caffeine, which could be indicative of a synergic effect of this psychostimulant on insulin-mediated perturbations.

Ghrelin mitigates ß-cell mass loss during insulitis in an animal model of autoimmune diabetes mellitus, the BioBreeding/Worcester rat.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with pleiotropic effects. It stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis-mediated cell death. It prevents diabetes mellitus in several models of chemical, surgical and biological toxic insults to pancreas in both in vivo and in vitro models and promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under cytotoxic conditions. It has not yet been tested in vivo in an autoimmune model of diabetes with a persistent insult to the ß-cell. Given the immunomodulating effects of ghrelin and its trophic effects on ß-cells, we hypothesized that ghrelin treatment during the early stages of insulitis would delay diabetes onset. METHODS: BioBreeding/Worcester male rats received ghrelin (10 ng/kg/day) before insulitis development. Glucose metabolism was characterized by glucose and insulin tolerance tests. ß-cell mass, islet area, islet number, ß-cell clusters, proliferation and apoptosis and degree of insulitis were analysed by histomorphometry. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted and analysed applying the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. RESULTS: Ghrelin treatment significantly reduced the probability of developing diabetes in our model (p < 0.0001). It decreased islet infiltration and partially prevented ß-cell mass loss, enabling the maintenance of ß-cell neogenesis and proliferation rates. Furthermore, ghrelin treatment did not induce any metabolic perturbations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that ghrelin delays the development of autoimmune diabetes by attenuating insulitis and supporting ß-cell mass. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ghrelin promotes ß-cell viability and function through diverse mechanisms that may have significant implications for diabetes prevention, therapy and also transplant success of both islets and complete pancreas. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultrasound lineal measurements predict ventricular volume in posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation in preterm infants.

AIM: Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is monitored by conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS). The aims of this study were to determine the volume of the lateral ventricles using three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) in preterm infants with PHVD and to evaluate the relationship between volume and linear measurements. METHODS: Serial 2DUSs and 3DUSs were performed on preterm infants with PHVD admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Puerta del Mar Hospital, Cádiz, Spain, from January 2013 to December 2014. The ventricular index, anterior horn width and thalamo-occipital distance were used as ventricular lineal measurements. Ventricular volume was calculated offline. RESULTS: Serial ultrasounds from seven preterm infants were measured. Each linear measurement was significantly associated with volume, and an equation was obtained through a significant multilevel mixed-effects lineal regression model: ventricular volume (cm3 ) = -11.02 + 0.668*VI + 0.817*AHW + 0.256*TOD. Intra-observer and interobserver agreement was excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99. CONCLUSION: Lateral ventricular volumes of preterm infants with PHVD could be reliably determined using 3DUS. Ventricular volume could be accurately estimated using three lineal measurements. More studies are needed to address the importance of volume determination in PHVD.

Supraventricular tachycardia after withdrawal of prolonged dexmedetomidine infusion in a paediatric patient without heart disease.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to be safe in paediatric patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a girl without heart disease admitted at our PICU due to an influenza A acute respiratory distress syndrome, who suffered a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) twelve hours after DEX progressive withdrawal was completed. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first report of PSVT as an adverse reaction to DEX in a paediatric patient without heart disease.

Does nebulized epinephrine improve the efficacy of hypertonic saline solution in the treatment of hospitalized moderate acute bronchiolitis? A double blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution (HSS 3%) has proven to reduce hospital stay in infants with acute bronchiolitis, as compared with nebulized physiological saline solutions. There are no studies assessing the effectiveness of nebulized epinephrine in patients treated with HSS 3%. The aim of this study was to compare the length of stay (LOS) in hospitalized patients treated with HSS 3% with placebo vs. HSS 3% with epinephrine. Secondarily we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of both treatments. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, including infants hospitalized for moderate acute bronchiolitis. Both groups received standard life support and were randomly treated with nebulized HSS 3% (7 mL) with either placebo 3 mL or epinephrine 3 mL. Nebulizations were initially administered every four hours and this interval was modified according to the patient's response. RESULTS: Sixty-four infants were included, 32 patients in each group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (P=0.948) in length of stay, disease severity, SatO2, respiratory rate or heart rate. On the third day of hospitalization, severity and respiratory rate in the HSS 3%+E presented a non statistically significant trend to an earlier improvement, (P=0.063 and P=0.096 repectively). No adverse events occurred. Four patients (two from each group) required transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: With a third of the final estimated sample, we find a trend to an earlier clinical recovery in the epinephrine group, even though no statistical significant differences in LOS were found. The study needs to be continued until the total sample is recruited.

Low-voltage pattern and absence of sleep-wake cycles are associated with severe hemorrhage and death in very preterm infants.

UNLABELLED: Amplitude integrated electroencephalogaphy (aEEG) is becoming an important tool for the assessment of cerebral activity in preterm newborns. Describing the relationship between early aEEG patterns and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) can improve our knowledge of neurological injury in the preterm newborn. The aim of this prospective study was to identify early changes in the aEEG in premature newborns that could be associated to severe neurological lesion/death. Preterm newborns with a birth weight ≤1,500 g and/or 32 weeks of gestation were included. aEEG monitoring was performed during the first 72 h of life. A qualitative analysis of the aEEG recordings was performed, based on continuity, sleep-wake cycles (SWCs), inferior lower margin amplitude (LMA), and bandwidth (BW). Key outcomes were severe IVH and/or death. Ninety-two subjects were included (mean gestational age 28 weeks). In 28.6 % of subjects with HIV III/IHP, a low-voltage pattern was observed. A statistically significant relationship was found between low-voltage tracings and death and neurological lesion/death. Absent SWCs during the first 72 h were also related to death. CONCLUSION: Early aEEG patterns can be predictive of neurological outcome in the preterm newborn. Low-voltage tracing and absence of SWCs are associated with severe neurological lesions/death.

Pneumonia and purulent pericarditis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: an uncommon association in the antibiotic era.

Bacterial pericarditis in children has become a rare entity in the modern antibiotic era. The most common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus, being Streptococcus pneumoniae an exceptional cause. We present 2 children, who were diagnosed of pneumonia complicated with a pleural effusion that developed a purulent pericarditis with signs of cardiac tamponade. One of them had received 4 doses of the 7-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine. Systemic antibiotics and pericardial and pleural drainages were used. Pneumococcal antigens were positive in pleural and pericardial fluids in both cases, and S. pneumoniae was isolated from pleural effusion in one of them. Both children fully recovered, and none of them developed constrictive pericarditis, although 1 case presented a transient secondary left ventricular dysfunction. Routine immunization with 10- and 13-valent vaccines including a wider range of serotypes should further decrease the already low incidence.

VUS next in rare diseases? Deciphering genetic determinants of biomolecular condensation.

The diagnostic odysseys for rare disease patients are getting shorter as next-generation sequencing becomes more widespread. However, the complex genetic diversity and factors influencing expressivity continue to challenge accurate diagnosis, leaving more than 50% of genetic variants categorized as variants of uncertain significance.Genomic expression intricately hinges on localized interactions among its products. Conventional variant prioritization, biased towards known disease genes and the structure-function paradigm, overlooks the potential impact of variants shaping the composition, location, size, and properties of biomolecular condensates, genuine membraneless organelles swiftly sensing and responding to environmental changes, and modulating expressivity.To address this complexity, we propose to focus on the nexus of genetic variants within biomolecular condensates determinants. Scrutinizing variant effects in these membraneless organelles could refine prioritization, enhance diagnostics, and unveil the molecular underpinnings of rare diseases. Integrating comprehensive genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and computational models can unravel variant pathogenicity and disease mechanisms, enabling precision medicine. This paper presents the rationale driving our proposal and describes a protocol to implement this approach. By fusing state-of-the-art knowledge and methodologies into the clinical practice, we aim to redefine rare diseases diagnosis, leveraging the power of scientific advancement for more informed medical decisions.

Safety and Effectiveness of a Biosimilar Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children Requiring Growth Hormone Treatment: Analysis of Final Data from PATRO Children, an International, Post-Marketing Surveillance Study.

Purpose: Omnitrope® (somatropin) was approved as a biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in 2006. Here, we report final data from the PAtients TReated with Omnitrope® (PATRO) Children study, a post-marketing surveillance study designed to monitor the long-term safety and effectiveness of this treatment in pediatric patients. Methods: The study population included all pediatric patients treated with Omnitrope® (biosimilar rhGH), administered via daily injection, in routine clinical practice. The primary objective was to assess long-term safety, with effectiveness assessed as a secondary objective. Results: In total, 7359 patients were enrolled and treated in the PATRO Children study; 86.0% were treatment-naïve at baseline. Growth hormone deficiency was the most frequent indication (57.9%), followed by patients born small for gestational age (SGA; 26.6%). The mean (SD) duration of exposure to biosimilar rhGH was 3.66 years (2.39). A total of 16,628 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 3981 (54.1%) patients, most of which were mild/moderate. AEs suspected to be treatment related occurred in 8.3% of patients, most frequently headache (1.6%), injection-site pain (1.1%), or injection-site hematoma (1.1%). The incidence rate (IR) of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 0.11 per 1000 person-years (PY) across all patients, and 0.13 per 1000 PY in patients born SGA. The IR of newly diagnosed primary malignancies was 0.22 per 1000 PY across all patients. In the 6589 patients included in the effectiveness population, a sustained catch-up growth was observed across all indications. After 5 years of treatment, height SDS increased from baseline by a median (range) of +1.79 (-3.7 to 6.2) in treatment-naïve patients and +0.73 (-1.4 to 3.7) in pretreated patients. Conclusion: This final analysis of the PATRO Children study indicates that biosimilar rhGH is well tolerated and effective in real-world clinical practice. These data are consistent with the well-characterized safety profile of rhGH treatment in pediatric patients.

Structural and functional analysis of APOA5 mutations identified in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

During the diagnosis of three unrelated patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, three APOA5 mutations [p.(Ser232_Leu235)del, p.Leu253Pro, and p.Asp332ValfsX4] were found without evidence of concomitant LPL, APOC2, or GPIHBP1 mutations. The molecular mechanisms by which APOA5 mutations result in severe hypertriglyceridemia remain poorly understood, and the functional impairment/s induced by these specific mutations was not obvious. Therefore, we performed a thorough structural and functional analysis that included follow-up of patients and their closest relatives, measurement of apoA-V serum concentrations, and sequencing of the APOA5 gene in 200 nonhyperlipidemic controls. Further, we cloned, overexpressed, and purified both wild-type and mutant apoA-V variants and characterized their capacity to activate LPL. The interactions of recombinant wild-type and mutated apoA-V variants with liposomes of different composition, heparin, LRP1, sortilin, and SorLA/LR11 were also analyzed. Finally, to explore the possible structural consequences of these mutations, we developed a three-dimensional model of full-length, lipid-free human apoA-V. A complex, wide array of impairments was found in each of the three mutants, suggesting that the specific residues affected are critical structural determinants for apoA-V function in lipoprotein metabolism and, therefore, that these APOA5 mutations are a direct cause of hypertriglyceridemia.