Founder effect of the 669insA mutation in BSCL2 gene causing Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy in a cluster from Brazil

A New Compound Heterozygous Mutation Of BSCL2 In A Chinese Zhuang Ethnic Family With Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy

PURPOSE

This study aims to report the clinical features of an infant with CGL in a Chinese Zhuang ethnic family, whose family members were discovered to carry new pathogenic mutations in the BSCL2.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we report clinical and molecular investigations of CGL disease in a family of 4 members (parents and two sons). We used whole exome sequencing (WES) in the family to examine the genetic cause of the disease.

RESULTS

The proband presented with skin pigmentation, hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes. WES identified a previously unreported compound heterozygous mutation in the BSCL2 (c.545_546insCCG heterozygous mutation and exon 3 heterozygous deletion) in the proband. His mother is a heterozygous carrier of the c.545_546insCCG mutation and his father and brother are carriers of the exon 3 heterozygous deletion.

CONCLUSION

Compound heterozygous mutation of the BSCL2 (new c.545_546insCCG heterozygous mutation and new exon 3 heterozygous deletion) was detected in the proband with characteristic clinical manifestations of CGL2.

Lipodystrophy: pathophysiology and advances in treatment

Lipodystrophy is a medical condition characterized by complete or partial loss of adipose tissue. Not infrequently, lipodystrophy occurs in combination with pathological accumulation of adipose tissue at distinct anatomical sites. Patients with lipodystrophy exhibit numerous metabolic complications, which indicate the importance of adipose tissue as an active endocrine organ. Not only the total amount but also the appropriate distribution of adipose tissue depots contribute to the metabolic state. Genetic and molecular research has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying lipodystrophy. Circulating levels of hormones secreted by the adipose tissue, such as leptin and adiponectin, are greatly reduced in distinct subpopulations of patients with lipodystrophy. This finding rationalizes the use of these adipokines or of agents that increase their circulating levels, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists, for therapeutic purposes. Other novel therapeutic approaches, including the use of growth hormone and growth-hormone-releasing factors, are also being studied as potential additions to the therapeutic armamentarium. New insights gained from research and clinical trials could potentially revolutionize the management of this difficult-to-treat condition.