1
|
Mak JHC, Lui DTW, Fong CHY, Cheung CYY, Wong Y, Lee ACH, Hoo RLC, Xu A, Tan KCB, Lam KSL, Lee CH. Serum thrombospondin-2 level changes with liver stiffness improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:230-237. [PMID: 38127469 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Baseline circulating thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) level was identified as a potential novel hepatic fibrosis biomarker that associates with development and progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigated whether circulating TSP2 levels changed with improvement in liver stiffness (LS), which reflects liver fibrosis on transient elastography. DESIGN Serum TSP2 levels were measured in participants from a randomized, open-label intervention study, at baseline and after 24-weeks treatment of either dapagliflozin 10 mg (N = 30) or sitagliptin 100 mg daily (N = 30). Vibration-controlled transient elastography was performed to evaluate the severity of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using LS and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), respectively. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Among all 60 participants with similar clinical characteristics at baseline (mean HbA1c 8.9%, CAP 289 dB/m and LS 5.8 kPa), despite similar HbA1c lowering, treatment with dapagliflozin, but not sitagliptin, led to significant improvements in body weight (BW) (p = .012), CAP (p = .015) and LS (p = .011) after 24 weeks. RESULTS Serum TSP2 level decreased significantly from baseline in dapagliflozin-treated participants (p = .035), whereas no significant change was observed with sitagliptin. In correlation analysis, change in serum TSP2 levels only positively correlated with change in LS (r = .487, p = .006), but not with changes in BW, CAP or HbA1c after dapagliflozin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Serum TSP2 level decreased with LS after dapagliflozin treatment, and was independent of improvements in BW, glycemic control and hepatic steatosis, further supporting the potential of serum TSP2 level as a novel hepatic fibrosis biomarker in type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ho Cheung Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Tak-Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Carol Ho-Yi Fong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chloe Yu-Yan Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alan Chun-Hong Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruby Lai-Chong Hoo
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kathryn Choon-Beng Tan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Siu-Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hai YP, Lee ACH, Chen K, Kahaly GJ. Traditional Chinese medicine in thyroid-associated orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1103-1113. [PMID: 36781592 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Orbital fibroblasts (OF) are considered the central target cells in the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO), which comprises orbital inflammation, orbital tissue edema, adipogenesis, fibrosis, oxidative stress and autophagy. Certain active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrated inhibition of TAO-OF in pre-clinical studies and they could be translated into novel therapeutic strategies. METHODS The pertinent and current literature of pre-clinical studies on TAO investigating the effects of active ingredients of TCM was reviewed using the NCBI PubMed database. RESULTS Eleven TCM compounds demonstrated inhibition of TAO-OF in-vitro and three of them (polydatin, curcumin, and gypenosides) resulted in improvement in TAO mouse models. Tanshinone IIA reduced inflammation, oxidative stress and adipogenesis. Both resveratrol and its precursor polydatin displayed anti-oxidative and anti-adipogenic properties. Celastrol inhibited inflammation and triptolide prevented TAO-OF activation, while icariin inhibited autophagy and adipogenesis. Astragaloside IV reduced inflammation via suppressing autophagy and inhibited fat accumulation as well as collagen deposition. Curcumin displayed multiple actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-adipogenic, anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects via multiple signaling pathways. Gypenosides reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue fibrosis, as well as oxidative stress mediated autophagy and apoptosis. Dihydroartemisinin inhibited OF proliferation, inflammation, hyaluronan (HA) production, and fibrosis. Berberine attenuated inflammation, HA production, adipogenesis, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Clinical trials of different phases with adequate power and sound methodology will be warranted to evaluate the appropriate dosage, safety and efficacy of these compounds in the management of TAO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y P Hai
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - A C H Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - G J Kahaly
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee CH, Wu MZ, Lui DTW, Chan DSH, Fong CHY, Shiu SWM, Wong Y, Lee ACH, Lam JKY, Woo YC, Lam KSL, Yiu KKH, Tan KCB. Comparison of Serum Ketone Levels and Cardiometabolic Efficacy of Dapagliflozin versus Sitagliptin among Insulin-Treated Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab J 2022; 46:843-854. [PMID: 35483674 PMCID: PMC9723203 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2021.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-treated patients with long duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk of ketoacidosis related to sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). The extent of circulating ketone elevation in these patients remains unknown. We conducted this study to compare the serum ketone response between dapagliflozin, an SGLT2i, and sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, among insulin-treated T2DM patients. METHODS This was a randomized, open-label, active comparator-controlled study involving 60 insulin-treated T2DM patients. Participants were randomized 1:1 for 24-week of dapagliflozin 10 mg daily or sitagliptin 100 mg daily. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels were measured at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks after intervention. Comprehensive cardiometabolic assessments were performed with measurements of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), vibration-controlled transient elastography and echocardiography. RESULTS Among these 60 insulin-treated participants (mean age 58.8 years, diabetes duration 18.2 years, glycosylated hemoglobin 8.87%), as compared with sitagliptin, serum BHB levels increased significantly after 24 weeks of dapagliflozin (P=0.045), with a median of 27% increase from baseline. Change in serum BHB levels correlated significantly with change in free fatty acid levels. Despite similar glucose lowering, dapagliflozin led to significant improvements in body weight (P=0.006), waist circumference (P=0.028), HDL-C (P=0.041), CEC (P=0.045), controlled attenuation parameter (P=0.007), and liver stiffness (P=0.022). Average E/e', an echocardiographic index of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, was also significantly lower at 24 weeks in participants treated with dapagliflozin (P=0.037). CONCLUSION Among insulin-treated T2DM patients with long diabetes duration, compared to sitagliptin, dapagliflozin modestly increased ketone levels and was associated with cardiometabolic benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mei-Zhen Wu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Tak-Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Darren Shing-Hei Chan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol Ho-Yi Fong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sammy Wing-Ming Shiu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alan Chun-Hong Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joanne King-Yan Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu-Cho Woo
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Siu-Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Hang Yiu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathryn Choon-Beng Tan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Kathryn Choon-Beng Tan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9037-0416 Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang JYC, Woo CSL, Lui DTW, Fung MMH, Lee ACH, Leung EKH, Woo YC, Chow WS, Lam KSL, Tan KCB, Lee CH. Case Report: Insulinoma Co-Existing With Type 2 Diabetes - Advantages and Challenges of Treatment With Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:957369. [PMID: 35942178 PMCID: PMC9355856 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.957369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The coexistence of insulinoma and type 2 diabetes is rare and the diagnostic process is often challenging. Continuous glucose monitoring system devices, which are more readily available nowadays, provide a useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of treatment response. Curative surgery is often the mainstay of treatment for insulinoma. Here, we report a Chinese patient with insulinoma diagnosed simultaneously with type 2 diabetes. His insulinoma was managed with endoscopic ultrasound guided-radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) and the patient achieved complete resolution of hypoglycaemic episodes. The case illustrates that while EUS-RFA is an emerging non-invasive treatment modality for pancreatic lesions, limitations exist especially when histological confirmation is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Tak-Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matrix Man-Him Fung
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alan Chun-Hong Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eunice Ka-Hong Leung
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu-Cho Woo
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing-Sun Chow
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Siu-Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Chi-Ho Lee,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lui DTW, Lee CH, Chau VWK, Fong CHY, Yeung KMY, Lam JKY, Lee ACH, Chow WS, Tan KCB, Woo YC, Lam KSL. Potential role of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the deterioration of bone quality in impaired glucose tolerance. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:523-530. [PMID: 32602078 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Findings on trabecular bone score (TBS), an index of bone quality, have been reported in prediabetes defined by impaired fasting glucose or HbA1c. Here, we assessed the bone mineral density (BMD) and TBS in prediabetes individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and investigated the association of these bone parameters with serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone implicated in bone metabolism and with higher levels in IGT. METHODS Chinese postmenopausal women aged 55-80 years, without diabetes, were recruited from the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study in 2016-2018. Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) was defined by fasting glucose < 5.6 mmol/L and 2-h plasma glucose (2hG) < 7.8 mmol/L, and IGT by 2hG 7.8-11 mmol/L. Serum levels of FGF21 and other bone metabolism regulators were measured. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the Matsuda index. Independent determinants of TBS were evaluated using multivariable stepwise linear regression. RESULTS 173 individuals with NGT and 73 with IGT were included. TBS was lower in those with IGT compared to those with NGT, while BMD was comparable. Individuals with IGT had significantly higher serum FGF21 levels, which in turn showed an independent inverse relationship with TBS, attenuated after inclusion of the Matsuda index. Serum FGF21 levels, however, did not correlate with BMD. CONCLUSION Among Chinese postmenopausal women, bone quality was worse in IGT, despite comparable bone density. FGF21 levels showed a significant independent inverse relationship with TBS, partly attributed to insulin resistance. Whether FGF21 contributes to the impaired bone quality in IGT remains speculative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D T W Lui
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C H Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - V W K Chau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C H Y Fong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - K M Y Yeung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J K Y Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - A C H Lee
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - W S Chow
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - K C B Tan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y C Woo
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - K S L Lam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
PURPOSE The dual antiproliferative mechanism of mycophenolate appears to be beneficial in Graves' orbitopathy (GO). METHODS Safety data from the two published mycophenolate trials and the original database of the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) trial were systematically analyzed. Treatment efficacy stratified by individual visual parameters of activity and severity were compared. RESULTS A total of 129 adverse events (AE) involving 50 patients (29.4%) were noted among all mycophenolate-treated patients. Mycophenolate sodium plus intravenous glucocorticoid (MPS + GC) group of the EUGOGO trial recorded significantly more AE (55.4% versus 4.6% of patients affected) and serious adverse events (SAE) (12.5% versus 0%) than mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) group of the Chinese trial. None of those SAE was side effect (SE). Most SE in MPS + GC group were mild. Gastrointestinal disorders, infection and liver dysfunction affected 8.8%, 7.1% and 1.2% of all mycophenolate-treated patients (versus 5.4%, 5.4% and 1.2% of all patients on GC monotherapy, respectively). MPS + GC did not significantly increase the risk of infection or liver dysfunction when compared to GC monotherapy. No cytopenia, serious infection or treatment-related mortality was reported. The much higher AE rates of mycophenolate trials in other autoimmune diseases or transplantations suggested that major mycophenolate toxicities were mostly dose- and duration dependent. Mycophenolate, either as monotherapy or as combination, achieved better overall response than GC monotherapy. CONCLUSION The risk-benefit ratio of low-dose mycophenolate treatment in active moderate-to-severe GO is highly favorable given its reassuring safety profile with low rate of mild-to-moderate SE and promising efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C H Lee
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes-Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - M Riedl
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes-Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - L Frommer
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes-Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - T Diana
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes-Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - G J Kahaly
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes-Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hai YP, Lee ACH, Frommer L, Diana T, Kahaly GJ. Immunohistochemical analysis of human orbital tissue in Graves' orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:123-137. [PMID: 31538314 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunohistochemistry of orbital tissues offers a correlation between the microscopic changes and macroscopic clinical manifestation of Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Summarizing the participation of different molecules will help us to understand the pathogenesis of GO. METHODS The pertinent and current literature on immunohistochemistry of human orbital tissue in GO was reviewed using the NCBI PubMed database. RESULTS 33 articles comprising over 700 orbital tissue samples were included in this review. The earliest findings included the demonstration of HLA-DR and T cell (to a lesser extent B cell) markers in GO orbital tissues. Subsequent investigators further contributed by characterizing cellular infiltration, confirming the presence of HLA-DR and TSHR, as well as revealing the participation of cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules and miscellaneous substances. HLA-DR and TSHR are over-expressed in orbital tissues of GO patients. The inflammatory infiltration mainly comprises CD4 + T cells and macrophages. Cytokine profile suggests the importance of Th1 (especially in early active phase) and Th17 immunity in the pathogenesis of GO. Upregulation of proinflammatory/profibrotic cytokines, adhesion molecules and growth factors finally culminate in activation of orbital fibroblasts and perpetuation of orbital inflammation. The molecular status of selected parameters correlates with the clinical presentation of GO. CONCLUSION Further investigation is warranted to define precisely the role of different molecules and ongoing search for new players yet to be discovered is also important. Unfolding the molecular mechanisms behind GO will hopefully provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies and optimize our clinical management of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y P Hai
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - A C H Lee
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - L Frommer
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - T Diana
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - G J Kahaly
- Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Langenbeckstreet 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chan MLY, Cheung CL, Lee ACH, Yeung CY, Siu CW, Leung JYY, Pang HK, Tan KCB. Genetic variations in familial hypercholesterolemia and cascade screening in East Asians. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2018; 7:e00520. [PMID: 30592178 PMCID: PMC6393658 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism leading to an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Genetic testing for FH is not commonly used in Asian countries. We aimed to define the genetic spectrum of FH in Hong Kong and to test the feasibility of cascade genetic screening. Methods Ninety‐six Chinese subjects with a clinical diagnosis of FH were recruited, and family‐based cascade screening incorporating genetic testing results was performed. Results Forty‐two distinct mutations were identified in 67% of the index FH cases. The majority of causative mutations were in the LDLR gene. The three commonest mutations in the LDLR gene were NM_000527.4(LDLR): c.1241 T>G, NM_000527.4(LDLR): c.1474G>A, and NM_000527.4(LDLR): c. 682G>A, and nine novel variants were identified. The NM_000384.2(APOB): c.10579 C>T variant of the APOB gene was found in 5% of the index subjects. The presence of causative mutation significantly increased the odds of successful family recruitment for screening with an OR of 3.7 (95% CI: 1.53–9.11, p = 0.004). Conclusion Approximately two‐third of the subjects in this clinically ascertained sample of patients with FH had a discrete genetic basis. Genetic identification improves the response rate and efficiency of family screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ching-Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Chun-Yip Yeung
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chung-Wah Siu
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Ho-Kwong Pang
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a common cause of vomiting in infants. IHPS was a condition with significant associated mortality until 1912 when ramstedt introduced the operative procedure pyloromyotomy. Since then, mortality rates have reduced significantly owing to early recognition, correction of associated biochemical abnormalities and operative treatment. More recently, the management of IHPS has been modified by the introduction of the laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, first described almost two decades ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Zaman
- SHO, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
| | - ACH Lee
- National Surgical Fellow, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
| | - JI Curry
- Consultant Neonatal and Paediatric Surgeon, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rudebeck SR, Scholz J, Johansen-Berg H, Lee ACH. The role of the fornix in recognition memory: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)70163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
11
|
Abstract
A perspective on the article by Freer and Lyon (see page 327)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Vincent
- Imperial College London, 10th Floor, QEQM Building, St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W21 NY, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Tailgut cysts, embryological remnants of the hindgut, are rare retrorectal tumours. They have been described in adults but are rare in children, especially neonates. We report a case of a neonate, who presented with anal stenosis and an incidental ultrasonographic finding of a presacral mass. Excision and histological examination of the mass confirmed the appearance of a tailgut cyst. There were no postoperative complications and no evidence of recurrence of the presacral mass over one year after excision. The clinical, pathological, and radiological findings of the tailgut cyst are described with a review of the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Antao
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The relatively low levels of transfection that can be achieved by current gene-delivery systems have limited the therapeutic utility of gene transfer. This is especially true for nonviral gene-delivery systems, where the levels of gene expression achieved are usually below the levels achieved by viral gene transfer systems. One strategy for increasing gene expression is to design a cytoplasmic expression system that does not require nuclear delivery for gene expression to occur. This can be achieved through the use of an autocatalytic cytoplasmic expression system using phage RNA polymerases. Here we describe cytoplasmic expression systems that yield increased levels of gene expression following in vitro transfection. We demonstrate direct evidence for an exponential, autocatalytic increase in gene expression using autogenes, as well as levels of reporter gene expression that are 20-fold higher than standard CMV-based nuclear expression systems. The development of a high-efficiency plasmid-based expression system could significantly improve the gene expression properties of nonviral gene-delivery systems, thereby increasing their clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Finn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lee ACH, Robbins TW, Graham KS, Owen AM. "Pray or Prey?" dissociation of semantic memory retrieval from episodic memory processes using positron emission tomography and a novel homophone task. Neuroimage 2002; 16:724-35. [PMID: 12169256 DOI: 10.1006/nimg.2002.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One problem in studying the neural basis of semantic memory using functional neuroimaging is that it is often difficult to disentangle activation associated with semantic memory retrieval from that associated with episodic memory encoding and retrieval. To address this issue, a novel homophone task was used in which subjects were PET scanned whilst learning a series of real words (e.g., prey). In a subsequent scan, the subjects were presented with homophone pairs (e.g., prey vs pray) and were required to choose the one that had been shown previously. In two corresponding baseline tasks, the subjects were scanned whilst learning and recognizing pronounceable nonwords. Thus, while all of these tasks recruited either episodic memory encoding or retrieval processes, only the homophone tasks involved semantic memory retrieval. A conjunction analysis designed to isolate activation associated with semantic memory retrieval, revealed changes in several left lateral frontal regions (BA 9/10, 9/45), the left middle temporal cortex (BA 21), and in the left inferior temporoparietal cortex (BA 39). In contrast, a conjunction analysis designed to isolate activation associated with episodic memory encoding, revealed significant changes in the left hippocampus, as well as in the frontopolar cortex (BA 10) bilaterally, the left inferior parietal cortex (BA 40), and the left superior temporal gyrus (BA 22, 28). The present results clarify and extend recent attempts to understand the neural basis of semantic memory retrieval, by actively controlling for the confounding effects of episodic memory encoding and retrieval processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C H Lee
- MRC Cognition & Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|