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Franzoni A, Baldan F, Passon N, Mio C, Driul D, Cogo P, Fogolari F, D'Aurizio F, Damante G. Novel IGFALS mutations with predicted pathogenetic effects by the analysis of AlphaFold structure. Endocrine 2023; 79:292-295. [PMID: 36348166 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03244-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) classification, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are gene variations whose impact on the disease risk is not yet known. VUS, therefore, represent an unmet need for genetic counselling. Aim of the study is the use the AlphaFold artificial intelligence algorithm to predict the impact of novel mutations of the IGFALS gene, detected in a subject with short stature and initially classified as VUS according to the ACMG classification. METHODS A short-stature girl and her parents have been investigated. IGFALS mutations have been detected through clinical exome and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The potential presence of co-occurring gene alterations was investigated in the proband by whole exome and CGH array. Structure of the ALS protein (encoded by the IGFALS gene) was evaluated through the AlphaFold artificial intelligence algorithm. RESULTS Two IGFALS variants were found in the proband: c.1349T > C (p.Leu450Pro) and c.1363_1365delCTC (p.Leu455del), both classified as VUS, according to ACMG. Parents' analysis highlighted the in trans position of the two variants. AlphaFold showed that the mutated positions were found the concave side a horseshoe structure of the ALS protein, likely interfering with protein-protein interactions. According to a loss of function (LoF) effect of the two variants, reduced levels of the IGF1 and IGFBP-3 proteins, as well as a growth hormone (GH) excess were detected in the proband's serum. CONCLUSIONS By using the AlphaFold structure we were able to predict two IGFALS gene mutations initially classified as VUS, as potentially pathogenetic. Our proof-of-concept showed a potential application of AlphaFold as tool to a better inform VUS interpretation of genetic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Franzoni
- SOC Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- SOC Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Nadia Passon
- SOC Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Catia Mio
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Daniela Driul
- SOC Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Udine, Italy
| | - Paola Cogo
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
- SOC Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Udine, Italy
| | - Federico Fogolari
- Dipartimento di Scienze matematiche, Informatiche e Fisiche, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica D'Aurizio
- SOC Istituto di Patologia Clinica Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- SOC Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale Udine, Udine, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy.
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Zucchini S, Di Iorgi N, Pozzobon G, Pedicelli S, Parpagnoli M, Driul D, Matarazzo P, Baronio F, Crocco M, Iudica G, Partenope C, Nardini B, Ubertini G, Menardi R, Guzzetti C, Iughetti L, Aversa T, Di Mase R, Cassio A. Management of Childhood-onset Craniopharyngioma in Italy: A Multicenter, 7-Year Follow-up Study of 145 Patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1020-e1031. [PMID: 34718649 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab784] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nationwide data on children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma (CP) are not available in Italy. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to identify patients' characteristics, type of surgical approach, complications and recurrences, number of pituitary deficits, and number of patients starting growth hormone (GH) treatment. METHODS A retrospective multicenter collection took place of 145 patients aged 0 to 18 years who underwent surgery for CP between 2000 and 2018, and followed up in 17 Italian centers of pediatric endocrinology. RESULTS Age at diagnosis was 8.4 ± 4.1 years. Duration of symptoms was 10.8 ± 12.5 months and headache was most frequent (54%), followed by impaired growth (48%) and visual disturbances (44%). Most lesions were suprasellar (85%), and histology was adamantinomatous in all cases but two. Surgical approach was transcranial (TC) in 67.5% of cases and transsphenoidal (TS) in 31.%. The TC approach was prevalent in all age groups. Postsurgery complications occurred in 53% of cases, with water-electrolyte disturbances most frequent. Radiotherapy was used in 39% of cases. All patients but one presented with at least one hormone pituitary deficiency, with thyrotropin deficiency most frequent (98.3%), followed by adrenocorticotropin (96.8%), arginine vasopressin (91.1%), and GH (77.4%). Body mass index (BMI) significantly increased over time. A hypothalamic disturbance was present in 55% of cases. GH therapy was started during follow-up in 112 patients at a mean age of 10.6 years, and 54 developed a recurrence or regrowth of the residual lesion. CONCLUSION CP is often diagnosed late in Italy, with TC more frequent than the TS surgical approach. Postsurgery complications were not rare, and hypopituitarism developed almost in all cases. BMI shows a tendency to increase overtime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zucchini
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Endo-ERN Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pozzobon
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Endo-ERN Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Pedicelli
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Parpagnoli
- Auxo-Endocrinology and Gynecology Meyer Children's University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Driul
- Division of Pediatrics, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, ASUFC, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Patrizia Matarazzo
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Endo-ERN Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Crocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Iudica
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Partenope
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Endo-ERN Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Nardini
- Auxo-Endocrinology and Gynecology Meyer Children's University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Graziamaria Ubertini
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, IRCCS "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Menardi
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Medicine (DAME) University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Chiara Guzzetti
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Pediatric Hospital Microcitemico Antonio Cao, AO Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Unit of Paediatrics, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Mase
- University Federico II, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Endo-ERN Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Bacchini D, Licenziati MR, Affuso G, Garrasi A, Corciulo N, Driul D, Tanas R, Fiumani PM, Di Pietro E, Pesce S, Crinò A, Maltoni G, Iughetti L, Sartorio A, Deiana M, Lombardi F, Valerio G. The Interplay among BMI z-Score, Peer Victmization, and Self-Concept in Outpatient Children and Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity. Child Obes 2017; 13:242-249. [PMID: 28267352 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2016.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has provided evidence that obesity is associated with peer victimization and low levels of self-concept. No study has examined the relationship between BMI z-score, self-concept in multiple domains, and peer victimization. METHODS The aim of the research was to investigate the interplay between BMI z-score, self-concept in multiple domains (physical, athletic, social), and peer victimization, testing direct, mediated, and moderated associations. Eighty hundred fifteen outpatient children and adolescents were consecutively recruited in 14 hospitals distributed over the Italian country. The sample consisted of 419 males and 396 females; mean age 10.91 ± 1.97 years (range 6-14 years) and mean BMI z-score 1.85 ± 0.74 (range -0.97 ± 3.27). Peer victimization and self-concept were assessed with a revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and with the Self-Perception Profile for Children. A structural equation model approach was used to determine the associations among variables, testing two competing models. RESULTS In both models, path analysis revealed that BMI z-score was directly associated with peer victimization and self-concept in multiple domains. In the first model, peer victimization mediated the relationship between BMI-score and self-concept, whereas in the alternative model, self-concept mediated the relationship between BMI z-score and peer victimization. Interaction analyses revealed that social competence moderated the relationship between BMI z-score and peer victimization and that peer victimization moderated the relationship between BMI z-score and physical appearance. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of BMI z-score are a risk factor for peer victimization and poor self-concept. When high levels of BMI z-score are associated with a negative self-concept, the risk of victimization increases. Preventive and supportive interventions are needed to avoid negative consequences on quality of life in children and adolescents with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Bacchini
- 1 Dipartimento di Psicologia, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Licenziati
- 2 Dipartimento di Pediatria Specialistica e Sistematica, AORN Santobono Pausilipon , Napoli, Italy
| | - Gaetana Affuso
- 1 Dipartimento di Psicologia, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Garrasi
- 3 Servizio di Dietologia Clinica , Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Corciulo
- 4 Centro di Prevenzione Diagnosi e Cura dell'Obesità in Età Evolutiva U.O. Pediatria , Presidio Ospedaliero di Gallipoli, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniela Driul
- 5 SOC Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Rita Tanas
- 6 U.O. di Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna , Ferrara, Italy
| | - Perla Maria Fiumani
- 7 Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Seconda Università di Napoli , Napoli, Italy
| | - Elena Di Pietro
- 8 U.O. di Pediatria, Ospedale S. Liberatore , Atri, Teramo and Unità di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Sabino Pesce
- 9 U.O.C. di Malattie Metaboliche ed Endocrinologia Pediatrica A.O.U. Policlinico Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Crinò
- 10 U.O.S. di Patologia Endocrina Autoimmune, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS , Palidoro, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulio Maltoni
- 11 Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Unità Operativa di Pediatria, Programma di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Policlinico Universitario S. Orsola Malpighi , Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- 12 Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Materno-Infantili e dell'Adulto, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- 13 Laboratorio Sperimentale Ricerche Auxo-Endocrinologiche , Divisione di Auxologia e Malattie Metaboliche, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Manuela Deiana
- 14 Clinica Pediatrica , Ospedale F. Del Ponte, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Lombardi
- 15 U.O.C. di Pediatria, Ospedale Maggiore, Ausl di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Valerio
- 16 Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope , Napoli, Italy
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Bacchini D, Licenziati MR, Garrasi A, Corciulo N, Driul D, Tanas R, Fiumani PM, Di Pietro E, Pesce S, Crinò A, Maltoni G, Iughetti L, Sartorio A, Deiana M, Lombardi F, Valerio G. Bullying and Victimization in Overweight and Obese Outpatient Children and Adolescents: An Italian Multicentric Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142715. [PMID: 26606393 PMCID: PMC4659571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Being overweight or obese is one of the most common reasons that children and adolescents are teased at school. We carried out a study in order to investigate: i) the relation between weight status and school bullying and ii) the relation between weight status categories and types of victimization and bullying in an outpatient sample of Italian children and adolescents with different degrees of overweight from minimal overweight up to severe obesity. PARTICIPANTS/METHODS Nine-hundred-forty-seven outpatient children and adolescents (age range 6.0-14.0 years) were recruited in 14 hospitals distributed over the country of Italy. The participants were classified as normal-weight (N = 129), overweight (N = 126), moderately obese (N = 568), and severely obese (N = 124). The nature and extent of verbal, physical and relational bullying and victimization were assessed with an adapted version of the revised Olweus bully-victim questionnaire. Each participant was coded as bully, victim, bully-victim, or not involved. RESULTS Normal-weight and overweight participants were less involved in bullying than obese participants; severely obese males were more involved in the double role of bully and victim. Severely obese children and adolescents suffered not only from verbal victimization but also from physical victimization and exclusion from group activities. Weight status categories were not directly related to bullying behaviour; however severely obese males perpetrated more bullying behaviour compared to severely obese females. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and bullying among children and adolescents are of ongoing concern worldwide and may be closely related. Common strategies of intervention are needed to cope with these two social health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Bacchini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Licenziati
- Dipartimento di Pediatria Specialistica e Sistematica, AORN Santobono Pausilipon Annunziata, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Garrasi
- Servizio di Dietologia Clinica, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Nicola Corciulo
- Centro di Prevenzione Diagnosi e Cura dell’Obesità in Età Evolutiva U.O. Pediatria, Presidio Ospedaliero di Gallipoli, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniela Driul
- SOC Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Udine, Italy
| | - Rita Tanas
- U.O. di Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Perla Maria Fiumani
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Sabino Pesce
- UOC di Malattie Metaboliche ed Endocrinologia Pediatrica A.O.U. Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Crinò
- U.O.S. di Patologia Endocrina Autoimmune, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Palidoro, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulio Maltoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Unità Operativa di Pediatria, Programma di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Policlinico Universitario S. Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Materno-Infantili e dell’Adulto, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Divisione di Auxologia e Malattie Metaboliche, Verbania, Italy
| | - Manuela Deiana
- Clinica Pediatrica, Ospedale F. Del Ponte, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Valerio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
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Abstract
In the last few years, there have been remarkable advances in the development of new and more sophisticated genetic techniques. These have allowed a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genetically determined pediatric endocrine disorders and are paving the way for a radical change in diagnosis and treatment. This article introduces some of these concepts and some of the genetic techniques being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Tenore
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics DPMSC, University of Udine School of Medicine, Padiglione Petracco, Piazzale S.M. della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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Tenore A, Driul D. Genomics in pediatric endocrinology--genetic disorders and new techniques. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2009; 38:471-90. [PMID: 19717000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, there have been remarkable advances in the development of new and more sophisticated genetic techniques. These have allowed a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genetically determined pediatric endocrine disorders and are paving the way for a radical change in diagnosis and treatment. This article introduces some of these concepts and some of the genetic techniques being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Tenore
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics DPMSC, University of Udine School of Medicine, Padiglione Petracco, Piazzale S.M. della Misericordia, 33100, Udine, Italy.
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Vidal E, Carlin E, Driul D, Tomat M, Tenore A. A comparison study of the prevalence of overweight and obese Italian preschool children using different reference standards. Eur J Pediatr 2006; 165:696-700. [PMID: 16691404 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-006-0152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of overweight children is constantly increasing in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Most epidemiological surveys consider school age children with little attention being given to preschool age children. This study was undertaken to define the prevalence of being overweight or obese in a population of children 3-6 years of age, living in North-East Italy. We also identified differences when comparing body mass index (BMI) data against three different national and international standards. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study involved 258 children (124 males and 134 females) with an average age of 4.8 years. Weight and height were obtained for each child and BMI was calculated according to the formula weight (kg)/height (m)(2). The prevalence of overweight and obese subjects was then determined using the growth curves of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the growth curves of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the curves published in 2003 by Luciano et al. RESULTS All three methods gave similar, but not identical, estimates of the prevalence of overweight in both boys and girls. However, when determining the prevalence of obesity, the use of the CDC curves led to a significantly higher prevalence of obesity in both males and females when compared to the growth charts of the IOTF and Luciano et al. BACKGROUND The use of the CDC growth curves leads to an increase in the prevalence of obesity when evaluating children under 5 years of age. The lower cut-off values inherent in the CDC charts, in contrast to the ones proposed by the IOTF, allow for earlier identification of a larger number of subjects with weight problems and therefore provide the potential for earlier intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Vidal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Udine, School of Medicine, P.le S. M. della Misericordia, Udine, 33100, Italy.
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