Genetic landscape of pediatric acute liver failure of indeterminate origin

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a life-threatening condition. In Europe, the main causes are viral infections (12%-16%) and inherited metabolic diseases (14%-28%). Yet, in up to 50% of cases the underlying etiology remains elusive, challenging clinical management, including liver transplantation. We systematically studied indeterminate PALF cases referred for genetic evaluation by whole-exome sequencing (WES), and analyzed phenotypic and biochemical markers, and the diagnostic yield of WES in this condition.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

With this international, multicenter observational study, patients (0-18 y) with indeterminate PALF were analyzed by WES. Data on the clinical and biochemical phenotype were retrieved and systematically analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 260 indeterminate PALF patients from 19 countries were recruited between 2011 and 2022, of whom 59 had recurrent PALF. WES established a genetic diagnosis in 37% of cases (97/260). Diagnostic yield was highest in children with PALF in the first year of life (41%), and in children with recurrent acute liver failure (64%). Thirty-six distinct disease genes were identified. Defects in NBAS (n=20), MPV17 (n=8), and DGUOK (n=7) were the most frequent findings. When categorizing, the most frequent were mitochondrial diseases (45%), disorders of vesicular trafficking (28%), and cytosolic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase deficiencies (10%). One-third of patients had a fatal outcome. Fifty-six patients received liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidates a large contribution of genetic causes in PALF of indeterminate origin with an increasing spectrum of disease entities. The high proportion of diagnosed cases and potential treatment implications argue for exome or in future rapid genome sequencing in PALF diagnostics.

PCR detection of helicobacter pylori genome in colonic mucosa: normal and malignant

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in colorectal cancer tissue specimens and relate the possible role of this microorganism in the etiology of colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2002 to April 2003 83 CRC patients (55 male, 28 female) and 40 control patients (19 male, 21 female) entered the prospective study. The biopsy samples of CRC tissue and normal mucosa were obtained during open surgery on CRC patients. In the control patients biopsy samples were taken during colonoscopy. Pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma in all the CRC patients. The existence of genetic material of H. pylori was determined by detection of the ureA gene by nested PCR. K-ras PCR was also performed on all patients.

RESULTS

H. pylori PCR was positive in 1 case (1.2%) of CRC in the tumour tissue and in all 5 samples (6.0%) of the normal colonic mucosa in the cancer patients. The control patients were PCR positive to H. pylori in 13 samples (32.5%). According to Chi-square test, there is no statistical correlation between H. pylori infection and CRC (x2 = 2.9395; p > 0.05) but there is a significant prevalence of H. pylori infection in controls compared to CRC (x2 = 15.5625; p < 0.01). The K-ras PCR showed gene mutations in 19 tumour tissues of CRC (31.6%) and in 2 cases (3.4%) of normal colonic mucosa of CRC patients . In controls K-ras PCR showed one gene mutation (3.0%). There is a significant statistical correlation between K-ras mutation and CRC (x2 = 16.0694; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our established PCR for H. pylori is feasible for CRC tissue as well. However, H. pylori is not considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRC. The identification of K-ras mutations in routine PCR analysis correlates with the presence of CRC.

[Plantago ovata]

Plantago ovata is a high fibre bulk forming laxative. It absorbs water and expands to provide increased bulk and moisture content to the stool. The increased bulk encourages normal peristalsis and bowel motility. Clinical Indications: Constipation, Fecal Incontinence, Hemorrhoids, Ulcerative Colitis, Appetite, Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes mellitus.

[Indium 111-labeled antibodies in the detection of colorectal carcinoma]

The aim of the study is detection of the recurrences and metastases of colorectal carcinomas using (111)In labelled antibodies B72.3 in 14 patients. With tomography, we can access better distinction of tumour in comparison to other structures and estimation of its size. Other imaging methods (CT, US) have advantage in detection of liver metastases, while immunoscintigraphy is more specific for the assessment of malignant abdominal tumours and extrahepatic metastases. The first results point out that Oncoscint CR-103 can be useful in diagnosis of recurrences and metastases of colorectal carcinoma, viability assessment after radiotherapy and in the choice of the adequate surgical treatment in dependence of the spread of the disease.

[Assessment of the degree of maturity in the wall of pancreatic pseudocysts in relation to choice of surgical procedure]

The aim of this study is to present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. A pancreatic pseudocyst is an incapsulated collection of pancreatic juice, enclosed by nonepithelial elements, containing a high concentration of pancreatic enzymes, bicarbonates and necrotic detritus. It is a common complication of acute pancreatitis and trauma of the pancreas. In the period between 1996 and 2001, 53 surgical procedures were performed for pancreatic pseudocyst at the Institute for Digestive Diseases (First Surgical University Hospital), 35 male patients (67%) and 17 female patients (33%) underwent surgery. In 39 (75%) patients the method of choice was cystojejunostomy by Roux. In 4 cases distal pancreatectomy for pseudocysts localized within the pancreatic tail was performed, complete pseudocyst excision only was performed in one case and complete pseudocyst excision combined with cystojejunostomy was also performed in one case. Cystogastrostomy and drainage in one case and partial cystectomy and drainage also in one case. Surgical internal drainage is the method of choice for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts, involving low morbidity and mortality rates.

[PHLEBODIA (diosmine): a role in the management of bleeding nonprolapsed hemorrhoids]

The aim of this study is to describe a role of diosmine in the management of bleeding nonprolapsed hemorrhoids. From November 2003 to January 2004, 60 patients were treated with Phlebodia (diosmine). Total colonoscopy was performed at the discretion of the authors according to the age, symptoms and genetic factors of the patient. Patients were treated with Phlebodia (diosmine, 3x1, 5 days) and in addition a bulk agent (3,26 g plantago ovata sachet, twice daily, for the period of next three months). Hemorrhoidal bleeding stopped after 3,2 days. Diosmine, used with fiber supplements, rapidly and safely stops bleeding from nonprolapsed hemorrhoids.

[Lateral lymphadenectomy in the treatment of rectal carcinoma]

The aim of this work is to present existence of the lateral lymphatic spread of metastases in patients with Dukes C low rectal carcinoma (60% of all patients), located at or bellow peritoneal reflexion. Prospective clinical investigation analyzed the group of 64 patients (32 underwent lateral lymphadenectomy and 32 didn't), all treated at Ist Surgical Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia. Lateral lymphatic spread of metastases was proven by frozen section in 8 cases, so extensive lateral lymphadenectomy was performed. In the group of patients who underwent lateral lymphadenectomy, positive lymph nodes were registered in 18 patients (56.2%); in group of patients operated without lateral lymphadenectomy, metastatic lymph nodes were registered in 12 patients (37.5%). According to results of this investigation, method of lateral lymphadenectomy, as well as extensive lateral lymphadenectomy, is significant for exact determination of postoperative stage of the disease. Also, there is a significant increase in number of patients with Dukes C stage of the disease. In those patients, mesorectectomy alone is not sufficient.

Plantago ovata (Laxomucil) after hemorrhoidectomy

The aim of this prospective randomized study is to describe the effects of laxative plantago ovata after open hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan). Sixty patients divided into 2 equal groups were included in this study. The first group was treated postoperatively with 2 sachets of bulk agent Laxomucil (3,26 g plantago ovata), twice daily, for a period of twenty days, while the control group was treated with glycerin oil. The p.ovata group patients had a statistically significant shorter postoperative length of hospital stay (2,9 v.s. 4,1 days). Pain after stool was statistically significant more tolerable in the p.ovata group. In conclusion, the application of bulk agent plantago ovata after hemorrhoidectomy shortens the mean postoperative hospital stay, expedites digestive function recovery and lessens the pain after stool.

[Pelvic exenteration]

Pelvic exenteresis (total, anterior and posterior) is operative procedure reserved for the local advanced malignancies of the pelvis. In the period 1995-2001, we have treated 54 patients (20 male, 34 female) by this procedures. By anterior pelvic exenteresis we have treated 6 females for: Ca vesicae urinary (4 pts). Ca PVU after irradiation therapy (1 patient), Ca urethrae (1 patient). By posterior pelvic exenteresis we have treated 2 females for primary advanced Ca of the rectum. By total pelvic exenteresis we have treated 46 pts (20 male, 26 female): Ca PVU after irradiation therapy (10 females), recidivant Ca PVU (8 females), primary advanced Ca of the rectum (7 male, 1 female), recidivant Ca of the rectum (10 male, 7 female), recidivant Schwanoma (1 male), recidivant Sa stromae endometrii (1 female), recidivant Ca vesicae urinary (1 female). The median survival time of all 54 patients was 24 months. Early postoperative mortality was 18% (10 pts). Twenty patients died with median survival of 18 months (range 4-48 months). Twenty one patients are alive without evidence of disease with median follow up period of 41 months (range 6-60 months). Three patients were lost from follow up. Exenteresis pelvis is very complicate operative procedure and it should be limited to perform only in couple surgical centers.

[Cytoreductive procedures in advanced primary ovarian carcinoma]

Female patient, 68, hospitalized due to vaginal bleeding, anaemia and defecation disorder. We have done examinations as follows: clinical and laboratory exams, which confirmed severe anaemia. Explorative curretage of uterus--PH findings: malignant tissue. Rectoscopy: extraluminal compression at lo cm from the anal verge. Irigography: spasticity and extraluminal compression to proximal third of rectum and distal sigmoid colon. Ultrasound of abdomen: solid lobular formation 10 x 7 cm in diameter, on the left side of the urinary bladder, surrounded by thin layer of ascites. Ultrasound of liver: without signs of malignant disease. CT-scan of pelvis and abdomen: metastatic lymph nodes, up to 40 mm in diameter, alongside abdominal aorta; solid-lobular tumor, 10 x 7 cm, on the left side of urinary bladder, which fills the central portion of pelvic cavum. Secundary malignant deposits on the pelvic parietal peritoneum with minimal quantity of ascites (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Intraoperative findings confirmed malignant deposits on the right colon serosa, so we performed right hemicolectomy with ileo-colo anastomosis, omentectomy, hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, low anterior resection of the rectum, peritonectomy of pelvis and reconstruction of digestive tubus by colo-rectal anastomosis with circular stapler ILS 33. Duration of operation was 6:45 hours, blood loss was 1100 ml. Intraoperatively was intraperitonealy applicated Adriamycin. One month after the operation, systemic chemotherapy consisting of Endoxan and Karboblastin was administered, for the duration of 6 months, once monthly. Twelve months after the operation NMR showed normal findings, patient was without evidents of recurrent disease.

Structural dynamics of translating ribosomes

We describe three groups of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments with translating ribosomes: 1) regular protonated (normal abundance hydrogen) particles; 2) two isotopic hybrid particles which are reconstituted from one protonated and the other deuterated subunit; 3) four isotypic hybrid particles differing from each other by the extent of protein and RNA deuteration. Using the SANS contrast variation method the radii of gyration of protein and RNA components in both ribosomal subunits as well as the intersubunit distance in the pre- and post-translocation states were determined. The results obtained suggest the following model of the ribosome as a dynamic machine. The ribosome oscillates between two major conformers differing in geometrical dimensions. The 'active' (pulsating) part of the ribosome is the 30S subunit. We believe that the movement of its 'head' relative to the passive 50S subunit is the main mechanical act of translocation. The radius of gyration of the 30S subunit and the intersubunit distance change upon the movement. This is corroborated by neutron scattering data.

The Holistic Living Inventory: correlations with MMPI

Scores on the Holistic Living Inventory were correlated with MMPI scores for 129 college students. The results support validity for the Holistic Living Inventory.