Screening of premature ovarian insufficiency associated genes in Hungarian patients with next generation sequencing

BACKGROUND

Premature ovarian insuffiency (POI) is one of the main cause behind infertility. The genetic analysis of POI should be part of the clinical diagnostics, as several genes have been implicated in the genetic background of it. The aim of our study was to analyse the genetic background of POI in a Hungarian cohort.

METHODS

The age of onset was between 15 and 39 years. All patients had the 46,XX karyotype and they were prescreened for the most frequent POI associated FMR1 premutation. To identify genetic alterations next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 31 genes which were previously associated to POI were carried out in 48 unrelated patients from Hungary.

RESULTS

Monogenic defect was identified in 16.7% (8 of 48) and a potential genetic risk factor was found in 29.2% (14 of 48) and susceptible oligogenic effect was described in 12.5% (6 of 48) of women with POI using the customized targeted panel sequencing. The genetic analysis identified 8 heterozygous damaging and 4 potentially damaging variants in POI-associated genes. Further 10 potential genetic risk factors were detected in seven genes, from which EIF2B and GALT were the most frequent. These variants were related to 15 genes: AIRE, ATM, DACH2, DAZL, EIF2B2, EIF2B4, FMR1, GALT, GDF9, HS6ST2, LHCGR, NOBOX, POLG, USP9X and XPNPEP2. In six cases, two or three coexisting damaging mutations and risk variants were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

POI is characterized by heterogenous phenotypic features with complex genetic background that contains increasing number of genes. Deleterious variants, which were detected in our cohort, related to gonadal development (oogenesis and folliculogenesis), meiosis and DNA repair, hormonal signaling, immune function, and metabolism which were previously associated with the POI phenotype. This is the first genetic epidemiology study targeting POI associated genes in Hungary. The frequency of variants in different POI associated genes were similar to the literature, except EIF2B and GALT. Both of these genes potential risk factor were detected which could influence the phenotype, although it is unlikely that they can be responsible for the development of the disease by themselves. Advances of sequencing technologies make it possible to aid diagnostics of POI Since individual patients show high phenotypic variance because of the complex network controlling human folliculogenesis. Comprehensive NGS screening by widening the scope to genes which were previously linked to infertility may facilitate more accurate, quicker and cheaper genetic diagnoses for POI. The investigation of patient's genotype could support clinical decision-making process and pave the way for future clinical trials and therapies.

[Summary of the first Hungarian experiences with prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis and whole-exome sequencing]

Bevezetés: Az elmúlt évtized egyik jelentős technológiai újdonsága az ún. ’high-throughput’ molekuláris genetikai vizsgálati módszerek – mint a kromoszomális microarray-analízis (chromosomal microarray analysis, CMA) és a teljesexom-szekvenálás (whole-exome sequencing, WES) – elterjedése a praenatalis diagnosztikában. Célkitűzés: Az elmúlt 5 évben munkacsoportunk több mint 252 praenatalis vizsgálatot végzett hazai laboratóriumi háttérrel, amelyek indikációját különböző súlyosságú strukturális magzati ultrahangeltérések képezték. A klasszikus citogenetikai vizsgálatok eredményétől függően végeztük el a nagy felbontású CMA- és WES-analíziseket a praenatalis diagnosztika érdekében. Módszer: A CMA-vizsgálatokat a „GeneChip System 3000 Instrument” platformmal végeztük az SNP-alapú komparatív hibridizálás módszerével. Az általunk elvégzett újgenerációs szekvenálás során a teljes humán exom szekvenciájának meghatározása IonTorrent és Illumina platformokkal történt. Eredmények: Összesen 252 magzati CMA-vizsgálatot végeztünk, és 42%-ban mutattunk ki valamilyen hiányt vagy többletet, ebből 22%-ban igazoltunk kóros eltérést. 42 esetben végeztünk WES-t, amelyből 9 esetben (21,4%) azonosítottunk kóros eltérést az öröklésmenetet támogató, a magzati fenotípussal feltételezhetően összefüggésben lévő, a ClinVar adatbázis vagy az ACMG-klasszifikáció alapján. Megbeszélés: Tekintettel arra, hogy a magzati fenotípus értékelése közvetett, a praenatalis CMA- és WES-elemzésnek elsősorban a magzati ultrahangvizsgálat során azonosítható strukturális anomáliákkal összefüggő génekre, kromoszomális régiókra kell korlátozódnia. A szülők vizsgálata mind a CMA-, mind a WES-analízisek során kiemelt jelentőséggel bír, főleg azokban az esetekben, amelyeknél a kapott eltérés nem hozható egyértelmű összefüggésbe az ultrahangeltérésekkel. Következtetés: Fontos meghatározni azokat a paramétereket, amelyek alapján a magzati mintában talált kópiaszám-eltéréseket és WES-vizsgálattal igazolt variánsokat a leletben közöljük (figyelembe véve a nemzetközi ajánlásokat). Ezek alapján a praenatalis klinikai genetikai tanácsadáskor sokkal használhatóbb információk adhatók. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(14): 523–530.

Evaluation of the effects of Lake Hévíz sulfur thermal water on skin microbiome in plaque psoriasis: An open label, pilot study

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is associated with changes in skin microbiome. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Lake Hévíz sulfur thermal water influences the composition of microbial communities that colonizes skin in patients with psoriasis. Our secondary objective was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on disease activity. In this open label study, participants with plaque psoriasis underwent 30-min therapy sessions in Lake Hévíz, at a temperature of 36 °C, five times a week for 3 weeks. The skin microbiome samples were collected by swabbing method from two different areas (lesional skin-psoriatic plaque and non-lesional skin). From 16 patients, 64 samples were processed for a 16S rRNA sequence-based microbiome analysis. Outcome measures were alpha-diversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indexes), beta-diversity (Bray-Curtis metric), differences in genus level abundances, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Skin microbiome samples were collected at baseline, and immediately after treatment. Based on the visual examination of the employed alpha- and beta-diversity measures, no systematic difference based on sampling timepoint or sample location could be revealed in these regards. Balneotherapy in the unaffected area significantly increased the level of Leptolyngbya genus, and significantly decreased the level of Flavobacterium genus. A similar trend was revealed by the results of the psoriasis samples, but the differences were not statistically significant. In patients with mild psoriasis, a significant improvement was observed in PASI scores.

3D culturing of human pluripotent stem cells-derived endothelial cells for vascular regeneration

Rationale: Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells can be candidates for engineering therapeutic vascular grafts. Methods: Here, we studied the role of three-dimensional culture on their characteristics and function both in vitro and in vivo. Results: We found that differentiated hPSC-EC can re-populate decellularized biomatrices; they remain viable, undergo maturation and arterial/venous specification. Human PSC-EC develop antifibrotic, vasoactive and anti-inflammatory properties during recellularization. In vivo, a robust increase in perfusion was detected at the engraftment sites after subcutaneous implantation of an hPSC-EC-laden hydrogel in rats. Histology confirmed survival and formation of capillary-like structures, suggesting the incorporation of hPSC-EC into host microvasculature. In a canine model, hiPSC-EC-seeded onto decellularised vascular segments were functional as aortic grafts. Similarly, we showed the retention and maturation of hiPSC-EC and dynamic remodelling of the vessel wall with good maintenance of vascular patency. Conclusions: A combination of hPSC-EC and biomatrices may be a promising approach to repair ischemic tissues.

De novo 3p25-deletiós szindróma genotípus-fenotípus vizsgálata

Összefoglaló. A 3p25-deletiós szindróma nagyon ritka genetikai rendellenesség, a nemzetközi szakirodalom jelenleg kevesebb mint 60 esetet ír le. A kórképre általánosan jellemző a növekedési és pszichomotoros visszamaradottság, a microcephalia, a hypotonia, a veleszületett szívfejlődési rendellenesség, a ptosis és micrognathia, de nagyon ritkán előfordul klinikai tünetek nélküli megjelenése is. Általában újonnan kialakult rendellenesség, bár egyes esetekben előfordulhat familiáris formája. A kromoszomális töréspont változó helyen fordul elő. Közleményünkben egy 3p25-deletiós szindrómával született gyermek esetét mutatjuk be: a deletiót kariotipizálással és fluoreszcens in situ hibridizációval igazoltuk, majd microarray-komparatív genomhibridizálással meghatároztuk a pontos töréspontot és a hiányzó géneket. Az érintett régióban 43 OMIM-gént találtunk, melyek szerepet játszanak a megkésett pszichomotoros és növekedési elmaradásban, valamint az intellektuális zavarban. A genetikai háttér pontos karakterizálása hozzásegít a várható tünetek és a prognózis meghatározásához, egyben támpontot biztosíthat a jövőbeli terápia tervezéséhez és a személyre szabott fejlesztés kivitelezéséhez. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(12): 478–483.

Summary. The 3p25 deletion syndrome is a very rare genetic abnormality, characterized by growth and psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, hypotonia, congenital heart defects, ptosis and micrognathia. Less than 60 cases have been published in the literature so far. However, a few patients with normal or mild phenotype have also been described. The majority of the cases are de novo mutations, with variable chromosomal breakpoints. We present the case of a newborn infant with 3p25 deletion syndrome, whose genetic analysis was done by karyotyping, fluorescent in situ hybridization and array comparative genomic hybridization. The latter method enabled us to define the precise breakpoint and the genes involved in the deletion, thus we could provide information for further clinical management. We identified 43 OMIM genes in the deleted region, which may have a causative effect on the pscychomotor and developmental delay and also on the intellectual disability. Exact cytogenomic characterisation of a rare genetic syndrome may allow to employ personalised treatment. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(12): 478–483.

Targeted Mutational Profiling and a Powerful Risk Score as Additional Tools for the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Nowadays, the complementary diagnostics based on the suspicious thyroid lesion specific mutational state analysis is indispensable in the clinical practice. We aimed to test and validate our novel 568-mutational hotspot panel (23 cancer-related genes) on papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) and their tumor-free pairs to find the most powerful mutation pattern related to PTC. The sequencing method was carried on with Ion Torrent PGM on 67 thyroid tissue samples. The most commonly detected mutation was the BRAF c.1799 T > A in all non-classical PTC cases. We utilized a multivariate statistical method (CVA) to determine a discrimination score based on mutational data array and to assess malignancy risk. Based on variants, the BRAF gene has by far the highest indicative power, followed by TSHR and APC. We highlighted novel aspects of the mutational profile and genetic markers of PTC. CVA has correctly assigned most of the samples based on the mutation frequencies and different variables of the selected genes, with high analytical probabilities. The final goal is to set up a new comprehensive rule-in and rule-out test to support the clinical decision making mainly in inconclusive fine-needle aspiration biopsy cases.

[Genetic testing of thyroid nodules using a gene panel developed on a new generation sequencing platform]

Introduction: Twenty-five percent of fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples of thyroid nodules produce indeterminate cytological results. Genetic testing of nodules can contribute to accurate diagnosis. Aim: Developing the first gene panel in Europe utilizing the 23 most relevant thyroid oncogenes with 568 mutations. Method: Examination of the isolated DNA from biopsy samples by Ion Torrent new generation sequencing. Results: The validation of our method was performed on tumor tissue samples, in which 127 genetic variations were identified, yet unknown in thyroid tumors. AXIN1 was the most polymorphic gene, while BRAF c.1799T>A (V600E) was the most frequently identified mutation. We detected 36 clinically relevant variants, 75% of which have not been described in the literature. Six of our 8 cytologically malignant and 8 of our 14 indeterminate as well as 20 of our 28 cytologically benign samples were identified as containing pathologic variants in a driver gene (BRAF c.1799T>A, NRAS c.181C>A). Conclusion: We have developed a validated, reliable new generation sequencing-based method with high positive predictive value (89%) and sensitivity (79%), suitable for the early detection of malignant lesions in the thyroid. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(36): 1417-1425.

[Vitamin D metabolism and signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding non-tumorous liver]

INTRODUCTION

1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D₃ mediates antitumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM

We examined mRNA and protein expression differences in 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D₃-inactivating CYP24A1, mRNA of activating CYP27B1 enzymes, and that of VDR between human hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding non-tumorous liver.

METHODS

Snap-frozen tissues from 13 patients were studied for mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1. Paraffin-embedded tissues from 36 patients were used to study mRNA of VDR and CYP27B1. mRNA expression was measured by RT-PCR, CYP24A1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Expression of VDR and CYP27B1 was significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with non-tumorous liver (p<0.05). The majority of the HCC samples expressed CYP24A1 mRNA, but neither of the non-tumorous liver. The gene activation was followed by CYP24A1 protein synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of CYP24A1 mRNA and the reduced expression of VDR and CYP27B1 mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma samples indicate decreased bioavailability of 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D₃, providing an escape mechanism from the anti-tumor effect. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(48), 1910-1918.

[Literature review and presentation of our own research results regarding the effects on bone of tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and nilotinib used in the treatment of oncohematological diseases]

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are widely used for treatment of certain oncohematological diseases. Several clinical studies have confirmed that specific BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors alter the physiological process of bone tissue in a complex and unclearly identified manner. Since these treatments are being given to more and more patients, and the therapy takes decades or lasts even lifelong, it is justifiable to obtain more detailed knowledge of the molecular background of these mechanisms. In this article the authors summarize preliminary research results and human clinical observations on imatinib and nilotinib which are related to bone metabolism, and present the results of their own experiments in in vitro osteoblast cultures. Based on the presented results, the effects of imatinib and nilotinib on bone cells depend on the concentration of imatinib and nilotinib, the maturation stage of the cells and the distribution ratio of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. In this study the authors firstly prepared a stop-gap, comprehensive review in the Hungarian literature, regarding the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on bone metabolism. In addition they firstly performed whole transcriptome analysis on osteoblasts in order to obtain a better understanding of the cellular molecular mechanisms. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(36), 1429-1437.

Synthetic bone grafts, the role of the gypsum in bone substitution; molecular biological approach

A csontpótlást igénylő műtéti beavatkozások során a beültetésre kerülő csontpótló graft tulajdonságai meghatározzák az eljárás kimenetelét, rövid és hosszú távú sikerét. Munkánk első részében áttekintést adunk a modern csontpótló eljárások előnyeiről-hátrányairól, illetve részletesen foglalkozunk a gipsz szintetikus csontpótló graftként történő alkalmazásának lehetőségével. A kísérletes klinikai leírások biztonsággal és jó hosszú távú eredménnyel alkalmazható csonthiánykitöltő anyagként írják le a kalcium-szulfát-dihidrátot, azonban a gipsz csontsejtekre kifejtett hatása, a csontpótlás mechanizmusa nem ismert. Molekuláris biológiai módszerekkel vizsgáltuk a gipsz csontsejtekre gyakorolt hatását. Az egér-praeosteoblastok szaporodására ideális tenyésztőfelületnek bizonyult a gipsz, míg a klinikumban gyakran csonthiánykitöltő anyagként alkalmazott polimetil-metakrilát-csontcement gátolta a sejtek osztódását. A gipsz megváltoztatta a sejtek génkifejeződési profilját, a csontképződés irányába mutató gének expresszálódtak nagyobb mértékben a gipszes tenyészetekben, és ezekben a sejtkultúrákban emelkedett alkalikusfoszfatáz-aktivitást mértünk. Eredményeink molekuláris biológiai szempontból támasztották alá a gipsz szintetikus csontpótló graftként történő alkalmazásának létjogosultságát, a kalcium-szulfát-dihidrát új – a csontgyógyulást támogató – tulajdonságát is kimutatva.

[Significance of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in different diseases]

Dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate are precursors of androgens and estrogens, support the gonadal sexual steroid production. The levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate are maximal between the ages of 20 and 30 years, then start a decline of 2% per year, leaving a residual of 10-20% of the peak production by the eight decade of life. The age-associated decrease may lead to osteoporosis, deterioration of lipid-metabolism, cardiovascular diseases and second type of diabetes mellitus. Decreased levels were found in autoimmune diseases and in sexual dysfunction, too. Intracrinology describes the formation of active hormones which exert their action in the same cells where synthesis took place without release into the pericellular compartment. The high local androgen and estrogen concentration may be important in the pathomechanism of hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, breast and prostate cancer. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone resulted in a reduction of postmenopausal osteoporosis, also the decreased symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosis, psychiatric diseases and sexual disfunction. The authors summarize the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and their role in different diseases.

Impact of CYP3A7*1C polymorphism on bone mineral content in postmenopausal women

A CYP3A7-enzim részt vesz a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát metabolizációjában. Kimutatták, hogy CYP3A7*1C-mutáció esetén férfiakban alacsonyabb a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szint, és ismert az is, hogy a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-koncentráció csökkenése csontritkuláshoz vezethet.Célkitűzés:A szerzők a CYP3A7*1C-polimorfizmus, a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szérumszint és a csont ásványanyag-tartalmának együttes vizsgálatát tűzték ki célul, 319 posztmenopauzás nőben.Eredmények:A homozigóta CYP3A7*1C-genotípus esetén a vad típushoz képest szignifikánsan alacsonyabb lumbális gerinccsontdenzitást tapasztaltak (homozigóta mutáns T-score: –3,27 ± 1,02, vs vad típus: –1,35 ± 1,53;p= 0,041). Szignifikáns maradt a kapcsolat a menopauzális kor, szérum-dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szint, az alkoholfogyasztás, a korábbi szteroidkezelés, dohányzás és megelőző csonttörés figyelembevétele után is. Nem volt viszont összefüggés a CYP3A7-genotípus és a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-koncentráció között.Következtetés:A CYP3A7 polimorfizmusa a lumbális gerincen mért csontsűrűség csökkenéséhez vezet, mely hatás független a szérum-dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szinttől.

[Accidents of the elderly]

The topic of accidents in elderly population has been studied on 2055 injured older than 65 years. The severity of injuries indicates the importance of accidents in this age-group. The proportion of fractures in the elderly population is twice of the average-in females over 75 years of age they take the half of the total number of injuries. While the incidence rate of males in the whole material with all of the age groups is twice of that of females, in elderly population it turns into equal. The rate of home-accidents grows with ageing. The elderly people specially the males suffer a high number of road traffic accidents as pedestrians or riding their bicycles. The severity of injuries and the broken health status in elderly people is a major problem both for the health care and the whole society.

[Injuries during adolescence]

The incidence of injuries reaches the highest level in the adolescent age-group, as proved also in our survey of accidents in a period of one year in County Vas, Hungary. The incidence is extremely high in boys: 241 per 1000 heads of this age-group while no increase can be observed in girls due to an earlier puberty. The risk-rate of boys appears high at every type of injuries even at those that were caused intended or in an intoxicated state. As to the rest of indices the age-group of adolescents shows a transition between the childhood and the adult age, meanwhile the injuries of the adolescents stay nearer to those of the young adults.

[Childhood accidents]

A survey of accidents in a period of one year in County Vas, Hungary was performed. The injury of children in the age-group of 0-14 was found in case 5841 i.e. in 22.5% of the total number of the injured. The incidence was 101/1000 head of puerile population. The rate of accidents appeared to be low in early childhood while it showed a significant increase in the school age. The home accidents accounted for the most of the accidents especially in the early childhood. Over the age of 7 the school and sport/playground accidents exceeded. The roads were involved as a high risk factor for each of the age groups. The high (21.5%) rate of fractures indicates severity of the injuries although the number of the most severe injuries remained low. The accident conditions of County Vas are at an advantage compared with international data meanwhile the high rate of accidents in the school age group calls for prevention and educational work.

[Emergency treatment of severe burns in daily practice]

The paper examines the initial treatment of the severely burned patient to be transferred. It is stated that the aspirations for a uniform expert treatment have not yet brought a complete success. The suggestions concerning this problem, described in the Methodological Letter "Treatment of Thermic Injuries" issued by the Nat. Institute of Traumatology are discussed and repeated.