Disregulation of Autophagy in the Transgenerational Cc2d1a Mouse Model of Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneously childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, believed to be under development of various genetic and environmental factors. Autophagy and related pathways have also been implicated in the etiology of ASD. We aimed to investigate autophagic markers by generating the transgenerational inheritance of ASD-like behaviors in the Cc2d1a animal model of ASD. Cc2d1a (+/-) mouse model of ASD was built in two different groups by following three generations. After behavior test, bilateral hippocampus was sliced. Western Blot assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) were used for measurement of LC3 and Beclin-1 as key regulators of autophagy. All of the animal and laboratory studies were conducted in the Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK). Significant LC3 and Beclin-1 mRNA expression levels were observed in mouse hippocampus between groups and generations. Western blot confirmed the changes of the proteins in the hippocampus. LC3 expressions were increased for females and decreased for males compared to the control group. Beclin-1 expression levels were found to be significantly decreased in males and females compared to controls. This study could help explain a new pathway of autophagy in ASD mouse models. Future animal studies need to investigate sex differences in mouse modeling autism-relevant genes like CC2D1A. We anticipate our results to be a starting point for more comprehensive autophagy studies in this mouse model of ASD.

Sialidosis type I presenting with a novel mutation and advanced neuroimaging features

Sialidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by neuraminidase gene (NEU1) mutation and a deficiency of the enzyme neuraminidase. The aim of this study was to examine the sialidosis type 1 brain using volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI in comparison to 3 controls. The patient’s gene analysis identified compound heterozygous mutation in the NEU1 that is shown to be associated with the sialidosis type 1. In this very rarely seen case, we found volume changes in different brain structures. We found that subthalamic nucleus volumes were found to be smaller in the patient compared to the controls. Also, sialidosis type 1 had significantly smaller cerebellar volume compared with the control group. The case had higher mean diffusivity and lower fractional anisotropy values in the cerebellum and displayed abnormal functional connectivity.

Multiple urinary tract infections are associated with genotype and phenotype in adult polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the important clinical presentations in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The association between UTI among genotypic and phonotypic properties of ADPKD patients is still obscure. Thus, we investigated the relationship between UTI and polycystin gene mutation with total kidney volume.

METHODS

Forty patients with ADPKD patients with a history of more than two UTI and age-gender-matched 40 ADPKD patients without UTI history enrolled in the study. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed in all participants. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with a 1.5-T system, and total kidney volumes were calculated using mid-slice technique. To determine PKD1 and PKD2 genotype, we performed molecular and genetic tests involving the following steps: DNA isolation, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and data analysis.

RESULTS

ADPKD patients with UTI had lower eGFR values than those without UTI [64.9 (32.2-100.8) vs 89.5 (59.0-110.0) (p = 0.041)]. In addition, patients with UTI had significantly increased height-adjusted total kidney volume than patients without UTI [950 (290-1350) vs 345 (243-780.0) (p = 0.005)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the PKD1-truncating mutation and hTKV independently predicted UTI. The sensitivity and specificity of hTKV were 65% and 77% (cutoff > 727 cm³) with an area of under the ROC curve of 0.70 (95% CI 0.56-0.85, p = 005).

CONCLUSIONS

ADPKD patients with larger kidneys and PKD1 mutation are susceptible to increased risk of multiple UTI. Additionally, renal function decreased in ADPKD patients with multiple UTI history.

Dysmetabolic markers predict outcomes in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity were recently associated with a poor prognosis in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Whether the metabolic consequences of obesity as defined by the metabolic syndrome (MS) are also linked with disease progression remains untested.

METHODS

Eligible ADPKD patients with different stages of CKD (n = 105) and 105 non-diabetic controls matched for CKD stage were enrolled in the study. Groups were evaluated at baseline for presence of MS, blood markers of metabolism, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score, and biochemical markers of inflammation (hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PON-1). MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Patients were followed for 12 months and progression defined as a decrease in baseline eGFR > 10%.

RESULTS

MS and hypertension were more prevalent amongst ADPKD patients than in the control group. Meanwhile, markers of inflammation such as hs-CRP (3.63 [3.45-5.17] vs. 4.2 [3.45-8.99] mg/dL; p = 0.014), IL-6 (21.65 [14.1-27.49] vs. 24.9 [16.23-39.4] pg/mL; p = 0.004) and IL-1β (21.33 [15.8-26.4] vs. 26.78 [18.22-35] pg/mL; p < 0.001) levels were all more elevated in ADPKD patients than in non-diabetic CKD subjects. In multivariate analysis having a truncating PKD1 mutation predicted (OR 1.25 [1.09-1.43]; p = 0.002) fulfilling the MS criteria. Finally, ADPKD patients fulfilling MS criteria had a significantly more rapid progression during 12 months of follow-up than did those that did not (OR 3.28 [1.09-9.87]; p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data supports the notion that dysmetabolisms part of the ADPKD phenotype and associated with a poor outcome, especially in patients with a truncating PKD1 mutation.

A Novel SGCE Nonsense Variant Associated With Marked Intrafamilial Variability in a Turkish Family With Myoclonus-Dystonia

Background

Myoclonus-Dystonia syndrome (M-D) is an autosomal-dominant movement disorder related to SGCE gene pathogenic variants. Although there can be observed variability in clinical findings, here we describe intrafamilial variability in a Turkish family with a novel nonsense SGCE pathogenic variant.

Methods

A family with variable clinical symptoms resembling M-D were referred to our clinic. After preliminary diagnosis, patients were tested for mutations in the SGCE gene by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Novel pathogenic heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 3, c.272T>G; p.Leu91* (NM_003919.2) were observed in affected family members.

Conclusion

Intrafamilial clinical variability, despite the same pathogenic variant described in this work, suggests that there are regulatory factors, epigenetic or environmental modifiers, which are the subject of a matter for future studies.

NPHS2 gene sequencing results in children of the Azerbaijani population with different types of nephrotic syndrome caused by chronic glomerulonephritis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the mutation of the podocin gene (NPHS2) in children with minimal changes diseases (steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (NS)) and steroid resistant NS.

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that the role of genetic factors is a well-known phenomenon, in NS there are still unknown aspects that are yet to be discovered. NS, type 2 is caused by NPHS2 gene and is characterised with proteinuria, minimal change disease on renal biopsy, poor response to steroid treatment, etc.METHODS: Twenty-nine children (65.5 % male, 34.5 % female) with nephrotic syndrome caused by chronic glomerulonephritis were examined and patients were tested for NPHS2 gene with Sanger technique.

RESULTS

The average age was 7.2 ± 2.65 years. 82.8 % of patients had NS with minimal changes, 17.2 % had a steroid resistant NS. The analysis of the NPHS2 gene revealed a likely pathogenic (Arg168His), uncertain significance (Pro20Ley, Leu169Pro, Val180Met, Arg229Gln, Val290Met) and benign (Gly34Gly, Ala318Ala) variants. No novel variants were detected.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study investigating the nephrotic syndrome related to NPHS2 gene in Azerbaijani population. The high prevalence of uncertain significance variants emphasises the importance of population studies in this region as such data are necessary for classifications of the detected genetic variants (Tab. 1, Ref. 25).

A Rare Cause of Male Infertility: 45,X/46,XY Mosaicism

OBJECTIVE

To present the clinical, chromosomal, and endocrinological features of 8 infertile male cases with the 45,X/46,XY karyotype who were admitted to our infertility clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of cases who were admitted to our infertility clinic between 1999 and 2015 were investigated. Eight cases with 45,X/46,XY were detected. The clinical, endocrinological, and chromosomal assessments were analyzed. Each patient's height, weight, body mass index, testicular volume, endocrine hormone levels, follow-up period semen analysis, testicular biopsy reports, and karyotype analysis were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Some cases had a short stature, but often their phenotypes were normal. Seven of the cases had normal testosterone levels and all cases, except one, had elevated gonadotropin levels. All cases were azoospermic and testicular biopsy showed Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Peripheral blood karyotype revealed 45,X/46,XY mosaicism in all cases. Metaphase counts and percentages were different.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism that have a normal male phenotype form make up a rare subgroup of the 45,X/46,XY karyotype. These individuals usually present with infertility and were diagnosed based on the results of the karyotype analysis during azoo or severe oligospermia evaluation.

[EVALUATION OF THE REALTIONSHIP OF DIFFERENT PATHOGENIC FACTORS AND ARRHYTHMIAS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND DIABETES]

Definition of the most important factors and their combination, causing the disturbances of heart rhythm in patients with the pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes, now attracts more and more attention. For this purpose, extensively used the capabilities of multifactorial analysis, which allowed to evaluate the distribution of the pathological factors and their interaction with each other. The objects of the study were complex examination the data of 90 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes-27, non-insulin- dependent diabetes-63). In the mathematical processing of the instrumental methods we analyzed the results of echocardiography, indicators of respiratory function and the results of the Holter ECG monitoring. The use multifactorial mathematical analysis has allowed to establish the most significant pathogenetic factors and their combinations, causing disrhythmogenesis. In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes with a combinations of right ventricular hypertrophy with a tendency to pulmonary hypertension and respiratory function parameters most commonly observed ventricular arrhythmias. On the occurrence of supraventricular arrhythmia mainly influenced by pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

First national survey of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in Azerbaijan and risk factors analysis

SETTING

Civilian population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

OBJECTIVES

To determine patterns of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance among new and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases, and explore their association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.

DESIGN

National cross-sectional survey conducted in 2012-2013.

RESULTS

Of 789 patients (549 new and 240 previously treated) who met the enrolment criteria, 231 (42%) new and 146 (61%) previously treated patients were resistant to any anti-tuberculosis drug; 72 (13%) new and 66 (28%) previously treated patients had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Among MDR-TB cases, 38% of new and 46% of previously treated cases had pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB) or XDR-TB. In previously treated cases, 51% of those who had failed treatment had MDR-TB, which was 15 times higher than in relapse cases (OR 15.2, 95%CI 6-39). The only characteristic significantly associated with MDR-TB was a history of previous treatment (OR 3.1, 95%CI 2.1-4.7); for this group, history of incarceration was an additional risk factor for MDR-TB (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.1-7.4).

CONCLUSION

Azerbaijan remains a high MDR-TB burden country. There is a need to implement countrywide control and innovative measures to accelerate early diagnosis of drug resistance in individual patients, improve treatment adherence and strengthen routine surveillance of drug resistance.