Objective To optimize the short tandem repeats(STR)which link closely to survival motor neuron(SMN)and have redundant polymorphism information contents,and to use these STR in the prenatal diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy(SMA).Methods Eleven STR loci(D5S435,D5F153, DSF151,D5S637,D5S1413,D5S125,D5S464,D5S1556,DSF149,D5S351,MAP1B-5')were amplified by PCR.Then the PCR products were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE)and analyzed by silver staining.STR loci were evaluated and optimized by their PIC values.PCR-PAGE and gene scan were combined to make genetic link analysis for SMA families based on the optimized STR.Results Three STR loci(D5S435,DSF149 and D5S351)were selected with 8,19 and 18 polymorphic fragments detected respectively in 100 normal individuals.Their PIC values were 0.84,0.91 and 0.92 respectively.Four carriers and 2 normal individuals were detected from 6 SMA families with linkage analysis by using the 3 STR.Conclusion This genetic diagnosis system based on the 3 STR loci can provide rapid prenatal diagnosis for SMA families,can eliminate maternal blood contamination,and also can discriminate carriers from normal individuals in the fetuses,which makes the prenatal diagnosis system of SMA perfect.

Objective To prepare the survival motor neuron(SMN)polyclonal antibody and explore the localization of SMN protein in transfected cells and its expression in skeletal muscles of patients with spinal muscular atrophy(SMA).Methods A prokaryotic expressional plasmid named pET-28? (+)/SMN was constructed and SMN-His fusion protein was induced.The fusion protein was used to immunize New Zealadd rabbits to prepare SMN polyclonal antibody.A eukaryotic expressional plasmid named pcDNA3.1/myc-HisB-SMN was constructed and used to transfect CHO cells.Skeletal muscles were collected from 3 patients with bone fracture who were regarded as normal controls, and 3 SMA patients of type Ⅰ, 3 of type Ⅱ and 3 of type Ⅲ who were ascertained by genetic analysis.Western-blotting and immunofluorescence stain were applied to study the expression of SMN in transfected CHO cells and skeletal muscles of normal individuals and SMA patients.Results Correct pET-28a(+)/SMN prokaryotic expressive plasmid was constructed and SMN-His fusion protein was obtained from E coli BL21 transformed with pET-28a(+)/SMN.Then, rabbit anti-human full-length SMN polyclonal antibody of high specificity and sensitivity was obtained from rabbits immunized by SMN-His fusion protein.SMN proteins were shown diffusedly locating in the cytoplasm and nucleus of CHO cells transfected with pcDNA3.1/myc-HisB-SMN plasmid and mainly accumulating around the nucleus.The results of Western-blotting were as follows:the average ratio of SMN band density to glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH)band density (SMN/GAPDH)is 0.619 in skeletal muscles from normal controls, the average values of SMN/GAPDH in skeletal muscle from SMA patients of type Ⅲ and Ⅱ were 0.347 and 0.340 respectively, which were lower than that of normal controls.However, the average values of SMN/GAPDH in skeletal muscle from SMA patients of type I was only 0.079, which was quite lower than that of normal controls.Conclusions The rabbit anti-human full-length SMN polyclonal antibody is of high specificity and sensitivity, which makes the basis for the research of SMN function and SMA pathogenesis.There may be a correlation between the SMN level in skeletal muscle and the severity of disease.

BACKGROUNDFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a common autosomal dominant muscular disorder, is caused by contraction of the D4Z4 repeats on 4q35. The complicated genotype-phenotype correlation among different ethnic population remains a controversial subject. We aimed to refine this correlation in order to provide new information for genetic counseling.

METHODSHere, a cohort of 136 Chinese families including 178 affected individuals and 137 unaffected members were investigated. Genetic analyses were performed using the p13E-11, 4qA and 4qB probes after pulsed field gel electrophoresis separation and southern blotting. A 10-grade FSHD clinical severity scale was adopted for clinical assessment. The genotype-phenotype correlation was established by linear regression analyses.

RESULTSWe observed a roughly inversed correlation between the short EcoRI fragment size and age-corrected clinical severity score in 154 symptomatic patients (P < 0.05). Compared to male patients, a significant higher proportion of females in both asymptomatic carriers and severe patients showed larger variation in the size of short EcoRI fragment. A high incidence (19/42, 45.2%) of asymptomatic (or minimally affected) carriers was found in familial members.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough the number of D4Z4 repeats is known as one of the critical influences on genotype-phenotype correlation, a majority of phenotypic spectrum was still incompatible with their heterozygous contraction of the D4Z4 repeat, especial in female cases. Our results suggest that there are multi-factors synergistically modulating the phenotypic expression.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Genetic Association Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral ; genetics ; pathology ; Phenotype ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics and GCH I gene mutations in patients with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD).

METHODSThe clinical features of 3 families with 6 affected members and 8 sporadic cases were analyzed to determine the clinical characteristics, and 2 families with 4 affected members and 2 sporadic cases were screened for mutations of the GCH I gene.

RESULTSAge at onset was (10 +/- 3) years. Onset occurred earlier in female (9 +/- 4) years than in male (12 +/- 1) years. The initial symptom was a gait disorder, dystonia or tremor in most patients and nine patients (64%) presented with diurnal fluctuation. Thirteen patients (93%) were cured and one was improved after administration of low doses of levodopa for 3 months and no long-term side effects of levodopa had occurred. Two independent mutations were found in three patients. Gln161Pro, a new missense mutation, was found in a sporadic case, leading to a relatively severe phenotype. The two patients with mild phenotype in one family were found to have Lys224Arg mutation, as previously described.

CONCLUSIONSDRD patients have diverse phenotypes and diurnal fluctuation is an important feature. They have dramatic and sustained response to levodopa. There may be a correlation between genotype and phenotype. The detection of GCH I mutations is helpful in early diagnosis of non-typical cases.

Age of Onset ; Child ; China ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Dopamine Agents ; therapeutic use ; Dystonia ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; GTP Cyclohydrolase ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Levodopa ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sex Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the structural polymorphism of EcoR I fragment within chromosomes 4q35 and 10q26 in the Chinese population and investigate the relationship of plasticity, translocation and somatic mosaicism in these domains with deletion of D4Z4 repeated units.

METHODSOne hundred and ten unrelated healthy individuals from a random Chinese population were investigated. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes according to the specific procedure designed to minimize DNA shearing, then digested with EcoR I or double digested with EcoR I and Bln I. The cleaved DNA was separated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blotted with the probe p13E-11. The sizes of EcoR I fragments were calculated by "curve fitting" according to the MidRange PFG marker and the alleles were assigned to their respective chromosomes based on their Bln I sensitivity. Data were analyzed using a commercially available statistical package (Version 11.0 SPSS).

RESULTSSeventy-seven point three per cent (85/110) of the unrelated healthy individuals displayed a standard configuration distribution. The mean and median of 4q35 repeat arrays are (87.9+/-3.3) kb and 78.5 kb respectively, whereas the mean and median of 10q26 homologous arrays are (90.1+/-4.1) kb and 73.0 kb. Repeat size distributions between both of them were of no significance according to the t test (P>0.05). 19.1% (21/110) of the individuals displayed a translocation repeat array configuration on chromosomes 4 and 10. No significant difference was detected between 4q-->10q translocation and 10q-->4q translocation according to Chisquare test (Chi2 test=0.053, P>0.05). Somatic mosaicism was observed in 3.6% (4/110) of the subjects and less than 35 kb 10-type array was found in 14.5% (16/110) of the individuals.

CONCLUSIONThe structural polymorphism and dynamic behaviors of EcoR I fragments within 4q35 and 10q26 were demonstrated in this study using PFGE. The occurrence of frequent translocations and somatic mosaicism between 4q35 and 10q26 subtelomeric domains in the Chinese population further confirmed that mitotic interchromosomal gene conversion or translocation might be a major mechanism relating to the deletion of D4Z4 units.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 10 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4 ; Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI ; metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mosaicism ; Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Translocation, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo analyze two alleles (4qA and 4qB) distal to D4Z4 of the 4q subtelomere in Chinese population, and to elucidate the interrelationship between these variants of 4qter and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

METHODSEighty unrelated healthy individuals from a random Chinese Han population were investigated. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes according to the specific procedure designed to minimize DNA shearing, then digested with EcoRI, HindIII or double digested with EcoRI and BlnI. The cleaved DNA was separated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blotting with the probes p13E-11, 4qA and 4qB. The sizes of 4q35 EcoRI/4qA and EcoRI/4qB arrays were obtained by "curve fitting", and the frequencies of alleles and genotypes were calculated. Data were analyzed using a commercially available statistical package (Version 13.0 SPSS).

RESULTSIn normal individuals, frequencies of 4qA and 4qB alleles (46.9% and 53.1%) were observed of no significant difference (chi(2) = 1.250, P>0.05). The frequency of 4qA/4qB heterozygote was much higher than that of homozygote (P<0.05). The means of EcoRI/4qA and EcoRI/ 4qB arrays (115.8+/-11.9 kb and 98.3+/-8.6 kb) were of significant difference (t=23.04, P<0.001). 8.8% (7/80) of the individuals displayed a translocation repeat array configuration. 4qB-type EcoRI arrays smaller than 35 kb were found in two individuals.

CONCLUSIONThe structural polymorphism of 4qA/4qB alleles within 4q35 and 10q26 is confirmed using PFGE in normal Chinese Han population. Although both alleles are almost equally common, shorten 4qB-type EcoRI fragment is not pathogenic. The frequency of 4qA/4qB heterozygote is significantly higher than that of homozygote.

Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4 ; genetics ; DNA ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Restriction Enzymes ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; enzymology ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral ; genetics ; Sex Distribution ; Telomere ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of the intramembrane protein particles of erythrocyte from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and the gene carriers and to explore the pathogenesis of DMD and the diagnostic value of erythrocyte freeze-fracture technology.

METHODSThe fixed erythrocyte mass was treated to form replica membrane by means of the freeze-fracture technology. Then the replica membrane was observed and a picture was taken under electron microscope. The protein particles of extracellular face(EF) and protoplasmic face(PF) per square were counted. The statistical comparative analysis was performed.

RESULTSThe protein particle counts of EF face and PF face of erythrocyte membrane from DMD patients and DMD carriers decreased obviously in comparison with the normal control group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe erythrocyte freeze-fracture electron microscopic technology may serve as a method for accessory examination of diagnosing DMD patients and a method for detecting DMD carriers. This investigation material supplies reliable evidence for the theory of the systemic membrane defect of DMD.

Erythrocyte Membrane ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Electron ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective:To investigate the effects of early enteral nutrition intervention on systemic inflammation and intestinal injury in rats with acute pancreatitis and its mechanism.Method:Rat acute pancreatitis model was established. The rats were divided into sham surgery groups, model group, 12 h nutrition support group, 24 h nutrition support group, 48 h nutrition support group, and 48 h nutrition support group +PMA group according to the random number chart method, with 10 rats in each group. After laparotomy, the rats in sham operation group were closed after gently turning the pancreas. The sham operation group and model group were injected with the same amount of physiological salt. Nutritional support group for 12 h, nutritional support group for 24 h and nutritional support group for 48 h were given enteral nutrition support for 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Nutritional support group for 48 h +PMA group, intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg NF-κB signaling pathway activator PMA was given after modeling, and nutritional support was given for 48 h. The contents of lipase, amylase and creatinine in serum of each group were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and D-lactic acid were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of diamine oxidase (DAO) was detected by colorimetry. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological changes of intestinal mucosa. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NF-κB pathway-related proteins in pancreatic tissue of rats in each group.Results:(1) Lipase, amylase and creatinine in sham operation group, model group, 12 h nutrition support group, 24 h nutrition support group and 48 h nutrition support group were (4.37±0.61) vs (12.021±1.00) vs (8.77±0.62) vs (6.88±0.63) vs (5.20±0.41) U/ml, (1674.03±172.24) vs (4356.30±229.38) vs (3676.11±382.43) vs (2990.06±251.93) vs (1919.75±179.40) U/L, (32.12±3.37) vs (91.73±9.76) vs (72.38±6.83) vs (53.72±5.98) vs (41.82±4.00) U/L. Compared with sham operation group, the contents of serum lipase, amylase and creatinine in model group were significantly increased. Compared with model group, the contents of lipase, amylase and creatinine were significantly decreased after 12, 24 and 48 h of nutritional support, and were time-dependent ( P<0.05). (2) The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 were (40.26±3.93) vs (123.34±13.19) pg/ml in sham operation group, model group, 12 h nutritional support group, 24 h nutritional support group and 48 h nutritional support group, respectively vs (108.97±12.70) vs (77.36±6.75) vs (49.18±4.97) pg/ml, (77.53±9.95) vs (316.36±23.76) vs (254.79±13.96) vs (177.92±17.20) vs (119.19±13.17) pg/ml, (62.94±5.39) vs (353.16±28.03) vs (275.87±22.11) vs (198.78±24.33) vs (94.60±9.41) pg/ml, (41.21±4.29) vs (6.92±1.01) vs (10.76±0.66) vs (21.24±1.64) vs (35.33±1.69) pg/ml. Compared with sham operation group, the contents of serum inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in model group were significantly increased, while the content of IL-10 was significantly decreased. Compared with model group, the contents of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly decreased after 12, 24 and 48 h of nutritional support, while the contents of IL-10 were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner ( P<0.05). (3) The intestinal histopathological scores, DAO and D-lactic acid of sham operation group, model group, 12 h nutritional support group, 24 h nutritional support group and 48 h nutritional support group were (0.00±0.00) vs (4.20±0.60) vs (3.00±0.45) points, respectively vs (1.90±0.54) vs (1.30±0.64) points, (4.92±0.42) vs (14.95±1.20) vs (11.87±1.13) vs (9.02±0.53) vs (6.30±0.59) U/L, (2.39±0.22) vs (6.92±0.46) vs (5.21±0.28) vs (3.64±0.39) vs (2.95±0.15) nmol/ml. Compared with sham operation group, intestinal histopathological scores, DAO and D-lactic acid levels were significantly increased in model group. Compared with model group, intestinal histopathological scores, DAO and D-lactic acid levels were significantly decreased after 12, 24 and 48 h of nutritional support ( P<0.05). (4) The protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα were (0.23±0.03) vs (0.94±0.10) vs (0.75±0.06) vs (0.62±0.06) in sham operation group, model group, 12 h nutrition support group, 24 h nutrition support group and 48 h nutrition support group, respectively. vs (0.41±0.06), (1.06±0.12) vs (0.25±0.04) vs (0.47±0.03) vs (0.62±0.08) vs (0.85±0.08). Compared with sham operation group, NF-κB p65 protein level in model group was significantly increased, while p-IκBα protein level was significantly decreased. Compared with model group, the NF-κB p65 protein level was significantly decreased after 12, 24 and 48 h of nutritional support, while the P-iκBα protein was significantly increased ( P<0.05). (5) NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, IκBα, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, lipase, amylase and creatinine were (0.41±0.06) vs (0.82±0.06) in the 48 h group and the 48 h +PMA group, respectively. (0.85±0.08) vs (0.37±0.02), (1.05±0.11) vs (1.10±0.14), (49.18±4.97) vs (105.68±10.69) pg/ml, (119.19±13.17) vs (247.16±23.41) pg/ml, (94.60±9.41) vs (328.24±30.86) pg/ml, (5.20±0.41) vs (10.33±1.01) U/ml, (1919.75±179.40) vs (4023.40±334.56) U/L, (5.20±0.41) vs (10.33±1.01) U/ml, (41.82±4.00) U/L vs (81.33±7.96) U/L. Compared with the 48 h group, the expression level of NF-κB p65 protein, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, lipase, amylase and creatinine in the 48 h +PMA group were significantly increased, while the expression level of P-iκBα protein and the content of IL-10 were significantly decreased ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Early nutritional intervention can inhibit inflammatory response, reduce intestinal injury and control the development of acute pancreatitis by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.