Epilepsy is one of the most common and debilitating neurological diseases that affects more than 40 million people worldwide. Genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Molecular genetic studies have identified 15 disease-causing genes for epilepsy. The majority of the genes encode ion channels, including voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, sodium channels SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN1B, chloride channels CLCN2, and ligand-gated ion channels CHRNA4, CHRNB2, GABRG2, and GABRA1. Interestingly, non-ion channel genes have also been identified as epilepsy genes, and these genes include G-protein-coupled receptor MASS1/VLGR1, GM3 synthase, and proteins with unknown functions such as LGI1, NHLRC1, and EFHC1. These studies make genetic testing possible in some patients, and further characterization of the identified epilepsy genes may lead to the development of new drugs and new treatments for patients with epilepsy.
Chloride Channels ; genetics ; Epilepsies, Myoclonic ; genetics ; Epilepsy ; genetics ; Epilepsy, Absence ; genetics ; Humans ; KCNQ2 Potassium Channel ; genetics ; KCNQ3 Potassium Channel ; genetics ; NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel ; NAV1.2 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; Sodium Channels ; genetics

Abdomen ; Hernia ; Humans ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Implantation ; Treatment Outcome

Achondroplasia ; genetics ; Adult ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Genes, Dominant ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 ; chemistry ; genetics ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo identify mutations in GATA4 gene in Chinese patients with sporadic congenital heart defects (CHD).

METHODSSingle stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was performed to screen for mutations in all six exons and exon-intron boundaries of GATA4 in 31 individuals with CHD. Direct DNA sequencing was used to identify the specific mutations.

RESULTSTwo novel missense mutations, V267M in exon 4, V380M in exon 6, and one polymorphism in intron 6 of GATA4 were identified.

CONCLUSIONThe above identified two novel GATA4 mutations associated with CHD in Chinese patients. This suggests that the transcription factor GATA4 may play an important role in cardiogenesis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Exons ; genetics ; GATA4 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Point Mutation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify the disease-causing gene in a four-generation Chinese family with 9 members affected with primary congenital lymphoedema (PCL, also known as Milroy disease).

METHODSLinkage analysis was performed with a few microsatellite markers flanking the candidate genetic loci for PCL, including 3 known genes associated with autosomal dominant PCL. For mutation analysis, VEGFR3 gene was sequenced with DNA from the proband. Direct DNA sequencing of exon 25 of the VEGFR3 gene was performed in all family members.

RESULTSThe disease gene in the family was mapped to chromosome 5q35.3 with a maximum Lod score of 2.07. Direct DNA sequencing of VEGFR3 gene revealed a heterozygous C to T transition at nucleotide 3341, resulting in p.Pro1114Leu mutation. The p.Pro1114Leu mutation co-segregated with all affected individuals in the family.

CONCLUSIONThis study identified a C3341T (p.Pro1114Leu) mutation in the VEGFR3 gene in a Chinese family with PCL, provided evidence that VEGFR3 mutation can cause PCL in Chinese.

Amino Acid Substitution ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Cataract ; genetics ; Genetic Loci ; Humans ; Lod Score ; Lymphedema ; genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Mutation ; Point Mutation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 ; genetics

Dexamethasone ; adverse effects ; Femur Head Necrosis ; chemically induced ; etiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Respiration Disorders ; etiology ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; complications ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Chinese family affected with optic atrophy 1 (OPA1).

METHODSLinkage analysis and DNA sequencing as well as PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were performed to identify the disease-causing mutation.

RESULTSA missense mutation, G401D in the OPA1 gene was identified, and the patients demonstrate inherited syndrome of optic atrophy and hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrates that a mutation in the OPA1 gene can cause optic atrophy in Chinese patients, and supports the notion that OPA1 mutation may lead to OPA1 combined with hearing loss.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; Child ; China ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Family Health ; Female ; GTP Phosphohydrolases ; genetics ; Hearing Loss ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Optic Atrophy, Autosomal Dominant ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

OBJECTIVETo identify the gene mutation for two Chinese families with autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing impairment(NSHI).

METHODSTwo NSHI pedigrees with common ancestor were identified by clinical examination and family investigation. Linkage analysis was performed for all known NSHI loci, and all exons and exon-intron boundaries of the non-muscle myosin heavy chain 14 (MYH14) gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced.

RESULTSThe disease-causing gene of these 2 pedigrees was fine mapped to the DFNA4 locus on 19q13.33. A heterozygous transition of c. 359T>C (p.S120L) in MYH14 gene was identified. The mutation was detected in all patients but not in normal members in the two families.

CONCLUSIONIt is the first report that mutation in MYH14 gene can cause dominant non-syndromic hearing impairment in Asian population, suggesting that MYH14 gene can be a disease-causing gene of Chinese patients with hearing impairment.

Female ; Hearing Loss ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Mutation ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Myosin Type II ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective:Our study was aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of early sequential enteral nutrition on postoperative rehabilitation in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:Patients with gastric cancer receiving surgery at our hospital from 2016 to 2017 included and the clinical information was prospective collected and analyzed.Patients were randomly divided into two groups using random number table.Patients in group A were sequentially given amino acid type,short peptide type and then whole protein type,while those in group B received whole protein formulation only.The recovery of gastrointestinal function,postoperative systemic inflammatory response,six-minutes walking test,and enteral nutrition-related complications were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 71 patients were included in this study (Group A 36 cases,Group B 35 cases).There was no significant difference in terms of the restart anal exhaust between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Patients in group A had a significantly shorter postoperative hospitalization (t =4.070;P ＜ 0.01) and the earlier restoration of oral intake than that of Group B (t =3.400;P =0.001).One week after surgery,the levels of CRP (t =2.547;P =0.013) and IL-6 (t =3.172;P =0.002) were significant lower in group A when compared with group B.In addition,patients in group A had a significant higher six minutes walk steps than those in Group B [(416.1 + 36.7) m vs (358.9 ± 32.7) m;t =6.927,P ＜ 0.01].However,no significant difference in enteral nutrition-related complications was found between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion:In patients with gastric cancer,early sequential enteral nutrition can effectively accelerate the postoperative rehabilitation.

Objective:To investigate the effect of early postoperative enteral nutrition(EN)on postoperative rehabilitation and inflammation after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer,in order to provide reference for postoperative rehabilitation of such patients.Methods:Patients who received laparoscopic assisted radical gastrectomy in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2020 to December 2022 were included in the analysis.According to the different ways of postoperative nutritional treatment,patients were divided into the observation group(early postoperative EN group)and the control group(parenteral nutrition group),and indexes such as postoperative rehabilitation,abdominal drainage flow and the level of inflammatory mediators in drainage fluid were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 81 patients were included,including 41 in the observation group and 40 in the control group.Interval of the first postoperative exhaust(t=3.806;P＜0.001)and resuming diet day(t=5.510;P＜0.001),and length of postoperative hospital stay(t=2.401;P=0.019)in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group.Levels of peripheral blood albumin(t=14.040;P＜0.001)and prealbumin(t=9.832;P＜0.001)of the observation group at postoperative day(POD)5 were significantly higher than those of the control group,but there was no significant difference in hemoglobin level(t=1.477;P=0.144).The level of CRP in peripheral blood of the observation group at POD 5(t=7.758;P＜0.001)and the incidence of postoperative SIRS[(12.2％,5/41)vs(32.5％,13/40),x2=4.830;P=0.028)]were significantly lower than those in the control group.The average drainage volume(t=6.858;P＜0.001),drainage removal time(t=5.016;P＜0.001),and TNF-α level(t=4.993;P＜0.001)and IL-6 level(t=20.640;P＜0.001)in postoperative drainage at POD 5 were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group.Conclusion:Early postoperative EN could accelerate the rehabilitation process after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy,improve postoperative nutritional status,and reduce abdominal inflammation.