1.Advances in the definition,anatomy,and imaging interpretation of paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms
Xiaohui HOU ; Jiewen GENG ; Simin WANG ; Hongqi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(2):113-119
Paraclinoid aneurysms of the internal carotid artery are common unruptured intracranial aneurysms,which are closely related to the anterior clinoid process,dural ring and optic nerve at the base of the skull,and are classified in various ways.This article reviewed the definition,anatomical structure,and imaging interpretation of paraclinoid aneurysms,with the aim of clearly identifying the relationship between this site of aneurysm and the dural ring,so as to provide reference for optimal treatment plan.
2.Role and mechanism of PRMT1 and its inhibitors in the occurrence and development of corneal neovascularization in mice
Yuelan GAO ; Qian DENG ; Jiewen MAO ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiaoshuo SHI ; Shanshan WAN ; Yanning YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(8):688-703
Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and its inhibitor in alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV).Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal group and 1 day post-modeling, 4 days post-modeling, and 7 days post-modeling groups to establish an alkali burn-induced CNV model and determine the optimal time point for analysis.Another 90 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: alkali burn group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor combined with FGF2 group to evaluate the role of PRMT1 in CNV.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells were used to establish a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced in vitro model to mimic the ischemic microenvironment.Cells were assigned to the following groups: control group, H/R group, H/R+ DMSO group, H/R+ si-NC group, H/R+ si-PRMT1 group, H/R+ si-FGF2 group, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group.Corneal opacity and CNV areas were assessed by slit-lamp microscopy.Corneal structural changes and inflammatory cell count were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.PRMT1-positive cell count was determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of PRMT1, CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), F4/80, CD206, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining.The expression levels of macrophage markers, including F4/80, iNOS, CD206, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and arginase-1 (Arg-1), were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.Cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity were evaluated by functional assays including the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay, and tube formation assay.The research process followed the relevant regulations of the Visual and Ophthalmology Association, and the research plan was approved by the Laboratory Animal Committee of Wuhan University (No.20220504A). Results:Compared with the normal group, the 7 days post-modeling group showed significantly increased corneal opacity scores and CNV area, upregulated VEGF expression, and increased inflammatory cells (all P<0.05).The number of PRMT1-positive cells in the alkali burn group was (39.67±3.51) cells/visual field, which was significantly higher than (3.33±0.58) cells/visual field in the normal group ( t=17.68, P<0.01).Both mRNA and protein expression levels of PRMT1 and FGF2 were significantly elevated in the alkali burn group compared with the normal group (all P<0.01).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group showed reduced corneal opacity scores, decreased CNV area, fewer inflammatory cells, and lower expression levels of PRMT1, FGF2, VEGF, Arg-1, IL-10 proteins, as well as CD206 mRNA (all P<0.05).Cell viability, migration distance, migration number, and tubes formed were significantly increased in the H/R group compared with the control group, significantly reduced in the H/R+ si-PRMT1 and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor groups compared with the H/R group and significantly increased in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the H/R group, the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group exhibited reduced expression of FGF2, VEGFA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, while those were upregulated in the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).The proportions of CD206-positive cells in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups were all significantly higher than those in the control group, and significantly higher in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the FGF2 inhibitor group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group all showed reduced corneal opacity scores, CNV area, and decreased number of VEGFA-, CD206-, and F4/80-positive cells, with the above indicators being lower in the PRMT1 inhibitor group compared with the FGF2 inhibitor and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups and higher in PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the FGF2 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group had decreased protein expression levels of FGF2, p-PI3K, p-Akt, CD31, VEGFA and Arg-1, with higher protein expression levels in the PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:PRMT1 may regulate macrophage activation and anti-inflammatory polarization via the FGF2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of CNV.Targeted inhibition of PRMT1 may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for CNV.
3.Role and mechanism of PRMT1 and its inhibitors in the occurrence and development of corneal neovascularization in mice
Yuelan GAO ; Qian DENG ; Jiewen MAO ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiaoshuo SHI ; Shanshan WAN ; Yanning YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(8):688-703
Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and its inhibitor in alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV).Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal group and 1 day post-modeling, 4 days post-modeling, and 7 days post-modeling groups to establish an alkali burn-induced CNV model and determine the optimal time point for analysis.Another 90 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: alkali burn group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor combined with FGF2 group to evaluate the role of PRMT1 in CNV.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells were used to establish a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced in vitro model to mimic the ischemic microenvironment.Cells were assigned to the following groups: control group, H/R group, H/R+ DMSO group, H/R+ si-NC group, H/R+ si-PRMT1 group, H/R+ si-FGF2 group, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group.Corneal opacity and CNV areas were assessed by slit-lamp microscopy.Corneal structural changes and inflammatory cell count were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.PRMT1-positive cell count was determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of PRMT1, CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), F4/80, CD206, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining.The expression levels of macrophage markers, including F4/80, iNOS, CD206, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and arginase-1 (Arg-1), were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.Cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity were evaluated by functional assays including the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay, and tube formation assay.The research process followed the relevant regulations of the Visual and Ophthalmology Association, and the research plan was approved by the Laboratory Animal Committee of Wuhan University (No.20220504A). Results:Compared with the normal group, the 7 days post-modeling group showed significantly increased corneal opacity scores and CNV area, upregulated VEGF expression, and increased inflammatory cells (all P<0.05).The number of PRMT1-positive cells in the alkali burn group was (39.67±3.51) cells/visual field, which was significantly higher than (3.33±0.58) cells/visual field in the normal group ( t=17.68, P<0.01).Both mRNA and protein expression levels of PRMT1 and FGF2 were significantly elevated in the alkali burn group compared with the normal group (all P<0.01).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group showed reduced corneal opacity scores, decreased CNV area, fewer inflammatory cells, and lower expression levels of PRMT1, FGF2, VEGF, Arg-1, IL-10 proteins, as well as CD206 mRNA (all P<0.05).Cell viability, migration distance, migration number, and tubes formed were significantly increased in the H/R group compared with the control group, significantly reduced in the H/R+ si-PRMT1 and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor groups compared with the H/R group and significantly increased in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the H/R group, the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group exhibited reduced expression of FGF2, VEGFA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, while those were upregulated in the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).The proportions of CD206-positive cells in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups were all significantly higher than those in the control group, and significantly higher in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the FGF2 inhibitor group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group all showed reduced corneal opacity scores, CNV area, and decreased number of VEGFA-, CD206-, and F4/80-positive cells, with the above indicators being lower in the PRMT1 inhibitor group compared with the FGF2 inhibitor and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups and higher in PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the FGF2 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group had decreased protein expression levels of FGF2, p-PI3K, p-Akt, CD31, VEGFA and Arg-1, with higher protein expression levels in the PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:PRMT1 may regulate macrophage activation and anti-inflammatory polarization via the FGF2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of CNV.Targeted inhibition of PRMT1 may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for CNV.
4.Audiological characterization of the GJB2 gene c.109G>A (p.V37I) hotspot variant during childhood and comparison between family members.
Zhoushu ZHENG ; Jiangyang XUE ; Lu DING ; Jiewen PAN ; Meihong WANG ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Danyan ZHUANG ; Yihui YANG ; Ming TANG ; Haibo LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1061-1068
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the prevalence of GJB2 gene c.109G>A (p.V37I) variant among infants with congenital hearing loss and analyze the initial audiological characteristics of children harboring the variant, compare the audiometric difference among individuals with various genotypes, and explore genetic and audiological manifestations of the affected families.
METHODS:
One hundred twenty six infants diagnosed with congenital hearing loss at the Neonate Screening Center of Ningbo City from June 2021 to December 2024 were selected as the study subjects. The neonates, in addition with members from 16 of their families, had undergone genetic screening for variants of 208 hotspot sites within 24 deafness-associated genes. For cases identified with monoallelic variants and concurrent hearing loss, the full GJB2 gene was sequenced. Meanwhile, a retrospective analysis was carried out on 23 children whom were confirmed to have hearing loss and the c.109G>A variant by whole exome sequencing from March 2022 to December 2024. And 102 children who were excluded to have hearing loss and pathogenic variants by whole exome sequencing were selected as normal controls. Audiological features of individuals harboring the c.109G>A variant were compared. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of The Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ethics No.: EC2023-009).
RESULTS:
For the 126 infants with congenital hearing loss, prospective screening has identified 58 (46.03%) to harbor the c.109G>A variant. These included 38 homozygotes and 16 compound heterozygotes. Retrospective review of the 23 c.109G>A positive children has identified 15 as homozygotes and 8 as compound heterozygotes. Genetic testing of the 16 pedigrees has identified 7 homozygotes and 1 compound heterozygote. For the homozygotes combined (n = 53), 96.2% exhibited bilateral symmetric hearing loss, with 78.3% showing high-frequency sloping patterns, and 98.1% having a hearing threshold ranging from 20 to 65 dB. For the compound heterozygotes combined (n = 24), 95.8% showed symmetric loss, with 59.4% having high-frequency sloping, and 97.9% had a hearing threshold ranging from 20 to 65 dB. Both groups showed significantly elevated ABR/PTA thresholds compared with the normal controls (P = 0.000). The compound heterozygous group had higher ABR thresholds (43.3 ± 15.0 dB nHL) compared with the homozygous group (39.1 ± 12.0 dB nHL, P = 0.005).
CONCLUSION
Infants harboring the GJB2 c.109G>A variant primarily manifest as mild-to-moderate, symmetric, high-frequency sloping hearing loss. Nearly one-third of affected children have thresholds between 20 to 35 dB nHL, suggesting that ABR > 35 dB nHL alone may underestimate the hearing impairment in this population. Compared with homozygotes, compound heterozygotes with the the GJB2 c.109G>A variant can confer a more severe hearing loss.
Humans
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Connexin 26/genetics*
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Female
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Male
;
Infant, Newborn
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Infant
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Hearing Loss/genetics*
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Retrospective Studies
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Child, Preschool
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Child
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Genotype
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Connexins/genetics*
;
Mutation
5.Mechanisms of ribosomopathy and phase separation-related ribosomopathy.
Zhiyuan PAN ; Guofen LIN ; Hao LIU ; Guozhi LI ; Xiaoyi ZHANG ; Jiewen DAI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(6):503-526
Ribosome is an intracellular ribonucleoprotein particle that serves as the site of protein biosynthesis. Ribosomal dysfunction caused by mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RPs) and ribosome biogenesis factors (RBFs) can lead to a spectrum of diseases, collectively known as ribosomopathy. Phase separation is a thermodynamic process that produces multiple phases from a homogeneous mixture. The formation of membraneless organelles and intracellular structures, including ribosomes and nucleoli, cannot occur without the involvement of phase separation. Here, ribosome structure, biogenesis, and their relationship with ribosomopathy are systematically reviewed. The tissue specificity of ribosomopathy and the role of phase separation in ribosomopathy are particularly discussed, which may offer some clues for understanding the mechanisms of ribosomopathy. Then, some new ideas for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ribosomopathy are provided.
Humans
;
Ribosomes/physiology*
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Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism*
;
Mutation
;
Animals
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Cell Nucleolus/metabolism*
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Protein Biosynthesis
;
Phase Separation
6.Clinical and genetic analysis of 7 families with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by FUS gene mutations
Jun FU ; Gang LI ; Mi PANG ; Jia SONG ; Jiewen ZHANG ; Mingming MA
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(12):1268-1276
Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by FUS gene mutations. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 7 families diagnosed with FUS gene related ALS in the Department of Neurology of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2018 to June 2024. Clinical data and neuroelectrophysiological results of the probands and family members were collected. Next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing was conducted on the probands. The detected variants of the FUS gene were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results:Among the 7 probands, 4 were with familial ALS and 3 with sporadic ALS, including 6 males and 1 female. The average age of onset was 24.6 years (ranging from 21 to 30 years). The onset site included bulbar muscles in 1 case, proximal upper limbs in 3 cases, proximal lower limbs in 2 cases, and both upper and lower limbs in 1 case. Four patients presented both upper and lower motor neurons involvement on examination, and 3 had only lower motor neuron syndrome. Muscle atrophy and fasciculation were observed in 6 patients respectively, and dyspnea in 3 patients. Bilateral muscle strength was asymmetric in 5 patients. Proximal muscle weakness was predominant in 6 of the 7 patients with upper limb weakness, and 3 of the 5 patients with lower limb weakness. Electromyography showed neurogenic damage in all 7 cases. Five heterozygous variants of the FUS gene were detected in 7 patients, including 2 patients with c.1574C>T(p.P525L), 2 with c.1552A>G(p.R518G), 1 with c.1561C>T(p.R521C), 1 with c.1441delC(p.R481Efs *48), and 1 with both c.1574C>T(p.P525L) and c.430_447del(p.G144_Y149del) variants. The variant c.1441delC(p.R481Efs *48) had not been previously reported. During follow-up, 6 patients died of respiratory failure 6-18 months after onset, with an average of 11.8 months. Conclusions:Patients with FUS gene related ALS have an early age of onset, rapid progression, short survival period, asymmetric limb weakness, and more severe involvement of proximal limbs. The c.1574C>T(p.P525L) is a hotspot mutation, and the novel variant c.1441delC(p.R481Efs *48) enriches the mutation spectrum of the FUS gene.
7.Clinical and genetic characteristics of spinal muscular atrophy with SMN1 gene compound heterozygous mutations in 3 pedigrees
Gang LI ; Jun FU ; Mi PANG ; Jia SONG ; Mingming MA ; Jiewen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(2):147-153
Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with SMN1 gene compound heterozygous mutations. Methods:Three SMA-Ⅲ pedigrees treated in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from October 2019 to July 2020 were selected. The clinical data of 3 SMA-Ⅲ probands were retrospectively analyzed. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technology was used to detect the copy number of the SMN gene in the probands and their parents. Polymerase chain reaction amplification combined with microfluidic capillary electrophoresis were used to detect point mutations in the SMN1 gene of the probands. Sanger sequencing was used to validate candidate variant sites. Results:The 3 probands are all male, aged 19, 17 and 12 years, respectively. The main clinical manifestations were symmetrical muscle weakness mainly in the proximal lower limbs, mild to moderate elevation of serum creatine kinase, and neurogenic injury as determined by electromyography or muscle pathology. The genetic testing results showed that all 3 probands had heterozygous deletion in exon 7 of the SMN1 gene, and carried heterozygous variations c.275G>A (p.Trp92 *), c.689C>T (p.Ser230Leu), and c.708dupT (p.Pro237Serfs *19), respectively. The exon deletion and point mutation were inherited separately from their parents. c. 275G>A (p.Trp92 *) and c.708dupT (p.Pro237Serfs *19) variations had not been reported before. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of SMA-Ⅲ patients are symmetrical muscle weakness, mainly in the proximal extremities of both lower limbs, and electromyography or muscle biopsy suggesting neurogenic lesions. The compound heterozygous variation of point mutation and heterozygous deletion in the SMN1 gene can lead to SMA-Ⅲ. Suspected SMA patients with SMN1 gene heterozygous deletion should take point mutation testing.
8.Analysis of clinical manifestations and muscular magnetic resonance imaging in 12 families with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Gang LI ; Jun FU ; Mi PANG ; Jia SONG ; Mingming MA ; Jiewen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):520-527
Objective:To analyze the clinical manifestations and muscular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 12 families with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 FSHD families diagnosed by genetic testing at the Department of Neurology of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2017 to June 2021. Clinical data and lower limb muscle MRI results of the probands and related members of the families were collected, and the degree of muscle fatty degeneration shown in the MRI was scored using the modified Mercuri score.Results:There were 21 patients in 12 families, with the age of onset ranged from 10 to 47 years (mean 19.5 years). The course of disease ranged from 1 to 47 years (mean 23.1 years). The onset sites included unilateral upper extremity in 8 cases, bilateral proximal upper extremities in 9 cases, bilateral proximal lower extremities in 2 cases, unilateral proximal lower extremity in 1 case, and simultaneous onset in all 4 limbs in 1 case. Sixteen patients had limb weakness and bilateral asymmetry, and 11/16 cases were more severe on the right side than the left side. Winged scapular and facial muscle weakness were observed in all patients. The creatine kinase range was 85-1 038 U/L (461 U/L on average) in 12/21 cases. There were 10/21 cases of myogenic lesion in electromyography. Myodystroph-like pathological changes were found in 11/21 cases. The fragment length of the 4q35 subtelomere polymorphism EcoRI/p13E-11 was less than 38 kb in 20/21 cases; 1 case was confirmed based on clinical symptoms and family history. Fat infiltration occurred in at least one muscle of lower limbs in 9/10 cases, in thigh muscle in 9/10 cases and in calf muscle in 6/10 cases. The average score of fat infiltration in thigh muscle group was higher than that in calf muscle group. The muscles with higher fat infiltration scores were the vastus intermedius, the long head of the biceps femoris, the vastus medialis, the vastus lateralis, the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, the vastus lateralis in the thigh (with score ≥2.15), the tibialis anterior, and the medial head of the gastrocnemius in the calf (with score ≥1.11). Fat infiltration in the medial and posterior thigh muscles was more common than in the anterior thigh muscles. There was asymmetry of bilateral muscle fat in 9/10 cases. There were edematous changes in thigh muscles in 1 case and in calf muscles in 3 cases.Conclusions:The age of onset of FSHD patients is mostly ≤30 years. Bilateral asymmetric involvement is the characteristic manifestation of FSHD. The FSHD patients ' muscles most affected by the disease in the thigh are the quadriceps femoris, the long head of the biceps femoris, the vastus medialis, the vastus lateralis, the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, and the vastus intermedius. In the calf, the muscles most affected are the anterior tibial muscle and the medial head of the gastrocnemius. The MRI pattern of muscle involvement of patients with FSHD is bilateral asymmetrical lesions, with the right side having more severe lesions. The fatization of thigh muscles is more significant than that of calf muscles, and the asymmetry of fatization between bilateral muscles is also present.
9.A pedigree study of pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy caused by COL4A1 gene mutation in 3′-untranslated region
Xiaoming QIN ; Rong LI ; Siyuan LIU ; Chenhong LI ; Shuai CHEN ; Jiewen ZHANG ; Fengyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(10):1048-1056
Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Henan Han family with pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL), aiming to enhance understanding of this disease.Methods:The proband was first admitted to the Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People′s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital in December 2019 due to cerebral infarction and unilateral limb numbness and weakness. Detailed medical history collection, pedigree mapping, whole-exome sequencing screening, and Sanger sequencing validation were performed for the proband and family members. The patients′ clinical manifestations, imaging features, neuropsychological scale assessment results, and pathological changes were summarized, and genetic analysis was conducted on the gene variant site. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the characteristics of PADMAL.Results:The proband was a 47-year-old female, with 3 generations of family members affected, including 7 patients, 3 of whom had died. The clinical features of the patients were similar, with the first stroke occurring around the age of 40, without vascular risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. The main clinical manifestation was unilateral limb numbness and weakness. The proband and her niece sought medical attention due to stroke symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute infarct lesions located in the pons, accompanied by multiple oval infarct foci (the "raisin bread sign") and white matter hyperintensity changes. Genetic testing showed that 4 patients carried a heterozygous c. *34GT mutation in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the COL4A1 gene, while the other 4 unaffected family members did not carry this variant, consistent with genotype- phenotype co-segregation in the family. Conclusions:PADMAL is an extremely rare monogenic cerebral small vessel disease caused by pathogenic variants in the 3′-UTR of the COL4A1 gene. The "raisin bread sign" in the pons is a relatively specific imaging feature that distinguishes it from other cerebral small vessel diseases. For patients with this sign, genetic testing for PADMAL should be considered.
10.Clinical, lower limb muscle magnetic resonance imaging and myopathological features of 2 patients with hereditary caveolinopathy
Jia SONG ; Mi PANG ; Gang LI ; Jiewen ZHANG ; Mingming MA
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(10):1057-1063
Objective:To investigate clinical, lower limb muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and myopathological features in hereditary caveolinopathy patients.Methods:Clinical data, lower limb muscle MRI and pathological findings of 2 patients with caveolinopathy diagnosed by genetic examination in Henan Provincial People′ s Hospital in January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. And the characteristics of patients with hereditary caveolinopathy reported in China were analyzed in combination with literature review.Results:Case 1 was a 14-year-old boy. At 4 years old, his right heel did not touch the ground while squatting, and at 11 years old, he experienced weakness in his lower limbs and muscle pain during running, as well as difficulty in lifting his feet while walking. Six months earlier, he underwent surgery for right high-arched foot. Physical examination revealed slight atrophy of both first interosseous muscles, hypertrophy of the left calf, decreased muscle strength in the right distal leg, percussion-induced muscle mounding, postoperation of right high-arched foot, left high-arched foot as well as bilateral ankle contracture, foot drop, and inversion. Case 2 was a 15-year-old girl. At 14 years old, she presented prolonged exercise myalgia. Physical examination showed no positive signs. Both patients had no family history. Creatine kinase was slightly elevated in the 2 patients. Electromyography in the 2 patients showed a myopathic pattern in distal and proximal muscles. T 1-weighted MRI of lower limb muscles showed significant fatty infiltration in the bilateral rectus femoris, bilateral semitendinosus muscles, right tibialis anterior, right peroneus and right gastrocnemius lateral head in case 1. Selective rectus femoris muscle fatty infiltration in the thighs and mild gastrocnemius fatty infiltration in the lower legs were observed in case 2. Short inversion recovery sequence showed edema-like changes in both patients. Muscle pathology of both patients showed dystrophic-like pathological changes. A total of 9 Chinese patients with hereditary caveolinopathy reported in previous literature and in this study had an onset age from early childhood to youth. The main clinical manifestations were slowly progressive distal limb muscle weakness and atrophy accompanied by myalgia or merely presenting as myalgia. The creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Electromyography could show myogenic damage, myogenic and neurogenic mixed damage or normality. The muscle pathology showed myopathy-like or muscular dystrophy-like changes. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of hereditary caveolinopathy are heterogeneous, and exercise-induced myalgia is frequently the most prominent symptom. The rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles tend to show early fatty infiltration in legs on MRI. Muscle pathology lacks specificity.

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